Love, Eroge, Music & Other Craziness

by Geek Girl Naruru

Namikaze Naruto is a normal fifteen-year-old high school student. He has a distant relationship with his sister Naruko, who always treats him rudely. One Day in Spring, he encounters a foreign girl playing a piano on one of his travels to a junkyard and helps her in many ways as he discover that her name is Weiss Schnee.

50. Naruto & Sena -Part 1-

.

.

.

During a cold week in December, at the Uzumaki household, a wonderful space had been formed, surrounded by colorful wallpaper and a statue of Santa Claus. I was sitting in a corridor — because there was something unbelievable in front of me.

"Welcome!"

"Ah? Naruko-chan?"

"Ah? Sakura-chan?"

"What are you doing? Are you working here part-time?"

"Nope, today I'm taking a break and helping here."

Clad in the Uzumaki's household uniform (plain clothes), and a Christmas Santa hat — Naruko was helping out at the Uzumaki household.

It seemed like the customer was Naruko's friend.

It was a cheerful girl, who I had seen a few times before. Her name was — Sakura Haruno or something. Every time we met, she made me feel lower than dirt, so she's someone I don't want to meet. So I hid.

"Haha~ Naruko-chan! That suits you! You are so cute in that Christmas hat~. "

"Heehee, thank you."

"Wow, what do you have here?"

"These are homemade Christmas desserts, which now have a twenty percent discount, so I recommend that you buy one!"

"Really! Then please."

"Thank you very much. Do you want some Christmas cake too?"

"Ahahah, Naruko, you look like a clerk~."

"Heehee, I'm now a clerk."

Bang — the door was opened again and new customers entered. One of the girls saw Sakura and waved her hand, "Ah, if it isn't Sakura-chan."

Hearing that, she shouted back, "You guys are just in time! Come on, come on! Look, look! Naruko is working as a clerk!"

"Ah~? What?"

"Ah~ everyone, welcome." Naruko returned a small seller's smile.

The 'Goddess of the School' like Ayase said, Naruko-sama was chatting with them and inviting them to buy sweets at the same time. To put it crudely, this is not how Uzumaki's household is supposed to be.

"… Really, this girl spent 4000 Yen?"

"Ahaha, Naruko is like the Uzumaki shop's mascot~." Just like Naruko, Karin was wearing an apron.

Hey, hey, Karin… she took this position from you, aren't you angry?

"Uh? What were you doing, Naruto?"

I haven't done anything…

"Nothing… nothing at all… sorry, but please just let Naruko handle it."

"It's fine. It was a big help. It has been a long time since Naruko come here."

"Well, this has gone better than I expected."

I looked to the side and saw Naruko was smiling happily with the other customers.

"… Maybe she is suited for this role."

"So Naruko — see you again at school this week!"

"Yes! Thank you for coming!"

"Hahahaha."

Naruko's friends left together.

"Wow…" Karin let out a surprised sound. "We sold them all!"

"Everything?"

"Yes. Everything."

"But it's not even lunch yet. Could it be that you didn't prepare enough?"

"Of course not~ we prepared the same amount as for Halloween. Ah, I have to put up the 'Sold Out' sign." Karin hastily ran outside.

"Hm… phew~~." Naruko proudly puffed up her chest. "It's all because of me! If this shop had such a cute mascot like me, it would flourish!"

Yeah, yeah, another one of your self-satisfying delusions. How many times have you done this before?

… But… but… even if I don't want to admit it…

"It's true, just like you said."

"Ah?" Naruko tilted her head slightly, her ears moved.

I praised her honestly, "You are so amazing."

"Hm, so noisy."

Why are you getting angry because I praised you, imouto-sama?

Now, after the discount, the shop was quiet. It was very busy because of 'the super cute mascot.' I thought that things would continue but it turned out that not many customers visited after the special discount ended. A customer visited us occasionally, but we apologized to them 'sorry, the discount has ended,' so we didn't have much work to do.

"… We're suddenly so free now."

"Naruto, you two should come back to the living room."

"No, I'm fine here."

"I said I would help out."

Both Naruko and I agreed, but our reasons were probably different.

"Thank you. Then how about… we clean this up?"

"Sure."

So we started cleaning. Before an hour had passed, everything was done. Once more we were free.

"How long will your parents take to come back?"

"Around another hour."

… So free… there is — nothing — to do. I glanced at the counter, only to see Naruko sitting there with one hand on her chin.

"Naruko, are you slacking off?"

"Because there's nothing to do."

Right — I agree.

"That's not a reason to play with your cellphone."

"Hah? This isn't a cellphone. This is a smartphone."

My sister always comes up with various excuses to ignore my advice. Aren't they the same thing? I wanted to scold Naruko, but Karin interrupted.

"That's okay. Hashirama Ojiisan sometimes does that during work too."

That senile old man.

We're keep chatting while working.

"Hey, hey, am I suitable to be a housewife?"

"Ha, just wait until you can make a decent Japanese meal."

"Ha? I could do it if I tried!"

"Idiot — it's not as easy as it sounds."

I often helped out with that too, so I knew. Choosing the right ingredients wasn't an easy task.

"Karin can make a rabbit or turtle shaped meal, she is amazing."

"Why do you sound so proud? It's not like she's your girlfriend or anything."

"Maybe she isn't my girlfriend, but she is our amazing cousin."

"Ah, ah? N-Naruto?" Karin blushed in embarrassment.

"Hmph." Somehow, Naruko seemed unhappy. Seeing that, Karin changed the topic.

"Say — Naruko, you changed your hair style."

"Yeah — so?" She brushed her hair.

"You too Karin, did you change your hair style too?"

"Ah?" Karin stared at me.

Her reaction was bigger than I thought, so I was kind of panicked.

"… What?"

"Uhm… the truth is I wanted to short it… Then a while ago I visited a beauty salon…" After beating around the bush, Karin finally concluded, "Naruto… you noticed?"

"Yup."

After hearing my answer, my sister grit her teeth as she took a deep breath.

"You are so horrible. If you noticed, why didn't you say so?"

"Ah! But I just said it —"

"— Are you an idiot? You have to say it immediately when you notice."

"That is because…" Changing my mind, I said, "…You are right."

I reflected on myself and told Karin. "Sorry Karin. Also — this new hair style isn't bad… maybe short hair suits you."

"… Thank goodness." She let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you Naruto. I'm very happy for your praise."

"No, no, it's not anything worth thanking me for…" I scratched the back of my head and glanced aside, only to meet my sister's eyes.

… What a cold gaze…

"… Aren't you an honest one."

Her eyes seemed to say 'your attitude was so different when I changed my hair style.'

(Hey, I did praise you — right after you came back from the beauty salon!)

(Hah? Did you think that was enough!?)

Yeah, we siblings can now fight without the need to open our mouths.

"Hah…" It can't be helped. Even though it's so embarrassing, I should just speak my true feelings. I felt my face getting hotter and spoke in a tone that both of them could hear.

"You are right. When I quarreled with Karin, Naruko hastily rebuked me, saying that I cared too little about a change in a girl's appearance, so this time…"

Allow me to care for you two — that's what I was about to say.

"Well, even now you aren't much better."

I'm such a useless man.

"I see. So that was Naruko…"

Karin smiled with Naruko. But Naruko turned her head away.

"… It's nothing. I just said what should be said."

Seeing them talking with each other, I muttered, "So nostalgic."

"What?"

"Nostalgic?"

"No, I just wanted to say it. The last time Naruko came here — you two were like this too."

A few years ago, Naruko and Karin — there was some distance between them, but they cared for each other — just like siblings. And then… I don't know when it began, but their relationship deteriorated into this sinister state.

When did that happen? In my memory, there was a time when Naruko suddenly refused to come to Karin's house no matter what… no… I don't know. Was it when Naruko and I almost stopped talking, so we didn't invite her with us anymore? What happened first; Naruko and I entering a cold war, or Naruko refusing to come to Karin's house? Well, whichever, it's fine.

"I have decided I want to restore your relationship to what it was like before. Absolutely."

"Absolutely? Don't say something like that so casually. We turned out like this — there were unspeakable circumstances."

I knew that much. But I hated it. So I had decided. I laughed. My next words came out without thinking.

"Naruko, in this world you can't just say 'it's impossible' to deal with past problems."

"…!"

Both Naruko's and Karin's eyes widened.

"What?"

"No… you… that was…"

"… That was like the Naruto of the past."

I was shocked. I only noticed it because they said it out loud. Yes, during my time in elementary school, I often said something like that with some minor differences. In this world… there's nothing that can't be done! I was so arrogant back then. It must be that the 'visit Uzumaki's household with Naruko' trip that caused me to remember such a thing. I could almost see my past self…

Both Naruko and I looked into the house. As usual, this place was filled with old people's atmosphere. Even though she hadn't come here in a long time, Naruko probably felt it too.

"Naruko… thank you so much for coming."

"Mmm…"

"Everyone will be happy to see Naruko again."

… That's right. Naruko — was loved by our's grandparents.

"Ojiisan was sleeping earlier. He should be up by now."

"Because he could smell lunch?" He's a big eater.

In the dining room, Everyone family was waiting for us. The first one to react was Grandpa Hashirama.

"Ah! Naruko-chan! Long time no see!"

Naruko smiled wryly and bowed.

"Ahaha… it has been a long time, Jiji."

"You are so beautiful! Isn't she, Obaa-chan?"

"Yes, she is." Grandma Mito smiled.

When Karin is that old, she probably will be the same kind granny too.

"It has been a long time. How are you?" Naruko greeted everyone.

Then Grandpa Hashirama made a pose and pointed at me, "Hey, hey! Naruto! You Casanova!"

"What?"

"Don't 'What' with me… hahaha… I heard that~ you got a girlfriend, but she dumped you afterwards, right?"

"Kuh…!"

Don't put your hand on my shoulder, old man.

"You deserved it~ You already have Karin! Right? Right?"

"O-Ojiisan!" Karin panicked — This usual scene continued.

While Grandpa Hashirama was talking with me, Grandma Mito called to Naruko.

"Naruko-chan, Naruko-chan. Come here — I will give you some lucky money."

"Ah? But isn't it still early?"

"Don't worry, here is your lucky money for last year too. It has been so long since Naruko-chan has come here."

"But, I can't accept it!"

"Kids shouldn't think too much — isn't that right, Ojii-chan?"

"Yes, yes! Take it! Naruko-chan."

Naruko glanced at me again. I smiled wryly and nodded.

"Thank you very much…" Naruko smiled warmly and took the lucky money.

"Ahaha… so nostalgic."

"Yes, yes." Grandma Mito gently pat Naruko.

Both of them smiled — I never thought I would see this scene again. Hmm? Did I forget someone? Just when I was thinking about it, I heard footsteps outside. The door opened…

"I heard that my favorite bro came?"

"Ah, Menma. I feel like I haven't seen you in years."

"Naruto! It has only been a few days!"

"Maybe."

"Ah, Menma. It has been a long time since you've met Naruko, right?"

"Ahh!"

His eyes almost popped out of their sockets, he pointed at Naruko.

"N-Naruko here!?" Menma was very surprised.

Seeing Menma, Naruko said in a blank tone.

"Hmph, traitor."

"…"

After he recovered (which took a while), Menma timidly asked, "… Could it be… you still do it…?"

"Hmm, it doesn't matter anyway."

Naruko… did she just call Menma a 'traitor?' I didn't understand the situation, but Menma muttered.

"… Isn't it better to say it out loud… really? Ah… really…" Menma sighed… and then he spoke as if he was talking to a kid, "That… it has been a long time already. We are both in junior hig school now, right?"

I couldn't believe my ears… Menma was treating Naruko like a kid. Menma told Naruko to hurry and grow up…

Naruko didn't reply, her was expression blank.

I sighed and asked Menma, "What happened between you two?"

"Ah, that was! We —"

" — Try saying it." Naruko interrupted.

"Ugh!" Interrupted, Menma turned to Naruko — "AHHHH! I can't!" He screamed.

I was even more puzzled than before.

"Hey, what is going on?"

"Sorry Naruto! Please release me! I will take this secret with me to the grave!"

Weren't you about to say it before Naruko interrupted you? I can't understand you. Afterward, Menma clearly tried to avoid Naruko by going back to his room.

… So in the end, I couldn't do anything about their secret.

"Are you two going to stay here tonight?"

When Karin said that, we had spent more than an hour in the dining room. Because of Menma, Naruko was quite unhappy so she was spending time with our grandparents. However, because of that, my original goal 'to let Naruko and Karin talk with each other' couldn't be achieved.

The sun had already set — that's when Karin asked if we were staying.

"Ah? You mean Naruko and me?"

"Of course." Next to me, Karin smiled and nodded.

"Ojii-san seems like he still has a lot to say to Naruko. I don't want to disturb them. Also…"

"Also…?"

"I want to… talk with Naruko… tonight…"

A discussion between Naruko and Karin. Even though I wanted them to make up, I highly doubted it would be that easy. I glanced at Naruko who was talking with Mito Obaa-san, and by coincidence our eyes met.

"… Ah." Naruko quickly averted her eyes.

… What is with you? Even though I'm talking with Karin, your reaction isn't normal. Not to mention, why did you avert your eyes when they met Karin's, why were you shaken when you saw mine? I don't get it.

