Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Danganronpa.
Chapter 21:
Youth is all about Romance!
Sato was confused. It was a normal reaction, to be confused. Everyone was at some point in their lives. She was sure Ultimates felt confused sometimes too. Actually, that's what led to her confusion really.
She wasn't making sense you say?
Well, some explanation was needed then.
It had happened out of nowhere. Classes had come to an end for the day, when suddenly Mahiru barged into the classroom and dragged her out without saying a word. This is where Sato started to get confused.
Mahiru was never this forceful. Secondly, her face was full on red. In fact, Sato was almost positive she was seeing steam coming out of her best friend's ears.
So there was that.
And now, the two of them were together, sitting by one of the fountains in the school grounds. This was neutral area, so both Ultimates and Reserve Course students could be here. It was really nice, but pretty much every garden in the school was.
Wait a second. Now wasn't the time for such mundane details. Sato was still very much confused about this whole situation.
"S-Say, Mahiru-"
"Just give me a second. I-I need to calm down first."
"R-Right."
Sato tried to sound understanding, but she was only more confused now. Just what was going on? It couldn't be anything bad, right?
Silence settled between the two girls. Sato, despite her confusion, was content to let Mahiru take her time. She was always happy to be of assistance. And today was no different.
Her patience soon paid off, and Mahiru began to speak.
"L-Listen, something actually happened today…...in class."
Alright, that was a good start.
Sato nodded. "I see. And what exactly happened?"
It was probably more shenanigans, wasn't it? Sato had come to learn a lot during these past two weeks. Mainly that Ultimates were a crazy bunch. They were always doing stuff that was strange to the common people. But to them, it was just another day. She had hung out with Mahiru's class more and more to understand this well, but it was actually pretty fun. She was somewhat on good terms with some of the other girls too. It definitely felt like she was more welcomed there, and Sato was always happy to see them.
Well, Naruto, Fuyuhiko and Nagito were the exceptions. She had different reasons for keeping her distance from the three boys. Nagito and Fuyuhiko scared her, and she was just plain jealous of Naruto because of the close relationship he apparently had with Mahiru. It was a closeness Sato knew she couldn't replicate, since she was only an ordinary student. But that guy, Naruto, didn't have the same restriction as her.
Stupid goofy-looking blond.
But that was just her jealousy talking. It was a misguided jealousy, but it was there. Sato made sure to bury this jealousy, though. It was one of her biggest secrets now if she was being honest. She could never trouble Mahiru with this. She knew it would only trouble her friend to know how she felt. Sato would rather die first than let that happen.
Ah, but they weren't here for that. Mahiru had a problem somehow. But what could that be?
"I-It was stupid Hanamura again!" Mahiru exploded before she lowered her head, her cheeks getting rosier. "No, I can't blame him for this. It was Saionji who played the prank on us. I should have scolded her, but I don't have the right state of mind right now."
A prank? And it had something to do with Teruteru and Hiyoko? Yikes. Sato already didn't like the sound of this. Those two were a dangerous combo, after all. Even someone like her was able to understand that much.
"W-What are you talking about, Mahiru?" Sato wanted to help, she really did. But she couldn't really do that if she didn't get a better explanation.
Mahiru started to fidget. She placed both hands on her lap and lowered her head again. Sato was still able to see the massive blush on Mahiru's cheeks, though.
Just what had happened?
"S-Say, Sato….do you know what it feels like? T-To have feelings for someone?"
Sato's heart stopped for a moment. Did she hear that right?
"F-Feelings?" She took a look around, almost as if she was checking to make sure no one was around. "W-What kind of feelings are you talking about, Mahiru? Like friendship or-"
"Not like that, no." The redhead raised her head just a bit to look at her friend. "L-Like feelings o-of love."
The stutter, the blush, the look in her eyes. When did Mahiru turn into a love-stricken maiden!?
Sato had to stop herself from openly gaping. But it was totally justifiable! This was the first time she was seeing Mahiru like this.
Talking about love? Her cheeks bright red? This wasn't the usual strong and outspoken Mahiru that Sato had come to know. This was the total opposite of that!
Sato couldn't believe it. She had to keep her cool, though. Mahiru wanted some advice, and Sato was willing to give it. Or at least, that's what she wanted to do. In reality, Sato was drawing a blank.
"I-I don't know how I can help with that. I haven't really dated anyone, you know…."
It was embarrassing to admit, but it was the truth.
Mahiru shook her head. "No, I understand. It's sort of insensitive of me to turn to you for this, but I didn't know what else to do."
"Y-You don't have to feel that way, Mahiru! We can totally figure this out together! I'm sure that's a possibility, right?"
Mahiru wasn't blushing as strongly as before, but there was still a noticeable red tint on her cheeks.
"I've been trying to understand it myself. I thought it was nothing, but after what I did…."
Just thinking about it made Mahiru want to run away and hide forever.
Sato had to mentally gulp.
"W-What happened?"
