My inheritance is wrong, as expected

by Nostrategy

Bits to a frame of a story about society and class. And a bit of magic. For Hachiman magic is needed to change his status in society.

5. 5) Bits of dating

A Thursday in the Service club

Hachiman

It had been a nice day so far. That will say, I hadn't been taken away by a bunch of men in black to be burned at the stake in the morning, as I arrived at school.

Hayato had looked as he wanted to kill me when I entered the class, but his friends hadn't followed his lead as they normally would have done. It actually looked like the fire queen was somewhat entertained with the story of my deeds yesterday, as told by Yui.

And some of the boy's seemed impressed with how I had handled my date. But then dating can be a costly affair for an unfortunate boy.

But why my intermezzo with Yukino's mother, according to Yui was a classic example of a member of the bourgeoisie trying to climb the social ladder to gain recognition as a member of the noble class I don't know, as I don't know where Yui is learning languages like that. But at least Yui is learning something new.

Yui had also learned to follow me, if she wants us to arrive together at the service club.

Unfortunately, Yukino was not alone in the club room. We already had guests, or should I say pests. Zaimokuza and Hina, who was showing Yukino some drawings by holding them up. There was more of those on the table.

I considered making a tactical retreat as they had their back to me, but it was too late, as Zaimokuza in the same turned and said: "I, the Blademaster General, brings good news. We had brought the first drawings for our manga: "Yokai Guardians, protectors of harmony". Come, see and worship our magnificent selves".

Is he able to detect me? Like the girl by the stairs was. Am I the only one here, who do not have access to supernatural powers?

"Yahallo Hina-chan and Zaimokuza-san", Yui say, as she passes by me, and drop her bag on a chair, starting to look over the drawings on the table: "Oh, this is some super cute dogs. Who are they?".

Hina look flabbergast at Yui: "They are not dogs; they are a Miko ninja fox hit team send by Inari Okami to combat the followers of Tamamo-no-Mae".

I follow Yui, as I drop my bag on a chair, and start looking over the drawings on the table. They are quite good, but not foxy enough: "I must say that Yuigahama-san is right. They are not foxy enough to be foxes. You should get them to look more like Isshiki-san".

"Do I hear my name spoken again by senpai? I am happy that I am always in your thoughts, but sorry, I like another, so you have to try another day" a voice behind me say.

Right, of course, my nice day has officially ended.

Yukino

For once I am not sad, that our clubroom is getting filled with people, who should not be here. It postpones my decision about what I must do with him.

Shall I just ignore what had happened, and continue as usual, forgetting everything? Should I talk with him about etiquette, even if it was mother who made the misjudgment, or should I drag him to an unused classroom and whip him for his insolence. No, not that. That must be what they call a Freudian slip. Of course, I would never do something like that. To anybody.

Think about something else. The drawings. I look on the drawing Hina is holding up. A small boy lying on the lap of a beautiful woman. They are being transported in an ox car over a hill. Behind them you see black ships steaming in Edo bay. Oh, I point at the drawing, getting Hina's attention by the gesture and ask: "Is that the ships of Commodore Perry?".

Yoshiteru
I turn and look at the girl, who so long had held my comrade captured. Yes, she is beautiful, yes, she is intelligent. Truly, she is the modern version of Tamamo-no-Mae:

"I am happy to have such an attentive audience. Yes, that drawing is actually the beginning and the end of the story. The women are the one telling the story to the child about the Abe no family's tireless struggle with the forces of the evil Tamano-no-Mae, and we are at the end of the story, since our premise is that magic in Japan disappeared from our midst with the arrival of the black ships".

Hachiman II

I went closer to Hina, to get a better look at the drawing Hina were holding. Not a bad way to start a story. It was child friendly, as I had asked for. And yes, I am probably entitled to ride in an ox cart. Although I would probably get into trouble with the police if I took an ox cart out on route 14.

Hmm, Hina smells nice. It is a rather soothing smell. Either I am too close, or she put too much on this morning. Right, I must be too close. I server myself from the picture and her fragrance, as Iroha asks a question.

Iroha

As I look at the drawings on the board, I can see what Hachiman thinks. But that does not mean, that I should be the model. I am not foxy. After all, I was trained by the best. Great grandfather is a hero of the resistance, and the stories of how he tricked the Germans dressed as an onion salesman from Dijon in France so exiting.

I start to look at the other pictures on the board. They are rather nice, especially the girl with the Kagura suzu: "Ebina-san, who is the girl with the bells?". Hina react suddenly on my question, as she was caught thinking about something quite different.

Oops, did I just disturb a moment for you. So sorry, not. Do not try to seduce one of my boy-toys, when I can see what you are doing. My eyes can see wide and are not shut.

Yoshiteru II

As I hear the question, I turn and look at the drawing, the fox girl is asking about: "That is one of our heroines. She is the Saio, that Abe no Yasuchika falls in love with, and who he can't marry because she is the daughter of the emperor, and the reason the fight start, because Tamano-no-Mae wants Abe no Yasuchika for herself.

The Emperors daughter is then reincarnated down through the history. Good person gets reincarnated, while evil person can survive by possessing others, except for Tamano-no-Mae, who as a nine-tail is immortal, and only can be forced to flee and sleep, when she has used her energy.

Now, Hachiman. This must impress you. The best of my brain. Give us the go, and we will unleash the concept at FuyuComi. And then, I will get to marry the voice actor of Tamano-no-Mae".

Yui

Getting to marry the voice actor. So, if I become the voice actor of the Saio, I get to marry Hikki, as the hero and heroine always get to marry when the story end? But: "Why do you want to marry the voice actor of Tamano-no-Mae? Should you not marry for love?".

He looks confused at me: "Why, because Tamano-no-Mae is the most beautiful of the females in the cast, and the voice of her in the dark, will make you forget everything else. How can you not call that love?".

Hachiman III

I look astonished at Zaimokuza, when I hear his statement. He actually has a point with his statement. In the night all cats are gray, and you recognize them by their voice, as when Kamakura gets caught in the rain at night, and complain until I get up, and dry him with a towel.

So, I make my decision: "Ebina-san, if you promise me, that you will keep Zaimokuza-san under control at FuyuComi and fix the Miko ninja fox hit team, then you have my permission".

Hina looks at me. No, not those eyes. That is unfair. Yes, I know I have given you a responsibility, even angel will shy away from. See my eyes. They are steel. She reluctantly accepts, when I don't react to her silent prayer, by saying: "I will get some of the girls to sit on him. That should keep him somewhat calm.".

With that Zaimokuza and Hina collect their drawings and take their leave. Then the fox drags me away to help her with some student council document. Just how many archives does this school have?

The last thing I hear, as I am dragged away, is Yui asking Yukoni, if she knows what to do, to become a voice actor.

The twelve tasks of Sobu High

Hachiman
Right, I underestimated the amount of paper, the school has hidden away, as I look inside the room, where the shelves are filled with old paper tied with strings.

I thought Sobu had its focus on the academics, but is it actually bureaucracy they training us for? Truly, a school is nothing but training to become a wage slave.

Has there actually been anyone to look at these papers for years?

I withdraw my head out of the room, and look at Iroha, who are putting on a scarf and a mouth mask, asking a question, that had been bothering me for some time: "Why are we actually doing this?".

Iroha stop putting on the mask and look at me: "It falls to the student council to keep the old archives of the school in order".

Maybe, but since there are no one who had been doing for a long time, Iroha must have another reason for doing it: "Right, the truth, thank you".

Iroha turned on her smile, getting scary: "Are you not happy that you get to spend time with me, the dream of everything you dream about?".

Another trap placed, no thank you. Your next statement will be a rejection of me, again: "No, I do not have nightmares about you, so spill". And let us not discuss that person I have it about.

"Why do you have to treat me like this?" Iroha responds, now clearly irritated.

"Too much time spend with you. You don't do things for free". I reply, letting scorn underline my statement.

"The principal may have mentioned, that if the old archives can be optimized and enough square meter liberated, I can get an extra room for the council to use", Iroha explained.

"I buy that explanation, if it turns out, you by that mean a room for the student president to use" I responded.

