Chapter 18: Lifting the Curse of Perfection
Kusunoki and Kumuro stood next to each other, gazing through the glass wall. Kumuro sighed, feeling goose bumps all over him. I… I can remember the times on my "first date". It… it kinda felt wonderful back then. I guess that feeling I had stayed the same. Could… could this be true love? Keima stood away from Kusunoki and Kumuro, watching Amika hiding behind a bush. She widened her eyes, popping her head away from Keima's eyes. Kusunoki hesitated, feeling her cheeks red.
"So…sorry to bring you to this place, Mu… Muhara and… Katsuragi…"
Kumuro turned his head, smiling at her.
"No need to worry."
"It… It's just that I'm not used… not used to speaking with boys at school."
Keima sighed, watching Amika sneaking through the bushes. What business do you have with us? Kusunoki turned her head, facing Kumuro.
"Is Ane-ue… really energetic?"
Kumuro blinked at her. Uh… what does she mean by that? She placed her hands against the wall.
"Well, you two had spent more time with Ane-ue than I did with her…"
An image of Hinoki abusing Keima appeared inside his mind, making him grumble.
"She's energetic every day. Possibly to a degree that I wished she would be a bit less energetic."
Kusunoki chuckled at Keima, making him turn around and stare at her. Amika slowly popped her head from a tree, watching Keima and Kumuro. Kusunoki lifted her hands off the wall.
"Ane-ue has always been like that… simple minded, naïve… strong… always smiling. She was not someone… who would hide something."
Keima moved closer to Kusunoki.
"Hide something… Is she doing that?"
She turned away from the wall, facing Keima.
"Katsuragi… Muhara… Is there anything strange about Ane-ue?"
Keima and Kumuro shrugged.
"Not that the two of us have noticed so far…"
Amika pulled out a weird-looking invention, holding it out towards Kusunoki. I need to pry in the details. Don't fail me now my beloved invention! Kusunoki placed her hands on her lips, thinking about her sister.
"Ane-ue… was the person I admired. She was strong… and funny… she knew many things I had no clue about… Our dojo is old… and the quarrels with our strict father were endless…"
Kumuro imagined Hinoki and her father fighting with each other. She turned away from her father, leaving the dojo.
"And so… Ane-ue left to dojo… on the day of her middle school graduation. The dojo was too small for ane-ue…"
Kusunoki faced Keima, watching him playing his PFP. She gritted her teeth, punching him in the face. Keima screamed, falling on the ground. Kumuro turned his head, frowning at Keima groaning on the ground.
"Were you even listening, Keima buddy?"
Keima sighed, lifting himself up.
"Do you know… what Hinoki-san was hiding?"
Kusunoki crossed her lips.
"I don't really know… but when I was having a spar with her… I felt she was completely different from before… I could try asking Ane-ue about this… but she might not answer…"
Keima nodded. Different I see…
"Leave this to the two of us… We'll find a way to do something about it!"
Amika smashed her invention on the ground, growling at it. I can't believe it didn't work! It was going perfect yesterday… Kusunoki blinked at Keima's god-like face. She gritted her teeth, lifting his shirt up.
"Why would I want to do that? What would you plan to do?"
Kumuro whimpered, finding his shirt being pulled up like Keima. She turned her head, facing Kumuro.
"And you! You seemed to have more concerns about Ane-ue than about me! Am I that uninteresting?"
Kumuro groaned, feeling pain on his neck. Amika held her hands out to him. Kumuro-sama! Keima gazed upon Kusunoki, retaining his god-like face.
"But… I understood one thing."
Kusunoki turned her head away from Kumuro, dropping him on the ground.
"I heard about how Kumuro was going on between the two of you during the days spent at the dojo. You strived to become a man… to chase after your older sister… to continue the dojo in Hinoki-san's stead…"
Her cheeks blushed, forcing her to slam him into a wall.
"Wha… What are you talking about?"
She strolled away from Keima, thinking about his words. She stopped midway, having one more thing to say.
"That… that was because I was weak… I was desperate…"
Keima and Kumuro gazed upon Kusunoki sighing. She continued walking, leaving the school grounds. Keima lifted himself from the ground, placing his hands on his chin. It was too small for Hinoki, eh? Maybe this is related to the bigger dream she had in mind. No wonder it's difficult for Kumuro to fall in love right now. I guess I have to adjust her desires and dreams before I can push Kumuro for the ending. Kumuro turned his head, gazing upon Keima.
"What are you thinking now, Keima buddy?"
"Hey boys! You shouldn't get exhausted from the warm up exercises! It's easy to get this mountain path up and down 3 times."
Keima and Kumuro gasped, crawling through the stairs towards Hinoki. Keima gazed upon Hinoki standing above them. Now that I think about it, I did more work as Hinoki's fan than Kumuro did. Well at least only she sees me as a toy. I shall help Kumuro take another detour and reset the relationship between the two. Keima held his arms on Kumuro's back, making him turn his head around. Kumuro panted, trying to speak.
"Hey… buddy… why… are you… stopping… me?"
Keima huffed and puffed, trying to regain his breath.
"I… must… tell you… the… next step… for… your capture…"
"Is… this… about… Hinoki-sama?"
Keima slowly nodded his head. Kumuro sighed.
"Keima buddy… I should… tell you this…"
Keima blinked at Kumuro.
"What… what is it?"
Kumuro sighed. Hinoki lifted her megaphone up, shouting at the boys.
"There's no time for breaks! If you wanna get there quickly, I might show you another special presentation of mine!"
Keima gazed upon Hinoki lowering her megaphone. He turned his head, facing Kumuro.
"Listen… You… must… make bad... developments…"
Kumuro widened his eyes.
"Uhh… why?"
Keima pushed Kumuro forward, making him move towards Hinoki.
"Trust me... on this one…"
Kumuro reach to Hinoki, lying on the ground. Kumuro gasped, feeling his body lifeless. Keima witnessed Hinoki bending towards Kumuro. Well this is a good time for him to even the grounds for him… She smacked her paper fan on Kumuro's head, getting his attention.
