Queen and Princess
B-Rank Kotowari Squad was made up of five members. Three were females while the other two were males. The males were a Shooter and Attacker respectively, but all three of the females were All-Rounds.
While all three certainly were All-Rounders, each one was very different from each other. One was actually the Ultimate Operator. Another focused more on sniping. The last one used a sword with a special Trigger.
They were very odd females.
One more so than another.
And the only reason was...
"I honestly need more material."
That single sentence was what made many, many, many people dash for the nearest exit. Some stumbled while other tumbled. They all just wanted to get away from the girl who had uttered such a phrase.
The only one who had no hope of escaping was the poor unfortunate soul called Satori Ken.
Misaki Suzumebachi was a 100% shipper and fujoushi. She would use anyone and anything to get what she wanted when it came to things like material for her next doujinshi or story. She was rather well known for these kinds of things and even made a small profit by selling the doujinshi she made.
She wasn't the only one who was like this though. After finding out that there were many, many, many more people in Border who were like this she started seeking out help in her endeavors. That had lead to the creation of the group that was feared by a good percentage of Mikado City's population - the Shipping Squad.
The group made up of mostly females, with a handful of males, was rather notorious for taking pictures and recordings of others who seemed to be in situations that would make some think the people were together, or at least had a 1% chance. They would use these pictures and recording for one thing or another.
This group also had its own ranking system that was based off of Border's own system. The casual ones who would participate in enjoying the things but not actually actively doing anything were the C-Ranks.
The ones who went out in search for pictures and recording of events and situations were the B-Ranks. They were the majority of the group and were very helpful.
Then there were the A-Ranks. These people were the ones who would go out of their way to make these kinds of situations happen and due what the B-Ranks do. They were feared for their great work and abilities to get what they wanted. There were a few in this rank. Kako of Kako Squad, Ayatsuji of Arashiyama Squad, Sayako and Nasu of Nasu Squad and even Sawamura from HQ were among these people.
Then there was her.
The only S-Rank person in this group.
"That's it! I'm honestly going to do something about this!"
"Wait a minute! Shouldn't you get ready for your next match!? Don't go wasting your time on something like this!"
Misaki Suzumebachi was a 100% shipper and fujoushi. She would use anyone and anything to get what she wanted when it came to things like material for her next doujinshi or story. She was rather well known for these kinds of things and even made a small profit by selling the doujinshi she made.
She stood as the only S-Rank person in the group for her ability to make any sort of situation happen. She could always get the best photo shot. She could always find the best times to record. She could always make the best doujinshi that made both males and females of Mikado City check online stores to see if her doujinshi were up.
"Come on, Ken! We're honestly going to find something good today! I honestly feel it!"
"Where!? Where do you feel it!? Your boobs are pretty big, but there's no way you can determine something like this from that alone! Really! You should be practicing! You want to win, don't you!?"
"Don't give me that. I've finally gotten Betty back. No way am I going to just let her sit off to the side while I go about honestly practicing like nothing."
"When did you get that thing back!? I thought Yuki-san and Takaoto-san too that chainsaw away! By the way, what does your mother and sister even think of you having such a thing!?"
"Hm? Oh. A kind person had found poor Betty and returned it to me. As for my mother and sister... They are both find with Betty. It may seem rather naïve and careless of her, but my mother knows that I won't actually end up killing anyone. You see, unlike you, I'm quite responsible."
"Don't give me such a pitiful lie! I've heard better lies from kids who still think that curry and hurry mean the same thing!"
"Hm? When was that honestly an issue? Don't tell me... Hehehe~ You were honestly like that, Ken~?"
"Wha-!? Nope! Nope, nope, nopity nope! I was, and still am, the pinnacle of a smart, kind and generous man that caters to any woman he is around."
"Then why are you honestly backing away from this fine woman who is asking for your assistance?"
If anyone was still in the area then they would see that Satori Ken was close to one of the exits while Suzume continued to sit in her seat with a calm expression on her face.
Satori knew what would happen if he stayed in the area.
While there may have been simple ranking for people in the Shipping Squad, there was a sort of hidden rank. This one didn't go with the A-B-C style that the SS or Border went by. This one was dubbed the Gofers. Satori Ken, Toby Awdry and Sasamori Hisato were among these people.
