Chapter 33

The Beanie Guy

So, so that guy's name was Shinjiro! The mystery was solved. Finally.

Shinjiro moved into Iwatodai Dorm. Now the place was lively compared to when Minato transferred here back in April.

The rooftop was a useful place. Minato had taught Junpei the correct way to use swords here. The capped teen finally knew how to punch. Aigis punched him, saying that even a robot could punch properly.

He taught Yukari how to shoot arrow faster and how to do multitasking. She was diligent in her practice being the Archery Club leader, so everything turned out better than he had thought.

He told Akihiko to step back and heal himself once in a while, not blindly fighting. He also told the senior that his fighting style was too reckless. Minato didn't get punched. Something in Shinjiro's face probably pissed Akihiko off more than his face.

He told Mitsuru that Marin Karin was not needed. He wanted a full assault of ice queen, not some lovely cupid princess.

Aigis should act freely, Minato always have to remind her. She was… uncertain? That she had the rights to do what she wanted. He told her that she shouldn't try to protect him and be with him only. Destroying Shadows isn't that important, either. The safety of all members is the top priority.

SEES went to Tartarus. Minato chose Shinjiro and arrived at his least favorite block. It's all green and unnatural light blue.

"Umm," Fuuka spoke up. "I'm going to inform you that Junpei-kun, Yukari, Akihiko-senpai, and Mitsuru-senpai is now on the 72F. Aigis-chan, Ken-kun, and Koro-chan are at the lobby."

They walked around, found the stairs right away and went up. Shadows were running away from them. Shinjiro must be really strong. They had to keep going up the stairs.

They were walking and talking about little things along the way. Shinjiro knew Akihiko for fourteen years. They were at the same orphanage. They joined SEES two and a half years ago when they were in ninth grade. There might be something going on between Akihiko and Mitsuru? Shinjiro left SEES two years ago and lived by himself?

Shinjiro taught Fuuka how to cook once a week at his cheap apartment and feed some dogs that passed by. No, nothing's going on while they were together. Shinjiro friend zoned her the first time they met. Fuuka was not his type, he said. Ouch... She knew about his name a long time ago? They knew each other far back in May...? He saved her from the punks at Port Island? They went shopping together...?

"It's… awkward that you are talking about me, you know. Umm please keep it a secret between us..." Fuuka said. "Shinjiro-senpai, watch out!"

"Finally, there's a Shadow." Shinjiro grinned. "This is how I do things, got it?" He shot himself with the Evoker.

A monster riding a shining horse appeared above him. With sheer force, the Shadow got pushed to the ground and died in the blink of an eye.

Minato stared at him dumbstruck. "I… need more training..."

They fought their way up. Most of the Shadows were weak compared to them, but fighting with only two people was harder than they expected. Shinjiro got hurt. Minato gave him some medicine.

"Tch. I don't need your help." Shinjiro took it.

"You took it," Minato said.

"Would be a waste not to."

"Since when?" Minato asked when they were sitting on the steps of the stairs.

"Huh?" Shinjiro looked at him.

"Since when do you know Koromaru and take care of him?"

"Maybe since that priest died," Shinjiro said. "Maybe always."

"That's sweet."

"It was snowing." Shinjiro had his hands in his pockets. "And that lil' mutt sat next to me. He thought I was cold and lonely, probably."

"And you weren't?"

"More like always do, so the winter doesn't really matter."

Minato wouldn't ask which one or both. Now Shinjiro was a member of SEES and lived in a dorm, so he shouldn't be both. Minato thought anyway.

After some more Shadow killing, they were walking alongside again.

"Try to be a little soft on Ken, will ya?" Shinjiro said.

"Why?"

"He deserves better. He's just a kid."

Minato knew this guy was kind, but why be specific on Ken? "There are millions of kids out there."

"But he is the one in front of you, so please at least care for him a little."

Minato noticed the unusual tone of voice. "Why, then?"

"Because everyone has their own past. He has faced many things you don't know, and the least you could do for him is to be kind."

Minato smirked. "You talk like Fuuka."

"I cook with her often."

"So you eat her food and your brain just die?"

"... That's mean."

Minato shrugged. First Akihiko, then Shinjiro. What's up with Ken? He's such an annoying kid. There's something about him that made Minato wanted to stay away from. Aigis was like a filter for him now, talking to Ken for him. He didn't want to deal with that kid for too long.