...*Hyuu Hyuu*...
Lying on the bed of the Butei Hospital, the sound of birds woke me up.
Sitting up, my torso was wearing hospital clothes reminiscent of pajamas. I used my right hand, still injured by the shock-like wounds, to press a button on the remote, turning on the TV. From the words written all over the screen, I knew that today was--August the 22nd.
That battle, almost like a nightmare, was almost a month ago.
(...Today, I leave the hospital...)
My mind still fuzzy, watching the news, I recalled many things.
Returning from I-U alive, we were pulled onto the lifeboat that Shirayuki had deployed...a few hours later, we were sitting on the secret seaplane that Logi used for our rescue mission.
The plane, driven by Muto, took 1 day to return back to the Odaiba area, and I, in a semi-conscious state, was sent by Ambulace to a nearby Butei Hospital.
As for what happened to I-U afterwards...I didn't know, nor did I want to.
--I have no wish to think about that group anymore
After all, they have already lost their leader, and have scattered--
After that, some men, dressed in black suits, declaring themselves from the government, and the teachers from Butei High all gathered in my sickroom, asking me all about what happened in I-U. And leaving one sentence, "We will take care of your rehabilitation. Do not, for any reason, spread any information about this." they departed. Those men were probably armed prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice.
And, Nii-san and Patra--well, as I predicted--vanished from Tokyo.
I may not know where they went, but I hope they are able to live out their days in peace.
And, I...
-must contemplate this. Everything that happened in I-U. I may have said that it was all for my partner, but I was far too reckless with my life.
(Kinji, this won't do, if you keep going on like this...)
Calmed down, no longer under the influence of Hysteria Mode,
If I continue to do things like that, it won't matter how many lives I have.
I can't--play with my life any longer. I have to realize the gravity of Hysteria Mode as well. With that, I can definitely, step by step, walk towards that enjoyable and normal days of a "normal high school student".
--And, these thoughts of mine--
I was discharged from the hospital, taking the first step towards my new life.
Now, Aria has been going out all day because of the things with I-U. Gathering evidence to free her mother, who was falsely charged and imprisoned, or talking about something extremely urgent with her lawyers.
I may say that, but she never even came to visit me once. No, the fact that she, who is able to make me enter Hysteria Mode so easily, didn't come is a good thing--But, it's a little cold.
So, is she taking this chance to strike...?
"Kin-chan, congratulations on being discharged!"
This is my childhood friend--Shirayuki.
I had just walked into the hospital lobby, when Shirayuki, bowed a deep, 90 degree angle bow at me, coming to pick me up.
She raised her head, and her black eyes were hazy...it seems that she had tears in her eyes out of joy, making them wet.
"Ah, aah. Thank you, Shirayuki."
When I was in the hospital, Shirayuki was amazingly kind to me.
Not only did she come to nurse me basically every day, but she really went and made Chinese medicine for me from base herbs and other materials. Not only that, she helped me with my homework. She really has such a generous spirit.
Well...As for her, being able to make a new uniform that was not even 1 millimeter tight or loose without even measuring me, she accidentally erased all Aria's contact details from my phone.
This crowd of coincidental things, upon reflection, made me just a little terrified...I'll find out about that later.
"...Now that I think about it, the herbs that you used to make the Chinese medicine were kept inside a bag from Little Hong Kong, right? Did you go to Odaiba by yourself?"
Hotogi Shrine's young lady - Shirayuki, was forbidden by her clan to step foot outside of the shrine and school.
The Shirayuki from the past would hesitate to do a minor thing like taking a light rail off Butei High, but it appears that, in this aspect, she has grown.
"Ah, mm. I was a little uneasy at first, but I was able to buy the herbs properly. Because, I am Kin-chan's private nurse after all. If it's for Kin-chan, I'm willing to do anything."
Saying that as if she was the luckiest person in the world, Shirayuki used her hands to cover her face, which couldn't stop smiling.
...Private...nurse?
I don't remember anything about having such an arrangement with you...Well, it doesn't really matter.
Besides that, I had already told Shirayuki in advance, "I don't want to hear anything about I-U or the Hidan, don't talk about it."
So, while I was in the hospital, she always looked like she wanted to explain those things, but now, she will completely avoid anything to do with that battle, having a normal conversation with me.
Shirayuki, heeding my words, and I talked about the second semester, walking towards Butei High's dormitories.
And...suddenly seeing the Masters' noticeboard, I stopped in my tracks.
"...!?"
Ah...What!?
I sprinted up to that paper, "Report!" written on it in big red letters, rubbing my eyes, taking another look.
I-I'm not hallucinating. Th-this is...!
Noticing my panic, Shirayuki took a look at the noticeboard as well...she too, widened her eyes with a "!"
"Students with a credit demerit at the deadline of August 20th - Tohyama Kinji - Division (Inquesta) - 1 credit demerit."
Hey...HeyHeyHeyHey...What the hell is this!
I already did the security job at the casino, right!?
Thinking this way, I looked closer, and following the main message was: "Odaiba Golden Pyramidion Security Detail, because business could not proceed at normal efficiency, the credit reward is halved (Fraction rounded up.)
Hey, Hey, Hey...!
I have...1 credit left, if I can't get it within the summer holidays...then won't I have to stay back a grade!
"Ki-Ki-Kin-chan! Yo-your credits! Cr-cr-cre-cr-cr-cr-cre-credits!"
Even more panicked than me, Shirayuki started flailing around...
*Flip!* She flipped open her Butei Handbook.
And, *Shhh*. With a terrifying expression, she used a small pen to write something inside.
"..."
Seeing her write in such a panic and not able to quell this uneasy feeling, I...peeked at her handbook...
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
↓
MUST EARN CREDITS → GO UP A GRADE → GRADUATE → DO BUTEI MISSIONS TOGETHER → MARRY → HAVE CHILDREN → HAVE AROUND 7 OR 8 CHILDREN → ALL OF THEM WILL LOOK LIKE KIN-CHAN-SAMA
For a second, I thought I saw an absolutely horrifying life plan scribbled tightly onto one page, but the words were too tight, so I couldn't make them out clearly.
But, I didn't take another look.
...Pretend you didn't see anything! YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!
*Shhh!* Radiating an aura that suggested that the pen she was holding was about to be snapped in half, she marked something down on the page titled "CREDITS" and "ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY", which incidentally, had flower drawings all over it, *Bang!* Slamming her handbook shut, full of determination...
*Whoosh!* Suddenly standing up straight, she spun around, facing me.
Wh-what is it.
"Ki-Kin-chan! We still have 10 days left till the Summer holiday ends! Let's think of something to get 1 credit!"
"Ah, that's right. If I don't, things will get really troublesome."
Shirayuki faced me, who was brushing the cold sweat off my forehead, and she held her first up, flashing an expression that said "Go for it!"
"I-I will do all in my power to assist! For the sake of becoming a famil...ah, um, going up a grade!"
You...how did you manage to mix up becoming a family and going up a grade? None of the characters are the same...
But, first, let's ignore what I didn't see clearly just now, an honor student will definitely be very reliable. After all, this is a dangerous situation that is far more serious than the situation with I-U, in a certain way.
So, we were going to go and look around Informa to find a quest boost, even if it took us all night...however, all the Inquesta credit missions that we found required a professional Butei.
(...This is really, really bad...)
Shirayuki and I, deciding to continue searching at my computer at home, returned to the boy's dormitories.
--We didn't know that waiting for us at home, would be an even bigger problem.
"...?"
Under the fluorescent lighting, that back, waiting for us in front of the door to our apartment, was--
On her back was a bundle with the pentagram symbol of her house on it. Her hand was holding a red, oilskin parasol, and she had black hair, going down to her shoulders...another...Shirayuki?
No, it was a girl wearing Miko garments slightly smaller than Shirayuki's, standing there.
"So, it looks like my feeling of unease has been confirmed."
*Whoosh*
Spinning around, that girl...glared at us.
That neat, tidy fringe may be the same as Shirayuki's, but the eyes underneath were reminiscent of a fox.
From the looks of it, she knows us...but, who is she?
"Konayuki!?"
Next to me, who was extremely confused, Shirayuki suddenly shouted in surprise.
"Kona...yuki?"
Konayuki!? It's the person from Hotogi Shrine, Shirayuki's--sister!
Relying on the memories from when I was small, I slowly thought back to Shirayuki's six sisters.
Kiriyuki, Hanayuki, Kazayuki...because Shirayuki's sisters all look like her, the only way of differentiating one from another is through their ages. However, only Konayuki is a 'different' one--she is Shirayuki's step-sister so both her looks and her behaviour was different from Shirayuki.
I remembered that she would always stick to her Onee-chan, always jumping onto Shirayuki's back and being brought everywhere, giving off the impression that Shirayuki was carrying a little monster.
"...Konayuki! Ah, you've grown so big. From what I remember, you're 2 years younger than Shirayuki. You're in your 3rd year of middle school, right?"
Just as I greeted her as if I was an uncle that was close to her family....
Konayuki ignored me, *Shh*, grabbing hold of Shirayuki's arm.
"Onee-chan, as I predicted in my 'Taku[1]'--has been tricked by this demonic Butei - Tohyama-sama in this evil Butei High!"
--"Taku"
Hearing this, still slightly shocked from our meeting, I vaguely remembered the rumoured divination method of the Hotogi's.
The divination of Hotogi Miko, has a "Sen[2]" that is the aim of divination, and the sudden realization of prediction that is "Taku"
From what I remember...the contents of "Taku" are not strictly limited to what one wants to know in "Sen", this is the divination technique that those Miko below 15 years old use.
*Whoosh!* Staring at me, Konayuki went on to look up at Shirayuki from contact distance.
"Walking with a boy so late, Onee-sama is unclean! Onee-sama, so pure that she is an example for any Hotogi Miko...is with a boy! So late at night!"
She started her long lecture.
Eh...glancing at Shirayuki, seeing her cower before her little sister, I checked my watch.
Right now it's 9:00.
"It's fine, right? Just going out..."
I looked at my watch, trying to speak.
"Ho-how shameless can you be...! Tohyama-sama is unclean!"
What's that supposed to mean! Konayuki didn't even give me time to speak, and with a *Pa* she pointed her finger straight at me.
"Onee-sama's curfew is 5:00! And by 8:00, she has to be asleep! These are the rules of the Hotogi!"
5:00? In modern times, even elementary school students don't go back by then, right?
But, I still had no chance to say anything--Konayuki fished out the keycard from Shirayuki's shirt pocket, opening the door to my room.
"Alright, alright, Onee-sama, don't listen to those ravings of that fallen boy! Come in quickly, and take a bath, you have to be cleansed. There's no need to pay attention to anything else right now, let me wash your back!"
Konayuki pushed Shirayuki, who had an extremely bewildered expression on her face, into the room, turning her head while closing the door.
She stuck her tongue out at me, who hadn't said a thing.
"--may you be cursed by the nail-studded ox!"
Tossing that sentence at me, *Bang!*
As if trying to blast the door off its hinges, she slammed it, *Click*, I heard the sound of a lock clicking from inside.
"Ah, this...this is my room..."
So, all that was left was one pitiful boy locked out of his own house.
No, well, I have my own keycard, so I can enter...
But they said that they were going to go in the bath, so all I can do is go down to the convenience store and read manga. I felt bad about just standing there and reading, so I bought one and returned to the dormitory.
...Why is it that I feel that this has happened before? Well, whatever.
But now that I think about it...let's exclude personality for now, Konayuki really has become beautiful.
The Konayuki in my memory was but a child, but now, she has already grown to become a very beautiful girl. If I had to say it, she has a bit of a proud air...the thing that Aria has so much expertise in. However, when she was small, she was very pretty as well, it's natural that she would grow to be such a beautiful person.
Usually, anyone who are hostile to me would instantly make Shirayuki go ballistic. It was a great trouble stopping her every time that happens, yet the Shirayuki a while ago, rebuked by Konayuki, was extremely obedient, as if she was some sort of child that had been caught doing something wrong.
That scene really confused me as to who was the older sister, and the younger sister.
Well, in front of those with the "Hotogi" name--Shirayuki still hasn't changed her habit of acting like a good girl. Well, if Shirayuki could be more gracious normally, that would be good. In terms of safety.
