.
.
.
When the day of the trip arrived, everyone was happy.
"Hahaha… Look, they are acting like children!"
"Naruto, you too loud!" Chiaki scolded me.
I was sitting in the middle of the last row of seats. Next to me were Chiaki and Sena. That's right. I succeeded in convincing Sena.
"Ah~ this is the first time I've been so far from home~."
The beautiful hikikomori-sama kept her moist eyes on the glass windows. She really didn't want to go, did she?
"Haha… but since you are here, don't ever think of running away."
"You are a villain!"
"Sena-chan do you want some snacks?"
"Yes please!"
Chiaki and Sena — a lazy girl and a energetic girl — they suited each other so much!
"Say, you have been in the same class for a long time, right?"
"Yes~ Naruto, Karin, and me. We both eat lunch together with Naruto~."
Hearing her name, Karin turned back to us from her seat.
"Someone called me? Want to play cards?"
"Ah~ it's not bad~ the snack is good~ let's trade with each other."
"Hey Naruto! Don't talk with girls all by yourself!"
"Too cheap! Let me join too!"
And so, some other classmates joined us.
"I was looking forward to this trip!"
"A girl's meal is the best!"
"Hey, you guys are going to help too."
"Boys have to learn how to make a meal!"
It turned into chaos.
Ah, before I forget. This is a three day two night trip. The first day we will set up camp to sleep. At night, we will split into groups of three and sleep together. During our first day, both boys and girls will prepare lunch and dinner together. Thankfully I'm in the same group with Karin.
"Haha, I can promise you all that Karin's food is better than your mom's! Just you wait!"
Clap clap Boys in my group started clapping.
"Na… Naruto… your praise has gone too far."
She was so easy to embarrass. You are so good at cooking, why don't you take pride in that? Why do you always act so modest? Next to us, Sena added, "…You guys look like an old married couple…"
"We're Not!"
"But — Karin is very skilled, I'm also looking forward to her meal." Chiaki praised Karin cooking skill too.
After that, Sena kept a distance from everyone else and took her cell phone out. Recently, cell phones could access the internet too, allowing her to play that imouto game.
"You really are a shut-in."
That happened in class too. She didn't talk with anyone.
"That's why I said I hate the camping trip. Say, when I first played Imouto-City, they said it was totally free to play. But now I have spent so much money in this, does that mean they lied to me?"
"And what could you do about that now?"
I understood that the first time you told me about it.
"Based on Sena's prediction, it's definitely not normal! Why didn't I hate it, but instead kept playing?"
Yeah, I could see that. I sighed and said, "True, you aren't suited for a camping trip. But as I have said before — going on the same bus, cooking and eating together, making camp and sleeping together — climbing the mountain and enjoy the view — all of this is fun. I think it's more fun than your game or anything!"
The 'current me' would have never said that. The 'Me from that time' didn't understand her hobby, thus I overlooked it. Half of the reason was what I saw on TV, but the other half — was because of Sena.
Compared to Naruko, Rias or Kuroneko, Sena was just a low-tier otaku. But at that time, I thought that because she loved games, she was already a hikikomori. I thought that there was nothing good about them.
"Ah, sometimes I forget that you are a hot-blooded boy — well, I hope you are right too."
Although Sena said that while smiling slightly, she didn't look that way like she hoped I was right.
"Yes. These are our last activities during our elementary school year — let's make it an unforgettable memory."
The bus had arrived at the camping site. We had passed by a lake before, so everyone expected to be able to go fishing and the like.
"Amazing — just like a fantasy world in a movie! So beautiful! But it stinks~ Ah! The air is so fresh, so why can't I breathe? Could it be that my body can't handle this pure fresh air?"
"… What a quiet place~ It would be nice if I could just live here my whole life…"
However, everyone had their different opinions. Today, we camped on wide open grassland. As far as our eyes could see, we saw grass, trees and the blue sky. And our camping site!
Although it was quite hot, our class was overflowing with youth, thus the heat didn't affect us! Everyone changed into sports clothes and listened to the camp's manager and our teacher's reminder.
"Hey, hey, Naruto, Chiaki-chan, isn't that bad? This is grass! So hot! It stinks!"
However, the idiot above made my life miserable. Still, I managed to endure it.
We had lunch consisting of curry, and barbecue for dinner. Karin's skill allowed us to enjoy an excellent meal. After that was the first day's climax — the campfire. Everyone gathered around the campfire and had fun.
During that time — I took Karin and went to a quiet place.
"Ya — so fun! The school trip is so fun!"
"Really, what are you saying, Jiji?"
"Nothing, baba." I continued teasing my cousin.
"About that, it's almost 'respect our elders day.' I need to make sure to pay a visit Jiraiya ojii-chan at hospital."
"H-Hospital!? What happened to Jii-chan?"
"Jiraiya ojii-chan got in an accident last week. I didn't see him last week, so I planned to visit him this week."
"Really? I didn't hear anything about it."
"Ah, well, it's not anything worth mentioning. He still sounded normal. Last time I spoke with him via telephone, he gave me a machinegun-like rant."
Grandpa Jiraiya dotes on us a lot, but sometimes he is very unreasonable. How could Grandma Tsunade marry such a man? I always felt that was a difficult question. She said, "One day you will understand too". What a bad omen.
"So I planned to go meet him, tell him about this camping trip to cheer them up and beg him for some pocket money."
"You aren't honest with yourself. You clearly want to meet him."
"I… I'm not."
"But… it's nice to have such a good relationship. I also want to visit Jiraiya ojii-chan. It's been a long time since I met him. "
"Oh? How about we go together?"
"Ah… but, can I?"
"Yes. I planned to pay respect for you on that 'respect our elders day' too."
"Hey~ What do you mean by that~! I'm going to get angry." My cousin hit me on the shoulder.
In front of us, in the distance was the campfire. The night was very comfortable. We didn't feel hot or cold. This made me remember Grandpa Jiraiya. It might be a bit too blunt to say it, but he always made me feel happy. Even as reckless as I was, I always enjoy spending time with Grandpa Jiraiya.
"I always think about Grandma Tsunade whenever I speak with you. I still don't know why though."
Hearing that, Karin smiled, "I don't know if I should feel happy or not when you say that."
"Haha, whatever. Still, although Grandma Tsunade is very scary if she gets angry, she is the forgiving type."
"I see. Then I could rest assured."
Karin is always calm. She could make other people around her feel calm too. I have never seen my gentle cousin get angry.
" — So warm."
" — Um."
We sat side by side, looking at the fire.
To tell the truth, this school trip was sooooooo fun! I started to feel sleepy.
Suddenly, Karin asked, "Say, Naruto."
"What?"
With sleepy eyes, I turned and see that Karin was looking down. Maybe because of the fire, her face was slightly reddened.
"Even after we become junior high school students, let's stay together like this."
"Of course — I think that we could spend our entire lives together, We're family after all"
"That's not what I mean."
"Then what?"
"Geez… Nevermind, just forget it." She gently smiled.
She seemed like to be in a good mood. If she had a tail, I bet she would have been shaking it in happiness.
Since I was in a good mood myself, I could tell that Karin was feeling the same. Normally, I couldn't do that, but today we understood each other. It made me very comfortable. That's right; I would always calm down whenever Karin was around. It's so hard to understand.
"Maybe being ordinary is something amazing too." I unconsciously said that.
Even I didn't know why I said it back then. I thought that she would ask me what I meant, but she didn't.