She needed to know.
"I…..we were sort of drugged earlier during our celebration. For being together as a class for a month. Hanamura prepared a whole banquet for us, but Saionji decided to put some aphrodisiacs in the mix as a prank. I have no idea what she was thinking, but during all that, I sort of…."
The more she spoke the paler Sato got. It just sounded like something out of a perverted novel! But the best, or worst, part had yet to be told.
"And then what?"
Mahiru had to cover her face with her hands out of pure embarrassment.
"I-I sort of cuddled with Naruto and even took indecent pictures with him!"
There was silence for a few minutes after that. Mahiru was too embarrassed to say anything, and Sato needed some time to cope with what she had heard.
First of all, Mahiru was calling Naruto by his first name now? So she was that comfortable with him? Or maybe she didn't realize it. Either way, that was a thing now.
Secondly…..Mahiru actually cuddled with a boy!? That was unthinkable before coming to this school. Sato knew just how strict her friend was when it came to boys. It all stemmed from her father, who was unemployed and did nothing all day. Mahiru was the one who had to take care of the house when her mother was gone for one of her many business trips. Because of this, Mahiru had never really been interested in guys before, just seeing them as lazy and unmotivated. It was a front of course, but it was a strong one.
That had begun to change a month ago. Sato had seen the early signs of this crush. It started with random mentions of this Naruto guy, about the latest stunt he pulled or something to that effect. Mahiru always made it out to be like she was annoyed, but Sato had noticed the smile that always graced her when she talked about him. Then it escalated to a bigger point, about how Mahiru had no problem taking pictures of the blond. Sato knew Mahiru wasn't fond of taking pictures of guys, but apparently this Naruto had started to become an exception.
Really, the festival two weeks ago only confirmed Sato's suspicions. It's why she didn't like Naruto. She was jealous of the blond and how strong of a bond he developed with her closest friend in such a short amount of time.
Honestly, Mahiru's confession shouldn't surprise her at all. But Sato was still left speechless. Maybe it was because a part of her had been hoping to be wrong all this time.
She was not so lucky.
Mahiru toyed with her camera while mumbling, "Can't you say something…..?"
The silence was starting to kill her.
"Ah!" Sato realized she still hadn't said anything. She sort of wanted to scream out in frustration, but she held herself back. She could still play another angle here.
"I-If you were all drugged like that, then I don't think it could count as genuine, right? I mean, it's not like you would do that under normal circumstances-"
"Of course I couldn't do it!" Mahiru quickly shook her head, her embarrassment rising up again. "I-I'm not that brave."
"Then-"
"B-But…" She started to mumble again. "I did enjoy it….and I would never do something like that with anyone else, e-even if I was drugged."
Most of all, she couldn't bring herself to delete the pictures she took in her drugged state. They were terrible, and totally out of focus. They looked nothing like her regular work. By all accounts, Mahiru should hate those pictures.
But she didn't. She actually liked them a lot. And it only made her more conscious of her feelings.
Sato fell silent again. Her angle hadn't worked at all. Mahiru was fully convinced of her emotions. She wasn't looking to question that. No, Sato knew what her friend wanted to know.
"A-Are you…..are you planning on confessing?"
It was the worst possible scenario here, but also the most likely.
Mahiru looked away.
"No….I can't do something like that. Not right now. Besides." A smile started to tug at her lips. "That idiot is dense. I don't think he understands romance either. If I go up to him like this, I'm pretty sure it won't work at all."
There it was again. That fondness in her voice when she spoke about him. Sato hated it.
"Then….what are you going to do?"
That was the most important question here.
"I have no idea!" Mahiru buried her head in her lap. "That's why I came to you. What do you think I should do in this situation?"
It was the first time she had a crush, so Mahiru had no experience with stuff like this.
Neither did Sato, though.
Just what came next? What would someone do in this situation?
Sato had an idea, but she didn't want to say it. She couldn't.
Turns out, she didn't have to as Mahiru came to the same conclusion as her.
"I guess….maybe I have to make him understand. And go from there."
Sato really didn't like the sound of that.
"What does that mean….?"
"You know, like in that one book you made me read a few months back. What was it again…? Something in the ocean….."
Sato remembered. "So Lingers the Ocean."
It was a popular romance novel that just recently came out like a year ago. It was already one of the most popular romance stories of all time. All the evidence you needed for that was that Mahiru, whose least favorite genre was romance, was still able to enjoy it. That spoke volumes to its writing. Sato really wanted to meet the author some day, but that wasn't important right now.
Mahiru just nodded. "Yeah, that one. I just have to do what the main character did in that book. You know….." She started to fidget again, like an overly excited school girl. Total one eighty from her usual personality. "M-Make him understand my feelings for him…..and t-then maybe confess to him."
"J-Just give me a second." Sato had to stop herself from visibly flinching at all of this. "You're really going through with this?"
And using a romance novel as her guide? What kind of dark magic was this?