"Come on, get a grip!"
Kumuro whimpered, thinking about Keima's commands. If I do this, wouldn't I get hit twice as bad as her sister? Well… He is helping me after all… He grasped the fan, glaring at Hinoki.
"Don't show off this big attitude all the time! I'm not your henchman!"
Hinoki chuckled at him.
"Aren't you something like a henchman? If you get a bit stronger than you are now, I'll make you my number one henchman!"
Kumuro blinked at Hinoki. Hey! Is this Keima's plan? Awesome! Kumuro smiled at Hinoki, standing up.
"Wow! Do you think I would be?"
Keima slammed his palm on his face. No! Don't you idiot! Now you're following my tracks! Hinoki turned her head around, gazing upon Keima.
"Hey Keima! You should be more like Kumuro if you want to impress me!"
Keima and Kumuro sneaked inside Hinoki's room. Keima gasped upon Hinoki's body facing away from her. I surely don't like to recommend violence to Kumuro… But since that idiot made a mistake, it's gonna take more than words to take her down… Kumuro gazed upon the bat, whimpering quietly.
"Why do I have to exact violence on her? I thought I'm supposed to be winning her heart."
Keima sighed.
"What you did during the mountain walk was stupid. If you wanted to get an even relationship with her and see her as an equal, you must create events that would make her angry or pissed off! Now go in there and make a sneak attack!"
Kumuro crossed his lips. I'm sorry Hinoki-sama! This is all Keima buddy's doing! He crept towards her, drawing his bat above the ceiling. He slammed it down on the bed, hoping to hit something. He blinked at the bed, finding no cries of pain. Suddenly, his head got locked by Hinoki, making him choke.
"Oh my! You're becoming sneakier!"
She wrapped the bed around him, jumping on his body. Kusunoki entered the room, finding out what's going on. She blinked at Kumuro crying in pain.
Kumuro gazed upon a French magazine, witnessing Hinoki wearing glasses. Hinoki smiled, watching Keima studying the front cover.
"Well, what dya think?"
Kumuro moved his eyes, watching Keima holding a sign up. Is this even working for me? Keima gazed upon Kumuro's wimpy face. This is a good opportunity to use a few words to reset the relationship, so you better insult her looks on the magazine! Kumuro sighed, moving his eyes away from Keima. Oh god… Here we go again…
"There's too much makeup on the face. Is this really you? Or is that actually another person looking like you?"
She lifted the magazine of the table, smiling sinisterly at her.
"Well… D'ya wanna try a bit of makeup on?"
Kumuro widened his eyes, finding himself wrapped around in a huge white cloth. Keima widened his eyes, watching Kumuro suffer. Kusunoki's men moved their heads form the door, watching Kumuro screaming and shouting. Hinoki placed the makeup kit on the table, walking away from him.
"Well it looks like your cute face suits you well!"
Keima and Kumuro stood outside the window, watching steam coming out. Kumuro's thick eyelashes complemented his feminine eyes. The two hairclips were stuck on the sides. His lips shared the same colour as his cheeks. Kumuro gritted his teeth at Keima, watching him hold out a peeping device.
"Damn you Keima! Why the hell did you make me suffer?"
Keima placed the device on Kumuro's hands.
"Stop whining! We're going to revive this event and make it the Bath peeping event version 2!"
Keima held his hands out to the device, letting it shine on Kumuro's hands.
"Behold! This imitation of the peeping device will surely grant you an edge over the last event."
Kumuro frowned at Keima.
"Why do I have to do this? You do remember what happened last time, don't you?"
Keima lowered his eyelids.
"As I said... quit whining and get in there! You do want Hinoki to be yours, right?"
Kumuro sighed. You are so gonna pay later! Keima Hid behind the bush, popping his head out. He watched Kumuro creep towards the window, hugging himself against the wall. Kusunoki was in there last time. This time, Kumuro will be able to catch Hinoki off guard! Kumuro's ears detected Hinoki's voice from the window. He lifted his device up, peering through the screen. He observed a bathroom with the doors open. Hinoki's legs emerged from the picture. Oh god… this is so wrong… Why did Keima buddy make me do this? I feel so violated! Kumuro slowly elevated the device, trying to work his way to the top.
Suddenly he stopped, noticing a hose in the picture. Hang on? What is that? Isn't that-? Water rushed through the device, attacking Kumuro's face. He screamed, falling on the ground and rolling around.
"MY EYES! THEY BUUUUURRRRNNN!"
Keima covered his mouth, watching Kumuro cry in pain. I didn't anticipate that to happen… Kumuro rested his head on the ground, emitting hot steam from his burnt eyes. Hinoki placed her hands on her lips, feeling a bit guilty.
"Sorry about that. Maybe that was a bit too hot. But you're trying to peep on a lady au natural!"
Kumuro slowly raised himself from the ground, feeling defeat inside him.
"Now I know why Keima did all of this… He's jealous… jealous of me getting Hinoki-sama…"
Keima lowered his eyelids. What? Tears poured out of Kumuro's eyes.
"At this rate… I'll… I'll never get to be with Hinoki-sama…"
Hinoki sighed, feeling sympathy for Kumuro.
"… He… Hey… Kumuro… Don't be so depressed. Kumuro's cute. I kinda like you a lot. So… cheer up, why don't ya?"
Keima moved his hands to his chin. Her voice… Did she sound so different from the other events? Keima strolled towards Hinoki, catching her attention.
"Your voice… is a lot different from when you were near Kusunoki in these past few days."
Hinoki blinked at Keima.
"Wha… what are you doing here? Where did you come from all of a sudden?"
Kumuro moved his head, watching Keima's eyes glow from the moon. What are you doing now Keima buddy?
"Kumuro's been telling me how you don't seem to be like yourself even though you appeared to act normal. You can't feign ignorance from everyone all the time."
Shrugging of the confusion, she sprayed the hose at Keima, making him scream in pain.
"OH GOD! MY EEEEEEEEYYYYYEEEESSSS!"
"What the hell are you talking about kid?"