With a humph, a swing of her hair, although her hair is too short to work as a rejection by a heroine and aggression in her body language clearly visible, she walks into the archive room, putting on her mask. Future discussions of the topic are no longer relevant. Foxy, you are too easy. At least Iroha could offer me some Max Coffee as payment for my services.

I reluctantly follow her in and start taking stacks of papers from the top of the shelves. Don't clean shelves from the bottom. Remove from the top, or dust will fall down on the shelves you have already cleaned. I may no longer hope to become a house husband, but I still got the skills.

The work is tedious. Get up on the small podium. Take down a stack of paper. Get off. Go to the table at the middle of the room. Tie up the string, remove clips, blank paper and notes, which are not stamped from the case. Blank paper and chips can be reused, while notes are to be thrown out. Then press the remaining paper together and bind them again with the string. When the shelf is empty, use a wet and a dry piece of cloth to wash and dry the shelf. When the shelf is dry, press as many cases as possible in it. Yes, this monotonous is clearly a work at the level of Hercules cleaning of the Augean Stables, but unfortunately, I can't bend rivers.

As I remove a stack of paper, a paper fall from it. Iroha is nice enough to pick it up. She looks at it and say: "Wow, what handsome men. Why don't we have teacher like them today".

I get down from the podium and look at the picture. The one to the left remind me of the principal. Maybe it is a picture of him, when he was young: "It looks like the principal when he was young and someone else".

Iroha turns the picture. There is a scribbling on the back, which Iroha read: "Yes, Daishi and Tom. It is the principal. It is taken in 1963. They look so handsome together. Do you think they were lovers"?

I look at Iroha, no doubt, the den of evil is spreading its influence: "Calm down girl, why do you girls always think there something yaoi going on, if you see two handsome boys' together".

Iroha looks at me and replies with a snicker: "So there is absolutely nothing between you, Saika-kun and Hayato-chan?".

Oh, Ebina-san must have finished her newest epistle.

"In your dreams, girl. Stop daydreaming. If you want your presidential suite, you have to work for it" I respond. Iroha grumbles but return to work. She put the picture on the table. I fish it from there. This picture is prime bait material for a certain girl.

Il principal

Hmm, who is now using my name? I put down the papers from class 3J, I am evaluating. After all, I have a duty to ensure that my top-student lives up to the expectation of their parents and the universities they apply to. Sobu High always has a large percentage of its students who enter famous national or international universities like Todai or Harvard, than other schools in Chiba. That is a tradition I work hard to ensure is kept. It is so rewarding to ensure that the youngster gets off to a good start, and successful alumnus is a such good source of influence and monetary donations.

I move my hand over my snow globe and actives the snowflakes. Some may think it's silly to use a glass ball, but I am a traditionalist at heart. And it does not cost much energy to link a taboo to selected individuals of interest.

Not like the young English wizard I employed as an English teacher for a short time in the early sixties, who wanted to place a taboo on all of England, in order to watch his enemies. So intelligent, so handsome, so powerful, but unfortunately without much wisdom, as all of the magi is, who uses a wand as a crutch. Too much power to easily, quickly make your brain rot, and paranoia does not go well with that. No wonder his destiny, and that the Clock Tower keeps holding the wand weaves out in a stretched arm and the church burned them in the old days.

The picture in the ball stabilizer.

Oh, it is the young prince and his bakemono cleaning another of the old archives room. They are diligent I must say.

If they continue with that task, several former presidents have failed with, I presume I must grant the student council the extra room for the president exclusive use, I always promise those, who start on the task. I must remember to place especial strong wards with protection against pregnancies and suppression of libido in the room. Teen-ages pregnancies is not a good thing for a school's reputation.

In the den of Evil II

Hachiman

After we had cleaned the archive room, I returned to the club room. The girls have left, although with another job for me. I had to lock up and return the key to Shizuka-sensei. The girls must have been a hurry, if I am allowed to carry out such a duty for Yukino. Had Yukino received news about a sellout of Pan-san merchandise?

I put on my jacket and bag, close the door and went off to the staff room.

The staff room looks as usual. What is unusual is the look of Shizuka-sensei. Had she been eating cream with Kamakura. She had the same smug smile as Kamakura.

As I bowed and gave her the key, my curiosity got the best of me: "You look happy, sensei. Has anything good happened?".

She looks at me and smile. Don't do that women. If you were 10 years younger, that smile would make me fall for me: "I have a hot date for Christmas Eve".

Well, good for her, but then my sarcasm got the best of me: "With what kind of spicy dish of ramen, do you have that date with, Sensei?".

I was fortunately able to avoid her blow. If that had connected, I had probably first landed again after Christmas. Does she think this is "One Punch Women" and I am the weekly monster?

I take my leave as quickly as possible. I am not sure; I would be able to avoid another blow.

But at least, this was the first of the two monsters I had to handle, before I can go home. But when this monster was about survival, the next one guards treasures.

Ebina

I look at the drawing of the Miko ninja fox hit team. Maybe a bit shorter ear's, but a bit larger eyes, with a fold, making them see more Asian. I start to sketch the team with the new design, when I hear someone knocking on the door. I yell "Enter".

We all look at the door as it open. It is Hachiman. So, he had heard the news. Ah, you are enchanted by my magic. And I think you like my new perfume too. I yell to the girls: "Back to work, chop chop. All 2.000 copies must be wrapped in plastic, packed and ready for FuyuComi". Saki-chan also return to her sewing, although she continues to look discreetly at Hachiman¨.

Hachiman approach me and look at the new sketch of the Miko ninja fox hit team, and says: "Better, although they don't look as much like Isshiki-san as they should".

"Please, this is to be used as a presentation for the professional companies at FuyuComi. If the Miko ninja fox hit team look like her too much, Isshiki-san will just get it trademarked, and then we have to pay her for using the Miko ninja fox hit team in the story" I reply.

Hachiman laugh, as he says: "Yes, you are right. That would be a typical move for her".

I smile at him. It is good, that he knows her true nature. I lean a bit forward, and yes, he is caught again. Weak you are. I whisper: "It is Chanel no. 5. I use it just like her".

I raise my voice, so the others can hear me again: "So how can we help you today?". Giving him no time to recover.

"We found something, when we were cleaning in the school archives, I think you would enjoy" he responds weakly.

Oh, interesting: "So what did you find? Show it".

Hachiman gives me a photo. I look at it. Handsome young men. I turned the picture: "Oh, Daishi and Tom, 1963. The principal has always been a handsome man, but clearly much more handsome, when he was a young prince, and Tom, yummy".

Yes, it is of the legendary couple of Sobu High. The principal together with that English teacher as young. My grandmother still talks about them, when she is drunk of the white wine at the Sunday dinner: How all the girls of Sobu High at that time were fantasizing about those two. They should have been pure magic together.

"Oh, you really know the way to a girl's heart, charmer. What do you expect in return?" I reply. This is going to an important piece of the circle's inspirations material.

"Well, I heard you had a new number?" Hachiman asks embarrassed.

I give him an exemplar of our newest product with a smile, and whisper again: "Oh, men. When do you recognize it? Kiss him, don't kiss me".

Something is starting to show in Hachiman's eyes. Oh, temper. Good, give me inspiration for the next number. But not everything is about me. I better do something for Saki-chan too: "Let's exchange numbers. We may have to contact you regarding the uniforms or the comic".

Whatever Hachiman was thinking about, my statement breaks him off. Reluctantly, he releases his phone to my tender mercies. Boy, you should be happy to get the numbers of two of the hottest girls at Sobu on your phone. Other boys would kill for them.

As we finish our transaction, and start to leave, he stops again by my sketches, and look the one with our magical girl character over and then ask: "Should she not have a fox instead of a cat".

I shake my head in response and say: "No, Zaimokuza-san insist it must be the pure form of a magical girl in the story, and that is with a magical cat as a companion. All others are variations".

Hachiman smiles at my statement: "Well, he is the main writer, so it is his prerogative, as long as he can mix the tropes right, and don't lose control of the story, or worse: That if it gets an anime, it is not that kind which is shown at midnight, and is enjoyed by old men, who is trying to see a naked young girl during the transformation scene.

I bow my head in acceptance of his response. I could not agree more. Now if it was magical boy's anime, we were talking about, it would be a quite different exchange of opinions we would have.