I returned to my own house...Uu. It might be because two girls had just bathed, but the inside of the room was filled with the fragrance of soap and shampoo, that kind of feminine scent. I can't take it.
Alright, it appears that they've bathed already. The lights are on in the living room, after all.
I don't really want to act like this, looking like I'm peeping, but if they're still changing, then it'll be trouble. So, I followed the unspoken rule that Butei must understand the enemy, and stealthily scanned the scene in the living room.
...They've already changed.
And, those are Hotogi robes, right?--they were wearing the same Miko garments.
Apparently having bathed with her sister in the cramped bathroom in my apartment, Shirayuki seemed a lot more graceful than usual...she was using a comb to fix Konayuki's fringe.
Sitting up straight as well, Konayuki was making an expression as if it were spring.
As I looked upon it, I thought that it was a cozy scene that would make anybody want to take a photo of it.
"Just now, at the last, Konayuki helped me wash, right? That's the opposite of when we were little."
"No, there's no need to thank me. Being able to help Onee-sama is something very fortunate for me. Thank you for the meal."
"Meal...?"
"Ah, um...about that, Onee-sama. Everyday I will make good things for you to eat--so please return to the Hotogi. If Konayuki doesn't see Onee-sama, she is very, very lonely."
Hurriedly changing the subject, Konayuki was making Shirayuki feel a little embarrassed. "And just like before, we can worship together, and we can do Kagura together, hand in hand, you can teach me about that dance, the attraction within it indescribable with words. As sisters, we can eat together, sleep together...ahh, once I think about Onee-sama's expressions during that time, Konayuki will...ah, I can buy you a lot of digital cameras. Any model you want."
Propping her cheeks with her fingers, Konayuki said some incomprehensible words in a very moving tone.
I may not be too clear, but in front of her most favorite big sister, her brain seems to be full of flowers.
"I'm not the only one. All our sisters really miss Onee-sama as well. The little ones, because they miss you so much, will sometimes stay awake half the night, crying."
"I-I see..."
The more she heard Konayuki's words, Shirayuki's eyes, a little drooped normally, drooped even further.
And seeing Shirayuki's anguished expression...
Her completely red, Konayuki's round eyes trembled, mouth half open--a face filled with moe. That's how Riko would put it.
Exactly like a cat with silvervine in front of its eyes.
Using my lip reading, what I deciphered from those lips, moving soundlessly was "Aah, so cute, so cute, so cute." And, she was saying this countless times. Hey, what kind of thing are you saying about your Onee-san, who is older than you? It's...terrifying.
Konayuki's fingers were constantly wiggling, almost as if she couldn't calm them down, it made me think for a second that behind her she had a wolf's tail...
Knowing by instinct that there was an extreme amount of danger approaching Shirayuki, I--
"...Sorry for interrupting."
-walked into the living room.
I had just come in when, *Whoosh!*, Konayuki's eyes, just below her fringe, stared at me.
That was obviously an expression which meant, "Don't interrupt."
And, Hmph.
She turned her head to one side.
"--Please come in. However, I'm only letting you in under special conditions."
"'Special'...? This is my apartment..."
"It's only because Onee-sama's instructions that I couldn't help but let you in."
"No, I'm saying that this is my..."
"'After they turn 7 years old, boys and girls should not reside in the same room'!"
*Shh*
Looking at Shirayuki, sitting up straight, her back towards me, Shirayuki pressed her hands together in a Gassho, which meant "I'm sorry, Kin-chan."
Now that you mention it...Hotogi Shrine is a shrine that is extremely stern about its forbiddance of men. So, the Miko there, except for the men in the Tohyama family, who were let in for some unknown reason, have never really seen any men.
So, Shirayuki and the other Miko girls were quite scared when they had seen the me as a child. However, at that point, we were all children, so we became friends very quickly. However, in the end, Konayuki was the only one who hid in a corner, watching Nii-san and me...I've never seen her smile before.
Putting it simply, she probably hates men. Exactly the opposite of me, who hates women.
As if proving this theory, Konayuki, switching on the TV, continually flashed through the programs...looking for a series with only women in it.
...That's quite some commitment.
Should I avoid the other gender with the same commitment as her?
From the other side, Shirayuki brought a small teapot over from the kitchen.
"Kin-chan, we have rice crackers. It's a present that Konayuki brought."
Saying that, she sat next to the glass table.
Noticing that she had something else she wanted to say, I folded my legs as well, sitting by the table.
Drinking the Japanese tea that Shirayuki had made, I started eating the crispy southern rice crackers...However, feeling the killing intent that Konayuki was emitting behind me, I could not stay still at all.
"You know, Kin-chan. I found a job where you can earn 0.3 credits in half a day."
*Crack* Breaking the rice crackers into smaller pieces for ease of eating, Shirayuki said, smiling.
"--Really?"
"Un. I already called Masters to ask, these credits will be recognized for any division."
"Th-there's some kind of nice job like that?...What's it about?"
"Accepting a commission from a hopeful applicant, bring Konayuki to Butei High to 'tour the campus.'"
Bring Konayuki to tour the campus...
"Konayuki. Could it be that you're getting ready to enroll into Butei High?"
"Wrong. I hate schools like Butei High with all my heart. After all, this is the place which made Onee-sama leave Hotogi."
Avidly staring at the shopping scene on the TV series, Konayuki said, her back still facing this way.
Which means, bringing Konayuki to see the school...An unwilling client?
Konayuki, at that moment, seemed to be totally engrossed with the shopping mall on the TV, and she fell silent.
"Kin-chan, um..."
Glancing at Konayuki, who was still fixated on the screen, Shirayuki whispered to me,
"Konayuki is here to send a message from Hotogi...and if possible, to bring me back to Hotogi. So what kind of place Butei High is, what kind of job a Butei is...if we don't find a way to make her think that this isn't an evil place...I-I'm sorry, Kin-chan. I can't believe I'm dragging you into my personal matters."
Shirayuki put her hands together, apologizing to me.
Mm...which means, this commission will help Shirayuki?
She took care of me a lot while I was in the hospital. If I can repay her like this, it'll be killing two birds with one stone.
"...Then, I'll do it. Tomorrow morning, is that fine?"
"Yes. Because this--is Onee-sama's order. As long it is Onee-sama's order, I will hear and obey. For the sake of Onee-sama, I will do anything Ki,KiKi..."
...?
KiKi?
"KiKikiKi, ki...!"
I looked at Konayuki, since it appeared that there was something wrong with her, and I saw the appearance of a man in the series on the TV across from her.
And, it was a kissing scene with the female protagonist.
"--Ki!"
*Crack!* Konayuki smashed the TV remote as if she was trying to break it, turning off the TV. Her face was so red that it looked like it was bleeding, and she threw the remote, hitting me straight in the face.
"I-I-I-I-I-Impure! Unclean! I have to cleanse the infection!"
Shouting out "Ki" for some inexplicable reason and getting hit in the face for no reason at all, I...
-had a pained feeling that this job was not going to go well.
--Butei High's facilities were extremely plentiful.
After all, this artificial island, originally meant to be an additional runway for Haneda airport is very wide. Not only that, but this island received investments from the Butei Hall and the Butei Public Commission.
So, the fact that students can use facilities according to their choice and division is one of the good things about this place. For example, a 15 year old Logi student can take an exam for a driving license for normal cars, and Informa and Connect are constantly supplied with the latest technology in terms of computers and cellphones.
Therefore, the students of Butei High have large amounts of interest in this area.
However...
The morning of the following day, following us to look around, Konayuki had been in a very bad mood the whole time.
Aside from Supernatural Searching Research, the division that Shirayuki belonged in, she displayed absolute no interest, saying nearly nothing in all other classes. It looks like having to look around with me=man as a guide, made her very unhappy.
However, I hated this job as well. After all, I have to walk around the school alone with a girl.
And, she's wearing a sweater from a summer uniform that was obviously not from Butei High. Could she be any more conspicuous?
With this, "Lady-killer Kinji has gotten another girl again"...that kind of rumor, which I never wanted to hear again as long as I lived, would definitely appear again.
Now that I think about it...walking together with a girl, I, not willing to talk, suddenly thought about Shirayuki who had excused herself because of some Student Council work.
(...Now that I think about it, Riko calls Shirayuki, "Yuki-chan". So, if she comes across Konayuki, she'll definitely give her a nickname...so troublesome...she'd call her something like, "Kona-chan", right?)
Thinking about that amazingly petty subject, I...
-brought Konayuki to the last division--my old haunt, Assault.
Over here, I have to pay attention. Because, the Boy:Girl ratio is simply...too high.
"Konayuki. Watch your step, over here. If you're used to it, you'll pay attention to all your steps, because over here, there are bullet casings scattered everywhere...Therefore, out of all those students that come over here to observe, several always fall down."
Having said this, we strode into the training facility, just like a black gym--
-suddenly, *Rumble! Thud!* "Die!" "Go to hell!" Around 5 freshmen, wearing the light Armament Set A, were sparring with melee weapons.
It looks like they were fighting for real over an idol swimsuit photo.
Really...this really fits this place, where outside of strength, there are no good points;Assault(Suicide Squad).
*Whoosh* Glancing at Konayuki, who was next to me, it was as I had thought. She was staring at the boys, frowning.
As if seeing filth in front of her, she looked like she was sick to her stomach.
"Th-that's also one aspect of sparring."
I hurriedly pushed Konayuki's back, quickly passing by those guys, who had started a team battle.
Right now it's the summer holidays, therefore, there aren't many people on campus.
Therefore, the introduction of every classroom has been going very well. As if walking into a movie set, we walked into the exercise room, where there were several moving puppets as targets. In the classroom, I explained the basics of firing and trajectory, and in the actual firing range, I demonstrated live fire.
But, Konayuki did not react at all.
From the beginning, she had been radiating an aura which was full of apathy.
In fact, she seemed to be even more angry than we had entered Assault's main building.
"...With all that...the tour of the campus is over. Is there somewhere else you would like to go?"
Making sure I didn't trip over any casings while making my way to the corridor, I asked Konayuki a question. She shook her head.
"No. This is enough."
And, she pursed those sakura colored lips.
"--Because, I already understand completely. I understand how barbaric Butei High is, now."
"Ba-barbaric?...What about Inquesta and Informa, they're pretty peaceful, right?"
"Wrong. They are all birds of a feather. Anyways, the idea of being paid to use force is something abhorrent to me. I cannot tolerate--Onee-sama, who should be keeping herself pure, to stay here."
Konayuki insulted Butei High, fuming.
Well...normal civilians having this kind of attitude against Butei is a normal occurrence.
This tour was also meant to, for the sake of Shirayuki, who doesn't want to go back to Hotogi, improve Konayuki's impression of Butei High. However, I fear that it actually had the opposite effect.
Normally, I would agree with her, but I guess I should defend this place a little.
"Just think about it a little, Konayuki. You should look at this in another light, as well. Those with fair amounts of money and a problem to solve are continuing to increase, in Japan. Incidences with serial/street killers, assault, murder, stalkers, and theft are continually increasing, and there simply is not enough manpower in the police. Therefore, society needs Butei--"
"The one who should look at this another way is Tohyama-sama!"
Repeating the reasoning of the teachers, I was suddenly interrupted by Konayuki about halfway through.
"Making demands about the result of doing stupid things like that and putting yourself in danger, they have a responsibility too. At least, there's no way that I would let myself have that kind of problem. As long as you don't go anywhere dangerous, there's no need to start throwing money around."
"...It's inevitable, you know. The motives of some offenders are inexplicable."
Konayuki seemed to have been aggravated by my counterpoint--
"That kind of thing doesn't matter! In short, I hate Butei High with all my hate, I hate Butei with all my heart! It's because of Butei High that Onee-sama left Hotogi--I understand--Onee-sama has been tricked by Tohyama-sama, so she doesn't want to go back!"
-spouting out some childish reason, Konayuki pointed her finger at me.
(Ah, ahh...so that's how it is.)
...Konayuki has reached her boiling point.
Her most loved elder sister--Shirayuki went to Tokyo, but because she doesn't want to direct her anger at Shirayuki, so she redirected the brunt of her anger towards Butei High and Butei, the "recipient."
