"Now, where did they go?" Mutsumi looks around, walking towards the stairs. "Did they go home yet? We're going to study today, so that's possible." She rummages through her bag, sending a text to Yotsuba asking where she went. "Yotsuba, where are you? Did you leave me? I'm heading home, so in case you're still in school, don't wait for me." She types as she walks out the front gates.
"Enter Takeda-kun. It's time." Mutsumi stops in her tracks, instantly pulling out her pins and wearing a pair of shades she keeps in her bag. She rounds the corner, seeing a familiar blonde getting into an even more familiar black car. "Yotsuba, emergency! It's dad!" She starts running, taking as many shortcuts as possible.
As soon as she gets to the apartment, her pace slows down. The car is on standby with Ebata waiting inside, and Yuusuke is waiting in the doorway. "Excuse me. Please accept my apologies. It wasn't my intention to show up uninvited like this." He says as Mutsumi walks up behind him. "If that is the case, Yuusuke-san, then get out." She says coldly, placing a hand on his shoulder and shoving him outside.
The sisters' faces are filled with confusion. "Is this what you meant Mutsumi?" Yotsuba asks as Mutsumi steps past Yuusuke and Maruo. "Care to explain, papa?" Nino asks, her face agitated. "I have brought Takeda-kun here to be your new tutor." He says emotionlessly. "What is the meaning of this?" Itsuki walks up to her father.
"Uesugi-kun. You delivered remarkable results during the last exams. You have taught me that being instructed by an exceptional classmate is effective for my underachieving and difficult daughters." He says, staring him down. "However..."
"He's no longer the top student." Mutsumi says. "I got a higher score during the finals last year, meaning that whoever was in number two before probably did too. Then we get to Yuusuke-san." Mutsumi points to Takeda. "At least one of you can recognize it." He mutters under his breath as he starts cackling like a maniac.
"I've done it! I've won! I've wooon! Yes! Oh Yes! YES YES YES! Uesugi-kun, our long-standing rivalry ends today! I've finally surpassed you! I will take over tutoring for you too!" He explodes like Pompeii, shocking the girls. "Though he was the top student, Fuutarou-san never really talked about it. Oh...3...2...1." Mutsumi grins as Fuutarou opens his mouth.
"Seriously, who are you?" He says with a monotone robotic voice. The look on Takeda's face almost made her chuckle as he tried to describe their "rivalry". "I've only gotten perfect scores until recently, so I never paid attention to anyone rank two or below..." Mutsumi almost felt bad for Yuusuke when he said that.
"I understand. You want to ensure that our tutelage is the best it could be. However, that is not your only reason, is it not?" Itsuki clenches her fist as she takes a deep breath. "I have my own thoughts on the matter, though. I shall achieve the best grades of all third year students!" She declares. The room takes a moment to process her statement before Miku speaks up.
"W-Wait Just a second! It doesn't matter what dad said, we're the ones employing Fuutarou." She says. "Yeah, that's right! You've been neglecting us for so long, and now you just-" Nino gets interrupted. "Take a hint already! Having Uesugi-kun quit as your tutor is for his own good!" Takeda says. "Playing the guilt card, you sly bastard!" Mutsumi thinks silently as Takeda and Maruo say that Fuutarou has fallen from grace. "T-They have a point, but...damn it!" She exclaims as Fuutarou steps up to the two of them.
"You got that right, honestly!" He says. "What? Was what he said at the coffee shop a lie?! I...he said he wouldn't give this up...but why!?" Mutsumi's eyes go wide.
"I understand that you're overestimating me. What you said isn't wrong either. But until last summer, or rather if I hadn't accepted this job...I wouldn't have been able to become ordinary. I thought I knew everything from being able to memorize textbooks cover to cover. But I didn't know idiots like these six exist in this world..." He says. "Idiot!" She glares at him silently. "...Or how big of an idiot I was too. As long as they want me to, I'll tag along. It's fine if they don't, as you say, set me free." He starts smiling.