Il principal

Now again. As the globe stabilizes, it shows the young prince at the manga club. They have already been nice enough to deliver my two copies. I don't mind being the object for creativity, but it is best, they don't think too much about my age. It is better, that I increase the energy to feed the ward of boringness on the school. It is not good to take chances at this time of the plan. But that is going to cost, even if the march yielded a nice surplus. Boys and girls in costumes, what dreams, what energy of lust, it creates. I must ensure that next semester also have activities to feed their dreams of love. It is good for my health that the youth of Sobu have dreams and hope.

Hachiman II

As I come home, I hear the phone ringing. No, not now. Now is the time for my bed, a Max Coffee and my new treasure of my angel Saika. But it could be important. I have duties and obligation now. With regret I take the phone:

"Yes, of course. Thank you, Tanaka-san. I will come as fast as possible".

Of course, more work for me. What does the Imperial Highnesses want from me? I push my earthly desires from me. Duty is heavier than my mountain.

Komachi

Brother came and went quickly out again after that call. Hopefully it was from a girl. One can hope, one can dream.

Brother has left a magazine on the table by the phone. What has he now bought? Most of his comics are rather boring. Nothing but big breasted girls fighting dragons and demons. Sometime with a Lolita throw in for spice.

I take the magazine and look at it. "Boys of Sobu XII" by the Sobu High's circle. Oh, it is a doujinshi from Hina's manga club. And my brother is on the frontpage. Well, well, how interesting. Is Hina interested in brother dear?

Hyousuke

I was doing my homework in my room, when I received the call.

"Hallo, it is I, the president-elect of the Kaihin Computer club, that calls you. You have been chosen".

"Oh, thank you. But I haven't passed the test to Kaihin yet" I respond. Yes. Yes. I am in.

"Don't worry about the official test. We have ways to fix that. You have passed our test. That it is what count. Although we are a little concerned about you".

I stutter, as I say: "About what?"

The president-elect laughs, as he says: "Are you sure you are not a riajuu?".

What, me? "Riajuu should just explode".

"Right, you are so right. But you got a very positive review on the girls' forum. Better than any other boy from the computer club, your bull" the president-elect says, still laughing.

I have a positive review. That explains why some of the girls in the cram class were giggling, when they saw me today. I thought I had something stuck in my teeth or something like that.

"So welcome to RE/GAIN. And you are now allowed to drop by our clubroom to learn the basic, until you start officially in April", the president-elect continues.

"I will be there tomorrow" I promise. But what did he mean with RE/GAIN? Is that a new programming language which the computer club uses? But that is not important. What is important, is that Komachi has written something nice about me on the girl forum of "Chiba's arrow of Eros". Now, it should be easy to get in there, to see it, but is that not a kind of cheating?

The president-elect

As I terminate the call with our newest member, my sister sticks her head in my room and say: "Hi President-elect, mother say's you must take your pill now. We will eat in half an hour".

"Sister, you know you should knock before entering" I say irritated. She should know better.

"Oh, afraid I should find you worshiping one of your girl figures again, pervert. Now take your pill. Mother does not want another of your delusions to disturb dinner," she says while laughing and then, luckily, she left.

Shh, you put on a cape once, and in the next second you have a prescription. Sister, parents, family. They should just explode. I take a pill from my medicine box and leave for the bathroom to get some water. One day they will learn the power of our righteousness and all will bow to the might of RE/GAIN.

Komachi II

Oh, this doujinshi is good. I think I must study it in more detail in my room, after I have locked my door. A pity that I, one day, must tell Hina, that my brother will disappoint her. He is not that well equipped.

But Saika. Just as delicious as when we were at the camp. Saika is truly a prince among prince, even better looking than Taishi. Oh, maybe I should make Saika my boyfriend when I get into Sobu High? Saika is hot enough to eat.

Although I should probably not eat at the Sobu High cafeteria, if that is the way Hayato-chan gets rid of the competition. Turning poor Tobe into chicken sandwich. What has Tobe done to deserve such a fate?

Hachiman III

As I hear about the visit, I get worried. Would the temple be billed for all that extra activity? Maybe the Imperial family is using the same methods as Queen Elizabeth. Those who were too strong to take out, you gave a royal visit. When the visit was over, the host didn't have any money for a long time to finance a rebellion. But I had no plan to rebel.

The man droned on: "The Imperial Highnesses will arrive at 22 o'clock, where they will be welcomed by the chairman of the Association, as the representative of the faith and responsible for the New Year celebration. Then the most prominent guests will be allowed to great the Imperial Highnesses, starting with the Prime minister, then the state minister of dialogue with the faith, the Diet-representative of Chiba and the colonel of the Special Forces Group.

After that the Imperial Highnesses will watch the dance. When that is ended the Imperial Highness will be guided by the chief archeologist from the Tokyo Museum through the cave and the exhibition of items from the Heavenly Dragon Hoard.

Then the Imperial Highnesses will enjoy a cup of Toso, while watching the fireworks show. Chairs will be placed on the stage, when the dancing is over, for the Imperial Highnesses. There must be a Miko ready to serve the Toso, when the Imperial Highnesses has finished viewing the treasures and have sat down to watch the fireworks.

When it is over, the Imperial Highnesses will leave the temple. There will be no official parting.

Under the visit two tv-crews will be sending live.

Any question?".

I looked around. It seemed that there was nobody who dared to ask the representative of the court, so I put my hand up. He didn't look happy by my act.

"Yes, Abe no san" he responded. Right, no sama from him. An official of the court doesn't have black teeth any longer, but it seems that the rest of the stories about the ways of court officials is correct.

"I just wondered. Should her Imperial highness not receive flowers when she arrives?" I asked.

The man was taken back by the question. So, you had forgotten something.

The man cleared his throat: "This is not an official visit, but I don't think there is anything in the protocol, which contradicts the giving of flowers to her Imperial Highness. So that is allowed".

I smile and reply: "So a young girl in Miko uniform giving flower would be acceptable?"

The man nods: "Yes, that is acceptable. I will make the change to the program to include the giving of flowers".

Good, now I just must get the girl to accept. Another way to change reality had just opened up to me.

The court official

That had gone better than expected. Some of the youngsters these days were just plain rude, claiming that all were equal. The Western influence was surely slowly rotting the soul of Japan. But the boy had not demanded or requested to be presented to the Imperial Highnesses. Only asked if the Imperial Highness should not receive flowers. That was actually a nice touch.

Maybe the boy just fundamentally was a nice boy as some of the media told? Maybe the psychiatric report was too alarmist?

And maybe they could hope, maybe they could dream. But it went seldom well, with those, who gained power too quickly. And the boy's inheritance was just plain wrong in so many ways.

How had the temple been able to amass that amount of capital, without anyone knowing? The banking consortiums, the pharmaceuticals, the chemicals, the energy and the technology industries and not at least, what had raised from the depths of the foreign bank accounts in the last days of finishing the estate, the very well-hidden interests in the biggest media keiretsu of Japan. It was as someone were planning for something. And no smoke without a fire. Now the question is, who is setting the fire?

Editor Asami

I look at the material which will be the next number of Chiba Weekly News. Damn it, Ran will get the price for the best story this week, and if I don't get a miracle, I will have to clap politely, as the chairman give her the prize for the best story of the year.

Two numbers left: Christmas about love and loss of love, our parade of the famous who got married or divorced in the year, or both. And the New Year edition, with the dresses shown by gatherings and temple visit.

I can't wait anymore on Shizuka-chan makes a decision regarding granting me access to the boy. I must move now, or I will lose face.

Hachiman IV

"Thank you for your call, this is the Tsurumi household" a female voice says, as I had dialed the number to Rumi-chan's family.

"God day, Abe no speaking. Is it possible to talk with the younger Tsurumi-san?".

"Yes, I will call her, Abe no sama. Please wait a moment. And thank you very much for the invitation for the New Year celebration" the voice reply.

Then I heard the sounds of someone approaching: "Mother, just give me the phone. Good grief".

"So, what do you want, you Lolita?" a new voice says. Yes, Rumi-chan in all her glory. We loners are always glorious. Source: Myself, as I have much experience with being a loner.

