Go For The NEXT!! Ford Model-T
[START TEXT]
Area 51, controlled access area 89A–
It laid underneath the panning searchlights that illuminated the sky above the Air Force base.
We descended a ramp that was covered by a manhole cover disguised to be indistinguishable from the desert… Then we followed Mash down into the chilly corridor.
The walls and floor of the unexpectedly powered fortification in the middle of the desert were covered in dark blue metal plating. Mash opened a series of obstructing bulkheads with a specialised key, one after another.
But this ridiculous defense… without his guidance, we would never have reached the ruruirokane.
–The moment that LOO was defeated by Atlas, Mash must have intended to use this place to protect himself as he negotiated with G-3.
He must have prepared for the 0.5% chance of defeat thoroughly and well in advance… It would have taken 3 hours for us to discover this place, and another 3 hours to break through, buying him ample time.
There were likely personnel in the facility above us, but seemingly distrustful of even his colleagues, the underground section of the controlled access area was deserted. This underground area seems to be a place that even within the NSA, who knows everything, only a few people know of its existence.
「Here’s sub-level 5, section F. Further than this–to be honest, I have never been.」
Keying in a password on a wall panel while saying that with a tense expression on his face–
A triple layer barrier wall opened, vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
…This place is very secure…
Such a completely secure area doesn’t contradict that narrative.
The precious ruruirokane must actually be here.
When we finally reached sub-level 7–
–There was a large room with『WARNING! RESTRICTED AREA! DO NOT ENTER!』stencilled on the wall–
Mash opened the next door with a key.
「…」
Swallowing my saliva, as we looked forward…
…What…?
A group of classic cars with black top covers was the only thing to meet our eyes.
They were all identical Ford Model T’s– The first Ford model car to be mass produced and sold almost 100 years ago. They sold more than 15 million units, which was not unusual due to its low price.
About 20 of them were ranged side by side. There was nothing else here.
The large room seemed to be a dead end, and it didn’t look like there were any hidden chambers.
「…The ruruirokane… where is it? There’s… supposed to be a large quantity of ruruirokane here.」
Mash looked around, but none of us saw anything.
「Don’t worry… Mash…You’ve been tricked like the rest of us. Someone… must have moved it somewhere else…! Dammit…!」
Stunned, G-3 fell to his knees on the spot.
Even I…
Felt all the strength leave my body.
Was this emotion despair?
After going through the trouble of risking my life to travel to America all the way from Japan for Aria and finally arriving at Area 51–
The ruruirokane I had come for…it felt like it was laughing at us thieves… having only managed to reach a garage full of cars. Why?
This was a sick joke.
This isn’t a nightmare, is it?
That’s it. It has to be a bad dream…
「Third– it’s the ruruirokane! All of it! All of it–!」
Snapping me back to attention with those words, it was the ESPer, Luca.
「…What…?」
As G-3 turned around, Tsukumo, who was akin to Tamamo and knowledgeable about irokane also spoke–
「Y-you’re not mistaken…! The cars are made entirely of ruruirokane! Everything, everything under the paint! The object of our search is right here, Third-sama…!」
Her tail trembling with excitement and tears of emotion flowing, she pointed toward the cars.
「They are camouflaged, Third. Wanting to disperse the original quantity of irokane out, the government must have fashioned it into the shape of the then-common Ford Model-T. Then they painted it and made it run to complete the deception. In the case of a civil or foreign war, then they would be able to spread them out across America.」
Hand trembling, Luca laid a hand on one of the Model-T’s.
Th-this–
A-All of these cars…
Are made entirely of irokane?
If true, then there is an awful lot of it. At least a tonne!
–Irokane was definitely a metal. As a metal, it was both ductile, malleable, and easy to machine. Aria’s hidan and my butterfly knife…an irokane-killer was but one of the things possible to make, but if manufactured onto a common shape, it is possible to shoot or slash with it.
This was the only car available in America at the turn of the 20th century. This was the first mass produced car. The contemporary politicians– they shaped the large mass of ruruirokane into these cars. It was a『convenient』shape for concealment as it was capable of moving wherever it needed to under its own power, if the need arose.