Mahiru looked down and smiled. "Yeah. I kind of want to understand my feelings a bit better. It's the first time this has happened to me, so I want to see how far it can go. B-Besides, he's not all bad….and he's definitely...cute."
Especially his eyes. Mahiru always felt like she could be swallowed up in that intense gaze of his. It was definitely as vast as the ocean, and it really did make her excited.
Wait, what was she thinking!? Was that Sexy Sexy Soup still affecting her!?
'No, I can't blame that.'
The Sexy Sexy Soup had only only been an outlet for her emotions. Yes, it took a drug soup made by the most perverted person alive for her to finally come to terms with the fact that she was developing feelings for Naruto.
How embarrassing was that?
Sato looked down in defeat. What was she supposed to do? Cheer for Mahiru? Even though she didn't really want to? Why had this happened in the first place? Why did things have to start changing all of a sudden?
'If I was an Ultimate….'
Things could have been different, right? Then she wouldn't just be a side character, right?
'If only I had talent….'
It had been a long time since Sato had thought this. She had become content just sitting back and letting Mahiru shine. As long as she could be close to her, nothing else mattered. But now, Sato wished she could be on the same footing as her. Not just look up at her. Then she could be worthy, just like Naruto was.
The world was unfair, wasn't it?
"Ah, but I don't know what to do about tomorrow!" Mahiru, unaware of her friend's thoughts, fell back on the bench with a heavy sigh. "How can I face him again after what happened today?"
She wasn't ready for that.
Sato forced a smile. "W-Well, you said it yourself, right? He's an idiot. I'm pretty sure he won't think too deeply about it."
Maybe.
Mahiru's smile was more genuine. "Yeah, you're probably right."
Hopefully. Although that wasn't going to stop her heart from bouncing out of her chest in embarrassment.
But Mahiru was willing to chance it. She didn't really understand all of this as it was new territory for her, but like she said she was willing to see this through.
The future was definitely uncertain, and for now Mahiru was content with that.
Smack.
"Ooooohhhh, that one was more painful than the others. But it also bounced off pretty nicely."
Bam.
"Oooooookkkaaayyy, that one might have hurt a little bit more. May I ask that you be more gentle this time, Miss Peko? You're very close to the green!"
"Gimme that!"
"Eh!" Teruteru shrieked in pleasure when Naruto started to smack him on the face with Peko's sword, said girl just standing back and watching.
There were other spectators too, like Nekomaru and Akane. The two were still exhausted from the earlier "catastrophe" and so were slumped on the stage of the gym together. Kurama proudly stood over the downed Nekomaru, happily wagging his tail as he felt like a true king from that vantage point.
Gundham stood by the wall with his arms crossed while a giddy Hiyoko stood nearby watching Teruteru receive his "punishment."
Speaking of the cook, he was currently tied up to the ceiling by a bunch of wires, courtesy of Naruto himself. He had done this to make sure he and Peko could lay out some well deserved justice.
Of course, that was hard to do when the one you were punishing kept moaning and writhing in pleasure.
"Ah, you're so cruel, Uzumaki-kun!" Teruteru cried out, hearts in his eyes. Blood was even dripping from his nose! "Miss Peko wasn't bad, but I definitely enjoy your touch so much more!"
Naruto really felt like giving up, a rare feeling for him. "Are you a total masochist now? Is that what this is?"
"I don't know what you mean, Uzumaki-kun." Teruteru's face lacked any remorse. "I've always been like this!"
That didn't really help the situation right now.
"I guess even the depraved can't be punished sometimes," Peko said reluctantly.
"Aww, come on! Hit him again!" Hiyoko wanted to enjoy the show just a bit longer.
"Why do you sound so laid back?" The blonde dancer let out a small squeak in pain when Naruto bopped her on the head with his hand. "I haven't forgotten your involvement in this."
Teruteru might have created the soup, but Hiyoko was still responsible for actually using it. And on them no less!
"I-It wasn't my fault, I swear!" Hiyoko nursed her head while pouting. "I didn't think things would get so out of hand!"
More specifically, she never expected Mahiru to do what she did. In hindsight, she should have been more cautious of Mikan. That nurse was a total pervert, on par with Teruteru! Hiyoko should have made sure Naruto wasn't near her when they were eating.
But that couldn't be helped now. And besides, Hiyoko was more than happy with the reward she received. Cuddling with Naruto had been even better than she imagined. She could definitely do it again one day.
Naruto sighed. "Look here. Mahiru totally ran away earlier, and Mikan won't even talk to me."
Not that she really could right now with how busy she was. Koichi, Ibuki, Nagito, and Chiaki had all felt the effects of the Sexy Sexy Soup the most, and so were laid out for the time being. Mikan was looking after them in the nurse's office with Sonia there as support. Fuyuhiko and Ryota had also volunteered to help and were there as the muscle.
Only Kazuichi had gone back to his dorm room, claiming to be too exhausted after everything that had happened.