"I have a job for you at New Year" I reply: "And you will have to use honorifics' when doing it".

"Why should I do that? We are all equal" Rumi-chan return.

"Some are more equal than others. The job is giving flower to her Imperial Highness, and the pay is a Miko-dress" I continue.

Thump. That is a funny noise. Did Rumi-chan's mother had it on speakerphone?

"So, am I going to join your harem in an official capacity now?" Rumi-chan quip.

Thump. That noise again. Were both her parents listening in? Or do Rumi-chan have other family members? But no reason to waste time to think about that. I would get to greet them at New Year.

"No harem, you are far too young. If I am still unmarried, when you turn 18, you can ask again" I snicker: "Now, I will call the maker of the Maiko uniforms and arrange for you to see her tomorrow. Get one of your parents to bring you to Sobu tomorrow after school".

"All right, since it is you, who ask, I will try to be polite to the Imperials" Runi-chan gracious accept.

"Thank you and keep it a secret. It is not official. See you tomorrow" I say, ending our conversation.

With that, our deal was agreed, and I start the call to the next person on my agenda. Administrating a temple is a lot of work. How did I end up working? Goddess, you remind me more and more of Iroha. All I get is more and more work.

Saki

I take the phone up from my bag, as its ring, and look at the caller id. Who has registered someone as "your future husband" on my phone? Very funny, Ebina-san.

"Yes, Hachiman-san. What can I help with?" I say, as I accept the call.

"Sorry to disturb on a school night. But I would hear if you have time to make another Miko-dress?", he says.

Another one. I just had Orimoto in for fitting. That was not a pleasure. I look at my schedule. Saturday gone to pay for her assistance. And my compatriots and enemies had the same schedule that day.

But the money Hachiman has promised to pay is good, and maybe he will come himself, so I can get a chance to talk with him, about what he actually meant, when he said: "I love you"".

"That's alright. I am waiting for Taishi to come home from his date, Hachiman-san" I reply.

I hear splutter from the other end of the phone, and then he hastily says:

"Thanks, then I am coming around the club with the girl tomorrow after school. See you tomorrow, and thank you once again", and with that, our far too short conversation end. Maybe tomorrow, maybe. One can hope, one can dream.

Haciman V

It is good, that biking is going so much easier these days. Dancing do seem to have benefits, regardless that I don't like to move my body on a Saturday.

As I get home, I, to my delight, see, that Komachi is diligent doing her homework, sitting at the dinner table, with Kamakura sleeping in a chair beside her. Good, Komachi is not out with the bug. Of course not, Komachi knows better than spending her time on bugs. I should not worry so much.

But maybe we should drop going over literature tonight. Komachi looks a bit red in her head, and she wheezes a bit. Hopefully, Komachi is not getting a cold. I start to make tea. I am such a good brother. Source: Myself, I know everything about being an older brother.

The trials of Taishi

As I wait at the station for my date, I go through my battel-plan for the coming days.

I take my dates in the order of difficulty they represent for me. If I look at like a game, one can say, that each girl I must defeat to advance, represent a level.

And my goal is actually level four, since my date with Komachi-chan is Sunday, where her brother is out meditating on his mountain. It is a demand from Komachi-chan that her brother must be occupied, so he can't interfere with our date. I don't really understand her concern, since Hachiman always has been cool with me.

At level five, Monday, I have my date with Taeko. And Taeko is probably my worst challenge. In many way's Taeko looks like Komachi-chan, and she will probably be even more beautiful than Komachi-chan, when we get into high school. The breasts of her sister are after all famous among us boys for reasons. But a girl's beauty is not everything.

For where Komachi-chan is sweetness herself, Taeko's mind is scary, truly a mysterious child. Always the highest score in cram class except for mathematics and science. That would be alright, if not for her interest in the supernatural. A lot of girls get her to read their fortune, and according to them, she is more right than wrong. The rumors also say, that if you displease her, she will curse you, and a boy will lose, what turns a boy into a man. That is truly scary.

My last date, Tuesday, is with Yuko. The main challenge with her, is to treat her nicely, since I know that she is interested in me. I must let her down gently, so she does not confess to me, and I can get my Christmas date with Komachi-chan on Wednesday without burdens. 6 trials to do, before victory.

I see my date for today arriving. As always Sayoko is dressed perfectly. Her clothing shows both her rich background and highlight her upcoming beauty. She did think, she was the queen of the cram class, until Komachi-chan status was changed, with Hachiman becoming a member of the Kazoku.

I hope Sayoko will enjoy what a down-town boy can give an up-town girl as her in the matter of excitement. Romance, she will not experience today.

A TV-camera watch with interest the young couple, as they greet each other. A couple who is also watched by a girl standing in a small alley leading to the station, inside a quickly drawn pentagram.

The little Miko

Iroha

Of cause, I through my information network have heard, that we would gain another Miko, who is to be fitted out today. It is irritating enough with all the girls who hunt one of my boy-toy's. That's my second boy-toy also have started to get his own following is too much. Although dressing us up as Miko's is an Abe-no tradition, none of the others have the training to actually be a Miko of the temple. Boy-toy, you are devaluating my hard work.

As I enter the manga-club, I see a cluster of the usual suspect. Oh, the new girl is already suffering, caught in the death grip of Yui. But the new girl is even smaller than me. It is a child.

I disturb Hachiman, who is clearly enjoying something, by whispering into his ear: "Are you into younger girls?".

Hachiman respond, without a change in his face: "I certainly don't hate them".

I recoil away from him: "Wait, are you hitting on me? Sorry, I'm kind of into older guys, but it is not happening".

Hachiman waves me off with: "Oh, come on. I clearly wasn't".

That boy's nerve: "Why do you treat me as a pest?". I turn my attention on something more worthy. What, the little girls Miko uniform has the ears and tail of a fox. Is this in reality a devious plot for him to fulfill his perverted sexual ideas of getting me into a fox uniform? I am not foxy.

Hachiman

Yes, maximum cuteness. Combining the fox with the Miko. I think I actually owe Zaimokuza once again for his idea of a Miko ninja fox hit team.

Hina

As I watch the reaction of Yui to our newest Miko, I look at Saki-chan. Sorry, more work for you. Every girl must be in a Miko ninja fox hit team uniform at FuyuComi.

Invitations

I hate this situation. I am the requester, and I can receive a no. Normally I only play games, I am sure to win. Leaving things to chance, is the fastest way to ruin. I knock on the door to my head of Audit.

"Please enter".

I open the door, and look in.

My target looks up from her position behind a table, with surprise in her eyes: "Director", and starts to raise herself from her chair.

I wave her off, as I close the door behind me, saying: "Sorry to disturb you without warning, but I must ask a private favor of you".

She looks at me with alarm. Get your mind out of the gutter, women. I do hope my reputation is better than that. I know very well to never pollute my own land and to pay cash. Better to jump directly into the mess to avoid any other suspicions:

"My wife is a good friend of both the Miura and the Yukinoshita, who both have received an official invitation from your son for New Year at your family temple, so now I am afraid, she feels left out".

She looks amused: "Well, both of them has daughters, who has volunteered to work as Miko for free at New Year, but I can talk with my son about it. Are there any more friends who feel left out?".

Friends, my wife don't have friends anymore, only useful connections. Ever since the class reunion.

But normally they are four, when they go to events, art and charities. Yes, the wife of the very drunken chief inspector at the club. She is from a very old family in Chiba, what are the name? Yes, I remember now: "You are quite right, I do believe the Tobe family also would appreciate an invitation. She is also one of my wife's clique".

She makes a note: "No reason to worry about, director. Consider it done" and bow to me.

I bow in return, and for the first time, since I was promoted ahead of her, we exchange bows of equality, since while I still is her director, her son now owns my ass. I hate it.

Hikigaya-san

I was surprised. To see that the director actually still is able to have feelings. We though his heart had turned into stone like in Astrid Lindgren Mio.

When we were colleagues years back, he had been a sociable, nice and help some guy. But that had changed suddenly, and he had turned into a total dickhead – symbolic, not physical. But a dickhead, that at least seems to remember his wife. There are a lot of others, who are worse.