She turned off the hose, watching Keima groan in pain. This is another reason why I hate 3D girls… Keima slowly lifted himself off the ground, trying to stand up again.
"You sister is worried about you hiding something. Why don't you start telling us about-"
Suddenly, a voice called out from nowhere.
"What are you babbling on about? And what you doing here?"
Keima and Kumuro widened their eyes. They moved their heads, watching Kusunoki
glaring at them. Keima and Kumuro scratched their head, chuckling nervously.
"Umm… well…"
Hinoki moved her head out, pointing at Keima.
"This perve's trying to see me naked!"
Kusunoki grasped Keima's neck, making him choke.
"I never thought you would do something like that…"
She threw Keima away, making him bounce through the hills.
"If you ever do something like that again, you're gonna regret messing with my Ane-ue!"
Kumuro held his hands out.
"Keima buddy!"
Kusunoki widened her eyes, noticing Kumuro in front of her. Her cheeks reddened, feeling violated. He… Is he...? Her blush disappeared, reforming a frown on her face. He has gone far enough trying to get too close to Ane-ue! She grasped his arms, making him whimper.
"Were you also trying to do that?"
"Kusunoki. This guy was trying to stop his friend from doing so!"
Kusunoki glared at Kumuro, watching him wail like a girl. She pushed him away from her, making him turn around.
"You better go home now! You are not welcomed to stay here overnight!"
Kumuro held his arms out.
"I'll do that right away!"
Kumuro watched Kusunoki walk away from. Hinoki called for Kumuro, grabbing his attention.
"Hey kid…"
Kumuro walked towards Hinoki, gazing upon her face. She sighed, revealing her unusually nervous-looking face.
"I… I didn't realise what you were doing so…"
Hinoki winked at him, concealing her nervous face with her usual look.
"Let's hang out at a beach tomorrow?"
Kumuro smiled at Hinoki. Wow… Am I getting close?
Keima moved his hands around, operating multiple controllers. He watched many girls from a wall of TV screens and Computer monitors. I think I somehow unlocked another path for myself – a path for most cold-type girl. The girls awed at him, feeling moved by Keima's choices of words. Whether Kumuro's still working on Hinoki's love or not, it seems like reality needs my help to solve another person's matter. Keima stopped moving his hands, having a thought disturbing him. Hang on… Why am I helping reality again? I remember one time that I didn't want to get involved again after the school vacation…
Keima sighed, closing his eyes. Oh right. Reality has no rest for annoying the shit out of me. Perhaps I may not be able to retain that freewill I had since I was born… He turned off the consoles around him, walking out of the room. It's too bad I'm stuck with reality… Maybe if I'm in another world, I won't have to get bothered by anyone at all… I could find a way to get there… He exited the room, heading for the living room. For now, I guess something like reality's favour cannot be ignored. Who know what he'll do next if I simply refuse and ignore him. Inside the living room, he saw a notepad and a pen lying on the table.
He sat on the couch, retrieving the items. He moved the notepad to his face, tapping the pages with the pen. Now… Let's analyse the current situation. He wrote a few words down. Hinoki's very energetic with her fans at first. An image of Hinoki frowning at Keima appeared inside his mind. After the recent events, I somehow triggered the side called the "tsundere" side. I can't piss her off too much for tomorrow as I had reset her relationship with me, and so I needed to regain her trust. Suddenly, Mari strolled towards Keima, holding her phone out.
"Keima honey, your friend has called."
Keima grabbed the phone from Mari, holding it to his ears.
"Kumuro, is that you?"
Keima shouted on the phone, making Keima's ears throb.
"This is so wonderful Keima buddy! Hinoki had asked me out for a date!"
Keima sighed, hearing terrible news. Hmm… This may ruin my chance to help Hinoki out… But then again, I should be at least glad that I had helped him get something he wants… What should I do?
"Hey Keima buddy! Are you even listening to me?"
"Oh… sorry. Yeah, that is great news. Did she tell you where to meet up?"
"Oh… not exactly… but she told me that we're going to hang out at a beach tomorrow then."
Maybe it's not such a bad idea to let Kumuro go out with Hinoki... I can simply stay far away from them and observe them carefully. Then I might be able to determine the next steps needed to be taken.
"Well. I'm sure you may not need me then, you got everything under control."
"Awwh come on! I don't know what will happen if I screw up anyway!"
"Well she doesn't want to see me so…"
"… Oh okay then… well. Hope I get this date successful then!"
Keima pushed a button on the phone, placing it on the table. So it's settled. I'll keep an eye on her and see if she could tell Kumuro her problems. Mari strolled towards Keima, wearing her pyjamas.
"Keima darling. It's time for you to go to sleep!"
Kumuro entered the classroom, finding his seat. I can't wait for Hinoki-sama today! I'm… I'm starting to get nervous about my date again! Oh god… I hope I don't screw up again! Suddenly, he saw Amika standing near his seat. He noticed her face filled with concerns.
"Amika-chan. Is there something wrong?"
Amika moved her eyes, noticing Kumuro.
"Kumuro-sama!"
She strolled towards him, holding her hands behind her back.
"Kumuro-sama… that girl from yesterday…"
Kumuro's cheeks reddened, having an image of Kusunoki appeared inside his mind. Amika sighed, feeling slightly nervous.
"Are… are the two of you…"
Kumuro crossed his lips. I wonder what she's trying to say. She's feeling like something's bothering her a lot. Kumuro placed his hands on her shoulders, making her blush.
"It's okay. Take your time."
Amika's body trembled, feeling her heart thumping. I… I don't know if he would say yes or no… I don't know how I would react if it's an answer that will haunt me for the rest of my life… She slowly tilted her head, gazing upon Kumuro's worried eyes.
"Are… are you and that girl… together?"
Kumuro's eyes watered. Shit… this is awkward… What should I say? What am I talking about? She and I may never go out together, ever! Kumuro smiled at Amika, making her body stood still.
"She was just asking us a few things. We… we were helping her out in the dojo since I'm trying to get a part time job there."