The way she was being so unreasonable made me a little angry...but she's my client, and a child. If I get angry over what a child says, then I fail as a man.
So, I'll take the higher ground as an adult, and let her rant on.
"Well, let's not talk about Shirayuki right now...about Butei, it is as Konayuki says. If nobody gets into trouble, that would be the best solution. That should be it--let's go back. Did you forget anything?"
Hearing me say this, an expression which conveyed her willingness to argue flashed over Konayuki's face, and she shrugged, showing off a posture which said, "Do you plan to run? Give me all you've got."...
However, I ignored it, turning around.
"The exit is over there. I'll warn you once more, watch your step. If you fall down after stepping on some empty casings, you'll have to go tour Medica."
"Fine...then, Tohyama-sama. Because the job is over, I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Actually, I found out something through the 'Taku' about Tohyama-sama. As a Hotogi Miko, I have a necessary responsibility to tell the parties involved within a day--therefore, though it's a little sudden, I am going to tell you now."
Hearing that Konayuki was extremely unhappy, I turned around.
"'Taku'...? Aah, divination, huh? What is it? If it's something terrifying, there's no need to say it."
"No. It's a good omen."
Seeming to be a little embarrassed about saying it, Konayuki's eyes darted away--
"Tohyama-sama will be proposed to. This month."
Pro...Proposed to?
Proposal...? Yo-you...this is too sudden. Anyways...
"B-by whom?"
In my mind, the face of 2~3 girls who could possibly do this suddenly appeared.
"I don't know. However, there's not even the slightest chance that it is Onee-sama. That, I can guarantee."
One face disappeared from my mind.
"Don't know...You...are really irresponsible. No, before that, there's another problem. By law, men cannot be married before they're 18 years old. Your 'Taku' must be wrong."
"...Wrong? A-are you saying I'm stupid!"
As I laughed, Konayuki, just like before, started going hysterical, approaching me.
"My 'Taku' might not be able to match Onee-sama's 'Sen'--but it's correct as well! It could be recorded and sent to the Prime Minister! I went through all the trouble of telling you...and yet, you suspect me? I won't forgive you!"
Her eyebrows raised so high that they looked as sharp as a knife, Konayuki reached into the waist of her sweater.
From that movement, I understood...That's probably the sheathe for a tanto.
It looks like for Hotogi Miko, doubting their divination is extremely serious.
"Ah, hey, Konayuki. Don't be so angry. Ah, watch your step--"
However, my warning was late by a second.
Konayuki, stepping on what appeared to be a .50 Magnum casing--
"--Uwaah!"
One of her legs was thrown back violently, and she fell this way.
--Danger--
I can't let there be an accident with that tanto--!
I immediately stretched out my right hand in order to hold the hilt of the tanto that Konayuki was drawing from below...*Thump!*
Our two bodies twisted together, both of us fell to the floor.
Our position was such that Konayuki was below me, but I had managed to wrap my left arm around Konayuki's waist, so I managed to manipulate our position such that my iron head was the one that impacted the floor, keeping my client from being hurt.
I rubbed my head, which had gone fuzzy from the impact, raising my torso...my hand was holding the gold-patterned sheathe of the tanto that Konayuki carried next to her body,
"...!"
Holding the tanto, preventing an accident went well, but, my eyes--
Th-this...another accident happened...!
My hand--was raised such that I was pulling off Konayuki's summer sweater and shirt with the tanto...showing off that gold pattern on the sheath for all to see!
And unexpectedly, underneath the white themed clothing that Konayuki was wearing, I saw that she was wearing pink underwear with green embroidering.
"!"
I closed my eyes in panic, standing up, getting away from Konayuki's body.
Ca-calm down, Kinji...don't go into hysterics...!
Didn't you just reaffirm the gravity of Hysteria Mode? Anyways, if I go into that mode in front of a pure middle school student like that--it'll definitely be a trauma that will never fade!
I forced myself to start breathing deeply, calming my heart down.
It...It looks like...I'm fine.
It looks like, the fact that the girl in question was 3 years younger used up one of my nine lives.
I have no interest in people that are younger than me. That's the reason I can't become hysteric over Hiraga-san.
"......"
Because Konayuki, below me, was abnormally silent, worried, I cracked open my eyelids, seeing if she was alright...
Konayuki, *Pa*
Still in the same position as when she had fallen down, she had completely frozen.
Her eyes were extremely wide, not even blinking.
Those jet black eyes had completely lost all light, almost as if they had been stained by some sort of steam.
Because she was so still, just like a wax model...I found it very hard to speak.
So, I watched in silence...*Pa*
Wow. She moved.
*Pa, PaPa!*
As if she had been shocked with the current of an AED, Konayuki's body started twitching.
But, those widely opened eyes started to stare at empty space.
Sca...So scary!
"...Ah, this...I'll say this in advance, this is because I was keeping hold of your knife..."
To explain, I have to give advance warning.
Thinking of my father's motto, I spoke while retreating a few steps, in the face of this chilling situation.
"--!"
Konayuki, *Pa!*
her two legs shooting upwards, she wrapped her arms around her knees, rolling backwards.
And, *Roll Roll Roll Roll*, seeming to be running away, just like an armadillo (?), she rolled to the far side of the corridor. In short, she was putting distance between her and me.
*Thud!* Smashing her head against the other wall of the corridor with a sound that the whole building could hear, Konayuki became dizzy for a moment...then she stood up.
"To-To-Tohyama-sama is the worst! The worst, the most unclean! I understand completely, now! Being treated so barbarically by Tohyama-sama, I understand completely! As I thought, Butei are poisonous, Butei High is a den of demons! I'm going to report to Hotogi, and plead for Onee-sama's immediate return!"
20 meters away from me, Konayuki drew her tanto and waving it around, she started shouting.
Looking on from afar, that summer sweater as well as her shirt had been smoothed over at some unknown point in time.
"Do-don't you dare get close to me! If you come closer, I'll impale you! I will impale you, and at night I'll curse you! I'll stab 5-inch nails into random places on a straw doll! I'll use an industrial nail gun!"
...Isn't impaling me before making a scarecrow the wrong way around...
But, having heard that the straw dolls of the Hotogi could really curse somebody to death, I started nodding my head non-stop, expressing my understanding.
--I'm sorry, Shirayuki. You might really be taken back to the Hotogi.
(It looks like on Earth, there's no such thing as an easy job...)
Thinking this, having completed the 'tour the campus' mission, I used a mail to send a short report to Masters...and using the computer, I started searching for my next job.
In other news: After Konayuki came back, she took at least 10 baths.
"Don't use so much water, water isn't free, you know"--I had walked in and complained for the 5th time, but I immediately heard things like, "This is necessary for the sake of cleansing the taint of Tohyama-sama's impurity! Tohyama-sama, face the consequences for your own actions!" being shouted out in a shrill voice, coming from the bathroom. Am I a cursed item or something?
Whatever, she's going back to the Hotogi tomorrow, anyways, I'll just let her do as she likes.
"Kin-chan, Konayuki. I'm back. I'm sorry for being late."
And at one of those times, Shirayuki, bringing many ingredients for dinner, came back.
"Onee-sama, welcome back!"
Clothing herself with her Miko garments once again, covering her skin, which was shining from being cleaned so much, Konayuki, just like a guided stinger, flew into Shirayuki's arms.
And burying her face deep into Shirayuki's chest, she smiled happily at Shirayuki from between her breasts. That was a super, super, super happy smile. Despite the fact that when she hadn't smiled even once when we had spent the whole day together. (Anyways, that split personality...where have I seen that before...?)
As I thought about it, Shirayuki's--attitude switch towards Aria/me came to mind.
Shirayuki and Konayuki are very close sisters, yet, they are distant relatives. As I thought, bloodlines are terrifying.
And Shirayuki said, "Really, Konayuki sticks to Onee-chan too much," gently stroking Konayuki's head...Shirayuki, be careful. I have yet to know of any evidence of that kind of determination, but Konayuki's passion far exceeds the normal sister-love that little sisters have when they stick to their elder sisters.
No, well, love comes in different forms, I don't mean to discriminate.
But anyways, I shouldn't think about it too closely. It's dangerous. In terms of Hysteria Mode.
I've changed--I've gone into Hysteria Mode.
But, it's not because I was thinking of the relationship between the Hotogi sisters.
...This is how things went.
First, because, tired of hearing Konayuki rant on about how not sleeping at 8:00 was impure...I, with nothing else I could do, went to go lie down on the bottom bunk of the bunk bed in the bedroom, trying to fall asleep.
"--That's why...Onee-sama...Can you not give Tohyama-sama up? After all, Kanzaki Aria will sooner or later, because of the scarlet...die...since we already know it...!" "...Be careful, Konayuki. There are things that can and cannot be said...about her death...I...didn't look forward to it...at all...rather..." "...rather...I've said too much. But...--No matter what, the Hidan will fall--"
Drifting in and out of sleep, I wasn't able to hear the entire content of their conversation, but the sisters seemed to be arguing...but they made up very quickly...in the end, the sisters, close again, entered the bedroom, sleeping on the top bunk.
Ah, stuck sleeping in that cramped bed, I feel sorry for Shirayuki, as I drifted back into sleep, thinking those things...around 9:00 at night...
I dreamed of the situation where I had pushed Konayuki in Assault.
At that time, I had closed my eyes immediately, but the memory was still terrifying.
And, I don't know why, but Konayuki, who I had pushed, was Shirayuki, in my dream.
And she was still wearing those extremely sexy black underwear.
--So, I struck out.
But the fortune within the misfortune was, this was something I had separated into "Dream Hysteria"--One could say that is the safe kind of Hysteria Mode.
If I had to explain, when I'm sleeping, I'm just lying there with no girls in front of me, after all. Which means, as long as I stay still for a while, it can "fade". It's that kind of Hysteria Mode.
So, I hugged my arms to myself, and curling up my head, which had, rather pointlessly, become intelligent, I closed my eyes.
Dreams--at times, things that cause stress in the subconscoius will be pulled in, and they will materialize in the conscious--
Then, what's the meaning of this dream?
Even if it's my mind in Hysteria Mode, solving this question is very difficult.
(...)
Afterward, I noticed a problem.
A problem that made me get serious.
Shirayuki may be sleeping soundly--
-But Konayuki is gone.
I can't hear any sign of her, nor can I hear her breathing.
It appears that, while I was dreaming, she disappeared from the top bunk.
I want to avoid moving while I'm in Hysteria Mode, but right now, my first priority is the safety of women. Where the hell did she go?
As her senior, I should go look for her, right--?
So, I...just like a spy, I got up, not making a sound.
I had just gone to look, when I found Konayuki.
Well, more like, she was at home the whole time.
Originally, this was a 4-person apartment, so, outside of the living room and bedroom, there are 4 small rooms, each meant for one person. One is my room, the other was occupied by Aria, who took it for her own, and the rest are empty.
And in one of those, I felt what should be Konayuki's breathing.
(...?)
I had no wish to do something like spying on a girl...but, Konayuki, so vehement that we should sleep early, moving secretly at night...It could be something that she couldn't tell us. I apologized to her in my heart, and with that, I approached the room, straining my ears.
"...I-I have to gather my courage. Tonight...is the only chance! Go for it!"
From inside, the sound of Konayuki steeling herself reached my ears.
Those footsteps were approaching the door. It appears that she was about to leave.
I used the sneaking technique that I had learned in Assault to kill all sound that might come from my feet, and I moved to the other empty room.
Spying at the corridor through the keyhole...
(...Haha...)
In my heart, I couldn't help but laugh.
Stealthily walking out of the little room, Konayuki had dressed up.
A fashionable layered skirt. A slightly adult short-sleeved jacket with a U collar and a short tank top. She was also wearing a mesh belt with a large buckle.
All this...If she were a little taller, it would be exactly the same as the coordinated sets that one sees in fashion magazines aimed at high school girls.
With unspeakably horrible footsteps, tiptoeing through the corridor, Konayuki accidentally fell backwards, right on her backside. *Thump*, emitting a noise, her face, which had had makeup applied, looked towards the bedroom in panic.
Afterward, lowering her breathing, waiting for a moment, once again, she started moving, almost like crawling...
Held in her hands were a pair of corsage sandals, also in fashion--
*Click*
Opening the door softly, she left the apartment.
