HEY GUYS! Pupla here!
Yes, I know. I took my time again. But what do you expect? Finding inspiration, good ideas AND a job at the same time isn't a walk in the park, you know?
But anyway, here is the first of the two chapters I promised you guys. At last!
I believe the usual shootout is still in order. But I think you all know who I am talking about by now.
So, what could I possibly say about this chapter? The second day of the Week of Adaptation? Nah, I think you all knew that already.
Oh, yeah! Something that I didn't notice when I made the corrections! The dates of said event!
I made a dumb mistake. I said it would begin on September 12, 2011. But that was a mistake, since it would mean that the day in the 'Welcome to Hope's Peak Academy' chapter would be 5 September. And it would have totally wrecked Shuichi's birthday on the 'New Scholar Harmony' chapter later on. The problem was, I tried to stay true to the real-life calendar of 2011. And because I suck at math, and because I don't like to redo my calculations, I ended up doing a stupid mistake.
…and I ended up doing another one by publishing the chapter too early. 'cause I completely forgot about putting Ryouma, Kirumi and one of the Monzaemon Kids in it. That's why I uploaded it one more time…
Meh. I'll live with it.
All of that to say, I changed the dates. So the WoA began at September 11, and TODAY is September 12. Just to let you know.
Oh, and I also wanted to make a quick reminder. As opposed to canon who decided to do the usual scholarship, I opted to go for the Japanese one. It means that they began in April, and that they finished the year in March. I thought it was important to remind.
Oh, and more eventful characters. You know where this is going.
With all of that out of the way, enjoy!
CONQUERING HOPE CHAPTER 8:
WEEK OF ADAPTATION, DAY 2
PATA!
"Ow! Did you really need to do that?!"
"Of course I do! I've got to make sure that Onii-san doesn't mess up with the kids this time!"
"I-I said I was sorry, Komaru! Please stop!"
"Komaru, leave your brother alone. He's explained well what happened yesterday, so you can't hold a grudge against him like that."
"Your mother is right, dear. Besides, he did promise he would not break his promise, right son?"
"O-of course not…"
That was the situation Makoto was dealing this morning. His sister smacking his head with the newspaper, under the rather amused stare of their parents, as he was about to leave for school.
It was probably a reminder of his previous mess up from yesterday, he figured…
But he could have remembered it on his own.
"Hey, don't be so mean, Komaru-nee! He told you he would be with us!"
"I can understand your anger, but don't you think you are pushing the buttons a little too far?"
"I-it wasn't entirely his fault, you know…"
"Yeah! It's that dumb palm tree boy fault! He took him from us!"
And while he appreciated the fact that the kids were helping his case, he felt a little… ashamed, if he were to be honest.
He was the one supposed to protect and take care of them. But now, they were the one taking the role. Against his sister, and on the parents' watches, no less.
He indeed needed to step up his game. At least, Kyosuke was right on that part. If he wanted to be a good brother, then he seriously needed to improve his game. Otherwise, his family won't see him as responsible enough to take care of kids.
And that's the last thing he wanted to happen.
"I know all of that, but I wanted to make sure!" Komaru said, before smiling proudly. "It's my job as your sister!"
"Of course it is! We know how Komaru-nee works!" Monaca happily said. "Naegi-onii is so lucky to have a good sister like you!"
Komaru looked away blushing. "O-of course he is! That's why I'm here!"
Makoto couldn't help but chuckle a little at the sight of his embarrassed sister. Looks like it was her payback… not that she really needed some, but it still made him laugh.
Kotoya decided to kindly interfere. "Alright, I think that's enough. We don't want to make Makoto and the others late, right?"
"They are not that late, dear." Mariko told him, before eyeing her child. "But he's right. I think you still need to be there a little early, right? So we are not going to restrain you any longer, okay?"
"Right!" Makoto said. "We've got to go everyone!"
"Okay!"
The teenager opened the door for the kids, then eyed his sister and parents. "Well, have a nice day! I'll tell you what happened tonight!"
"Of course you will. Have a nice day, everyone!"
"And take care of the others well!"
"Yeah! Or else I'll make you pay!"
"G-got it, Komaru…" Makoto sweatdropped at her remark, before closing the door and joining his siblings. "So, you guys are ready for-"
"MAKOTO-CHAAAAN!"
"Wha- WOW!"
THUD!
The poor Luckster didn't have much time to finish his sentence. Instead, he could just prepare himself just in time for the impact. Like this, he didn't lose his footing this time.
As expected from Ibuki, he thought. "H-hey, Mioda-senpai… h-how are you?"
"Ibuki is totally fine, Makoto-chan!" The Musician told him happily, hugging him with all her might. "And that she's with you, Ibuki is 200% better now!"
Makoto couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly as he tried to regain is shaken balance, while slightly hugging her back. "I-I'm glad…"
Still the same way to greet those she cared, he figured, and he was a little touched by this display of affection, to be honest.
Unfortunately, while he really liked her, the same could not really be said for the kids.
"OH NO! She's here again!"
"W-what do we do, guys?!"
"I-I don't know, but don't do anything suspicious!"
"P-please don't let her take me again, Nagisa-kun…"
"I won't, Monaca. I promise."
It wasn't that they hated her. In fact, she could quite funny sometimes.
But the problem was when she was playing… they had to prepare their ears most of the times.
And the aftermath was not pleasant for them.
But Makoto didn't like it when his siblings spoke about someone like Ibuki like this, especially since she was in front of them, so he tried to reason with them. "G-guys, don't speak about Mioda-senpai like tha-"
"M-Mioda-senpai! Please do not surprise Naegi-senpai like that!"
"Honestly, I'm quite surprised he likes that kind of surprise. I think it's a little too… physical, to put it nicely."
"It's not like she means anything bad, Tarou-kun. It's just how she is. We've known to learn about her… quirks by now."
"W-well, personally, I'm still not really used to that, but…"
"Hmph. Why am I not surprised?"
But the Luckster didn't have the chance to defend his friend as he heard other voices near him. So he turned over the side to see that his senior didn't go pay him a visit alone.
But he was a little surprised by the… set of students who were present.
He expected Shuichi to come eventually. After all, the story which involved Hiro and him was also concerning him. And he figured he also wanted to reassure Kaede about the Clairvoyant's… mistake, to put it nicely.
What he didn't expect was three others Student Council to also show up. While he understood perfectly that Tarou and Tsubasa still hung out with each other, which reassured Makoto a little, he didn't understand why Daiki was also with them. There had to be a reason, he figured.
Like there had to be a reason for Byakuya to be here. That was one thing he did not expect in the slightest. Either he was slightly becoming nicer, which would be a good surprise…
Or he only wanted to talk down on him. That would be unfortunately the most logical outcome.
Said Affluent Progeny was the first one to walk towards the group. "Quit this friendly charade at once. We don't have time for useless chitchat."
"Oh, but Makoto-chan love that!" Ibuki protested. "Why aren't you like Makoto-chan?!"
"Do you honestly want me to answer that?" Byakuya answered her with an irritated tone. "Not everyone needs to be like that buffoon over there."
Remark which of course didn't please the students… but pleased the Warriors of Hope even less. Especially Masaru, Kotoko and Nagisa.
"HEY! Who are you to talk like that to Nii-san?!"
"Do you just like to be mean?!"
"You really are as nefarious one, aren't you?"
Not that Byakuya cared anyway, as his sharp gaze tried to intimidate them. "I couldn't care less about your opinions. Baby plankton like you should abstain themselves to talk-"
"HEY! Ibuki knows now!"
The Musician's shout interrupted the Heir's speech, as he turned towards her with an irritated face. "What?"
"You haven't received your friendly hug yet! That's why you're so grumpy today!" Ibuki then stopped hugging Makoto… and started to approach Byakuya. "Don't worry, then! Ibuki's gotta save you from loneliness!"
"Wha- Absolutely not! Don't go near me, you peasant!"
"Oh, come on! You're going to be so thankful after that!"
"NEVER!"
And with that, the Affluent Progeny fled with the Musician on his tail, trying to avoid her as much as he could… which wasn't very successful, considering how fast Ibuki was.
It seemed like it was going to be a long, agonizing day for Byakuya.
Shuichi was the one who broke the silence as everyone else watched the two Ultimates went away from their sight slowly. "W-well… this happened…"
Makoto could only nod in approval. "Y-yeah…"
"Honestly? I-I'm glad she did it, guys."
Everyone turned to see Daiki sweating a little, seeming nervous as he explained. "I-I mean, Mioda-san can is a little… bizarre, to be honest. But at least she's a nice person… compared to Togami-kun."
"You said it!" Kotoko joined him. "Does he always need to be a jerk?!"
"Yeah! Just because he must be rich or something!" Masaru joined in. "I bet he's just jealous of Nii-san for being a good brother!"
"G-guys…"
"If he wanted to mock Aniki, then he didn't need to come." Nagisa added with venom in his voice. "What was he even doing here in the first place?"
"W-well, I believe he wanted to talk to us about the plans for today." Tsubasa explained. "Although… I'm a little surprised he came to see us."
"Not me. I mean, he is a Togami, after all." Tarou said. "I think it was expected from him to have more details about what was going to happen during the Week of Adaptation… although I'm a little surprised about why he decided to ask us specifically."
"Y-yeah… why didn't he come for Murasame-senpai or Ikuta-senpai?" Daiki asked everyone. "T-they are the President and Vice-President, so why not come for them?"
"My guess is that they probably were not available for the moment." Shuichi concluded, before turning towards Makoto. "I think you told me he had their numbers, right?"
"Y-yeah… he insisted towards me to have them." Makoto explained them. "E-even though I think that was more an order than anything else…"
"H-he really is scary, you know…" Jataro muttered, looking scared by his encounter. "I-is he always like this?"
"I'm afraid so, unfortunately." Tarou answered him with a sigh. "We don't have to deal with him too much at the Student Council, fortunately. But as for your brother, well…"
Everyone turned over Makoto once again, with sympathy in their eyes. Daiki spoke for all of them. "H-how do you even put up with him, seriously? I'm not comfortable around this guy."
"I-I supposed I got used to it…" The Luckster answered nervously. "Besides, he isn't that bad anymore… I think. He's becoming a little nicer, at least I hope."
"You always do see the good in everyone, don't you Naegi-onii?" Monaca asked, looking happily at her brother. "That's really admirable! As expected from you!"
"I think it's nice too," Tsubasa concurred, giggling slightly. "I guess that being around him made you more patient. Honestly, I admire that. I don't think I could do the same."
This comment of course made him blush. "O-oh, it's not that great! I'm just… you know, a friend. I guess…"
"Well, good for you. Because I don't think I would get used to it." The Food Critic laughed awkwardly. "I mean, we've got to deal with Asukasei-senpai in the first place, so…"
"Uh?"
"Aaand I think we should go by now." The Graphic Designer said. "We're going to be late for school. Or rather, to our assignments."
"It's not that late, Tarou-kun…" The Movie Maker laughed awkwardly, before eyeing the others. "But yes. We should get going if we want to get to work."
"Right!" Makoto exclaimed, before taking Monaca's wheelchair. "Let's go, everyone!"
"YAY!"
So the group began to walk towards their destination, talking about different subjects. The three Student decided to walk together, as the kids slicked out with their brother… with Shuichi near him.
"Naegi-senpai?"
"Uh? Yes, Saihara-kun?" Makoto turned towards the Lucky Student. "What is it?"
"I didn't want to bother you with this, but I felt that it was important." The junior explained. "I've heard about what about yesterday with Hagakure-senpai."
Makoto sighed at hearing this. "Oh… I figured…"
"Uh?" Jataro said, looking a little surprised. "You mean when the palm tree boy took him away from us?"
"Y-yes, that's what I'm talking about that." Shuichi answered, trying to ignore the surname given. "I have some… history with him, you see."
"Oh? You mean he did something bad?" Monaca asked curiously. "Did he steal something from you?"
"It's… almost that, actually." He answered. "And when I've heard from your brother's teacher that he took him yesterday… I had to check on him today to make sure that everything had been cleared up."
"And it's been, don't worry." Makoto answered. "You want me to tell you what happened?"
"If you don't mind."
"Alright, so long story short…"
"That's it, Masaru! You're doing great!"
"YEAAY! You got it right, Masaru-chan! Keep on running like that!"
"Yeah! Keep pushing your limits, kiddo! That's the way!"
"Y-you don't have to be so loud, you two…"
That's what Makoto told his two friends as he was watching Masaru running with other kids from his age from the Elementary School Division in a friendly competition. He did promise he would be there for him today, after all.
He expected his siblings to cheer for him in the grandstand. No matter how annoying he could be with them, they liked him so much.
And he did expect Ibuki to cheer for him loudly as well. Thankfully, there weren't many people, but still…
What he didn't expect, on the other hand, was for Kaito to join them.
He did show up after explaining what happened to Shuichi, yes. But he never thought he would stick with him after the Lucky Student from the newest class departed along with the others on their own way.
Then again, he should have seen it coming. The Astronaut said he wanted to lift everyone's spirit instead of Nekomaru, considering he was busy with a group of students.
Always ready to help as always, he thought. And almost as loud as Ibuki as well.
He supposed that's why the two of them got along well. Both of them wished the best for everyone… while not being able to contain their excitement.
However, he felt like the Astronaut was also a little… distraught by some of the Musician's ideas.
But he guessed it was a… normal reaction.
"Good job, Masaru!"
"YEAH! Ya did it, little buddy!"
"That's so cool, Masaru-chan!"
"YAY!"
What was also normal was that Masaru ended up first. As expected from the Littl' Ultimate P.E..
But what was not expected from everyone else… was the fact that he stayed still after crossing the finish line, and even turned around to wait for the others.
That surprised Makoto, because Masaru wasn't the kind of guy who would stay still. He would constantly move around his current spot…
And he wouldn't have such a… caring smile on his face.
But if that surprised him, it was nothing compared to what he said when every other kid crossed the line.
"Hey, it's wasn't so bad, you guys! You're getting on the good track with this!"
The kids looked at him a little surprised, and so did Makoto's group. Ibuki was the one who voiced their thoughts. "Is… is your little brother encouraging the others, Makoto-chan?"
"I-I think so…"
The other kids looked really dumbfounded at this… and in a good way. "You… you mean it?"
"Of course I do! I'm Daimon Masaru, you know! The Hero that saves lives!" The kid smirked even more. "Hey, we could even train together, you know! That way, I could help you improve so you can all be better! What do you say?"
Some of the kids smiled at him in return. "I-I… I would like that. Thanks."
"Hey, no probs!" Masaru grinned. "We'll see each other later, okay? I've got to see my family now!"
"O-okay… thanks again."
Masaru then left the kids to meet his family and the two friends not too far away, with one of them approaching with a smile of glee.
"What you said was so cool, Masaru-chan!" Ibuki exclaimed happily. "You really decided to take everyone under your wings!"
"Yup! That's my resolution!" Masaru proudly claimed. "What do you guys think of it, uh? Pretty cool uh?"
But before anyone else gave him an answer, Kotoko beat them all to the punch. "Hey, so now you want to help others?! What about us, you dingus?!"
"That's not the same!" Masaru stated. "You're a part of my family, so you already have my support all day and night!"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?! AND THAT'S NOT EVEN TRUE!"
"Calm down everyone! I think we're forgetting the important part here!" Monaca shouted, before turning towards Masaru with a smile. "That's really sweet of you, Masaru! I see that you're beginning to take other people's feelings to account!"
"Well, of course! I did say I would become stronger, right?" The boy smirked while scratching the back of his head. "A hero has to be here for his people, right?"
"You're damn right about it, kiddo!" Kaito gave him a thumb up. "You're talking like a real one right now!"
"I know, right?"
But Masaru's prideful moment got interrupted by Nagisa and Jataro. "I just hope you will go easy on them at first. You don't do that too much with us."
"A-and don't let them hurt themselves, okay?"
"Wha- of course not! I won't let that happen! And I told you, you're strong enough guys!" Masaru argued back. "Strong people don't need help!"
That shocked everyone else. Ibuki the first. "Wait… so you mean…"
"You mean you see us as strong people?" Kotoko asked. "That's why you're like this with us?"
Masaru began to feel embarrassed by that. "U-uh, yeah…"
"I understand what you're trying to say, Masaru. Don't worry."
But fortunately, he could count on his big brother to reassure him as he hugged him. Which surprised Masaru a little as he looked up to Makoto as he began to explain.
"You love your brothers and sisters, right? You see them as strong people because of what happened, and because they stood by your side all the time?" The Luckster smiled proudly to him. "That's why you're saying that. You know they are strong, and you think they don't need help, am I right?"
The Lil' Ultimate P.E. looked away from him. Apparently, he guessed it right. "Y-yeah… w-what's wrong with that?"
"I understand your point of view, and I'm happy to see you think that high of your siblings. However, keep in mind that they don't have the same physical advantages as you, so some things are more difficult for them. So just because you'll be nice with the others don't mean you can't be nice with your siblings too, alright?"
Masaru began to look down, feeling a little ashamed. "Sorry… I thought-"
"Don't worry, I get what you meant." Makoto was quick to reassure him, and tightened the hug. "You were thinking on what we said the other day, and you tried to take account of it." His voice was sweet, kind and genuine, just like his smile and words. "I'm really proud of you for that, Masaru."
That made the poor boy blush in embarrassment. "D-don't say that in public, Nii-san…"
"H-hey, I-I understand now…" Jataro joined the hug, trying to reassure his adoptive brother. "I-I'm sorry for not understanding it sooner…"
"Hey, it's okay now!" Kotoko quickly went to hug the P.E., much to his embarrassment. "Sorry for yelling at you like that, but next time, just tell us, okay? We can't understand if you don't tell us!"