"You're not obligated to go that far." Maruo says. "There is no obligation, however...My pride is telling me that I'm the only one up to the task!" He declares. "Fuutarou-san. I guess he's attached to us now. It's time to stop weighing him down." Mutsumi raises her head. "I'll show you all by beating the top student in our grade!" She turns to her sisters just as their faces go from pride to worry. "And getting the top score in the national mock exam!"
They move to cover his mouth, but Mutsumi stands in their way. "And then, I'll get them to graduation without any of them failing! I swear it!" He issues his challenge. "What are you doing Mutsumi? Why didn't you stop him?" Nino whispers. "He's biting off more than he can chew!" Itsuki murmurs. "Don't you believe in him?" Mutsumi says as she places her hand on Fuutarou's shoulder.
"Go for it. We won't hold you back any longer!" She says. "We'll do our part as well, so you two just watch us!" She glares at their unwanted guests. "Should you be capable of that, I will once again recognize you as suitable for my daughters." Maruo leans in, getting into their faces. "That's quite the proclamation, it's impossible while teaching those six." Yuusuke taunts. "Bring it on." He says as he and the doctor take their leave.
"Alright, let's ge-" Fuutarou says as Mutsumi starts pushing him out the door. "What're you doing?! Mutsumi!" He exclaims as the sisters walk closer. "You go study, I'll pick up where we left off! I've helped you so much that I know how you teach. Go and hit the books." She says. "No study sessions until Saturday. Until then, you focus on yourself."
"Alright, just because Fuutarou-san isn't here doesn't mean you'll get off easy. Let's get to work and make him stop worrying!" She heads for the kotatsu. With determination, they cram until their brains get fried, Mutsumi staying up late to tell Ichika what happened and tutor her.
In the coming days, he's seen all across the school with his review book and practice tests. One day, Ichika meets up with him on his way to school. She snaps him out of his zen state and they walk to school together, talking all the while. "Oh yeah, this is for you. Mutsumi said you liked it with milk and sugar since you couldn't handle the bitterness." She hands over a cup to him. "Thanks, I'll need it." He chugs it down as he gets back to studying. They talk about that day, then about Takeda, as they manage to catch up to the others.
"What's taking Ichika so long? It was just coffee, right?" Yotsuba asks as the five of them walk to school. "She couldn't be, could she?" Mutsumi turns around and spots Ichika talking with Fuutarou. "She's making her move. Normally I wouldn't get in her way, but...he really shouldn't be dealing with any of our plans right now." Mutsumi thinks as she pulls out a fedora from her bag and buttons up her coat.
"Hey, let's skip school, just the two of us." Ichika says as she tries to grab his hand. Mutsumi bumps into her shoulder, causing Ichika to meet her gaze. She winks and gestures with her head. "A-Actually I think I forgot something at that coffee shop, you go on ahead." She makes an excuse as she lets go of his hand.
"What the hell are you doing Ichika!" Mutsumi pulls her sister aside, snapping at her. "I...I just wanted to use this chance. Didn't you say that I should act on these feelings?" Ichika snaps back, slightly confused. "I know you're worried that you'll lose, but this isn't what he needs right now. I'll let you make your move in time, but that time isn't now. He's in hot water as it is, dealing with us will only complicate things." Mutsumi says.
"How can I trust you? Aren't you in this race too?" Ichika asks as she pulls away and starts walking to school. "Because we're family. I'll never get in your way as long as you don't overstep your boundaries. Ichika please, he needs our help so cooperate." Mutsumi pleads. "...Is that a promise?" Ichika asks, turning to see Mutsumi nod. "Family won't betray you." She says as the two of them arrive in school.
As soon as they open the door to the classroom, Ichika gets bombarded by her classmates. They're fascinated with the young actress. "Hey, I saw on an article that you're also that one girl in that horror film, the one with that haunted cake shop. You played Tamako-chan, right?" Ichika nods. "I thought you looked familiar. I saw that one zombie film where the bridge blew up and thought I recognized that face."