Putting on my school uniform swiftly, I used the tailing techniques that I had learned from Inquesta to follow Konayuki.
Exhibiting a helpless look, needing to even ask a passing Butei High girl how to buy a ticket, Konayuki finally got on the monorail.
Making sure she didn't notice me, I followed from behind...reaching Odaiba, Konayuki opened up a town guide, completely covered with paper notes, hurriedly walking towards the streets.
Looking from the shadows, I saw that Konayuki was happily watching a shining VenusFort--a shopping mall aimed at women.
And those eyes seemed to be lost in the neon lights.
(Aah...)
I understand.
Konayuki wants to go shopping.
Hotogi Mikos are only allowed to stay at the shrine and the school. Which means, they live an existence as a "Caged Bird" under the restrictions of their clan.
Shirayuki is afraid of the outside world, but Konayuki, who has a different personality, actually yearns for it.
While watching TV, she was also watching a series that was set in a shopping mall.
("Tonight is the only chance", huh...)
Normally, Konayuki firmly sticks to the traditions of the Hotogi Miko.
But sometimes, she wants to go to shopping to relax, right?
I may have understood her goals, so going back would be fine--but she's still a middle school student, and what's more, she's a caged bird that has been sealed in Hotogi up till now.
So, I guess I'll be her bodyguard from her shadows for a while. Just in case.
Konayuki, as if walking into a kingdom of dreams and fantasy, quickly started shopping around VenusFort, which was approaching night, in order to alleviate her rising stress.
Maybe it's because it's her first time in a mall, or maybe it's because she took advantage of the opportunity to buy an exquisite music box...but the number of shopping bags slung over those slender arms continued to mount. Hotogi is a pretty wealthy shrine after all, so it looks like Konayuki's budget is pretty big.
Department stores, shoe stores, and boutiques. Carefully choosing only those stores with female assistants, Konayuki, surrounded by the beautiful female assistants, was applying blush to her cheeks--laughing happily, from her heart.
The amount of spending she's doing is very worrying for a middle school student...but there's no way I could break that smile, that smile she had after fulfilling her dream of so many years.
For now, I will watch from afar, keeping her from danger.
Her hands finally starting to tire under the weight of the massive amount of paper bags, each of them colored differently, Konayuki...
-seeming to want to rest, she entered a small, yet beautifully decorated, outdoor coffee terrace.
I followed Konayuki, just ordering black coffee, continuing to watch over her.
Watching from the shadows of the decorative plants, I saw Konayuki's eyes, behind a sundae, which looked like a miniature castle, sparkle...Taking big bites of it, she smiled, full of joy...patting her cheeks.
Haha. She's really cute.
Although she's so firm all the time, seeing this scene, I could only conclude that, in the end, she was just a middle school student.
Glancing at Konayuki, who took a picture of the sundae with her cellphone, seeming to want to have a memory of it, I folded my legs softly, enjoying the taste of the Costa Rica coffee under the night sky.
Glancing at the watch on the inside of her wrist every few seconds, Konayuki left VenusFort.
It looks like she's preparing to take the last train back.
Judging from the direction she was going, she was probably going to take the route by the Statue of Liberty, going around Hotel Nikko to get to Odaiba station. If that's the case then I have to be careful. That street doesn't have many people on it.
--At that moment, the fall Tokyo night breeze, a little early, washed over us, bringing a chill with it.
Her black hair, draped over her shoulders, fluttering in the midst of the wind, which was tinted with the scent of the sea...standing there, Konayuki stared at the night view of Tokyo, which was glowing under the shining illumination of the moon, an expression which showed how sad she was to leave.
Just now, I had just thought she was a child...
But like this, standing at the end of the street under the night sky, she looks more grown up.
Konayuki is an amazingly beautiful girl, if she grows up, she will definitely become a Yamato Nadeshiko the likes of Shirayuki.
Looking at that figure, feeling as if I had seen it before, I felt as if seeing this had been somehow...good for me.
"Good evening, you've bought quite a lot of things."
From the park, a few young men sauntered towards Konayuki.
"Oh? Could it be that you're by yourself? It's a shame, you're so cute."
All dressed like hippies, the boys smiled, forming a ring around Konayuki, who was backing up.
From their appearance...they appear to be university students. There are...four, huh?
"Ooh, a bag from Max&Co. And an LV Damir leather belt, could it be that you're an ojou-sama[3]?"
"Lucky! Could we borrow some money?"
"Why don't you give yourself to us as well?"
Ahaha! The men burst into laughter, slowly closing the circle around Konayuki.
Konayuki--looked left and right determinedly, and she looked back as well--but there was no escape, she could just stand there, not able to move.
"Pl-please leave. Hotogi Miko will not submit to the persuasion of filthy thugs!"
*Whoosh!* Seeing Konayuki raise her eyebrows, staring at them, those university students, smiling all over--
-suddenly changed their attitude.
"Haa?"
"Are you speaking Japanese, you brat!"
"I'll strip you down!"
A pistol--
Seeing one of them take it out of their pants pocket, I felt a light headache coming on.
Recently, even these kinds of people, who can't even make it as gangsters, will suddenly start waving those all around.
That's a Blackstar. It's an imitation of the TT3-Tokarev of the former Soviet Union, a low-quality gun of Chinese make.
"...!"
The paper bags fell from Konayuki's arms, and for a second, she seemed to be grasping for something within her chest...but the tanto from this afternoon was not in those clothes.
Seeing the other three people draw their tasers or knives, Konayuki's determined look disappeared, and she crouched down...
"...O...Onee-sama...save me..."
Ah-ah.
She's crying.
I can't help it. Looks like it's time for me to take action.
"--Hey, you guys. If you want money, then get a job."
Putting the little money I had to one side, I showed myself.
Hearing my voice and turning her head, Konayuki widened her eyes, which were full of tears, well, I'll explain later.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, brat! Get out of here!"
Looking at the delinquent, who had swiveled around and pointed his gun at me after noticing me, I chuckled in response.
I may have brought my gun, but if I draw it against these small fries, I would be shaming my Beretta.
So, I'll use words to try and solve this.
"--3.2%"
"Haa?"
"Total amateurs. At 9.5 meters--this is the distance between us right now, that is the probability that you will hit me. As I've seen, you guys are pretty excited, but that will just decrease the chance even more."
Hearing my words, the other three also turned to face me. Oooh, he's pointing his gun at me. Be still, my terrified heart.
Well, this level of fear can't even be compared to Tsuduri-sensei...it isn't even 1% of the fear aura that Ranbyou-sensei emanates.
"Who are you, you brat..."
"I am a student at Butei High."
Indicating the direction of the school with my head, I walked towards the delinquents nonchalantly, as if they weren't pointing weapons at me.
Whether it's a bad or good reputation, Butei High is pretty famous.
"Ah, hey. Shoot him. You've shot someone before, right?"
The man holding the gun tossed the gun to one of the other guys.
"Ah, um, about that..."
"Shoot, quickly! He's a Butei! We have to surprise him!"
"Why don't you shoot! It's your gun! You surprise him!"
Those students, who hadn't seemed to have fired a gun before, started shouting at each other.
Hey...declaring loudly that you're going to surprise me means that I won't be surprised.
"--Don't throw it around, you should kick it across with your feet. It may be accidentally discharged, you know. Especially this Blackstar, it doesn't even have a safety catch."
Saying this, I finally stopped right in front of the man holding the gun.
But each of the four were handing the weapons to each other, not attacking me.
...What do I do?
Facing these guys, who pose no threat at all, may be I shouldn't go too over the top.
"..."
Helplessly, I grabbed the stock of the Blackstar...inserting my finger into the trigger guard. I used my thumb to press down on the wielder's forefinger, disabling his ability to fire.
Afterward, I twisted the person's wrist outwards, easily stealing the gun from him. Hey...what kind of weak grip is that?
"Ah...I-I'll give that to you. Don't shoot us in the back, alright?"
The guy who was holding the gun in the beginning backed up, and as if at his signal--
The four people suddenly sprinted away at top speed.
Their running speed is their specialty, probably. In the blink of an eye they had disappeared from the end of the park.
...I don't want some cheap piece of crap like this. However, I could only look at the shiny handgun, sighing.
"To-Tohyama-sama..."
Crouching by my side, Konayuki raised her head, looking at me...
*Tap*
And with a movement exactly the same as Shirayuki, she knelt there and bent down.
That back, probably from the weight of her transgressions, was shaking.
"...Pl-please keep this from the Hotogi..."
I thought I was going to be scolded, I didn't expect that she would apologize.
I flicked the safety catch of my Beretta, putting it in my jacket, keeping the Blackstar in my holster.
Afterward, kneeling down on one knee, I lightly patted Konayuki's hair, as soft and smooth as silk.
"Do-don't tell anyone...!"
Tears trickling down her cheeks while looking at me, Konayuki appeared to still be afraid of the night excursion she had just had.
"Alright, I won't tell anyone."
"Re-really...?"
"Really. What happened tonight will only be a secret between us."
Saying these words, the me in Hysteria Mode, as if calming Konayuki down--smiled at her.
Konayuki, seeing me like this...
That face, glittering like snow, went slightly pink, reminiscent of a sakura petal, and she stood there, dazed--after a while, she nodded, wordlessly.
"--This is for you."
I picked up one of the paper bags that Konayuki had dropped.
Konayuki, blushing, stood up, drooping her head, picking up another of her paper bags...following me closely, Konayuki, who had said "Don't you dare get close to me!" this morning, stuck close to me.
...Well, that should be all, right?
I--as if nothing had happened, cast a glance at Shirayuki, who was wearing her miko garments, standing atop one of the utility poles.
That's right.
Shirayuki had already realized that Konayuki had went out at night...protecting her from afar. From the time that Konayuki went into the open cafe...around then, right?
Konayuki had not noticed Shirayuki's presence and she continued to follow me, seeming to be thinking about something.
You have a good Onee-chan, Konayuki.
Meeting my eyes, Shirayuki laughed, embarrassed, and with a feeling of "I'm sorry, Kin-chan."--
-she put her hands together, lightly.
The following morning, a beautiful Onee-chan, who named herself the Hotogi's chauffeur, came to the apartment.
I looked at the door of the dormitory, only to see an amazingly long limousine waiting there.
The Hotogi...are really wealthy.
Already finished with all her preparations to go back, Konayuki handed her luggage, which was a lot bigger, to the chauffeur--and at the door, she knelt on the floor, three fingers outstretched as a sign of respect to Shirayuki and me.
"Thank you for taking care of me during my stay. Tohyama-sama, Onee-sama, goodbye..."
Th-this respectful manner from a Yamato Nadeshiko in Miko garments...I-it's like a picture, after all...
I may not have been in Hysteria Mode any longer, so I turned, returning "Ah, take care too, Konayuki," but I felt that that was a little impolite...so I decided to accompany her to her car.
Exiting the elevator, Konayuki, a little strange, slowed down, approaching my side--
"Tohyama-sama."
Without looking at me, she called my name, cheeks a little red.
"...What is it?"
"...Thank you...very much."
It looks like she still thinks that Shirayuki, walking a little ahead of us, doesn't know about last night--
Her tone, just like when she came, was a little haughty.
But, well, in this area, little kids are pretty cute.
"Also...I have to apologize to you for something."
"Apologize...?"
"My insults against Butei High and all Butei."
"Ah, that."
It's fine if you don't apologize for that.
After all, Butei is a profession that society does not completely understand.
"But, um...last night, my position changed. I may not be able to say that I like it...but I feel that in this society, it may be a necessary job."
"...Is that so. Well, if you're interested, you can come for another tour."
And, I can earn another 0.3 credits.
"Yes. I will come again. Next time it will be truly to 'tour the campus'"
"'Truly'...?"
"Yes. In the end, Onee-sama said that she does not wish to return to the Hotogi--so, I thought about it again. Since that's the case, I can come here to stay with Onee-sama like this--"
Not able to stop my face from twitching, I turned towards Konayuki, who had just said that...And, for the first time, Konayuki smiled at me.
"After this, I'm going to trouble you a lot more, you know. Tohyama-sama."
Yes, that was--
-exactly like a flake of powder snow[4], dancing through the air, that smile was both lovely and cute.
Reload for the NEXT!!!