"She's right. You don't need to hide those things from us." Nagisa spoke next as he approached Masaru and gave him a hand on his shoulder. "You know you can trust us to understand this, right? You are not as idiot as you seem."
"Y-you jerk…"
Masaru's mutter could be heard by everyone. His words were supposed to offend them. But everyone knew that he didn't mean it this way.
After all, the relief and happiness in his voice were evident for them all. Coupled with the sound of sniffling.
They didn't need to look at him to know that he was trying not to cry…
But it was tears of joy. That, everyone guessed right.
"Come on, Masaru-chan! You don't need to cry like that!" Monaca approached him with a smile, offering him her hand. "There, there. We're here for you!"
"Aaaw, Ibuki thinks she's going to have diabetes!" The Musician cheered happily, before latching herself at the group. "Group hug!"
"Don't kill the mood like that…" Kaito reprimanded her, but couldn't help but smirk at the scene and join the hug as well.
The kids and the other people who were watching the scene from afar seemed to be touched by what they saw… and who wouldn't?
Who wouldn't be touched by seeing people reunited all together, connected by nothing more but their hearts, expressing their emotions of happiness to the fullest?
Only a few people, they were sure. And they didn't want to interrupt their moment.
Sadly, all things have to come to an end.
"Uh? Ah crap, I forgot…"
And in this case, the end was brought by none other than Kaito, who looked at his watch, and seemed… a little worried.
And the fact that he broke away from the hug worried the Luckster. "Momota-kun? Is something wrong?"
"Nah… I just remembered I had to do something elsewhere…" Kaito answered, looking a little sad. "I wished I could stay, buddy, but I've got to hurry up for my appointment."
"An… appointment?"
"No time to explain, but I've got something important to deal with along someone else today." He explained quickly, before turning their back on the group before turning his head back towards the group with a grin and a thumb up. "I'm leaving the rest to ya, Makoto. I know I don't have to worry about what's gonna happen with them, 'cause you're my sidekick. And anyone who's Momota Kaito's sidekick can only succeed in life!"
And with that, the Astronaut ran off to his unknown destination, leaving his friends and the kids to watch him with an… amused look.
Did he really like to view himself as a hero? Was it why he was choosing sidekicks from the different classes?
And apparently, he was very proud and confident about this habit of his if he was to proclaim that kind of speech to Makoto.
"S-succeed in life? D-does that means that Onii-san's future is successful now?"
So considering Jataro's personality, of course he would be confused by that sentence.
"Would be cool, honestly!" Masaru told his brother with a smirk. "That's what Nii-san deserves anyway!"
That got Makoto flustered. "W-what?"
"He is right. Someone like Aniki only deserves the best." Nagisa followed with a smile. "That Momota individual may be an idiot, but he's right about some things."
"He definitely is!" Kotoko was quick to agree. "That jerk from before was just jealous of him, just like Masaru said!"
"D-don't talk about Togami-kun like that…" Makoto laughed nervously. "Besides, don't you think you are exaggerating a little?"
"Oh? So you don't agree with them, Makoto-chan?"
"Uh?" Makoto was quick to look at Ibuki with a surprised stare. But what really shocked him was that, she was smirking.
"You're too modest with yourself, Makoto-chan!" The Musician looked at him with a happy face. "You should accept compliments when you get some, you know?"
"Oh, but that's how Naegi-onii is!" Monaca joined her with her own smile. "He doesn't like to be praised too much, so he likes to decline it!"
"Well, he shouldn't! He does so much good thing to everyone!"
"I know, right? Monaca and the others told him to be more confident, though!"
The two girls began to talk about how their brother and friend was good, letting the other kids join the conversation with a lot of enthusiasm, while the Luckster could only watch the scene with an awkward smile.
Yes, those six really liked Makoto. They hold him dear to their hearts.
The kids, he could understand. After all, it would be normal for them to admire him after what he's done for them, if you were to compare their present situation to their past.
But as for Ibuki? He tried his best to understand why she was so happy near him. He guessed he was a really good friend to her, but he couldn't help but feel… overwhelmed by the praise he received.
Perhaps they were a little overdoing it a little?
"So! That hug got Ibuki all excited!" The Musician then released herself from everyone else and got up. "You all know what that means, right?"
The kids started to sweat at hearing this. "Oh crap…"
"Calm down, guys." Makoto calmly said, knowing where this was going and trying not to hurt her feelings. "This is just some training we will do. Isn't that what we were talking about earlier, Masaru?"
"W-well-"
"Yeah! We're just going to do some laps all together!" Ibuki happily said. "That way, you'll start your training! You need to be a good example for all those kids, Masaru-chan!"
The poor boy sweatdropped at what she said. "W-what about Monaca?"
"That's totally fine! We'll all gonna take turns to watch over her! That way she won't be lonely!" She answered with the same tone. "So, who's going first?"
"I-I'll do it." Nagisa answered quickly. "I'll watch Monaca for now."
"N-Nagisa-kun?"
"Okie-dokie then! Well, we better start off now!" Ibuki declared before eyeing Makoto. "Come on, Makoto-chan! Get the others ready!"
"S-sure." The Luckster said nervously, before addressing his kids. "Well, you've heard her, guys. L-let's get started."
"O-okay…"
The kids tried their best to look as excited as they could, but he could clearly see that some of them were a little afraid of what was going to happen next…
Granted they were right about it on some extent, but that didn't change the fact that he was sad about what they thought about Ibuki. Even if they liked her funny side.
Guess he would have to tell them about that as well.
And in all of this, Makoto couldn't help but wonder, 'What's going on with the others?'
"It was a nice match. You made some progress, Ishimaru."
"I… I am glad to hear it, Pekoyama-senpai. And you are as good as ever."
"Thank you. Again, you are on the right track. Keep doing your efforts."
"Y-yes, of course…"
Efforts, hard work… words that Kiyotaka cherished greatly.
Those words were his motto. Or a part of it, anyway. Hard work was the key to everything. You could achieve your dreams by believing in it, and by putting your soul, every inch of your heart in it. 'No matter how intensely the stormy seas may batter you, you will not fall as long as your feet are firmly planted. And if you can't do it alone, just find someone to support you, and you can support them back. That's how you can overcome any storm.' Those are his words, and he was not a man that would go back on it.
Though he would be a liar if he were to say he would never doubt himself. Although he felt ashamed of letting that emotion get into the core of his mind, he was still human. And under some circumstances, it would be normal to feel that way.
Be defeated at swordplay despite all of your practice was one of those circumstances.
Thought it was expected, with hindsight. After all, his opponent was none other than the Ultimate Swordswoman herself, so of course she had the upper hand from the beginning.
Still, he was glad that Peko Pekoyama, someone who he thought was as cold as his Detective classmate, would support him despite his loss and encourage him to go on with his hard work.
After one year and a half, he was finally getting the good hand on it.
And it was a relief. He wouldn't like to disappoint his 'teacher', as he decided to call her.
Granted, he was not as good as Mukuro on this, but the words affected him in a good way. He did some improvement with her. And the practice he did along Makoto and Kyouko was very useful as well.
He wondered why no one else took time to spare with her. He would have to ask his classmates about it… again.
"Wow… that was… pretty impressive."
"You moved so quickly! Did you do that your whole life or something?"
But there were already questions that were asked to the Swordswoman by some Reserve Course students who were watching the match.
That was the sole purpose of this sparring, after all.
"You can say that." Peko simply answered. "I had to train in order to face… possible eventualities. But fear not, you do not need to do something as extreme, of course."
That earned a sweatdrop from a lot of people. "O-oh. T… thanks, I guess…"
"We need to start somewhere. So I will show you the basics of swordplay." She continued with the same neutral tone. "It shouldn't be hard for any of you, and the sword doesn't inflict any kind of lethal damage."
"Oi, before any of that… I need to speak to you, Peko."
"Um?"
Everyone turned to see two other teenagers looking at Peko… in an intense way.
But the Swordswoman only stared at them with her usual look on her face… even though some people could tell that she was not entirely happy to see the two of them.
But could anyone blame her to feel this way about the two who basically threw her out of their lives like that?
Even though it was justifiable, Peko couldn't help but feel a little… embittered towards Fuyuhiko and his sister.
And both of them could feel it.
But she would need to hide it for now. It would be rude to talk about personal stuff in front of complete strangers. So she asked them, "Yes? What is it?"
"Look, we both need to talk about something important." Fuyuhiko stated trying to look serious. "In private."
Which got a mixed reaction from the other students. "U-umm…"
"Tch! Don't worry, you losers, we're not gonna kidnap her or some hit like that." Natsumi clinked her tongue. "We've got just some business with her."
"Fine, jeez…"
"I'm sorry, but can't this wait?" Peko asked with the same tone as before. "As you can see, I am in the middle of training some students here. I do not wish to let them down."
"Oh, I can perhaps replace you while you take care of that matter of your, Pekoyama-senpai!" Kiyotaka devoted himself. "I may not be as good as you, but I shall do my best!"
Peko looked at him with a little surprised, but it quickly disappeared when he turned back on Fuyuhiko. "Please, Peko. I need to talk with you."
The way he pleaded her… she had to admit, it wasn't often to hear him almost beg to get someone's attention.
Regardless, she decided to get down with it. The quicker it will be done, the better.
"…fine." She said before eyeing the Moral Compass. "I am sorry to entrust you with such a task. I will make sure to come back as quick as possible."
"No worries, dear classmate!" Taka answered with a proud smile. "I shall do my best to enlighten them!"
Every Reserve Course student looked at him incredulously. "I-is he serious…"
"Thank you." She said before coming towards the Kuzuryu siblings. "Where do you want to talk?"
"Let's just find an empty classroom. It won't take long."
And with this, the trio left the group for a more private place, leaving Taka to take care of the rest of the students.
"Aaaw, do you think you can handle this, Ishimaru-chan? You know, stress is not your forte-"
PATA!
"Ouch! Oowada-chan, you big meanie!"
"Shut it, twerp. What are you even doing here?! Hey, big guy, ya think I should kick him out?"
"Not until he has done something that justifies it. If that happens, then I will take care of it."
"Not you too, Goryoku-chan! Why can't you all be nice like Gokuhara-chan?!"
That childish voice made Taka very nervous, if not angry. He knew he couldn't let himself be controlled by such emotion like this, but some students made it really difficult not to cross the line.
And Kokichi Ouma was one of those persons.
It's been only half a year that he knew him, and yet he managed to get on his nerves just by the simple mention of his name alone.
Granted, he was not the only to feel this way. It must be said that the Supreme Leader had done everything to make others wary of him. Putting pranks and telling lies on everyone just for the fun of it… he was just a mere child!
And he would like HIM as a member of his organization?!
He wouldn't even dream of it! He's got better things to do than ruin his family's name!
How could someone like him be the President of anything else?!
"Ooooh, your face is getting red, Ishimaru-san! Are you having a fever, perhaps?"
And his attitude was not helping it!
But what made it worse was that, he knew now that he was just doing it on purpose! He knew he was trying to get him mad!
And it was working!
PATA!
"Ow!"
"Didn't I told you to shut up already?!"
"Boo! Oowada-chan, you really are a meanie!"
Thankfully, he could count on his 'bro' to back him up from afar, as both he and the other student that was with him took care of Kokichi as they were a little afar from the group.
Normally, he wouldn't like to let people fight in a school. That was the opposite of what he represented. He had to establish a peaceful and enjoyable school life for everyone.
But in this case? He was honestly willing to let it slide. Even though he did tell Mondo to calm his temper.
Before entering school, if he had been told that he would have befriended someone like him, he would have called it a lie. An outrageous one, in fact. There was no way in his right mind that he would have allowed himself to socialize with such a brute!
…well, his past self would be surprised for sure.
Because he discovered that not only he was not as bad as he thought he was, but he also discovered that, they had a lot of common points!
Both were loyal men who had a lot of honor, and who would not let any of their friends down.
That was quite the new point of view he had now!
Guess that diversity was a good thing after all.
"I-is he always like this?"
"You've got no fuckin' idea."
"He's done quite a ruckus during the time he's been here. And it's only his first year."
"I've got to do what it takes to stand out, you know!"
And he was glad that his bro managed to make acquaintance with someone like Tomohiko.
Sure the man was cold and his position was a little threatening, but when he took the time to think about it, his goal was basically the same as Taka. A world of peace.
The methods and the field were different, that's all.
And plus, he was not as bad as he thought either. While a little cold, which was to be expected, he was just doing his job.
And anyone who wanted to keep the peaceful aspect of the school was welcome to him.
"U-uum, I don't want to interrupt what you're doing, but… aren't you going to, you know, show us what to do?"
This made the Moral Compass snap out of his thoughts. "Uh? Oh! You are correct!" He then bowed towards the student who opened his mouth. "My dearest apologies for that."
"N-no need to sweat it, man. Just… just explain, okay?"
"Of course! No need to worry!" He then went in front of the group and positioned his shinai that he had in his left hand the whole time in front of him. "So, everyone, take the same position as I do!"
"Alright, you two. So, what did you wanted to discuss with me?"
The Swordswoman's question was used with a neutral tone, which held nothing… at first sight.
But both Kuzuryu siblings could tell that behind that voice was hidden some frustration that indicted them that the confrontation was already bothering her.
And none of them could really blame her for thinking this way.
So Fuyuhiko decided to speak. "Alright, so… how are you?"
"…I do not think I follow."
"I'm asking you, is everything okay on your side?" The Yakuza asked again. "You know, how's life and shit."
"Oh. So the usual?"
"Yeah, the usual."
"I am well, if that was what you wanted to hear. Just like I was yesterday, or last week." Peko stared at them while keeping the same tone. "Was that all?"
"What do you mean, 'was that all'?!" The boy asked, starting to get nervous. "You… you know we're not giving up on you, right?"
"Even after my evident failure? The reason why I have been chased away?"
"Again with this shit?!"
Natsumi's exclamation showed her irritation to everyone. Fuyuhiko tried to stop her in vain. "N-Natsumi-"
"We got it, okay?! You're mad at us for what we did to ya, and you're sort of right!"
"Sort of?" Peko raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you implying that a part of me is wrong to do so?"
"Well, yeah, obviously!" Natsumi began to raise her voice, which luckily didn't drop any attention to them, considering they were in an empty, isolated room. "I mean, you may have been suffering, but you did a mistake, for crying out loud! A big one! What did you expect after what you did?!"
"NATSUMI! We've talked about that before! Control yourself, Jesus!" Her brother was quick to reprimand her, before eyeing Peko again. "S-sorry about that, Peko. She's just nervous about what happened."
"Do not worry. I understand." Peko said. "And I wouldn't say she is wrong with her statement."
"Uh?"
"I made a mistake, yes. An error of judgment that put her in danger, and it explains perfectly my current situation." She explained, before very slightly narrowing her eyes. "However, I believe that doesn't mean I cannot feel anything else, am I wrong?"
Fuyuhiko sighed at hearing her talk like this. "…we didn't want this to happen."
"I know. If I recall, it was your mother who took the decision, is that right? A decision that your father agreed on rather quickly." Then, her tone became colder. But then again, this is how it works, isn't it? Once a weapon has served its purpose or have proved itself to be useless, hen the only thing left to do is to toss it."
"I thought we talked about this before, God damn it!" Now it was Fuyuhiko's turn to raise his voice. "Natsumi and I never took you for a weapon! We considered you as a person right off the bat! So why are you still mad at us, shit?!"
"Do you sincerely believe that it is with you that I am upset with?"
…
Both yakuzas looked at with surprised looks on their faces. "Uh? What the hell are you-"
"To be perfectly honest with you, I did feel mad at both of you." She began to talk. "However… I had time to think about it. The three of us have shared many things together." She then eyed Fuyuhiko with a little mile. "Especially with you, Fuyuhiko. We shared memories, feelings… things that I am glad to have, even to this day."
To say that the siblings were surprised would be an understatement. She seemed so distant with them before. Now she was… smiling at them. As if they were childhood friend. Heck, maybe brothers and sisters.
Like they were before.
Natsumi was the one who asked, "T-then why are you avoiding us, uh?! What, there's something that prevents us to do so?! Like our family or some shit like that?!"
"Precisely, Natsumi."
That calmed down the girl a little. "Wait… really?"
"I assume that you have not noticed until now, which I suppose was expected." Peko explained. "Then I guess you should hear this now, both of you. One day, I managed to see a man who was looking at my residence with a phone I his hands. I instantly recognized the suits he had."
That made both siblings widening their eyes in shock. "W-wait… you mean that-"
"I am afraid so. It looks like your family is not willing to let you near me anymore." Peko closed her eyes in a disappointed manner. "But I assume they are not completely wrong. What told them that a bodyguard who attacks the one he was supposed to protect would not strike again?"
"Then…" Natsumi realized something, and it didn't please her. "T-that's why… that's why they wanted to keep us at home… those old hags…"
"I suppose we are all lucky that we managed to find a moment alone. Considering this might be our last." She then turned her back to them. "Speaking of which, I should go. This meeting has lasted for too long already. Goodbye."
And with that, the Swordswoman left the room, leaving the two yakuzas to think about what they just learned.
Since Peko left the Kuzuryu's side, they had no way of communicating anymore, asides from school. And they didn't know how she handled things on her own.