"Now that I'm thinking more about this... I honestly need to renew my contract with Iko-san, Arafune Squad, Koala-chan and Kuruma-san. Who knew he was into that kind of thing."
Satori truly wanted to run away from his best friend right now. Even with the current situation, Suzume was thinking more about those contracts she had made with other agents.
Satori himself had been forced to help Suzume out multiple times, but he had to admit that the payments for that were always great. Whether it be some erotic yuri doujinshi or actual cash, he was paid well for his hard work.
"Oh crap! I honestly forgot!"
Satori tilted his head and lowed his guard a bit.
"Sorry, Ken. I honestly forgot that I'm going to the bathhouse nearby with some others."
Satori tried his best to keep certain images out of his mind.
"Oh, and Ken..."
Satori looked towards his best friend and saw her giving him a rather dark smile while holding her Trigger.
"If anything happens and I find out you were involved... I'll honestly stab you a thousand times in the dick. That denki anma will honestly seem like a massage."
Satori gulped and tried his best to stop his legs from shaking like crazy.
Most knew that it was wise not to go against the two older women of Kotowari Squad. While Mei would pummel anyone to the ground, Suzume would make sure that someone would end up with a hole in the middle of their head.
"Ah! Senpai! I finally found you!"
The two heard a rather familiar voice come up from behind Satori.
Taiyōko Hoshi and Narasaka Tōru were walking up from behind Satori. It was a rather odd duo.
While Suzume was happy to see her underclassman, she was a lot less excited to see her upperclassman. It was a lot like an older sister who loved her sister but hated her boyfriend.
"You cleared out the area... You want to look for some more material, don't you?"
"How ever could you tell?"
Suzume rolled her eyes as she walked up to Hoshi.
"It isn't too hard to figure out. You're actually a rather simple woman that most could understand if they took five seconds to hear you speak."
"Nope!" This time it was Satori who spoke up. "Suzu is most definitely a complex woman who you need a lot of time to get use to! That being said, that trait of hers is not a bad thing. But! Hehehe~ I am the only one who knows her that well. I can name off her favorite color, favorite food, anime otp and real life otp!"
"All of that isn't too hard to figure out. You can't say you know her too well when you only mention knowing the basics of her. Even I could name all of that. Besides... I'm the one she went to for help in her sniping."
Satori's smile fell a bit at this.
He wouldn't admit it, for the sole fact that it might have seemed to hold a different meaning, but he was a bit jealous that his best female friend had gone to Narasaka for help in her sniping instead of him.
What made it worse was the fact that Narasaka and Suzume hated each other with a passion.
"Oh?"
Both Satori and Narasaka turned their heads to see Suzume looking at them with a rather forced smile.
Her arms were folded under her breasts and she seemed ready to punch them.
"So you two honestly believe you know me that well?"
Her answers we immediate.
"Absolutely!"
"Sadly, yes."
Suzume let out a sigh as she flipped her hair.
This had quickly become a thing she would do when irritated. That just added more to her that wasn't her verbal tick of always adding "honestly" to her sentences.
"Fine. Then tell me this... In most cases, what would I be looking for if I honestly were to scan an area?"
"Reference for a doujinshi or story!"
"Correct."
"..."
"Next question. What would I do if I couldn't find anything particularly good for reference?"
Not wanting to be outdone, Narasaka quickly spoke up.
"You would go somewhere else to find some 'material'."
Suzume held up her arms in an "x" shape as she shook her head.
"Incorrect!"
Narasaka furrowed his brows in confusion.
He really thought that she would go and do something like that. He had seen her do it before, so this all didn't make sense to him.
Maybe she just didn't want him to be right.
Suzume just grinned without answering.
She turned her body in one quick motion and was now facing Hoshi. She continued to grin as she moved her eyes to look at the two A-Rank Snipers looking.
"The correct answer would be..."
Suzume lifted her arms up and placed them on Hoshi's cheeks.
"I would honestly make my own material."
Narasaka and Satori could only stare in shock as Suzume moved in with eyes closed. They didn't think Suzume would go so far as to kiss another girl, her teammate especially.