Naruto was pretty tired too. It was the first time he had gone through something like that, and his body still hadn't fully recovered yet. He still had enough energy to dish out some punishment, though, hence why Teruteru was hanging upside down from the ceiling of the gym.
"A-Anyway, do you remember what happened after that?" Hiyoko asked somewhat timidly. "A-After you punched big bro Hanamura…."
"Thank you for that by the way!"
Shush, Teruteru. This wasn't about you.
"Huh? Oh, I. Um." Naruto scratched his chin in thought. "What did happen after that?"
He couldn't really remember really. Things were just blurry after punching Teruteru.
Gundham and Peko had been dealing with their own problems at the time, so it's not like they could remember either.
Hiyoko felt relieved by this. "O-Oh, I see! Then don't worry about it. I thought something more terrible might have happened, so I just wanted to make sure."
"Terrible?" Crossing his arms, Naruto hummed as he thought about it more deeply. "No, there was nothing terrible. It did feel like there was someone next to me, though. It felt really warm and nice…..I guess."
Hiyoko's face nearly exploded in embarrassment, her cheeks full on red.
"W-Why did you have to say it like that!?"
Not that she was really complaining. She was actually happy. But still!
"W-What?" Naruto was understandably confused. "I don't get it?"
Of course he didn't.
Hiyoko wasn't explaining anything, though. She simply turned away from him with a huff as she tried to get her blush under control.
"I feel like I'm being discriminated against here," Teruteru muttered under his breath as he watched all of this.
Sure he had been the one to create the Sexy Sexy Soup, but he hadn't actually used it. And yet, he was the one getting the punishment. How frigging unfair!
And delicious. Just being tied up by Naruto was almost enough to overwhelm him with ecstasy.
Yeah, you really couldn't "punish" Teruteru properly. He would just take it with a big old smile on his face. It was the power of the pervert!
Naruto and Peko really hated that.
"T'ch, whatever." Naruto no longer had the energy to keep smacking the cook. "We'll just leave you there for now."
"What!?" Teruteru cried out in what could only be considered more excitement. "You're definitely cruel, Uzumaki-kun! Torturing me like this! Do you enjoy watching me writhing in pain so much!? You beast!"
Peko felt like she was going to get a massive headache just listening to this. No, wait. She already had a headache.
"He really is uncontrollable."
"There are some beings that you must keep at bay," Gundham said while shaking his head. "Lest their aura consumes you."
In this case, Teruteru's perversion rubbing off on them.
What a terrible outcome that would be.
"Are you guys done yet?" Akane said groggily. She struggled to stand, almost like she was experiencing a terrible hungover. It wasn't really that far from the truth actually. "Can we get on with the training?"
"What's this?" Hiyoko feigned her surprise. "You can't even stand, lest of all fight. You seriously want to keep training?"
"Hell yeah."
Akane was one of a kind, wasn't she?
"I was sort of looking forward to kicking Peko-chan's ass today," Naruto admitted.
Peko's eyebrow twitched at this. "Hold on. Why are you acting like your victory is already assured?"
Naruto threw her a smirk. "That's because it is. I was planning on going all out today. You couldn't stop me even if you wanted to."
"Is that so?" Peko might have felt tired as well, but now her aura changed. It was like that of a beast getting ready to devour her prey. "Let's take Owari's advice. We should still go through with our spar."
Gundham had to take a step back. "This aura…..it feels like a monster ready to consume anyone stupid enough to enter its territory!"
Coming from Gundham, it was actually a compliment.
"Oh my!" Teruteru struggled against the wires keeping him in place. "I need to get closer to this heavenly sensation!"
Naruto and Peko were too busy glaring at one another to react to Teruteru's asinine comment.
"Ugh, so be it." Nekomaru got up to his feet, carefully placing Kurama on his head to make sure the little fox didn't fall off. He cracked his knuckles. "I'm not at one hundred percent, but I'll make sure you all are."
Uh. What did that mean?
"It's about time I unleashed it. It will surely get you back to one hundred percent!"
Hiyoko raised an eyebrow. "What is this guy talking about?"
No one knew, but it looked like they were going to find out. And the first one to do so was Naruto who was suddenly pounced upon by the Ultimate Team Manager.
Naruto would usually be able to react to this and get out of the way in time, but it seemed like his body was still too affected by the Sexy Sexy Soup to move properly.
"W-Wait, what's going on!?"
"I'll show you a whole new world!" Nekomaru shouted, the electric hue around his eyes getting stronger all of a sudden.
"Don't say something so misleading!"
"Oh my." Hiyoko couldn't stop herself from openly staring when she saw Nekomaru almost tear open Naruto's shirt. She was no pervert, but there was definitely something enticing about the whole thing.
"So not fair!" Teruteru burst into tears. "Only I should be allowed to do that!"
Peko delivered another halfhearted smack to the crying cook with her sword, but it really didn't do anything at this point.