Trials of a harem girl

Kaori

I look at my client. Now again: "Stop. You are doing it wrong – again. What interest do I have in revealing state suppression, establishing a non-traceable electronic currency and developing an AI? Stop talking about what interest you. Talk about what interest me".

The current president of the computer club is probably my worst client after my colleague.

But at least I have a fair chance with the president. A hard diet, a lot of running and some sun, and I can probably convince a girl from school to take him.

Of course, it is best, if I find one who is graduating with papers, who are worth nothing, and who know she is going to spend some years as a clerk, before marrying another loser, when her cuteness has disappeared, and her boss no longer rewards her for good service.

The estimate of the future value of an IT-engineer, and the fact that he will worship the land, she walks on, should be good selling points.

Add the fact, that, with his income, and that the money of the household normally is controlled by the wife, she will be able to buy service from a handsome young man, when she is bored to death in the suburbs, and her husband is doing overtime. So, it should be doable to fulfill his request. One up for my karma. It was good, that my client hadn't asked for something complicated, like asking for something genuine. I can't do miracles, but a girlfriend is possible. If you do not highlight the word friend too much.

Yui

I eat my cake; it is rather good. The new Pretty Cure movie was also quite good.

Meanwhile the boy, I must spend my Saturday afternoon with, drone on and on with stuff about mankind's manifest destiny to become one with the machine and conquer space to establish a mighty empire of mankind under the auspice of RE/GAIN.

He is talking about a change in productive forces, which is in accordance with the theory of Marx, but it does not seem like he had considered the relations of production in his setting. It is good I have experience with helping boys, who dabbles in writing. He clearly needs help with his world building, just like Hikki's friend.

I finished my cake and removes the crumbs around my mouth with my napkin. I smile at him. He stops his monologue. I ask: "Have you ever heard of Marx?".

Saki

I study my date for any sign of wrongdoing as he explains why, he picked Pretty Cure as the movie for our date. Apparently one of the boys of the club had luck with that movie, so now a lot of boy's tries that movie too in order to create something romantic and exciting for their date. He continues his explanation:

"Unfortunately, we don't have enough big data on girls and dates to create a frame for a date with an effect, that is significant in regard to the outcome.

We have done an analyze on the possibilities of a doctor Noah plan to make all riajuu and ikeman explode, in order to increase our chances to get dates, but the analysis showed us, that the sisters of the riajuu and ikeman would probably be mad at us for exploding their brothers, and so that plan, all in all, would reduce our chances for dates.

Our analysis also shows us, that we will be able to take control of Japan and start exploring the stars in this century, but we expect it won't be before the 28'th century, we will have the necessary data to calculate, what can get boy's like us a date and then making it a good date".

I laugh politely at his joke. Of course, no man will never understand any woman. That is a secret for woman and cats, and no one else. But at least he tries to be funny, and he hadn't said that he loves me, and then dragged me off to a cheap love hotel. That he at least will get points for.

But I didn't get a chance to speak with Hachiman under the fitting of Rumi-chan. Does he also want to drag me to a cheap love hotel or something else? He did say he loved me. Why does he not do something then? I am a traditional girl. Can I even get myself to invite him out for a date?

Iroha

I am bored to death. Why did I jump on the wagon with the other girls? My boy-toys are driving me to making wrong decisions. I may be allowed to do foolish things because I am a youth, but nobody said anything about dying of boredom, because of my youth. Just because one girl likes it, then you think all of us want to see it.

Get me out of this cinema. I hate realistic movies as Pretty Cure.

If you want realism, why didn't you take me to see the new Tarantino? Then we at least could see some sensible violence, mayhem and murders, I could learn something from.

I am so going to kill you in my review of this date on the forum, negative 100 points.

Yukino

As I sit before the computer to submit my review of my "date" this Saturday on the girl forum of "Chiba's arrows of Eros", I find in my reflection, that it was actually a rather good date. But probably not in regard to what Orimoto think what a date is about, romance and exciting stuff.

He is a good conversationalist and has the manners of gentlemen, maybe because he on his mothers' side is the grandchild of a gentleman, a former cabinet secretary to the prime minister of England.

He took me to the launching of a new book about Chiba in the Sengoku period. His uncle turned out to be the professor of history at Chiba University. I even received a signed example of the new book from the professor, and I look forward to reading it. I must remember to send a letter with my opinion of the book, when I have read it.

After that we visited a cat-refuge, where we did some volunteer work. I must admit that he did most of the real work, while I entertained some poor abandoned kittens. The death penalty should be mandatory for everyone who do not take care of their cats.

While we had dinner, we discussed the needs of a clean politic, a responsible fiscal politic and the use of nuclear power for the future of Japan.

I told him about the difference in the reactions to my speech at the march and the speech, I held at Chiba trade chamber, regarding the environmental challenge for the energy industry in a youth perspective.

While my first speech at the march was received well, the reception of my second speech could be, at best, considered not existing.

The audience at Chiba trade chamber was mostly old men, who was sleeping, when I gave the speech, and beside a polite applaud at the end, I had received no feedback on it at all. A cat-suit can't be the only difference between those speeches.

He suggested that, I should use social media to reach out effectively in order to spread my message and create change. He even offered to help me with that.

If it is because he shares some of my politic views? or it is because he enjoys my presence? he offers his help, I can't say. But as a person he is clearly a nice and competent guy. A perfect civil servant. But not one who needs to be disciplined, sadly.

Ugh, not again. I don't think like that. I haven't had that kind of thought since Thursday. Should I contact a psychiatrist?

The Yukinoshita

"Dear".

I look up from my newspaper, I am reading at the breakfast table. This Sunday is not starting out well. My dear wife only calls me, dear, when she wants something from me.

"Yes, dear" I respond.

"I have decided that we do not participate at New Year, and that Yukino not will be a Miko at that boy's temple", she says, with the cold in her voice, that signal, that she expects my obedience.

I put my paper down, and smile at her: "Sorry dear, I have to precipitate, and Yukino must stay as a Miko, but you are welcome to stay home. I will excuse your lack of presence by saying that you have a cold".

"And why do you have to be present? When he should be punished for his actions," she asks, increasing the coldness of her voice. She is not used to me being disobedient. The only time was when I allowed Yukino to move out of the house. A household do not have room for two Yuki-onna's, or at least my sanity does not.

"By the orders of the prime minister", I reply dryly, as such an order is quite natural for me to receive, even if I am only a backbencher at the Diet. The prime does like to micromanagement us. It is like he doesn't trust us to do anything right.

"And why should the prime minister order you to be present?", my dear wife continues, as she gets baffled by my news.

I smile at her:" It may be due to the fact that the prime minister will be present at the temple at New Year".

She gasps: "Why?".

While keeping my smile patched on, I explain: "Well, because their Imperial Highnesses will be present, unofficial. I will be presented to their Imperial Highnesses at the temple. On live TV".

"But the newspaper has already slighted our name, and I know that we will be pulled through the mud, when Chiba Weekly News is going on sale. We are going to be the laughingstock of Chiba tomorrow. We must act against him. Show him his place," she says, as her face turns ashen. I have never seen that color on her before.

"His place is above us" I reply, stating a fact my dear wife should have recognized earlier: "And regarding the episode Wednesday. That will be forgotten at New Year, if we are present, and Yukino is a Miko at the temple" I continue.

Yes, dear, see how I take care of the mess you made by calling the boy out in public.

Once again, I must clean up after the mess made by a Yukinoshita. Just like your father, you make a lot of mess. But fortunately for you, you are much more beautiful that your father, so I still clean up after you. Unlike your father.

My dear wife does not seem to take my information as good news, as she gets up from the table, and leave, banging the door to the breakfast room after her. Undoubtedly, she is now going to spend her day with her good friend Hayama, getting a sympathetic ear from that woman, when complaining about her man's many shortcomings. My dear wife must learn to live with the fact, that she is going to be the center of the gossip in Chiba for a week or two. I don't expect that she will learn anything from this, but one can dream, one can hope.

I ring the bell. Our newest maid arrives to clean the table. I look strictly at her and ask:" Did you take my wife dress, the one she used at the vernissage Wednesday?".

"Sorry, sir. You have caught me. I am such a bad girl. Please, is there any way, I can earn your forgiveness?", she replies meekly, and bow down before me.