Class ends with Mutsumi and Ichika being the last of the sisters to go to the library. Mutsumi is writing down notes as she hears Ichika try to escape from their classmates. "I wonder where she went?" Her classmate's words made her sensors go off. Mutsumi peeks outside, seeing Ichika dressed like Miku as Fuutarou walks by.
"You're still here? Mutsumi must be waiting for you in the library, Miku." He says, looking at his book. "So much for his 'love' training, huh...wait, Ichika!?" She moves closer to listen in. "Ichika is in love with you. I thi-" Ichika says as Miku. "Hey Miku! You're late, the others are waiting." Mutsumi walks up and places a hand on her shoulder.
"Fuutarou-san, you should head home if you don't need anything from the library." Mutsumi says as he walks off. "What the hell Mutsumi, didn't you say you wouldn't stop me?" Ichika snaps at her, slapping her hand away. "Even after all these years, you pretend to be someone else just to get close to him. You remember, don't you? That night in Kyoto." Mutsumi says grimly.
"So what? You're not holding back, so why should I?!" Ichika storms off. "I...I won't let this happen again. Ichika, I won't let you hurt anyone anymore." Mutsumi thinks to herself as the two of them head to the library, the air tense between them.
The sisters study together every weeknight, Mutsumi staying up late to make pre-tests for them. "Ugh...so this is how he felt. My hands are killing me." She says as she finishes Itsuki's reviewer. During the weekends, Fuutarou comes over to try and tutor; he usually just spends his time double checking their answers and exchanging notes with Mutsumi while getting taught by her.
"The teacher became the student." Mutsumi smirks. "I...I think I can make it!" He says, looking up at Mutsumi. "You okay?" Itsuki asks as Mutsumi sways slightly. "Y-Yeah, let's keep going, Fuutarou-san. Calculate the..." She pushes forward.
"Alright, keep up your studying." Nino waves him goodbye as he leaves for his house. "So, about his birthday. I think we...should hold off on the...gifts." Mutsumi struggles to say, leaning against the wall. "What? Are you sure you're just not trying to get an early start on your gift for him?" Nino asks as Mutsumi picks up her cup of coffee. The youngest grabbed her head, swaying side to side before the sound of her mug shattering and her body collapsing sends the house into panic.
"Ugh...what happened?" Mutsumi asks, clutching her head as she sits up from her futon. "You collapsed. Maybe you should stop drinking coffee for a while." Itsuki says, sitting beside her. "Where is everyone?" Mutsumi tries to stand, but Itsuki pushes her down. "Nino's making dinner with Miku. Yotsuba has been scrubbing away your coffee, it made a pretty bad stain. Ichika's in the bath." Itsuki pulls out her notebook.
"You've been working hard for us, like Uesugi-kun. I think you should rest." Itsuki says. "We'll teach each other. I found your and his notes in your bag, or at least a copy of them. All you have to do is check our answers." Itsuki says, causing Mutsumi to sigh. "I guess I should have some faith in you. You've gotten smarter than those five no point test I saw when I arrived."
"Why do you have a copy of his notes anyway, shouldn't the reviewer be enough? Unless..." Itsuki starts thinking. "Yeah...I'm aiming for the top as well, I won't let him beat me without a fight." Mutsumi tries to sound smug, but the ringing in her head makes it hard to talk clearly. "So...you've been teaching us while pushing yourself. You really are like him." Itsuki chuckles.
"Shouldn't you be the one doing this? I heard you met someone who works in a cram school. You're that Shimo-whatever's assistant there?" Mutsumi lies down. "How did you know that? Did you get into my phone?!" Itsuki leans back in shock. "Yeah. Don't have a face recognition lock next time." She says.