While the two males were freaking out - and secretly enjoying the scene - poor Hoshi went completely red and was rendered motionless from the shock of being kissed. Not just by someone else either, by her own teammate and upperclassman.
By this point most if the agents who had left returned to the area. What they saw was not what they were expecting.
Suzume continued to kiss Hoshi for another few seconds before backing away with the same grin as before.
"And that is honestly the lengths I'll go to. Although I will admit that Hoshi-chan's lips are softer than Mei-san's."
Suzume walked forward and held up both her arms. She lightly slapped both Satori and Narasaka's cheeks a few times before delivering a hard and resounding slap to both of them.
She then once again placed her folded arms under her breasts and continued to grin.
"I'm shocked that you of all people forgot an honestly simple fact about me, Ken. You two say you know me so well, but that's not even close to the truth. I'm honestly sure that Toby and Take knew me far better than the two of you. Please do well to remember that I am an obscene, rotten girl. That is the essence of being a fujoushi after all. If you can't remember this simple fact about what's on my surface then you have no right to go around saying you know me so well. Now then... I will only forgive you two once you perform a perfect dogeza in front of a large crowd."
Satori and Narasaka could only stare at Suzume.
The two Snipers had forgotten exactly how dedicated Suzume was to one of the things that brought her a large amount of enjoyment. It was such a simple thing that anyone could see, yet only took up 10% of the woman known as Misaki Suzumebachi.
It truly wouldn't be too far out there for people to think that she is a woman who got her beauty and fierce personality due to worshiping the great Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto.
Meanwhile, Hoshi could only touch her lips with her face still being red. This was only her second kiss, but it was the first kiss that was given to her.
"S-senpai..."
"Hm? Oh. I'm honestly sorry about that, Hoshi-chan. I wanted to prove a point to these two honestly idiotic snipers who don't know much about woman and their hidden secrets that I completely forgot how innocent you are. Please don't tell Yuki-san I did that. I'm sure that he would attack, even if it was me who did that."
"R-right..."
"By the way, would you like to join me? I'm heading over to a nearby bathhouse with some other girls right now. I think it would be a good thing for you to get to know them. Mei-san has told me about how you don't really have many people here in Border who you can go to. I would honestly like to change that."
As soon as Hoshi's red face started to go back down to its usual color it went back up to being red. This was partially due to the fact that Mei had told the female sniper about something like that while another part was because the thought of being around that many new people - naked - made her a bit nervous.
The more she thought about it the more pumped up she got.
I fight Neighbors, and even Kou-onii-san! S-seeing other females naked... Right! That's nothing! Besides... When I'm older... I... I...
Suzume let out a laugh when she saw Hoshi go even more red and out her hands on her cheeks.
It was rather obvious what the younger one was thinking.
"Right then. I might honestly see you two later~"
Suzume put a hand on Hoshi's back and started walking away, guiding the younger one so she wouldn't trip and fall.
Satori and Narasaka gave each other a quick look before taking their leave as well.
"Now, let's get started. Come over here, Taiyōko. Everyone else, we will be borrowing the area of the tub near the tap."
Kako moved toward the edge of the tub on the northern end of the bath and Hoshi unsteadily followed.
Hoshi copied how Kako had her towel on her shoulder and her long hair on top of that, but she was still self-conscious about her body. It did not help that she was comparing herself to Kako. She watched the other girl from a bit behind.
... Bigger than me.
She meant her height. Kako was taller than Hoshi herself, yet still shorter than her older sister. Meaning that Hoshi was the shortest.
...Why do I get the feeling I have many older sisters at this point?
As she thought about this odd issue she had, she watched Kako check the bottle that were placed in a bucket. The other female came to a stop.
"Okay, we can do it here. To prepare..."
Kako put her hand in the bucket and stared picking one after another another. She looked at each one while nodding at times.
Hoshi continued to watch as Kako got an empty bucket and placed it in the tub.
"I will be pouring water on you, so please sit still."
As soon as Hoshi closed her eyes, hot water poured over her. It soaked through her hair, and poured over her scalp, neck, and shoulders. The warm caress of the water brought a sense of calm. As she sat with her eyes closed and her straightened back to Kako, she was reminded of the past.
...My parents would wash me like this when I took baths with them long ago.