"How about — Naruto becomes ordinary too?"
"Haha."
At that time, I thought 'it's not so bad'… but I replied.
"No way."
Why did I try so hard? Even I didn't know.
"I see… but please don't be so reckless."
"Mmm."
"I will always be by Naruto's side."
There is no need to say that.
"I know. I have known it for a long time."
After the first day, we went back to our tent and sleep. If this was a manga, then the event 'go to the girls' tent would be next,' but unfortunately this is reality. We didn't sneak into the girls' tent, nor do they try to sneak into our tent. We just slept like a stone.
(◕ω◕✿)
The next day, I woke up at five; fully awake. I quietly left my tent and enjoyed the nice weather. Today is a beautiful day too.
"Hm — yah… not bad."
Compared to yesterday, I felt the weather today was much better. A night in a tent really did have some effect. Yesterday was the first time Sena had gone on a camping trip, we managed to do some indoor and outdoor activities together. Maybe I should go with my family sometime. Although my relationship with my sister had become a little strange recently.
When I asked her to come with me to the Cultural Festival.
"… Sorry. I can't go."
"I see. Do you have anything more important to do?"
"Yes. I want to go to the sport center."
"Sport center? You?"
Because my sister is so bad at exercise, I doubted my own ears when I heard her say that.
"I… I'm not going to do anything. I just want to watch a track competition."
"Hm — mmmm."
At that time, I didn't pay much attention to my sister's words. Now thinking back — maybe since that day, Naruko had already started trying.
"Ah right… right! Ah… during the previous sports competition, I ranked first in the running contest!"
"Hmph — last year I was ranked first too."
"Of course I know that. Oniichan is amazing!"
"Right, right. Praise me more."
If I had a time machine, I would really want to go back in time and knock on this idiot's head.
"Maybe I should wait for Karin… but for how long…?"
"Did you call me, Naruto?" She suddenly showed up right next to me!
"Karin. Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"Ah?"
"Forget it, what are you doing?"
"I'm taking a morning walk."
"You got up so early."
I planned to get up early too, but she woke up even earlier.
"Because it's very refreshing and comfortable — do you want to walk together?"
"Yeah. We can watch the sky together."
"Mmm."
Really… Karin's 'activities' were always old-fashioned, totally in contrast to Chaki's. Probably because of that people called her nerd and uninteresting.
I walked side by side with Karin.
The second day, our plans included eating at a camping hotel, leaving our luggage behind and taking the bus to the mountain for hiking.
"I'm too weak for hiking. I strongly object!" On the bus, in the last row of seats, Sena spoke some discouraging words.
"Sena-chan, if you like you could take the cable car to the top of the mountain~."
"Really! I will take it then!"
"Chiaki, don't give her unnecessary information. I have already checked, this mountain is already suited for beginners."
"People said you could get to the top in just one hour. It's just a little longer than the distance an elementary school student goes each day."
Besides, the view is probably great. I'm looking forward to this.
We arrived at under the mountain. There were a lot of shops nearby, selling souvenirs and native things. We divided into groups and listened to Iruka Sensei's reminder.
"Although it's not a difficult road — if anyone doesn't feel well please speak up."
Before Sena could said 'Me, me, me.' I suppressed her.
"Um um um um … (don't block my mouth.)"
"It's not your body that doesn't feel well, it's your mind."
"Don't you think you are a bit too much?"
"Yeah, yeah! Let's go! Target: top of the mountain! I can see it! The majestic view!"
"Ah~ what about the cable car~? You could see the view much better from the cable car."
"Are you an idiot? You can't enjoy the view unless you go up on your own legs. Otherwise, it would be the same as seeing them via website or TV. If you said your body isn't feeling well, you will be left in the dust all alone."
"Uh… it seems to be very boring…"
"I know, right?"
"… Naruto, seems like you have gotten used to convincing Sena-chan," said Chiaki.
"Really? Hm, it's just like taking a dog out for a walk."
"Hey! I can hear you!"
While chatting, Chiaki and I led our six-student team on the hiking trails. At the foot of the mountain, there were a lot of flowers and trees, like a park, but the deeper we went inside the more rock we encountered.
Looking at the long way ahead made my adventure-seeking heart race. Truly, I love this stuff. Without thinking, I alone had caught up with the group in front of me.
"Hey!"
Since I'm the group leader, I need to take care of my team! I stopped, turned my head back —and waited.
"Please slow down guys —" Two of my teammates passed by me. A few dozen seconds later — "Ho… ha… ha… hoh… I'm… gonna… die…"
"Are you okay, Sena-chan~?" Chiaki showed her concern for Sena, who was barely able to breathe.
I spoke my true feelings out. "You are so miserable. It hasn't been 30 minutes since we started."
"Ha — ha — that was why I told you… my body is very weak…"
"Yeah, I see that now. I thought it's just your excuse to not go to school."
Not only is your body weak, but I think it's more accurate to say that you lack stamina.
"If you can't walk anymore, how about I piggyback you to the top?"
"Ah~? No, no, there is no need…"
So you're still capable of being embarrassed?
"But… I will ask you if I truly can't walk anymore."
So you still can keep going.
"I understand — then please try your best. After enduring such hardship, the view from the top surely will be very beautiful."
"… Ha… ha… It better be."
"Sena-chan, if your body doesn't feel well, we could ask Iruka Sensei to take you back to the foot of the mountain…"
Sena shook her head and refused Chiak's negative proposal.
"… I have come this far, so I'd better keep going till the end. If I went back now, it would be even more meaningless."
"That's right." I grinned. Truly, Sena is lazy. But if it's something she thinks is 'interesting,' she would give it her all. So, what I have to do is enjoy this trip with her.
"Then — I will take the last position. Please ask someone else to take the lead." I shouted to my fellow classmates and slowed down.
Chiaki, Sena and I — the three of us walked side by side. When we arrived at the top of the mountain another 30 minutes had passed. In a clearing ahead, my classmates were chatting and joking with each other. They seemed to be taking a break after hiking.
And about Sena — "Finallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!" She managed to arrive here on her own legs.
Despite having almost thrown up multiple times, whenever I offered to piggyback her to the top she always stubbornly shook her head and continued walking.
To show my admiration of her, I pat her back, "You have done it Sena! You are amazing!"
"It hurts so much! Don't pat me like that! Ah — I'm soooooo tired! I feel like I'm going to die right now!"
Sena dropped her bag on the ground and sat down immediately. She was drenched in sweat; breathing hard, she had probably run out stamina. Chiaki gave her an ice-cooled water bottle.
"Sena-chan. Here."
"Ah… Chiaki-chan… thank you."
Gulp gulp gulp She drank the whole bottle in one go.
"Sena, take a break."
"I can't walk anymore~"
"Haha, I see, I see."
"What are you happy for? I'm gonna take the cable-car down. I'm already so tired."
"Yes, you have done well. But I want to show you something else."
"Ha ~~~~~~~?"
She had never sounded so unwilling before. I smiled wryly and gave her my hand.
"Alright, give me your hand."
"… What are you going to do?"
"Just take my hand."
"Ah — what are you thinking?" Sena took my hand.
"Hey-yo." I pulled Sena to a standing position. "Alright, let's go."
"… To where?"
"Just come."
I looked around and searched for a good position. Unfortunately — since we arrived late, all the good places had been taken by other people. But it wasn't a problem. That was the time for Naruto Namikaze to shine.