I like it, when the help wants a large bonus for Christmas. My Sunday is already much brighter.

The Hayama

I look at my butler, as he reports, that Yukinoshita-san has arrived. Well, it looks like it will be another good Sunday to spend at the office and get some work done. I make a quick call, and yes. My faithful secretary is willing to do some unscheduled overtime.

I pass my son, not son, on the way out. So, he has once again been enrolled to do escort service. I wish him good luck. Maybe I should start to put his service on the bill to the Yukinoshita, but he will probably remark, that he shouldn't pay for the services of his future son in law. Hmm, we should get their engagement made official soon. With all that business the boy is bringing us, it is time to ensure that our families are seen as one. The Potemkin village I live in now, will then be standing in real marble and gold, shining in the world.

Symbols on a Sunday

I look around before I access the stairs to my temple. It still feels funny to call it my temple. But my luck is with me this morning. No witch girl ambushes me this morning.

As I get up to the end of the stairs, I see my teacher is waiting for me. He has set up the place, with the best view of the valley below. Not having a building to train in, makes this a cold experience at winter, but my teacher claims it will be strengthening my ability, since it works in the same way, as if I were standing under a waterfall. We are crazy, we priests.

We exchange greeting, and I sit down in the Lotus position. I start to control my breathing. This is actually getting easier for me now. As my teachers say, training make perfect. Now, if there just is a meaning for me in doing this. It does not seem logical, that I sit here, when I could be home sleeping, eating and lazing about. But anything is better than becoming another wage-slave.

But maybe I should have kept to my goal of being a house husband and accepted the offer to marry Yukino. No, don't be stupid. I can't sleep, eat and be lazing, if I am bound in the crypt. Better that she marries someone like Tobe. He had already shown that he is willing to stick it into crazy.

Was I born to be a house husband, a wage slave or a priest?

Desire and ignorance, the source of suffering, but best ignored if you dream about happiness. Those of us who see under the masks and read between the lines. Are we closer to the divine, because we suffer more? Or is that just another part of the desire, which binds us?

Everything is illusions, yourself and the world. Everything is just names, we take on or have put on, so why not change the world instead of yourself? To name is to create reality, to change the name is to change reality.

I watch a girl flying around in the air. POW POW. Oh, Komachi must be happy, there is a new Pretty Cure movie out. And she claims that it is me, that suffer from an 8'th grader syndrome. But I am the best brother in this world, the universe and beyond, so I do not call the kettle black.

Three statues appear before my eyes. The one in the middle is my angel. I don't have so much time anymore with my angel. I miss spending time with him. Hearing his voice, enjoying how he so elegant eat a carrot, a cucumber or .. I better stop here. Ebina-san is giving me too many ideas.

The other statues. I recognize the bug to the right, but the boy to the left. Who does he represent? Fat, disgusting, evil. I feel it. But he is no danger like the bug. Just another otaku, just another loner. We are many. Source: Myself. I am a loner.

But where loners may live, Ikeman should just explode. Maybe I should destroy the statue of the bug. It would be nice to kill of the bug. Does the bug think he is worthy of my sister? My sister deserves something genuine, not an ikeman, all ikemen are players.

I put my hand on the head of the bug. So easy to crush. Then I hear water falling, a girl crying. I turn and look at the source of the sound of water. Yes, she would cry, and I owe her. I remove my hand. The bug to his luck is indeed protected by a great power.

As I stop myself, Kamakura drops down before me from wherever. Of course, he makes it elegant. Kamakura is CAT. Why was I not allowed to be born as a cat? Then I could sleep, eat and laze around, all I want to, and have lots of servants to do my bidding.

Maybe this is something shamanism? The source of all religions. Is Kamakura, my totem?

I follow Kamakura as he starts to walk, sand appearing under his paws. We walk past, what's her name? Except the face of the crying women now has changed, no longer the sister of the bug. Where have I seen that face before? Ah, yes, creation myth. Izanami-no-Mikoto. My teachers must be proud of me.

But why is she crying? Because her husband destroyed what was genuine between them? But was there anything genuine to begin with, when the only thing that had his interest was the beauty of her body? Do you call that genuine?

Oh, the place changed. Pyramids, and Kamakura is turning into a giant sphinx. The sun is glaring, and everything looks hoot. Giza. History test before Christmas. Our teacher is truly an evil man.

Kamakura in the high looks down on me. Do I look like a mouse to him from his height now?

"Serve the SUN, obey".

I look around. There is only me, the sun, the pyramids and Kamakura the sphinx. Who said that?

The Eye of Ra: Bast, Sekhmet, Wadjet, Hathor and Mut.

I look at Kamakura the sphinx and ask: "Are they your Gods?".

I receive no answer to my question, but then, what should I expect. It is the sphinx who asks question and the man who answer.

Everything then disappears before me by turning into sand, and then the sand turns into the sound of bells. Bells of harmonies.

A grand procession appears before me. Elegant men riding, ox pulling beautiful carved wagons, priests chanting. The procession stops. A rider approaches me. Looking down on me from his high horse, he speaks. I see his black teeth's as he in the plainest language order me to attend the Saio. Yes, this is surely a court official.

I walk to the first of the carved wagons. Of course, the princess will be there. Princess does not eat the dust of their underling.

"Abe no Yasuchika. I am most cross with you. You did not come to see me depart, and suddenly I see you here. What is the meaning of this meeting? Why did you say, you loved me, when you do not do anything? What shall I believe about you? What do you want me to believe? Must I hope, must I dream - alone" a voice says from the wagon.

A face looks out at me from the wagon. Why is Yukino now sitting there, dressed like the Saio? No, it is Yui, no, it is Saika, no, now it is Kaori, turning into Iroha, then Ebina-san, no I don't do crazy. I turn my head away, as I see fire-queen start to appear, I don't want to burn either. The sound of bells disappears.

I find myself standing beside the statue of the loner. Except the statue now smiles sadly, wearing a forlorn face and say: "When I look at the Moon, I always think of the fact, that in the stories the Moon is either an ancient doomsday weapon system, the hiding place of Nazis waiting to return, or a kingdom lost".

I look at the boy: "And what should it then be?".

"The start of something new. The place for an A.I. to govern a just Earth, the starting point for our travel to the stars, and the light of the place, where we meet our true love" the boy responds, as he turns his face towards me.

"You are an ambitious romantic. Artificial intelligence and space exploring, yes. We will get there. But true love? How do we know what that is?" I reply with melancholy, as I recognize what the boy is talking about. I may be a priest in training, but this is more my colleague of Eros domain.

The boy replies: "If I knew that, I would be a wise man. I only know the feeling that had crept in on me. A feeling I am defenseless too. I know she is just nice to me, a real nice girl. But she has walked into my life, and now it is as my reality is crumbling around me, as I stand here".

Yes, I tried that in middle school. A typical case of a boy in love. Am I speaking to a younger version of myself? I was not that disgusting, was I? I ask, "So you are seeking something genuine?".

"Yes, I think so. Maybe it could be genuine to me, but would it be for her?" the boy ponders.

"Another question, I can't know the answer to. Love is subjective. You can just try" I answer.

"But how much? Is anything all right? Can I do it, if is it for my own good and not for hers?" the boy continues his question.

"I think, they say, that everything is fair in love and war. Love is war" I return.

The boy looks again to the moon: "So to do evil, to be evil, is all right, as long I don't claim it is for the Greater Good or any other goods, but my own. My life lie is not going to be easy".

The boy is channeling Ibsen. Maybe Hiratsuka-sensei is planning to hurt me mentally instead of psychical. Could she be that evil, to do that in the two days before Christmas? Yes, she could. May her hot Christmas date be cursed.

Then the boy disappears, as I feel pain. A pity, I was actually starting to like myself a bit. To be a romantic, is to suffer. Source: A lot of German writers of the Romantic period. No, not me, even if I know the pain so very well, in so many ways.

The man

The man smashed the boy with the keisaku. The chairman would be pleased, when he reported, that the boy would be ready to carry out the duty of the temple at New Year. The SUN expects every priest to do his duty.

It is alright to be evil?
I hope this do not take too much time, I have places to be, plans to foil. But I must obey the orders from my new companions and senpai's in the Computer Club.