Amika turned away from Kumuro, returning to her seats. Th… thank god. I was worried then…
Kumuro strolled through the beach, wearing his school uniform. Maybe I should wear something a bit casual… I don't know about wearing my school uniform like this… Keima moved his head from his hiding place, watching Kumuro moving through the beach. I can see Kumuro there. Now I just have to follow him around while listening to them carefully. Luckily for me, my ears are far superior to other mere mortals! Kumuro watched many people run around the beach. Some only wore swimming pants while others wore their swim suits. It's not really cold today though. Perhaps I should go and get changed quickly…
Suddenly, he saw Hinoki standing in front of him. He noticed her wearing her usual jacket and dress. She closed her eyes, smiling at him.
"Glad you made it Kumuro!"
Hinoki strolled towards him, gazing upon his uniform.
"Man, you need to lighten up with your style of clothing! We are hanging out together after all!"
Kumuro scratched his head, giggling nervously.
"Well… I was thinking about getting in my casual clothes but…"
Hinoki gently held Kumuro's hands, making him blush. His heart thumped, feeling the warmth of her soft hands.
"Well… let's go downtown quickly before spending the rest of the day here!"
Keima hid inside a hanger of clothes, gazing upon Hinoki standing near a fitting room. Hmm… she's still acting proud after the recent events. If she keeps up like this, I don't know what to do next… still, it's too soon to say when I need to act… he watched Kumuro open the door, revealing his new look. His light-coloured shirt matched his dark navy denim, complementing his face. Hinoki strolled towards him, placing her hands on his cheeks.
"My my, you look a lot older!"
Kumuro's cheeks glowed red, feeling her warm hands touching them. Wow… it's almost like I'm getting closer to her every day! She lifted her hands off him, pulling his sleeves up. He blinked at Hinoki changing his looks. She smiled, witnessing her masterpiece.
"There we go! Now we have this fun side to compliment that maturity of your looks! I think your perfect now!"
Kumuro giggled nervously.
"Uh… thanks…"
He gazed upon Hinoki's clothes, making him think up of an idea.
"But… maybe you should wear something different from what you're wearing right now…"
Hinoki blinked at Kumuro, feeling surprised.
"But…"
She crossed her lips, showing her vulnerable side.
"Don't you like how I look?"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"I do… but… I like to see you wear something… cute on you!"
Hinoki's cheeks reddened.
"Cute?"
She chuckled loudly, making her blush disappear momentarily. She placed her hands on Kumuro's shoulders.
"Kumuro! You know that this look doesn't need changing. This is one of the ultimate figures that represent me!"
Hinoki opened her eyes, watching Kumuro sigh.
"Well… I kinda wished you wear something like that… just once."
Her blush returned, glowing redder than before. My my… I… what's going on with me? Her heart thumped quickly, forming goose bumps all over her body. Keima nodded his head, watching Hinoki feeling embarrassed. Interesting… Kumuro's starting to get to her vulnerable side. It still makes me stumped as to how he could do that? She turned away from Kumuro, trying to hide her blush.
"I… I guess I could try…"
Kumuro stood next to the fitting room, closing his eyes. Wow… this is becoming one of the best times I ever had… I wonder what she looks like in that dress I picked for her… He sighed, feeling his body filled with goose bumps. I can only imagine right now… I don't know how long I can wait for. Suddenly, the door swung open, making Kumuro turn around. He watched Hinoki emerge out of the living room, holding her hands behind her back. She lowered her head, gazing upon her albino dress. The fluffy white skirt shined from the ceiling lights. Her cheeks reddened, feeling nervous.
"I… I don't feel comfortable."
Kumuro smiled, feeling his heart thumping quickly. Kawaii! This is even better than I thought!
"No no! It's fine! It suits you well! In fact, you look a lot wonderful wearing something like this!"
Hinoki crossed her lips, moving her hands away from her back.
"Ma… maybe I should wear some makeup on…"
Kumuro closed his eyes, revealing his glowing face.
"You don't need make up! You're perfect the way you are now!"
Hinoki blinked at Kumuro, feeling more uncomfortable. Perfect… I'm… perfect the way I'm dressed? She closed her eyes and shrugged.
"Well… I guess I should treat my fan as to what he prefers best."
Kumuro crossed his lips, feeling guilty.
"Oh… don't you feel like yourself?"
Hinoki opened her eyes, gazing upon his concerned look.
"Maybe you should change back if you don't really like to wear something like this…"
Her heart thumped quicker, making her face red. All of a sudden, he's… he's acting like a gentleman? But… Isn't he supposed to be my follower? Hinoki entered the fitting room, grabbing her possessions.
"I'll be alright. Let's head back to the beach."
Keima nodded his head, having many thoughts entering his mind. Looks like Hinoki's becoming more vulnerable by the minute. Soon, she might be able to tell Kumuro his problems…
Hinoki strolled through the beach, gazing upon her dress. This dress… It… it still doesn't feel like me… Kumuro gazed upon the people lying on the sand. This is almost getting late… I better get most out of this date… Hinoki turned her head, gazing upon Kumuro's cheery face.
"I… I'm having second thoughts about this dress… I…"
Kumuro turned around, smiling at her.
"You look fine. Don't worry about it!"
Hinoki blinked at him. Well… maybe he's right… Her face formed a smile, regaining her confidence. Keima popped his head from the same hiding place, watching her dance around the sand. Is… Is it alright for her to be happy like this so soon though? She stood near Kumuro, striking a pose.
"How was it then? Just like an idol?"
Kumuro blushed, picturing Hinoki's face distorting into Kanon. He scratched his head, closing his eyes.
"Well… I guess so…"
Keima watched Hinoki's body turning into Kanon. He closed his eyes, shaking his head around. Oh come on! Snap out of it! He opened his eyes, noticing her sitting on the sand. She stretched her legs out, letting them feel the sandy bed comforting them. She gazed upon the sky, watching the clouds move around.
"This town… was small…"
Keima widened his eyes. Wait… is this… Kumuro sat on the sandy floor next to Hinoki.
"Well I guess you have grown up anyway."
Hinoki sighed, watching the sun shine upon her.