In regards to staying at Uzumaki's house I thought that Naruko would be troubled, but she nodded without saying anything.

"… In that case, sorry for the trouble."

(◕ω◕✿)

How many years has it been since the last time Naruko slept here?

After dinner, we went back to the sleeping room. It was the same room that I slept in before. Although it was still too soon to sleep, this place is more suitable for 'a talk' than the dining room.

Three of us entered the room…

"…"

Both Naruko and I looked at Karin in silence.

"Hey… Karin."

"The three of us will spend time here tonight — alright, seems like we will have a lot of time."

"Good. I have no problem with that."

If my sister who was the one most likely to throw a tantrum said so, then I don't have a problem.

"Heehee."

Karin sat down in the middle of the room. Naruko also sat down and she picked up one of the books nearby.

"This is —"

"The old photo album."

Ah, so you want to talk about the past.

"Please wait for me to bring some snacks."

Karin left the room… she looked like she expected a long battle.

… The room was filled with silence.

Naruko opened the album in silence and stopped at a page.

"Naruto… do you remember this, back then?" She pointed at a picture.

"Let me take a look."

It was a picture of when our family went flower watching.

"It reads 'to celebrate graduation' — so that picture was five years ago?"

It was probably taken when me and Karin graduated from elementary school. Naruko wasn't there… why?

"Did you remember something?"

"Ah, uhm, that —"

I tried to recall my memory — that was when I just graduated from elementary school, but before I entered middle school — during spring break.

In front of me, there was a small kid that knelt down. His head almost touched the ground.

"Naruto — I was wrong"

"Huh? What is with you?"

Seeing this idiot suddenly kneeling like that, I almost spat. It was Menma Uzumaki — he was like a younger brother to me… But recently he didn't talk to me much.

"Please forgive me!"

"Forgive what?"

I was telling the truth. What have you done to me?

Menma looked up, "When I made trouble at my class, you helped me!"

"Don't remind me of that event!"

That was one of my worst experiences during elementary school. At that time I brought him to the infirmary, rushed into his classroom to deliver a speech and even had a fight with his classmate — a lot of things.

"But, Naruto, you are the one who asked me what I was talking about."

"Shut up. That had already ended, so don't speak about it anymore."

"But, but…"

"No buts."

I pulled Menma up by his arm and said, "Listen to me, Menma. I don't feel happy because you knelt — in contrast, I feel very troubled. Alright, from now on… if you meet someone in trouble, just like you once were, be sure to help them. Even if it is troublesome, even if it's hard, but don't tell me that you can't do it or it's impossible. I can't accept such useless excuses."

In this world you can't just say 'it's impossible' to deal with past problems.

"For me, helping others in need is something to look forward to. I'd feel happy if you could help someone. If that person continued to help someone else…" I scratched my nose and smiled, "Doesn't that mean I also helped that person?"

"… I understand! Naruto!"

"Good! Then let's stop here."

"Ah… no… there is…"

"Hmph? Is there anything else?"

"Uhm… uhm…"

Was there another reason for Menma to kneel in front of me?

"I… I am angry with you, Naruto."

"Huh?"

What the heck?

"Did I do something?

Although I had looked down on Menma's forgetfulness, that was a long time ago. I couldn't think of any reason for him to be angry with me?

"…"

Menma looked down. Then he whispered, "Naruto, you didn't do anything wrong. That anger was purely from me."

"I don't get it — what do you mean?"

"My Onee-chan! I'm angry because you have such a good relationship with onee-chan!"

"Onee-chan… you mean Karin?"

"Yes! I feel like Naruto took onee-chan away from me… I feel so frustrated… so I'm angry at you."

"Ah!" Now I remember.

"Ah ah~~ I remember one time that you suddenly said you wanted to fight against me"

Of course, I replied in kind.

"Don't worry; I have no intention of taking Karin away from you."

"Yes. I realized that when Naruto beat me up. I was an idiot — a huge idiot. Naruto you are so kind — you are my dream…"

"Hahahaha!" I love it when people praise me.

"So, it's fine no matter what Naruto does to onee-chan"

"Ha? What are you talking about?"

"That time —"

"That time?"

"I succeeded in changing Menma's mind."

Naruko lied down.

"But that's not important…"

"Still…" Don't say that, he is like younger brother to me.

Naruko pursed her mouth.

"Well, although he's not completely unrelated… in this case, why don't you remember my story? Why don't you?"

Why do you have to make it so hard to understand…?

"During that time, you…"

I knit my brow and tried to remember.

"… It wasn't like that…"

"Huh?"

"…At that time… you and me… we didn't ignore each other like now."

"… Then why did it change? Do you remember?"

"… About that…" Why? Why did we stop talking to each other? Although our cold war had already begun by that point, we didn't completely ignore each other like now. It would be more accurate to say — "I was the one who deliberately kept a distance between us."

"Yes… you are starting to remember."

I'm an adult now, I won't play with you anymore — That was… probably during my fourth year in elementary school, that sentence was always on the tip of my tongue. That was normal. Because our gender is different, we can't play with each other too much. Everyone in elementary school knew it too. In the later part of elementary school, if a boy and a girl played together, people would tease them and say that they liked each other — or worse, saying that the boy is a Casanova — that was how it was back then.

If you did that, you would become a laughing stock for everyone. Even I unconsciously accepted that. There was a time when I avoided Karin too (Chiaki was different story because I thought she was a boy at that time). She didn't come to look for me, probably for the same reason.

However, every weekend, I took my sister to Karin's house.

"Karin Nee-chan! Let's play! Let's play!"

"Welcome, Naruto-kun, Naruko-chan."

Those days continued until… ah? Recently Naruko seemed to be in her rebellious stage. We would only play together at Karin's home, but she always acted odd and threw tantrums.

"What are you angry for?"

"Go to hell! Idiot!"

Just like that.

"Ha? I don't get it."

In my memory, the Naruko of that time was a girl who could get angry easily. I didn't know if that was a coincidence or not, but at the same time, that idiot Menma got angry with me and challenged me to a fight. Although he reflected on it later…

Naruko's resistance kept increasing. To the point that she refused to go anywhere with Karin. That was why there was no pictures of her in this album.

I remembered. Naruko stopped going to Karin's home when we were in the fifth grade of elementary school… before we entered junior high school. Not bad, thanks to all that chit chat I have started remembering…

"Why did you refuse to go to Karin's home back then?"

I don't know when, but Naruko had already started playing with her smartphone.

"You were busy back then. And I had something to do too."

"Something to do…? Like playing with your friends?"

"Nope — haaaaa? I lost?"

"Hey, don't play a game while we're talking." We are having an important talk here!

"Wait, wait… Just wait a bit!" Naruko kept her eyes on her smartphone.

"Are you kidding me? This character is way too strong! How could you beat my Reika card…!?"

She spent 60 000 Yen and she still lost… truly, there is someone who is crazier than her…

"Ah — impossible! They took the event reward from me! Hm, curse this golden key! Spending that much money on a game — are you an idiot!?"

You aren't in a position to say that.

"In the end, Imouto-City is just a game for people with a lot of extra money."

"It was basically that, but recently, the newest update added some changes. They called it 'collaboration battle system,' which allowed players to receive reinforcements or opponents from another game. It's possible to fight with a character from Sis X Bro or Madoka."

I didn't get it at all. All I knew was that this girl was neck-deep in that game.

"Even though I was defeated despite my ultra-rare card, this must be a long-time player. He might even have some unique cards."

I have to play some other games aside from Siscalypse — Naruko muttered. You are caught in the company's trap…

Naruko's idea of a 'long-time player' probably means a few years. Imouto-City — I have heard of that game before. No wonder it sounded so familiar.

"…"

"… Naruto."

When I was deep in thought, I was knocked back into reality by that sound.

I don't know when, but Naruko had crawled up to me, her face inches away from mine.

"Y-Yes?" I panicked.

"Did you ask me why I was busy back then?"

"Yes…" Don't suddenly change the topic like that.

"I already showed it to you before I went to America."

"— Showed me what?"

"My secret." Don't make it so vague.

As if Naruko could read my mind, she said,"The reason I started to practice running."

"Ah." I remembered that — back then, Naruko was very bad at exercise.

"Because something pissed me off, so I started to practice running — that's why."

"I remember."

"What —"

That's normal. How could I forget that day before you disappeared?

"You were busy because you had to practice running?"

"Not only that. Studying. Dressing. Making friends — I've been doing my best since then."

"Now that I think about it, you always seemed to be angry back then. Could it be that the reason for that and the reason for you trying your best…?"

"They were the same."

"I see." That was the important factor here.

"During that time, because of a reason that made you angry, you did your best with running, studying and fashion. That was why you were so busy that you couldn't hang out with us."

"Yes. Besides, even if I went I would have felt nothing but frustration."

"What made you that angry?" I tried a direct question. At first, I thought it was because everyone teased her about how slow she was. But the reason must be related to me and Karin somehow. I had to get a clear answer. I looked seriously into my little sister's eyes. And then —

"… I don't want to say."

"Hey." You're still so stubborn even now?

Still in her crawling position, Naruko moved back a little and looked away.

"Because… if I said it… someone will get full of himself."

"Who?"

"You."

…Stop stalling! I wanted to yell, but I remained calm and asked, "But… but it was an important reason, right? Is it okay to not tell me that?"

"It's fine." Naruko sighed as she lied down on the floor.

"If you don't talk, we can't continue."

A few second of silence…

Naruko looked around. She seemed to be deep in thought. Then her lips moved…

"It was a very long time ago… when I was still a kid."

Five years is a very long time, huh?

"Do you get it!?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course." Why are you angry now?

"You must not get full of yourself, got it! And don't make up some weird misunderstanding."

"I get it already!"

How many times do you have to repeat yourself, imouto-sama? I frowned. For some reason Naruko started rolling on the floor.

"Ah — damn — what happened — really?!" She even hugged her head in frustration.

"Don't cause a ruckus here. The people on the first floor will hear us."

Looks like this 'something that pissed me off' is something that Naruko truly hates. After a while, Naruko lied motionless in a 大 shape.

"Haah… Fine." Naruko closed her eyes and stood up. She placed her hands on her knees and gripped them tightly. And then — she looked down and muttered, "Back then — I was a brocon."

"Okay, I see."

"Hah?" Naruko looked up in shock, "What's with your reaction? Why aren't you surprised?"

"Because I already know."

"What…"

Or to be more accurate, back then, I already knew.

"Well, it was pretty obvious back then."

But Naruko was still shocked from my reaction. Her expression was as if I just saw her underwear. Since she didn't say anything, I kept talking about the past.

"'Oniichan, play with me' — you once followed me like that every day."

"I… I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"I never did!

"Right, right. Sorry, sorry."

Why do you have to deny it so strongly? Is it that important to you, Naruko? Still… I felt so nostalgic… those times from the past kept surfacing in my mind.

"At that time, our relationship wasn't that bad. You were —"

"— What?"

"… It's nothing."

"Hey, finish your sentence!"

Yeah, yeah.

"You were very cute, unlike now… it doesn't have any special meaning!"

"Haaaa!?"

See? I didn't want to say it because you got angry.

"You were so stubborn back then. When I said I couldn't play with you anymore, you immediately cried. To be honest, it was so troublesome."

"… Didn't I tell you to not get full of yourself?"

"But that was so long ago."

"Still…"

"Back then, I thought that you were so troublesome, so I bullied you. After that you stopped following me — ah wait — could it be — 'something that pissed you off so much' — is because I said you were troublesome and refused to play with you anymore — was that the reason?"

It couldn't be. My sister — she tried so hard because of that?

"… Is that true?"

Naruko didn't answer me, she lowered her voice.

"Is that all you remember?"

"Mmm… aaaagrh!" I replied honestly, but she pulled my cheek. "That hurts!"

"So noisy!" Still pulling my cheek, Naruko said, "… Although that did happen, I still got angry because you said it."

I took this chance to get a better look at my sister's face. Compared to five years ago, she is more mature now.

Naruko sighed and released me.

"Back then… no matter how much I cried, you always ran away. You bullied me by saying — 'if you can catch me, I will play with you.'"

"… Did I really do that?"

"Yes. I always tried to run after you… but… but I couldn't keep up… so I fell… I could only watch your back getting further and further away from me… I was all alone… then I realized that I didn't know where I was."

"…"

"I was scared… so scared… I cried… but no one came to help me…" Naruko painfully said, "Not only that… I felt regret." Recalling that day, Naruko closed her eyes and bit her lips. "Imagine what I felt back then."

"Yeah…" I threw away the annoying sister to play with male friends. Yes, back then I did that. But I would still help my sister if she fell, so… I must not have paid attention back then.

— Onii-chan. I'm crying, but you won't help me.

— Onii-chan threw me away, he doesn't care about me anymore.

The brocon Naruko back then probably thought that. Naruko looked up again.

"I didn't tell you that to get an apology from you."

"I will not apologize." I looked into her eyes. "Now, you are faster than me." The one who is left behind is me. I stood up and smiled with my sister. "You are amazing. You have left me behind already."

"Hmph." Naruko looked away.

I felt a little embarrassment too.

"So, you started practicing running because…"

"To run faster than you."

"I see."

"Because I wanted to let you taste what I felt back then someday."