"Itsuki, you're planning on giving him something aren't you?" Mutsumi mutters as Itsuki puts the blanket over her. "Yeah. It's not much, but he asked for more energy...so I'll get him an energy drink. That's okay, right?" Itsuki mumbles. Mutsumi smiles. "Yeah. I bet the others are going to get him something as well. We're sisters after all."
"Do you have anything Mutsumi?" Itsuki asks as Yotsuba walks in. "What did he say was his sixth wish again?" She asks. "I think it was...'I want to worry less, stress is unhealthy if left for too long.' or something like that. How are we supposed to do that?" Yotsuba walks up with a wet towel in her hands. "I have an idea...Yotsuba, there's some papers in my bag, in a black folder behind my books. Use those and make some cranes. Itsuki'll give it to him before the exams." She smiles as she resigns herself to sleep.
Fuutarou wakes up in the library after studying the next day. "Ugh, what happened?" He gets up, knocking over an empty energy drink bottle. It tips over and rolls over to a set of six paper cranes and a letter. "A letter, addressed to me?" He picks it up and reads it.
"Yo Fuutarou-san! I hope you're busting your ass in there! I'm losing my mind here so you better make this worth it! I know you're trying hard, and even then you're probably still thinking about us. Rest assured, we're working hard on this side too, we won't let you down. -Mutsumi" He reads aloud, setting it down next to the cranes. "Wait, there's something written on these..." He feels a smile form on his face as he sees...numbers, high numbers.
"I wonder if they could've gotten these with just me...I guess she really does have my back. They're trying their best out there." He clutches the cranes and unfolds them, looking out the window in the direction of their apartment. "I won't let them down!" He looks at the papers again. "78,80,76,77,85,98. Those sisters might actually catch up to me."
He walks to school on the day of the exams, bags under his eyes from checking and rechecking his notes and reviewers 19 times. "Yo!" He greets six equally tired sisters on their way over. "You know, those kinds of bags aren't fashionable." He teases Nino. "You've got them too." She retorts. "It's finally time. Is everyone ready?" Itsuki asks. "Of course we are! I'm here after all." Mutsumi says proudly, though she's the most disheveled. "Let's do our best!" Yotsuba doesn't seem too affected. "Best in all of Japan, huh. That'll be quite a sight." Ichika yawns, used to this tiredness. "Let's go." Miku walks ahead, blasting her music as loud as possible to keep herself awake.
"Uesugi-kun! The fact that you haven't run away is certainly praise worthy!" The seven of them walk past him while he does his monologue. "Did you guys hear something?" Miku asks as she takes off one ear from her headphones. "It's just Takeda-kun." Itsuki says. "I'm sorry Takeda, it's seven-on-one." Fuutarou says as they make it to school.
The tests go by faster than expected, feeling more like one of their study sessions and not like an important exam. Mutsumi glances around during their break, finding Takeda enter a washroom after going to the director's office. "So that's where Fuutarou-san is." She mutters as she waits for him outside.
The two boys exit the washroom and, to Mutsumi's surprise, shake hands with smiles on their faces and determination in their eyes. "J-Just what did those two do in there?" She wonders as she calls Fuutarou over to the others and they eat. She has a sandwich and an iced coffee, he actually gets the grilled meat of the combo, Itsuki splurges as usual and the others sneak some food away from her.
"Alright, second half, here we come!" Yotsuba stands up, followed by everyone. Mutsumi rolls up her sleeves. "I won't let you be the top scoring student without a fight!" She smirks, he flashes one back. "Now I have two rivals. Bring it on. I won't lose to you, or Takeda!" He says.
It's the last exam, they're on the last page. She glances over to her sisters, they seem to be fine, though she can see the gears turning in their heads going into overdrive. Then to Yuusuke-san, he's as confident as ever, his gaze on Fuutarou. And finally, she see's Fuutarou, he's hunched over, periodically shooting up and rubbing his eyes. "He's tired...just how hard did he study? He looks like he's about to pass out!" She thinks as she removes one of her clips and flicks it, hitting him right above his forehead. He looks at it, then back to her, before writing down the last answers he needed.