Only Naruto's screaming could be heard echoing in the gym soon after.
In the nurse's office, Mikan tenderly placed a wet towel on Chiaki's forehead. It wouldn't have a big effect, but it would at least make her more comfortable. That's all Chiaki really needed until she got her strength back.
The same was true for Ibuki. Only Koichi and Nagito came down with a small fever. Nothing really bad. The former probably from all his drinking and Nagito was just weak in general. That's what Mikan had observed anyway.
Thankfully no one was in any true danger. Although Mikan could really have done without that prank. Really, it was too embarrassing to even think about.
'H-How could I have acted that way?'
How could she even talk to Naruto now? He probably thought she was a terrible person. And after he was so nice to her too.
'I really am the worst.'
Mikan almost fell into tears, but she stopped herself. If only because Sonia was in the nurse's office with her.
"Incredible." Sonia admired Mikan's work as she stood over the sleeping Nagito. He looked to be in a very peaceful sleep. Mikan had done her best to make sure that all four were very comfortable. It was her pride as the Ultimate Nurse. "You really are amazing, Tsumiki-san!"
"E-Eh?" Sonia's words made Mikan snap out of her depressing thoughts, if only for the moment. She then bowed in gratitude. "T-Thank you! Most people find what I do to be weird…."
She knew the others in her class didn't think so, but it was still something she was apprehensive about. A lingering fear from all the years she was bullied for her talent.
"It's not weird at all!" Sonia's face was firm as she faced the nurse. "It's thanks to you that Kurama was saved as well! We are all grateful to have you with us."
Mikan blushed at the praise, poking her fingers together.
"T-Thank you."
She had done that, hadn't she? She had helped Kurama…..and Naruto had even hugged her! It was still one of Mikan's fondest memories.
This only reminded her of her recent mistake, which made her depressed again. She had totally messed up today, hadn't she? Doing something terrible like that.
Sonia didn't know what to make of Mikan's attitude at the moment. She was happy a second ago, but now she was back to being gloomy again. The Ultimate Princess wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed when it came to "normal" social cues, as she was raised in a totally different environment compared to the others. But even so, the thought of wanting to help her friend feel better was certainly normal to have, right?
Sonia didn't know how to do that, though. But thinking back, she did have something on her mind. Maybe talking about it would make Mikan feel better?
It was worth a try at least.
"Say, Tsumiki-san."
"Hm?" After making sure Ibuki was resting comfortably, Mikan looked up at the blonde.
"Do you have feelings of love for Naruto?"
The only reason Mikan didn't shriek was because she had patients around. She had enough self-awareness for that. That didn't stop her from blushing a storm, though.
"W-W-W-W-W-What-!?"
What kind of question was that!? Why would Sonia be asking her that now!? Mikan was sure that only Fuyuhiko knew about her growing feelings, but Sonia did too!?
Sonia tilted her head. She was a lot more calm than the nurse.
"Am I wrong? After what happened today, I was sure that's what it was." Her eyes started to sparkle. "It totally reminds me of That Person in the Wind! Since you are a nurse, it brings that hospital feel to it!"
Hospital feel to it? What was Sonia talking about now?
"I…..I don't think I understand."
"I'm sure you've heard of it! It's a medical drama, filled with love and passion! An upcoming rookie doctor fights the elite senior doctor for the one they love! It was totally remarkable!"
Oh.
"I-I see." Mikan wasn't really into soap operas, but it sounded very intense. And the romance angle was definitely aligned with her tastes. Like that one romance novel about a fisherman that was published around a year ago.
"A-Although there is no love triangle here….."
It was just her and her silly crush.
Sonia's excitement died down. Her face turned somewhat somber.
"Yes, I suppose not. But I envy you, Tsumiki-san. You're able to pursue your romance without any concerns. It is truly amazing the freedom you have."
Mikan wouldn't put it that way, but on a closer inspection she understood what Sonia was trying to say. As the ruling princess to a whole nation, she couldn't really just start a relationship on a whim. She probably had a lot of responsibilities imposed in that regard. It made Mikan really scared just thinking about it. Was Sonia already meant to marry someone? Did she have no choice at all?
"Most people would not understand what it means to start a relationship with me," Sonia said. She didn't sound bitter about it, though. She understood. It was just the way things were for her. "If I were to pick someone, they would have to uphold many duties. For example, they would need to know thirty foreign languages, economics, international law, and so on. Essentially, they would have to take the same rigorous teaching as my own."
Wow. That sounded sort of intimidating. But Mikan picked up on something more important.
"O-Oh, so you can choose your husband."
Sonia tilted her head, her face somewhat puzzled. "Why, yes I can. My parents have allowed me that opportunity."
Well, that was a relief. Mikan didn't want to think that Sonia was being forced into something she didn't want.
"That is why I wanted to confirm it with you, Tsumiki-san."
Confirm? Confirm what?