Bearing all that in mind, it made sense to fashion it into cars.
We’ve done it.
We’ve finally got it. The ruruirokane.
If we could only take 1 or 2 back with us–
More irokane than we could handle had fallen into our hands!
「G-3….!」
「Aniki….」
I grabbed G-3’s right hand and pulled him to his feet…. At that moment…
Something entirely unexpected happened.
「Kinji-san.」
As soon as she came forward to stand directly next to me, Reki called my name, and I turned to look at her–
「…?」
–She kissed me. That’s what happened.
Like she did on the last day of summer holidays last year. No, it was more intense than that; more passionate.
Reki tasted like sweet mint tea, and her tongue entwined with mine.
It was so sudden, and unsure of how to react–
I simply returned it.
All those around us simply stared at us, wide-eyed.
What is this?
What is happening?
*Ha!*–
–As our lips parted, Reki—
「…」
…!
–No!
This isn’t Reki. She isn’t here any longer. That was a mature kiss.
The look in her eyes was much more seductive than usual, and this girl–
She turned to look toward the motorcade.
The spirit that had possessed Reki’s body…
Ah!
I understand. I completely understand.
–It was The Wind.
It has been influencing Reki from afar…『The Wind』. That’s it. Reki has been possessed by The Wind.
The way she moved was much more feminine than usual– Taking one step, than another toward the cars…
She spoke in a voice thick with excitement.
「Ruru, you’re there, aren’t you?」
–Speaking in Japanese.
In response to those words, in front of Reki–
Behind the line of cars… it appeared like a blue hologram.
「–Riri–」
Accompanying that voice, a beautiful, naked woman appeared.
The woman, comprised of blue light, had her eyes closed, arms drawn up like a foetus, and hands clasped in front of her chest as if in prayer.
…This was…
Of all the supernatural phenomena I’ve witnessed, this is the most paranormal of them all.
A humanoid shape, composed of a thin, misty blue light.
But there’s nothing like projection equipment at work here.
If I had to make an intuitive judgement based on appearance–it was like seeing a ghost. Calling it that seems to make the most sense of it. This apparition.
Then I recognised her. I’d seen her before, but only in a photograph–
–Dr. Sara–!?
WIth eyes even wider than mine, G-3 and Mash stared in shock.
Yes. This woman… had Dr. Sara’s face.
Unfolding her hands, she reached a hand toward Reki– And Reki reached out a hand towards Sara like Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel. Each of their index fingers stretching out to meet.
Then after several seconds passed in silence–
「..Please forgive me…」
The woman of blue light said. She also spoke Japanese.
「I have simply borrowed the form of someone dear to all of you… You have all lived quite violent lives… I have borrowed this figure from your minds…We possess no definite『form』of our own…」
「…Ruru. Through the Rimiko’s senses I have borne witness and gained a general understanding of the current situation. Now… we must stop it. For the sake of human lives and hearts. We cannot fail to stop her. Hihi…」
「…I… feared the day of battle and death when we would have to stop her. There are but 3 of us, and this action would move us one step closer to solitude. That is what you suggest, Riri…」
What… is this?
What is this?
What do these words mean?
But we–are all unable to speak.
It is as if– in the presence of gods, humans are incapable of doing anything.
No.
I understand it.
–That’s exactly the current situation.
The two in front of us are both goddesses–
The woman of blue light closes her eyes as she turned in our direction.
Then refolding both hands in front of her chest in a prayerful gesture…
She addressed us again.
「…Please… you must stop her somehow… Hihi–hihiirokane. Our sister.」
Go For The Next!!!
[END TEXT]
Atogaki
[START TEXT]
Hello! It was so hot that my Roomba escaped out of the genkan when I opened the door! It’s Akamatsu!
It’s been a while, but having 18 volumes of this novel series, 10 volumes of the comic, and 8 volumes of Hidan no Aria AA all available makes me so happy. Here’s the long awaited Hidan no Aria Q&A Corner!
Q: With the recent rise in tension, is the end of the series possibly near!?
I appreciate the concern… but please do not worry! We still have quite a while to go before the conclusion.