So the siblings decided to take news from her to see if she was doing fine. It was something they both decided to secretly do – or rather, what Fuyuhiko convinced his sister to follow - since their reconciliation.
It was awkward, though. They didn't come up with this idea right away. They had to wait until the beginning of September to finally have the guts to have some concrete conversation with her again, and even still, the Swordswoman wouldn't try to talk to them too much.
She really didn't want to associate herself with them anymore.
…or so they thought.
Looks like they didn't know as much as they thought. And they were a little ashamed by that fact, yes.
But they were glad that at least one thing was cleared up. They were relieved that she still considered them as friends.
What made their blood boil, however… was the fact that their family was partly responsible for her taking her distances with them.
She grew up with them, and now they would try to antagonize her like hell?! What the fuck, honestly?!
Natsumi was the one who talked their thoughts. "D… did you know about this?"
"What? Of course not!" Fuyuhiko talked in a frustrated manner. "What, you think they would tell me about that?!"
"Well, you are the next Heir for the Kuzuryu clan, so…"
"She's been excluded from the clan, damn it! We haven't talked about her for months now! Why the hell would they brought her back on their topics?!"
"I was just asking, ya know! Maybe there was something that I missed, or…" Natsumi started to be at loss of words, before slowly showing her own anger. "This… this is bullshit! They could at least let us see her!"
"You know that our old hag of a mother wouldn't allow it. And pops just obey her like he was her little dog." He spat on the side. "Fuckin' seriously… they're as bad as each other."
"Ya said it." Natumi agreed, before looking on the other side. "Though… what happened is also my fault…"
Fuyuhiko looked at his sister incredulously. "What?"
"I know I shouldn't say this, but… you used to be really close with her." She explained with a frown on her face. "And… because of my mouth…"
"Natsumi, don't. We've been over this, too."
The sister looked at her brother, who didn't seem too pleased with what she said. She then sighed in defeat. "Yeah, yeah, I know… but I still can't help it."
"You couldn't have predicted what would have happened. And you didn't want her kicked out too, right?"
She scoffed at this. "Of course not. I'm not that monstrous." The irritation in her voice slowly faded away. "But… I feel like I could have done something. I didn't want you to sound so… sad. That stupid face of your when you were depressed… fuck, I just wanted to smack you out of it."
Which made her brother smirk lightly. "He. I didn't think you would care so much about that."
"What? I'm your little sister, for God's sake. Of course I would."
"I know, ya just don't like to show it. You know… you look a little like Naegi."
Now that comment made her react, as she turned towards her brother with a little blush on her cheeks. "T-the fuck you said?!"
"Ah. Nailed it." The Yakuza's smirk grew wider. "Seriously, ya sounded just like him. Worried about some things like that. Good to see he's a fuckin' good influence."
"S-shut your trap! I don't need anyone to tell me what to do!" Natsumi barked at her brother with the same blush on her face. "I just agreed on some points with him, that's all!"
"When it came out of his mouth, of course. I'm just glad he's that interesting to you."
"Uuugh! I'm getting sick of that fuckin' crap! I'm leaving, asshole!" And Natsumi just did that, storming out of the classroom, which made her brother laugh a little.
"Tch. I think I went a little overboard with her…" He chuckled lightly. "But it's so fuckin' satisfying to see her face."
Yes, it was priceless for him to do so.
It was a new and recent habit of him to make her sister all embarrassed by comparing her to Makoto. He knew how the little dude worked.
And he knew why she was all so flustered when he did so. They both had more common points than anyone would think.
Even though she only began to change around last year…
But it was nice to see his sister trying to improve, not being as rue and violent as she was before… even though he was like this too, but less than her.
He still wasn't too pleased about her starting to hang out with that Satou girl, as she was the one who assaulted her.
But it was her decision, and if she said that they were on better terms now… he guessed it was a good thing.
All of this thanks to his junior.
Perhaps he could ask him to have an eye on that Satou girl, too. Just in case.
"Alright, I should go look for her." He then said to himself, slowly heading to the door. "I don't want her to fuck around with everyone while she's like this."
And he was just going to do that once he left the classroom-
"Oh, hello there. I am sorry, but can I ask you a question very quickly? It won't be long."
"Uh?"
Only for being asked by a random guy who was coming his way. Granted, he seemed polite, but it was still something Fuyuhiko did not expect.
The guy was just a little smaller than Rantarou, and he had blue heather, preppy hair, which was also the color of his eyebrows. He had grey eyes, and he was wearing a dark blue suit which was covering a white shirt along with a grey tie. The pocket at the level of his torso had a silver brooch in shape of a heart. Besides, he had some kind of charm bracelet on the right wrist. Finally, he had dark blue pants, and dark grey shoes with black soles.
Fuyuhiko looked at him with a neutral look and asked, "Yeah? What do you want?"
"My apologies, but I need your help at the moment." The boy explained politely. "I am currently looking for the recreation room. My friends wanted to meet with me at some time, but I don't remember where it is."
That request made the Yakuza look at him oddly. "…haven't you seen the plan of the school outside? Or hell, within the floors themselves?"
"Oh, there were? If so, my apologies, but there were no such things. I believe someone mentioned that a student 'messed around with the material', if I recall."
The Yakuza grunted in answer. "Of course… that fucking President…"
"Umm? Is there a problem?"
"Just some asshole trying to pull out some fucking pranks again." Fuyuhiko explained. "Damn it, it's been half a year, and I can't stand this little gremlin already!"
"You… don't seem to like him."
"Best for you if you don't find out why…" The Yakuza grunted.
Nope, he didn't like Kokichi at all. He didn't need to see what happened outside to know it was him who messed around with the material.
He was just under his skin. Always making fun of everyone…
He swears, he was about to kill him the moment he mentioned his baby face!
Why wasn't he expelled already?! Damn it, he was worse than Nagito! And that meant a lot, considering how annoying his classmate already was with his hope fetish!
The taller boy noticed the tense attitude Fuyuhiko had. "…are you alright?"
"Uh?" The Yakuza looked at him with a frown on his face. "Ah, nothing too bad… come to think of it, I should see if my sis is alright…"
"Do you mean a blonde girl with blush marks?"
No that got Fuyuhiko's attention. "Uh? You saw her?"
"I believe she directed herself towards the dojo." He answered. "She looked… rather outraged, I believed. Did something happened?"
"Nothing too serious. She's usually like this." He simply answered. "Guess I'll have to calm her down before she does something stupid."
"I suppose you are right, if this is your sister." The other boy said before posing as he lifted his right hand in front of his mouth, as if he was… praying.
Which startled the Yakuza a little. "…what the hell are you doing?"
"Oh? I am sorry if this is disturbing you," the boy explained, "but I simply pray for whoever soul shall suffer her wrath. It became a habit of mine, considering my job."
"…what, you talk to the spirit or some shit like that?"
"You can say that I help the souls of the dead rest in peace, yes. And if I may say something, you should probably join her by now." He looked at the Yakuza worriedly. "I would not like to use my services on such an event."
Fuyuhiko just stared at him with an odd look, then closed his eyes. "Fine. I was just about to do that anyway."
And with that, the Yakuza left the other boy… who looked rather perplexed.
"My… with all of this, he forgot to tell me about the recreation room. I guess I will have to find someone else to help me…"
"Wow… this stuff seems really complicated…"
"We know. That's why we are in charge of this kind of thing."
"Y-yes. After all, we are the people who are specialized in the software."
"That's right! It is our duty to explain everything to you, after all."
"Well, maybe not everything. I mean, you guys can figure out the obvious, I think."
"And I may not be as good as the rest, but it's a pleasure for me to help."
The stuff the Reserve Course was talking about was the programming that was composing the servers of the whole academy, which was projected in the A.V. room. And yes, people could see why it was so complex.
Thankfully, they were into right hands. Hands who belonged who were experts in this kind of field, and who knew what they were doing.
After all, they didn't call respectively Chihiro and Tarou the Ultimate Programmer and Graphic Designer for nothing, as they were both in charge of such projects.
And what better option that Kazuichi and Miaya to assist them, considering the fact that she also supervised some projects with them.
They didn't expect Ki-Bo to actually offer a hand, but considering that some people were in the rec room, they thought they could use some help indeed.
They just hoped that the students wouldn't be too weirded out by this turn of events.
One of the students asked directly to Tarou, "So… you guys said you were the one who takes care of that? And… how does it works, really? I mean, you must have some kind of planning, right?"
"That's right. I don't know about the others," Tarou began, "but most of the time, I'm the one who makes sure everything works. Being one of the Student Council members, it is part of my duties along with establishing some sort of correct schedule myself."
"Y-you know, I thought it was a little odd, considering your talent." The boy said. "I mean, you're supposed to be the Ultimate Graphic Designer, right? I didn't think you would actually… you know, take care more than you're supposed to."
"Haha, I get that a lot." Tarou chuckled. "Personal experience helps, I suppose. I grew in this environmental field, so I've learned how to deal with this pretty early in my life. Granted, I'm not this talented in everything, considering my talent, but I don't think I'm too bad."
"I-is that so…"
"But it must be difficult to do so, right?"
The question was coming from a girl, who looked at him with a worried expression…
And for some reason, the Graphic Designer became a little tenser when he saw that. "E-excuse me?"
"I mean, for you to take care of something that surpasses your domain of expertise must be stressful. N-not that I'm saying you're not capable of doing it, but… I'm just saying it must be difficult to deal with."
The intention was honest, anyone in the room could see that. The girl really seemed to care about the Graphic Designer's well-being.
That was why everyone found it was odd that the boy began to stutter nervously, trying to find the words. "I…I-"
"Oh, don't worry about him! We do help time times to times so he won't get stressed out!"
"T-that's right… I'm happy to help wherever I can."
Thankfully, he had Miaya and Chihiro to back him up for that. Their words made everyone turn towards them, and they soon forgot about Tarou.
Well, almost everyone.
"W-well, if you say so…" The girl from earlier said before turning back towards Tarou with a little smile. "I'm just glad you don't have too much pressure on your shoulders."
To this, the Graphic Designer only watched the side, avoiding her gaze "…it's okay. Don't worry about me."
Everyone gave him an odd look, wanting to speak, but not desiring to make him more nervous.
"Man, relax, alright? She just helped you out on something."
Well, almost everyone. Kazuichi was not the kind of guy who would keep thing to himself in the first place, even if he were to regret it.
Especially not when he was jealous.
Seriously, Tarou had everything for him. He looked nice and handsome, and for what he's seen, he was also a girl magnet!
Just like Makoto, but to a lesser extent.
So why was he acting so… weird when a girl talked to him?!
Man, he would kill to be in his position! Especially when the girl I question matched perfectly his tastes!
This is the guy Tsubasa choose to hang out with?!
Well, at least, he was polite, he guessed. That's what Tarou wanted to make the others see as he said politely, "Y-yes, that's right… thank you.
The tone and the words he used wanted to be gentle. It wanted to reassure the girl, to tell her that everything was fine and okay.
But everyone felt the struggling in his voice. His embarrassment was that evident for everyone, even for Ki-Bo.
Perhaps because he already had a girlfriend, he thought…
What he didn't know was the fact that, despite the fact that Tarou smiled at Miaya and Chihiro… both could see that the tense in his eyes still remained. Something the Robot didn't notice, but that the two others saw directly.
They had a good relationship overall, yes. They helped each other times to times, yes. And the boy managed to have good conversations with him.
It's just that… the two of them occasionally saw that he gave them… awkward glances at times to times.
Perhaps it was because of Chihiro's true gender's revelation. Tarou always did that to Chihiro, even if it was at a low expense, but after that… he didn't know what to make of it. His glance was… unreadable.
Thank God nobody in the newest classes were aware of that. Otherwise, things would have become awkward…
And probably out of hands no thanks to Kokichi and Tenko.
As for Miaya, it was the same thing. She didn't know why, but when she asked him about what was wrong when he was in such a state, he would shrug it off, only saying that it was work or something personal…
And she would have believed it if only he gave her a proper reason. But she figured that he wasn't someone who would confess his own problems, even though she knows him for one year and half now.
Perhaps it was the screen with the white rabbit… but he thought it was cute, though.
Then again, could she really blame anyone to be a little weirded out by his?
"H-hey…"
Ki-Bo turned towards the source of the whisper. "Yes? What is it?"
"Nothing against the wheelchaired woman, but… does she always talk like this? With the… rabbit on the screen?"
Just like this male student, for instance.
"Oh? Well, yes. I believe she did behave like this when we've met her as well." The Robot explained, not sensing the awkwardness in his voice. "You get used to it pretty quickly, if you want my honest opinion."
The boy only nodded in acknowledgment. "Oh… okay… if you say so…"
"Can't blame you to be a little creeped out, though." The Mechanist muttered as he approached the two. "I mean, even I'm a little uneasy at this. Seriously, a rabbit? Couldn't she choose a human avatar of herself instead?"
"I-I suppose she has her reasons…"
"Ahem!"
"YIKES?!"
Kazuichi yelped in surprise, as everyone turned towards Miaya who still kept talking via her virtual rabbit Usami. "I believe we still have some explaining to do, isn't that right, Fujisaki-kun?"
Chihiro nodded with a little smile. "Yes… I think we left on the part when we develop other projects. Like… artificial intelligence, for instance…"
That surprised a lot of people. "Wow! Really?!"
Tarou then turned his attention back to the group with a light chuckle. "Yes, I know, this is really surprising. But we recently managed to get to a point when the creation of such complex subject is now possible. Of course, we always do that with the terms of our duties for the school."
"Y-you mean…" the boy near Ki-Bo pointed at Usami. "Like… like that stuffed rabbit on your screen, ma'am."
"In a sense, yes." The Therapist explained. "I use it mainly to communicate with people, but I also use it in order to help Kurosaki-kun and Fujisaki-kun maintain the proper functioning of the school's network."
"Oh… so that's its purpose…" the student muttered awkwardly. "H-hey, I-I think you've heard me earlier, a-and about that-"
"It's okay, no harm done." Usami was quick to reassure him. "I understand that you don't get used to seeing it."
"Y-yeah… still…"
"Don't worry, I know you meant no harm." Miaya tapped on her laptop. "Besides, that allow you to see how an A.I. works, correct?"
The student chuckled lightly. "I-I guess, yeah…"
Ki-Bo only looked at Miaya with a little smile. That was true that her manner of speech was a little… special, to say the least, even for him at first.
Either she was shy, or she was a robot. But as far as he knew, the Therapist was human.
And she did a wonderful job as a Therapist. She was one of the few persons with who he had some good talk within the school's staff, alongside Katana… and Chisa too, but to a less extent.
Considering her scary moments and Koichi's drunk and lazy behavior, it was hard to be listened to by those two individuals.
"U-unfortunately, that's all we can really show you now…"
The Programmer's voice made everyone turn to see him, and he looked… sad. Sad and nervous, as he bowed his head in shame and spoke nervously. "I-I mean… I'm in the middle of creating a similar project. But… I needed to adjust some new adjustment at the last minute… a-and for that, I'm sorry…"
"H-hey, don't be nervous!"
It was the girl from earlier who approached with a little smile, which made Chihiro lift up is head a little shocked. "U-uh?"
"I mean, it's too bad for your project, but if it needed to be finished, then it's not your fault!" The girl said with the same smile. "Besides, we already have an A.I. here, and considering it is z recent thing as the boy said, then I can't blame you for worrying your best. So don't beat yourself up, okay?"
Chihiro took some time to let the words sink in his brain before smiling a little. "T… thanks…"
"No problem."
"She is perfectly right, Fujisaki-senpai." Ki-Bo said next with a reassuring tone. "You've been working hard for this project, too. So don't push yourself too hard."
"Yeah! And plus, I know about your project too, it's pretty freaking good!" Kazuichi grinned. "Seriously, you can afford some slack once in a while!"
"That's what I told him too!" Usami said with a reprimanding tone. "But you know he wouldn't listen. He's just trying to be useful to everyone, just like Naegi-kun!"
Chihiro looked at everyone with an embarrassed face. "P-please don't say that…"
That made chuckle everyone in the room of amusement. The poor Chihiro was still a shy person on the inside…
But that didn't change the fact that the three of them had a solid relationship.
With Miaya, the Programmer felt at ease. She was nice and understanding, as her talent suggested. Besides, her own A.I. didn't bother him. In fact, it helped him for his own project.
And being coworkers helped a lot.
As for Ki-Bo, the Robot thought that Chihiro was kind. Shy, sure, but he was polite and he didn't harass him for getting a check-up on him to see how he was…
Even if he did admit once that it would be interesting to see how it works once. But at the very least he wasn't insistent on that, and he assured him it didn't need to go as far as dismantle him just to see his insides, which was perfect for him.
Unlike with Miu, Kokichi and Kazuichi. Even if the latter could be nice and quite humorous at times.
It was nice to be free from that kind of attention and treatment.
"Alright, everyone, I think we need to focus on the next subject, alright?" Tarou reminded everyone with a smile. "We still have some subjects to talk about."
"That's right! There are still other things to do!" Miaya tapped on her laptop. "But before we proceed, does anyone has questions?"
"Uh… I do, actually…"
Everyone turned towards the student near Ki-Bo, who asked him, "Yes? What is it?"
"Uh… I know it may sound pretty disrespectful, but…" The student looked at Ki-Bo with an odd look.
Which the Robot anticipated immediately. "Oh… it concerns me, doesn't it?"
"Y-yeah… I-I mean, I haven't seen any other robots like you in the past…" the student explained nervously. "I-I'm sorry, but I'm a little curious…"
"I-I think I've got some questions, too…" the other male student said with the same tone. "I-I mean, now that the occasion is in front of me."