"Alright" My eyes stopped at 'this place.' "Over here. That is not a bad place."
That place was higher than everywhere else, with a visible rock level. From there, we could surely see the view of this mountain.
"Let's go!"
"Ah, wait, wait."
Just like a rabid dog following food, I rushed forward. I easily jumped over the rope that was between myself and 'this place.'
"Yeah!"
In an instant, I had already climbed to the top of the rock. From there, I took a look toward the mountain's base.
"Wow — just like I imagined!"
There were no words to describe it aside from 'awesome.' I could see the rock-filled trails, the thick green forest and the mountain peaks. Although there is an old saying that only an idiot would enjoy a high place, but seeing this was worth being called idiot.
Full of excitement, I yelled to Sena below, "Sena! Come here! It's awesome up here!"
"Are you an idiot?! I'm not a monkey like you, I'm a human! And I'm already beyond tired!"
"Can you stop your mouth for a second?"
I cursed. We didn't mind such bad language anymore. Next to Sena was Chiaki, she also looked up to me.
"What are you doing Naruto? It's dangerous!"
"It's fine, this is child's play."
No matter what, I want to let Sena see this scene — I want to let Sena see how much fun a school trip is. That was my main mission when I came here. I will definitely make it a success. I said 'just leave it to me.'
"Sena! Come here!"
So I reached down to Sena and offered my hand. If she couldn't climb up, then I will pull her to me. It would be such a waste to not see this after coming this far — that was what I thought at that time.
Sena looked at my extended hand in confusion.
"Really, I already told you that I'm beyond tired."
She smiled wryly and took my hand. I could tell that she clenched my hand hard.
"You are so forceful. I won't help you if Chiaki-chan gets angry."
"Why are you mentioning Chiaki now?"
I pulled her to me. The space to put our feet was very limited, so I was very close to Sena.
"Haa… what a heavy task."
"Hey, don't make it sound like I'm heavy."
"I think that you are around 50 kilograms."
"I'm not that heavy! I only weigh 24 kilograms!"
Sena took a deep breath and looked at the scene in front of her.
"Alright, alright — and so…"
To change the topic, I said, "— Look Sena. Enjoy this awesome view with me!"
"Hm, so what?"
I am the one who brought Sena to this place. To tell her that school is a fun place; that school is not somewhere that she should hate. It was simple, but I had to try my hardest to show her that. Now, whether my work was a meaningless struggle or not depended on her answer. I originally thought that 'butting into other's affairs' wasn't a bad thing. But still, I hope for a good reply.
So I glanced at Sena. She was looking forward — she didn't seem like she heard me
"Ah… they probably couldn't hear us up there… so, ah, Naruto…"
"Yes?"
"You are so annoying."
"Ah?" That wasn't the answer I expected. I was shocked.
Sena laughed and said, "Mmm… hehee, what? Did you expect me to say 'Oh, what a beautiful scene! I'm so moved!' like that?"
"Yes…" That's normal, right?
"But I can feel your passion. You better remember, not everyone will thank you because you do so many things for them. That's advice from the beautiful Sena for you."
Although Sena sounded like she was joking, I could tell that everything she said was her true feelings. Although I also had prepared myself… but I was a bit… no, I was deeply hurt.
"… I, everything I did for you, all of this is just butting in your business… isn't it?"
Hearing my response, first, Sena was surprised, then she narrowed her eyes.
"I-di-ot!"
"What?"
Did she just scold me? Seeing my eyes widen in surprise, she looked to the side.
"Idiot — idiot. Idiot — idiot. You, not only you are so annoying, you are also a big idiot."
"… Oh! I have no idea what you are thinking! Say, the one who call others an idiot is the idiot!"
I raised my objection.
"Please say it in a language that I can understand!"
Sena bit her lips, she looked very troubled.
"What I meant is, I —"
She turned to face me and was about to say something. But at that time, maybe she turned too fast.
"Ah — "
"Se… SENA!"
Even until now, I still don't know what she was about to say.
I tried to reach to Sena who was losing her balance in a futile attempt to catch her. The end result — our fun school trip ended in the worst way possible. Just as I had hoped, it became one of my unforgettable memories.
— I heard that Kashiwazaki got a bone fracture because of Namikaze?
— Yes, I heard that was because Namikaze asked her to go hiking. She was injured because Namikaze led her into an off-limit, danger zone.
— Really? It's so horrible.
— Poor Kashiwazaki. It would be better if Namikaze himself got injured.
— Anyway, so that is the reason our school trip was ended one day early?
— We are also angry too.
— Recently, this guy is all full of himself. I already thought that someday he would cause something like this.
— But I heard that Kashiwazaki's parents are away from home?
— I heard that Kashiwazaki's parents caused chaos at school. Seems like Kashiwazaki didn't have her parent's approval to join in this trip.
— There is a rumor that Namikaze told her to make a fake one.
— I got the feeling that he would do that too.
— Since the beginning, he already boasted that he will bring Kashiwazaki back to school.
— So what is Namikaze's punishment?
— I saw him go into the teacher's office, but nothing happened. So is he going to attend school as usual?
— Ha? After what he did? For real?
— Yes. Still he is a class rep, so they probably put him off.
— This time, this is… Unforgiveable.
After the school trip ended on the second day, we took the bus back to Chiba. I didn't remember what happened on the way back. When I recovered, I realized that I was about to apologize to the rest of the class. It was so embarrassing that I wanted to commit seppuku.
"I'm back…"
"Naruto, I have something to tell you." Dad said that to me.
That was when I heard the news that Grandpa Jiraiya had passed away.
"…Aaaahh"
Bad things kept happening to me — at that time, I didn't think that anyone in the world would understand me. Everyone will eventually have a family member pass away, but that was the first time I experienced that feeling.
"… It… couldn't… be…"
Just like everyone else, when I heard that news, my head was full of conflicting emotions… however, in the end, I didn't think about them anymore… please allow me to tell the truth with a repentant heart.
At that time, all I could think of was Sena and what happened during the school trip — the person I loved the most had just died. I will never, ever see him again. Yet aside from that, I can't stop and think about her.
"About that, it's almost 'respect our elders day.' I need to make sure to pay a visit Jiraiya Ojii-chan."
"How are they doing?"
What a joke.
Before the school trip, everything was fine… now everything was ruined.
"Damn… why did it turn out like this…?!" I slammed on my bed.
The next day — originally, this day was the third day of the trip, but because of me it turned into a boring self-study session.
After a night, I barely managed to recover my normal way of thinking. I made up my mind to do 'something that must be done' — or rather my last mission — before going to school.
I purposely changed my route to school to avoid Karin and Chiaki and went to school by myself.
Today, I will properly apologize to everyone.
Before I do this, I don't want to meet Chaiki and Karin. Karin probably already heard the news from my Mom, I don't want to hear some kind comfort.
I opened the classroom's door and immediately faced with a horrible atmosphere. An eye-catching empty seat caught my attention. The moment I entered the classroom, everyone's attention was on me. The room fell silent.
The silence continued for a few seconds — before it turned into a series of whisper. Chiaki looked at me like she was about to cry. Bathed in the hateful and criticizing gazes, I walked to my seat. At that time, someone called me from behind.
"Hey, don't you have something to say?"
That was one of my classmates.
"… I do."
I dropped my bag at my seat and went back to the podium at the front of my class. I took a look at everyone and bowed.
"I'm sorry, everyone! Because of me, the school trip had been cancelled. I'm very sorry!"
