Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto or Toaru Kagaku no Railgun/Toaru Majutsu no Index

The Trinity of Tokiwadai

Chapter One Hundred Five: The Crushes of Frenda Seivelun - The Eden Party


One evening in winter, Frenda found herself at an Eden Corp networking event, a black tie party that was thrown to celebrate the official launch of a new subsidiary, Eden Law Enforcement Equipment & Supplies, specializing in law enforcement equipment. An event where she was acting as discreet security whilst dressed up in a skirt suit with a cream turtleneck top, a khaki miniskirt and a matching long sleeved blazer with a red inner lining

And as part of doing that job, the Level 0 was patrolling the ballroom in one of the City's hotels that Eden Corp had rented for the occasion. It would normally be a boring job and beneath her to be honest. But the chance to people-watch made up for it, especially when those people were friends and acquaintances.

Case in point, Frenda had just finished picking up a drink from one of the refreshment tables and beginning another discreet patrol when she spotted the Council of Misakas with Dolly-san and Kouzaku-san.

I wonder what they're talking about. Frenda pondered as she took a sip from her cup of fruit punch.


"Be honest with us, Onee-san. Misaka urges. What is the nature of your relationship with Kouzaku-san? Misaka inquires. Are you just good friends or are you dating? Misaka presses." Mitori heard the City Sister that went by, of all things, Genki Girl, ask the Level 4's beloved childhood friend and the clone's elder sister, Dolly-chan.

"W-What on earth are you asking, Genki-san!?" Mitori cried out in shock.

"An honest question? Misaka answers uncertainly, confused by Kouzaku-san's response." Genki Girl-san said, tilting her head towards Mitori in confusion.

"Yes, an honest question. Misaka echoes." Tsundere-san - Again! What was with the names that the Sisters chose to go by!? - said with a nod. "The entire Misaka Network is curious about the nature of the relationship between you and Onee-san, Kouzaku-san. Misaka explains."

"Really?" Dolly-chan asked as she finished the kebab that she'd been munching on and picked up another from the plate of food that Mitori had got for her from the refreshment table and brought over to the corner that they and the Council of Misakas had secured for themselves in the ballroom.

"Yes, Onee-san. Misaka confirmed." Military Otaku-san, the Council's de facto leader, said with a nod. "It is one of the hottest topics in the Network's forums. Misaka reveals."

"It has even displaced the cat appreciation threads. Misaka says with a disbelieving shake of her head." The cat loving Neko-chan said as she took a sip from her cup of fruit punch.

"Which is a relief. Misaka says with an exasperated sigh." Mecha Fan said with a shake of her head. "Misaka cannot understand why her sisters are so obsessed with cats. Misaka says in disbelief. Mecha is so much better. Misaka opines."

Was there any doubt as to why this particular Sister got the name that she did?

"11132, do not impose your preferences on your other sisters. Misaka chides." 19090, one of three City Sisters that hadn't gotten a 'proper' name, scolded Mecha Fan.

"Yes, Mecha-chan." Dolly-chan agreed, wagging a finger at her mecha loving sister. "Your sisters can like whatever they want. We don't make fun of how you like mecha, so you shouldn't do the same for what they like either."

"Yes, Onee-san. Misaka says apologetically."

"We're getting sidetracked. Misaka observes." 13579, the Sister that stood out for her impressive bust, said with a frown. "Onee-san, Misaka asks again, are you and Kouzaku-san good friends or are you dating?"

"Hmm…" Dolly-chan said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"Onee-san? Misaka asks impatiently." 10039, the third of the unnamed City Sister, said as she shot Dolly-chan an eager look.

"Do not rush her, 10039. Misaka warns. We must wait patiently for Onee-san to reveal to us the TRUTH! Misaka urges with full confidence in her words." The somewhat unhinged Sister known as Sentai-chan told 10039 sternly.

"Is Sentai-chan seeing a therapist? Or a psychologist? A psychiatrist?" Mitori asked, looking at Military Otaku-san worriedly.

She was not kidding when Sentai-chan was unhinged. She'd taken her obsession with Sentai media that she had been named for and truly gone overboard with it, so much so that it had started negatively impacting her behavior. To the point that the Council had forced her to go see a professional to see if it was truly an issue.

"Yes, but it has only been a few sessions. Misaka clarified. It will take time to see improvement. Misaka added." Otaku-san returned.

"Um, I, uh, don't know the difference between being good friends and a couple." Dolly-chan said with a shrug as she finished thinking. "So I don't know. Mii-chan? What do you think?"

Mitori shot her childhood friend an exasperated look. "How would I know?"

"If Misaka might cut in. Misaka asks politely." The Sister known as Conspiracy Nut said. A Sister that was living up to her noir aesthetic by being dressed in an elegant flapper dress in jet black with ivory trim that included a horizontally pleated drop waist with an asymmetrical hemline. She had even paired it with a 1920s style hat. "Misaka might be able to shed light on the nature of your relationship. Misaka offers."

"Any help will be appreciated, Nut-chan." Dolly-chan said, offering her sister a smile.

Nodding, Nut-san proceeded to offer her opinion. "By my observation-"

Which considering the surveillance the Sister was known for must be extensive indeed.