That only made the Robot sigh. "…alright, if that can please you. But I better not hear anything discriminatory, am I clear?!"
Which got mixed results as everyone looked at him awkwardly. "Uh… sure?"
In all of this, Chihiro, Miaya and Tarou looked at the scene with some amused face. Chihiro then said, "That was… to be expected, right?"
"I suppose, yes." Miaya answered. "I'm still a little surprised that a robot is a student here, but Ki-Bo is someone responsible."
"Well, that's true. He is definitely not a troublemaker unlike others in his class." Tarou agreed with them with a smile. "I'm just glad he can survive within his own classmates."
"It is a relief, yes." The Therapist said before eyeing the Graphic Designer. "And speaking of relationship… where is Kamii-san? Wasn't she with you earlier today with you and Kubo-kun?"
The mention of Tsubasa's name made Tarou's smile decreases a little. "Oh, we… we had to part ways because of our schedule. I think she has been assigned to be with Fukwasa-san, Sonia-senpai, and Shinguji-kun, if I'm not mistaken…"
That made Chihiro tense hearing this. "O-oh… I-I know Fukawa-san a little… I-I don't think she would appreciate their company too much…"
"Yeah… so I've been told…"
"What?! Hey, that Fukawa girl is such an ingrate!" Kazuichi grunted in annoyance. "Sonia-san is just the perfect assistant anyone could dream of! Why couldn't she be with us instead?!"
The Programmer laughed awkwardly. "I-I don't think she is too much into informatics, Souda-senpai…"
No, not even after one year and half, Chihiro was still baffled at the Mechanist's constant worship at the Princess.
Even if he was cool sometimes, he could easily understand why Sonia grew tired of that attitude.
"Well, I'm not too worried about them being together." Miaya said. "But I am… a little curious as to how Shinguji-kun would interact with them."
"T-that's right…"
"Some guys just have all the luck!"
Tarou ignored Kazuichi's complaints as he wondered, 'I wonder how you are with them, Tsubasa…'
"So… you're the one who wrote 'So Lingers the Ocean', right?"
"Y-yes, that's me…"
"A brilliant novel, if I say so myself! I grew fascinated by the characters!"
"The scenario is quite detailed as well. I liked how things turned on with some twists."
"I may not be an expert in literature, but I believed that the emotions had been quite well transliterated. I personally have felt it during my own reading."
"R… really?"
"Tch… d-don't act like that…"
No, Touko really didn't want anyone to act weird around her.
Especially not in front of complete strangers. In this case, then they would only make fun of her for hanging out with such a bunch of weirdos.
But it seemed like she was deemed to suffer the consequences of her trying to play nice for once. And God, did she hated that!
Normally, she would have done everything in her power to avoid being harassed with people in general. After all, any living people meant more potential scumbags that would stab her in the back when she waits for it the less!
Well, except for her dear Makoto-sama. She knew her White Knight would never do that.
But here was the catch: she was already at the center of everyone's attention because of her novels.
Granted, she was the Ultimate Writing Prodigy, and she was supposed to be there for the event, but people didn't need to stick to her like leeches!
"W-well, I really liked it, too! I-I really felt touched by the protagonist's development! I… really felt bad for what she had to go through."
Well, at least people enjoyed her work. When they were in front of her.
But she was not going to just lash out at her the way she would usually do, so instead, she looked away and muttered, "T-thanks…"
"I am quite glad that you liked my junior's work! She's really proud of what she did! And I'm really glad I'm a fan of her work!"
"I could tell that she passed a lot of time thinking about every detail. I may only be into movies, but I also like to read times to times."
"D-don't add fuel to the fire, you two…"
She tried to mutter to them with a sharp glance, but the Princess was not paying any attention to her whatsoever. That weirdo was on her own little world as she was praising her…
As for the Movie Maker, she only looked at her sadly, as if he didn't understand what she did.
That was so typical.
The two most beautiful blondes in the whole school were assisting her… and she would have been better off alone.
A weirdo who lives like a princess – as expected form her title – and who was interested in gore on one hand, and a wiener who complains about her relationship with her boyfriend on the other… truly, she couldn't have picked up worse.
"Kukuku… is something bothering you, Fukawa-senpai?"
"Eeh?!"
Oh yeah… she almost forgot about that creep.
Seriously, she could swear that anyone near him was freaked out by Korekiyo's laugh.
No, screw that, just his looks could tell her that he was off his fucking tree! Just taking a look at his attire was enough to sound the psycho alarm! The strangers, and notably the girls, heck, even the two idiots that were with her seemed really tense when he let that laugh escape his lips!
Did Hope's Peak Academy had a talent to attract every possible degenerate around?!
"N-nothing's wrong!" She was now struggling not to yell by now. "I-I just don't need help when it comes to talking to p-people!"
"Uuh… are you sure?" another girl from the Reserve Course asked. "You look kind of… nervous…"
"Y-yes, I'm sure!"
"Oh, she is simply tired for the work, that is all!" Sonia said in an admiring voice. "After all, she must work hard in order to find inspiration!"
Something that the Writing Prodigy didn't seem to like. "W-wha-"
But Tsubasa was the one who spoke next. "I suppose that's why she won many awards for her novels. I think you all know about her being on the top-selling list, right?"
"Yeah, So I've heard-"
"Y-you didn't need to say that!" Touko looked at them a little angrily. "T-they aren't so stupid, you know?! They can figure out the obvious!"
Tsubasa only looked a little surprised and hurt by this. "O-oh, right. Sorry…"
But that was not the case Sonia, who simply beamed yet again. "Oh, you don't need to be so modest! You should really learn to take some rest times to times!"
"A-are you even listening to me?!"
The others could help but cringe at the scene and at Touko's tone. A guy approached Tsubasa and murmured to her ear, "Is… is she always like this?"
"Y-yes… she has a tendency of… not trusting people in general." Tsubasa replied. "Which is… a little sad, to be honest…"
"I-I can tell…"
"Hey, I-I can hear you two, you know!"
"Ah! S-sorry!"
Tsubasa only sighed at Touko's behavior, as the other student bowed towards her.
Sonia was so lucky to be so dense and insensitive when it came to negative feelings around you. Even if she knew her senior could be affected by this like anyone else, she thought the Princess was lucky to have thick skin.
And especially with people like the Writing Prodigy.
The Movie Maker didn't know what to make of her hostility toward her. She didn't remember doing anything bad to her. Heck, they didn't interact this much!
But the first time they met each other, she could have told right away that the Writing Prodigy couldn't stand her…
And the worst part? She still didn't know why.
That was too bad, honestly. The fact that she had talent was incontestable…
Even if her work wasn't that great in her opinion. It was good, mind you, but… there were things in the novel that disturbed her, overall.
But he wasn't going to dig her grave with her further. So she kept quiet.
Not that it did any favor to her, unfortunately…
"Regardless, Fukawa-senpai has done a wonderful job, I believe." Korekiyo joined the conversation. "I believe it has been already said, but I believe my favorite part was the twist at some points. I found it rather… pleasing."
Touko looked at him with a suspicious glare. "…you didn't need to do so."
"Uh, you really did?" The first girl from the Reserve Course said, a little unnerved. "But… I thought this was a girl novel."
"I am well aware of that." He answered calmly. "But simply because it is destined to be viewed by women doesn't mean a man cannot watch it."
"W-well, I suppose that's true…"
"I simply wished to see what the book had to offer. I am a curious soul, you can say." The Anthropologist elaborated. "You see, what I am after can be found in human emotions."
That alone made everyone turn towards him with an uneasy expression. "Human… expression?"
"The action, the reasoning, the personality… you can say that I try to analyze the meaning of all of this. This is a field I am quite interested in… and especially their beauty."
"T-their beauty, you say?" The male student asked. "I-I guess the story is beautiful in a sense, yeah. I've read it with my cousin, so…"
"I personally believe beauty can be found in any human actions possible. Even some manners can be interpreted as beautiful…" He then began to laugh as usual. "Kukuku… humans are really able to make such amazing concepts…"
Everyone was just dead silent at hearing this. Even people like Sonia and Tsubasa were really scared when he did that.
Then again, who wouldn't?
"A-alright, enough of this!" Touko told him with irritation. "D-don't scare people with what you say!"
"Oh? But I have simply answered a question while explaining my point of view on the matter." The Anthropologist answered with the same tone. "And while I am talking about it, I may say that indeed, the suffering of the principal character was quite interesting. It added more satisfaction to see her have her happy ending."
Touko only stared at him with an unamused expression. "…that was the intention."
"Yes, but I believe it was well executed. You clearly know what you were doing." He continued. "I suppose it does make sense. After all, only those who have suffered can truly achieve their goal. In this kind of story, at least."
Tsubasa was a little sad by this statement. "That's… unfortunately right."
And Sonia agreed to this. "And it's a… reflection of real life, I suppose. On some points."
But the students seemed to be nervous about this. "Uh, don't you think you guys are a little depressive? I-I mean, yeah, it does exist, but it's not always the case… right?"
The poor girl didn't know that she was about to trigger Touko who began to look at the student who spoke with a death glare.
"Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.
Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of Victory
As he defeated-dying-
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!"
But before she could say anything, a new voice who was humming echoed in the whole library. And everyone saw who was peaking. A short girl who was in her own world as well… at first glance.
The girl in question had chilean pink hair with medium length some head-press along with a ribbon on it. She had grey eyes and red glasses, and she had bandages at the level of her neck. She was wearing a pink vest which had a triangle symbol that contained a rose in it at the right level of her chest, and a long blue collar along with two white thin lines at the extremity, vet which covered a white shirt who also had a similar line at the end, but pink. She had a yellow heart-shaped bag that hanged by her left shoulder, and the top of her blue skirt was fixated around her waist with six black buttons on the front. And speaking of her skirt, it ended with white frills, and she had white leggings which had the same triangle symbol, and her shoes were dark green.
Everyone seemed to be impressed by the way she spoke, and they looked interested in her…
Everyone but Touko, as she only stared at her as if she was an alien. "W… what is this?"
"Uh?" The girl looked at her with a neutral face. "Oh, you don't know? This is a poem written by Emilie Dickinson in 1864. It tells the story of a winning army and a defeated, dying soldier on the losing side. Long story short, it tells you that the true victorious here is the defeated soldier."
Everyone looked at her surprised. "Uh? The… defeated soldier is victorious?"
And Touko didn't like where this was going. "W-what are you babbling about?"
But Sonia was also intrigued by this turn of events. "Oh, so there is a deep meaning to this story? I would like to hear it, if you don't mind!"
"If you wish." The girl answered. "If I'm saying this, it's because the defeated soldier know what loss was because of his defeat… but that only made him desire victory more. That's why the defeated soldier is victorious."
Tsubasa widened her eyes in shock. "Wait… are you saying that… you need to fail sometimes to-"
"That's precisely what it tells, yes." The girl answered with the same tone. "Success can only be achieved by those who have once known defeat. And I agree with this, because if you were to never lose, how would you be able to enjoy your victory? Simple: you can't."
"I see. So the story praise efforts and hard work in some way, in order to fuel your desire to become stronger. Then, the feeling of success can be truly satisfied." Korekiyo summarized, clearly looking interested. "Such a beautiful lesson, just like this poem! I must admit, this is quite fitting to our previous conversation."
"I know, that's why I decided to bring this up." The short girl smiled a little. "As I listened to the words flow into this room of knowledge, I wondered if I could add my own touch."
"My, you seem to have a way with words!" Sonia beamed happily with sparks in her eyes. "It was as if you were telling a new story! Are you a poet, by any chances?!"
"I was, yes. But I stopped some time ago." The glasses girl smiled a little. "I do keep checking on different poets, though. That's why I decided to go for someone else's work this time."
"Well, you should definitely consider going back!" Tsubasa told her happily. "You truly are talented, that I can tell!"
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
Soon, the attention switched to the pet girl. Everyone was quite interested in what she said…
But then again, Touko wasn't everyone.
She hated that kind of people, who would play all smart a nice just to get praise. Sure, now she didn't have any attention, but this scene was getting on her nerves.
Especially since the one who had all the attention now was a girl.
She then greeted her teeth. "O-of course it would have been like this… l-listen to the cute girl instead of me…"
"Go ahead. Spit on my face."
"U-uh?!"
The Writing Prodigy widened her eyes in shock at the same time as everyone else heard those words.
But only Touko could see that the girl was… staring directly at her. And it was not a nice look she was giving her.
"If you really don't want this piece of trash around, you can just say so. I can already tell that you hate me." The girl said coldly. "It's a common occurrence in my poor life, but it's not like you care anyway. I'm just a poor pile of human waste anyway, so why bother trying to be polite?"
Everyone was so shocked to hear this so suddenly. Especially Sonia…
She did not expect her to hear such a person like her talk like Nagito.
But her attitude was just getting Touko more frustrated. "Y-you… W-who gives you the right to t-talk to me like that?! I-I haven't done anything to you!"
"You despise me. It is as plain on your face as an ink splotch upon parchment." She continued to give her that… disgusted face of hers "But then again, this might not be so bad when you compare me to you."
"W-what?!"
"At least, I do not smell like trash."
Everyone gasped in surprise as the words left her mouth. Now that was it for Touko, as she bolted up from her sit and slammed her hands to her desk. "H-how dare you?! I-I'll have you know, I took a bath just about yesterday!"
"Then you clearly do not have the basic knowledge of such simple act." The other girl narrowed her eyes. "You smell like a sting bug trying desperately trying to escape its predator. But I don't see any reason for you to be like this."
And her remark just received some support. "U-um… I didn't want to say it, but… it does smell a little here. A-and… not the good kind."
The Writing Prodigy began to really see red, before yelling, "THAT'S IT! I'm out of here! I didn't even want to be here!", and storming out of the room completely fuming, under everyone's nervous (and also amused) gaze.
The boy from earlier said out loud, "…she really doesn't like to socialize, does she?"
"No, not really…" Tsubasa laughed nervously. "E-even if she tries, she reaches her own limits very quickly…"
"Do not worry, everyone! I shall check on her to reassure if she is fine!" Sonia devoted herself to go outside the library. "She must be more exhausted than I thought…"
And with the other girl out, it only left Korekiyo, Tsubasa and the poet with the rest of the students. Poet who then addressed the Movie Maker. "Say…"
"Yes?" The blonde looked at the girl. "What is it?"
"I think I have heard of your name before. Aren't you the one who made the script of 'My Sunny Days' and 'I Gave My First and Last Love to You'?"
That surprised her, as she did not expect someone to bring this subject up.
But of course, it did make everyone else realize that as they approached the girl, and the girl "Oh yeah! She's right! I remember now!"
"So you're the one who made those?! Awesome! I loved both of them!" One of the girls said happily to her. "I still cry when I watch it again!"
"Haha, is that so? I-I'm glad to see that you like it!" The Movie Maker laughed kindly at their reaction. "But… to be honest, I was only supervising everything. I did correct some things, and I was here to see if everything was fine. That's why you don't see my name on the credits…"
"Well, you definitely did a good job!" The boy said with enthusiasm. "And you should have your name on it, because if you really did all of that, then you deserve at least some recognition!"
"I suppose, yes…" she said with a happy sigh. "Even still, I'm not really a Movie Maker per say. I do critic most of the times. So it happens for me to make some mistakes, you know?"
"I think it's already a good thing, you know?" The poet said to her with a little smile on her face, getting her attention. "You are slowly but surely climbing up the stairs of a better life. And if you made mistakes and learn from them, then you too can learn the true meaning of success."
That surprised Tsubasa a little, before she returned the smile. "Well, thank you! But the same can be said to you! I'm sure you're on the right track!"
"Perhaps. It would be nice if fate decided to be kind will me…"
"I'm sure it will!"
As the two girls bonded and as the group shared the moment, Korekiyo only mused quietly.
"Kukuku… this is such a beautiful sight. So much positive emotions… coming from so many friends…"
"That was splendid, Kotoko! As expected from you!"
"T-thanks, Makoto-nii…"
"Oh, look at her, she's being so shy! She's being just like you, Makoto-chan!"
"P-perhaps…"
"B-but that still was beautiful… I-I think."
"Bah! Well, that was expected for a girl to do girly things, you know!"
"HEY!"
"Masaru-kun, you don't need to talk to Kotoko-san like that!"
"You really are an idiot sometimes."
"Who are you talking to like that?!"
Another little argument that happened between the Warriors of Hope. Which was a common occurrence between them, especially when they watched each other's activities.
Which was the case right now, as Makoto and Ibuki were with the kids, congratulating Kotoko at the end of her performance.
A few families were also present, praising their own kids for their work, before leaving the theatre room. So thanks to that, no one paid any mind to them, as they were now the only people left in the room.
But it wasn't a reason to be loud, Makoto thought. So he decided to say, "Guys, not so loud. We don't want to disturb the others." He said all the while chuckling, before addressing Kotoko. "I mean what I say, Kotoko. I really loved what you did."
That only made Kotoko blush deeply. "I-I'm glad… I hoped that you liked it, Makoto-nii…"
"And I did. You can be sure of that."
His honest smile didn't help her embarrassment. "T-thank you…"
"Hey, don't drag all the attention to you!" Masaru pouted in frustrated jealousy. "You're so sneaky, you know that?!"
All he received in response was the girl who stuck her tongue out towards him.
"D-drag the attention?" Jataro asked, looking clearly confused. "I-I thought Onii-san was just congratulating her…"
"He was, Jataro, don't worry." Nagisa said all the while smirking at his other brother. "Masaru is just trying to hide his jealousy is all."