...*Hyuu Hyuu*...
Lying on the bed of the Butei Hospital, the sound of birds woke me up.
Sitting up, my torso was wearing hospital clothes reminiscent of pajamas. I used my right hand, still injured by the shock-like wounds, to press a button on the remote, turning on the TV. From the words written all over the screen, I knew that today was--August the 22nd.
That battle, almost like a nightmare, was almost a month ago.
(...Today, I leave the hospital...)
My mind still fuzzy, watching the news, I recalled many things.
Returning from I-U alive, we were pulled onto the lifeboat that Shirayuki had deployed...a few hours later, we were sitting on the secret seaplane that Logi used for our rescue mission.
The plane, driven by Muto, took 1 day to return back to the Odaiba area, and I, in a semi-conscious state, was sent by Ambulace to a nearby Butei Hospital.
As for what happened to I-U afterwards...I didn't know, nor did I want to.
--I have no wish to think about that group anymore
After all, they have already lost their leader, and have scattered--
After that, some men, dressed in black suits, declaring themselves from the government, and the teachers from Butei High all gathered in my sickroom, asking me all about what happened in I-U. And leaving one sentence, "We will take care of your rehabilitation. Do not, for any reason, spread any information about this." they departed. Those men were probably armed prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice.
And, Nii-san and Patra--well, as I predicted--vanished from Tokyo.
I may not know where they went, but I hope they are able to live out their days in peace.
And, I...
-must contemplate this. Everything that happened in I-U. I may have said that it was all for my partner, but I was far too reckless with my life.
(Kinji, this won't do, if you keep going on like this...)
Calmed down, no longer under the influence of Hysteria Mode,
If I continue to do things like that, it won't matter how many lives I have.
I can't--play with my life any longer. I have to realize the gravity of Hysteria Mode as well. With that, I can definitely, step by step, walk towards that enjoyable and normal days of a "normal high school student".
--And, these thoughts of mine--
I was discharged from the hospital, taking the first step towards my new life.
Now, Aria has been going out all day because of the things with I-U. Gathering evidence to free her mother, who was falsely charged and imprisoned, or talking about something extremely urgent with her lawyers.
I may say that, but she never even came to visit me once. No, the fact that she, who is able to make me enter Hysteria Mode so easily, didn't come is a good thing--But, it's a little cold.
So, is she taking this chance to strike...?
"Kin-chan, congratulations on being discharged!"
This is my childhood friend--Shirayuki.
I had just walked into the hospital lobby, when Shirayuki, bowed a deep, 90 degree angle bow at me, coming to pick me up.
She raised her head, and her black eyes were hazy...it seems that she had tears in her eyes out of joy, making them wet.
"Ah, aah. Thank you, Shirayuki."
When I was in the hospital, Shirayuki was amazingly kind to me.
Not only did she come to nurse me basically every day, but she really went and made Chinese medicine for me from base herbs and other materials. Not only that, she helped me with my homework. She really has such a generous spirit.
Well...As for her, being able to make a new uniform that was not even 1 millimeter tight or loose without even measuring me, she accidentally erased all Aria's contact details from my phone.
This crowd of coincidental things, upon reflection, made me just a little terrified...I'll find out about that later.
"...Now that I think about it, the herbs that you used to make the Chinese medicine were kept inside a bag from Little Hong Kong, right? Did you go to Odaiba by yourself?"
Hotogi Shrine's young lady - Shirayuki, was forbidden by her clan to step foot outside of the shrine and school.
The Shirayuki from the past would hesitate to do a minor thing like taking a light rail off Butei High, but it appears that, in this aspect, she has grown.
"Ah, mm. I was a little uneasy at first, but I was able to buy the herbs properly. Because, I am Kin-chan's private nurse after all. If it's for Kin-chan, I'm willing to do anything."
Saying that as if she was the luckiest person in the world, Shirayuki used her hands to cover her face, which couldn't stop smiling.
...Private...nurse?
I don't remember anything about having such an arrangement with you...Well, it doesn't really matter.
Besides that, I had already told Shirayuki in advance, "I don't want to hear anything about I-U or the Hidan, don't talk about it."
So, while I was in the hospital, she always looked like she wanted to explain those things, but now, she will completely avoid anything to do with that battle, having a normal conversation with me.
Shirayuki, heeding my words, and I talked about the second semester, walking towards Butei High's dormitories.
And...suddenly seeing the Masters' noticeboard, I stopped in my tracks.
"...!?"
Ah...What!?
I sprinted up to that paper, "Report!" written on it in big red letters, rubbing my eyes, taking another look.
I-I'm not hallucinating. Th-this is...!
Noticing my panic, Shirayuki took a look at the noticeboard as well...she too, widened her eyes with a "!"
"Students with a credit demerit at the deadline of August 20th - Tohyama Kinji - Division (Inquesta) - 1 credit demerit."
Hey...HeyHeyHeyHey...What the hell is this!
I already did the security job at the casino, right!?
Thinking this way, I looked closer, and following the main message was: "Odaiba Golden Pyramidion Security Detail, because business could not proceed at normal efficiency, the credit reward is halved (Fraction rounded up.)
Hey, Hey, Hey...!
I have...1 credit left, if I can't get it within the summer holidays...then won't I have to stay back a grade!
"Ki-Ki-Kin-chan! Yo-your credits! Cr-cr-cre-cr-cr-cr-cre-credits!"
Even more panicked than me, Shirayuki started flailing around...
*Flip!* She flipped open her Butei Handbook.
And, *Shhh*. With a terrifying expression, she used a small pen to write something inside.
"..."
Seeing her write in such a panic and not able to quell this uneasy feeling, I...peeked at her handbook...
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
↓
MUST EARN CREDITS → GO UP A GRADE → GRADUATE → DO BUTEI MISSIONS TOGETHER → MARRY → HAVE CHILDREN → HAVE AROUND 7 OR 8 CHILDREN → ALL OF THEM WILL LOOK LIKE KIN-CHAN-SAMA
For a second, I thought I saw an absolutely horrifying life plan scribbled tightly onto one page, but the words were too tight, so I couldn't make them out clearly.
But, I didn't take another look.
...Pretend you didn't see anything! YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!
*Shhh!* Radiating an aura that suggested that the pen she was holding was about to be snapped in half, she marked something down on the page titled "CREDITS" and "ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY", which incidentally, had flower drawings all over it, *Bang!* Slamming her handbook shut, full of determination...
*Whoosh!* Suddenly standing up straight, she spun around, facing me.
Wh-what is it.
"Ki-Kin-chan! We still have 10 days left till the Summer holiday ends! Let's think of something to get 1 credit!"
"Ah, that's right. If I don't, things will get really troublesome."
Shirayuki faced me, who was brushing the cold sweat off my forehead, and she held her first up, flashing an expression that said "Go for it!"
"I-I will do all in my power to assist! For the sake of becoming a famil...ah, um, going up a grade!"
You...how did you manage to mix up becoming a family and going up a grade? None of the characters are the same...
But, first, let's ignore what I didn't see clearly just now, an honor student will definitely be very reliable. After all, this is a dangerous situation that is far more serious than the situation with I-U, in a certain way.
So, we were going to go and look around Informa to find a quest boost, even if it took us all night...however, all the Inquesta credit missions that we found required a professional Butei.
(...This is really, really bad...)
Shirayuki and I, deciding to continue searching at my computer at home, returned to the boy's dormitories.
--We didn't know that waiting for us at home, would be an even bigger problem.
"...?"
Under the fluorescent lighting, that back, waiting for us in front of the door to our apartment, was--
On her back was a bundle with the pentagram symbol of her house on it. Her hand was holding a red, oilskin parasol, and she had black hair, going down to her shoulders...another...Shirayuki?
No, it was a girl wearing Miko garments slightly smaller than Shirayuki's, standing there.
"So, it looks like my feeling of unease has been confirmed."
*Whoosh*
Spinning around, that girl...glared at us.
That neat, tidy fringe may be the same as Shirayuki's, but the eyes underneath were reminiscent of a fox.
From the looks of it, she knows us...but, who is she?
"Konayuki!?"
Next to me, who was extremely confused, Shirayuki suddenly shouted in surprise.
"Kona...yuki?"
Konayuki!? It's the person from Hotogi Shrine, Shirayuki's--sister!
Relying on the memories from when I was small, I slowly thought back to Shirayuki's six sisters.
Kiriyuki, Hanayuki, Kazayuki...because Shirayuki's sisters all look like her, the only way of differentiating one from another is through their ages. However, only Konayuki is a 'different' one--she is Shirayuki's step-sister so both her looks and her behaviour was different from Shirayuki.
I remembered that she would always stick to her Onee-chan, always jumping onto Shirayuki's back and being brought everywhere, giving off the impression that Shirayuki was carrying a little monster.
"...Konayuki! Ah, you've grown so big. From what I remember, you're 2 years younger than Shirayuki. You're in your 3rd year of middle school, right?"
Just as I greeted her as if I was an uncle that was close to her family....
Konayuki ignored me, *Shh*, grabbing hold of Shirayuki's arm.
"Onee-chan, as I predicted in my 'Taku[1]'--has been tricked by this demonic Butei - Tohyama-sama in this evil Butei High!"
--"Taku"
Hearing this, still slightly shocked from our meeting, I vaguely remembered the rumoured divination method of the Hotogi's.
The divination of Hotogi Miko, has a "Sen[2]" that is the aim of divination, and the sudden realization of prediction that is "Taku"
From what I remember...the contents of "Taku" are not strictly limited to what one wants to know in "Sen", this is the divination technique that those Miko below 15 years old use.
*Whoosh!* Staring at me, Konayuki went on to look up at Shirayuki from contact distance.
"Walking with a boy so late, Onee-sama is unclean! Onee-sama, so pure that she is an example for any Hotogi Miko...is with a boy! So late at night!"
She started her long lecture.
Eh...glancing at Shirayuki, seeing her cower before her little sister, I checked my watch.
Right now it's 9:00.
"It's fine, right? Just going out..."
I looked at my watch, trying to speak.
"Ho-how shameless can you be...! Tohyama-sama is unclean!"
What's that supposed to mean! Konayuki didn't even give me time to speak, and with a *Pa* she pointed her finger straight at me.
"Onee-sama's curfew is 5:00! And by 8:00, she has to be asleep! These are the rules of the Hotogi!"
5:00? In modern times, even elementary school students don't go back by then, right?
But, I still had no chance to say anything--Konayuki fished out the keycard from Shirayuki's shirt pocket, opening the door to my room.
"Alright, alright, Onee-sama, don't listen to those ravings of that fallen boy! Come in quickly, and take a bath, you have to be cleansed. There's no need to pay attention to anything else right now, let me wash your back!"
Konayuki pushed Shirayuki, who had an extremely bewildered expression on her face, into the room, turning her head while closing the door.
She stuck her tongue out at me, who hadn't said a thing.
"--may you be cursed by the nail-studded ox!"
Tossing that sentence at me, *Bang!*
As if trying to blast the door off its hinges, she slammed it, *Click*, I heard the sound of a lock clicking from inside.
"Ah, this...this is my room..."
So, all that was left was one pitiful boy locked out of his own house.
No, well, I have my own keycard, so I can enter...
But they said that they were going to go in the bath, so all I can do is go down to the convenience store and read manga. I felt bad about just standing there and reading, so I bought one and returned to the dormitory.
...Why is it that I feel that this has happened before? Well, whatever.
But now that I think about it...let's exclude personality for now, Konayuki really has become beautiful.
The Konayuki in my memory was but a child, but now, she has already grown to become a very beautiful girl. If I had to say it, she has a bit of a proud air...the thing that Aria has so much expertise in. However, when she was small, she was very pretty as well, it's natural that she would grow to be such a beautiful person.
Usually, anyone who are hostile to me would instantly make Shirayuki go ballistic. It was a great trouble stopping her every time that happens, yet the Shirayuki a while ago, rebuked by Konayuki, was extremely obedient, as if she was some sort of child that had been caught doing something wrong.
That scene really confused me as to who was the older sister, and the younger sister.
Well, in front of those with the "Hotogi" name--Shirayuki still hasn't changed her habit of acting like a good girl. Well, if Shirayuki could be more gracious normally, that would be good. In terms of safety.