"Hah?"
"Are you kidding me?"
"How are you going to take responsibility for this!?"
"What about Kashiwazaki-san?"
"What if she can't come to school again?"
One after another, their voices rang out. Each of their words stabbed my heart like a knife. That was normal. That was acceptable. That was what I thought back then. In this world, you can't just fix everything by apologizing. I have to do something. No matter what. But I don't know what should I do — that feeling is unbearable.
I spent the entire night thinking about it, but I couldn't think of anything. I can't immediately heal Sena's wounds. I can't make her smile and go to school again. I can't convince the school for another school trip. I'm so powerless. I can't do anything. I don't even know how to end this. I can only apologize. That was all I could do now.
"Today, after school, I will visit Kashiwazaki. After I apologize to her, if her injury is better, I will ask her to come to school again."
"Are you going to repeat your mistake?"
"You didn't reflect did you?"
"You'll just make more problems for Kashiwazaki-san."
"Her parents will kick you out immediately. Why can't you see that?"
"It's better if you don't do anything."
So what do you guys want me to do? I screamed in my heart. But I didn't care. I was going to do what I felt like I should do.
"You can say whatever you want to me. You can hit me for all you like! But please! When Kashiwazaki comes back school, please continue like normal! Please smile with her, play with her, have fun with her! Although another school trip is impossible, don't let our last year in school end like this!"
"It's not your turn to say that!"
"Didn't it turn into that because of you!?"
"How are you going to take responsibility then?"
"What is the point of beating you? It will only ease your responsibility, making you feel better."
"You still want to take the show? Scum!"
My solution was just like pouring oil onto fire, everyone's rage keeps increasing. The classroom turned into chaos. Everyone kept shouting, the atmosphere was about to explode —
BANG! A loud sound shut everyone up. Everyone turned toward the source of the sound.
"…"
Everyone froze.
"Everyone, please be quiet!"
Because that was Chiaki.
"… Aihara…?"
"You too Naruto, please come back to your seat."
Chiaki's voice was gentle. She was smiling her smile like always. But there was a difference. There was courage. That was my first time seeing Chiaki like that.
"Ino-chan…"
"Yes?"
"'Please make Kashiwazaki-san come back to school' — Ino-chan is the one asking Naruto for that, right? Besides, when Kashiwazaki-san stepped on the bus, did you voice your objection? But why did you put all of the blame on Naruto's head now and scold him like everyone?"
"Ah, because… because…"
" Because?"
"…"
She didn't say anything.
Chiaki didn't wait for her as she continued.
"Because when you check the message board, everyone wanted to do that — because of that atmosphere, right?"
"!?"
"It's not nice to do that. I think it's unacceptable — so, Ino-chan. Since you are that message board's administrator, please take care of it."
"Ah…?"
"Can you delete it all? Use your administrator's role and delete them all… can you?"
"Ah? Right… right now?"
"Yes, now!"
"…"
"Hurry up!"
Faced with Chiaki's overwhelming pressure, she quickly took her cell phone out and did something.
"All deleted. Is that okay?"
"Thank you. Please make sure such a message board doesn't appear again." With her gentle voice, Chiaki said, "Everyone, I have something to tell you."
"… Because someone in this class worried that 'Kashiwazaki-san didn't come to school' and wrote it into the manual so Naruto did that as usual. So if Kashiwazaki-san didn't come to school, she wouldn't get injured and the school trip wouldn't be cancelled."
"Hey — Chiaki, it's not that simple…"
"From the result, what you all just said is 'It's better if Sena-chan didn't come to school.'"
"Do you want me to punch you?!" I can't stop myself from saying that. Even if this came from Chiaki.
Chiaki looked hurt. She looked down.
"Just now… the conversation with Naruto and everyone… was actually that."
"!"
"Someone worried about Kashiwazaki-san and wrote that into the manual. Brought Kashiwazaki-san back to school, allowed her to take part in this school trip, encouraged her to go hiking, showed her the view… Naruto volunteered for all of that. Although the end result wasn't what I expected, but even that, I don't want to say that everything he did, all the effort he paid was a mistake."
"… Chiaki."
"The ones who are responsible for this, first is Kashiwazaki-san who was careless to get an injury. Second is Naruto. And third is everyone. Not only you didn't stop Naruto, you even fanned the flames. So that's why I think that everyone doesn't have the right to scold Naruto!"
No one said anything.
After that, Chiaki looked directly into my eyes and concluded, "It was regrettable, but it can't be helped. So don't blame yourself Naruto."
After school, Dad and I visited Sena at the hospital. Facing her father — I bowed and begged him to talk with Sena, but…
"I will not allow my daughter to go back to that school."
"I heard that you forced her into that trip."
"This was all your fault."
"Don't appear before me again."
— That was what he said.
Even the hot-blood idiot I am had been defeated. The meeting between 'me from five years ago' and a classmate who refused to go to school. 'Sena Kashiwazaki' is one of the most important reason for in the sudden change of Naruto Namikaze character from a hot-blooded idiot boy to the normal loving person he is today.'
But please don't misunderstand. Both 'Sena's incident' and 'Grandpa Jiraiya's dead' — those painful events — weren't the reasons that created a shadow on my mind and completely changed my characteristic.
The true reason… please continue listen to me.
After I and my father left, he had to go back to hospital, when I opened the front door, I saw my sister burying her face into her knees on the sofa. Maybe she cried herself to sleep. Because just like me, she loves Grandpa Jiraiya too. I made the most natural reaction and poured a cup of coffee for her.
"Want to drink?"
"…"
Naruko slightly looked at me and nodded without saying anything.
"I'll leave it here."
"… Mmm."
Naruko slowly took a slip from the cup of coffee and said, "… Oniichan, you are amazing."
"What amazing?"
"Sob… you didn't cry."
"Of course."
I will not cry in front of you. Besides, I knew that this isn't the time to cry. Our favorite grandfather had passed away. My sister was crying. I should have done something for Naruko
— Just leave it to me.
I couldn't say that to my little sister.
Why did it happen? 'In this world, you can't just fix everything with an apology.' How did it turn into this? For a long time, I had believed that — no, I had made that my belief. So why did it turn so fucking useless at this critical moment? It even turned into an obstacle. I realized that there were many things I could have said to comfort my sister, but I couldn't say it out loud.
"… Is it good?"
"… Mmm… a bit too bitter."
"Haha, I see. Maybe I took too long."
"Tomorrow… will we… go to them?"
"I heard that after a while, they will come and pick us up."
"… Then… before that… I have to cry enough… I will try to become more mature, just like Oniichan… I will try… harder…"
"…"
… Seeing my little sister like that, my heart hurt too. However, in the end — the normal elementary school student Naruto Namikaze could only stay by his sister's side before she cried herself to sleep.
When I put the blanket on my sister's sleeping form, the doorbell rang. I opened it and met Karin.
"Is something wrong?"
"Yesterday, Kushina Oba-san asked me to… take care of Naruto."
"Did she ask you to look after me?"
"Yes. I kept thinking about what I can do, and — have you eaten dinner?" Karin showed me her bag full of food.
"… Thank you. Not only at school, I have caused trouble for you at home too."
"Didn't we agree not to talk about it anymore, father?"
To ease the atmosphere, I said, "Hey Karin, is that what a girl tells her dad before she get married?"
"I'm a young student!"
"Haha, you are right." I felt a little better now.