"I see."

Why didn't I realize this until now? Long ago, didn't Fuka tell me the answer already. Naruko — had reached her goal. Before she went to America, I told her, "If we have a race now, I couldn't win against you." Then she replied proudly, "Ah, I felt so comfortable." Naruko smiled, satisfied. I didn't understand it back then. So that is why… running, modelling, studying…

"… Everything you've done was to leave me behind… wasn't it?"

"Hah? Don't get full of yourself." Naruko opened her eyes.

"Huh?"

"Everything was just by chance — I turned them into my advantages."

"I knew it."

You are so amazing now because of your efforts. That's totally true.

"Good."

At first, Naruko only wanted to leave me behind — but then she tried her best for herself. So she got angry with me and stopped following me. The reason was so simple.

"Was that the reason — our relationship became bad?"

If that is true, then we were both idiots. One siblings' quarrel led to a cold war — I couldn't believe it. My chest hurt, but Naruko shook her head.

"No, it wasn't." She paused before she continued. "Although it was partly because of that, it isn't the main reason. True, I was very angry; so much that I even changed my life style. But, how could I hate my oniichan because of that."

Naruko's 'oniichan' that she just said wasn't the 'me' who's in front of her — she would call me 'Naruto Namikaze.'

"That event pissed me off so much that I started running, thus reducing the time we spent together — but I was still a brocon. I started a cold war with you much later."

I heard Naruko, but I was still speechless. Because…

"… Why are you so surprised? You didn't expect me to tell you that much?"

It was partly because of that, but the main reason that rendered me speechless is… my sister's words — 'How could I hate my oniichan because of that' — such a powerful sentence. I couldn't say anything.

My sister cannot be this cute. Do you want to kill me with your cuteness?

Seeing me speechless, Naruko smiled and said, "Ah, I understand your feelings."

She was wrong, but it didn't matter. I would die of embarrassment if she knew what is going on in my mind. My heart was still in chaos, but Naruko reverted back to her serious state.

"Up until now, I have been honest and frank with you." Naruko looked at me. Her eyes told me that what she was about to say would be very important.

"But now isn't the time. There is no chance of winning now."

"I see." I didn't say anything. She is changing every day. She had changed so much compared to back then. Maybe I could learn something from her. Tonight… is the second time we'll have a talk. I failed on our first talk, but this time, I won't make the wrong choice. We were filled with a quiet atmosphere, but then the door opened.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Karin had returned.

"I brought snacks and tea — what were you talking about?"

Naruko glared at Karin and said, "Next — let's talk about what happened Five years ago."

"I see. Where should we start?"

"Wherever you like. Because even now… I still don't know what happened back then."

"Okay… Naruto."

"Yes?"

"Let's talk about what 'happened Five years ago.' About what Naruko doesn't know. The story about Sena Kashiwazaki Incident."

(◕ω◕✿)

More than a year ago, when Naruko confided her problems in me, I said that I wasn't 'suitable' to give her life counseling. But that was not actually the case. To tell the truth, 'me from that time' thought that he wasn't suitable for the job — but long before that, during my elementary school year, I already had a habit of butting into other people's affairs. Of course, the first time I heard the word 'life counseling' was from Naruko.

To tell the truth, I was an idiot back then. I was a brat who liked to play superhero and liked making paper swords. I believed in my adult-like ability, my groundless self-confidence and my own childish justice. That was me back then — such a miserable boy. Such a hot-blooded boy — I couldn't understand myself at that time. I think everyone has a time like that too… no, my case was a special case. I could still do many things, so where did my unlimited enthusiasm go? Everyone's 'golden time' is usually filled with regrets.

Five years ago, September. The ground was as hot as a frying pan but at least the sky was clear. In this weather, my sister and I went to school together. Before the cold war between the Namikzae siblings.

" — In short, when the new semester started, I had already solved three big incidents!"

"Ah! Everyone is depending on Oniichan!"

Hearing my sister praise me, I felt satisfied and continued, "Of course. I have been the class rep since first grade."

"Wow, Oniichan is so cool."

"The school is making plans for a new system. Each class will have a 'grade manual'. Everyone will write their ideas into that and the school hopes to get a better view of students. Then, the class rep is responsible to confirm it periodically."

"Mmm!"

"By looking at that book, I'll find something that a class rep can do and get rid of it."

I really liked to use some exaggerated words.

"The biggest incident recently was a rumor that during the summer break, there was 'someone who destroyed a classroom.'"

During the summer break, some club members found out that someone had destroyed a classroom, so they wrote it down. On the first day of the new school year, I snuck into the school at night to catch the culprit. I succeeded! I succeeded catching him! Wow, hahahaha, I am amazing! Although it was just a stray dog.

"Oniichan, Mom was so angry with you."

"So noisy."

Mom beat me up, which was still hurting now. She thought that I should have just left that problem for a teacher or family — well, she was right anyway.

"But thanks to Oniichan, everyone feels safer now."

"It's good if that's the case."

I showed my sister a bright smile despite my face being covered in band-aids.

When we gonna split, Naruko waved her hand and smiled, "I'm going to my class now."

"Okay."

"See you later oniichan~~."

"See ya."

My sister left. A few minutes later, I heard a familiar voice calling my name.

"Good morning, Naruto~."

It was my cousin, Karin

"Morning, Karin~." I waved my hand.

Seeing my band-aid covered face, Karin looked at me.

"N-Naruto… you are hurt so bad… are you okay?"

"It hurts a lot — my teacher told my Mom that I lied to her in order to sneak into the school at night — so I turned into this."

Hearing that, Karin seemed to be unhappy.

"Hm…"

She looked angry.

"I think that was your fault, Naruto."

"Hey, you still say that?"

'The hero Naruto caught a stray dog' incident happened last week, and only my teacher and a handful of students knew about it. Karin was one of them.

"But that was dangerous. You snuck into the school at night — what if it really was a bad guy?"

"In that case, I would run to the police. I won't do something dangerous."

"… Really, Naruto. Kushina Obasan was just worried about you. Me too —"

"— Right, right, I get it."

"… Anyways, don't do anything dangerous, okay? If Naruto gets hurt… I'm going to cry."

"Hey, don't cry now!"

Seeing her teary eyes, I quickly apologized to her.

"Sorry! That was my fault! Don't cry!"

"…Wa… wah…"

I'm done for. She really cried! How could this girl cry so easily? And why is she crying? Is it because my band-aid covered face scares her? I gently stroked Karin's back and gave her my handkerchief.

"Here, clean yourself."

Karin took my handkerchief and wiped her tears.

"Ah… now I want to cry too…"

Although it was hard to believe, but I really felt so. I cried when Mom beat me up, but from an emotional point of view, I want to cry now more than before.

"Me too!"

"…"

"I'd rather myself get hurt than let Naruto get hurt! Naruto made me feel that way, and those people who praised you — I hate you all!" Karin shouted.

"I see." We agreed on this topic. If Karin did something similar to me, I would explode too. I understood. I yelled at the top of my lungs, "Sorry for making you worried. Thank you for worrying about me."

"…"

"I promise you that I won't do anything dangerous again."

"… Really?"

With her moist eyes, Karin looked at me. Maybe because she just cried, her face was slightly red.

I smiled, "Yes."

Because…

"Because I'm the class rep, I can't do something that will make my classmate cry."

"…"

"… Hey, why aren't you looking at me?"

Wasn't that a cool line?

"Geez… Stupid Naruto, I don't care anymore!" Karin turned her face to the side and muttered, "… Naruto is always like that, you are so kind, so gentle, always tries to do his best for anyone with enthusiasm… that's why everyone trusts you."

"Isn't that a good thing?" I was happy. Everyone was happy too.

But — Karin gently shook her head.

"No… At least, not for me."

Karin wiped her tears away and turned back into my normal cousin.

"… Don't push yourself too hard, Naruto."

Hah? What are you saying?

"I never push myself too hard."

That same day, during lunch, I took a look at my 'grade manual.'

"Okay, let's see what kind of 'request' I received today."

Although it sounded like a big request for a school, but in fact most of them were just trivial matters. A stair corner is too dirty. The male's toilet is unbearable… things like that… normally, the class rep would gather those requests and send them to the school. But I didn't think so. I felt that it would be better if I could take care of them quickly. In fact, I already did that before. Of course, I didn't take care of everything. Many of them — to put it bluntly, were 'boring'.

I was slowly reading the 'grade manual'…

[Since the beginning of this year, someone still hasn't come to school. I'm worried.]

"Yes, yes, leave it to me!" I slammed on the table and stood up. Then I noticed that everyone was staring at me. Some even laughed.

"Hm…" I paid them no attention, instead I just sat down.

"… Naruto, what are you doing?" Chiaki came and asked me.

Good, I can ask her some questions too. I showed her the page from the 'grade manual.' Seeing this, Chiaki was surprised.

"Ah —"

"Do you know who is it?"

"Er? Naruto, you are the class rep yet you don't know?"

"Nope." If I knew, I would already act.

Hearing that, Chiaki sighed and said, " This is about Sena Kashiwazaki-san."

It seemed that was the name of my classmate who hadn't come to school.

"You don't know her?"

"Kashiwazaki-san… no, I don't."

"Hey, but she is famous in our class!"

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Well, I have no interest in girls."I preferred playing with boys.

"So… Naruto has no interest in girls…"

"Not exactly, but isn't it embarrassing to talk with a girl?"

"But… you always speak with me?"

"You are a special case."

" — Ah!" Chaiki's eyes widened in surprised.

"We have been together for so long, and beside you look like boy, I think of you as my boy friends."

"I see, so you just treat me same as your fellow boy friends."

Somehow, Chiaki seemed angry. My childhood friend is so unpredictable. Recently, her actions made even less sense to me. I showed a puzzled expression and looked at Chiaki's face.

"Really, Naruto is an idiot!"

"So, what is Kashiwazaki-san like?"

If she is popular then you should know.

Chiaki went 'umm' and continued, "Kashiwazaki-san… She is very cute and smart. In fact, she was the one with the highest grades in our school."

"Hmm?"

Chiaki continued, "I heard that she is actually a high-class lady."

"Cute. Smart. Rich. What is with that perfect girl?"

She seemed like a character from a manga to me.

"What is her character like?"

"Sorry, I don't know…"

"Alright, so this Kashiwazaki… doesn't come to school?"

"Seems so. I heard that during the first semester, she didn't come to school once… everyone is worried."

"Alright… I see…"

I was surprised with myself. I'm the class rep, but I didn't even know about her existence. It's like I'm a heartless bastard.

"… Alright… I get it." I glanced at the 'grade manual'.

[Since the beginning of this year, someone still hasn't come to school. I'm worried.]

"Kuku… just leave it to me."

"Well, I knew that Naruto would act this way."

Of course. I have always been acting this way.

I pointed at that page and smiled, "Good. Bring Sena Kashiwazaki back to school is my job!"

"… Don't do anything stupid Naruto"

"Yeah, yeah. I won't do anything stupid nor will I try to act tough."

"… That's good then, if not… then you better be prepared for my cross arm-lock."

Chiaki-sama really scary since little kid.

"… But Naruto, don't you think that it would be very troublesome to make someone who has stopped going to school go to school again?"

"That's why." I happily said, "If I could do something that even the teacher can't, then aren't I amazing?"

Noticing that I was waiting for her reaction, Chiaki thought for a few seconds and smiled.

"Yes. That's right."

"I know, right?" I grinned. "Anyway, today I will ask the teacher about her and visit her home after school."

"I understand." Chiaki slightly nodded. "Naruto… Don't push yourself too hard."

"Yeah."

(◕ω◕✿)

After school. After talking with my teacher, he finally showed me Kashiwazaki-san's picture. I was amazed at myself — to be able to convince my teacher — he probably thought, 'I was right to choose this boy as the class rep'. However, before we left, his eyes were a little cold.

"Alright…" I walked out of the facility office and double checked her address. "Hey, hey… that far?"

I went back home to change into a new set of clothes and rode my bicycle to her home. After about ten minutes — I had arrived in her area.

"Alright!"

I stopped and looked around to find her home. From the surrounding addresses, her home should have been nearby…

"It should be… here… wow so big…"

I looked at Kashiwazaki's house. Although my house was big, this one was way bigger.

"Next, I should go meet her in person."

If she had a problem, I'd help her solve it. Of course going into her home like that and asking her directly 'Why haven't you gone to school?' is out of the question. I had prepared a reason to visit her, which was 'to give her a photocopy of the notebooks'. Besides, I didn't bring them all with me, so I can use that reason again and again… kukuku… I was so intelligent.

"Hey!"

Ding dong. I pressed the door bell. But after a while, no one came.

"Hah?"

No matter how many times I tried, no one came out.

"Don't tell me I wasted my time!" I muttered. Going back home now was too much of a waste of time.

"Let's take a detour to the game center."

My next target was the game center near the bus station. As soon as I stepped inside, my ears were assaulted by numerous BGM.

"Wow… so noisy."

I didn't have a game console, nor did I especially like games, but I didn't hate the noise. Although this place couldn't calm me down, I could vent my mood here. You might not understand, but whenever I came here with my friends, I often spent time standing next to them and watching them play. Sometimes I even interrupted them to voice my comment.

Wasn't it a way to play without have to pay money? Because I didn't have much money in the first place.