I returned to my own house...Uu. It might be because two girls had just bathed, but the inside of the room was filled with the fragrance of soap and shampoo, that kind of feminine scent. I can't take it.
Alright, it appears that they've bathed already. The lights are on in the living room, after all.
I don't really want to act like this, looking like I'm peeping, but if they're still changing, then it'll be trouble. So, I followed the unspoken rule that Butei must understand the enemy, and stealthily scanned the scene in the living room.
...They've already changed.
And, those are Hotogi robes, right?--they were wearing the same Miko garments.
Apparently having bathed with her sister in the cramped bathroom in my apartment, Shirayuki seemed a lot more graceful than usual...she was using a comb to fix Konayuki's fringe.
Sitting up straight as well, Konayuki was making an expression as if it were spring.
As I looked upon it, I thought that it was a cozy scene that would make anybody want to take a photo of it.
"Just now, at the last, Konayuki helped me wash, right? That's the opposite of when we were little."
"No, there's no need to thank me. Being able to help Onee-sama is something very fortunate for me. Thank you for the meal."
"Meal...?"
"Ah, um...about that, Onee-sama. Everyday I will make good things for you to eat--so please return to the Hotogi. If Konayuki doesn't see Onee-sama, she is very, very lonely."
Hurriedly changing the subject, Konayuki was making Shirayuki feel a little embarrassed. "And just like before, we can worship together, and we can do Kagura together, hand in hand, you can teach me about that dance, the attraction within it indescribable with words. As sisters, we can eat together, sleep together...ahh, once I think about Onee-sama's expressions during that time, Konayuki will...ah, I can buy you a lot of digital cameras. Any model you want."
Propping her cheeks with her fingers, Konayuki said some incomprehensible words in a very moving tone.
I may not be too clear, but in front of her most favorite big sister, her brain seems to be full of flowers.
"I'm not the only one. All our sisters really miss Onee-sama as well. The little ones, because they miss you so much, will sometimes stay awake half the night, crying."
"I-I see..."
The more she heard Konayuki's words, Shirayuki's eyes, a little drooped normally, drooped even further.
And seeing Shirayuki's anguished expression...
Her completely red, Konayuki's round eyes trembled, mouth half open--a face filled with moe. That's how Riko would put it.
Exactly like a cat with silvervine in front of its eyes.
Using my lip reading, what I deciphered from those lips, moving soundlessly was "Aah, so cute, so cute, so cute." And, she was saying this countless times. Hey, what kind of thing are you saying about your Onee-san, who is older than you? It's...terrifying.
Konayuki's fingers were constantly wiggling, almost as if she couldn't calm them down, it made me think for a second that behind her she had a wolf's tail...
Knowing by instinct that there was an extreme amount of danger approaching Shirayuki, I--
"...Sorry for interrupting."
-walked into the living room.
I had just come in when, *Whoosh!*, Konayuki's eyes, just below her fringe, stared at me.
That was obviously an expression which meant, "Don't interrupt."
And, Hmph.
She turned her head to one side.
"--Please come in. However, I'm only letting you in under special conditions."
"'Special'...? This is my apartment..."
"It's only because Onee-sama's instructions that I couldn't help but let you in."
"No, I'm saying that this is my..."
"'After they turn 7 years old, boys and girls should not reside in the same room'!"
*Shh*
Looking at Shirayuki, sitting up straight, her back towards me, Shirayuki pressed her hands together in a Gassho, which meant "I'm sorry, Kin-chan."
Now that you mention it...Hotogi Shrine is a shrine that is extremely stern about its forbiddance of men. So, the Miko there, except for the men in the Tohyama family, who were let in for some unknown reason, have never really seen any men.
So, Shirayuki and the other Miko girls were quite scared when they had seen the me as a child. However, at that point, we were all children, so we became friends very quickly. However, in the end, Konayuki was the only one who hid in a corner, watching Nii-san and me...I've never seen her smile before.
Putting it simply, she probably hates men. Exactly the opposite of me, who hates women.
As if proving this theory, Konayuki, switching on the TV, continually flashed through the programs...looking for a series with only women in it.
...That's quite some commitment.
Should I avoid the other gender with the same commitment as her?
From the other side, Shirayuki brought a small teapot over from the kitchen.
"Kin-chan, we have rice crackers. It's a present that Konayuki brought."
Saying that, she sat next to the glass table.
Noticing that she had something else she wanted to say, I folded my legs as well, sitting by the table.
Drinking the Japanese tea that Shirayuki had made, I started eating the crispy southern rice crackers...However, feeling the killing intent that Konayuki was emitting behind me, I could not stay still at all.
"You know, Kin-chan. I found a job where you can earn 0.3 credits in half a day."
*Crack* Breaking the rice crackers into smaller pieces for ease of eating, Shirayuki said, smiling.
"--Really?"
"Un. I already called Masters to ask, these credits will be recognized for any division."
"Th-there's some kind of nice job like that?...What's it about?"
"Accepting a commission from a hopeful applicant, bring Konayuki to Butei High to 'tour the campus.'"
Bring Konayuki to tour the campus...
"Konayuki. Could it be that you're getting ready to enroll into Butei High?"
"Wrong. I hate schools like Butei High with all my heart. After all, this is the place which made Onee-sama leave Hotogi."
Avidly staring at the shopping scene on the TV series, Konayuki said, her back still facing this way.
Which means, bringing Konayuki to see the school...An unwilling client?
Konayuki, at that moment, seemed to be totally engrossed with the shopping mall on the TV, and she fell silent.
"Kin-chan, um..."
Glancing at Konayuki, who was still fixated on the screen, Shirayuki whispered to me,
"Konayuki is here to send a message from Hotogi...and if possible, to bring me back to Hotogi. So what kind of place Butei High is, what kind of job a Butei is...if we don't find a way to make her think that this isn't an evil place...I-I'm sorry, Kin-chan. I can't believe I'm dragging you into my personal matters."
Shirayuki put her hands together, apologizing to me.
Mm...which means, this commission will help Shirayuki?
She took care of me a lot while I was in the hospital. If I can repay her like this, it'll be killing two birds with one stone.
"...Then, I'll do it. Tomorrow morning, is that fine?"
"Yes. Because this--is Onee-sama's order. As long it is Onee-sama's order, I will hear and obey. For the sake of Onee-sama, I will do anything Ki,KiKi..."
...?
KiKi?
"KiKikiKi, ki...!"
I looked at Konayuki, since it appeared that there was something wrong with her, and I saw the appearance of a man in the series on the TV across from her.
And, it was a kissing scene with the female protagonist.
"--Ki!"
*Crack!* Konayuki smashed the TV remote as if she was trying to break it, turning off the TV. Her face was so red that it looked like it was bleeding, and she threw the remote, hitting me straight in the face.
"I-I-I-I-I-Impure! Unclean! I have to cleanse the infection!"
Shouting out "Ki" for some inexplicable reason and getting hit in the face for no reason at all, I...
-had a pained feeling that this job was not going to go well.
--Butei High's facilities were extremely plentiful.
After all, this artificial island, originally meant to be an additional runway for Haneda airport is very wide. Not only that, but this island received investments from the Butei Hall and the Butei Public Commission.
So, the fact that students can use facilities according to their choice and division is one of the good things about this place. For example, a 15 year old Logi student can take an exam for a driving license for normal cars, and Informa and Connect are constantly supplied with the latest technology in terms of computers and cellphones.
Therefore, the students of Butei High have large amounts of interest in this area.
However...
The morning of the following day, following us to look around, Konayuki had been in a very bad mood the whole time.
Aside from Supernatural Searching Research, the division that Shirayuki belonged in, she displayed absolute no interest, saying nearly nothing in all other classes. It looks like having to look around with me=man as a guide, made her very unhappy.
However, I hated this job as well. After all, I have to walk around the school alone with a girl.
And, she's wearing a sweater from a summer uniform that was obviously not from Butei High. Could she be any more conspicuous?
With this, "Lady-killer Kinji has gotten another girl again"...that kind of rumor, which I never wanted to hear again as long as I lived, would definitely appear again.
Now that I think about it...walking together with a girl, I, not willing to talk, suddenly thought about Shirayuki who had excused herself because of some Student Council work.
(...Now that I think about it, Riko calls Shirayuki, "Yuki-chan". So, if she comes across Konayuki, she'll definitely give her a nickname...so troublesome...she'd call her something like, "Kona-chan", right?)
Thinking about that amazingly petty subject, I...
-brought Konayuki to the last division--my old haunt, Assault.
Over here, I have to pay attention. Because, the Boy:Girl ratio is simply...too high.
"Konayuki. Watch your step, over here. If you're used to it, you'll pay attention to all your steps, because over here, there are bullet casings scattered everywhere...Therefore, out of all those students that come over here to observe, several always fall down."
Having said this, we strode into the training facility, just like a black gym--
-suddenly, *Rumble! Thud!* "Die!" "Go to hell!" Around 5 freshmen, wearing the light Armament Set A, were sparring with melee weapons.
It looks like they were fighting for real over an idol swimsuit photo.
Really...this really fits this place, where outside of strength, there are no good points;Assault(Suicide Squad).
*Whoosh* Glancing at Konayuki, who was next to me, it was as I had thought. She was staring at the boys, frowning.
As if seeing filth in front of her, she looked like she was sick to her stomach.
"Th-that's also one aspect of sparring."
I hurriedly pushed Konayuki's back, quickly passing by those guys, who had started a team battle.
Right now it's the summer holidays, therefore, there aren't many people on campus.
Therefore, the introduction of every classroom has been going very well. As if walking into a movie set, we walked into the exercise room, where there were several moving puppets as targets. In the classroom, I explained the basics of firing and trajectory, and in the actual firing range, I demonstrated live fire.
But, Konayuki did not react at all.
From the beginning, she had been radiating an aura which was full of apathy.
In fact, she seemed to be even more angry than we had entered Assault's main building.
"...With all that...the tour of the campus is over. Is there somewhere else you would like to go?"
Making sure I didn't trip over any casings while making my way to the corridor, I asked Konayuki a question. She shook her head.
"No. This is enough."
And, she pursed those sakura colored lips.
"--Because, I already understand completely. I understand how barbaric Butei High is, now."
"Ba-barbaric?...What about Inquesta and Informa, they're pretty peaceful, right?"
"Wrong. They are all birds of a feather. Anyways, the idea of being paid to use force is something abhorrent to me. I cannot tolerate--Onee-sama, who should be keeping herself pure, to stay here."
Konayuki insulted Butei High, fuming.
Well...normal civilians having this kind of attitude against Butei is a normal occurrence.
This tour was also meant to, for the sake of Shirayuki, who doesn't want to go back to Hotogi, improve Konayuki's impression of Butei High. However, I fear that it actually had the opposite effect.
Normally, I would agree with her, but I guess I should defend this place a little.
"Just think about it a little, Konayuki. You should look at this in another light, as well. Those with fair amounts of money and a problem to solve are continuing to increase, in Japan. Incidences with serial/street killers, assault, murder, stalkers, and theft are continually increasing, and there simply is not enough manpower in the police. Therefore, society needs Butei--"
"The one who should look at this another way is Tohyama-sama!"
Repeating the reasoning of the teachers, I was suddenly interrupted by Konayuki about halfway through.
"Making demands about the result of doing stupid things like that and putting yourself in danger, they have a responsibility too. At least, there's no way that I would let myself have that kind of problem. As long as you don't go anywhere dangerous, there's no need to start throwing money around."
"...It's inevitable, you know. The motives of some offenders are inexplicable."
Konayuki seemed to have been aggravated by my counterpoint--
"That kind of thing doesn't matter! In short, I hate Butei High with all my hate, I hate Butei with all my heart! It's because of Butei High that Onee-sama left Hotogi--I understand--Onee-sama has been tricked by Tohyama-sama, so she doesn't want to go back!"
-spouting out some childish reason, Konayuki pointed her finger at me.
(Ah, ahh...so that's how it is.)
...Konayuki has reached her boiling point.
Her most loved elder sister--Shirayuki went to Tokyo, but because she doesn't want to direct her anger at Shirayuki, so she redirected the brunt of her anger towards Butei High and Butei, the "recipient."