Sonia was happy to elaborate. "I wasn't sure how you felt, but now it does seem we might be standing on opposite ends."
Opposite ends?
Mikan felt lost. "I-I'm sorry. I don't think I understand what you're trying to say….."
Had she offended her friend somehow? Mikan hoped that wasn't the case! She had already done something terrible to Naruto. She didn't want to make Sonia angry too.
But Sonia only smiled. "I believe that Naruto can become the husband that can rule Novoselic alongside me."
That….wasn't something Mikan was expecting to hear today.
Just. What the hell?
"I-I don't-"
"He has great ambition, and has a sound mind! I'm sure he could become a wonderful ruler! His dream is most inspiring as well." Sonia smiled softly. "It has made me realize that I want to walk down a similar path. Surely, it is a sign that he can do great good."
Mikan didn't doubt that either, but that wasn't the point!
"I-I'm trying to understand this." Mikan was surprised she could still talk properly, but maybe it was because she was somewhat frustrated? "I really don't mean to offend, b-but….does that mean you have feelings for Naruto-san?"
Or was it only because he was a good leader?
Depending on the answer, Mikan would get angry.
Sonia took a second to consider the question before answering it.
"I can't say truthfully. Not yet. I have definite positive emotions towards him, but I have never experienced love before. That is why it's not easy for me to classify what is currently in my heart."
That eased Mikan's frustrations. She knew this wasn't Sonia's fault. She had already shared with them how she didn't have a single friend their age back in her kingdom. No one her age matched her social status, after all. That's why Hope's Peak Academy had been a godsend for her. She could socialize with people her own age! And if she were to develop feelings for one of those friends, it wasn't hard to see that she would have trouble coming to understand those feelings.
Mikan could sympathize, but this also made her sad. She knew there was no way she stood a chance if Sonia was interested in Naruto as well. She was far more beautiful than Mikan could ever hope to be.
Sonia didn't see things that way, though. "I may be inexperienced, but I will give it my all!"
Mikan felt like shrinking down to a disgusting goo on the floor. That's how hopeless she felt right now.
"Y-You don't have to say that. I already know I can't compare to you."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Tsumiki-san?"
Sonia's tone became more forceful, and it honestly startled the nurse.
"W-What?"
"It's like I said before! You are very beautiful. A tough match for anyone!"
Mikan had taken Sonia's compliment to heart back then. She really had. But it still wasn't easy for her to let go of her insecurities.
"I-I…..."
What could she say, though?
"I don't really understand how can you say that, Tsumiki-san." All of a sudden, Sonia was standing very close to Mikan. Dangerously so. It almost made Mikan flinch. "You have a very good body, you know!"
From just about anyone else, that comment could be taken as perverted and nothing else. But with Sonia, it was different. She was just speaking her mind, and she had no other intentions besides that.
It still made Mikan freeze up and turn bright red.
"I-I don't think that's true….!" It was a good thing she remembered there were patients in the room, otherwise she would have squeaked in total embarrassment.
Sonia was insistent, though.
"Don't say that! Look at your hips, and your breasts too!"
"E-Eh!?"
It was almost like something out of a dirty novel. Seeing Sonia start to touch Mikan's body and even fondle her breasts to emphasize her point was something that would send the likes of Kazuichi to the hospital from a heart attack.
It was just so…..glorious?
"Oi, we brought back more supplies like you asked. Do you need anything-?"
Fuyuhiko felt the words die in his mouth when he entered the room. He was carrying some boxes from one of the storage rooms where supplies were kept for the nurse's office and the like. Mikan had started to run out of some stuff, and Fuyuhiko was more than happy to help out with that.
Ryota was right next to him, also carrying some boxes. He too froze up when he saw what was happening in the room.
What other reaction could they have to seeing Sonia's hands under Mikan's shirt and groping her ample chest?
"I-I'm sorry!" Panicking, Ryota ran out of the room, still holding on to the boxes. It was just too much for his mind to handle.
Fuyuhiko was more straightforward with his answer, scowling at the two girls.
"Why the fuck am I surrounded by total perverts around here!?"
Asking the real questions around here, Fuyuhiko.
"Kyah! He's totally awesome! Kick her ass, Naruto-kun!"
"Kotoko, language please."
"Stop being such a buzzkill, Nagisa. I'm trying to enjoy this moment!"
This was followed by the sound of metal hitting metal, as well as sparks flying throughout the clearing they were in. The ones responsible for this were none other than Naruto and Peko, sword clashing with kunai. The two were like blurs to anyone watching them.
Peko was using her katana, not her regular shinai which she usually carried. Naruto was outfitted in his complete gear, including the fox mask and everything. He had also made a new addition to his trench coat: his Konoha headband. Ibuki had stitched it to his right sleeve after Naruto had asked her to. She was really good at that kind of stuff apparently. It was totally meaningless for anyone else, but it made Naruto feel complete.