"…"

Actually, it wasn't very good for a class rep like me to spend time in a game center. Just because sometime I had come here before — oh well, who cares. I only came to take a look.

I strolled around the three floors. The fighting game area had a big overhead screen, showing an ongoing fight. I wasn't sure about the games name, but it looked familiar. Fight, fight, fight, fight! The sounds of buttons smashing and fighting were loud and almost unbearable.

"Wow — amazing!"

As long as you are a man, you would look at this, even if you had no interested in the first place.

… A few years later, this area was replaced by a 'Siscalypse' fighting game, this game center became a meeting ground for siscon otaku, but that is another story.

"… Ah! I was too focused on that!"

I almost forgot the reason for me to be here. When I was about to leave…

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

I heard a dying scream. The sound was louder than any BGM, so everyone's attention was drawn there. The one who just screamed was —

"Wow!?"

A very cute girl. She has blonde shoulder-length hair with butterfly hair clip on her head, her eyes are a striking aqua blue and She wore a loose sleeveless T-shirt, a gorgeous red tie and plaid skirt. In short, she dressed like an idol. Her face was twisting in anger, but she was cute, no doubt.

"I lost — how could I lose?!" She even stood up and slammed the game machine.

"… What the heck? An idol snuck out from a concert hall?" I muttered. Of course I was joking, but you have to have to admit it sounded solid.

… From the way she looked, she just lost a game and was now angry. On the other hand, her opponent seemed like she couldn't stand it anymore, so she walked to this console.

"Hey — you are so noisy — can you stop harming this machine?"

She has shoulder length black hair, and if I had to guess then she was in fifth grade. But for some reason she wore a T-shirt with a muscular character from this game. Even for an elementary school girl, you shouldn't wear that.

The girl in red clothing looked back at the black hair girl.

"What, what, what…?"

"I said please stop harming this machine. Don't you feel sorry for it?"

She was right, but the way this brat said it made people angry. Also, I thought that the red clothing girl would rebuke.

"Wa… wa… wah!"

Hey, hey, don't cry! There's someone that will cry from losing a game…? This is not your home, this is a game center. You look like you are older than I am. Are you regretting it now? I could only watch as things continued.

The idol girl's shoulders trembled; she wiped her tears and said, "…Sorry."

She bowed and apologized. Even facing this way of speaking that angered people, she still admitted her own fault.

"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to this machine!" I must say, this brat has a sharp tongue.

"Sor… sorry."

"Good. I forgive you."

Everyone nearby, myself included, were staring at them in shock. The idol girl continued in a gentle voice, "… You are good!"

"Oneechan sucks. Really really sucks!"

"Kuh… you brat…"

"Did you say something?"

"… No, nothing at all. That was the first time I played, so it can't be helped."

"That was my first time too!"

"Ah, really?"

"Yes, because that game was released today."

Wow, their relationship suddenly got better.

… So strange. I smiled wryly. Becoming friends after one battle. I never thought that could happen in this very game center. That was one of the reasons why I liked this place despite not playing games.

"… By the way, do you have some tricks?"

"Yes."

"Teach me!"

Idol girl clapped her hands and made a praying posture. The black hair girl proudly thrust out her well-developed chest.

"Hm hm. Listen well. I think that Oneechan lost because you don't love the human body enough."

"… Huh?"

"Muscles."

She said seriously and pointed at the big screen.

"Look! Look how beautiful they are! The sweating! The muscles of those men! The feeling when they touched each other! Don't you feel your heart racing?"

Her nose was gasping for air, she was extremely excited. This brat's mind was broken.

"… No, I don't feel anything in particular."

"Hm hm, no problem, no problem! Oneechan, I will show you! Welcome… to the male's world…!"

The idol girl finally — reacted.

"Ah ah ah ah? Why wasn't your heart racing? Why?"

"Even if you ask… but… you are so disgusting."

"Disgusting…!? Did you just call me disgusting?" She looked like she was dealt a heavy blow.

"Yes… don't tell me you like… that stuff…?"

"… What do you mean, that stuff?"

"… Like… man with man?"

"Oh wow." The black hair girl looked interested.

"Have you ever heard about BL?"

"Nope, never." She shook her head.

"But somehow, I like the sound of it."

"Then search for it via the internet!"

"Good!"

Although I didn't get it, this idiot idol girl seemed to have given the black hair girl something amazing. You told her to search a suspicious word, what would you do if that affected her future?

"So, I have to go back the men's world! Good luck Oneechan! See ya!" She returned to her gaming machine.

… Did I just witness something I shouldn't have? I kept standing there, but…

"… Hey, what are you looking at?" The cute girl turned to me.

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes. Who else aside from you?"

I looked around and found out that, yes, I was totally alone.

"You asked what I am looking at. I was looking at a weird conversation between two weird girls."

"Oh…"

Later that day, I admitted that at that time, my words were too blunt.

"There, there is nothing to look at!"

She looked unhappy. Maybe because she felt embarrassed since I saw her crying.

"… About…" I should speak to her…

"Could it be you want to do something to me?"

"I do not!"

Don't look at me with alert eyes. But somehow, her eyes changed, she kept staring at me…

"Huh? You…"

"What?"

I took a step back…

"Aren't you Namikaze?"

"Hah?"

"Eh? Am I wrong? Are you — Naruto Namikaze?"

"How — do you know my name?"

I immediately questioned her. She was a weirdo I met by coincidence, but she knew me? Of course I was surprised! But she casually said, "Of course I know you! You are famous!"

"Really?" Ah… so embarrassing. I never thought that my reputation had reached this far.

"Yes. You were a class rep during the second grade. Your reputation of being a hot-blooded idiot is very well-known."

"Who is a hot-blooded idiot?!"

"You of course."

"Kuh…" I didn't notice myself…

So… that was how the other saw me during my second grade… But this meant she was from my school too. I was hoping that my reputation had reached other schools. I dropped my shoulders…

"Ah!" But I immediately revived and pointed at her, "Wa! What are you doing? Suddenly pointing at my face!"

"Are you Kashiwazaki?"

"Yes?"

"Are you Sena Kashiwazaki?"

"Ah — how did you know my name?"

She repeated the same line that I said seconds ago. I kept my staring at her, finally managing to say, "Because… you are also famous."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Heehee… what did they say about me? The cutest girl in the school?"

"No way!" I took another step back and pointed at her again, "The one who skipped the entire first semester! That was you!"

"That's correct. I'm Sena Kashiwazaki. Please to meet you, Naruto."

Just like a thief who was caught by a detective, she fearlessly announced her name.

"… I knew it…"

"Heeheee."

Just like my sister, her teeth were exposed when she smiled.

"What a coincidence to meet you here."

I was planning to vent here, but instead I met you. My luck today is so great.

"Naruto? Are you looking for me?"

"Yes. I brought a copy of my notebooks for you. But no one was home." I quickly put my hand inside my bag.

"Ah — I see, thank you. Does that mean you are also a class rep this year?"

"You can say so."

"Hm — although you have brought it here, it's unnecessary."

My hand froze.

"Why?" Because you aren't… going to come back to school? But I was unable to say that.

"I could understand them even without a notebook~."

… Yeah, you are the smartest girl at school… so why didn't you come back to school? What a pity.

Sena scratched her head and laughed, "Heehee, sorry for wasting your time!"

"It's fine. That is a class rep's duty."

From the look of it, she was a simple girl. She screamed when losing a game. She cried in front of her opponent. She humbly asked for advice from someone smaller. She acted like a senior in front of me.

"…Just as they said, Naruto is so kind."

"Yeah, I know too."

Kind — gentle — someone who loves to butt into other's affairs — I couldn't change how people saw me. Recently, I even took pride when people saw me like that.

"Actually, I'm here to convince you to come back to school."

"Is that a class rep's duty too?"

"Partly. Of course I would help if my classmate was in trouble."

"Hm…"

She clearly wasn't interested.

"So, how about coming back to school, Sena?"

"Don't wanna."

As expected.

"Come back."

"Don't~ wanna~."

This is leading nowhere. I changed the topic.

"Then can I ask something?"

"What is that?"

It was something that had been bugging me for a while…

"Why do you look like this?"

"Ah?"

Unexpectedly, her eyes widened. I took a peek at her red clothing.

"My clothes… are they cute?"

"Nope, it's very weird."

"You! What are you saying?!"

She looked so cute even now. But she still tried to act tough.

"These are adult clothes… aren't they cute?"

"I told you that they look very weird."

Can't you understand me?

"By the way, stop swaying your breasts."

I had no choice but to avert my eyes. She laughed 'hehee'.

"Oh — what are you looking at?"

"Noisy! I'm in a bad mood!"

I felt my face getting hotter.

"Say, why are you dressing like that?"

"Because I wanted to look like an adult?"

"You look completely different."

"Er? Really? I think that I look like a High-school student."

"Where would you find such weird High school student?" I scolded her.

"It can't be — a few days earlier, I saw a girl dressed like this on TV. She was famous among the students — so I dressed like her."

"She might be an idol, a model, but you are the only one dressed like this outside."

"Ah?"

"If you want to look like an adult, how about wear casual clothes and apply make-up?"

Actually, I'm not very good with girl's clothing. But hearing me say that, she seemed to be deep in thought.

"Hey Naruto, what are casual clothes like?"

That is a basic question…! But as if I know! I'm not a girl!

"Think about it yourself."

"I'm wearing what I thought of myself."

"In other words, your fashion sense doesn't exist."

"It's not like that! Your eyes might be wrong!" Her expression suddenly changed.

"You… aren't you going to admit that you have bad fashion sense…?"

"… Hmph… you are so rude to me… you said my cute dress is weird… how could I trust you."

"Oh? If you doubt me, then I have an idea. How about we ask someone else?"

"Someone else?"

I called to the game machine from before.

"Hey, black hair girl! What do you think about the clothes of the Oneechan who just fought you?"

The replied came almost immediately, "I think that her mind is screwed up."

"See? Even this girl said so!"

Sena gritted her teeth and stared at me.

"Just you wait! The next time we meet, I will have you look at me with different eyes."

Then she ran away.

"Hey wait, wait!" I shouted to her back, "Sena! You have to come to school tomorrow!"

She stopped, turned away —

" :P "

She stuck out her tongue at me.

"Alright — you have to come."

Even the teacher was unable to bring her to school, so I didn't expect my job would be that easy. Fine — it will be more interesting that way.

(◕ω◕✿)

The next day, after school, I visited Sena's home.

As expected, no one answered.

… Could she be here again? I rode to the game center once again.

"Are you here Sena…?" I strolled around but I didn't find anyone who looked like an escaped idol.

… She isn't here. We didn't exactly say that we would meet here today, but I felt that she would be here.

I stopped in front of the fighting game machine. In front of me was the same game that she played yesterday. Normally, I wasn't interested in games, but this time…

"I will give it a try." I threw in a 100 Yen coin and started the game. By the way, my pocket money was very limited.

Half of the reason I did that was because of a whim, but the other half, I intended to use that as a topic the next time I met Sena. In fact, this was my first time touching an arcade game. But thankfully the computer wasn't hard; I beat three opponents with ease.

"It's pretty good…" I felt good. As if I myself was fighting.

'A good game should make sure that a beginner could feel this way while playing!' That was what 'I said during my sixth grade ' to my junior. So this game is not bad. During my fourth game, this time I was beaten.

"Ah… I lost…"

Right then, someone pat my shoulder.

"We meet again, Naruto" I heard a familiar voice .

"Ah, Se — wahhhhhhhhhhh!" I screamed and fall on the ground. There was something scary in front of me. A ragged purple jacket and a monster-like cosplay.

"Hey, what is with you?" Sena's voice sounded confused.

"Se… Sena?"

"Who else do you think I am?"

"I thought that you are some kind of villain from TV."

"What do you mean by that?!" Sena questioned me. I was trembling in fear and still had no idea what was going on.

"Sorry… I… was wrong."

"Really? By the way, I'm cosplaying 'the forest girl' from a fairy tale."

"You look like a forest monster to me!" Just what exactly did you imagine 'forest'?

"W-What did you say?"

"You look beyond horrible! Hurry up and go clean off this make-up right away!"

"Alright… I was trying to put on make-up all by myself…"

I didn't have enough strength to tell her that her make-up couldn't be called make-up at all.

When Sena came back, we walked to the ground floor. There was a vending machine, tables and chairs there. We took a four seated table and started talking.

"You look normal now. But, hey, did you wear that make-up when you walked inside? Everyone must be terrified."

"No way, they must have been charmed by my beauty."

I highly doubted that.

"Well, it's good to meet you again."

"Oh? So Naruto really came to see me. So why are you here?"

"Just like yesterday, because no one was at home, so I thought that maybe you would be here… really… you didn't come to school today. Didn't I ask you to come?"

" I never agreed to do that :P " She stuck her tongue out.

"Why don't you go to school?"

"… You like a direct method, don't you?" Sena glanced at me.

"I don't like beating around the bush, so tell me why?"

"Umm…"

"Look at me; be more direct."

I bluntly rebuked her. Sena pursed her mouth.

"Because school is boring."

"…"

It was too blunt. I was scared…

"But even this… you… you can't just stop coming."

"Why?"

"Why? Because… you have to study and… so…" I could only answer with that.