We chatted while making dinner. Because my sister was sleeping in the living room, so we went to my room instead. It was so good to have a warm meal when you felt down.
"I'm full. It's good."
"Please forgive me if it's bad…"
"No problem."
"If that's okay with you, how about you bring Naruko to my home too?"
Ah… this is not a bad suggestion.
"No… forget it. It's unnecessary."
First, I don't want to wake up my sleeping sister. Second, recently she seemed to avoid Karin. I'm not sure what the reasons were back then, but thinking back, it was probably that.
Karin… looked directly into my eyes
"I understand." She gave up.
"Ah… that tea is good."
"Ahaha, thank you."
Although Karin only stayed by my side… that was enough for me. We drank tea in silence for a while. I took a deep breath and said, "Say, Karin."
"Yes?"
"Can I talk with you for a bit."
"Sure you can."
Actually, I didn't expect much. I just wanted someone to listen to my problems, that maybe she would think of something. So I told her about Sena, about Grandpa Jiraiya, about my doubt with my sister — all of my chaos, messed up thought. No, all of that was just an excuse.
"Why did that happen?"
I don't want to take my anger out on anyone. I only want to help others. I looked down and forced my words out.
"Why did that happen? I never thought… true, I was butting into other's business… But I only wanted to do what I think is right!"
"… Calm down, Naruto."
Bang! I slammed on the table. My hand and my chest hurt.
"Why did it all turn into my fault? Everything! Sena… Jii-chan… Why…? Why…?"
I grit my teeth, but I let out a disgraced sob.
"Why did that happen? My sister was crying! I'm her brother…! I should have said something to her; I should have done something for her…! I couldn't do anything! I'm not like that! I don't want to be like that! Damn it! Damn it damn it damn it!"
What a mess. I didn't even know what I was saying. But… everything I said were my true feelings. Everything was my naked, deepest, truest feelings. My heart was full of anger. I wanted to crush everything in my room. It was so painful that I wanted to cry — but all I could do was cry. The 'ideal me' would never cry. If I turned back now, my heart would remain unbroken. But because of that, my heart was thinking 'I couldn't do anything, but I have to do something' — so I turned against myself instead.
"Naruto."
"Damn it!"
Bang! I slammed on the table again. My hand hurt, but I didn't care.
Bang!
Again!
Bang! Bang!
Again! And then she stopped me.
"Naruto."
My gentle cousin.
"Calm down."
"…"
I think that I'm a happy man. The 'I can't do anything' point in everyone's life will happen sooner or later. But today, she was with me. She gently hugged me. I was happy. So happy that I wanted to cry.
"… Karin."
I was crying. I cried after asking her for 'life counseling.'
"… I have spoken with Sena's parents. She… will not come back to school…"
"Mmm."
"They said… everything is my fault."
"That's wrong."
"I can't keep my promise to visit Jiraiya ojii-chan with you… he is gone… My sister was crying… but I couldn't comfort her…"
"…"
"… I planned to take responsibility for the school trip. I planned to convince Sena to come to school again. I wanted to show her how fun school is. Because I'm her class rep. Then I want to kick the crap out of the reason that made my sister cry, because I'm her brother… Everything… everything… is something I must do, something I have to do…"
My lip was bleeding. I had bitten it too much.
"But I couldn't. No matter how much I think about it, I can't think of anything. I wanted to say 'just leave it to me' as usual… but the truth is… I can't do anything."
I can't accept that. It was shameful. If that continued, I was afraid that I would lose myself. So I asked, trying to get an answer, something to depend on.
"Karin… what do you think I should do?"
"It's fine if you don't do anything." She hugged me closer to her chest, Karin gently said, "Naruto is always like that. Whenever someone is in trouble — you can't stand it. You think 'It can't be helped' and say 'just leave it to me' and try to take care of it all alone. Isn't that because you want to make an image of 'an awesome cool Oniisan' in your sister's mind? But when faced with something that you couldn't do, Naruto — you don't have to face it that way."
"— Because Naruto is just an ordinary boy." That was what placed a shadow in my mind.
I might not be the one to say this but I'm an ordinary boy — even five years later, I still considered myself that way. Those words hit my weakness.
"… I see. I'm an ordinary boy."
"Yes. Normal. Just like me."
It's not like I don't know that. Actually, I had noticed it long ago. That I'm not special or anything. Just a normal, ordinary boy. But since I broke my own seal, 'It can't be helped,' I always tried to take care of everything — 'just leave it to me.'
"… Why am I always trying to act tough?"
"Because you want to show off."
"To whom?"
"To your sister."
"Naruko? I want to show off to her?"
"Yes. Isn't that right?"
If it was Karin or Chiaki, I could have agreed, because truely, I really did that. But — to Naruko.
"Nauto, whenever you talk with me, you always speak about 'how I show off in front of my sister.'
"… Did I…" I don't remember. But what if Karin is right…?
"About that — Naruto." She hugged me tighter. "I like you. It doesn't matter if you are amazing or not, even if you aren't trustworthy, that you are slow, that you aren't good at studying, that you aren't special — I won't hate you because of that. Because I know better than anyone how hard you tried."
"But… but what if I meet something I can't solve?" I repeated my question from earlier.
Karin said, "Naruto is an idiot."
"When you are faced with something you can't do, you could just say 'it can't be helped.' If you don't give up no matter what, maybe someone will call you cool but you won't be happy. Don't force yourself, okay?"
"Mmm."
"You don't have to show off in front of me, Chiaki, or Naruko."
"Mmm."
"When you feel pain, please cry."
"…Aaghr…oh… Aagrhhhh… Ahhhhhhhhhh."
I finally broke into tears. I cried in my cousin's arms.
(◕ω◕✿)
"— Because of that, I stopped trying hard." I gave up. Even now, I still had given up.
"What does my miserable story have to do with 'this talk'?"
"Don't you get it? I told you everything is related!"
"Hey, for real?"
"Yeah."
Naruko looked at Karin, "So that is what happened? Karin?"
"Yes, that's right." Karin slightly nodded, lightly blushing.
"But… just now… Naruto described me a little too much…"
"Hm, really? I didn't try to though."
"About that…" Naruko seemed to want to say something, but changing her mind she just said, "Ah, forget it."
"Hey, what do you mean?"
Naruko showed a blank expression and continued, "I just think that… in some way… I — unknowingly received Karin's help…"
"Ah! Why?"
Seeing Karin's surprised expression, Naruko grinned, "Heehee, I won't tell you — but yes, five years ago Naruto was saved by Karin's convincing."
Why do you look like you're about to say 'I can understand your feelings back then'? Did the me from five years ago have something in common with what Naruko knew? Forget it. There is something more important thing going on here.
"So — I will ask you again. What does my miserable story have to do with 'this talk'?"
"…"
Naruko took a deep breath… it seemed like this was a very important topic for her.
She said, "I told you already. At that time, 'the brocon me' saw that 'Oniichan who always tried his hardest' as very cool. He was intelligent, fast, always tried harder than anyone else — he was special to me. My dream was to become like that."
"…"
So that's why.
"— But he didn't really exist."
"… Naruko."
"I understand that now. But the me back then — didn't."
Tears welled up in my sister's eyes. She was forcing herself to speak.
"… Back then, I hated my 'Oniichan' who had given up, who never showed off in front of me again. Back then, I hated it. I hated it so much. 'My favorite Oniichan' became lazy, even his grades dropped… and yet he casually laughed it off. I couldn't believe it."
Ah… there is nothing I could say back to defend myself.