"Well… when I was a child, this town seemed very big. At the moment… no matter what it is… I see it as something small…"
She closed her eyes.
"Sometimes… even myself…"
Keima moved his hands to his chin. Why did you come back then? Kumuro's mind filled his head with many questions yet to be answered.
"Why did you come back, Hinoki-san?"
She turned her head, witnessing Kumuro's concerned look.
"Why did you despite loving flashy things… come back to this small town? Didn't you leave to dojo… because you couldn't cope with the small world?"
Hinoki faced away from Kumuro, gazing upon the sea.
"Yes…"
Hinoki stood up from the ground.
"I won't end up in this small place! I'm after all…. Different from Kusunoki."
Keima widened his eyes, having flashbacks of the past events.
"Because Ane-ue… was a shining star…"
"I have a bigger dream to fulfil!"
"Ever since I sparred with her, she seemed… different…"
"She… she seems to be herself and not herself…"
Keima gripped his fists tightly, conjuring many thoughts inside his mind. I see… I can see it clearly! There was a specific reason why she had that bigger dream… I had failed to figure out the cause of her desires before now… Her pride… Her pride of an older sister… in order to meet the expectations and yearning of a younger sister… Hinoki always had to… keep on running… Keima stood up from the ground, revealing his body to the world. Whether you like this or not, Kumuro… I can finally see the real ending! Keima ran away from his hiding place and Kumuro, running back to the dojo.
Kumuro turned his head around, watching Keima run away from him. What the? Where did he come from? Hinoki turned her head, blinking at Kumuro.
"Is everything alright?"
Keima crawled through the dojo, gasping for air. Dammit! This is no time for my shitty body to act up right now! I must help the sisters! He entered the Dojo and searched through the dojo, room by room. She's not in her usual spots. That only leaves one option… Keima stood up from the ground and ran through the corridors. He entered the bathroom, sliding a door open.
"Kusunoki!"
Kusunoki turned around, noticing Keima in front of her. She widened her eyes, covering her body.
"Ka-katsuragi!"
Keima sighed.
"Now's not the time for events with erotic scenes!"
Kusunoki unleashed a flurry of blows on Keima. He held his arm out, shielding his body from deadly blows.
"GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!"
Keima held her clothes out on front of her.
"Here, your clothes! Hurry up and put them on!"
Kusunoki blinked at Keima's calm face. For some perverted freak… he's starting to act different all of a sudden…
"Right now, Hinoki's asking for help!"
Kusunoki covered her body with her clothes.
"Ane-ue… she does?"
He grasped onto Kusunoki's clothes, dragging her out of the bathroom.
"Kusunoki! We must go now!"
Her body jerked around, screaming in fear.
"Wa-wait a minute! My clothes!"
Kumuro and Hinoki gazed upon the sun, watching it shine bright orange. He sighed, feeling somewhat unfulfilled. This almost feels like my first date with Hinoki-sama's sister Kusunoki… Somehow… I still don't feel right about this… Suddenly, an idea popped out of his head. Perhaps it's missing something important to end this date! Kumuro lifted his body off the ground, strolling away from Hinoki. She turned her head around, watching Kumuro leave her.
"Kumuro. Where are you going?"
Kumuro turned around, smiling at her.
"I'm gonna get some ice cream for us. I'll be right back."
Hinoki gazed upon Kumuro's face shining brightly. His cat like hair and his cute face caused her cheeks to glow red. All of a sudden, he's almost acting like we had a few dates… Kumuro turned away from Hinoki, walking towards an ice cream van. Hinoki sighed, feeling her heart thumping. Is… is this really love I'm feeling right now? She closed her eyes, shaking her head around. No… it can't be… it… it's just a figment of my imagination!
"Ane-ue?"
Hinoki opened her eyes, watching an image of Kusunoki standing in front of her. She lifted her body up, walking closer to the image.
"Kusunoki? Why are you wearing your school uniform?"
The image's cheeks reddened, ignoring Hinoki's question
"Wha… what happened? This appearance?"
Hinoki scratched her head, giggling nervously.
"Ku… Kusunoki… about that…"
She sighed, giving Hinoki a concerned look.
"Never mind about that. There was something I needed to tell you anyway."
Hinoki blinked at Kusunoki.
"Wha… what is it?"
The sun blackened, making the sky turn white. Black clouds surrouned the white sky, pelting lightning from the sky. Hinoki widened her eyes, watching the shadows form around the figure's face.
"When will you decide to stop causing trouble for me? You trash of a sister. Always just coming at me with these selfish issues! You! Have you ever considered your little sister's feelings?"
"Ku… Kusunoki…?"
Kusunoki glared at the imposter, lowering her eyelids.
"Because you ran away from the dojo, I was forced to take over kenpo! I ABANDONED FEMININITY AND BECAME A MAN!"
Hinoki shed tears from her eyes.
"I… I didn't realise…"
She faced away from Hinoki, conjuring more clouds above her to spit out more thunder and lightning.
"I'm not sure if this is because you wish for a great career… and if this might help people start speaking about you… but you have dishonoured me as an older sister! You should just rot in hell and die!"
Hinoki's heart throbbed from her guilt. She ran away from the image, dashing through the beach. She cried, feeling her soul shattered. The image disappeared as Kumuro marched away from the ice cream truck.
"There was only one ice cream left in stock. Maybe we could share together."
Kumuro stopped moving, finding nothing but sand around him. He turned his head around, searching for Hinoki.
"Hinoki-sama. Where are you?"
Keima and Kusunoki ran towards Kumuro, grabbing her attention
"Kumuro! Where did she head off to?"
Kumuro shrugged.
"I don't know buddy! I was getting this ice cream for me and Hinoki to-"
Kumuro widened his eyes, finding Kusunoki standing next to him. Kusunoki glared at Kumuro. He scratched his head and hesitated.
"Oh… umm…"
Kumuro licked the ice cream, trying to devour it quickly.
"What I meant to say is…"
Kusunoki turned her head facing Keima.
"What's going on? Where's Ane-ue?"