I still have plenty of material in my head, even now, for events that I want to write. Things like character close-ups, fights, everyday life, and romantic comedy jokes– Their number actually increases as the days go on!
I plan to「End it when I can’t come up with anything else」for this series.
With everyone’s support, I’ll be able to keep on writing for a long time, so there is no need to worry!
************************************
Now then, the story has changed considerably…
The『new project』was finally announced this summer to be related to『Hidan no Aria AA』.
Due to that, interest in the series has risen considerably! Please let me re-introduce AA.
『Hidan no Aria AA』is a story with Aria’s Amica, Akari Mamiya as the protagonist. It depicts the daily life of underclassmen (with a few sexy scenes thrown in), and it’s a comic that will make you happy just to look at it. The drawings by Shogakko Tachibana-sensei are just too cute.
But this is all fun and games, unlike my own work…(Mwahaha!)
The events depicted in AA– they are everyday situations you would expect at Butei High.
Cute girls armed with guns and swords…with fists and kicks; blades and bullets flying, they live the extreme life of Aria’s juniors!
All the cuteness and fights from AA link up with the timeline of this series. As juniors themselves, Fuuma and Kaname, to say nothing of Baskerville, all play an active role.
The former I.U. member『Devil Scorpion』was depicted in the 12th volume of the novel series, and the daughter of the public prosecutor that Kinji and Co. heard rumours about in volume 17. Shino Sasaki and Akari Mamiya’s ancient connection to the Tohyama Family were revealed in volume 18, they are all actually characters from AA that have already made their appearance.
If you read it, you will gain a deeper understanding of『Hidan no Aria』, and if you are a fan of the comic–『Hidan no Aria AA』is a die-hard fan’s must-have item. No, they would already have it!
I’ve filled up all my space in this obvious marketing ploy.
Well, moving on–the seasons in the book are catching up with the real world weather.
A certain day in August 2014
Akamatsu Chuugaku
[END TEXT]
Illustrator Notes:
This time there was a mecha girl on the cover, so I studied all sorts of reference materials as I designed it.
I never had the chance to draw a mecha, so while quite difficult, it was exciting for me.
See you in the next volume!
Go For The NEXT!! Ford Model-T
[START TEXT]
Area 51, controlled access area 89A–
It laid underneath the panning searchlights that illuminated the sky above the Air Force base.
We descended a ramp that was covered by a manhole cover disguised to be indistinguishable from the desert… Then we followed Mash down into the chilly corridor.
The walls and floor of the unexpectedly powered fortification in the middle of the desert were covered in dark blue metal plating. Mash opened a series of obstructing bulkheads with a specialised key, one after another.
But this ridiculous defense… without his guidance, we would never have reached the ruruirokane.
–The moment that LOO was defeated by Atlas, Mash must have intended to use this place to protect himself as he negotiated with G-3.
He must have prepared for the 0.5% chance of defeat thoroughly and well in advance… It would have taken 3 hours for us to discover this place, and another 3 hours to break through, buying him ample time.
There were likely personnel in the facility above us, but seemingly distrustful of even his colleagues, the underground section of the controlled access area was deserted. This underground area seems to be a place that even within the NSA, who knows everything, only a few people know of its existence.
「Here’s sub-level 5, section F. Further than this–to be honest, I have never been.」
Keying in a password on a wall panel while saying that with a tense expression on his face–
A triple layer barrier wall opened, vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
…This place is very secure…
Such a completely secure area doesn’t contradict that narrative.
The precious ruruirokane must actually be here.
When we finally reached sub-level 7–
–There was a large room with『WARNING! RESTRICTED AREA! DO NOT ENTER!』stencilled on the wall–
Mash opened the next door with a key.
「…」
Swallowing my saliva, as we looked forward…
…What…?
A group of classic cars with black top covers was the only thing to meet our eyes.
They were all identical Ford Model T’s– The first Ford model car to be mass produced and sold almost 100 years ago. They sold more than 15 million units, which was not unusual due to its low price.
About 20 of them were ranged side by side. There was nothing else here.
The large room seemed to be a dead end, and it didn’t look like there were any hidden chambers.
「…The ruruirokane… where is it? There’s… supposed to be a large quantity of ruruirokane here.」
Mash looked around, but none of us saw anything.