Filled with strong emotions, Naruko's words continued, "I tried my best to catch up with 'Onii-chan' — but you become so lazy! So I hated you… I wanted to beat you… I couldn't forgive you… that is why, I began to hate you."
Because of Sena, I had given up. Because of that, 'the brave Oniichan' of her dreams shattered in Naruko's eyes. That was 'the truth behind the Cold War' between us brother and sister.
"… Rea… lly?"
"'Ah? So disgusting… can you stop using my line?'"
Naruko was mimicking my line back then. But that sounded like a curse coming from her.
"… I'm a useless brother. I'm sorry."
I was about to cry. But I forced all of my feelings inside into that single sentence.
Naruko shook her head.
"I will never forgive you. So please, don't forgive me."
"Naruko." Karin opened her month and tried to say something.
But Naruko stared back, "Actually, Karin wanted me and Naruto to make up, didn't you? Wanted to talk with me was just an excuse."
"…"
Karin widened her eyes in surprise.
… Is that true? So Karin asked for that talk… so Naruko and I could make up?
Naruko showed Karin a faint smile.
"Thank you. But that won't do. Because until now, Naruto didn't live up to my expectations — and I'm still waiting for that Naruto. If he is a terrible brother, then I am a terrible sister. So I guess that we can't just forgive each other so easily."
"Even now, after you have solved this misunderstanding? You still can't make up?"
Faced with Karin's question, Naruko answered with a pained expression.
"As brother and sister, we had misunderstood each other since seven years ago… And five years ago, because of that event; we entered a cold war. We didn't acknowledge each other. We rarely spoke with each other. Even though we were brother and sister, and lived under the same roof."
She took a deep breath and concluded.
"All of those years…we can't just pretend they never existed."
"… I see. Naruko is so serious." Karin smiled lightly.
"Karin… are you taking me for a fool?"
"Yes."
Ah? Shocked, I turned to Karin.
With a blank expression, she said, "Recently, I had something I really wanted to tell Naruko. So I will say it today — are you an idiot?"
"That…" Even Naruko paused.
"H-hey!"
"Um? What's wrong, Naruto?"
Karin kept smiling lightly while Naruko remained motionless.
I felt a chill in my spine — so I slowly asked, "U… Uzumaki… Karin-sama… are you… angry now?"
"I'm very angry right now." Karin thrust her finger at Naruko's face, "Why do you have to overthink it, Naruko? You want to make up with your brother, don't you?"
"L-Like I said. The time when we didn't get along —"
"— Just pretend it never happened — what can you do about it now?" Karin spoke in a calm tone. Just like when she spoke to me in the past.
"How long are you going to worry about something that's irreversible?"
"However long I like! So — what exactly are you trying to say?" Naruko recovered and shot back, she didn't bother hiding her displeasure and stared at Karin
Karin faced that stare and smiled, nodding, "You two. Please hurry to make up and become normal brother and sister."
It didn't matter if you were angry or not. Didn't care about other's thought — that was Karin like when she lectured someone.
"… Ah… I'm angry…" She scratched her head.
"Naruto."
I faced Karin. I have no intention of hiding.
"I want to improve my relationship with Naruko. After she went abroad and returned, many things have happened — so I hope. Naruko."
"What?"
"Can you — make up with me?"
"That…"
With a troubled look Naruko lowered her gaze. Then looked up again.
"Say, what exactly kind of 'make up' do you mean? You and I don't ignore each other anymore and talk to each other like normal?"
If that was the case, then we already had made up.
"Isn't that right? Isn't that the same as now? We are 'making up' — aren't we?"
"Yes. But I wonder if we could forgive after five years."
Thanks to tonight's talk, I understood the reason we had drifted apart. I had long forgiven Naruko.
"… You are right, it couldn't be done now. Because I hadn't made the effort to forgive."
"… I also didn't plan to forgive."
Forgive ourselves. Although we had a change of heart, we still needed more time. Sorry Karin. We aren't going to make up just yet.
"… I see… then it can't be helped." Karin looked like she had seen through our reason.
"Yes. However." I smiled and said some important words to Karin. "Because of 'that talk' — our misunderstanding has disappeared. Thank you very much."
"You are welcome — ahaha."
"I see. I rarely see you laugh like that."
"Sorry, because it is strange. I think that you two could make up if you talked about it."
"It can't be helped?"
"Not exactly. But it's better not to say it."
"…"
Both Naruko and I blushed.
"Ahaha, Naruto, how about 'Ara ara, sorry for making you worry' — is that right?"
"No it's not!"
Don't mimic other people!
"Anyway! Karin! Your relationship with Naruko is bad too, right? Is it true that you planned 'this talk' just to make me and Naruko make up — that making up with Naruko was just an excuse?"
Naruko firmly believed that, but I didn't.
"Of course not. I truly wanted to make up with Naruko."
"I, I see." Naruko looked surprised.
Hey, how cold-hearted do you think Karin is? Karin slightly smiled with Naruko, "So. Can I continue to 'make up with Naruko'?"
"Whatever. The end result is the same." Naruko looked away and brushed her hair.
Naruko, she changed so much.
"It's rare to have a chance to talk like this, so how about we keep going?"
"To get to an end, huh."
Naruko sounded weak. She said, "Even so, I don't want to talk about such a long topic."
"Ah? Really?"
"Yes. Because the reason I don't get along with Karin, was what you said just now."
"… How does my old story have anything to do with you two."
"There was something else after that. five years ago, you gave up, stopped trying and turned into 'ah ah this can't be helped' — I once went looking for Karin, thinking 'It must be Karin's fault.'"
"Ah… I see. So you had a talk with her too."
"Really. I didn't remember what happened between me and Naruko."
"Hey! Are you trying to pick a fight or what?"
"I'm not. Sorry, it had just been so long."
Seems like Karin forgot something related to Naruko. They used to get along so well, but now they totally don't.
"After that, I kept thinking about why Naruko hated me so much… then I finally understood. It must have been because of our last meeting five years ago."
That was the incident when Naruko came to Uzumaki's household five years ago. Something happened that made Naruko hate Karin.
"It was a huge shock to me, but it seems like it's not to you Karin. You had forgotten about it."
"Sorry." Karin only apologized.
"You forgot about it so easily, you paid me no attention — and you said you want to make up with me?"
"I'm sorry, but I really I wanted to make up with 'the current Naruko.'"
"… Hmph."
Naruko folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. While Karin smiled slightly. Both of them continued their talk, face to face. I shouldn't interrupt them…
"Five years ago, when I screamed 'give me back my Oniichan,' you said:" — The 'awesome oniichan' Naruko admired never existed to begin with." Like that."
"Yes."
"At that time, I was angry. Very very angry. I thought 'how could it happen. You must have done something' I was so miserable back then."
"Naruko was just a child back then. Isn't that normal?"
"Your child too and your attitude always was like an adult — it pissed me off so much — back then, I felt that way."
"…"
Naruko and Karin didn't say anything — then Naruko did something unexpected. She suddenly bowed.
"I'm sorry. I was a non-sensible kid back then."
"I forgive you. Actually… I couldn't say anything to you."
"Thank you very much."
"It's fine. I don't mind." Karin smiled and replied.
Naruko looked up, her temple twitching.
"Ah ah, by the way — are you still angry?"
"I'm still angry."
"Not because of five years ago?"
"No, because of something right now."
"I see. Looks like we need to be honest with other."