She wondered what it would be like to have them here now.
"Having my siblings is still nice though. Having Kiyo-nii is nice."
"Yeah. Not to mention your squad will take care of you as well."
"Right. ...Ever since I joined, I think these have been happier times for me. But I sometimes think they're been trying too hard. Probably because I'm Kiyo-nii's sister. Whether it's because they're afraid of what he'll do or because he is their former captain I don't know."
"May I ask why?"
"Yeah." Hoshi recalled how they went along with her idea and began to speak with an exasperated tone. "For starters, the first one or two matches I've had with them. They truly a free-formed squad, not as much as Ikoma Squad of course, but they went along with what I had to say far too easily. Although I do appreciate that, it took Kushi-nee to put them in their place. Although I suppose I'm to blame for that."
"They are probably deciding how to properly incorporate you into their squad."
More water was poured on Hoshi. This action had been repeated several times now and she could tell Kako was deciding when it would be good enough.
"Putting that aside, what kind of look would you want to be going for? Your hair in naturally straight to the point of making rulers jealous. Is there some style you wanted?"
"I would like it to be more modest."
She thought she felt everyone glance over at her, but she decided to assume it was her imagination.
"Anyway, a woman's hair is a major topic, so we will throw in the Kako Special of humidity and dry skin protection for free. You have a certain appearance to keep up, right?"
"I don't really worry about that very much, but I guess that just leaves..."
"Yes. The brand you will now sticking to. Changing it would be rather experimental for most, so having a single type would be far better for you."
Kako then showed Hoshi a waterproof phone belonging to Suzume. It showed a site that let one search for good products. It had lists of products in order of name, type, for what sex, comparability, and more.
However...
"What is with these aggressive categories in the genre search? 'For cross dressers', 'peels back the skin', 'an older sister is fine too!', 'cruel', 'crotch arousing', 'quick to prostrate', and 'always running errands'?"
"There really are products like that. It all depends on what you're going for."
'It sounds more like it just tries to pander to everyone,' thought Hoshi. 'Anyway, what should I do?'
Kako opened another tan which displayed products related to smoothness and beauty.
...There are a lot of 'little sister' and 'hime' ones here, but they're too over-the-top for me. Oh, this is on the list of popular ones.
"Would it be possible to eventually go to a different producys for when I grow older?"
"Oh, of course. Just make sure to do it with me."
The corner of Hoshi's mouth stiffened when she saw Kako's smile, but Suzume began adding to her storyboard in the bath.
"And while naked, Kako says to Hoshi, 'Just make sure to do it with me.' Okay, the next chapter is going to be great!"
"Suzume-chan, I think you just drew up five years' worth of storyboards."
Would everyone be okay if I asked Kiyo-nii to make sure she doesn't make any doujinshi involving me? wondered Hoshi with a half-lidded stare.
But then Kako spoke up.
"Well, we can scold her plenty later. So, you can choose a much more personal product at a later date, but those products usually have specialized chemicals. If you already have another product, the shift can be inconvenient, so keep that in mind. Anyway, what will you do? Do you want a more personal product? Are you sure it wouldn't make you feel better to have one?"
"Why did that last part sound like you were trying to sell me something?"
"Don't worry about it." Kako smiled and held out a hand to stop her. "For now, would you like to use a generic products as a substitute? A generic product is ranked lower than one made by Mei by herself."
Yes. All of these odd products were due to Mei making them.
"You can't make it any cheaper? I'm worried about after I graduate."
"Okay," said Kako while smiling more than necessary. "In that case, we can keep the cost down with a more lax product that most could use without worrying about."
"Without worrying?" asked Hoshi.
"Yes."
Kako showed her the simple and plain bottle in her hand. She began pouring a small amount onto her hand and bluish-white shampoo came out.
"Mei had worked with others on making this one that has different reactions for different people using it. Whether it makes your hair more silky or more fluffy all depends on how your natural hair usually is. She truly is a monster in all aspects."
"Is it really okay to just call her that when she's not here?"
Kako simply continued to smile as she started rubbing the shampoo onto Hoshi's hair. The reaction it had on the hair was almost instantaneous.
"Pfft!"