「Don’t worry… Mash…You’ve been tricked like the rest of us. Someone… must have moved it somewhere else…! Dammit…!」
Stunned, G-3 fell to his knees on the spot.
Even I…
Felt all the strength leave my body.
Was this emotion despair?
After going through the trouble of risking my life to travel to America all the way from Japan for Aria and finally arriving at Area 51–
The ruruirokane I had come for…it felt like it was laughing at us thieves… having only managed to reach a garage full of cars. Why?
This was a sick joke.
This isn’t a nightmare, is it?
That’s it. It has to be a bad dream…
「Third– it’s the ruruirokane! All of it! All of it–!」
Snapping me back to attention with those words, it was the ESPer, Luca.
「…What…?」
As G-3 turned around, Tsukumo, who was akin to Tamamo and knowledgeable about irokane also spoke–
「Y-you’re not mistaken…! The cars are made entirely of ruruirokane! Everything, everything under the paint! The object of our search is right here, Third-sama…!」
Her tail trembling with excitement and tears of emotion flowing, she pointed toward the cars.
「They are camouflaged, Third. Wanting to disperse the original quantity of irokane out, the government must have fashioned it into the shape of the then-common Ford Model-T. Then they painted it and made it run to complete the deception. In the case of a civil or foreign war, then they would be able to spread them out across America.」
Hand trembling, Luca laid a hand on one of the Model-T’s.
Th-this–
A-All of these cars…
Are made entirely of irokane?
If true, then there is an awful lot of it. At least a tonne!
–Irokane was definitely a metal. As a metal, it was both ductile, malleable, and easy to machine. Aria’s hidan and my butterfly knife…an irokane-killer was but one of the things possible to make, but if manufactured onto a common shape, it is possible to shoot or slash with it.
This was the only car available in America at the turn of the 20th century. This was the first mass produced car. The contemporary politicians– they shaped the large mass of ruruirokane into these cars. It was a『convenient』shape for concealment as it was capable of moving wherever it needed to under its own power, if the need arose.
Bearing all that in mind, it made sense to fashion it into cars.
We’ve done it.
We’ve finally got it. The ruruirokane.
If we could only take 1 or 2 back with us–
More irokane than we could handle had fallen into our hands!
「G-3….!」
「Aniki….」
I grabbed G-3’s right hand and pulled him to his feet…. At that moment…
Something entirely unexpected happened.
「Kinji-san.」
As soon as she came forward to stand directly next to me, Reki called my name, and I turned to look at her–
「…?」
–She kissed me. That’s what happened.
Like she did on the last day of summer holidays last year. No, it was more intense than that; more passionate.
Reki tasted like sweet mint tea, and her tongue entwined with mine.
It was so sudden, and unsure of how to react–
I simply returned it.
All those around us simply stared at us, wide-eyed.
What is this?
What is happening?
*Ha!*–
–As our lips parted, Reki—
「…」
…!
–No!
This isn’t Reki. She isn’t here any longer. That was a mature kiss.
The look in her eyes was much more seductive than usual, and this girl–
She turned to look toward the motorcade.
The spirit that had possessed Reki’s body…
Ah!
I understand. I completely understand.
–It was The Wind.
It has been influencing Reki from afar…『The Wind』. That’s it. Reki has been possessed by The Wind.
The way she moved was much more feminine than usual– Taking one step, than another toward the cars…
She spoke in a voice thick with excitement.
「Ruru, you’re there, aren’t you?」
–Speaking in Japanese.
In response to those words, in front of Reki–
Behind the line of cars… it appeared like a blue hologram.
「–Riri–」
Accompanying that voice, a beautiful, naked woman appeared.
The woman, comprised of blue light, had her eyes closed, arms drawn up like a foetus, and hands clasped in front of her chest as if in prayer.
…This was…
Of all the supernatural phenomena I’ve witnessed, this is the most paranormal of them all.
A humanoid shape, composed of a thin, misty blue light.
But there’s nothing like projection equipment at work here.
If I had to make an intuitive judgement based on appearance–it was like seeing a ghost. Calling it that seems to make the most sense of it. This apparition.