The way she was being so unreasonable made me a little angry...but she's my client, and a child. If I get angry over what a child says, then I fail as a man.
So, I'll take the higher ground as an adult, and let her rant on.
"Well, let's not talk about Shirayuki right now...about Butei, it is as Konayuki says. If nobody gets into trouble, that would be the best solution. That should be it--let's go back. Did you forget anything?"
Hearing me say this, an expression which conveyed her willingness to argue flashed over Konayuki's face, and she shrugged, showing off a posture which said, "Do you plan to run? Give me all you've got."...
However, I ignored it, turning around.
"The exit is over there. I'll warn you once more, watch your step. If you fall down after stepping on some empty casings, you'll have to go tour Medica."
"Fine...then, Tohyama-sama. Because the job is over, I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Actually, I found out something through the 'Taku' about Tohyama-sama. As a Hotogi Miko, I have a necessary responsibility to tell the parties involved within a day--therefore, though it's a little sudden, I am going to tell you now."
Hearing that Konayuki was extremely unhappy, I turned around.
"'Taku'...? Aah, divination, huh? What is it? If it's something terrifying, there's no need to say it."
"No. It's a good omen."
Seeming to be a little embarrassed about saying it, Konayuki's eyes darted away--
"Tohyama-sama will be proposed to. This month."
Pro...Proposed to?
Proposal...? Yo-you...this is too sudden. Anyways...
"B-by whom?"
In my mind, the face of 2~3 girls who could possibly do this suddenly appeared.
"I don't know. However, there's not even the slightest chance that it is Onee-sama. That, I can guarantee."
One face disappeared from my mind.
"Don't know...You...are really irresponsible. No, before that, there's another problem. By law, men cannot be married before they're 18 years old. Your 'Taku' must be wrong."
"...Wrong? A-are you saying I'm stupid!"
As I laughed, Konayuki, just like before, started going hysterical, approaching me.
"My 'Taku' might not be able to match Onee-sama's 'Sen'--but it's correct as well! It could be recorded and sent to the Prime Minister! I went through all the trouble of telling you...and yet, you suspect me? I won't forgive you!"
Her eyebrows raised so high that they looked as sharp as a knife, Konayuki reached into the waist of her sweater.
From that movement, I understood...That's probably the sheathe for a tanto.
It looks like for Hotogi Miko, doubting their divination is extremely serious.
"Ah, hey, Konayuki. Don't be so angry. Ah, watch your step--"
However, my warning was late by a second.
Konayuki, stepping on what appeared to be a .50 Magnum casing--
"--Uwaah!"
One of her legs was thrown back violently, and she fell this way.
--Danger--
I can't let there be an accident with that tanto--!
I immediately stretched out my right hand in order to hold the hilt of the tanto that Konayuki was drawing from below...*Thump!*
Our two bodies twisted together, both of us fell to the floor.
Our position was such that Konayuki was below me, but I had managed to wrap my left arm around Konayuki's waist, so I managed to manipulate our position such that my iron head was the one that impacted the floor, keeping my client from being hurt.
I rubbed my head, which had gone fuzzy from the impact, raising my torso...my hand was holding the gold-patterned sheathe of the tanto that Konayuki carried next to her body,
"...!"
Holding the tanto, preventing an accident went well, but, my eyes--
Th-this...another accident happened...!
My hand--was raised such that I was pulling off Konayuki's summer sweater and shirt with the tanto...showing off that gold pattern on the sheath for all to see!
And unexpectedly, underneath the white themed clothing that Konayuki was wearing, I saw that she was wearing pink underwear with green embroidering.
"!"
I closed my eyes in panic, standing up, getting away from Konayuki's body.
Ca-calm down, Kinji...don't go into hysterics...!
Didn't you just reaffirm the gravity of Hysteria Mode? Anyways, if I go into that mode in front of a pure middle school student like that--it'll definitely be a trauma that will never fade!
I forced myself to start breathing deeply, calming my heart down.
It...It looks like...I'm fine.
It looks like, the fact that the girl in question was 3 years younger used up one of my nine lives.
I have no interest in people that are younger than me. That's the reason I can't become hysteric over Hiraga-san.
"......"
Because Konayuki, below me, was abnormally silent, worried, I cracked open my eyelids, seeing if she was alright...
Konayuki, *Pa*
Still in the same position as when she had fallen down, she had completely frozen.
Her eyes were extremely wide, not even blinking.
Those jet black eyes had completely lost all light, almost as if they had been stained by some sort of steam.
Because she was so still, just like a wax model...I found it very hard to speak.
So, I watched in silence...*Pa*
Wow. She moved.
*Pa, PaPa!*
As if she had been shocked with the current of an AED, Konayuki's body started twitching.
But, those widely opened eyes started to stare at empty space.
Sca...So scary!
"...Ah, this...I'll say this in advance, this is because I was keeping hold of your knife..."
To explain, I have to give advance warning.
Thinking of my father's motto, I spoke while retreating a few steps, in the face of this chilling situation.
"--!"
Konayuki, *Pa!*
her two legs shooting upwards, she wrapped her arms around her knees, rolling backwards.
And, *Roll Roll Roll Roll*, seeming to be running away, just like an armadillo (?), she rolled to the far side of the corridor. In short, she was putting distance between her and me.
*Thud!* Smashing her head against the other wall of the corridor with a sound that the whole building could hear, Konayuki became dizzy for a moment...then she stood up.
"To-To-Tohyama-sama is the worst! The worst, the most unclean! I understand completely, now! Being treated so barbarically by Tohyama-sama, I understand completely! As I thought, Butei are poisonous, Butei High is a den of demons! I'm going to report to Hotogi, and plead for Onee-sama's immediate return!"
20 meters away from me, Konayuki drew her tanto and waving it around, she started shouting.
Looking on from afar, that summer sweater as well as her shirt had been smoothed over at some unknown point in time.
"Do-don't you dare get close to me! If you come closer, I'll impale you! I will impale you, and at night I'll curse you! I'll stab 5-inch nails into random places on a straw doll! I'll use an industrial nail gun!"
...Isn't impaling me before making a scarecrow the wrong way around...
But, having heard that the straw dolls of the Hotogi could really curse somebody to death, I started nodding my head non-stop, expressing my understanding.
--I'm sorry, Shirayuki. You might really be taken back to the Hotogi.
(It looks like on Earth, there's no such thing as an easy job...)
Thinking this, having completed the 'tour the campus' mission, I used a mail to send a short report to Masters...and using the computer, I started searching for my next job.
In other news: After Konayuki came back, she took at least 10 baths.
"Don't use so much water, water isn't free, you know"--I had walked in and complained for the 5th time, but I immediately heard things like, "This is necessary for the sake of cleansing the taint of Tohyama-sama's impurity! Tohyama-sama, face the consequences for your own actions!" being shouted out in a shrill voice, coming from the bathroom. Am I a cursed item or something?
Whatever, she's going back to the Hotogi tomorrow, anyways, I'll just let her do as she likes.
"Kin-chan, Konayuki. I'm back. I'm sorry for being late."
And at one of those times, Shirayuki, bringing many ingredients for dinner, came back.
"Onee-sama, welcome back!"
Clothing herself with her Miko garments once again, covering her skin, which was shining from being cleaned so much, Konayuki, just like a guided stinger, flew into Shirayuki's arms.
And burying her face deep into Shirayuki's chest, she smiled happily at Shirayuki from between her breasts. That was a super, super, super happy smile. Despite the fact that when she hadn't smiled even once when we had spent the whole day together. (Anyways, that split personality...where have I seen that before...?)
As I thought about it, Shirayuki's--attitude switch towards Aria/me came to mind.
Shirayuki and Konayuki are very close sisters, yet, they are distant relatives. As I thought, bloodlines are terrifying.
And Shirayuki said, "Really, Konayuki sticks to Onee-chan too much," gently stroking Konayuki's head...Shirayuki, be careful. I have yet to know of any evidence of that kind of determination, but Konayuki's passion far exceeds the normal sister-love that little sisters have when they stick to their elder sisters.
No, well, love comes in different forms, I don't mean to discriminate.
But anyways, I shouldn't think about it too closely. It's dangerous. In terms of Hysteria Mode.
I've changed--I've gone into Hysteria Mode.
But, it's not because I was thinking of the relationship between the Hotogi sisters.
...This is how things went.
First, because, tired of hearing Konayuki rant on about how not sleeping at 8:00 was impure...I, with nothing else I could do, went to go lie down on the bottom bunk of the bunk bed in the bedroom, trying to fall asleep.
"--That's why...Onee-sama...Can you not give Tohyama-sama up? After all, Kanzaki Aria will sooner or later, because of the scarlet...die...since we already know it...!" "...Be careful, Konayuki. There are things that can and cannot be said...about her death...I...didn't look forward to it...at all...rather..." "...rather...I've said too much. But...--No matter what, the Hidan will fall--"
Drifting in and out of sleep, I wasn't able to hear the entire content of their conversation, but the sisters seemed to be arguing...but they made up very quickly...in the end, the sisters, close again, entered the bedroom, sleeping on the top bunk.
Ah, stuck sleeping in that cramped bed, I feel sorry for Shirayuki, as I drifted back into sleep, thinking those things...around 9:00 at night...
I dreamed of the situation where I had pushed Konayuki in Assault.
At that time, I had closed my eyes immediately, but the memory was still terrifying.
And, I don't know why, but Konayuki, who I had pushed, was Shirayuki, in my dream.
And she was still wearing those extremely sexy black underwear.
--So, I struck out.
But the fortune within the misfortune was, this was something I had separated into "Dream Hysteria"--One could say that is the safe kind of Hysteria Mode.
If I had to explain, when I'm sleeping, I'm just lying there with no girls in front of me, after all. Which means, as long as I stay still for a while, it can "fade". It's that kind of Hysteria Mode.
So, I hugged my arms to myself, and curling up my head, which had, rather pointlessly, become intelligent, I closed my eyes.
Dreams--at times, things that cause stress in the subconscoius will be pulled in, and they will materialize in the conscious--
Then, what's the meaning of this dream?
Even if it's my mind in Hysteria Mode, solving this question is very difficult.
(...)
Afterward, I noticed a problem.
A problem that made me get serious.
Shirayuki may be sleeping soundly--
-But Konayuki is gone.
I can't hear any sign of her, nor can I hear her breathing.
It appears that, while I was dreaming, she disappeared from the top bunk.
I want to avoid moving while I'm in Hysteria Mode, but right now, my first priority is the safety of women. Where the hell did she go?
As her senior, I should go look for her, right--?
So, I...just like a spy, I got up, not making a sound.
I had just gone to look, when I found Konayuki.
Well, more like, she was at home the whole time.
Originally, this was a 4-person apartment, so, outside of the living room and bedroom, there are 4 small rooms, each meant for one person. One is my room, the other was occupied by Aria, who took it for her own, and the rest are empty.
And in one of those, I felt what should be Konayuki's breathing.
(...?)
I had no wish to do something like spying on a girl...but, Konayuki, so vehement that we should sleep early, moving secretly at night...It could be something that she couldn't tell us. I apologized to her in my heart, and with that, I approached the room, straining my ears.
"...I-I have to gather my courage. Tonight...is the only chance! Go for it!"
From inside, the sound of Konayuki steeling herself reached my ears.
Those footsteps were approaching the door. It appears that she was about to leave.
I used the sneaking technique that I had learned in Assault to kill all sound that might come from my feet, and I moved to the other empty room.
Spying at the corridor through the keyhole...
(...Haha...)
In my heart, I couldn't help but laugh.
Stealthily walking out of the little room, Konayuki had dressed up.
A fashionable layered skirt. A slightly adult short-sleeved jacket with a U collar and a short tank top. She was also wearing a mesh belt with a large buckle.
All this...If she were a little taller, it would be exactly the same as the coordinated sets that one sees in fashion magazines aimed at high school girls.
With unspeakably horrible footsteps, tiptoeing through the corridor, Konayuki accidentally fell backwards, right on her backside. *Thump*, emitting a noise, her face, which had had makeup applied, looked towards the bedroom in panic.
Afterward, lowering her breathing, waiting for a moment, once again, she started moving, almost like crawling...
Held in her hands were a pair of corsage sandals, also in fashion--
*Click*
Opening the door softly, she left the apartment.