Sena looked at me like I was an idiot and sneered.

"Hm… hmph hmph… Naruto? Do you know my marks last year?"

"… I heard that you had the top in the school."

"Heehee."

Sena got carried away.

"It's the same. Teachers. Classmates. Everyone is the same. They only know to repeat over and over again that I have to study and study!"

… What is she getting at? I got a bad feeling.

"So I studied as hard as I could! So I could thrust my chest high and say I don't want to go to school!"

"… You became the top of our school because you don't want to go to school?"

"Yes! Hm hm, so there is no need to say anything else, is there?"

"Are you an idiot?"

That was all I could think of back then.

"Since when do you not have to go to school because you are smart? Because you have good marks? "

"Ah? Can't I?"

"No. You can't."

"How… how could it be… then my effort… was it wasted?"

That was my first time seeing such an idiot. I told her, "Sena, come to school with me tomorrow."

"Don't wanna!" Sena made a expression and refused.

"Hey."

"I don't want to go to school! Absolutely not!" Sena clenched her fist and said seriously.

She was very determined…

" You… you are an unimaginably powerful opponent…"

But at least I understood one thing: she clearly stated that 'I don't want to go to school' not because 'I don't want to study."

I tried to persuade her using common sense, "If you keep skipping school, your grades will fall. How can you enter middle school at this rate?"

"Didn't I just tell you that I don't want to go to school?"

So you don't want to go to middle school as well.

"So what do you plan to do later?"

"Live my life happily with my parent's money."

"Are you some kind of Hikikomori?"

"What is wrong with being a Hikikomori? You are so annoying!"

"Don't get angry at me because of your embarrassment!"

"I will not go to school!"

"Look at yourself. Do you know what you just said?"

Both of us were breathing heavily and staring at each other.

"… Then I will fight to the end. If you don't promise that you will go to school, I will stick with you for the rest of the day."

"Are you kidding me!? You are even more annoying than a kid, Naruto!"

"So what!? It's a good chance, let's play!"

"Ack… you seem serious…"

"Did I tell you already?"

Sena smiled in embarrassment.

"Ehehe Naruto? I'm going to do something that a class rep shouldn't. Are you really going to stick with me?"

What a brat.

Sena thrust her finger at my face, "By the way, my plan is to play here until this place closes!"

"Don't worry; I will stick with you until the end!"

"Until mid-night? You must be aware that this is a delinquent's behavior~."

"Piece of cake!"

The worst thing that would happen if I missed the curfew is Mom would beat me up again and forbid me from eating dinner.

Hearing me say that, Sena made an 'oh crap, it is outside of my expectation' expression and continued, "Also, I planned to go to a karaoke bar until the next morning."

"I see. Good. We can sing until tomorrow."

"How can you laugh it off…?"

"In short, I will stick with you wherever you go!" So what will you do? I asked with my eyes.

"Kuh… grr… ahhhh!"

Can't take it anymore huh?

"Alright Naruto! You are so annoying! I get it already! I will go to school!"

"So do you want to go to school now?"

"… Damn… I lose! I lose! Are you happy now?!"

"Hahaha! Good! Then see you at school tomorrow!"

"Okay, see you at school tomorrow!"

The next day —

"Sena you bastard! You didn't come to schooooooool!" I slammed the table. "You dare to trick me!? How dare you skip school again!"

After school, I rushed to the game center immediately. Sena was waiting for her turn to play a dancing game. She was wearing her idol like clothes from before.

"… Ah, you have come." She casually said without a hint of shame.

"Ah, sorry, sorry. I didn't want to trick you. I truly wanted to go to school today."

"So why don't you come?"

"Because — I suddenly came down with a sickness?"

"I can see through your lie in 0.1 seconds."

"I'm not lying — my body is that weak."

She placed one hand on her chest and said, "You forced me to go to school, so it caused a lot of stress on my body."

"Yeah, yeah, everyone who skips school also says that — say, how could you have fun every day? You can't make friends without going to school."

I even prepared a 'there is a lot of fun at school' and 'I will help you with anything at school' speech to persuade her. But Sena didn't even give me a chance to open my mouth.

"You are too naïve, Naruto~ 'you can't make friend unless you go to school' — your way of thinking is too narrow."

"What…? How could you make friends without going to school then?"

"2chan."

"Are you a hikikomori?"

I thought you had a good idea or something…!

"And — from this game center too."

"…Ah." I could understand that. The first time we met, she was happily talking with a brat. This girl isn't someone who can live without friends… seemed like I misunderstood her…

"Sorry. You are right, it's not like you can only make friends at school."

"…"

I bluntly apologized. Sena's eyes widened in shock.

"What?"

"… Umm… I… I never thought that you would suddenly understand."

"Huh?"

Before I could ask what she meant, Sena looked away from me.

"Huh? Then it's my turn to…"

She ran away. Before I could finish, Sena laughed it off and went back to her dancing game.

She danced in what sounded like a rhythm, which didn't sound too bad. But when I looked at the score …

"… You are so useless…"

"Wh… what are you saying?!"

From the beginning, Sena hadn't followed the game's rhythm. The evidence was the numerous 'Fail' shown on the screen. She was so focused on it that she didn't realize she lost her hairpin while playing. Seeing Sena dance with her disheveled clothes, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey! Did you just laugh at me!?"

"Oh? Didn't you purposely choose to dance like this to humor everyone around?"

"I — I'm not! Oh… Naruto you are a villain! I have no more respect for you!"

"Don't look around. Focus on your screen. You are about to lose." I pointed at the screen.

Sena turned her attention back and said, "Ha! Take a look yourself!"

She shouted and increased her pace. She was angry, but she actually scored more points that way.

"Hm, not bad." I praised her.

Sena waved her hands and laughed, "Ahahaha — this is my real power!"

… She seemed excited.

"Why don't you spend your real power on something else?"

"I don't need to! Good, good! I'm going to beat it!"

So she has a side like this too. I noticed yesterday that Sena really liked games. She kept dancing in her awkward style. Seeing that, others just laughed it off. Thankfully, their laughter didn't have any evil intent, just 'Hey look, there is a weird girl over there.'

"Haha…" Just like everyone around, I smiled.

"Ya ya ya ya! Dohya!"

During this time, Sena's dance reached the climax — just when I worried if she would fall, she really did fall.

"Wa! Oh, wah wah!" She fell forward.

"Hey!"

Her face hit the ground. The game's screen showed the words 'Game Over.' Around me, people were clapping. She obviously failed, but she received applause never-the-less. What an unbelievable scene.

"Oi… Sena, are you okay?"

"… My face."

"Your face?"

"My face is a mess! It hurts!"

"Sure it will."

Sena stood up and wiped her tears. She said, "Ah~ this is bad~ I broke a bone. I can't go to school like this."

"You sounded like you are having fun… wah!"

"Is something wrong? Is there a bruise on my face?"

"No… not your face."

It's your breast.

"What? What is wrong? Where is it?"

I looked at Sena's unusual developed breasts.

"You — dropped your breast."

Sena instantly turned into a statue.

"…"

She slowly looked at her breasts. Something that 'should exist' was not there anymore.

A long long longggg silence…

And that 'something' is now lying on the floor…

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa! My pad!"

Her voice was so loud. I'm sure we were attracting attention now.

I used my body to cover Sena, temporarily shielding her from view.

"I didn't know that girls's breasts could fall off."

"Of course they can't!"

"But it's lying down there…"

"… Oh… that… that's…"

With teary eyes, Sena struggled to answer.

"What? What is that?"

"… A girl's se… secret…" Blushing madly, she answered.

I didn't know what to say, so I picked up that 'girl's secret' and returned it to her.

"Here."

"Tha… thank you."

Sena was so embarrassed that she was trembling, she placed the 'girl's secret' back to its 'original position'.

… So that is how you wear it… that was what I thinking. I swore to myself that in the future, I would never allow myself to be fooled by fake breasts…

"Hey… Naruto… say…"

"Yes?"

"Can you… keep this a secret?"

"You mean the fact that you used fake breasts?"

"Don't say it!"

"You aren't in a position to speak to me like that."

"Oh… I'm very sorry."

That is my chance. My mouth twisted into an evil smile.

"Hm, that depends on your attitude."

"Ah! Could it be that you want to see my underwear in exchange…?!"

"What are you saying?!"

Move your hand away from your skirt right now! Damn… just what do you think of me? She is so hard to deal with!

But Sena bit her lips and asked, "So — what do you want?"

"Come to school tomorrow."

"…Na… Naruto-sama… that is a very difficult request."

Don't put on that 'I'm-gonna-cry' expression. You made me look like I just gave you some horrible order.

"I don't need you to come to school every day. Just coming tomorrow is fine."

"Only one day?

"Yes. Only one day and I will bring the secret that you used fake breasts with me to my grave."

"Ohhhhhh…"

Sena broke into cold sweat and seemed to be deep in thought. Are you that worried because you have to go to school?

"… I… understand… just one day… okay?"

"Yes."

"But… I haven't gone to school for a long time… can you protect me there?"

"Leave it to me." Seeing that Sena had a trouble expression, I confidently said, "I will show you that school is a very interesting place."

"You are more stubborn that the rumor said. Do you feel that happy when hanging out with me?"

"Yes — not only that, you are my classmate…" I paused for a second before continuing, "But you are also my friend."

"… Friend."

"Yes. I'm looking forward seeing you tomorrow."

"Alright… see you tomorrow at school."

We bade goodbye to each other. I was smiling happily, while she had a forced smile.

The next day at school.

"Sena you bastard! You didn't come to schooooooool!"

Just like 24 hours ago, this scene repeated itself. You brat! I won't forgive you! I trusted you! Twice!

"What is wrong? You acted the same way yesterday too." Chiaki asked me. I tilted my head in response.

"Chiaki, did you know? That Kashiwazaki's breasts are fake?"

"Naruto! How could you reveal Kashiwazaki-san's secret like this!?"

"I just fulfilled my part of the promise. Anyway, Chiaki, there is something I need to ask you."

"What is that?"

The next day, in my room.

"Naruto… hey, Naruto…"

"Uh… Um…"

Someone was shaking me.

"Naruto… wake up!"

"… Uhmmmmm."

"If you don't wake up, I will punch you!"

"… Five more… minutes…"

"You just said that!"

"…"

"Really… you want me to punch you?"

"…"

"I'm going to do it for real! Have you prepared yourself?"

"…"

"NOOOOOOOOO!"

"Na… Naruko?"

"No, no, no! I will wake Oniichan up, go away you brute Gorilla!"

"I'm just trying to wake you brother up!"

"Enough! I can wake him up!"

…Ah… why… suddenly it sounded so noisy — "Ouch!"

Thud

"Cough cough!"

Something hit my stomach. I slowly opened my eyes.

"What… the…?!"

I took a good look at my assaulter. Sitting on my stomach was — my sister.

"Naruko… I told you to stop waking me up like that!"

"But — you wouldn't wake up unless I did that."

"No way. I can wake up on my own."

"You are lying, right, Gorilla."

"Can you please stop calling me that!"

Naruko spoke to the side. I followed her eyes and saw Chiaki with irritated face.

"What is with all this noise in the morning?"

"Just like usual, Gorilla was having trouble waking you up, Oniichan!"

Why do you sound so proud of yourself? Hurry and get up.

"Naruto, does your sister wake you up every day?"

"Sometimes, not every day. Naruko, get up. You are so heavy."

"Mwu… I'm not heavy."

"I don't mean that you are fat! But you are still heavy when you sit on my stomach."

Recently, this sister of mine started to act more like a girl.

"Hurry and get up…"

"Muuuuuuuu…"

I gently shoved my sister away and stood up. Then I stretched my body.

"Good! I'm up!"

I turned to Chiaki and asked, "Say, Chiaki, why are you here so early?"

"Idiot! You asked me to come!"

"Really? Ah, yeah. I asked you that yesterday."

Naruko tilted her head and listened to my conversation with Chiaki.

"What is going on?"

"There is someone in my class who refuses to go to school. I planned to go get her."

"Wow, that sounds hard."

"Really? I think it's worth doing."

I grinned. Seeing that, for some reason Naruko looked away.

"… Forget it, at least it doesn't sound too bad… you should give it a try."

As usual, I replied, "Hmph hmph… just leave it to me."

I gently put my hand on my sister's head and stroked her hair. Although recently, my sister entered her rebellious age and always tried to go against me whenever I'm with Chiaki or Karin.

"Heehee." As soon as I smiled with her, she would smile back.

On our way from Namikazea's house, Chiaki said, "I see. So you want me to go get Kashiwazaki-san with you."

"That's right. Unless we want to be late for school, we have to leave early. I called you to ensure that everything goes according to the plan. "

I can wake up early, but it will not be as easy as before.

"Beside, a lone boy coming to get a girl, her parents will surely feel suspicious."

"Wow… Naruto is really thoughtful."

"Hey! Why do you sound so distant?"

"Really?"

There was no smile in Chiaki's eyes.

"Hey! Chiaki… are you angry?"

"A bit."

"… Because I forgot about you earlier?"

"No."

So why?

"Why are you angry then?"

"I'm so jealous of Kashiwazaki-san."

Holding her bag, Chiaki bulged her cheeks out and said, "Naruto… recently, you are all Kashiwazaki-san this and Kashiwazaki-san that."