"Oh my~"
"She looks ready to go out and search for a disco ball to dance too."
"Who knew Mei-san's creation would do something like that."
Hoshi blushed at her puffed up hair and everyone else smiled bitterly. Meanwhile, Hiyami laughed while leaning against the wall on one end of the tub. Just like Hoshi, scarlet tinged her face.
"This is fun," she muttered quietly. "This is actually really fun. In its own way."
She sighed and relaxed her body.
"This is fun..."
She leaned to the side and collapsed onto Hitsugi.
"H-huh? Hiyami-san!? W-wait!"
Hitsugi held Hiyami up, but Hiyami had already passed out. Hitsugi frantically held her up so she would not sink.
"U-um, everyone! Everyone! Hiyami-san is..."
Hiyami slid down in Histugi's arms but then stopped. Hitsugi frowned at this fact.
"...bigger than me!? Sh-shit...no, I mustn't swear! Um, Hiyami-san, I'll be lifting you... Wow! I can properly hook my arm under her breasts! Shit...no, I mustn't swear. At any rate, I've lost! Am I in our group's lowest caste!? Does failure taste like milk!?"
"Um... Are you trying to say Hiyami spent too much time in the bath and passed out? Please calm down, Teikō."
Kako entered the tub while having Kuni help her. Hitsugi turned toward her, but her vision was not great with these thoughts in mind.
"Ah! Instead of a stretcher, you brought some lovely cushions! Okay, let's place Hiyami-san on top!"
A carelessly outstretched hand grabbed onto Kako's "chest armor" and knocked her over.
"PAH! That's good!"
Most of the girls let out content sighs as they finished their drinks. Off to the side they could see Hiyami laying down with Hoshi kindly fanning her head.
Suzume let out a long, but content sigh as she took a seat and felt herself up.
"I'm honestly wondering if I've stopped growing..."
Some of the girls with lower ranked chests quickly turned their heads and gave small glares or deadly smiles. Some felt rather insulted by this while others looked ready to tear into Suzume. Kako just looked rather amused by all of this.
"You're still young. Don't worry, you'll have time to grow some more. All you have to do is follow Kanzaki's route and stray from Mei's and you'll be fine."
As if to add insult to injury, Kako folded her arms under her own breasts to make them pop out more.
Hitsugi, being the most crazy one, decided that she would voice her complaints in a calm and civilized manner.
...
Yeah right.
"Who cares about those lumps of fat anyways!? And don't get me started on Kanzaki! That woman should not have ones those big at the age of 18! Just wait until she's an old woman! They'll be sagging way to much to called beautiful!"
The ones on her side quickly nodded their heads.
This truly was sad since no one there actually had particularly small breasts.
Well, except...
Are breasts really that important to being a woman...?
Hoshi looked down at her own modest size for a few seconds. She slowly brought her hands up to feel them for a bit before pushing them together. She may have pushed a bit too hard since she winced a bit.
What she didn't notice were the others in the room, staring at her with amusement.
"Anyways~"
All attention turned to Suzume, who now hand her arms under her own breasts.
"A small split from what we were just talking about, yet still very much mop organs on the topic in general. Teikō-chan, you honestly have to tell us about your little experiences wearing those kinds of outfits. You know what I'm talking about, right? The Fallen Angel Erotic Maid outfit and the like. I honestly have never wore things like that since I have no need to be desperate."
"What!? I'm not desperate! And I've only ever worn them because of idiots and their idiotic reasoning!"
"From what I've heard," Kako started with a sly smile, "you wore those outfits to impress your captain. Don't worry though. Kanzaki has also worn those things. Although I'm sure you are well acquainted with that fact."
"Hey, maybe you could honestly lend those outfits to some of these other girls who need help. How about it? Kitora-chan? Kirin? Come on. I'm honestly sure at least one of you could impress Torimaru-kun with your sex appeal. Just honestly squish your boobs like this and he'll melt away like lava."
Suzume and Kako couldn't help but laugh once they saw Kitora go a bit red and Konami start raging alongside Hitsugi. These two women truly were some of the worst when it came to messing around with others.
Seeing how they were teasing others, some of the girls decided that it would be best to get some revenge on the Queen of Ships. The first to take this up was none other than Kunichika.
