A/N: Ignoring loose ends for now, this is the start of a new mini-arc. I can already foresee problems, as I'll be bringing up material that some readers might not be familiar with. And while I could provide details that give a basic understanding to this material, I've chosen to keep explanations minimal since this is gag-like comedy.

I am sorry, and yet not really. It's a difficult feeling.


And So Have I

The seven Level 5s of Academy City were gathered around a long table. Preoccupying themselves one way or another, they all more or less sat in silence.

"…"

Accelerator was scanning the contents of a book. Kakine Teitoku seemed to be in hibernation mode, vibrating in place at a certain time interval.

"…"

Mugino Shizuri played with her phone, moving her thumbs in an almost calculated pattern. Sogiita Gunha counted ceiling tiles.

"…"

As for Shokuhou Misaki…

Slamming her hands on the table, she stood up!

"THE TIME HAS COME!"

( Mikoto: Geh. What is it now? )

Fans

Shokuhou Misaki spoke bluntly.

"The 'Misaka Mikoto Fanclub' was established all the way back in chapter 2, but… not once have we actually done anything fanclub-like."

( Mikoto: I'd rather keep it that way. )

"So, isn't it about time we live up to our namesake?"

Sogiita Gunha raised his hand.

"Leader. I've been thinking about this for a while. But what exactly does a fanclub do?"

Shokuhou Misaki scratched her head.

"That is, of course…"

Gathering her thoughts, she made a connection.

"Looking at fans of To Aru Majutsu no Index, it should be obvious! Things like buying embarrassing merchandise, harassing creators for information, and hostilely attacking other fanbases on online forums!"

The image of various soulless *oveLivers appeared in the background.

( Mikoto: Oi, oi! What is that? Just who are you comparing our fans to…?-! )

Fans II

"In any case…"

Shokuhou Misaki moved on.

"Our top priority here is increasing Misaka Mikoto's popularity. As it stands now, the image of Misaka Mikoto has fallen in many of our readers' minds according to the most current 'Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!'* rankings."

( *Note: 'Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!' is a guide book that publishes a list of the top ten most popular light novels according to a poll. Characters are also ranked in the guide book.)

"We need to create a plan of action. If this trend continues, Misaka Mikoto will- no… the entire To Aru Series will falter."

"…"

Misaka Mikoto raised her hand.

"I'm sorry. No. That's not possible. Just because I lost a rank, it doesn't mean that the series as a whole is damaged."

Shokuhou Misaki gave a sad smile.

"So naïve… so oblivious…"

( Mikoto: Eh? )

"I'll tell you this now… most of our audience doesn't give a damn about the plot of our series. All they care about is the type of gooey expressions you'll make when you're thrust into embarrassing situations."

( Mikoto: Clearly you don't think much of our fanbase…! )

Increasing Popularity

The Number 5 continued her pace. She pointed at the rest of the members.

"The 'Misaka Mikoto Raising Project' commences! Ideas! GO!"

Sogiita Gunha raised his hand.

"Time skip. Misaka Mikoto leaves Academy City to train in the mountains. And when she returns…"

( Buff Mikoto: I am lightning. The rain transformed… )

Kakine Teitoku raised his hand.

"Character development. After seeing the guy she likes in the arms of another girl, Misaka Mikoto decides to shave her head."

( Bald Mikoto: Surely Senpai will notice me now! )

Mugino Shizuri raised her hand.

"Legacy. Misaka Mikoto straight up dies."

( Memory in the Sky Mikoto: I'll always live on in your hearts~! )

None of that is happening! Ever!

The Arrival

"Seriously. You guys should stop."

Misaka Mikoto heaved a sigh.

"Making such a big deal out of a popularity contest… I don't get it at all. So maybe I had the top spot in some magazine for a few years running, but it's not like I ever fought for that position. It just happened out of circumstance."

On her face, her irritated expression was replaced with one of modest content.

"To be honest, I'm actually relieved to not be in first place anymore. It takes the pressure off."

And then came the words…

"I'm disappointed. I really expected more out of you, Misaka Mikoto."

?

Noticing that this voice came from outside the room, everyone turned their heads.

[ SFX: *THOOOM!* ]

The door slammed opened as if it was hit by an incredible dimension-breaking force. A blinding light swept in as well as a blast of wind carrying Sakura petals.

"Pardon the intrusion."

Within the light, three figures appeared standing at the doorway. From their stature, they were most likely high schoolers… but the identities of these mysterious strangers…

"Yahallo~!"

They were most certainly…

Crossing Over?-!

The room was now split up into two sides. On one side stood the seven Level 5s of Academy City. And on the other…

"…"

Three representatives of a completely different franchise.

One of the girls stepped forward.

With long dark hair and piercing cold eyes, she spoke with an air of meticulousness.

"I apologize for our sudden entrance. My associates and I should not have interrupted when there was a discussion. We were… careless… in our timing."

Misaka Mikoto stepped forward with caution.

"As long as you feel that way, we won't have a problem. But what kind of business brings you here?"

"Before we get to that topic, should we introduce ourselves?"

She glanced at the other girl in her group.

"Ah?-! Eh… Y-Yuigahama Yui. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Nervously, this girl bowed her head. Having set up the precedent, the single male in the group naturally followed suit in the same manner.

"Hikigaya Hachiman. Pleasure to meet you."

The long-haired girl proceeded with her own introduction.

"Yukinoshita Yukino."

As she raised her head, she gave a chilling smile.

"For now, we'll be in your care."


Suggested Post-Reading Listening: Harumodoki by Nagi Yanagi


Timeline: 1, 2, 4, x, 3, x, 5

Next Chapter: The battle between first and second place begins…! This makes as much sense as that 'Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai' crossover…!