"Alright...he's done...now all I have to do is..." She writes down her answers, but the words start dancing in her vision. "My head...I..." Her eyes shut as her head touches the desk. She feels a hand on her shoulder and her paper gone when she regains consciousness.
"My apologies, I couldn't wake you during the test." Takeda stands over her. "Yuusuke-san? Where is everyone?" Mutsumi asks. "Well, your sisters thought you needed the sleep, they're waiting in the library from what I overheard. As for Uesugi-kun, well..." He motions with his head at a slumped over Fuutarou. "He collapsed as soon as he double checked the last page." He says as she stands up and walks to his side.
"Why are you so focused on surpassing him anyway?" She asks, scowling at him. "I want to be an astronaut. I've told this to him before, so I'll make this explanation brief. In this life of mine, this is the only path I've found that will satisfy me. Of course, it's a precipitous one. The right to go to space is only given to a handful of people. So I must be the best, first this school, then Japan itself. I'll make them my rivals to show that I have what it takes to surpass them and reach the stars I dream of!" He says, gripping a chair. "And he's been number one so long that he has a target on his back." She smirks. "You catch on quick. I can't afford to lose. My hard work and effort have gotten me this far." He looks out the window at the sky. "I guess he's not as bad as I thought." She thinks.
"Then you better keep an eye on me as well. I'm not letting him get every win without putting up a fight, I'm going to surpass him myself, even if it means I have to take you down as well." She smirks. He turns his gaze to her, then back to him. "Well then, my rival, we must wait for the results of this battle." The two of them wake Fuutarou as she takes her clip back.
"Master, the results of the national mock exams have arrived, it appears that all of the young misses have passed, miss Mutsumi has exceptional scores." Ebata says as the black car drives through the city. "Takeda-sama has accomplished a spectacular feat of obtaining eighth place nationally. Miss Mutsumi is above him with only two wrong answers in fourth." He slows down. "And, while unfortunate, Uesugi-sama...had no incorrect answers, placing him in first place." Maruo grits his teeth.
"Impressive, it's the only way to describe it, yeah?" Takeda says as he swings. "You won this round, Fuutarou-san! I'll get you next time, I swear!" Mutsumi huffs as she leans against the frame of the swing. "Congratulations. You're officially the smartest student in Japan." The two say as Fuutarou flies off his swing, landing in the dirt.
"Still not enough huh..." He thinks to himself. "Why am I on the swings with you, and why are you here?" He asks the two of them. "Yesterday's enemy is today's friend. Ha ha. This might be what youth is about." Yuusuke skids to a halt. "He's here." Mutsumi says as they all walk away from the swings.
"I'd first like to congratulate you, Takeda-kun, on your eighth place. I was told that you are aiming to become a physician. What do you think about coming to my hospital? Having someone as capable as you-" Maruo gets interrupted. "I am deeply sorry. While your offer is an incredible honor, I would like to spend more time thinking about my future." Takeda bows. "I see. I hope to hear a favorable reply." Maruo says.
"Mutsumi-kun, placing fourth nationally is an exceptional feat. As your father, I am deeply proud of you." He doesn't sound it though. "And as your father, I must ask what it is you want with your future." Mutsumi hangs her head in thought. "I have no plans at the moment. I will give you an answer in the future." She says. "What...do I want to do?" She thinks silently, placing a loose fist over her mouth.
"And finally, Uesugi-kun. I would like to offer you a job, as a tutor. You will be compensated at six times the market rate. The workplace is a fun home environment." His face contorts as he says this, he's trying not to show anger. "I know that all too well." Fuutarou says. "Speaking frankly, I am reluctant to hire you again. This job isn't one to be taken lightly, but it seems that you are more than capable of accomplishing it." He says. "I accept. I was going to do it, even if you didn't ask but getting paid for it makes it better!" He exclaims.