"Wha- SHUT UP, YOU!"
"Oh, don't be like that, Masaru-chan!" Monaca beamed happily. "You did have time with Naegi-onii today too, you know! Besides, you know he'll be for us too, so it's not like he would play any favorites!"
"She's right, Masaru. I wouldn't miss a moment with you guys… well, except when I'm out of options" Makoto sweatdropped at the memories of yesterday's events flowed his mind. "But other than that, if I can be here for you, then I will. No question asked."
"YAY!"
The kids' cheering warmed Makoto's heart. Of course they would be happy at hearing this…
And he was not going to mess up again for the rest of the week. They are his siblings, after all.
"Oh, Makoto-chan… Ibuki knew it all along."
"Uh?"
Makoto turned to see Ibuki grinning at her. "Ibuki knew that Makoto-chan was the kind of guy who would spoil his kids rotten! Which is so cool because that means Makoto-chan would spoil me too!" She then looked at him with sparkles in her eyes. "Right, Makoto-chan?"
The Luckster laughed nervously at the question. "W-well… you can definitely count on me too if you need me, Mioda-senpai."
"YAY!" Ibuki then quickly hugged her friend, which surprised everyone by the quickness of the action. "I knew you would answer that, Makoto-chan!"
Which of course made Makoto blush because of the fact that she was now directly touching his body. "M-Mioda-senpai?!"
And which triggered the amusement of his siblings, as Masaru grinned at the sight, while Kotoko and Monaca laugh openly. Even Jataro and Nagisa smiled at the scene, the former of shyness, the later of smugness, surprisingly.
It was another scene which showed how close people were. A heartwarming display of affection towards persons that were not related from blood, but who considered themselves very close.
Who would try to interrupt such moment?
"If you are all finished now, I would like you to leave this place. We've got some new activities here, and I don't want you people to be in the way."
Well, someone definitely did. And as everyone turned to see the man who spoke, Makoto put a shoulder on Masaru and Kotoko's shoulders and looked at everyone seriously in order to stop them for whatever they were going to say.
And thankfully, the kids understood the message right away… even if that didn't stop them from casting him some glares towards the adult.
Which wasn't really a good idea when the one who was speaking was one of the Steering Committee members.
So of course, Makoto only answered politely, "W-we're sorry, sir. We didn't see the time passing…"
"Yes, that's what I've noticed. And that's why I ask you to leave the room so you can do whatever you like elsewhere."
And even though this man wasn't as arrogant and impatient as Akihiro, the man known as Kyouma Eritomaru was not known to be a kind man either.
Not that the nonchalant face of darker skin and hair along with big eyebrows was not a sufficient warning in the first place…
Which made Ibuki complain for everyone else. "Oh, come on, mister! What's wrong with having a good time with your friends?"
But Makoto didn't have time to say something that the man was faster than him to respond. "I don't think you are deaf, young lady. I said there were some new activities to prepare, and that I didn't need you here. Besides, don't you have some things more important to do?"
That caught Ibuki off guard, but Makoto came to her rescue. "Sir, we were just passing time with the kids. We're sorry, we were just about to leave."
"Well, I would appreciate that. So, would you kindly get out now?"
The phrase was supposed to be polite, but it didn't hide his irritation in the slightest. That's why Makoto took Monaca's wheelchair and said, "O-of course, sir. Everyone, we're going."
Everyone followed him, with the exception of Ibuki who complained again. "He could learn to have fun once in a while…"
And with them out of the room, the man simply sighed of exhaustion. "Those kids really are tiresome. And to think we have to deal with all of them combined… it's such a pity."
Then, the man looked at the documents he brought with him, which were hidden. "Well, at least, now that I'm alone, I can take care of this."
"Hey! Watch where you're going with that!"
"Can't you be a little careful?! You almost goofed off again!"
"I-I know, dudes! B-but this kind of stuff is kind of handy, ya know that!"
"I… personally don't have too many problems with it, personally…"
"See? Even a freshman know that kind of things better than you!"
That as the statement made by Kotomi which was addressed directly at Hiro.
The reason? The little group was preparing some activities regarding photography outside. Except that the Clairvoyant's clumsiness was in the way very often, almost breaking material because of the weight.
Of course, that attitude of his did not please with Mahiru and Kotomi at all, considering their expectations of people in general.
And the fact that Rantarou was doing a better job was not helping his case.
Nor was Mikasa's presence, considering the fact that she wanted to help her friend, only to add more salt to his current treatment.
But considering the glares he received from the girls, he preferred not to yell back…
"I-I'm trying to help, you guys!"
Not that it stopped him from complaining.
But it would have been better this way, considering the girls' personalities which came bite his butt.
"Well, you're not helping by acting like that!" Mahiru scolded him. "Seriously, after all this time, you still haven't made any progress at being dependable at all!"
"Wait… you don't mean that…" Mikasa looked at her friend incredulously. "He's always like this?!"
"Unfortunately, yes, Satou-san." Kotomi sighed in defeat. "That doofus is not the sharpest tool in the shed. He always has to count on others when it comes to work."
"Unfortunately, I think it's still the case…" Rantarou laughed awkwardly. "I've heard that Hagakure-senpai here always asks people their assistance for almost everything. Especially Naegi-senpai."
"Hey! I ask help less than before!" Hiro defended himself. "And Naegi-chi is the perfect sidekick to begin with!"
"That doesn't excuse anything!" The Journalist exclaimed, clearly looking outraged. "Naegi-kun isn't some kind of slave for your needs, you know!"
"She's right!" Mikasa shared the same tone and look on your face directed at the Clairvoyant. "How can you possibly think this low of your friend like that?!"
"I was just asking for his advices, that's all!" Hiro began to be irritated at the accusations. "And I'm not the only one who does it! You also ask him for help!"
"Because he's useful!" Mahiru answered back. "And at least we don't ask him after dragging him against his free will!"
"You can bet that it will happen sooner or later!"
"Stop finding excuses already and go back to work!"
"F-fine, jeez…" And with that, the poor Clairvoyant reluctantly went back to work, picking up lighter stuff… much to the girls' annoyance.
Of all the boys in the whole academy, Hiro was probably THE most irresponsible boy they knew.
Not only was his general intelligence very limited, considering the fact that he has been deceived all his life during his so-called good deals, but on top of that, the boy was just… not someone you could trust on anything!
His personality was not what the girls were looking for.
A lazy and coward man that would cry in help because of 'ghosts and aliens' all the time and who would use his classmates for paying his debts, all of that because he made a too dumb move? No way they were going to just let it slide like that!
And considering that almost the whole school believed that fact, it didn't help the poor older boy's self-esteem, even if he was improving… slowly.
Even if he could be funny at times, the older boy was just too irresponsible to do anything alone. And when he compared him to his other classmates who were all younger than him yet managed to be more mature and serious, that wasn't playing in his favor.
Why was almost everyone such jerks, the Clairvoyant thought?!
Even if he did improve, most of the students and teacher were constantly reminding him of how dumb his choices were.
And the two girls were a part of those people. Always on his back, like his sisters…
Giving Mikasa's look, he as almost sure she was also like that.
Thankfully, his mom wasn't like that! And neither was Makoto!
What did he do in his past life to deserve this?!
Thankfully, the attention was not on him for the moment, as all of them decided to talk with each other, so this was a moment of mercy they were currently giving him…
Or so he thought.
"Wait a minute, Mahiru." Mikasa looked at her friend with a serious expression. "I think I've seen him leaving with Naegi-kun yesterday. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is. I suppose he asked for his help. Or rather, he dragged him along." Mahiru sighed. "Honestly, Naegi-kun is too nice for his own good sometimes. He should speak for himself times to times, so nobody won't step on him."
"Well, he does have a tendency to… let other people improve to their own rhythms, yes. Some of my classmates are a perfect example of that." Rantarou laughed nervously. "Though… I think you ask him his help often too."
That got the Photographer all flustered and denied out of frustration. "T-that's completely different! Out of all the boys in the academy, he was just… one of the best choice, okay?!"
"I recall you saying that." The Adventurer smiled awkwardly. "That's why you came to me yesterday, isn't it right?"
That of course didn't please her too much, but Mikasa was the one who answered in her place. "Hey! Stop mocking her like that! She just thought he was a nice partner, that's all!"
That was enough for Rantarou to back off with the same smile. "All right, all right…"
"But it's true that Naegi-kun is, at least, in my opinion." Kotomi joined the conversation. "I mean, he's maybe average and all that, but at least he's dependable… and he doesn't have too many annoying quirks." She then gave Hiro a cold glare. "Unlike this guy over here."
Hiro winced at the comment. He was not going to be given a break after all, was he?
"You sure said it. I don't know why," Mikasa turned towards the Journalist, "but I kind of figured that he was that kind of guy, to be honest."
"You have no idea." It was Kotomi's turn to sigh. "Poor Naegi-kun… I can't imagine what he had to go through with him."
Hiro couldn't believe what he was hearing. If they were to insult him, at least they could wait for him to go somewhere else to begin to badmouth him!
Now, they were just pretending that he didn't even exist! That was just too cruel!
And what did they mean by 'what Makoto had to go through with him'?! Everything went fine, thank you very much!
Okay, they met a jerk along the way, but none of this was his fault!
Now they were just going too far!
But the weight he had in his arms reminded him that he had some photo material, a green screen apparently, that he had to prepare too.
So he was going to prepare this just right, and no one would reprimand him on this at least!
And that's what he was about to do.
"Zzzzz…"
"YIKES?!"
If only he didn't hear some sneezing. Thankfully, he didn't drop what he was holding, but it still freaked him out.
"Hagakure-senpai? What's going on?"
But unfortunately, they heard it too. That, he noticed when he saw them approach the scene.
Which made him nervous, because he knew they were not going to be happy again… well, at least, he felt that Rantarou was cutting him some lack.
Unlike the girls.
And Mikasa was quick to jump on the gun. "What? Don't tell me you did something again?!"
"You probably have seen something that scared you off, as always!" Mahiru joined her friend with a disappointed face. "Anything suspicious make you afraid anyway!"
"You still haven't learned to grow up, haven't you?!" Kotomi added her own harsh words. "Seriously, you need to stop being such a scarred cat all the time!"
The Adventurer felt pity for the Clairvoyant, honestly. Even though Hiro was immature and clumsy among other things, he could totally understand filling nervous now.
Being bombarded with rebuke disappointment from almost everyone was not something to be enjoyed in general. Especially when the boy didn't even have the time to explain himself in the first place.
And the situation wasn't helping either. "I… no… it's just…"
"Uum? What's going on? Is something wrong?"
Everyone turned towards the voice, which belonged to a rather short girl… who seemed to just awake a few seconds ago. That… was something odd, to say the least.
The girl who was as tall as tall as Angie, had light blue eyes, light pink hair with a blue broch with a thunder on it, and long twin tails, one on each side of the head, which were tied up with two black little ribbons. She was wearing a yellow poncho with a sun symbol on the hoodie and two other circles symbols at the end of the poncho. Under it was a black skirt with a grey line at the middle, and white buttons, pockets and sleeves. There was a white decorative windsock with a form of a cat-head which was attached to her brown skirt. And finally, she had small, yellow boots with black sockets that were longer than the boots.
Mahiru recognized that kind of demeanor, thanks to a certain class representative of hers…
So she was the one who decided to speak first. "Uh, nothing too much. Are you okay though?"
"Oh? If I'm okay?" The girl asked, looking a little curious… in an innocent way.
"W-well, yeah… you seemed to be out of trance for a moment." The Photographer said before turning towards Hiro with a serious look. "Did this guy do anything wrong?"
"HEY!"
"Oh, don't worry for me!" The girl exclaimed happily. "I was just taking a little nap when I arrived! Onee-san needs her beauty sleep in order to do her job, poka-poka!"
That got the group pretty surprised by this upbeat reaction, and Mikasa voiced their opinion. "O… one-san?"
Rantarou followed suit with his awkward laugh. "Is that… how you address yourself?"
"Yeah! Onee-san does that most of the times!" The girl smiled happily. "Onee-san took that habit with helping her friends, you know!"
"I-is that so?"
"Wait… I know you!"
Kotomi's shouting made everyone's attention focus on her, with Hiro asking, "Uh? Ya know her?"
"Of course I do! I saw you on T.V. more than once!" The Journalist explained with a smile on her face. "You're that girl who presents the weather on some occasions! I've heard a lot about you, you know?"
The explanation seemed to brighten the girl's mood even more. "Ah! So you've heard of Onee-san's work?! That makes her so happy!" She looked at Mahiru and Kotomi with the same smile. "Though Onee-san doesn't do it too often now… it's really a tiresome job…"
"I-I can imagine…"
"Zzzzz…"
"Wait… did she fell asleep just like that?" Mikasa looked at the girl who had now drooling and sneezing in front of them, the little bubble escaping of her nose and the closed eyes showing them that she was indeed now asleep.
"I-I think she did, yes. But then again, I think I got accustomed to it." Mahiru said with a nervous smile. "I mean, I told you about my class representative, right? She have a similar behavior, so…"
"I-I see…"
"Well, we can't just let her asleep like that in the middle of everything!" Kotomi said determined, and turned towards the boys. "Well' take care of her. You guys take care of the rest, alright?"
"Don't worry, we've got this." Rantarou answered with a smile. "We'll make sure everything is ready in time."
And with that, the three girls left, taking the girls carefully on Mahiru and Kotomi's shoulders, all the while Mikasa went ahead of the three girls in order to prepare a chair.
The Adventurer felt that the two Ultimate girls were amazing. They were both hard-working, strong-minded and determined, and they took care of their friends just like a sister… or a mother, sometimes.
He guessed he could take example on them for the future.
"Oh, man… why me, seriously?"
Unlike the boy who was next to him, who looked really exhausted… for not much, honestly.
But he wasn't going to be impolite now, so he simply smiled at him and said, "Chin up, Hagakure-senpai. It won't take too long…"
"I'm not talking about that…"
"Uh?"
"I'm talking about why are you guys so mean to me?! Especially those three girls!" Hiro almost cried from that. "Seriously, how can Naegi-chi stand them?! It's so annoying to obey them like some kind of puppy! I already have Celes-chi on my back for that!"
"Ah… I see…" The adventurer sigh lightly. He could definitely understand that feeling, at least. It was true that, sometimes they were a little harsh with others…
Especially towards boys. Nothing like Tenko for sure, but still.
But then again, he would rather have people like this than people that couldn't take care of anything and needed help all the time.
So the question which was in the Adventurer's mind was…
'How can Naegi-senpai stand your antics, Hagakure-senpai?'
"You did a good performance, Hoshi-kun. As expected from your talent."
"Hmph. I told you I'm not like this anymore."
"But it is good to see you in good shape nonetheless."
Such were the words spoken by Kirumi when she confronted her classmate Ryouma at the end of a spare match.
His abilities were absolutely outstanding, without the shadow of a doubt. He was well worthy of his Ultimate title.
Still, his past saddened her inside. The fact that he considered himself as a shadow of his past self was not good in any way, and certainly not healthy.
All of this, because he had lost those he had loved the most.
…not that killing in the name of revenge was an excuse, but it was at least a reason.
Regardless, it was not any of her business to pry into her classmates' painful past. Even if the whole academy knew about him, it was not to her to remind him of his past actions.
Even though the two had a fine relationship, that didn't mean she would go this far. At least, as long as it wouldn't be an extreme emergency case.
As a maid, her role was to support those around her, while doing it right. Which meant without doing too much. It was a true exercise of balance.
Just like her senior, Makoto Naegi, who was the class representative of his own.
He was an admirable person, to be quite honest. He may be a completely average person, but it could be used as a strength.
She believed that it was because of this, coupled to his kind and listening nature, that most of the school liked him, and most of all, that he managed to help his classmates and the others.
…well, he could be a bit of a pushover at times. What happened with Tenko the other day was a proof of that.
But overall, she was glad to have met someone like him. Someone that helped others however he could.
Including her. And, to be honest… it felt a little refreshing.
Even though she shouldn't think like this, as she told herself many times.
Her main focus was to support people, nothing more, nothing less.
"D-does anyone needs a check-up?"
"W-we're here if you need anything…"
Just like the two other girls who were waiting for Ryouma and walked towards him and Kirumi.
But then again, she should have expected this, coming from the two first girls.
After all, Mikan was a nurse. It was her duty to look after others… even if the girl's confidence was as fragile as glass.
Same thing could be said about Kiriko. Despite being an excellent Nutritionist, her behavior which was quite similar to Mikan's was not helping her case.
That was too bad, because not only they had very good knowledge about health, as expected from their titles, but they were both nice people who were also dedicating their lives to others, something also remarkable…
Too bad, yes… because she knew that with this kind of attitude would make them victims of the vilest.
And while she did not see this happen to Kiriko, she did see Mikan being scolded by one of her classmates often enough. If she remembered well, it was Hiyoko.
Now that was something she could get involved in. She wouldn't let anyone bully anyone.
She already had Kokichi to deal with, and that was no easy task.
…though she had to admit, it would be nice to see those two girls toughen up a little. Kiriko did know how to fight back a little, but Mikan? She wouldn't see her say no to anyone.
"Hey, girls, don't worry about it! Everything went fine, right?"
Thankfully, the girls had gained some people who could support them.
The current example would be Sayaka who was with them at the moment.
She has seen her on the screen many times, and Kirumi could say that she looked exactly the same in real life.
Always cheering people on and pushing them forwards. Again, as expected from her title.