"So, Suzu, what's up with you and those two idiotic snipers?"
Suzume stopped her laughing to turn to the Operator of the #1 A-Rank squad. She figured that Kunichika was just trying to change the subject before she herself got targeted.
Thinking nothing else of it, Suzume flipped her hair and gave a small pout.
"Nothing is up with them. While I have been improving with Tōru's help, I honestly don't get why I can't shoot properly. I'm a perfect shot with Ibis, decent with Egret, but I'm honestly terrible with my signature Lightning."
Having heard some complaints from her own squad's sniper on the matter, Ayatsuji decided to speak up. She had a smile on her face and spoke in a kind and calming tone.
"Maybe it's because of the weight. Fast shots are your thing, but you're better with the heavy Ibis.
"So what should I do? I don't really want to use Ibis too much. And I'm not the only one with an issue, right, Hoshi-chan?"
Hoshi jumped a bit from spot from the sudden attention she was getting from the others in the room. She hadn't expected Suzume to send everyone's gaze to her.
"A-ah? Oh. Yes. I feel that using the Fujin that goes with Kōgetsu is not particularly handy when I'm attacked. The ribbons aren't much for defending. But I can't seem to figure out how to keep the sword out like the actual Fujin."
It wasn't particularly an issue with defense but rather an issue with attacking regularly. There were times when Hoshi would need to use an actual blade instead of her ribbons of destruction, so she wanted to be ready for that.
Her own version of Fujin was rather difficult to use since, unlike the Black Trigger Fujin, the number of ribbons depends on how many the user would be able to command at once. That meant a long of focus would be on controlling the ribbons instead of on defending. That trade was an issue Hoshi had been trying to get over instead of taking the easy way out and just not using the Trigger.
While the two female combatants of Kotowari Squad continued to think, Konami had finished calming down. Now that she was a bit more calm she tilted her head to the side with a confused expression.
Then she said,
"Why not just make your own sniper Trigger, Suzume? And Taiyōko, can't you just form the blade as a sperate thing from the ribbons, or lower how many ribbons you use?"
Everyone turned to Konami, then back to Suzume and Hoshi.
"..."
"..."
In no less than five seconds did things get chaotic.
Once they heard the suggestion, Suzume and Hoshi quickly started going over to their things. They were tripping and stumbling the whole way, but they made it.
"Why didn't I honestly think of that!?"
"P-paper! Paper and pen! I-I need something to write with!"
"Here, here! You can use my tablet! I've honestly got my phone!"
"Th-thank you, senpai!"
"Oh! Oh! Could you help me out once you're done!?"
"Yes!"
The other gile in the room could only stare at the two weirdos going off to do their thing. They knew how energetic Suzume could get, seeing Hoshi like this was a rather nice and interesting treat as well though.
They could all only think,
Why do I feel like things will be getting a bit crazier in that squad?
Wakamura Rokurō wasn't too sure but he thought he had just seen the exact same vending machine he just passed by around five minutes ago. He had been walking around to think of different ideas to use during his squad's next B-Rank War match.
And he swears that he just passed that vending match five minutes ago!
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Wakamura looked around to see exactly where he was. He was around the area of Border's engineering department, meaning he had to pass by a certain squad's operating room to get there.
That particular squad had a member that got his captain mad in a matter of seconds and made his heart beat a little faster. Although he wouldn't actually admit that last part to anyone. Especially the Yagura Branch's representative agent. Wakamura liked keeping his body in tact.
In the end, though, it really didn't matter if he went by that room. He had already told that girl that they should stay clear of each other. He meant it as in staying away until the B-Rank Wars were done, but he may have forgotten to mention that last part.
"Oh, it's you. Are you looking for Taiyōko? She hasn't come up today. If you're one of her fans then I'm pretty sure they're holding a meeting a the room down the hall there. I'm pretty see they're going over some pictures they were able to sneak in last time she was around."
Wakamura looked up to...only look back down. A small and chubby man was standing if front of him. This person happened to be Terashima Raizō, Border's Chief Engineer. He was also well aquatinted with the girl that made Wakamura's heart beat just a little bit faster.
It took a few seconds, but Wakamura registered what was going on now. He also registered what Terashima had just said.