"That was because…"

Years later, when I think back, I finally understood. Although I felt that Chiaki wouldn't change no matter what, but her real characteristic — I had a feeling… that 'the current Chiaki' and 'Chiaki from that time' were different.

"I want Naruto to care about me as much as her!"

"Hah, what are you saying? I always care about you."

Chiaki knocked on my's head.

"That hurt! What are you doing?!"

"That because Naruto is Idiot!"

A while later, we came to Kashiwazaki's house.

"No matter how many time I look it, this house feel scary."

"So? Are you scared now?" Chiaki rang the doorbell.

"Wow, did you just ring the doorbell?"

"Yes."

"You should let me mentally prepared myself."

"Who cares about you?" That so rude Chiaki-san.

But there is no reaction from Kashiwazaki's house. It was the same when I arrived after school. The time was around 7 o'clock, she should be at home. That was why I decided to attack 'right now'.

"No one answered."

"No one — ah, Ch… Ch… Chiaki! What are you doing?"

"This…"

Ding dong ding dong ding dong

"Is this what they call a combo strike?"

"What will you say to her family?"

"Apologize."

"Sound more serious about it! What if they scold you~?" I kept talking, but Chiaki had already ignored me.

Ten seconds passed…

"I see…"

I looked at the big house. In other words, no matter how many times we rang the doorbell, no one would come.

"… Could it be that she had gone out already?"

"That early in the morning? I doubt it."

"… Then… could it be that the bell is broken?"

"Didn't you hear it ring?"

If it was broken, then where did the 'ding dong' sound come from? I considered for a moment — then I decided to keep going.

"Hey! You can't just go in on your own~."

"I will only take a look around in the garden." I opened the gate and entered. If they get angry because of that, I will just apologize.

"Maybe she is sick and can't come out?"

Unless I see her, I won't believe that.

"Wait here, Chiaki."

"What? But I want go in."

"Just wait here, okay?"

My childhood friend is a good girl. To go into other's house without invitation — this is 'a bad thing'. To tell the truth, I was excited.

Kashiwazaki's house was a two floor building, which was surrounded by a square wall. The garden was large enough to play football.

"Ack — the first floor's door was closed, even the windows were covered."

I had no way to look inside. So I looked up to the second floor. The balcony's window was opened. So whoever was inside forgot to lock it after they went outside…

"They were so careless."

But this is my chance. I grinned and looked around.

"Good, that will do."

There was a tree branch that went straight to the balcony. What do you think I will do? Of course…

"Hey, yo!"

I climbed the tree. I climbed to the branch and made sure it was sturdy enough.

"Yo!" I jumped and successfully landed on the balcony. "Haha… I'm amazed at myself~ I feel like I'm Lupin."

Easy to get full of myself — that was one of my specialties.

"Alright." I could't ignore my dirty shoes and go inside, so I left them outside and entered through the window.

"Sorry for intruding." I muttered. The light wasn't turned on, so it was hard to see.

"Parents… No, is this Sena's room?"

Due to my limited vision, I could only guess. It is way bigger than my room… but my room is much cleaner. Even though I'm a boy, I felt like I should clean it up a bit. Previously worn clothes were thrown everywhere. The table was turned into a make-shift wardrobe. On her bed, there were game consoles, CD's and manga. The TV was showing a game show.

Just from my first look, I already understood one thing. Sena was spoiled by her parents. Maybe she is the only child. I looked left and right, and then…

"Huh?" Suddenly, I noticed something near my leg…

"… I thought that you weren't at home."

"Hah… um…"

Sena was sleeping in front of her game console. She looked like a frog which had just been run over by a car… She probably played a game until she fell asleep… her pink pajama's buttons were all opened, revealing her navel…

"…"

Don't make weird assumption about my silence. I have no hidden desire to watch Sena. I have no interested in girl who used fake breasts! But, but… if her parents saw me now, there is no way I could defend myself. I should go back… that was what I thought.

In a corner, I saw something strange.

"What is that?"

Some 500ml plastic bottles which were filled with a yellow liquid.

"…"

I carefully examined a bottle.

… I… I have heard that… a hikikomori who is addicted to gaming… will not move away from the TV even if they needed to go to the restroom… inside those bottles… could it be…

"…Se… Sena… you… did you…?!" You did THAT? I broke into cold sweat… and then…

"… Um?" Sena turned her body. This time, her chest was all exposed. I quickly turned away.

… I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything!

"Um… oh… ah… my voice…" Still sleepy, Sena made a not very lady like posture and took a bottle…

"Hey hey…" What are you going to do? I tried to speak, but it was too late. She already opened the bottle and…

"Gulp gulp gulp… ha!"

"What did you drink?"

"… Naruto?"

"I'm done for."

Because of her shock, she forgot her current state. She blinked a few times then shouted.

"Na… Naruto!? Why — why are you here?"

She is fully awake now.

"First thing first, cover your chest!"

"Hah? Ya!"

Finally noticing her clothes, Sena threw the bottle away and quickly did up her buttons.

"… Did you see?"

"No, I didn't."

"It's good then… no, it's not good!"

So is it good or not?

Sena suddenly stared fiercely at me, "Wha… what… what is going on! Answer me!"

"First, answer my question!" I pointed at the bottle, "What is inside that bottle?"

"Huh? Carbonated soda?"

"You mean urine?"

"I can't drink that! You scared me!"

"What a misunderstanding…!"

Phew…! Thank god! I knew that she was a strange girl, but thankfully she didn't drink her own urine.

"Why are they lying in a corner of the room?"

"Because after I received them, my maid said that she would throw the box away, so I had to take them out! I planned to take them to the refrigerator, but I forgot."

"… Ah, I see."

Unsettled, Sena grinned, "So, Naruto? Why are you in a girl's room?"

"Ah… that… er…."

"Ha! Could it be — that you were here to spend the night?"

"It is morning now!"

"Oh…" Sena looked outside at the bright balcony. "That means… you came in here before sunrise?"

"What will you do if I say 'yes'?"

"Oh! Wah… that!"

Sena was embarrassed.

"Re… really?"

"No."

"Don't joke with me!" Sena yelled.

Kuh… she looked like a beast… I made a beast tamer posture.

"Calm down, okay?"

"How can I calm down in front of a stranger who broke into a girl's room?"

Yeah, that made sense.

"Let me explain. I didn't come here before sunrise, nor did I plan to harm you."

"You said 'harm?'"

"Don't yell! What if your parents come!?"

"My dad is away because of work! And don't scold me!"

"… So your dad is away… that's good…"

"You had a suspicious expression just now."

She is sharp. Too sharp.

''However… this situation… we are alone…

"Alright — Sena."

"What do you want to do?"

After all this chaos, I finally got to the main topic, "Good morning. I came to get you — let's go to school."

(◕ω◕✿)

"So cool! So beautiful! It doesn't look like my own room anymore!"

Kashiwazaki's household, second floor. Sena's messy room had changed so much just after a few minutes of cleaning.

Chiaki opened the windows. "Hey Kashiwazaki-san, you can't! You have to button your clothes!"

"Alright~," just like a kid who was taking orders from her mother, Sena replied.

Good. She buttoned her chest area!

"Say, your pajamas look quite normal."

Because of her usual strange clothes, I thought that she would have some more weird clothing.

"Ah, pervert! Where did you look since the beginning?" Sena covered her chest.

"… You are too self-conscious."

"Naruto, what did she mean by 'since the beginning?'"

"It's nothing! Nothing at all! Don't make weird assumptions!"

At last, we finally succeeded moving Sena out of her bed.

"Let's go to school. Still, your room is such a mess."

"Ugh… I'm so sorry — oh right, right. I have to clean up my room now, so Naruto should go to school first!" Sena started talking nonsense.

If I was alone, then true, it would be a problem. I knew that cleaning the room was just an excuse. But I had Chiaki on my team.

I pushed Chiaki forward and introduced them.

"Nice to meet you~ Kashiwazaki-san. I'm your classmate, My name is Chiaki Aihara."

"Nice to meet you too Aihara-san. Wow… your really a cute boy."

"I'm a girl!"

After they finished their introductions, I said, "Hey Chiaki. Kashiwazaki said she has to clean this room so before she can go to school."

"In that case, let me help too!"

My childhood friend who love butts into other's affairs had activated her old man mode.

"No! Let me help you!" She was so excited.

"Ah… then… please." Sena was overwhelmed, showing an 'I miscalculated!' expression. You deserved it!

"Okay, leave it to me ~ Hey, Naruto, go outside."

"Why?"

"Idiot, do you want to see a girl changing?"

"Ah, I see. Then I will wait outside."

A few minutes later — I received the signal from Chiaki and returned. The room was sparkling, even the air felt fresher. The garbage was placed in a corner, everything was perfect.

"Chiaki-chan is so amazing! Do you want to work here as a maid?"

"Ahaha, it's nothing~."

"I see that you have finished cleaning. But Sena is still in her previous clothes."

"Because~ Sena-chan refused to change."

"Ahaha~. " Are you a kid?

"It can't be. Sena, are you going to go to school in your pajamas?"

"What are you talking about? My room is so nice, I want to go back to sleep."

"Hey, wait! That's not what you said earlier!"

"I changed my mind! Good night~." She jumped on her bed and immediately crawled under her blanket.

Really… I merciless pulled her blanket. "Get up! Listen to other people! I told you that I'm here to pick you up!"

"Don't~ wanna~! I~ want~ to~ sleep!" She held firmly onto her blanket and resisted.

"Naruto should listen to other people too! I told you before that I don't want to go to school!"

"But we promised to go to school!"

"Yes, 'go to school tomorrow.' Is it tomorrow?"

Agrghhh! She is so good with sophistry!

"I came here because you didn't keep your promise!" I pulled the blanket off.

That caused Sena, who was holding on it to fall on the floor — thud!

"That hurt… my butt…" Still sitting on the floor, Sena said, "You are so annoying, Naruto."

But she was looking at Chiaki instead of me. She seemed to ask 'does he always act that way?' Chiaki firmly nodded.

"Because butting into other's affair is Naruto's specialty, just like a predator specializes in hunting."

"Don't compare me to something so disgusting!"

"Hm… I see… it's easy to understand."

That was what Sena said. What a rude girl.

"Anyway, today I had prepared to skip school before coming here. So you should be aware that I have made up my mind."

"Since the beginning, I think that although Naruto said you were worried about me you actually only wanted to do whatever you like."

"That's right. So what?"

I returned the question. I've already accepted that all those talks about my habit of 'butting into other's affairs, causing trouble for others' are all nonsense. So, I always thought 'I did that because I wanted to.' I also think it is cooler this way.

"Wow, you have such disgusting expression on your face."

"Why did you suddenly badmouth me?"

"What are you thinking?"

First, apologize to me… I muttered, but proudly replied, "Of course, I'm thinking about how I could make you go to school."

"Ahaha? So, what can you think of? Can you think of even one?" Sena mocked me.

"True, I did make a promise to 'go to school tomorrow' with you. But you will just find another reason tomorrow to skip it."

"I'm not like that. But that's how girls are."

"So I came here to pick you up directly. No matter what kind of situation occurs, I will not allow you to skip school today."

"Ho… But you are too late. I don't want to go to school today."

This is not something you should say so proudly!

"I can see that already — at least give me a reason."

Should I ask her 'why don't you want to go to school today?' But she would reply with 'because I want to sleep in.' I need to ask her 'why did you stay up late last night?'

"Ahaha — so you finally ask this."

Sena slowly stood up and smiled mischievously.

"The reason I stayed up late — is because —"

"— Because you played this game?"

Her words interrupted, Sena fell backward.

"— Yeah, that's right… but my rhythm is disturbed."

I understand what you are feeling. Because Chiaki only knew how to speak in her own rhythm, so when you speak with her, your rhythm will be disturbed… of course, since I had spent so much time with her, it would be more accurate to say that I'm used to her rhythm.

I looked back at the game console and the TV. Just like Chiaki said — Sena probably played this game until morning and fell asleep because of her exhaustion.

"Is this game that interesting?"

"Not exactly."

Hmmm?

"I got bored after five minutes, so I slept after that."

I see. Yeah, I didn't see her play that fighting game again. She only tried out the newest game that she hadn't tried before. What a time-killer expert…

"So that's not the reason you stayed up late?"

"Yes. Before that, I played another game."

Sena walked to the computer and turned it on. The screen immediately brightened.

"Wow, so amazing. Is that the legendary 'desktop'…?"

"Hmhm~ how is that! This is the newest model." Sena said proudly, she quickly opened the browser.

"Is that your internet home page and stuff?"

"Yes. I'm now playing Imouto-City."

"Imouto-City?"

"Yes, Imouto-City. Short for Imouto-City Game."

"?" A big question mark popped out of Chiaki's head.

"Eh? You don't know? That…" Sena thought for a while, then… "I can't think of any explanation. Naruto, please?"

"I have no idea what Imouto-City is about."

"For real? Are you an idiot! Imouto-City is a web game!"

"Okay."

Good, it's easy to understand.

"There is a huge little sister fetish in society now. Imouto-City took that chance and became very popular in the SNS."

"I see." Nope, I didn't understand it at all.

"Wow, so Sena-chan is a computer expert~."