"Yes. We would never make up."
Can you two pay attention to me? What should I do? Sparks flying when their eyes met, Naruko glanced at me and slowly said.
"After two years, I once again received help from my brother many times — sometimes we had small talks with each other. I finally understood what Karin meant back then. My brother is not an invincible superhero. He can only do normal things. He is a normal student. He felt happy when he got a girlfriend. He felt lost and frustrated when he was dumped. He got angry when someone played with him. He cried when he was hurt — just like me, he is a normal human being."
"… Naruko."
What is going on… damn… what the hell is going on. Now… I really… want to apologize to my sister. But that would upset her, so I stopped myself. I'm sorry. I'm not a good brother for you Naruko. I'm sorry. I can't become your invincible superhero. I'm sorry for being a normal guy.
"My 'onii-chan' who loved to take care of others was actually just forcing himself, showing off, risking everything."
Something so simple, yet back then I couldn't understand — Naruko gritted her teeth and looked down. Then she looked up at Karin.
"So now, I will say this for five years ago — Karin, thank you for taking care of my brother."
"You are welcome."
That was the first time they smiled with each other. It would be the first time in three years — no, five years that we finally closed our gap.
"Say, Karin, can we make up?"
"Of course, Naruko. Have you told me everything you wanted to?"
"No, I still have something to say."
"I see. I also have something to say."
"I'm going first. That was the reason Karin was angry right?"
"Yeah."
Then Karin looked at me. Naruko's eyes also looked at me.
Me?
Karin's smile disappeared.
"Naruko, recently, don't you think Naruto is slowly returning to his old self?"
"…"
My eyes widened, because I realized. Naruko smiled wryly.
"I knew it. I think so too."
"The current Naruko probably understands what I want to say right?"
"Yes — I fully understand."
Karin and Naruko nodded.
"Because of Naruko, Kuroneko and Ayase's 'life counseling' — and Naruto joining a band because of Weiss. Naruto had forced himself, showed off, and risked himself. At first it was only Naruko with a simple reason, but now it has turned into this."
I… for Naruko, Kuroneko, Ayase, Weiss, … I… considering what happened, after Karin saved me, and gave me life counseling. It totally wasn't my style — recently, 'me from before' had slowly merged into 'Naruto Namikaze's life.' No wonder Karin was angry.
"If something like Sena Kashiwazaki's incident happened again and you said 'just leave it to me' and went to play the role of 'the invincible superhero,' everyone would be worried."
Karin showed an 'I-am-very-angry' smile.
"I thought you had fixed your bad habit, but somehow it has returned."
"Yeah, seems so." I had no choice but to respond honestly.
Karin looked as if all the strength just left her body.
"Such a light answer? I'm very, very angry."
"… I understand though."
This must be how men feel when they entered Pachinko — unable to hold themselves back. I could understand why she got angry. Even I myself think that 'this shouldn't be.'
"Ah — I can't seem to totally get rid of it. I'm very sorry, Karin."
"Mmm…"
Karin smiled wryly.
"… It's going to be difficult."
"You… you… really… now I want to help Karin too…" Even Naruko was shocked because of my confession. She continued, "Well, this can't be helped. He is Naruto after all. Well Karin — good luck."
"Oh, suddenly you feel so dependable."
"Right, right."
Naruko made a 'step aside' gesture, and then she suddenly became serious, "I understand what Karin is worried about, but I have something to say first."
"Okay, what is that Naruko?"
"The current Naruto is not going to turn back to the 'Naruto from before.'"
Hearing that, Karin smiled enthusiastically, and asked, "What is so different?"
"Now, Naruto will not try to take care of everything all by himself, saying 'just leave it to me.' Naruto now knows that he's a normal, ordinary student, even still he accepts his own sister's attitude."
"Really, ah… this can't be helped."
"Naruto, just leave it to me." Naruko grinned while mimicking me.
Idiot. That's not like me at all. I'm not that cool.
Still looking at Karin, Naruko pointed at me, "Isn't it gross?"
"Yeah… somewhat… gross." Karin couldn't help but laugh.
"Hey, you two!" I think it's forgivable for me to get angry now.
We are having a serious conversation! Why are you two suddenly making fun of me? They kept laughing at me for a while, until…
"I see. In that case, I can rest assured." Karin took a deep breath and said, "Naruto is not going to turn back into the Naruto from before… right?"
"Of course. You should know that better than anyone."
"Ha… I see… you are quicker to give up than before, and you can get angry too… although I don't know if that counts as growing up."
To tell the truth, before, I was more decisive, more confident, more enthusiastic — I honestly think that it was more than the current me. But I also have more good points. That is the truth. No one knows which one is better.
"'The past me' and 'the current me' are two different people. But both of them are me. That doesn't mean 'he' had disappeared."
That is why even now, I will continue saying 'just leave it to me.' Even if I had many painful memories because of that.
"You are right."
A person will keep changing. Everyone will. During this process, you have to leave something behind. Sometimes it could be something you once considered very important.
"That is all I wanted to say to Karin."
"I have also said everything I wanted to say to Karin."
"Which do you prefer, the current Naruto or the old one?"
"The current one is more reassuring. Although sometimes he makes me worry too — what about you Naruko?"
"My ideal Naruto never existed. Now, I — just have this Naruto."
"I see. About that, Naruko."
"What is it, Karin?"
"We have to properly celebrate this."
"Totally agree!"
Karin smiled slightly while Naruko showed an unsatisfied smile. Both of them refused to back off. That was the result of our talk this night. Those two who originally distanced themselves from each other had agreed to 'properly celebrate.' I couldn't help but reminisce. With this, we estranged siblings took another step forward.
How will it end?
Anyway, did Karin and Naruko make up or not?
I understood immediately from just a glance, so I sighed.
"Really, ah… this can't be helped."
In life, every good time always comes with a mountain of regret. And the three of us are still in our most brilliant time.
(◕ω◕✿)
The next morning, when I woke up, I saw Karin secretly looking at me.
"Ah, sorry, did I wake you?"
"No… what time is it now?"
"Just a little past five. Naruto should keep sleeping~."
"… What about you?"
"I am going to help prepare breakfast."
"Waking up so early every day, you are such a hard worker."
"It is just my habit."
Although Karin didn't notice, I think she is so strong.
We went to sleep very late last night. After our talk ended… it was about two o'clock. I slept in the same room with Karin and Naruko. Of course they clearly distanced themselves from me, but it had been so long since we three togehter slept here. It felt so nostalgic.
"Um? Where is Naruko?"
I glanced around, only to find out that Naruko was gone.
"She is changing in my room, after that she plans to do a little jogging."
"… Another girl who is too energetic in the morning…"
"Ahaha…"
"Um… then I should get up too… hiya…"
Because I got up too quickly, our faces drew closer. Karin quickly retreated back. She recovered from her position and placed her hands on her thighs.
"But isn't it too early?"
"Yeah. But after our talk yesterday — I can no longer accept losing."
"…"
Karin was shocked — after she realized what I meant, she showed a worried expression.
"… Naruto, what are you thinking?"
"You saw through me."
"Of course… because right now — you look like Naruto from before when you were about to show off."
"I see." I smiled. But Karin kept staring at me. I could understand her reason. So I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, reopened them and said, "I plan to visit Sena."
"Why?"
"Because I haven't apologized to her."
"… Even if you apologize now, it might just cause her more trouble."
"You are right. This is to satisfy myself. I'm not doing it 'for someone else.'"