"Ugh. Once a gold digger, always a gold digger it seems." Mutsumi smiles while resting her head in her hands. "But, if grades are all you want from me, then you clearly don't need to hire me." Fuutarou points to Mutsumi. "However, after hearing Itsuki, and Takeda, I have changed my mind. I'll have them all graduate with their next path in sight." He says.
"I see, what a change from how begrudgingly you fulfilled your role in the beginning." Maruo says, causing Mutsumi to chuckle. "You are free to use whatever method you see fit, I believe you will not choose wrongly. But do not forget, you are their home tutor and only that. I trust you know your boundaries." He says menacingly.
"Overprotective as usual, eh dad?" Mutsumi says as they leave Takeda in the park, driving off in the car. "You know that those 'boundaries' won't last long, right?" She says, reaching for the door knob. "That's what scares me. I mean, good intentions or not, your father hates me." He rubs the back of his head.
"Mutsumi? Uesugi-kun? That was not dad's car, right? What were you-" Itsuki walks up the stairs behind them. Mutsumi smiles as Fuutarou turns. "I'm officially back to being your tutor." Mutsumi opens the door.
"That's amazing! Your achievements have finally been acknowledged! Congratula-hey! Why are you ignoring me?!" Itsuki beams, but then gets curious. "Dad scared him a bit, you can probably guess why with how overprotective he is." Mutsumi fills her in as the three of them walk in.
"Woah, what's all this?" He trips over a box, falling face down on the floor. "We're cleaning up now that things have settle down." Yotsuba says, pulling him up on his feet.
"Hey did you try out the scented candles?" Nino asks when Fuutarou starts to bring the conversation to studying. The look on his face says it all. "You suck at lying." Mutsumi pinches his ear as they move boxes around.
"Looks like we can't study today. I'm heading home." He says reluctantly. "Fucking pussy, come on. At least tell them why." Mutsumi says bluntly, blocking the door. "Why what? Did something happen?" Ichika asks, her eyes serious.
"What? Dad said that?!" Nino says shocked. "Are you really surprised though, it's dad after all." Ichika says. "Still, I'm glad that you're our tutor again." Yotsuba smiles as she stretches her arms. "You still have to pay me for the time since December. I'm not sure but I think we're up to 450,000 yen now." He says, causing the sisters to look depressed.
"Anything else you want to say?" Nino says, leaning in his direction. "I guess the gloves come off now, huh." Mutsumi chuckles. "I told you that those boundaries won't last long." She teases Fuutarou, who was already flustered by her sisters.
"What's going on?" Itsuki says, clueless. "We'll tell you once he leaves, right girls?" Ichika smirks. "She doesn't know about Miku, Ichika, Nino, or my feelings. She probably knows about Yotsuba's, at least, because of the whole thing at the lake." Mutsumi chuckles at her sister's obliviousness.
"I'm home!" Miku says from outside, knocking on the door. "I made some bread. Anyone want to try?" She says, sitting down with the others. "Ah, look at the time. Raiha must be waiting for me. Sorry, I gotta go." Fuutarou makes an excuse to get out. "Miku?" Itsuki asks. "No way..." Ichika says. "It's good!" Yotsuba exclaims. Miku grins to Nino. They don't need to say anything to realize what this means, war.
"Well, I'm sure everyone's thinking about this. I bet even he's got plans of his own for the school trip..." Mutsumi says. "In Kyoto, I'm not holding back." She says.
"I will do this! Just you watch!" She smirks as she leaves, heading for a salon with her most recent pay packet in her hands. "Make me a redhead, this shade if possible." She holds up a picture of one of her sisters.
A/N: This is the last of the ones I planned to post on reddit. From here on, everything will be posted here first. Next up, Sisters war then flashback arc. Will write a new chapter whenever Negi finishes an arc.