…even if she could feel that it was hard for her sometimes to do so.
Then again, she couldn't blame her. Some people were just difficult to talk to or simply not really creditable.
She had a few names in mind, but she wasn't going to say them out loud.
She was simply glad that it didn't stop her from helping others.
"Y-yes, but…" Mikan said nervously. "I-I'm simply worried. S-something could have happened without us noticing…"
"T-that's right… anything is possible." Kiriko supported her. "We're just making sure. This is our duty, after all…"
"Yeah, well, I appreciate it, girls." Ryouma told them with his neutral look. "But as you can see, I'm perfectly fine. Even if I abandoned tennis a while ago, the recent practice didn't do me any bad things, so I didn't have trouble with the usual stuff."
The Nutritionist nodded nervously, while Mikan sighed. "I-I'm glad…"
"Of course. But they are doing their jobs, Hoshi-kun." Kirumi kindly reminded him. "And it is also mine."
Yes, he knew that.
Especially for Kirumi.
She was really impressing. Dedicating her life for others while not breaking under the pressure was something worth respect in his eyes.
Same thing could be said about the two other girls. Both of them wanted to help people by healing them and watching for their nutrition respectively.
He admired their dedication… even if he wasn't as strict nor as shy as them.
…he would have given his life for those he loved without hesitation if he had such an occasion, he thought.
But alas, it was useless to look back now. The deed was done, and nothing would ever change what happened or what he did.
"I get it, Toujo. But I don't need assistance now, thanks." He replied with the same tone, before sighing. "Though if I were to be honest, I didn't expect to get the hand of this again in the first place."
"Thankfully, Naegi-kun managed to get to you too, uh? That's good to see."
The Tennis Pro turned towards Sayaka with a raised eyebrow. "Care to elaborate, senpai?"
"You decided to start training again because you've talked to Naegi-kun, right?" The Idol smiled. "That's why you looked so full of energy today."
That embarrassed the short boy who just took his hat in his hand. "Jeez… you noticed? I didn't mean to, ya know…"
"I've been here, you know." Sayaka said happily. "I was doubting myself on some… decisions of mine. But he listened and he gave me pieces of advice that managed to help me out. And I'm glad he managed to help you too, to some extent."
He thought for a moment, before a glint of a smile appeared on his face. "…yeah. Perhaps. But I still don't think he should do it. I'm a dangerous person."
"Well, technically, you were."
Everyone turned towards the new voice, which belonged to a fellow with red hair and a blue scarf, named… Taicho Monzaemon, was that it?
Someone who they just met… and who asked Ryouma to test his own skills.
Which surprised him greatly, considering that he didn't even think of that possibility in the first place.
…at least until Makoto mentioned it.
Guess he owed him that.
And now it was towards him that Ryouma gave his attention to. "What do you mean, 'I was'? I still am."
"Well, you're a student for starters, right?" Taicho explained. "You had time to think when you were in prison, right? And after they've heard about what happened to you, they gave you a chance. They wouldn't have allowed you in otherwise."
That surprised him a little. "…I wouldn't be too sure if I were you. That part of me is still present."
"But you wouldn't do it unless there were extreme circumstances, right? The boss often says that some actions can be beneficial for people in the end." The boy said. "And from what I've heard, the gang was a cruel and dishonest one. People are glad that they can walk outside without having to fear of getting themselves into trouble… at least, I think that's what he said when I asked him."
Everyone gave him a suspicious look. Kirumi then asked him, "Your sibling seem to know a lot about this affair."
Which made him nervous. "…uh, I-I think I spoke too much. I shouldn't have said that at all."
"Hmm?"
But the boy quickly dismissed it and went to a cool tone, avoiding completely the question. "Ahem! Anyway, what I was trying to say was, don't think about it now. The deed is done, and you can't erase it. But that doesn't mean you cannot make the most of your life to try to change for the better, right?"
"Right! Even he understands!" Sayaka was quick to support him. "What you did was… not the best choice in life, yes. But I don't have any right to judge you. None of us have. Because no one here knows what it feels like to… to do what you did." She then smiled at him, trying to cheer him up the best she could. "But you're with people you can trust now. You don't have to go through that kind of atrocity again. I promise."
The Tennis Pro looked at the Idol with a stunned expression, before lowering his head again. "…you know you put yourself at risk like that, don't ya?"
"No one will chase you down."
That surprised him a little and made him look up to her. "How can you know that for sure?"
"I've got some good intuition, you know!" The Idol giggled. "Or maybe you want me to say that I'm an esper again?"
That made him chuckle slightly too. "…eh. Good one, senpai. Good one." He then looked back to her. "You seem to really hold on what Naegi-senpai said, uh?"
That made the Idol sigh happily. "Of course I do. He helped me to face a difficult face of my life… it's thank to him that I was able to be proud of my progress as an idol."
"H-he helped me a lot, too…" Mikan stuttered happily. "H-he's really nice a-and caring… even towards me. A-and… that makes me so happy…"
Taicho noticed the two girls' faces and said, "You two seems to really like the guy, don't you?"
"Not just them. I like him, too." Kiriko joined the conversation with a smile. "He's nice in general, and he's been a good help for the Student Council. I think he's a future candidate, too…"
Such news were a delight for both girls. "Really?!"
"That is quite good for him." Kirumi agreed with a little smile of her own. "And from what I have witnessed, it is quite a deserved title. Naegi-senpai has been quite helpful for class 79-B as well. And I will not mention the fact that he already is taking care of five young children. I can easily understand why you have chosen him as your class representative."
"Yeah, I've got to admit, that's pretty ambitious." Ryouma added with a little sigh. "I just hope the kid won't crack. It ain't easy to do what he does, I'll tell you."
"Well, the boss is taking care of us too, you know. He's scary and all, but he's nice at heart… at least, I think so." Taichi said. "Not that I say your friend is bad and all, he did seem nice when I've met him, but… I dunno… he looks kind of a pushover."
"You said it, kid…"
"HEY! Don't insult Naegi-kun like that!"
"He-he's not like that at all!"
"H-hey, I was saying, jeez!"
But the Tennis Pro's claim was cut short by the Idol and the Nurse's abrupt shouts, making the leader of the Monzaemon Kids.
It was really surprising to see the former raise her voice, but it was even more to hear the latter actually doing it… even if just a little bit and shyly.
Guess that the kid was a good influence on the majority of the academy… which was a good thing, if he were to be honest.
A break from all of the craziness and darkness that was his life was welcome.
…and to think he wanted to avoid people.
Well, it seemed like people were brought to meet him.
"Hey! What's going on?"
"Is this a sparring tennis match?"
And the voices approaching the field they were in outside confirmed it further, as a few students were no approaching the group.
"I'm going to prepare everything along with Tsumiki-senpai, and Nishizawa-senpai." The Maid decided before talking to Sayaka. "Maizono-senpai, do you mind taking care of the incoming group?"
"Of course not, Toujo-san!" The Idol replied happily. "Leave it to me! Go with the others!"
"Thank you."
And with that, the girls parted ways towards their own tasks, leaving the two boys alone… with Taichi approaching Ryouma. "Hey…"
"Hm?"
"Do you mind if we spare again? I really liked our little match, ya know!"
Which startled him a little. "Really? You want to get kicked in the butt again? Granted, you weren't bad, but it won't get you anywhere."
I just want to have some fun, man! It's all that matters now!" He said with a grin. "Besides, you don't know that for sure. I've studied your movements, you know. I think I still have a chance to settle the score."
Ryouma could feel the intensity of the boy's glare. He recognized it. It was the look of someone who was determined to win.
And he couldn't help but get excited himself as he spoke with a little grin as well.
"Fine, kid… but you won't be able to tell that I didn't warn you."
"So, dear rotten oranges, how was your day?"
"I-if you could please stop calling us like this, Yukizome Chisa-sensei…"
"I am afraid that she won't apply to your pleas, my poor Yamada-kun. Yukizome-sensei had taken a habit to call bad kids like that…"
"I-I've noticed, yes… but then again, there are worse behaviors than this…"
"Somehow, I doubt it. You are not the one whose life is constantly threatened with knives…"
"H-her character is definitely to fear… perhaps even more than Ludenberg Celestia-dono…"
SHLING!
"You know I can hear you guys, right? It's rude to speak of someone when they are in front of you, you bunch of rotten oranges."
"YIKES! Y-yes, ma'am! S-sorry!"
Yes, Chisa Yukizome was known in the walls of the school to be very sweet and very scary at the same time.
Especially since she could get a knife out of anywhere from her apron. And the fact that she smiled while doing so was not helping either.
So they knew they all had to watch out for whatever they planned if they didn't want to face her wrath. So it was kind of made their lunch awkward, considering that she just arrived at their table.
"So, I think I asked you a question." Chisa said with the same smile. "Did you day go well to everyone?"
"W-well, I thank you for your attention, sensei!" Teruteru answered first, being the one who knew the woman better. "Nothing too special happened on my part, personally! I simply did my job as a chief, nothing more!"
"You're the Ultimate Cook, Hanamura-kun. Not the Ultimate Chief."
"I-I asked you to call me as such, sensei…" the boy whimpered, before taking a proud smile. "But from what I've seen, people were very satisfied with my work! Both students and newcomers alike!"
"That's good to hear!" Chisa beamed happily. "Then you've probably met a lot of different people, right?"
"Why, of course! I appreciated the compliments made on my work and dedication! Especially when it was coming from the girls!"
Daiki stared at him when he heard that. "Uh-oh."
Hifumi did the same thing. "I believe I know where this is going…"
"Oh, don't be like this, my dear male friends! You know you can take pride in your work when someone for the opposite gender is praising you! …though I cannot say I am not pleased when it's the men who do it either." The Cook began to slowly enter his fantasy. "Hey, by any chances, you two, would you like me to-"
"Hanamura-san! We would like your help, please!"
The shootings made everyone turn towards the kitchen, with Teruteru seeming to stop his trance in order to focus on his job. "Well, it seems like I have to go back to work now!" He then saluted his friends. "If you would like to excuse me, duty is calling!"
And with that, the Cook left the group at the cafeteria and closed the kitchen's door… with the boys sighing of relief once he was out of sight.
Even if he wasn't too much of a pervert now, Teruteru's obsession with this… mature subject was still a handful.
Why was he still harassing boys especially? He was giving the girls a break, so why couldn't they have the same favor?!
And especially Hifumi and Daiki, who weren't really the most beautiful persons physically speaking! Even they knew that!
That was their thoughts on the matter, which still freaked them out.
"Ara ara… He still has to improve a lot."
And apparently, they thoughts were shared by the self-proclaimed Chief's teacher, who only looked at the kitchen's entrance with a disapproval pout on her face.
Even if he was slowly improving, Teruteru still needed to continue to change for the better.
Hifumi then joined the conversation. "W-well… he is indeed quite the bizarre character, to say the least. His progress is certain for sure, but it is indeed quite slow. A-and I would be lying if I were to say that his quirks don't make me… nervous."
"I-I agree… I'm just glad he's not too much like that anymore." Daiki concurred with a little smile. "Plus, he's an excellent cook, or chief as he likes to call himself. I still remember the flavors of his last dish from earlier."
"Of course it is! It has been made by one of my students, after all!" The Housekeeper mused, before giving the Fanfic Creator a reprimanding look. "Why don't you eat healthier, Yamada-kun? This kind of junk food you eat is no good for you!"
"W-what?!" Hifumi panicked lightly at the attention being on him. "B-but those potato chips are my health resource! If those were to be taken away from me, I would lose my life slowly and drastically, never to be brought back to life again!"
"That's why you need to stop eating it!"
"She is right in a sense, you know…" The Food Critic said. "I mean, you can't just live on just potato chips, cola and curry! Otherwise, your heart won't stand for it any longer!"
"My soul shall not fall for this kind of trap, Kubo Daiki-dono!" Hifumi addressed him proudly. "I have been accustomed to this kind of nutrition as my corporal envelope was slowly forming itself, therefore, I shall have gained an immunity to it!"
That was unreal to hear for someone like Daiki. As a Food Critic, he had learned the various aspects of nutrition since he was young, and Kiriko's presence and talent were only expending this knowledge further.
So when he heard Hifumi's statement, it only made him frown.
This man was also bizarre to him. Not only was his domain very strange for him, as the theme of his work was… questionable at times, but his alimentation was far from okay.
He wished he could cross the line the way he was.
"Oh, no, you are not having this with me, you rotten orange!" Chisa got up and stare intensively at Hifumi. "What kind of message would it give to the Reserve Course students, uh?! That the Ultimates are lazy enough to let their youth transform into some kind of fat ball?! I won't let this happen!"
"F-fat ball?!"
"W-well, you've got to restrain yourself a little, that's true." Daiki began to be a little nervous. "B-but I don't see how that would influence the students' minds…"
"That's because you don't know how it works as I do, young man."
The boys turned silenced as they all recognized the owner of the voice, and they began to be nervous when they turned around to confirm their thoughts.
And they were right to feel this way.
After all, Kyouma Eritomaru was not someone you would like to disrespect. Especially when you knew he had arguments in his arsenal.
He was the historian of the bunch, so it was to be expected.
And he was known to give lectures to students by adding quotes from Izuru Kamukura, the founder of the academy, all of that with a superior look. Just like right now, when it was what he was going to do.
"Kamukura Izuru once said 'the talented are to be the reflection of the future society that the world needs.'" The old man explained with his usual look. "It would be quite logical that he was not only talking about work, but also about habits." He then turned towards Hifumi. "So it would be in everyone's best interest if you were to change your nutrition for good. The image of the school is resting on your shoulders."
The comment made Hifumi a little depressed, a he felt like the man just insulted him… and considering his tone his face, it might have been just that, considering the man in question.
"Uum, I don't think that's entirely true, you know…" Daiki tried to reason. "I mean, they are probably people outside the school just like-"
"Are you saying that I am wrong, Kubo Daiki?" The old man narrowed his eyes towards him. "Are you going to deny what our founder has said? Because I wouldn't try to share my thought if I were in your position. Have you looked at yourself before speaking?"
That made the poor boy flinch and look down in regret and shame. But Chisa didn't like it in the slightest and went in front of him. "HEY! You didn't need to go that far, sir! This is just insulting him now!"
"Is it? I am simply saying what our founder said." The old man said nonchalantly. "Anything that Kamukura Izuru said is a step to take in order to progress in life and guarantee success. It was already the case before."
"That has nothing to do with this!" The Housekeeper didn't back down. "Did you really need to say such offensive things?! There's not just success in life! What about their youth, for instance?!"
"Youth? You would put such a blurry and short-lived concept over work and talent?" The man didn't seem to like the tone she used towards him either. "I've been running this school before you were even born, Yukizome Chisa. And it is thanks to that spirit that we managed to be recognized for who we are today."
"B-but even still-"
"And besides," he interrupted her, "shouldn't you be working as well? I do not think that passing time with your students like this and doing nothing will do us any favor. I believe that Kamukura Izuru also glorified work at his fullest."
"Itch not like itch wrong to take a recht timech to timech, chir."
"Kuh?!" The man and the others looked a little distraught by the sudden full voice.
But when they turned over the owner, it wasn't so surprising anymore.
After all, Yuuto Kamishiro was known for being having an extreme lack of presence in public. As expected from the Ultimate Secret Agent.
…not so secret anymore considering it was his main trait but still.
The old man looked at the little man in shock. "W-where did you-"
"I'm sorry, I was only listening for a while." Yuuto explained as he gulped down what he had in his mouth. "But if I may say something, they all had an exhausting day. So it's pretty normal to rest a little, don't you think?"
The man didn't seem to like it too much, but sighed in defeat. "…fine. I suppose I can let it slide for this time." He then stared at Chisa. "But I do not like that tone of yours, young lady. You will have to choose your words carefully next time you speak to me."
And with that, he left the area, which made the other student sigh in relief once again…
But Chisa kept staring at the door.
She really didn't like this man. Or any of the Steering Committee, for that matter.
She knew that those people were corrupted to the core. She could almost smell their rotten smell, and God knew how much she hated that!
And the fact that he was talking down to his own students was just unacceptable! Even though she was a teacher only to help Kyosuke to begin with, she grew found of most of the students here (especially a certain Luckster), and she wouldn't stand their impoliteness towards those kids!
Just because the founder said something didn't justify any of that!
"He sure likes to talk a lot."
Fortunately, she wasn't the one who kept thinking that.
Yuuto approached the table and said, "That's all he does anyway. Giving lessons to everyone as if he was our father. Well, I'm glad I'm not related to this guy."
"M-me neither…" Hifumi sweatdropped. "Him and those characters from his group are… quite scary and tense as well, if you ask me…"
"I-it doesn't surprise me, honestly. I mean, I know how they are…" Daiki spoke very quietly as he still looked saddened to the ground. "T-they all like to talk down on us as if they owned us. A-and when they do… it's like… it's like they absorb every positive emotions and warmness with them."
"Hey, don't be depressed now!"
The Food Critic looked up surprised to see the Housekeeper just in front of him who took his head in her hands, which added even more astonishment for him. "S-sensei?!"
"You don't need to listen to whatever he says! That was mean of you to say what he said, and you don't need to take it!" She tried her best to cheer him up. "Besides, you're the Ultimate Food Critic! You're supposed to taste different meals, it's what you like!"
That made him blink before smiling a little. "T-thanks, sensei…"
"Even though you do have to watch out for your health too! What I said to Yamada-kun is also true for you!"
"I-I know that, don't worry…" The Food Critic laughed awkwardly as she released him.