Then I recognised her. I’d seen her before, but only in a photograph–
–Dr. Sara–!?
WIth eyes even wider than mine, G-3 and Mash stared in shock.
Yes. This woman… had Dr. Sara’s face.
Unfolding her hands, she reached a hand toward Reki– And Reki reached out a hand towards Sara like Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel. Each of their index fingers stretching out to meet.
Then after several seconds passed in silence–
「..Please forgive me…」
The woman of blue light said. She also spoke Japanese.
「I have simply borrowed the form of someone dear to all of you… You have all lived quite violent lives… I have borrowed this figure from your minds…We possess no definite『form』of our own…」
「…Ruru. Through the Rimiko’s senses I have borne witness and gained a general understanding of the current situation. Now… we must stop it. For the sake of human lives and hearts. We cannot fail to stop her. Hihi…」
「…I… feared the day of battle and death when we would have to stop her. There are but 3 of us, and this action would move us one step closer to solitude. That is what you suggest, Riri…」
What… is this?
What is this?
What do these words mean?
But we–are all unable to speak.
It is as if– in the presence of gods, humans are incapable of doing anything.
No.
I understand it.
–That’s exactly the current situation.
The two in front of us are both goddesses–
The woman of blue light closes her eyes as she turned in our direction.
Then refolding both hands in front of her chest in a prayerful gesture…
She addressed us again.
「…Please… you must stop her somehow… Hihi–hihiirokane. Our sister.」
Go For The Next!!!
[END TEXT]
Atogaki
[START TEXT]
Hello! It was so hot that my Roomba escaped out of the genkan when I opened the door! It’s Akamatsu!
It’s been a while, but having 18 volumes of this novel series, 10 volumes of the comic, and 8 volumes of Hidan no Aria AA all available makes me so happy. Here’s the long awaited Hidan no Aria Q&A Corner!
Q: With the recent rise in tension, is the end of the series possibly near!?
I appreciate the concern… but please do not worry! We still have quite a while to go before the conclusion.
I still have plenty of material in my head, even now, for events that I want to write. Things like character close-ups, fights, everyday life, and romantic comedy jokes– Their number actually increases as the days go on!
I plan to「End it when I can’t come up with anything else」for this series.
With everyone’s support, I’ll be able to keep on writing for a long time, so there is no need to worry!
************************************
Now then, the story has changed considerably…
The『new project』was finally announced this summer to be related to『Hidan no Aria AA』.
Due to that, interest in the series has risen considerably! Please let me re-introduce AA.
『Hidan no Aria AA』is a story with Aria’s Amica, Akari Mamiya as the protagonist. It depicts the daily life of underclassmen (with a few sexy scenes thrown in), and it’s a comic that will make you happy just to look at it. The drawings by Shogakko Tachibana-sensei are just too cute.
But this is all fun and games, unlike my own work…(Mwahaha!)
The events depicted in AA– they are everyday situations you would expect at Butei High.
Cute girls armed with guns and swords…with fists and kicks; blades and bullets flying, they live the extreme life of Aria’s juniors!
All the cuteness and fights from AA link up with the timeline of this series. As juniors themselves, Fuuma and Kaname, to say nothing of Baskerville, all play an active role.
The former I.U. member『Devil Scorpion』was depicted in the 12th volume of the novel series, and the daughter of the public prosecutor that Kinji and Co. heard rumours about in volume 17. Shino Sasaki and Akari Mamiya’s ancient connection to the Tohyama Family were revealed in volume 18, they are all actually characters from AA that have already made their appearance.
If you read it, you will gain a deeper understanding of『Hidan no Aria』, and if you are a fan of the comic–『Hidan no Aria AA』is a die-hard fan’s must-have item. No, they would already have it!
I’ve filled up all my space in this obvious marketing ploy.
Well, moving on–the seasons in the book are catching up with the real world weather.
A certain day in August 2014
Akamatsu Chuugaku
[END TEXT]
Illustrator Notes:
This time there was a mecha girl on the cover, so I studied all sorts of reference materials as I designed it.
I never had the chance to draw a mecha, so while quite difficult, it was exciting for me.
See you in the next volume!