"Even in that case, how are you going to meet Kashiwazaki-san? She changed her phone number and address; finding them is going to take a long time."
I firmly believed that with enough motivation, I could find as many ways as I wanted.
"… You are so stubborn." Karin shook her head.
"You should know that better than anyone else." Naruko interrupted Karin and me.
Naruko was wearing sportswear which allowed easy movement. Her arms folded across her chest.
"When he is like that, he won't listen to anything we say. So just leave him be."
"… I understand." Karin smiled wryly.
"Even if he was worried about Kashiwazaki-san, he wouldn't admit it, right?"
"Didn't he become that way because of Karin?"
"He was originally like that."
You two didn't bother hiding huh. I'm standing right here, you know? Suddenly, Naruko turned to me.
With a serious tone, she said, "From your story, I think that what you are about to do will be very difficult — you really have no intention of giving up?"
"Thank you for your advice. But I have made up my mind."
"I see."
Raising her chest, Naruko scratched the back of her head and said "Really, ah… this can't be helped." She sighed and walked to me.
Then she shoved something into my chest.
"How about using this?"
"… This is… my cell phone? What are you going to do?"
"Just like you said, 'granny's bag of wisdom.'"
That's what Naruko's favorite Onii-chan usually said. And so — I finally managed to meet with Sena again in this game. I listened to my little sister and tried using that 'Imouto-City' game.
"That Kashiwagi-girl played 'Imouto-City' too right? Why not search for her in this game? Maybe we could find a hint. Well, there is no telling if she still plays or not."
"Oh, well it's worth a try."
I used my cell phone to access the 'Imouto-City' player list and easily found 'Sena Kashiwazaki.'
"If you are going to sign up, be sure to add my name as your reference in Siscalypse too. I could get a rare card from the operator company that way."
"I don't know what you're saying, but — just let me do this first!"
Still… I was worried. In the past, her parents cut off all contact and had her transferred away, without leaving behind any means to contact her — at that time, I had no choice but to give up. But now, thanks to SNS, I could easily contact her again. Even for someone as slow with technology as me, I still found this very fast and convenient, almost like cheating. Just like a secret item that allows me to do anything like in anime.
If you haven't tried it and think I am lying, go ahead. Find a big random SNS group and check for your old friends and classmates. You will definitely feel the same as I do now.
"It has been a long time. I was your classmate in elementary school, Naruto Namikaze. Do you remember me?"
"Ah yes! It has been a long time! Of course I remember you! Hey, can we meet up now?"
I got a reply in less than a minute. What an insane reply speed. What exactly are you doing at the moment? Still — that style, without a doubt it was Sena. Both of our messages contained our excitement.
We agreed to meet at the game center near the bus station.
That was where we first met. I'm now standing near a table next to the Siscalypse area. She was sitting on the other side. After five years, she didn't seem to have changed much.
"Long time no see, Naruto."
"…"
I almost broke into tears, but I managed to hold them back.
"Long time no see, Sena."
I felt like time had turned back five years. Amidst the chaos, I slowly sat down in front of Sena.
"… You still wear those weird clothes."
"But Naruto seem totally different from before."
"Every one of my elementary friends says that when they meet me."
I didn't let it affect me. After all, I just properly faced myself.
"Sorry for calling you here so suddenly."
"What are you saying!? If not for you, we would still be unable to meet! Thank you. Still, about that time…"
"Sorry."
"I'm so sorry."
We both bowed at the same time. Our heads almost hit the table. That was the first time I heard such a heavy 'I'm so sorry.' I thought that I should be the one to apologize. I never thought that she was thinking the same.
"To tell the truth — I didn't know how to reach when you that happened. I have a lot to apologize to you for…"
"Me too."
"… Then can I go first?"
"Yes." I nodded.
Sena nodded back. "Then I will be blunt. I don't want to use an excuse, so — I'm sorry for not contacting you until now. Sorry that I got injured. It was my fault, but you are the one who took the blame. I never told you my feelings — I'm so sorry."
"I forgive you for everything."
"Thank you."
"It's fine. I don't mind."
"I see…" Sena nodded.
"So, it's my turn, okay?"
"Okay."
"I brought you to somewhere dangerous and caused that injury. I'm sorry I didn't try to contact you until now. I'm sorry for breaking my promises."
Sena closed her eyes and accepted my apology. She reopened them and smiled.
"… Haha… although I feel that your apology was different from mine… I forgive you no matter what."
"Thank you."
"Is this really okay?"
"… Sena."
"Back then… I was injured and brought to the hospital. Father transferred me away without asking for my opinion — I knew nothing about it — when I recovered, it was too late. I could have done something, even a late apology… but I didn't. Because I wasn't as brave as you. And time passed… until now. You took the initiative and set up this meeting… I still wonder if this is a dream."
"… Sorry for taking so long… I should have found you sooner."
No matter what method I used. Maybe it would have been difficult, but there were several ways I could have tried. But I didn't. Because I lacked the courage.
"… So… how are you doing?"
"I'm going to school. I have a lot of friends — everything is fine."
"So you no longer say 'I don't wanna go to school'?"
"Nope, no more."
But sometimes I still play games — that was what Sena said. She even showed me a picture of 'Imouto-City.' Haha, I never thought that this game would turn into a key for us to meet again.
"Now, I'm — 'a normal high school girl.'"
"I see. That's good to hear." I felt relieved.
I reckon — there was someone who could do things that I couldn't. And Sena was one such person.
"Ah, Naruto. Maybe it's too late, but can I finish what I was about to say back then?"
"I want to hear too. Back then — what were you going to say?"
"Mm…" Sena looked off into the distance.
Maybe she was remembering the beautiful scene she saw at the top of the mountain five years ago. I recalled that time too. In a corner of the noisy game center, this place turned into the top of a mountain. Our hearts were calm, we enjoyed the wind and the green-filled scene.
"I… will say it."
Just like five years ago, she turned to me.
"So beautiful! I'm so moved! So beautiful! Thank you so much! Thank you so much for everything! I Love Naruto the mostttttttttttt!"
"… !"
"… Ha… ha… ha…" She shouted — and gasped for air. Out of breath and sweating, Sena smiled, "Heehee, are you surprised?"
"I am very surprised!"
If I had heard those words back then, the first confession I received would not be from Kuroneko but from Sena.
… Back then, I would have been very happy. To see that my efforts had paid off — I was prepared to hear that my efforts caused trouble for her, but I was still happy. In fact, I always wanted someone to acknowledge my efforts. Even now… that hasn't changed. It would be more accurate to say that 'the current me' has a strong awareness of my inferiority, thus making me feel truly happy.
"You… kuh…you… I'm so happy that I want to cry."
"Did you know that back then, you asked me a stupid question?"
" … I know. Back then, I was an idiot."
My tears kept flowing, making it harder to see Sena.
"Even after all this time, I'm glad I told you. My feelings are still the same. It's a selfish request, but can I hear your answer?"
"Yeah…" I nodded.
But just like a child, I couldn't stop my tears, so I was unable to answer immediately. I felt nauseous. But it couldn't be helped, right? Ha… I regained my breath, wiped my tears… but they didn't stop…
"I'm sorry, I already have someone I love. I planned to confess to her this time. "
"… I see."
Sena accepted my answer.
"Thank you… for rejecting me so clearly, Naruto."
My tears kept flowing.
And so.
The story from five years ago between me and Sena finally came to an end.
.
.
.