Keima sighed. This is bad. I did not anticipate for something like this to happen. I guess I should explain Kusunoki what had happened.
"Your sister… was in a train that was endlessly moving on. By the looks of it, she's in a position where she can't get out on her own anymore…"
Kusunoki sighed.
"Then… Where's Ane-ue?"
Keima shrugged.
"Kumuro was the last person to see her. He should've kept a good eye on her!"
Kumuro frowned at him.
"How am I supposed to know what's going on? Does it look like Hinoki-sama's the type to run away?"
Suddenly, Keima noticed a foot print embedded on the ground. He strolled towards it and squatted down. Hang on… Maybe I could use this track to locate her. That way, I might be able to get this ending done. He turned his head to Kumuro and Kusunoki.
"I think I know where I could find her…"
Hinoki sat on a huge stone, gazing upon the sea. Tears dripped from her face, landing on the sand. I'm sorry… I… I didn't mean to… Voices of Kusunoki echoed inside her mind. When will you decide to stop causing trouble for me? You trash of a sister. Always just coming at me with these selfish issues! Hinoki shook her head, covering it with her hands. Because you ran away from the dojo, I was forced to take over kenpo! I ABANDONED FEMININITY AND BECAME A MAN! She whimpered, apologising to herself. Please Kusunoki… forgive me… I didn't think you would suffer like this…
The voices grew louder, making Hinoki cover her ears. You have dishonoured me as an older sister! You should just rot in hell and die! Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from Hinoki's body. The figure distorted, creating outlines of Hinoki's body.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Hinoki sniffed, moving her hands away.
"I… I feel like I failed my sister."
The figure opened its mouth, smiling sinisterly.
"Why would you care about her? She was the one who wanted you to be her perfect older sister."
Hinoki's tears slowly disappeared.
"What… What do you mean?"
The figure placed its hands on her shoulders.
"You don't deserve to suffer from such responsibility as a sister. She was the one who made you lose your life. She did ask you to become the perfect sister. So practically, she shouldn't blame you for the trouble you had to go through. She shouldn't dare to blame anyone but herself."
Hinoki lowered her hands, placing them on the lap. The figure placed another hand on her shoulders.
"Don't give everyone what they want. You wanted to relieve the stress you had beared for a long time, don't you? I can help you with that. Let me help you. Let me help you be normal. Let's abandon what you had endlessly worked for."
The figure opened its eyes, glowing bright red.
"Let's eliminate what had made us suffer!"
The figure distorted, fusing its body into hers. Hinoki's body darkened, forming shadows around her. The clouds darkened above her, spitting out thunder and lighting. You're right… Why should I make people expect me to do anything! This… This is their entire fault! Keima, Kumuro and Kusunoki ran towards Hinoki, calling out her name.
"Ane-ue!"
"Hinoki-sama!"
"We've been looking for you! We need to talk."
They stood still, watching Hinoki sit still. Kusunoki crept closer to her, feeling concerned.
"Ane-ue… Is… is there something wrong?"
Hinoki turned around, glaring at her.
"Kusunoki… you…"
Hinoki charged towards her, moving her arm back. Kusunoki held her arms out, deflecting Hinoki's fatal blow.
"You killed me…"
Hinoki kneed her in the stomach, making Kusunoki collapse. Kusunoki choked and couched, gasping for air. Keima and Kumuro charged towards Hinoki, holding their hands out.
"Hinoki-sama! What are you doing?"
Hinoki pushed the boys away, making them fall off their feet. Kumuro widened his eyes, feeling horrified. What is this? It's like she's possessed by some angry spirit! Keima gritted his teeth. I don't know what's going on… or who or what had made her like this… they're not speaking for Hinoki's sake… only for their own selfishness… Kusunoki tried standing up, lifting her head to Hinoki.
"A…Ane-ue… What are you doing?"
"Kusunoki…"
Hinoki glared at her.
"You got stronger Kusunoki… you damn well know that you're stronger than me… You lost the match on purpose! You wanted to keep that little dignity I had, preventing everyone from seeing that shame of mine!"
Kusunoki blinked at Hinoki, watching her clench her fist.
"Why… why do I need to receive sympathy from my little sister…?"
Hinoki grasped Kusunoki's hair, lifting her off the ground. She screamed, making Kumuro held his hands out.
"Stop it! She's your sister!"
Kusunoki whimpered, feeling her head aching.
"… Ane-ue… Please stop! You're not the kind of person who would do something like this!"
She gritted her teeth, angered by Kusunoki's cries.
"Something like this you say…? What do you actually know about me?"
Hinoki's body slightly trembled.
"Your respect… it frightens me…"
Hinoki chuckled sinisterly.
"I couldn't betray your expectations… I always… had to be different from others… always… had to appeal with something special… after leaving the dojo… I did many things…"
Kumuro covered his hands with his lips. Damn… How did I not notice? Kumuro turned his head, watching Keima's calm face. Keima felt the strange vibes coming from Hinoki. Whoever's responsible for this, she's becoming more absorbed with this growing hatred…
"No matter what it was, I never stuck with it for long… There was actually… not a single thing I really wanted to do… for what purpose… for whose sake… do I live?"
Kusunoki gasped, making her eyes watery. Hinoki's face darkened, concealing her eyes.
"But… I could not stop… your eyes were watching me… Despite struggling… my younger sister became an imposing elegant figure before I knew it… and surpassed me..."
Hinoki threw Kusunoki away, slamming her into a cliff. Kumuro gritted his teeth, finding Kusunoki whimpering in fear. He lifted his body up and dashed towards Hinoki, channelling his arms with full strength.
"That's enough!"
Hinoki held her hands out, deflecting Kumuro's strike of justice.
"Oh my… I thought you would be much weaker than that… Had Kusunoki taught you Kenpo before?"
Kumuro widened his eyes in fear, watching Hinoki turn her head around.
"Were you trying to get close to me and win my heart after your failed attempts to find love? I wouldn't blame you if my pathetic sister had broken your heart. Really… I wouldn't."
She swung her leg around, pushing him away from Hinoki. He collapsed on the ground, coughing in pain. Kusunoki held her hands, watching Kumuro suffer.