Putting on my school uniform swiftly, I used the tailing techniques that I had learned from Inquesta to follow Konayuki.
Exhibiting a helpless look, needing to even ask a passing Butei High girl how to buy a ticket, Konayuki finally got on the monorail.
Making sure she didn't notice me, I followed from behind...reaching Odaiba, Konayuki opened up a town guide, completely covered with paper notes, hurriedly walking towards the streets.
Looking from the shadows, I saw that Konayuki was happily watching a shining VenusFort--a shopping mall aimed at women.
And those eyes seemed to be lost in the neon lights.
(Aah...)
I understand.
Konayuki wants to go shopping.
Hotogi Mikos are only allowed to stay at the shrine and the school. Which means, they live an existence as a "Caged Bird" under the restrictions of their clan.
Shirayuki is afraid of the outside world, but Konayuki, who has a different personality, actually yearns for it.
While watching TV, she was also watching a series that was set in a shopping mall.
("Tonight is the only chance", huh...)
Normally, Konayuki firmly sticks to the traditions of the Hotogi Miko.
But sometimes, she wants to go to shopping to relax, right?
I may have understood her goals, so going back would be fine--but she's still a middle school student, and what's more, she's a caged bird that has been sealed in Hotogi up till now.
So, I guess I'll be her bodyguard from her shadows for a while. Just in case.
Konayuki, as if walking into a kingdom of dreams and fantasy, quickly started shopping around VenusFort, which was approaching night, in order to alleviate her rising stress.
Maybe it's because it's her first time in a mall, or maybe it's because she took advantage of the opportunity to buy an exquisite music box...but the number of shopping bags slung over those slender arms continued to mount. Hotogi is a pretty wealthy shrine after all, so it looks like Konayuki's budget is pretty big.
Department stores, shoe stores, and boutiques. Carefully choosing only those stores with female assistants, Konayuki, surrounded by the beautiful female assistants, was applying blush to her cheeks--laughing happily, from her heart.
The amount of spending she's doing is very worrying for a middle school student...but there's no way I could break that smile, that smile she had after fulfilling her dream of so many years.
For now, I will watch from afar, keeping her from danger.
Her hands finally starting to tire under the weight of the massive amount of paper bags, each of them colored differently, Konayuki...
-seeming to want to rest, she entered a small, yet beautifully decorated, outdoor coffee terrace.
I followed Konayuki, just ordering black coffee, continuing to watch over her.
Watching from the shadows of the decorative plants, I saw Konayuki's eyes, behind a sundae, which looked like a miniature castle, sparkle...Taking big bites of it, she smiled, full of joy...patting her cheeks.
Haha. She's really cute.
Although she's so firm all the time, seeing this scene, I could only conclude that, in the end, she was just a middle school student.
Glancing at Konayuki, who took a picture of the sundae with her cellphone, seeming to want to have a memory of it, I folded my legs softly, enjoying the taste of the Costa Rica coffee under the night sky.
Glancing at the watch on the inside of her wrist every few seconds, Konayuki left VenusFort.
It looks like she's preparing to take the last train back.
Judging from the direction she was going, she was probably going to take the route by the Statue of Liberty, going around Hotel Nikko to get to Odaiba station. If that's the case then I have to be careful. That street doesn't have many people on it.
--At that moment, the fall Tokyo night breeze, a little early, washed over us, bringing a chill with it.
Her black hair, draped over her shoulders, fluttering in the midst of the wind, which was tinted with the scent of the sea...standing there, Konayuki stared at the night view of Tokyo, which was glowing under the shining illumination of the moon, an expression which showed how sad she was to leave.
Just now, I had just thought she was a child...
But like this, standing at the end of the street under the night sky, she looks more grown up.
Konayuki is an amazingly beautiful girl, if she grows up, she will definitely become a Yamato Nadeshiko the likes of Shirayuki.
Looking at that figure, feeling as if I had seen it before, I felt as if seeing this had been somehow...good for me.
"Good evening, you've bought quite a lot of things."
From the park, a few young men sauntered towards Konayuki.
"Oh? Could it be that you're by yourself? It's a shame, you're so cute."
All dressed like hippies, the boys smiled, forming a ring around Konayuki, who was backing up.
From their appearance...they appear to be university students. There are...four, huh?
"Ooh, a bag from Max&Co. And an LV Damir leather belt, could it be that you're an ojou-sama[3]?"
"Lucky! Could we borrow some money?"
"Why don't you give yourself to us as well?"
Ahaha! The men burst into laughter, slowly closing the circle around Konayuki.
Konayuki--looked left and right determinedly, and she looked back as well--but there was no escape, she could just stand there, not able to move.
"Pl-please leave. Hotogi Miko will not submit to the persuasion of filthy thugs!"
*Whoosh!* Seeing Konayuki raise her eyebrows, staring at them, those university students, smiling all over--
-suddenly changed their attitude.
"Haa?"
"Are you speaking Japanese, you brat!"
"I'll strip you down!"
A pistol--
Seeing one of them take it out of their pants pocket, I felt a light headache coming on.
Recently, even these kinds of people, who can't even make it as gangsters, will suddenly start waving those all around.
That's a Blackstar. It's an imitation of the TT3-Tokarev of the former Soviet Union, a low-quality gun of Chinese make.
"...!"
The paper bags fell from Konayuki's arms, and for a second, she seemed to be grasping for something within her chest...but the tanto from this afternoon was not in those clothes.
Seeing the other three people draw their tasers or knives, Konayuki's determined look disappeared, and she crouched down...
"...O...Onee-sama...save me..."
Ah-ah.
She's crying.
I can't help it. Looks like it's time for me to take action.
"--Hey, you guys. If you want money, then get a job."
Putting the little money I had to one side, I showed myself.
Hearing my voice and turning her head, Konayuki widened her eyes, which were full of tears, well, I'll explain later.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, brat! Get out of here!"
Looking at the delinquent, who had swiveled around and pointed his gun at me after noticing me, I chuckled in response.
I may have brought my gun, but if I draw it against these small fries, I would be shaming my Beretta.
So, I'll use words to try and solve this.
"--3.2%"
"Haa?"
"Total amateurs. At 9.5 meters--this is the distance between us right now, that is the probability that you will hit me. As I've seen, you guys are pretty excited, but that will just decrease the chance even more."
Hearing my words, the other three also turned to face me. Oooh, he's pointing his gun at me. Be still, my terrified heart.
Well, this level of fear can't even be compared to Tsuduri-sensei...it isn't even 1% of the fear aura that Ranbyou-sensei emanates.
"Who are you, you brat..."
"I am a student at Butei High."
Indicating the direction of the school with my head, I walked towards the delinquents nonchalantly, as if they weren't pointing weapons at me.
Whether it's a bad or good reputation, Butei High is pretty famous.
"Ah, hey. Shoot him. You've shot someone before, right?"
The man holding the gun tossed the gun to one of the other guys.
"Ah, um, about that..."
"Shoot, quickly! He's a Butei! We have to surprise him!"
"Why don't you shoot! It's your gun! You surprise him!"
Those students, who hadn't seemed to have fired a gun before, started shouting at each other.
Hey...declaring loudly that you're going to surprise me means that I won't be surprised.
"--Don't throw it around, you should kick it across with your feet. It may be accidentally discharged, you know. Especially this Blackstar, it doesn't even have a safety catch."
Saying this, I finally stopped right in front of the man holding the gun.
But each of the four were handing the weapons to each other, not attacking me.
...What do I do?
Facing these guys, who pose no threat at all, may be I shouldn't go too over the top.
"..."
Helplessly, I grabbed the stock of the Blackstar...inserting my finger into the trigger guard. I used my thumb to press down on the wielder's forefinger, disabling his ability to fire.
Afterward, I twisted the person's wrist outwards, easily stealing the gun from him. Hey...what kind of weak grip is that?
"Ah...I-I'll give that to you. Don't shoot us in the back, alright?"
The guy who was holding the gun in the beginning backed up, and as if at his signal--
The four people suddenly sprinted away at top speed.
Their running speed is their specialty, probably. In the blink of an eye they had disappeared from the end of the park.
...I don't want some cheap piece of crap like this. However, I could only look at the shiny handgun, sighing.
"To-Tohyama-sama..."
Crouching by my side, Konayuki raised her head, looking at me...
*Tap*
And with a movement exactly the same as Shirayuki, she knelt there and bent down.
That back, probably from the weight of her transgressions, was shaking.
"...Pl-please keep this from the Hotogi..."
I thought I was going to be scolded, I didn't expect that she would apologize.
I flicked the safety catch of my Beretta, putting it in my jacket, keeping the Blackstar in my holster.
Afterward, kneeling down on one knee, I lightly patted Konayuki's hair, as soft and smooth as silk.
"Do-don't tell anyone...!"
Tears trickling down her cheeks while looking at me, Konayuki appeared to still be afraid of the night excursion she had just had.
"Alright, I won't tell anyone."
"Re-really...?"
"Really. What happened tonight will only be a secret between us."
Saying these words, the me in Hysteria Mode, as if calming Konayuki down--smiled at her.
Konayuki, seeing me like this...
That face, glittering like snow, went slightly pink, reminiscent of a sakura petal, and she stood there, dazed--after a while, she nodded, wordlessly.
"--This is for you."
I picked up one of the paper bags that Konayuki had dropped.
Konayuki, blushing, stood up, drooping her head, picking up another of her paper bags...following me closely, Konayuki, who had said "Don't you dare get close to me!" this morning, stuck close to me.
...Well, that should be all, right?
I--as if nothing had happened, cast a glance at Shirayuki, who was wearing her miko garments, standing atop one of the utility poles.
That's right.
Shirayuki had already realized that Konayuki had went out at night...protecting her from afar. From the time that Konayuki went into the open cafe...around then, right?
Konayuki had not noticed Shirayuki's presence and she continued to follow me, seeming to be thinking about something.
You have a good Onee-chan, Konayuki.
Meeting my eyes, Shirayuki laughed, embarrassed, and with a feeling of "I'm sorry, Kin-chan."--
-she put her hands together, lightly.
The following morning, a beautiful Onee-chan, who named herself the Hotogi's chauffeur, came to the apartment.
I looked at the door of the dormitory, only to see an amazingly long limousine waiting there.
The Hotogi...are really wealthy.
Already finished with all her preparations to go back, Konayuki handed her luggage, which was a lot bigger, to the chauffeur--and at the door, she knelt on the floor, three fingers outstretched as a sign of respect to Shirayuki and me.
"Thank you for taking care of me during my stay. Tohyama-sama, Onee-sama, goodbye..."
Th-this respectful manner from a Yamato Nadeshiko in Miko garments...I-it's like a picture, after all...
I may not have been in Hysteria Mode any longer, so I turned, returning "Ah, take care too, Konayuki," but I felt that that was a little impolite...so I decided to accompany her to her car.
Exiting the elevator, Konayuki, a little strange, slowed down, approaching my side--
"Tohyama-sama."
Without looking at me, she called my name, cheeks a little red.
"...What is it?"
"...Thank you...very much."
It looks like she still thinks that Shirayuki, walking a little ahead of us, doesn't know about last night--
Her tone, just like when she came, was a little haughty.
But, well, in this area, little kids are pretty cute.
"Also...I have to apologize to you for something."
"Apologize...?"
"My insults against Butei High and all Butei."
"Ah, that."
It's fine if you don't apologize for that.
After all, Butei is a profession that society does not completely understand.
"But, um...last night, my position changed. I may not be able to say that I like it...but I feel that in this society, it may be a necessary job."
"...Is that so. Well, if you're interested, you can come for another tour."
And, I can earn another 0.3 credits.
"Yes. I will come again. Next time it will be truly to 'tour the campus'"
"'Truly'...?"
"Yes. In the end, Onee-sama said that she does not wish to return to the Hotogi--so, I thought about it again. Since that's the case, I can come here to stay with Onee-sama like this--"
Not able to stop my face from twitching, I turned towards Konayuki, who had just said that...And, for the first time, Konayuki smiled at me.
"After this, I'm going to trouble you a lot more, you know. Tohyama-sama."
Yes, that was--
-exactly like a flake of powder snow[4], dancing through the air, that smile was both lovely and cute.
Reload for the NEXT!!!