A fan... I'll be sure to tell Tsukiko-san about that later...
Wakamura could feel his eye twitching and had to force himself to stop it from continuing.
He was about to explain that he had just been walking around when he happened to end up there but, he was stopped from talking by the other continuing to talk.
"Oh, wait. You're the one Taiyōko goes on about sometimes. I don't pay too much attention to her rambling, but I do hear her saying a lot of things about you. We all pretty much hear it. You actually have a lot of enemies now because of her."
Wakamura felt very conflicted now. One one hand he could feel his heart beating a bit faster, while on the other hand he wanted to look around the area to make sure no one came up to attack him. He wasn't sure if he should be more worried than happy or vice versa.
Now that he knew that Hoshi had spoken quite a bit about him, Wakamura wanted to know what she had said about him. The issue with that was the fact that he didn't want to see like one of these fans he had just been informed about. He truly was in a sort of bind that only a man in love that denies it could be in.
"Well, I'll be going then. If you see Taiyōko, tell her to come by again. She's been busy with the B-Rank Wars and others are complaining."
The twitch was back.
Wakamura gave a nod as he started walking off himself. He knew that his eye was twitching once again but didn't even bother to try and stop it. He would make sure to get on Yuki's good side by mentioning the others that seemed to have a fan base around Hoshi.
He was truly a megane who was in denial.
Misaki Suzumebachi truly was a difficult woman to handle. Even people like Narasaka, Miwa and Kazama found her too difficult to handle at times and simply walked away once she got going. What's more is that she could be hard to understand once she was excited over something.
Taiyōko Hoshi truly was an easy girl to handle. She was kind to everyone and always tried her hardest at anything she did. She was the type of person who could only be hated out of petty jealousy for her looks and charm. What's more was that she could fight and win battles against some strong opponents.
The difficult woman and the kind girl. This may have been an odd combo to see, but these two got along quite well. It showed when they left their friends at the bathhouse to find a small café to eat at while a tablet and papers were scattered about all over the place.
"So what of we make it more angular? Tōru hates when I start swinging Ibis around, so I'd honestly rather not do that. Then there's the issue of the speed. I'm honestly known for my quick shots, but the weight will be an issue. I could always put it away, but that honestly brings up the issue of Trion consumption."
"You're right. Well, what if we make a holster for you? I mean, the squad uses Teleport frequently, right? Moving around wouldn't be an issue for you. And if you have a holster for it like Kiyo-nii does for Idōgetsu then you can carry it around easily enough. Not only that but you could use it for defense. You said that Narasaka-san doesn't like you swinging it around, but he should be fine with using it as defense, right?"
"Regardless of what he thinks a both it, that should honestly work. While it truly would be an irritation to not have him as a teacher anymore, focusing more on this is better. At least for right now."
Hoshi nodded her head as she typed away on the tablet in front if her before drawing some lines on one if the papers on the table.
Suzume crossed her arms and turned to the ceiling. She was thinking about what she would do in case Narasaka really did stop helping her out. She could always go to Azuma or Mei, but she didn't want to bother either one of them. Mei was already helping her out with guns and her Scorpion-Singer.
There's also Ken. I'm sure he would be really happy if I asked him for help. But then again, he may take it too far and get too excited. That's no mentioning that Arashiyama Squas has Mikumo-kun going there because of Kitora-chan. I honestly don't want to burden them any more with less room. Then again...
As she wrote down more notes, Hoshi glanced up to see Suzume staring off into space with a light blush on her cheeks. She could only image what her upperclassman was thinking, and they weren't things Hoshi wanted in her head.
Deciding that it would be better to fill the silence with small talk, Hoshi started moving her lips to speak.
"Suzume-senpai, if I may..."
Suzume snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head a bit. She hadn't noticed that she was spacing out, so she was a bit embarrassed. Not that she showed it.
She turned to Hoshi with a small smile on her face.
"Hm? What is it?"
"Kiyo-nii... When Kiyo-nii was captain, did he... Did he make you guys do anything to join his squad? He tends to tease others like that, so I thought that..."
Hoshi wasn't sure if she should have asked anything concerning her oldest brother. She didn't know if there were still some scars from when he had left his former squad. But that didn't seem to be the issue as Suzume got a fond expression.