Anyway, the headband aside, Naruto and Peko had decided to take their spar outside rather than ruin the gym again. Thankfully Hope's Peak Academy had much room to spare.
The two were totally back to one hundred percent after Nekomaru had performed it to them. Neither were willing to go into more detail beyond that.
Let's just say Teruteru had suffered a massive nosebleed twice, and Hiyoko nearly passed out from embarrassment when Naruto was the recipient of it.
As they had been leaving the gym, the kids from the elementary division had shown up, apparently wanting to hang out with them again. That was another common occurrence these days. Naruto and the others didn't mind it really. They seemed to be good kids, and they were always friendly. Although Hiyoko and Masaru still didn't get along too well.
Hiyoko could be really immature sometimes.
But here they were. Nekomaru, with Kurama still on his head, Akane, Gundham, and Hiyoko were watching their two friends spar along with the Li'l Ultimates. They had left Teruteru back in the gym, still hanging upside down. The cook had tried to protest, but no one listened to him.
It was totally unfair!
"T'ch!" Naruto had to fall back a little when Peko's sword nearly connected with his side. Wire shot out from his wrist which wrapped itself around a nearby branch, pulling Naruto back and away from Peko's reach.
Peko smirked at this. "You're getting more used to using those pesky wires of yours I see."
They were one of the blond's main weapon now, so calling them pesky was a little annoying.
"And you almost just stabbed me!" Naruto shouted, now on top of the branch.
Peko looked indifferent to his outrage.
"You were the one who said he was going to defeat me. I can't pull my punches after such a declaration."
Oh yeah, she was totally enjoying this a bit too much. Had he accidentally turned her into a sadist with their many spars?
Quite terrifying to think about.
Peko held her sword steady before her. "Now quit stalling. How long are you going to stay up there?"
It was Naruto who smirked this time. "You forget my title, Peko-chan. Facing you directly isn't my only option."
As he said this, he disappeared into the trees, much to her annoyance.
"Using the terrain now." She should have expected something like this, though. He wasn't called the Ultimate Ninja for fun.
"Hey, fight head on!" Akane shouted from the sidelines. "It isn't fun otherwise!"
Gundham shook his head. "Striking from the shadows has its advantages. You could even say it's more deadly this way."
Hiyoko snickered. "I don't think someone like big sis Owari can understand that, though. She's totally brain dead!"
Gundham didn't know whether to agree with her or not, so he decided to keep quiet.
Peko stood her ground, not moving an inch. She kept a tight grip on her sword, her eyes darting to every possible direction around her. She had come to know that Naruto could be extremely crafty when he wanted to be. That only made him a more dangerous opponent.
Her ears twitched when she heard the sound of shuriken buzzing through the trees from behind her. They shot right for her, aiming for her vital spots.
'Nice aim!'
Peko gave the blond this mental compliment as she blocked the shuriken with her blade. It was easy enough for her to do. They scattered after being deflected, some embedding themselves into nearby trees. But Peko didn't give that much thought, for she knew this was only the beginning.
Sure enough, several smoke bombs were thrown her way. They went off right after hitting the ground, blinding Peko to her surroundings.
'He wasn't kidding…..he's serious.'
Peko had known beforehand about the smoke bombs, since the whiskered blond had asked her young master if he could buy some from the clan. It was just another tool to help him become more elusive than he already was.
That said, Peko just wasn't going to stand around and play along with his games.
She performed a single clean swipe in the air, which sent a gust of wind around her to scatter the smoke from the bombs. This way, she could have visibility again.
Unfortunately, Naruto had already predicted this. Just as she finished performing her swipe, he appeared from behind with one of Izayoi's specialized kunai in hand.
'Oh no!' Peko's senses alerted her of the danger, but she was too slow to react in time.
By the time she could move her sword back to try and get at Naruto, the blond was already standing behind her with his kunai placed directly over her neck.
If this were a real fight, Peko knew she would already be dead.
That might sound morbid, but she still smiled as she lowered her sword.
"You managed to get me again. Timing your attack like that…..I was too careless."
"Ehehehe, you should never focus on one thing. It leaves you exposed for attacks like this."
Maybe, but only someone with Naruto's speed could take advantage of such a small opening.
"Wait, what happened!? I couldn't see anything through the smoke!"
The moment between them ended when Akane cried in outrage at having missed the most important part of the spar due to the smoke.
Nekomaru looked pleased. "Remarkable! You were both fantastic!"
Peko was still a bit bitter about losing, though. She would just have to try harder next time.
"More like totally cool and awesome!" Kotoko was already running up to Naruto. Once she was close enough, she engulfed him in a hug. "You're like a total warrior, aren't you?"
"Um, yeah. Something like that."
This behavior from the girl was common, but Naruto still wasn't used to the constant hugs. It was like she looked up to him or something. It was kind of weird, but he also couldn't say no either.
He was far too considerate for that type of behavior.
"I still think it's totally lame when you fight like that," Akane grumbled as she and the others approached them. "A fight is supposed to be head on, with your fists!"