Chiaki, I'm sure that you also didn't understand anything. So please don't say anything unnecessary.

"… Chi… Chiaki-chan? Did you look down on me in secret?"

See? The computer expert's face is twisting now.

"What? I'm not."

You aren't lying, but such words are useless against someone who thinks that you looked down on them. I tried to change the topic.

"So, Imouto-City is…?"

"One of the reasons I don't want to go to school! I became addicted to this game. Even though it's a simple game, it made people forget about time~."

"By the way, how many reasons do you have in total?"

"Ha, I lost count after 100."

"That's two digits more than I expected!"

But she didn't sound like she was lying. Then what could I do? Solving them one by one would be too time consuming.

"…"

"Uh? Naruto, why don't you say something? Did you give up already?"

"Yeah, I give up."

Truth to be told, Sena's 'more than 100 reasons not to go to school' wasn't complete nonsense. Even I had to admit that studying is boring. We are forced to study knowledge that we may or may not use in the future, and we lose half a day in class.

Sometimes a teacher yelled at us for no reason, sometimes we met with classmates that we don't like, sometimes there are bullies. Just like adults' society. School is not a good place. And we don't receive pay for going there. It's unbearable. However, people still go to school.

Why? Because their parents said so? Because it's a habit? Or they just do it because others are doing the same thing? Is going to a good company in the future worth the time we spent on going to school? Everyone might have different answers for this question, but for me… I'm not going to school because of my habit, that's for sure.

Actually, I have never thought about the question 'why do I have to go to school?' But now that I think about it — I realize that there is nothing good about school. 'I could have fun for the rest of my life even without going to school' — Sena's words rang in my head. I can't lie to myself anymore. Her words were right. So…

"I give up on trying to 'remove the reasons that make you don't want to go to school.'" I smiled.

"Instead, I will make a reason for you 'to go to school!'" That's right. That's the only way.

I go to school every day without a reason, although partly because of habit, but also because it's fun. Not to mention that my mother will scold me if I skip school. There are a lot of unpleasant things at school, but I could chat about silly things with my friends, I could help solve problems. At least, for me, school is a paradise.

Haha… how about it? Was I cool? I secretly took a peek at Sena.

"… Ha~."

She didn't even listen to me! Ah forget it! I reboot my enthusiasm and said, "So, 'the battle to return to school,' 1st round now begins! Chiaki show her 'that!'"

"Huh? What is 'that?'"

"That is that! What I told you during lunch break yesterday."

"Ah, that! Mmm, here~."

With sleepy eyes, Sena asked, " … Naruto, what is that?"

"Hmph… this is my secret weapon."

"Secret… weapon?" Sena slightly narrowed her eyes.

Good. Just you wait.

While keeping my eyes on Sena, I offered a hand to Chiaki and signaled her to give me 'that'.

"Here, Naruto"

"Mmm." I grinned.

"Take this Sena! This is our present for you!"

I gave her 'that.'

"What is that? A paper?"

"A greeting card with everyone in our class's signature. Everyone encouraged you to come to school again — how is that? Are you moved?"

"Are you purposely trying to provoke me!?" Sena roared in anger.

Whack! She used the greeting card to slap me!

"What are you doing?"

"That's my line! Are you an idiot! Is that something you could show to someone who doesn't want to go to school?" Sena continued, furious, "If you don't give me a good explanation, I will not get up anymore!"

"Why?"

"Kuh kuh… You really don't understand… do you? Each of these greetings are like a curse for me! It made want to go to school even less!"

"I see. That's how it is, right?"

"Yes!" She crawled to a corner of the bed, hugged herself and muttered, "It's just like using Holy Water on an Undead race… ah… why can't you understand Naruto!? I'm weak against it!"

As if I know!

"So 'the battle to return to school' 1st round is a failure."

"You mean you have a second round?"

Oh, I have a lot in my bag.

"Of course I did — in my opinion, almost all the fun of school is related to 'friends.' Club activities, break time, after school — you could spend time with your friends during that time."

"Ok, maybe."

Good. Good.

"Playing at home without going to school; while it isn't a bad idea, making friends at school is fun too. So, the second round of 'the battle to return to school' is inviting you to a club!"

When I think back about that day, I realized that my options to solve that problem were quite limited. That was what I said to Kuroneko too.

"Club activities?" She seemed interested

"How was it Sena? Why don't you give it a try? You could make friends, and by the way, they could help fix your strange clothes too."

"That last sentence is unnecessary! My clothes don't need to be fixed!"

"Oh right, right (bland voice) — so, do you want to join?"

"Don't wanna!"

"Why? Isn't that interesting? You could go to the game center after school. If you are worried then I will join that club too."

"… You… are… so… annoying." Sena sighed.

It looked like my second round failed too.

"Hey, Naruto."

"Yes?"

"If I let you touch my breast, will you go back?"

"You don't want to go to school that much!?"

"Yes."

Sena seemed embarrassed.

"How… about this?"

"Hm…"

What should I do…

"Naruto why are you hesitating?"

"… I'm not?" It's because you are right next to me, Chiaki.

I tried to make myself as convincing as possible and answered Sena's proposal.

"… Sena, do you think that I will take the bait so easily?"

"You seem to have already taken the bait to me."

"I have not!"

That's right. Even if I touch them, I wouldn't feel anything!

"…"

Sena was thinking hard — she probably was trying to figure out how to make me give up. In that case, sorry Sena, there is no 'give up' in my dictionary. After a while, Sena spoke again.

"Hey… just now, that greeting card… did you force everyone to make it?"

What is that idiot talking about?

"It's not nice to make it like that. I did make the proposal, but everyone took part in it by their own will. Hm hmph, that's because of my reputation at school."

"Ah, then another question. Do you two… know about the school's website?"

"Nope."

"No."

Both Chiaki and I replied. I thought about that for a second…

"Is that an H website?"

"Of course not! Naruto is a pervert!" Sena yelled at me.

"To put it simply, this is a website created by students. Most of it is a forum for cell phones — do you understand now?"

"Yes?"

"Somewhat."

"So our school used '2chan' for that too."

Sena nodded.

"You are anonymous there, so you can badmouth the teachers, make rumors… in there without worry."

"Alright, so what? Why are you talking about that now?"

"Naruto's actions were posted on that website."

"Really!? Why?"

"Please wait —" Sena pressed a few button on her cell phone and gave it to Chiaki.

"Here, Chiaki-chan. Can you please read that part for Naruto to listen?"

"Mmm…" Chiaki slowly looked at the screen.

— What is Namikaze doing? (class 2 girl)

— Namikaze the class rep has appeared! Last year I was in the same class with him (class 3 boy)

— During lunch break yesterday, Namikaze-kun asked everyone to make a greeting card for Kashiwazaki-san! (same class girl)

— Namikaze is so annoying (class 3 girl)

"… That's what they said."

"Those bastardddddddddddds!" I trusted them, yet they betrayed me?

Sena said, "Look? Everyone is tired of you! From the looks of it, you forcefully made everyone to sign that. All of them agreed because you are so annoying, not because they are worried about me."

"— Hey." I suddenly growled. I could no longer ignore Sena's words.

"What? Are you angry?"

"Of course. Do not repeat that no one at school is worried about you again. It's absolutely not possible."

"…"

Sena's eyes widened… Oh damn… is she angry?

I whispered to Chiaki, "… Did I mess up?"

"No, it's not like that." Chiaki shook her head and smiled with Sena.

"Sena-chan… I hope that you can trust Naruto's words."

"Um… well… it's not like I can't…"

Even those words are the same, but if Chiaki said that instead of me, everyone would believe it easily. Why… I'm the famous class rep here…

"But… but if everyone were truly worried about me… then it's harder for me to go to school!"

"Why is it harder to for you?"

"Because…"

"Because?"

"Because it's embarrassing!" Sena's face reddened, she spoke her true feelings.

"… It is, right?" I laughed.

"What are you laughing about? What are you going to do?"

"Alright… your solution is…"

I suppressed my excitement and thought carefully — I pat Sena's back.

"Then think about everyone too! Hey Sena, what would make you want to go to school again?"

"Ha… you should ask yourself that question."

"Is that the simplest solution?"

"Yes it is…" Sena sighed.

"Now, I think that Naruto is different from others."

Am I cool?

"…"

Sena became silent again.

I casually asked, "What are you thinking?"

"Hey! Why are you always butting into other people's troubles? Mind your own business!" Sena yelled.

But she quickly regained her usual mood afterward.

"Um — so — 'think of a reason to make want to go to school'… If I tell you that reason, will you do it?"

"Yes, leave it to me." I grinned.

"Naruto." Chiaki sounded like she was scolding me.

"Is that alright?"

"Since we have come this far, we can't change her mind unless we do that."

It's meaningless if I just force her to come to school. I have to let Sena think 'class rep Naruto, I want to go to school.'

"Besides, speaking with her is unexpectedly fun. I would be happier if Sena came to school."

"So, Sena. Imagine that you are Kaguya-hime, tell me your wishes."

'The current me' would have never said something like that.

"…"

"What?"

Don't look at me like that, I'm embarrassed too. Then, her eyes shifted from me…

"Hm… what should I do…?"

She laughed 'heehee' and made an Ok hand signal.

"Ok, I got it. I accept your condition." Sena sat down on her chair and said, "Then, if Naruto could buy what I asked, then I will go to school."

"What an easy request. Leave it to me." I immediately replied.

Chiaki was looking at me with a puzzle expression.

Sena thrust her finger at me and said, "Then I won't hold back. Go to Hill's road and buy the limited time shop's mascot character."

"Sorry, I think I misheard you."

Limited time shop? Mascot character? What is that?

"Chiaki, do you know what Sena is talking about?"

"I think that she is asking you to buy something for her…"

Seeing that, Sena showed a surprise expression.

"Hill's road means the road with lots of shops, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah." Both Chiaki and I nodded.

"Limited time shop meant the shop at the apartment."

"Yeah, yeah"

"Mascot character — is a newly released cute one — its name is 'Naruto-chan.'"

"Naruto-chan?" Chiaki looked at me.

"No, no, it's not me."

"Yes, yes, it's called 'My Lovely fox Naruto-chan.'"

"You shut up for a minute!"

"Here, I will show you." Sena spun in her chair and showed us a picture on her computer.

"Clang clang. Here is my favorite mascot 'Naruto-chan!'" There was a small orenge fox doll on the screen.

"Heehee, this is a character from a recent famous anime! Don't be shy, come and look at how cute he is!"

"Wow, so cute…" Even Chiaki seemed excited.

"Cute? This one?" I only felt angry when I looked at him.

"Hey, Sena, why does this fox look so sleepy… or rather, his eyes seem completely dull."

"Because he was abandoned by humans. Aren't his arrogant eyes cute?"

"They are not!"

"Ah?"

"But he is so cute…"

Looks like I have completely different views compared to girls.

"If Naruto had those kind of eyes too, I think that you would look even cooler."

"No thanks!"

Don't compare me to a doll. I definitely will not make those kind of arrogant eyes.

"Anyway, in short, you wanted me to buy this doll for you?"

"No, no. I wanted you to buy something with the picture of 'Naruto-chan' printed on it."

"What do you want then?"

"This one." Sena showed me another picture.

… A pair of underwear.

"Naruto! I want you to buy these 'Naruto-chan underwear!'"

"How could you make such request!?"

"But you told me to imagine myself as Kaguya-hime!"

"… Urgh." I did say that… but I never thought it would turn into this.

"Eh? Could it be that it would be too difficult for a boy to buy girl's underwear from an underwear shop?"

Hey, did you make that unreasonable request in order to force me to give up? Yeah, that did sound like Kaguya-hime.

"By the way, Naruto is going to pay for them!"

Another attack. As a sixth grade student, going into an underwear shop to buy a pair of underwear is hard enough, but she wanted me to pay too?

"Just exactly how much do these 'fox underwear' cost?"

"3000 yen."

"Toooooooo expensiveeeeee!" I immediately objected.

"Naruto, you need to count the ticket cost to travel to that Hill's road too. Total cost would be around 1000 yen."

"Ugh!"

…It's out of the question then. Even if I took all the money from both mine and my sister's piggy bank it wouldn't be enough.

Any sixth grade student can confirm as to how restricted their money is. In my opinion, Japan's subway's tickets are too expensive. Around 20 yen is okay.

"Heeheee… this is Sena-hime's request. ❤ I will go to school if you fulfill this . Although I think that your pocket money~ will probably be a little tight ~."

"Ughhhhhhh…" I felt very troubled. Impossible… it's impossible…

"Ahahaha — what are you gonna do, class rep? Don't tell me you are going to say 'it can't be helped' and just give up? What a pity~ I want to go to school~ If Naruto could fulfill my request, I will definitely go to school! I will even say this in front of the whole class 'Thank you, Naruto-sama for giving me those underwear as a present'."

What a pity~ pity~ Sena is clearly having fun. "I won". A landslide victory… she was probably thinking that way.

I grit my teeth and looked at Sena who was getting carried away — as if I could let it end like this.

"… Did you say?"

"Ah? What, what? Hehehe, sorry, I didn't hear you~."

"'I will definitely go to school' — did you say that?" I grinned fearlessly.

Chiaki gave me a puzzled look. I took a deep breath.