Suzume started thinking of the different things that had happened while they were still known as Tsukiko Squad. There were a lot of good times, but one particular one came to mind. It answered Hoshi's question, as well as made Suzume giggle a bit.
"Now that you mention it... He had told both me and Toby the same things. That is, we honestly had to announce to a big crowd 'I will always give everything my all! 100%!' We had to say it as loud as we could."
"Oh my... I don't think I would had the guts to do something like that. Saying that is one thing, but saying that in front of a large crowd is too much for me."
"Yeah. Apparently Takeshi thought the same thing. He had been on the squad longer than me, so I didn't get to see him do it, but Mei-san had honestly told me that they recorded each of us doing that. I was honestly able to say it easily while Toby pretty much broadcasted it to the entire city."
The two girls giggled as they thought about Toby standing on top of the Border base with big speakers on either side of him. It would be just like him to do something like that as naturally as walking.
.
Once they stopped and went to just smiling, Suzume looked at Hoshi while she worked. She had to admit that she could see why other girls would be envious of Hoshi. She herself felt a bit like that.
While Suzume was confident and proud, Hoshi was meek and mild. While Suzume flaunted all she had, Hoshi wore modest dresses with the worst being a skirt. While Suzume did have to work on her appearance at times, Hoshi seemed to have natural beauty that most definitely made her look like a princess. While Suzume denied that she had feelings for two certain people, Hoshi readily admitted that she was in love.
Wait...
Where did that honestly come from!?
Suzume could feel her cheeks heat up a bit and quickly grabbed her drink.
She wasn't sure why that last thought had appeared, but now it was starting to get to her, and she didn't know why. There was no one she had those kinds of feelings for, so she shouldn't be thinking like that. But here she was, being jealousy of Hoshi for giving up and saying she was in love.
It had happened at the end of a certain day where Hoshi had had an awkward conversation with Wakamura. Once it was just the girls again, Hoshi had come out to Suzume and Mei and told them that she definitely loved Wakamura Rokurō.
Mei had Yuki.
YuMe... A dream...
Hoshi admitted to liking Wakamura.
WakaHo... Two hard workers...
Suzume was in denial.
But there's no one...
Shaking her head roughly, Suzume finished her drink and turned back to Hoshi.
Apparently the younger girl hadn't noticed her small breakdown since she was still working on the two Triggers.
Deciding to get her mind off of the matter of herself, as well as wanting to have some fun, Suzume started speaking.
"So, Hoshi-chan. How are things with you and Wakamura-kun? Have you honestly told him how you feel yet~?"
The reaction was instantaneous.
Hoshi jumped up, hitting the table with her knee, and quickly went red. If it wasn't for the fact that both of them had already finished their drinks then both Suzume and Hoshi would be upset for messing up the papers.
Suzume only gave a kind small that was anything but.
"Wh-what!? S-Suzume-senpai... Of course I-I haven't told him..."
Hoshi started to fidget in her seat, making Suzume internally squeal at how adorable she looked.
"I... I haven't even seen him since the hallway... He really does want go he away from me... B-bit that's fine! I need to focus on the rank wars! So does he! I'm sure that's what he's thinking! It's fine if... If he just doesn't want to see me..."
Suzume's smile quickly fell.
"No. That isn't fine. That honestly isn't fine. Putting my title and pride aside, I can say from a standpoint as a friend, upperclassman and as a girl that it most certainly isn't fine. While you are pretty young for something serious, that honestly doesn't mean that you can't try. A girl like you deserves to be happy with someone that she loves."
While a difficult and obscene woman like me...
Suzume shook her head once again to clear her thoughts.
She turned back to Hoshi and patted her head a few times. She would often do this with her biological younger sister when she was upset, so she would do that now.
Something else she did...
"Just leave it to your Onee-san! I'll find some way to get you two together! I honestly won't directly tell him, that's your job!"
Before the blushing Hoshi could saying anything, Suzume was already leaving.
Suzume smiled to herself as she took her leave. She would leave Hoshi to work on the Triggers while she would be out and ready to help Hoshi with her love life. After all...
"I am honestly the best at getting people together~"