"O-ne-chan! Please! Stop it!"
Hinoki turned her head, charging her arms at Kusunoki.
"During Childhood… I was a human who tried as best as she could. Only a bit better in kenpo than others…"
Kusunoki widened her eyes, feeling her neck grasped firmly.
"I… I really had enough of that respect!"
Tears flowed from Hinoki's eyes.
"I can't even return to the dojo… I have neither place to return… nor a place to go…"
Keima slowly stand up. This is bad. I must intervene…
"If I had known… I would have been happy to be normal… I would've been glad to not get strong."
Tears dripped from Kusunoki's eyes. Keima lowered his eyelids, summoning his powers inside his body. The time to act… is now! Keima charged towards Hinoki, jumping through midair. He wrapped his arms around, locking Hinoki's arms. She stepped away from Kusunoki, releasing her hands.
"Kusunoki! Keep your act together!"
She turned away from Hinoki and Keima, placing her hands on the ground. She cried, whispering with such pain. Keima frowned at her, trying to strengthen her resolve.
"This is not coming from Hinoki's heart! I'm not exactly sure why Hinoki's being bitter right now… but she might be consumed by her own suffering and hatred inside her body!"
Hinoki moved around, trying to shake Keima off her back.
"GET OFFA ME YOU WEAK INSECT!"
Keima watched the tears dripping from Kusunoki's face, ignoring Hinoki's growing rage.
"Hinoki was asking for your help! Otherwise she wouldn't be here in the first place!"
Hinoki grasped Keima's body, throwing him towards the seabed. She charged towards him, wanting to destroy him. Kumuro intercepted Hinoki's path, saving Keima from her deadly attacks.
"Stop this!"
Hinoki swung her arm around, making Kumuro deflect a blow. Hinoki gritted her teeth in rage. She swiped her arm around, aiming for his head. Kumuro fell to the ground, groaning with more pain. Keima slowly stand up from the ground shouting at Kusunoki.
"Kusunoki! Save Hinoki! You're the one who can save her from herself right now!"
Keima got knocked down, feeling his body being repeatedly kicked by Hinoki. Kusunoki wiped the tears of her face, sensing a courageous spirit growing inside her. She lifted herself up and charged towards Hinoki, moving her arms back. She waved her arms around, punching Hinoki in the face. Hinoki flew towards the cliff, feeling her body slammed into it. She fell on the sand, groaning in pain. Kumuro slowly elevated his head, watching Kusunoki's spirit growing bigger.
"You monstrous creature! Give me back my O-ne-chan!"
Hinoki jumped up and dashed towards her. Her body darkened, shaping into a shadowy figure.
"Stop calling me that!"
Kusunoki held her arms out, deflecting a blow. Her body get pushed away, skidding through the ground. Tears continued pouring out of Hinoki's eyes, watching Kusunoki suffer.
"O-ne-chan! Give her back!"
Hinoki leapt forward, unleashing a series of quick blows.
"Stop it! I don't want to be an older sister anymore! I wanted to be normal! I don't want to exceed expectations anymore! I had enough! I want to enjoy myself!"
Kumuro charged towards Hinoki, having little strength inside of him.
"This isn't like you Hinoki! Quit hurting your sister!"
Keima grabbed Kumuro's arm, restraining his body. Kumuro turned around, gritting his teeth in rage.
"Are you stupid? Kusunoki's about to die!"
Keima tried pulling Kumuro from the girls.
"Leave her. Besides, you could end up being dead yourself!"
Hinoki continued punching her sister, unleashing her rage.
"Hate… Hate… Hate me! Tell me that I'm a failure! Say it!"
Kusunoki held her sister's arms, lifting herself from the ground. Keima and Kumuro turned around, witnessing a miracle.
"No… I won't… what makes you think I would say something like I hate you?"
Hinoki blinked at her.
"But… I heard you said-"
Tears poured out of Kusunoki.
"I don't know where you got that idea from… that idea of me… hating you… no!"
Her eyes watered from the tears pouring out.
"I love you! I love you O-ne-chan!"
The figure emerged from Hinoki's body, forming another head. It gasped at Kusunoki's eyes. Don't listen to her! It's a trap! Don't let her fake innocence obliterate me! Hinoki's body trembled in fear. Those eyes… stop… Hinoki lifted her arm up, preparing to finish Kusunoki off.
"Those eyes… are painful to me!"
Kusunoki quickly punched her in the stomach, pushing her away from her.
"I also suffered!"
She advanced towards Hinoki, performing a flurry of punches on her body.
"I wasn't strong… A cry baby… Weak… I wanted to become… Like one-chan… I had to get strong!"
Hinoki grabbed Kusunoki's arm, making her sister gasp. She gritted her teeth in rage, feeling her ears throb from her sister's cries.
"Shut up! I have enough from your weak face and your weak responses!"
Hinoki kicked Kusunoki against the cliff walls, making Kusunoki couch out blood. Kumuro jerked his body around, shouting at Keima.
"Come on buddy! She's about to die!"
Keima shook his head.
"Don't! Just a few more seconds!"
Hinoki advanced towards Kusunoki, clenching her fists.
"Goodbye sister. Be gone from your existence!"
Kusunoki's body trembled in fear.
"D…Don't lose to the fiend inside you… Don't lose so faint-heartedly one-chan!"
Hinoki stood still, gazing upon her eyes. Kusunoki whimpered in fear, watching her sister's fists move around. I… I don't like you because you're cool or strong… I have no reason. I just like you… An image of her younger self hugging her older sister appeared inside her mind. Come back o-ne-chan… come home to me… Hinoki gritted her teeth, feeling ashamed of herself. What… what am I doing? I shouldn't be bitter like this! What do I possibly achieve by simply eliminating somelike like Kusunoki? The figure slowly moved out of Hinoki's body, feeling its body being dragged out. No… No! This can't be happening!