Naruto deadpanned as Kurama jumped from Nekomaru's head onto his. "I like to have a more diversified arsenal than just hand-to-hand, ya know."
Good thing his mask didn't hinder his sight at all. That's what had worried him the most at first, but it was perfect. Tengan had done really well with all this equipment. Just another thing Naruto owed him.
"H'mph, you're totally like an agent of the night," Gundham said, a small smirk tugging his lips. "Ready to strike anyone who dares to cross you. An assassin that can only be seen after it's too late. Be proud of yourself! You're more than worthy to serve as my servant, mortal! Fuahahahahahahaha!"
For the last time, Uzumaki Naruto was no one's servant!
"I can't help but wonder why you use such outdated weapons, though." Nagisa was trying to wrap his head around that. Like, kunai and shuriken? So weird. "Wouldn't a gun be more effective?"
"I'm not all that familiar with guns," Naruto answered, sounding a bit sheepish. "I can fire them, sure, but I feel more comfortable with the fighting style I already have."
Guns were totally unnecessary to him. Not that he wasn't familiar with them. He had been studying with Sonia whenever he could about them, since apparently the princess had been trained in weapon use.
Just another weird thing about her kingdom.
So yes, he was familiar enough with guns where he wouldn't be surprised by them, but not to where he was comfortable enough to use them. He could spend the time trying to learn, sure, but he'd rather hone other skills more suited to him.
"You're already dangerous enough even without guns," Peko said as she patted him on the shoulder. "I have a hard time seeing anyone defeating you without them losing a few bones first."
So nice, Peko.
Masaru cringed. "Painful."
"It is a fight, after all," Jataro said. "People can like totally die in them!"
"I-I know that! I'm just saying!"
Kotoko grinned. "Awww, poor Masaru got called out. And by Jataro of all people! Must suck."
Naruto sighed as he removed his mask. "Stop making fun of him, Kotoko. It's not nice."
Honestly. It felt like the girl was a second Hiyoko at times with the way she was always chastising Jataro and Masaru.
Monaca just smiled as she took all of this in.
It was then that Naruto's stomach made its presence known, growling loudly much to the amusement of everyone else there.
Naruto had to blush. "Guess I'm hungry."
It had been sort of a long day. Nekomaru's it treatment wasn't bad, but it didn't exactly replenish energy.
Looks like they were going to have to cut Teruteru down now.
But hey, a good meal after a nice sparring session? Who could say no to that?
The day was growing to a close. By the time the sun was already setting, Koichi, Nagito, Ibuki, and Chiaki had all recovered from the Sexy Sexy Soup.
The professional scouter had many questions about what had happened after waking up. Knowing that he had been on the receiving end of such a prank didn't exactly make him happy. But he also couldn't complain too much. No accidents had happened, so his job was still safe.
…...right? There were no accidents, right?
Totally right!
Even with all the rest he had gotten, Koichi still felt tired as he entered the headmaster's office.
Jin didn't greet him, since he was on the phone.
"Yes, I understand. How long has it been?"
Koichi perked up right away. He knew the tone Jin was using. Something serious was happening. Regrettably, Koichi wasn't able to pick up what the voice on the other end was saying. So he had no way to know what this was all about until he could ask Jin about it.
"I'm more than willing to send someone." Jin's eyes narrowed. "I don't care if she won't like it. It's my duty. It's bad enough you allowed this to happen in the first place. I'm not just going to sit back and do nothing about it."
Koichi took his usual seat on the couch as he waited patiently for Jin to finish with his call.
"Yes, I have someone special in mind. I'm sure even you won't have too many complaints. I'll see you tomorrow."
Koichi felt his curiosity rise when he saw Jin nearly slamming the phone down as he ended the call.
Someone was angry.
"What's up? Something troubling come up?"
Jin frowned.
"It's more than that. I'm going to need help for a special assignment."
Special assignment? This was definitely something important then.
Jin stood up from his seat, his face nothing but serious.
"Send for Uzumaki Naruto. I have a favor to ask of him."
So many are wondering if this is a harem or not. This chapter probably won't help with that. I believe I already said it wasn't, and that it was a single pairing. Now, people are asking me if I changed my mind on that. The answer: who knows. Maybe I did, or maybe I'm just screwing with you guys. Maybe I'm just making it even harder for you to guess until it actually happens. You're welcomed to make your theories. That's part of the fun.
Anyway, the transitional chapters are now done. We start heading into new territory next chapter. Expect more action. The slice of life atmosphere has been fun up to now (hell, it's been over twenty chapters), but I gotta change things up. And it'd be a shame to not use that side of Naruto's character. That, and Danganronpa does have its fair share of actiony stuff.
I will say that it will center around an unexpected trio that you'll never guess! Well, you can guess Naruto. But not the other two! And yes, they're canon characters.
That's all for me. Once again, hope you enjoyed it.
Till next time.