But why do we have to meet a Sunday morning in the basement of Kaihin?

"Greetings fellow warriors, proud soldiers of RE/GAIN, in our war against the injustice of the world".

I am not sure, if our coming president has all his marbles. He is clearly a genius in programming, but his 8'th grade syndrome is very loud. According to rumors, there are only one other boy in Chiba, a pupil at Sobu, who is even more afflicted than our coming president.

"You have all proven to be able programmers, and to uphold the values of us nerds. As such, it is my honor to introduce you to the work of Kaihin Computer Club. What you are going to see will make you tremble, in awe and fear of the might of RE/GAIN but follow me now without question. I will explain everything about the glorious quest of RE/GAIN".

The president-elect then turns and push a stone behind him. The wall disappears. That I had not expected.

"What we now are entering was found by the club in the middle of 90'ens, where a member of the club was helping the History Club with organizing the data for the establishment and running of Kaihin.

The numbers simply didn't match up. The amount of cement and steel which was used in the building of Kaihin in 1950 and the amount of energy and water used in the running of Kaihin and the numbers of teachers registered to Kaihin from 1951 until the fall of the Berlin Wall, was way beyond what a high school should use".

We come out in a large room, more like a hall. A copy of the school's assembly hall, but why is it so dark here.

"In many ways, this complex is a copy of the main parts of Kaihin. We don't know, who was responsible for the building of this secret complex, probably one of the alphabet soup agencies.

We do know that the builder of the complex was Yukinoshita construction, as they were responsible for the building of Kaihin. And as everybody with an interest in the history of Chiba know, the founder of that company was a viper, involved in a lot of shady things, a true politician".

As my eyes get used to the dim light in the hall, I start to see that the hall is filled with a lot of different computers, from ancient IMB to modern, lab-top, whom seem to be rigged together in a mind-boggling system of wires. Small lights are flickering around in the hall, as machines turn on and off. A mighty beast is sleeping here in this cave.

"When we found the complex, we could see, that it had been left suddenly. Among the things left, was a lot of computers. That was the start of our A.I. program. As you can see, a lot of different machines have been added since then. Some have been donated to us from companies, other has been acquired through other channels. In that connection, it is an advantage for us, that Kaihin is the dumping place of all the undesirable of Chiba".

Then he suddenly shouted: "Mister president, please light Ai-chan up".

Suddenly the dim light in the hall is replaced with a firework of colors. In the middle of the hall, what is that. Crystals?

"Now, many will wonder why we do not use a cloud solution to store data. But everything which is in the cloud, belongs to everyone, and while we share the viewpoint, that information should be free, there is a difference between others information's and our information's.

And you can now clearly see the center of Ai-chan. The design of Ai-chan is based on a system we have liberated from an American mercenary company, who runs a lot of black ops and other unsanctioned activities, especially satellite observation, on behalf of the American government.

The late founder of the company was fortunately a true programmer, who trust no one with authority, and as such left a lot of backdoors into his system.

Now, mister president, let Ai-chan speak".

As the lights in the hall intensifies, especially around the crystal core, a synthesized voice is heard:

"Data regarding Yukino Yukinoshita added. Data calculated. The probability of taking control of Japan in this century increased by 4-point 1 percent. Need more dark generals.

Data regarding star travel. No new data. Need more power. Need more crystals.

Data from the fora of "Chiba arrows of Eros" added. The probability in your likelihood of getting dates: No change".

I hear sighs of disappointment. But it is a nice touch, that the club has used the voice of Nagato Yuki for Ai-chan. That is class.

The trials of Taishi II

I wait eagerly for her. So much hardship to get this point. That Sayko was that daring, I had not expected. Her insinuations and her movements. Uptown girls are scary. It was good, that I am a man of principles or I would have been devoured, raw.

Kotori, Friday, was a lot easier in that regard, but then there was the accident. I hope she forgives me – someday. How we ended up in that position, I don't know. I thought that kind of accident only happened in manga.

Saturday, my date with Urano, went fortunately much more according to my plan. Urano is a quiet girl, a member of the literacy club at her school and want to become a librarian. So, spending time together with browsing bookstores and hearing poems presented in one of them was a good, and cheap, way to do something together. And she did get a lot of books out of our date. But I do have a suspicion. Is she most interested in having someone to carry her books, rather than the date itself?

Komachi

It is with a mix of expectation and anger, I meet Taishi. I have dreamed about getting him so invite me out, but it was me, who had to ask him.

Then there is the review of his others date. I know it is according with the rules, if he is not in a relationship, he must accept at least one date, when requested.

But his reviews. Using a Kabedon on Sayko, nearly gaining her first kiss or the situation with Kotori, landing with his head between her legs after an "accident". But Urano was the worst, poems. Everybody knows that girls are weak, too that. These are all indicators, that Taishi is a player.

But that actually makes him more interesting. What many girls compete about, is worth winning.

Hyousuke

What I am doing is pure evil. But everything is fair in love and war. War is love. And Taishi, you know shit about computer safety. 1Komachi1 as your password, please.

Komachi II

As we walk around enjoying all the Christmas decoration, I move closer to Taishi, it is after all, cold, and the setting is so romantic.

Outside a sport shop I recognize Hyousuke, he looks ill standing there. My curiosity is aroused.

I drag Taishi with me.

"Hallo, Hyousuke-san. Fancying meeting you here".

"Not with my pleasure I am here" I hear him mumble through his thick scarf. It is cold, but not cold enough, that you have to hide most of your face when speaking.

"Oh, is these friends of yours? Hyousuke-kun" a voice say's, as a young man comes out of the shop. WOW, talk about looking good.

"Mumble mumble, my brother, mumble mumble."

Oh, is that Hyousuke's brother. But it can't be. Does his muscle have muscle? Don't tell me, that Hyousuke could look like that, if he trained. A different type than Saika, so manly. Just how heavy are the dumbbells you lift? Oh, I totally get Hina-chan now. They would look so good together. Much better than my brother and Saika. Sorry, brother. You are a loser of a man.

Hyousuke II

I am going to end up in hell. Using my brother like that. Nice drools Komachi. Sweet dreams, my love. Yes, Taishi, I am the worst. Cockblock number one in Chiba. Everything and everyone are a legit weapon in love, even if my brother should be on the United Nations banned list.

The Tobe

My husband has brought the letters of complaints from last week for me, so I can evaluate what to do with them, before there are registered official.

I sort them into those, who can be filed vertically, those who must receive a letter about their complaint being considered, and then those who must be acted upon.

The wife of a council member complaining about her son receiving an unfair evaluation of his test in mathematic. That is to be handled directly by the principal of the school. The principal will know to raise the boy's grade or suffer the consequence of the next budget decision.

A mother complaining about the conduct of the vice-inspector at the Sobu Hign in regard to her daughter. I remove the letter from the stack. That letter has never been received. I must have another talk with my brother and send a letter of apology. My husband's seal once again at work.

Brother, if you can't control yourself. If you must do it, do it with those, who can be bought, like the daughters of the Tokugawa dog. She is calling herself a sama, while she sold herself to the nephew of the oyabun, to keep the family company and their place in the Diet. For their kind it is just a question of the price, not a matter of honor.

But at least I got the satisfaction of seeing her humiliation by our young master, and it is even better when I read the new number of Chiba Weekly News. A masterwork, the speculations, the insinuations and the insults, nearly libel. Their lawyers must have been doing overtime. Oh, if I just had gotten a daughter instead of a stupid boy.

But even a stupid boy can serve, like my stupid husband. I let my eyes ones again rest on the house alter, where I have placed the invitation. Our young master surely has the family's ability. To reward us so fast after my husband had a talk with the principal of that primary school. Yes, the Abe no knows that the samurais of Chiba still faithfully serves the southern court.

The Orimoto
I look at the invitation, and the new number of Chiba Weekly News. My daughter has truly taken my words to her heart. And she is so lively now, so many want to talk with her, to be with her, so many exciting and romantic things is now happening in her life.

It reminds me of, when I was young and met my soldier boy. That was a romantic and exciting time. The spies, the car chases and the gun fights. The wind in your hair, when you held an informant out of the window to get the truth, the satisfaction of a well-done dropkick taking out your foe and the thrill of the hunt. Oh, I miss the time when I had the right to act whiteout a thought.