Its eyes glowed red. Stop it! THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING! FINISH HER OFF! SHE HAS NO CHANCE AGAINST YOU IN HER STATE! DO AS I SAAAAYY! The shadow's body moved off her body, creeping towards her head. Hinoki knelt on the ground, surrendering the fight to Kusunoki. Shut up! All you do is tell me to destroy something I had loved! From now on! I'm not gonna do what anyone tells me to do! The figure moved further away from Hinoki, screaming in agony. FOOL! YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT ME! YOU WILL NEVER LIVE YOUR LIFE BY YOURSELF!
Her fists clenched tighter, summoning all of her anger on her side. I don't care what you say anymore! From now on, I'll live by my own standards! Not by my little sister's wishes! And definitely not by your damn will! The shadows around Hinoki's head vanished, releasing the bonds between her and the figure. Now get out of my sight! Don't you dare come back here ever again! The figure cried, watching its body disappear. NOOOO! The dark clouds disappeared, letting the sun shine on Hinoki's face. Hinoki covered her face, shielding her tears from Kusunoki's eyes.
"I'm such an idiot…"
Kuusnoki wiped the tear off her face, smiling at Hinoki. She crawled to her sister, wrapping her arms around.
"Welcome back… O-ne-chan…"
Keima released Kumuro's body, letting Kumuro move his arms forward. The boys witnessed two sisters closing their eyes, mourning over each other. Kumuro smiled at the girls with relief. Wow… what a relief it was! Keima formed a weak smile on his face. The presence of others can make people suffer… And yet… they can't live alone… everyone needs someone…
Keima and Kumuro strolled through the streets, heading to school. Keima lifted his PFP up, gazing upon the screen. Now that I think about it… Yesterday was kinda strange according to my eyes… She doesn't seem to be one taking substances that make people hallucinate and go crazy… but then again… there could be something as similar as perhaps the voices in her head. Those things have to potential to make her commit horrifying deeds like trying to kill one's own sister… I guess there could be weirder things than that incident that couldn't exactly be explained… Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima.
"Man… that was one hell of a week… Too bad I didn't get to capture Hinoki-sama's heart…"
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.
"Keima! Kumuro! Over here!"
Keima and Kumuro blinked at Hinoki, finding her inside the car holding her megaphone out.
"I'm glad you're both here!"
Kusunoki gazed upon Kumuro, watching his cat-like hair glow. Her cheeks slightly blushed. Keima and Kumuro stood near Hinoki, watching her smile.
"It's nice to see the two of you again before heading back!"
Keima and Kumuro blinked at Hinoki.
"Heading back? To where?"
"Back to work. I'm gonna miss Japan, so this is my final farewell!"
Hinoki placed her hands on Kusunoki's arm.
"And, I brought her to school before leaving!"
Kusunoki sighed, turning her head.
"A… Ane-ue… It would be fine to not head back right now… It would be nice if you could stay here forever."
Hinoki sighed. She lifted the megaphone up
"I don't wanna! I don't want to be in that small old dojo!"
She placed the megaphone on her seat.
"Well… It can't be helped. Because the place I live now is… the place I shall choose by my own free will after all! I'm gonna say that something's gonna wait for me at the end of the line."
Hinoki closed her eyes, smiling brightly.
"I'll be fine on my own from here on out!"
Keima lifted his head up, gazing upon the shining sky. I see… I guess she has now changed thanks to yesterday's event. Hinoki placed her megaphone near Keima, making him jump away.
"And so! I will say my farewell to the boys as well!"
She turned her head, smiling at Kumuro.
"Thanks to the two of you, I never got bored there! So…"
She lifted a signboard form the back seat.
"This is my token of appreciation to you guys. You guys can share it."
Keima and Kumuro shouted at her at the same time.
"I don't need it!"
"Oh… but this sign brings joyous memories!"
Keima whispered to himself. Only bad ones... Kumuro sighed as he grabbed it from her.
"Alright… I'll take it."
Hinoki gazed upon Kumuro's face, making her cheeks slightly red.
"I also have a bonus for my number one fan here…"
She held Kumuro chin, leaning her body forward. Kumuro widened his eyes, feeling surprised. Hang on… what's this? She pressed her lips against his, making Keima and Kusunoki widen their eyes and drop their jaws. (Keima) Woah! Now that's definitely unexpected! (Kusunoki) A… Ane-ue! Wha… what are you doing? Kumuro's cheeks reddened, feeling his heart thumping. His body trembled, forming goose bumps. Oh… my god… It… it feels like… He closed his eyes, imagining himself flying through the clouds. HEEEAAAAVEEN! Kusunoki punched Kumuro in the face, ending his huge dream.
Kumuro screamed, landing on the ground. Kusunoki glared at Kumruo, feeling her cheeks red.
"Wha… what the hell are you doing on your way to school?"
Kumuro groaned, rolling his body around.
"I… I didn't do a thing…"
Kumuro blinked at Kusunoki standing near him. Her eyes twitched, feeling annoyed. Hinoki placed her hands on her chin, giggling at Kusunoki bashing up Kumuro.
"I wonder if this bonus is a bit too much… oh well…"
Keima stood near Kumuro and Kusunoki, watching Kumuro whimpering in pain. Finally. Now I don't have to get bashed up by anyone for once! Hinoki placed herself inside her seat, starting up her car.
"Kusunoki… Stay well!"
Kusunoki turned around, watching her sister leave her and the boys behind.
"Ane-ue!"
Keima and Kumuro turned around, watching the car disappear in front of their eyes.
Author's Notes: That's it! The final part of the sisters mini-series. Now I know what you're all thinking in the last part. It's pretty much represents how our hatred and stress can create monsters in us. I mean, it's not like we have complete control of our bodies when we choose to listen to our hatred. In Hinoki's case, the struggles of perfection (I guess) caused her to turn against ehr sister momentarily (until her realisation of what she's about to do). And about Kumuro getting his first kiss... I kinda planned it out in the early series (Well he ddi suffer enough), but of course, he's still left without any girlfriend to be with! :D
For the next chapter, Akari won't be there. Instead, an original chapter will be up, featuring some other characters coming back. Until then, I hope you enjoyed the series and this chapter!