She didn't seem to release that she just made a contradiction, but… it was better not to say it out loud.
Besides, she wanted to cheer him up… it's the intention that counts there.
"Well, you sure look good when you do your magic, sensei!" Yuuto marveled happily, before turning towards the boys. "By the way, I've got a message for you, Kubo-kun. Murasame-kun and Ikuta-san told me they needed the entire Student Council members to be present for a little reunion. I don't know what the meeting is about, though. You should go check it out."
"Oh! Okay! I'll go right now, then!" He stood up for his sit and slowly headed out. "Thank you, Kamishiro-senpai!"
After he left, the Secret Agent eyed the Fanfic Creator. "Oh! And I remember that Celestia-san asked me to deliver you a message as well, Yamada-kun."
That made Hifumi curious… and nervous at the same time. "A… a message?"
"I think she wanted your help for something, even if she did mention she would have liked Naegi-kun's help instead." He said with a little laugh. "Let me warn you, she said that she wouldn't like any mess up."
That was enough for making the fat boy sweat and bolt from his seat. "O-oh God! T-then this is bad! I-I better not enrage my lady even more! T-thank you for your message!"
And with that, the poor boy ran for his life outside the cafeteria, leaving the Secret Agent and the Housekeeper with themselves.
The woman sighed in defeat after that. "I can't believe that old rotten orange would say that to one of his students. What kind of person would do that?"
"The sort of people that enjoy using his powers to crush others. That's what those old hags are about."
"I saw that…"
"But that's why you're here, right? To change the school for good?"
"Uh?" The Housekeeper looked surprised at the Secret Agent. "What are you-"
"I've heard you discussing with Munakata-san on the phone. You're worried about the school that much, aren't you?"
Chia looked at him a little astonished, then sighed again. "Ah… so you find out, uh? As expected from you…"
"I won't tell anyone that. Your students don't need to know that." Yuuto assured her. "It is a risky mission you've engaged yourself into. You wouldn't want to get them involved, would you?"
"Of course not!" Chisa answered with more anger that she should. "They should focus on their own future! They don't have to worry about me like that!"
"You know who else would say that to you? Our dear Naegi-kun."
That calm down Chisa a little as she wasn't prepared for this. "Uh?"
"You know that I'm telling the truth. If Naegi-kun was here, he would tell you not to push yourself to your limits the way you do." He explained. "He would tell you to rest and enjoy your life the way it is now. Even a teacher needs a rest times to times."
Chisa blinked a little, before smiling a little. "Ah… you're right. Naegi-kun would say something like that." She then closed her eyes. "But it's a good thing he doesn't know either. I know he would get worried, but it's my job to fight for my students… my duty, even."
"You both are quite thick-headed when it comes to caring about others. That's a common trait you both have." The little boy said. "But at least, he's a nice guy to hang out with. He's average, but that's what we needed, seriously. I men, among the others."
The woman sighed happily at this. "Indeed. We really needed someone like him…"
"But I didn't expect him to be that popular, to be honest."
She turned towards him as he added, "Just look at how his own class treasures him. You didn't know him too much back then." He laughed a little at this. "I guess we can say that you and your class are lucky he was assigned to help you at a time. Looks like his talent is also affecting others, in a good way."
Chisa only sighed with a happy manner once again, as a certain memory flowed over her mind.
"Yes… I guess we truly are."
"Uurm…"
That was the grunt coming from a boy the Housekeeper never saw. Probably a new student, she thought.
The poor boy was now on the ground, unconscious with a pillow under his head and a wet towel on his front head…
Judging by the papers he brought with him, he was assigned to bring her class some updates.
To think that here students' behavior caused him to blackout… she needed to punish them after the introductions. Hurting a junior was no good!
Then, she noticed he was slowly waking up, opening his eyes and grunting, "W… what just-"
"Ah! You're awake! And you look fine, too! What a relief!" She beamed, smiling happily at him.
The young boy looked at her, surprised at the tone she used… and probably at her appearance.
Well, she supposed it was to be expected. Her students had the same reaction when she arrived here for the first time.
Perhaps because she seemed so young to teach… then again, Katana was probably around the thirties, and she too looked young.
The young boy blinked a little before saying, "Uh… hello? W-what's going on? What happened?"
"Oh? You don't remember? I don't blame, it happened so suddenly and all…" The woman said before having a sad smile. "Sorry for my rotten oranges' attitude! They've got this very bad habit of letting themselves lose all the time! But I'm working on putting them on the right track!"
That startled the Luckster a little. "R… rotten oranges?"
"'Putting them on the right track', my ass. You're just letting us do whatever we want as long as we attend class."
The grumpy voice of a boy who was even shorter than him made Chisa look at him with a pout on her face.
She knew instantly that Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu, the Ultimate Yakuza, was not too pleased with what was happening. She knew his temper very well.
And apparently, it startled the poor newcomer who did nothing wrong.
But she wasn't going to let this happen "Kuzuryu-kun! I told you to tone down your language! Especially in front of people! And what was that about doing what you wanted?!"
"First off, the kid already heard swearing before, just ask him. It's not like he's defenseless or some shit like that." The Yakuza answered, looking somehow annoyed to be scolded like that. "Secondly, it's the fuckin' truth. As long as we're here, you don't do shit."
"That's not true! Stop being such a hypocrite!"
"The fuck you said, bitch?!"
"Don't insult Mahiru-nee like that, you idiot of a yakuza!"
"Alright, enough, you three! Not in front of our newcomer!"
The poor boy looked indeed quite confused by the ruckus caused by Fuyuhiko and the two girls that took Chisa's defense.
But the petite woman couldn't blame the intention, of course.
She knew that Mahiru Koizumi, the Ultimate Photographer, would stand up to defend those she cares about, even if it meant crossing words with the Yakuza.
And whenever the girl acted, she would always be followed by her support voice, Hiyoko Saionji, the Ultimate Traditional Dancer… even though the intentions aren't as noble.
Even if she was a little nicer, she didn't change too much.
In fact, none of them really changed after one year. Which was a little sad when she thought about it…
"B-but Sensei! You can't let him talk about you like that!" Mahiru defended. "Especially after what you do for us!"
"Yeah, well, I'm just stating facts." Fuyuhiko stated. "Can't you just admit it?"
"Nobody asked for your opinion, you moron!" Hiyoko barked at him pretty aggressively. "God, do you even know where to shut up?!"
"Oh, I can teach you the same thing, you little-"
"EVERYONE, PLEASE STAY SILENT!"
Yes, for Chisa, things could be tiresome real fast with such a colorful batch of students like this class.
Fortunately, she knew she could also count on the peacemakers to stop almost any kind of fight if it was necessary.
One of them being Sonia Nervermind, the Ultimate Princess, whose voice boomed in the entire classroom with the request of everyone to stop, which she got immediately after.
As expected from her title.
And she used her voice once again to speak. "We must not engage ourselves into another useless quarrel now! Not in front of one of our junior and new friend!" The blonde then turned towards the boy and said, "Please forgive my classmates for their behavior! This happens to be an occurrence here, unfortunately. Are you alright?"
"U-uh, yeah, I think I am, thanks…" the boy muttered, putting his hand on the wet towel. "B-but, uh… can anyone tell me what happened? Sorry, I just…"
"Y-you were send flying outside the room just when you opened the door… t-thankfully, you weren't hurt…"
"My apologies for that. It was partly my fault if you were put like this."
That was no surprise for Chisa to the first person to speak so nervously, for she knew who was speaking.
Even being the Ultimate Nurse didn't help Mikan Tsumiki too much, considering how shy she was around people and how dedicated she was with her talent.
But she was a little surprised that Nekomaru Nidai, the Ultimate Team Manager, to apology in such a situation.
…although now that she thought about it, it was supposed to be his job to take care of others.
The boy only smiled nervously at them. "O-oh. Okay then. No harm done, I guess…"
"A-are you still hurt?" Mikan asked nervously. "D-do you need any-"
"God, he told you he was fine, pig swine!" Hiyoko looked at her darkly. Are you deaf now?"
It was enough to make the poor girl weep in sadness. "Eeeek! I'm sorry, please forgive meeee!"
Chisa sighed at the sight. No, her students didn't change too much. And some of them could definitely use some changes for the better.
Hiyoko with her bad behavior towards others, especially Mikan, was one of them.
The boy only looked at the scene with a sweat running his cheek, before something struck his mind and looked back at Nekomaru. "W-wait… did something happen? W-was there a fight?"
"A sparring match, yes." The Team Manager explained, closing his eyes. "Owari wanted to taste her strength… again. And one of her blow was more powerful than I expected, so…"
"Hey! You're just admitting that I'm getting stronger!"
"Now, now, dear Owari-san, you don't want to unleash yourself now, right? I wouldn't mind normally, but considering our situation…"
"Hey, don't tell me what to do, pork boy!"
But if Nekomaru was being less loud than usual, that was not the case for Akane Owari, the Ultimate Gymnast, who looked all fired up when her classmate opened his mouth.
The girl really looked to go and fight the Team Manager again.
And apparently, the words of Teruteru Hanamura, the Ultimate Cook, did nothing to dissuade her to go on a rampage again.
…though Chisa knew what he implied when he said the last part, and it didn't please her.
The boy then realized something else, and began to look around. "Wait… y-you mean, you fought in the classroom?! Is that… is that why it looks like such a mess?!"
And indeed, the room was not in shape to be used. Some of the tables and chair were broken because of what happened, and even the floor looked cracked!
How could they even have classes in such conditions?!
"Yeah, that's what I said earlier." Fuyuhiko grunted gain. "Those fuckers can't even keep their guts in place, and decided to start a fight out of nowhere not too long ago."
"HEY! I've got to move, ya know!" Akane looked at him angered. "What, I've got to beat the old man one day! And I'm not stopping until I do!"
"Well, I appreciate your determination, Owari. Even I have to admire that… HOWEVER!" The Team Manager yelled powerfully, surprising everyone in the classroom. "I told you again and again, I will not lose to you if you keep doing what you do right now! This is just getting you nowhere!"
"You won't say that I'll finally win!"
"Oh, God, here they go again…" Hiyoko complained again as she rolled her eyes. "Those weirdos only think n about fighting. It's just getting boring at this point…"
"They could at least wait until classes are over to get things settled…" Mahiru sighed in defeat. "They are so irresponsible…"
"Well, it is to be expected from the two athletes in our class." Teruteru said. "You cannot expect them not to do what they love, you know?"
The short boy with the ahoge decided to stand up, then said nervously, "Uh, s-shouldn't we stop them from destroying the classroom? I-I think they are getting ready to go again…"
"Unfortunately, this will not do, I am afraid," Sonia sighed. "They both are quite stubborn when they are ready to spare."
"As the Princess said, you cannot reason with the brawling beasts once the mood is in. You can try, young one, but I am afraid this would be a risky mission that may send you in the afterlife."
"Stop speaking like this, you weirdo! He can understand simple sentences! And don't try to embarrass Sonia-san with your quirks!"
Chisa sighed when she heard this. Unfortunately, Akane and Nekomaru weren't the only one to have some quarrels.
It was also an occurrence for Kazuichi Souda, the Ultimate Mechanist, to enter in his 'jealous' mode, whenever a certain someone spoke after the one he had a huge crush on.
Chisa couldn't help but think that his obsession with Sonia was unhealthy, and she could tell that the poor girl was not comfortable because of it.
And the one who he was talking to, the Ultimate Breeder, Gundham Tanaka, was not too pleased about the tone he used against him.
Neither were his hamsters, or the Four Dark Devas of Destruction, as he called them, which squeaked in an angered tone as they heard him talk down to their master.
He did seem a little weird, perhaps, but he was actually a very nice student.
So being talked down like that was uncalled for, something that he called him for.
"How dare you speak to me this way?!" The Breeder threatened. "Do you wish for my Four Dark Devas of Destruction to punish you again?!"
"They are just hamsters, damn it!" The other boy grunted. "And why do you always use your hamsters for threats anyway, uh?"
"Souda-kun, I believe you've said enough."
This time, it was Sonia who spoke to Kazuichi, who seemed really surprised at the fact that the girl to the defense of Gundham. But since he seemed to adore her, he looked down and muttered, "Y-yes, ma'am…"
The poor junior seemed to be completely distraught by what was going on in front of him. This, Chisa could tell. So she came to him and said, "Don't worry, it happens often. Bur everyone likes each other, I can assure you."
That did not fully convince Makoto, however. "I-I you say so…"
"I understand your reaction. They are the toughest people in our class, as I said before. So it comes to logical that they are quite intimidating." Teruteru joined him, before eyeing them in a very… bizarre way. "Though… it only adds more charms to them. I wonder, how can they use their abilities… in other ways? Ufufufu…"
Something that the newcomer noticed immediately by the tone alone. And he didn't like it. "W…what?"
Thankfully, Mikan who was near him didn't and went on with the conversation. "I-I would like it if they fought less often… t-they would be less risk for them to get hurt…"
"Ibuki thinks it's pretty cool! At least there is some show for everyone!"
"But as Kuzuryu-kun said, it is quite risky and not appropriate to do so while classes."
Chisa expected this kind of sentence to be said from the next persons.
After all, Ibuki Mioda, the Ultimate Musician, was known to be a person who was looking for fun, with whoever she could find. And she wasn't someone who would take things seriously.
As opposed to the voice that followed her own, which belonged to none other than Peko Pekoyama, the Ultimate Swordswoman… who was the exact opposite of Ibuki.
Serious and cold, she sounded to be one of the other voice of reason in the whole classroom… which was more than welcomed in this case.
"Oh, come on, Peko-chan!" Ibuki whined to her classmate. "You can't say no to a little fun once in a while!"
"If you call 'risking to be injured by watching our classmates fight like animals' fun, then I will gladly pass. There are times and places to do so." Peko then turned towards the boy. "My apologies as well for you to be exposed to this. I certainly hope you do not have this kind of problem with your own class."
"I-it's okay, you weren't involved anyway…" The boy chuckled awkwardly, before explaining his situation. "A-and to be honest, I don't think I am to that point… although I think that some of my classmates are already arguing a lot."
"Oh? So we've got some other guys who want to have fun too?" The Musician then asked him interested. "Hey, are they fun to be with? Ibuki would totally join if she has the chance!"
"W-well, some of them, yes. I-I didn't interact much, but so far I think I'm getting along with the majority of them."
"That's good to hear, I suppose." The Swordswoman said casually. "Integrity is important in a group. I speak with experience."
"I-I guess, yes…" the boy laughed nervously. "A-and to think… I'm only here because of luck."
Now that got the majority of the class's attention, and Fuyuhiko was the one who expressed their thoughts. "Hang on… what do you mean 'because of luck'?
But Chisa was faster than him to explain. "Oh! You mean that you're the Ultimate Lucky Student from this year, am I right?"
The poor boy could feel that slowly, every eyes were pointed towards him. As if they wanted to judge and examine him, as if he was a potential threat to everyone.
But he had to answer to the question, so he simply answered, "Y-yeah, that's right… I'm the one who has been chosen by the annual lottery this year. So, yeah… I'm the Ultimate Lucky Student from this year."
"Oh, I see. So, you are simply another piece of trash, aren't you?"
"U-uh?"
Chisa gasped in horror as she immediately recognized the voice. "Komaeda-kun! Don't talk about him like that! I's rude and uncalled for!"
"Oh, but aren't I just stating facts here? This boy here doesn't have a true talent like you guys! He was only chosen by pure luck… just like me. So I doubt any form of hope can be born from him."
The poor new Lucky Student could only digest what he had just heard… and he would be lying if he were to say this didn't hurt him.
But almost every other students only grunted in annoyance, for they knew only one person that could talk this way. Only one person that would put the word 'hope at each of his sentences… and only one who could really annoy them this much.
And this person was none other than their own Lucky Student, Nagito Komaeda.
And by his look on his face, he didn't look too happy about seeing the boy.
Who seemed really nervous now. "I-uh… what are you talking about? I-I'm not sure I follow…"
"Of course you don't. I didn't expect you to understand in the first place. And you probably never will." Nagito said with disdain before sighing. "To think I could have met someone with incredible talent today… but instead, it is someone like you who is in front of me. I guess I really am unlucky-"
PATA!
"Don't talk about others like this. Sensei already told you that it was impolite."
"That's right. And talent doesn't matter in this… I think."
But whatever Nagito was going to say next was interrupted by someone smacking his head from behind, much to the relief of everyone else… and to their surprise.
Nobody expected someone as shy as the Ultimate Animator, Ryouta Mitarai, to act physically against one of their… comrade.
Even his voiced sounded a little different. He sure gained a lot of confidence since the first year.
But then again, they didn't expect him to be this fat in the first place.
Just like they didn't expect the girl who spoke next to one day punch one of their own classmates to protect another.
Except if with was coming from a game, of course.
After all, she was the Ultimate Gamer, Chiaki Nanami, and she was also the class representative of Class 77-B.
Which she demonstrated by approaching the new Lucky Student with a sad smile and said, "Don't worry about Komaeda-kun. He's not that bad. He just has… some problems with others, that's all."
Which shocked the younger boy as much as Nagito. "B-but I don't-"
"I don't think you should talk now, Komaeda-kun." Ryouta said, slowly going back to his normal tone again. "You've crossed the line… again."
"We already had this conversation, Komaeda-kun!" Chisa scolded him, not happy with him at the moment. "Nobody here is trash! So stop talking like that!"
The older Lucky Student seemed defeated at this, leaving his junior dumbfounded, asking the others in a whisper, "Is… is everything okay with him?"