"In the world, there is nothing that could end with just 'It can't be helped!'" I declared.

"Sena! Just leave it to me!" That is my favorite line.

.

_ஜ210ஜ_

.

Two days after I received 'Sena-hime's request.' In front of Kashiwazaki's household. Still in her pajamas, Sena looked at the underwear in my hand in shock.

"Take it! You wanted it? Come on, put it on!"

"You are lying… you must be lying… you really bought them? For me?"

Sena snatched it away from my hand.

"Wow… it's still warm…"

That's because I was just holding it in my hand.

"Good. Put that on. Then come to school with me."

"Ugh… Naruto you really… you made me feel embarrassed too."

"But it is cool, isn't it?" I asked Chiaki who was standing next to me.

She quickly replied, "No it's not."

I turned back to Sena. She was carefully checking the underwear and cringed, "Kuh… oh… this really is 'Naruto-chan underwear'… but!"

"But!?"

"But surely you didn't buy it yourself! You must have asked your mother to help — in that case, you didn't fulfill my request!"

As expected of a princess. I knew that you won't accept defeat so easily — I already predicted that you would say that. I took out my cell phone and showed Sena my evidence picture.

"Take a look!"

"Pervert!"

Sena's reaction was outside of my expectations.

"Hey, hey, don't yell so soon in the morning! You will disturb others!"

"That's all your fault!"

Sena took another look at my cell phone's screen.

"How could it be…? I have given you a request that a boy would definitely be unable to fulfill… how could you take that perverted picture…?"

Sena looked very troubled. On the other hand, Chiaki was smiling wryly.

"Naruto looked like he was having fun."

"Whatever."

True, it was very embarrassing. But I quickly regained my normal mood.

"Why did you wear those underwear?"

"Just a chance." I fearlessly replied.

Sena blushed madly, her eyes started to moisten.

"Giving a girl underwear that you already wore is major sexual harassment!"

"Hey, are you going to keep your promise? Go to school now."

"No, noisy! Yes, I have decided to go back to school starting today."

"Really?"

Now that I think back, my reaction back then was stupid.

"Yes. I'm not lying! Because of you… you…"

"Alright, alright, I know. So go get changed, okay?"

"… I was telling the truth."

And so. I ignored my sense of shame and finally finished the S-class mission 'Make Sena go back to school.' After that, I forgot all the nonsense Sena said about 'I have decided to go back to school.' Am I cool? In such a short time, I made Sena come back to school.

— Did Kashiwazaki-san really come back to school? (boy from the same class)

— Who ? (class 2 girl)

— Yesterday, Namikaze-kun declared that 'I will bring her to school the day after tomorrow.' Wasn't that why he skipped class today? Do you think that he could do it? (girl from the same class)

— Poor Kashiwazaki-san. She was followed by a hot-blooded idiot. (class 3 girl)

— Is he normal? During a lunch break a few days earlier, he knelt down and practically begged everyone 'I want to let Kashiwazaki know how fun school is, please help me' (boy from the same class)

— It is disgusting to see how hard he tried. Did he really do that? Could it be that he loves Kashiwazaki-san? (class 3 girl)

— Nope, he would try equally hard even if it was a boy (boy from the same class)

— Hey, hey, could it be that he is GAY (class 3 girl)

— He is a hot-blood, that's for sure. Although he is not a bad guy, but I can't bring myself to like him (boy from the same class)

— But I'm happy to see Kashiwazaki-san again after so long (girl from the same class)

— Me too me too! I was worried too (class 2 girl)

— Because Sena-chan is so cute — (boy from the same class)

— So all you care about is her face. Boys are all idiot (class 2 girl)

— I might even have a chance to see her during exercise. Good Job, Namikaze (group of boys)

During homeroom, our homeroom teacher, Iruka Sensei, told the rest of our class, "Starting today, Kashiwazaki will come back to school.

"Yeahhhh-! The class roared in excitement.

"… See, I promised you guys that I 'woulld bring her back.'"

A girl sitting behind me whispered, "Hey, hey, Namikaze-kun. What you said a few days earlier became true."

"So you guys don't trust me that much — I'm a man!" I answered without looking back.

She pat my back, "Heh — you are so cool"

"Haha, do you like me already?"

"Of course not!"

At that time, Iruka Sensei continued, "Alright. Kashiwazaki, come in."

"Yes." The door was opened, and Sena came in in.

I never thought she was the same girl with the messed up pajamas a few days earlier. She looked like a different person… why doesn't she keep wearing that…? Somehow, I felt a little embarrassed when I looked at her.

Sena choose that time to speak.

"… Ah… um…" She paused.

"… Ah… that…" She paused again.

Hey, hey, what are you doing!

Damn… I didn't expect this.

'Someone who doesn't want to go to school suddenly goes to school' — it caused quite a lot of pressure on her. I never thought that far ahead. I was too optimistic to think that she would easily fit in with everyone. Reality is not that simple…

"… Ah… um…"

She was unable to say anything…

… Not good. If she failed… she might… never want to return to school again…

… That was a bad calculation on my part. I — have to do something!

"Kashiwazaki!"

Everyone's attention suddenly shifted to me.

"… Naruto?" Even Sena is shocked.

I will show you an example!

"Come on! Tell them how cool I was when I brought you back to school!" If you are too nervous to say anything let me share your embarrassment!

Sena's eyes widened, she burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing for?"

"Because… you are… an idiot."

She covered her mouth with her hand and laughed… Although it made me uncomfortable, at least she wasn't nervous anymore.

Sena took a deep breath and said, "I'm Sena Kashiwazaki. Please to meet you — everyone! It has been a long time!"

Wow! Everyone started applauding. There is no need for a leader, everyone started clapping their hands and whistled.

"…Wow…" Seeing everyone's reaction, Sena had a bewildered look. Because of her embarrassment, she was blushing.

I showed a smile and said, "See, didn't I tell you…" Everyone was looking forward to see you again. Mission complete. I whispered to myself.

Sena's expression relaxed…

"Heeheee… thank you everyone."

"Oh right, oh right. There is something I have to say — because of a promise."

"Hmmm?"

What is she saying? What promise?

Sena looked at me and said in embarrassment, "Naruto-sama, thank you for the underwear!"

She told our class about my disgusting method to bring her back school.

The same day, after school — in a nearby park. Chiaki, Karin and I were sitting on a bench.

"Really… Kashiwazaki-san… she really said that…?" Karin asked.

"Ahahaha… homeroom wasn't over, yet all the boys already gathered around Naruto's table, our class turned into chaos~," Chiaki said while holding her stomach, laughing so hard.

"It's not a laughing matter. I was planning to explain myself, but those girls were already screaming — and those boys had already rushed to my table — it was too late when Iruka-sensei intervened… explaining things to them is going to be very troublesome!"

"Ah? But it is a misunderstanding, right?"

"Of course! Unless I quickly solve this misunderstanding, I will be called PantsMan until I graduate."

"Didn't they call you that already, Mr. PantsMan?"

"Shut up Chiaki!" Ugh… I wanna die already.

"Kashiwazaki-san looks like she is having fun."

"Mmm."

She was immediately surrounded by our classmates. From the looks of it, she would be fine even without me now.

"That is why — Mission Complete."

"Good work Naruto. You tried hard this time too, you really cool." Karin give me pat on the back.

"Kukuku, of course."

"Idiot, don't get full of yourself." Chiaki elbowed me.

I'm the famous class rep, but Chiaki and Karin still treats me the same. I have heard this line many times before, but I can't get enough of it… I felt happy every time everyone said that. Or maybe… it's one of the reasons that kept me going. Maybe I went all out to help others in order for Karin and Chiaki to praise me.

"But Naruto… you did try to act tough…"

"I'm not. I still act normal." I don't like it when Karin denied something I did.

Karin shook her head. "Naruto is still so kind as usual…"

"Hey…" Don't make it out like I'm an idiot.

"But recently I felt you aren't exactly the same as before."

"Where?"

"I'm not sure myself… I think you have a little anxiety."

"…"

I couldn't say anything back because Karin hit the bull's eyes — no, not really. Because she pointed out something about me that even I myself didn't know. Because that was Karin, I unconsciously spoke my mind out.

"I… anxiety? Why?"

Karin showed me a surprise expression — but she quickly smiled gently.

"Even you don't know. As expected of Naruto."

"Hey, don't joke with me. I'm not feeling anxious."

It must have been a lie. When I talked with Karin, I felt very calm. To put it bluntly, I wouldn't worry even if I was going to die really soon. It's definitely not because we had known each other for a long time. It's because she is Karin that I felt calm. If this was someone else, I would have kept trying to act tough.

"… Well yeah… you are right… I feel a little anxious. Like if I don't try harder something bad will happen."

Chiaki and Karin listened to my unreasonable rant without a hint of boredom.

"I feel that Naruto has tried hard enough." Karin repiled.

"Yeah, I have tried hard." Only the Naruto Namikaze from elementary school would say that.

"… I have tried hard, so why am I feeling anxious?"

"Maybe you felt that your effort was not accepted by others?" Chiaki put her hand on her chin

"Hm… Maybe."

"Don't go over-thinking about it, okay? It's just my guess."

"No, no, it's something very important to me. Because… you and Karin who understand me better than anyone. So I always rely on you two help."

"… I see."

After that, during the first semester, Sena often skipped school too. But at least she comes to school twice out of every three days. Although she was welcomed by everyone, but it didn't look like she immediately wanted to go to school every day. I should show her how fun school is.

After I brought her back to school, I immediately set a higher mission for myself. That was what happened that day, when a girl asked me this, "Class rep, will Kashiwazaki come to the trip with our class?"

"How could I know?"

"Because, Kashiwazaki-san will think that it's too much of a trouble."

"You are right."

Even without asking, I could guess that her reaction would be 'School trip? Pass, pass.'

"So I want to ask you to persuade Kashiwazaki-san. You succeeded in bringing her back to school."

"You wanted me to persuade Kashiwazaki?"

"Please. Everyone is looking forward to see Kashiwazaki-san on this trip."

"I see… If you ask me… then I can't refuse."

I hit my chest, "Just leave it to me!" That is my usual, favorite line.

It's a good chance. I was thinking how to make Kashiwazaki realize that school is fun! Haha… prepare yourself, Sena!

"As expected of the class rep. I leave it to you!"

"Yup! Oh right, right! I'm looking forward to my super cool 'school bookmark.' Be sure to support me!"

"Class rep! From the bottom of my heart, I beg you not to print your own photo on the school bookmark!"

"Why?"

"Don't you get it? The school bookmark last year was ultra-bad!"

"But my sister liked it."

"Who cares about your sister!?"

And so, after school, I went to the game center near the bus station. Just like before, since Sena wasn't home, I thought that she could only be here.

"Bingo."

Yup, she is here. She is now resting, not playing.

"Hey Sena, are you sleeping?" I tried asking her.

Still lying on the table, Sena said, "… This is 'the last form of I-don't-wanna-go-to-school-posture.' I don't like it… I want to be free…"

What are you saying you idiot?

"What I meant to say is… I have no more motivation."

"Hurry and get up!" I knocked on the back of her head, making the dummy girl yell.

"What are you doing!?"

"That is my line. Why are you lying down like this?"

"Because… just thinking about 'the school trip' makes me tired…"

"Ah? So you know?"

"I heard that from Iruka Sensei yesterday."

"Will you come?'"

"… I'm not going."

"Why not!? Come on! It's super fun!"

"That…"

"What?"

"I don't like how everyone keeps telling me to go."

"Why — everyone said that because they want you to come…"

"That… ah… I see."

"So will you come?"

"Nope, I will not."

"Then tell me why."

"My body is very weak, it can't be helped." Sena faked some coughs.

"It was too fake. I don't even want to yell at you anymore."

"I'm telling the truth… you see, I need my parents' approval to go on this trip right? My Father is away from home… so that can't be helped! Ah, what a pity."

"You could just write one yourself!"

She is making excuses. The problem is, in her opinion, school is more 'troublesome' than 'fun.' Then I should…

"Okay, I get it." I deeply nodded.

Sena narrowed her eyes. "I get a bad feeling from Naruto's 'I get it.' Every time you say that, you actually don't get it at all."

"From now on, I will make sure you enjoy school with everyone!"

"What are you saying?!"

"Come on, take a look at this! The school bookmark made by class rep Naruto!"

"Hey, who would like a bookmark with a picture of you…? Is this one of our school's seven mysteries, the cursed bookmark?"

"Did the bookmark I made last year turn into one of the seven mysteries?"

"It was very famous back then!"

"Why am I the only one who knows nothing about it?"

"By the way, I got a good laugh that time — and I'm not the only one!"

"I will make you change your mind! You will receive divine punishment!"

"My current state is already divine punishment!"

Sena glanced at me, "So? Are you going to make me happy this time too? Can you make my bad mood go away?"

What if I said… I'm looking forward to it?

"… Hm…"

Joy welled up in my chest and showed up on my face.

"Hahahahaha! Of course! Just leave it to me!"

I showed her my notebook.

"Let me show you how fun this trip is! First we will take a bus to the camping site, and then we have an outdoor party. The next day we have mountain climbing!"

"Ha…"

I ignored Sena's unhappy expression and maintained my brainwashing technique.

.

.

.