But I think all this mean, I now can return to my knitting group with my head high. I have missed them after all. Where did I put the yarn? And did I remember to get the blood removed from the knitting needles, before I put them away?

Another Monday in the Service Club

I hear them arriving, they are arguing: "No, I don't think our history teacher will appreciate your description of the old kingdom of Egypt as a slave-based society, which used religion to extract profit from the people".

Right, that is my fault. I was one who taught her about Marx. How could I know, that she could understand it? Or more correctly, take to it, like a fish in water, with that ideology. Maybe she was a Communist theoretician in a former life. That could explain, why their empire failed so suddenly. I allow myself to laugh at the thought.

"Yahallo".

"Oh, someone is happy. Had anything nice happened?"

I look upon them. They look exhausted.

"Just a funny thought" I reply: "What had happened to you?".

"The history teacher is evil. A surprise test about the old Egyptians. Just before Christmas" Yui informs me.

"And after that we had to run the gauntlet to get here. Christmas make people lovesick, and they want me to do onmyoji for their dates, without payment. It is a hassle, that it has returned", Hachiman explain: "And it is going to be worse tomorrow. Hiratsuka-sensei is planning something evil. I suspect a test in Ibsen".

What? Why? Mysterious: "Why do you think that?" I ask.

"She is happy, she has a hot date Christmas Night. Of course, she is going to use the last chance she has to torment us before Christmas" Hachiman reply.

"I may accept your premise about a test tomorrow. But that does not explain Ibsen. Should it not be a writer with Christmas stories. Maybe H.C. Andersen, if we talk about Nordic literature?" I inquire.

Hachiman looks at me, as I do not understand: "Not a chance. You do know that her date will go wrong. She knows that subconsciousness. The date is another part of her life lie. It is going to be Ibsen".

I still don't see the connection, but Yui says: "Oh, you are so totally right. I am going to warn the others in class. You are a savior to us all. I do not want to spend the holidays doing extra homework".

What do I not see? And how can Yui see it? Something is fundamentally wrong here in this club.

Then my phone makes it clear it want my attention.

What, a text from Orimoto. Asking if we want a practical study in the art of love on the 24'th, since it is her expectation, that none of us have a date on Christmas Night.

That girl, she is so infuriating. I start to write a retribution, but I stop. She is right. I am pathetic. I have received so many letters from boy's and have even been on a quite good date. But I do not have a date Christmas Night like sister have, and I do not want to be anywhere near home to eat a Christmas cake in the family lap as in the old days, when the Hayama came over with Hayato and we visited Destinyland together.

Mother must have read Chiba Weekly News by now. Me they express sympathy for, but mother. Especially the statements from the expert in youth psychology. If we hadn't been the Yukinoshita, I would expect, there would have been people from Child protection to see me now.

I look up. Yui is looking at me expectantly. What. Were you not busy warning the others in your class? And when have I developed a weakness for dogs' eyes? I am cat only. Reluctantly, I accept.

Kaori

The only surprise I get, is the response from the girl with the 1.000-watt smile. She actually has a date, she claims. It is not through my forum then. A pity. Like it is a pity, that I don't have a date Christmas Night. Of course, I have received two invitations, from the chairman of the Computer Club and Tamanawa. Talk about choices, so I refused them both politely with the excuse I must work on Christmas Night.

So, I had to create some work for myself, and what better than my pathetic stack of helpless girl in Hachiman's harem. He didn't even have the guts to invite anyone of them out or me. No, I am not part of his harem. I am a colleague. I am a priestess of Eros.

Well. Not lying and doing as promised, will all help with my Karma. I did promise to train them, and it can't go worse than with my practical training of Hachiman.

And I can get to use the tickets I have received from my new sponsor, Destinyland. The Computer Club is good to me, I must say. Getting sponsors for me. Maybe I should become a puro nakodo, when I leave school? It is at least a romantic and interesting job. Suitable for a priestess of Eros.

Hiratsuka-sensei

I look over my class. They make me proud. Even Tobe had been able to answer the questionnaire in an amount, that meant he passed the test. My date could not go wrong this time:

"Thank you for this semester. Have fun, remember you are young and have the right to be foolish, but don't do anything so foolish, that you regret it later" I say, as I release them for the vacation.

I still remember, when I accepted the request of the captain of the boxing team for a Christmas date. He was so handsome, so tall, so strong. Those muscles. The number one boy in school. The first of so many dates which went haywire.

The trials of Taishi III

These days have been exhausting. Of course, Yuko confessed to me. That was bad, fortunately my guidebook has good advice regarding that: "It is not you; it is me", "You will make a guy very happy" and "There is someone else I like".

Worse was my date with Kotori. I took the standard route with her, to make it completely clear, I am not interested in her. Movie, the mall and dinner. And I picked the new Pretty Cure movie. Everyone knows that the movie made Hyousuke's date, so it should be a clear signal of not interested.

But she was happy with it. Just how many girls are Pretty Cure fans?

And the shopping in the mall. How did I end up in the lingerie shop to help her select a new night gown? And the female clerks were just dying of laughter at the sight of me. Anyone decent would have thrown me out.

After I survived that, we went to dinner. At Saize. The number one way for a guy to kill a date.

Except Kotori likes Saize. She and her family eat there often, because her father is a heavy eater.

And he came to pick her up, in his uniform as a foreman from Yukinoshita construction. Greeted me politely. But his cold eyes, as they moved over me. They held the promise, that he will kill me with one hand, and bury me somewhere where nobody would ever find me, if his daughter ever cries because of me.

Scary belongs to that family.

But worst was the meeting with Hyousuke and his brother. Sunday was going so well, and then after we meet them, everything shoved down, and then died, as Komachi left early, so she could take care of some work at home.

But now I have fulfilled the rules of the forum and can invite Komachi for Christmas Night. And sister has really come through for me. I know she has worked as a horse with costumes, but this. Two tickets for Destinyland. She is the best sister in the world.

Hyousuke

I look at the message. He has invited her to Destinyland. The magic place of pandas, battles and love. Those who do their marketing are either genius or mad men.

And there is her acceptance. Unfortunately, I can't stop their date. I have used my weapon. Fortunately, I am not in this battle alone. I look at the movies, where I can see Taeko following Taishi and his dates around in the city, arranging certain incidents. I could probably turn Taishi's accident with Kotori into a meme on the net.

I do not know how she do it. Ancient kung fu? Secret kunoichi ability? Tripwire? Is the village far out in the mountains, she is from, actually a hidden village?

But it is impressive, none the less, and I have her e-mail account from cram class. I route information about Taishi new date through some servers around the world. I do not think she have the ability to trace me, but who know, what ninjas are trained in today?

Editor Asami

I look at the small microphone. What technology is capable of today. Then I ask: "And you are sure, it can record and send everything he say or what is said to him?".

The man in the suit smiles confidently at me: "Sure, we use them in a lot of divorce cases. Normally it is enough to ensure, that the case can be handled outside of court. 24 hours of action nonstop".

I give him the photo and address of the boy: "This is your target. I want to know everything he do from the 24'th to the 25'th, especially with girls. Get good photos".

I will get the scoop; Ran is not going to win. This Christmas number of Chiba Weekly News is going to be the number one magazine of love in Japan.

A girl by the fence

It was unfortunately not a moonless night, but I must work with the circumstances. I had done my best to ensure Taishi's luck, either too much or too little, under his dates. All those hussies fawning over my boy, especially her. And now she will take Taishi here and force him to commit to her. Komachi is a player just like her grandfather, breaking hearts without regard for others, wherever she goes. But it seemed I had gained just such a heart as my ally in my quest.

This will be my greatest work yet. Enchanting an entire plaza. Fortunately, the guards of Destinyland are mostly interested in getting drunks and lovesick couples out of the park, so they can close down, rather than stopping me from getting in. If they even can sense me, behind my shielding.

If I succeed in this, I must ask grandmother, if I now am good enough to learn to create Koduko. Then I will be recognized as a full witch. A pity that the new oyabun do not believe in the old ways. The old oyabun would have paid handsomely for a successful pot of Koduko.