"W-well, Ibuki doesn't dislike him, but…" Ibuki muttered back, looking nervous as heck. "Nagito-chan has a very… weird and scary habit of talking about hope all the time…"
"And we're not exaggerating. He's really obsessed about hope, you know." Teruteru added. "He keep praising us, telling that we were 'the hope of the academy', or something like this. It was nice to receive praise at first, but…"
"But that guy is a complete jinx!" Kazuichi complained. "Each time I'm with this guy, something bad happens to me!"
"Yup. A total creep, no question asked." Hiyoko joined them. "A masochist who talks as if everything was centered on hope. Can you believe it?" She then eyed the young boy with a suspect look. "Hey, you're not like him, are you? Let me tell you, we don't need another weirdo around!"
"U-uh?"
"Alright, Saionji-san, don't be rude now!" Mahiru approached her, before eyeing him with a neutral look. "But, yeah, if you could please not cause any trouble here, it would be much appreciated, thanks."
The poor young boy only nodded while laughing nervously. "O-okay. I-I'll try…"
"Hey now, don't be nervous!" Chisa then turned back her attention towards the short boy. "It doesn't matter what talent you have! We're not here to judge anyone! So stay calm, alright?"
"She is right!" Sonia joined her teacher with a smile. "I personally do not see any importance in your talent in the slightest! You are simply a student like me, and I hope we will get along!"
"I agree. I also think that your talent is irrelevant." Peko added simply. "As long as you do not mean any harm, I have no problem."
"T-that doesn't bother me either, if it makes you feel better…" Mikan told him nervously, but with a little smile. "I-I can take care of your wounds if you're hurt, s-so… leave it to me, okay?"
"Talent is nothing compared to hard work." Nekomaru smirked at him. "So I hope you are ready to give everything you've got, BECAUSE I WON'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!"
"Fuhuhuhu… I can also feel very good potential in you, new one." Gundham began to laugh dramatically. "It is decided then! I, the Overlord of Ice, Tanaka Gundham, will look towards to see your true value! You can rejoice, dear mortal!"
"U-uh, thanks, everyone…" The young boy began to laugh awkwardly because of the sudden attention he was now getting. It was nice to see that some students were nice to newcomers and trying to cheer him up.
Only for Nagito to speak again. "Well, I suppose… he could work create some hope as a stepping stone-"
"Shut the fuck, you asshole." Fuyuhiko snarled at him viciously. "You're really starting to annoy me."
"Yeah, and I think he's annoying everyone else. Like me." Akane grunted too, before turning towards Ryouta. "Didn't think you had it in you, other pork boy."
That made the Animator flinch a little. "W-well, I just… reacted like this, you know… I felt a little angry, to be honest…"
"Well, you ain't the only one." Fuyuhiko said, before turning his head back towards the boy. "So, what's your name, pipsqueak?"
"Uh?"
That made Akane realize something. "Oh yeah, ya didn't tell us who you were, little guy!"
Chiaki then turned towards him and smiled at him. "I think it's time for all the characters from the roster to introduce each other. And I think you should start."
Makoto then smiled in return. "Well, guess you're right. I mean, I was assigned to give you some papers, so… might as well at least know you guys' name."
"That's the spirit!" Chisa smiled at the scene. "We're listening!"
"I-it's not that big of a deal…" Makoto laughed nervously, and then cleared his throat, before speaking.
"My name is Naegi Makoto, and I am the Lucky Student of Class 78-B."
He then bowed to them, just like he did with his own class.
"I hope we' will all be able to get along, senpais."
"And… I guess that everyone did ended get along, in the end…"
The words escaped Chisa's lips, at the same time as a happy sigh did.
Her class was always so chaotic before. They were more interested into doing their own things, and that meant that they had isolated themselves from each other.
And there was no way she would have let this happen.
So she made sure that everyone attended classes, and that they choose a good class representative to create memories with each other.
She could only thank the Gamer for all of the efforts she did.
Yet… she could still feel that some gap were there and there, despite the two women's efforts.
Even if they liked each other, the 77-Bth class was a wild one, which would rather do their own things and not share some thoughts…
Which proved to be an obstacle later on.
But lately, which meant this year… that managed to change for the better.
The happiness in their class was even more present now. And everyone was closer to each other… in their own way.
Ibuki was still as energetic as ever, but it was clear that she desired to share the happiness she had now… because she was truly happy about being accepted as herself.
Not just with her classmates, but in general.
Zenku finally managed to break off his shell and becoming his own person, becoming a valuable asset for their class.
It must have been a relief for him to finally be free of this prison.
Ryouta also followed his example and managed to conquer his fears of isolation and really started to see beyond his animation.
Which meant way fewer visits to the hospital and fewer problems with his health, which reassured his new gained brother a lot.
Mikan had now the feeling of being accepted by her own people. Something she longed for so much time.
The teacher was glad that finally, someone else besides her and their class representative, decided to stand up for her. Everyone was just… getting used to her behavior anyway.
Sonia could now feel like a real, normal student and knew that her family was now never far away from her if she truly needed it.
And she also knew now… that her hero was here for her.
Teruteru took his job more seriously thanks to his mother and had made some improvement on his personality, even if it kept coming back at times.
She could have a little talk with him about this…
Nekomaru was giving his best to support everyone else as always… despite his condition catching up with him.
She knew she had to be ready when the time would come… but she simply couldn't.
Akane will be the one who will suffer the most from it for sure. But she had faith in her. Because she knew she was strong. And she knew she had gotten even stronger.
Because she knew that she didn't have to fight alone.
Kazuichi was now more confident about befriending others more without being too jealous of others…
Even if it came back when it concerned a certain person. She would also have to have a word with him about it.
Tanaka was as dramatic as ever, yet proved to be even more loyal to those he considered worthy, which meant the majority of his class.
He was still using his speeches, but it was appreciated by his class now… mostly.
Mahiru was now a little more confident about her own abilities, even if she would compare her work to her mother's…
And she could also relax knowing that she could also be with her friend from the Reserve Course without worrying about how she truly felt… preventing any other incident from happening.
Hiyoko was now nicer with people, even if just a little. Especially with Mikan, which was a relief…
Maybe seeing her family acting vile again made her realize that she didn't want to end up like some of her own siblings.
Peko was no smiling more often, and now even had a pet, which was good for her, considering how much she loved animals, for her to have one… was like a miracle.
Hard to think it was all thanks to a mistake… not that she regretted it now.
Fuyuhiko managed to have a good relationship with his former bodyguard, even though things would never be the same again. It may be a shame, but… he was still happy for her.
Besides, he also managed to have a good eye on his younger sister, even if it was through the intermediary of someone else.
Chiaki was now even more sociable than before. Her first steps from the first year here only helped here again, and what happened next also made her more comfortable with her position.
Too bad her friend from the Reserve Course couldn't hang out with her as much as before, but at least she wasn't alone.
And finally, Nagito…
Even someone like Nagito managed to change for the better. His speeches about hope were less frequent, and he began to see people for what they really were.
Still, there was a lot of improvement to do. His beliefs were hard to shake, and it would still take a lot to make him fully understand that he may had the right ideas, but executed them too poorly…
Still, Chisa knew that he was trying his best. And she knew he would keep trying.
And to think… all of this was due to one lucky junior.
She could understand why his own class loved his so much, and why he had been chosen to be their class representative.
He wasn't a part of their class, but really, he could really be considered as an honorary member. Because what he's done for every one of them… it wasn't something everyone would do, compared to what he would think.
He was like a partner to each of them. His attention, his kindness, his words… he didn't realize it, but it was something that greatly helped them. Of course, Chisa and Chiaki did a wonderful job at uniting them together as a class, but Makoto? He did something more.
He made them comfortable with themselves. He was there when they needed support. And… he got himself close to them.
…and she would be lying if she were to say that she was not affected either.
After all, she indeed received his help when she needed it the most.
Getting over a heartbreak was certainly not a pleasant experience. Even if she managed to have a good relationship with Kyosuke today, the man she loved… seeing him with another woman had the effect of a brick thrown on the head. It wounded her deeply, and the pain moved towards her heart very quickly.
Even today, she had to admit… she just couldn't see him with the same eyes, even if she admired him deeply for his ambitions and determination which were a part of his charisma.
But… Makoto was also very good when it came to charisma. He was cute, on top of that!
Granted, she only realized it after that fateful morning with him, but still!
…and to think they were student and teacher. Now that was a problem she couldn't ignore.
Alas, it's too bad. Because honestly, even after meeting some other men… this young boy was still the best choice by far.
Yeah, she knew she couldn't play favorites among her students, she was aware of that…
But her heart had already made her decision.
Even, perhaps, just perhaps… he could help her with Kyosuke and Juzo changing the school for the better. She knew he would be glad to help in any way he could.
Giving how the majority of the school loved the boy already, it would be very practical. The school needed a good mascot and a good example… just like him.
It was maybe dangerous, but she would make sure to protect him… unlike last time when he was forced to be with her in her home.
And she was sure that combined with Kyosuke's hope, they would achieve their dreams… or rather, his dreams. But he did ask for their help, and they would do everything to help their friend.
Although she could tell that Juzo didn't like him. She didn't know why, though… she would have to ask him. She wouldn't like anything bad between the members of the group.
Alas, a fantasy could maybe come true, but not in public… but it was too soon to do the first step. She had to be patient.
"You look determined all of the sudden. Is it because of him?"
Ah… that's right, she forgot that she wasn't alone. She then turned towards Yuuto with a surprised face. "Uh? W-what are you-"
"You know what I'm talking about, sensei." The Secret Agent replied. "You were thinking about Naegi-kun again, were you? You were smiling happily not too long ago."
Giving the young boy's intellect, it would be hard to deny it. "W… was I that obvious?" She muttered with a little blush.
"I think anyone can guess that you are thinking about someone dear to you when you've got that face." He giggled. "You're so cute when you're like that, you know?"
That made the teacher a little embarrassed. "K-Kamishiro-kun…"
"But I think I would have appreciated it if your sigh was a little more erotic, you know what I mean?" The young boy grinned devilishly. "You could have played it like, your feelings for those you cared about the most grew even more intense, and they slowly transformed into forbidden desires… desires that make you want to become one with hi-"
PLANK!
Whatever else Yuuto was going to say next was interrupted by a knife thrown in his direction. He was glad that he had quick reflexes, otherwise he would have feared that the spiky object wouldn't have landed on the wall the way it did.
He was sure that she aimed for his head.
The speed with which it had been thrown… He swears he could even see some light cracks on it near the impact.
Guess he pushed some buttons he shouldn't have pressed… oh well.
He was used of being in danger in general. And he has seen worse than her scary mode.
…though he knew for sure that many other students must have freaked out when they saw that for the first time.
And he was pretty sure that Makoto was one of them.
The poor guy… it must have been something.
Chisa kneeled down to his level with a knife in each hand… and a terrifying aura around her. "Kamishiro-kun, I don't think you should have that kind of talk with a teacher. What would anyone think if they were to listen to what you just said? What kind of image that would give to our school, uh?"
"You're sounding just like that old man right now…"
"Now is not the time to include that rotten cockroach in our conversation, young man." Her tone didn't change, but her look became even more dangerous. "You are one we are talking about, and what you said is extremely inappropriate for a school environment."
"Now you're just talking like Isimaru-ku-"
"Kamisihro-kun…"
Her tone began to become exasperated, and her eyes began to narrow, which was the signal for him to stop his teasing.
After all, a dissident movement always happened.
So he simply sighed happily. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry, I won't do it again. And this conversation will stay between us."
That was enough for the scary aura around her to disappear completely, and for her to get up with a smile on her face, putting the dangerous items in their place in her dress. "Ah! That's all I wanted to hear!"
"At least not in front of you! Hey, you didn't specify in the first place!"
This time, she was not enraged or angered, but simply pouted at his direction. "You are incorrigible, you know that?"
The smirk on his face did not disappear once she said that. That made her sigh again.
Yuuto wasn't one of her students, but she didn't like some of his quirks.
His silent nature and the fact that he appeared out of nowhere most of the ties were really odd, but compared to what she has seen before, it was okay.
In fact, she pitied him a little, even. Being transparent to most people shouldn't be a nice feeling to anyone…
It could make people question the value of their own life, heir on existence… which could lead to depression, or far worse.
She's been there at a point.
What she couldn't pity him for, however, was the fact that he was a shameless pervert.
Even compared to Teruteru. And that was saying a lot.
Using his talent to satisfy his perversion by watching the girls' assets… it was just wrong.
Guess she would have a lot of students to talk to…
Makoto's reach had limits after all. He couldn't do all the work here. It was her job to help others.
Even if some students could be tougher to deal with…
"Well, you can't blame me for being honest with you, sensei!" Yuuto said happily. "I don't know a lot of people who would say that in front of people, you know!"
"That's not really a good thing, you know…" Chisa muttered loud enough for him to hear.
"Besides, you do need some pieces of advice. You've got some serious concurrence in here!"
Now that got Chisa's attention, as she turned completely towards the boy. "W-what?!"
"Oh come on, don't tell me you haven't noticed yet!" The short boy whined. "Naegi-kun is pretty popular among girls in here, even within your own class! You're lucky that Ochitsuite-sensei doesn't have that kind of thing for him, or else you would have seriously something to be worried about!"
The Housekeeper smile nervously. "T-that's not the same-"
"He's been wanted from the boys, yes, but that's nothing compared to the girls! Just the look on their faces tells you that they want him!" The Secret Agent mused. "I wonder how thing will turn out when your own student will realize that. Can you imagine?"
That made her silent for a minute. Yes, that would be a problem. She already thought about it.
But… one can hope, right?
"Oh, and I think one of them already took Naegi-kun today!"
That sentence made her stare at him again. "W-what?!"
"I've seen Naegi-kun being with Mioda-san all the day today!" He explained. "If I had to take a guess, she wanted to have him all day, so the chances are that, she picked him up with his kids this morning!" He then laughed a little, before joining his own table and musing. "I hope you're ready for some brawl with your students, because it's going to be a long ride for everyone!"
That made Chisa sigh another time. As much as she wanted to deny everything… he was right.
Yes, the Housekeeper wasn't the only one who had a thig or two for the Luckster. She had noticed with time that if the boys liked him as a good friend (even if some gave him some… desiring look), most of the girls… had something more for him as well.
She could feel that it was the same attraction that she had for him which was burning inside each of them.
Granted, Makoto had indeed done some wonderful things for the girls, but… it was just adding more rivals for her!
And as if it wasn't enough, it didn't just concern her own class. She's seen that his own classmates were also feeling the same way!
That was the one drawback of being too nice, she thought.
And now, one of her students had some free-time with Makoto… she couldn't help but feel jealous in all of this.
Why couldn't she ask him some free-time too?
Yeah, she was a teacher, but… what was wrong with a teacher passing some time with one of her students?!
"Why, if it isn't Kamishiro-kun! Are you here for the usual?"
"You named it, Hanamura-kun! I'll be waiting for your dishes!"
"Alright then!"
Thankfully, the walls of the academy were soundproofed, otherwise, people could really have freaked out by the conversation.
The Cook then noticed Chisa's presence and asked her, "Oh, you're still here, sensei? Would you like something as well?"
The Housekeeper then smiled at him quickly. "Well, why not? I would like some raspberry iced tea, please."
Teruteru smiled at this. "Alright! One raspberry iced tea, coming right up!"
And with that, the self-proclaimed Chief went back to the kitchen, to prepare the meals he had been requested with.
In all of this, the Housekeeper picked up her phone from her pocket, and viewed something that made her smile… in a sad way.
'Well… I guess it can't hurt to try, right? After all, that's what we've been doing together… But I'm not giving up on you, Naegi-kun.'
Well, there it is. The second day of WoA is over… at least, for the majority of the characters.
As for Makoto? The chapter is coming up soon, don't worry. And if you've read, then you know who I am talking about.
What? I said I would do chapters?
…
Well… I realized that this was a crappy idea in the first place.
Yeah, to all new writers who are beginning in this, never, EVER, try to write two chapters at the same time.
Oh, and a second advice while we're at it: TAKE. YOUR. TIME. Because otherwise, you'll end up forgetting important things which are parts of the story. Like me.
…well, I usually tend to take my time, but you get the idea.
I don't know about the rest, but personally, I can't think about doing two chapters at the same time, because I would mess up the events, and knowing me, I don't want to take any risks.
So, yeah… I'm breaking a promise I've made on King of Hope.
But the second part is coming, don't worry! Either at the end of the month (fortunately), or at the beginning of November (unfortunately).
I hope I didn't rush things up this time… oh well. I guess I'll correct it if I need.
Special thanks to wesst1 for beta reading the chapter! You're saving my life, dude! Seriously.
By now, I assume that you know who the guests are. I don't think I need to tell you guys. If you want some clues, go look at Chapter 5 and Chapter 7 Part 1. Nuff said.
Oh, and a few screen time for a side character from Danganronpa Zero! Nice! Finally, some justice is given to him! YAY!
…yeah, I said side-character, because Yasuke isn't one. He's one of the main character of the novel, and a very important one. Not just to the novel, but to the entire franchise in general.
But, you'll see this in due time.
Anyway, our favorite Ultimate Musician will have the spotlight next chapter! (as if it wasn't obvious enough already.)
As you can imagine, things are going to be different from Hiro's. But I'll get to that next chapter.
Well, I think that was all I had to say. If you've got questions… well, just review and I'll see what I can do!
See ya all soon!
Pupla out.