"-your relationship with Kouzaku-san, Onee-san, is on the borderline. Misaka offers. You two are truly good friends but are closer than most of such friends. Misaka adds. Close enough that should you two choose to, you could easily become a couple. Misaka clarifies."

"Oh." Dolly-chan said with an understanding nod before turning to Mitori with an expectant look. "So Mii-chan, what are we?"

Mitori honestly didn't know. She was happy with having Dolly-chan as her friend, right? But did she want more? Did she want to be more than friends with Dolly-chan?

"I-I don't know." Mitori admitted.

"Okay." Dolly-chan said with a shrug. "Let me know when you decide, okay? I'm good either way. So long as I am with you, I'm happy."

Mitori just looked at her childhood friend with disbelief. How could Dolly-chan be so accepting? There was a world of difference between being friends and a couple! Yet, she was just okay with them being either without any concern? That kinda faith in her was beyond shocking to her.

I-I need to come to a decision. Mitori realized. But not now. I-I need time.

"Okay." Mitori told her childhood friend. "I'll be sure to tell you when I decide."

Dolly-chan just happily nodded, accepting that the matter was settled for now before turning back to continue chatting with her sisters while snacking. Like they hadn't just discussed something earth shattering. A fact that had Mitori shaking her head in amusement.

Only you, Dolly-chan. Only you.


Man! The Sisters have really started differentiating themselves from each other lately, huh? Frenda thought as unaware of the conversation between the majority of the City Sisters and Kurozaku Mitori, Frenda continued her discreet patrol of the ballroom. Not only have they started dressing completely differently now instead of all of them just wearing the Tokiwadai uniform, some of them are really changing their look too. Just look at how Tsundere-san is letting her hair grow out.

The Sister in question had started allowing her chestnut hair to grow some time ago, and now had hair that was a healthy medium between the shoulder length cut that most of her sisters possessed out of emulation of their progenitor and the long hair that Dolly-san kept.

I'm really curious how they'll look after a few years and have that time to find themselves more. The Norwegian thought with anticipation. Misaka Mikoto was an attractive girl and with such a good starting point to work from, the Trinity runner expected that the Sisters would all turn out looking great. She was sure of it.

Hey! Isn't that Naru-sama and Shokohou-sama? Frenda thought as she spotted the pair of blonde Level 5s standing next to an ice sculpture depicting a group of Anti-Skill officers using various Eden Law Enforcement Equipment & Supplies equipment to capture a group of criminals that had been set up as a decoration for the event.

Wow! Naru-sama really is beautiful, huh? Frenda mused as she suppressed a wolf whistle as she admired how smoking hot Namikaze-sam looked today. That pink dress with a strapless, sweetheart neckline, an empire waist, a fitted bodice, a lace up back and a mid-thigh sheath skirt, made her look really, really good.

She really lives up to her reputation as a model and the de facto mascot of Tokiwadai. She's blowing the competition entirely out of the water!

Considering how every woman in the event was all dressed up to the nines, that Naru-sama captured her attention was really saying something! Especially with other beauties in attendance and one of them, Shokuhou-sama, standing right next to her. Particularly, when Shokuhou-sama was looking incredible too dressed up like she was in a white and brown, almost Victorian style dress with a deep neckline that showed off plenty of cleavage and was secured in the front with a set of crisscross ties with long sleeves that had chic white buttoned cuffs; a matching choker; and a pair of her ubiquitous white gloves.

What I wouldn't do to spend a night in the sheets with a total hottie like Naru-sama. Frenda thought unashamedly, causing Shokuhou-sama to turn away from the ice sculpture she was admiring with the Number 2 and look at her with a quirked eyebrow.

Shrugging, Frenda thought back, sure that the Number 7 was reading her mind. She's just that hot. Can you blame me?

The City's most powerful Telepath frowned, but nodded and turned her attention back to her conversation with Naru-sama.

Phew! Frenda thought as she breathed a sigh of relief as she hastily moved on. Better to get myself away from temptation. I don't want to get drawn in by Naru-sama and start ogling her again. Who knows what Shokuhou-sama and Naru-sama will do if I am caught a second time.


"This sculpture is super detailed." Naru mused as she admired the ice sculpture that was the centerpiece of Eden's decorations for the event. "Betcha, it was Rui-chan's work."

I have to agree. Kurama said with an agreeing hum. I recognize her work from when you worked with her for that sculpture that your school got you two to prepare for the Midsummer Festival.

"Hmm. You would know." Shokuhou-senpai said, slightly distractedly.

"I would." Naru affirmed as she turned to her Senpai with a smirk. "So why did you give Frenda-san that look just now?"

"Our fellow blonde was ogling you."

"Really?" Naru said with a proud grin. "Why, I'm flattered!"

The [Queen of Tokiwadai] blinked in confusion at her response. "How can you think that? Especially when we all know that the Norwegian clearly has feelings for Saten-san?"

"That's not an issue for me really." Naru said with a shrug. "It's not like Frenda-san is dating anyone yet. As for myself, I appreciate that someone as attractive as Frenda-san finds me hot."

"I can't really understand that line of thinking." Shokuhou-san said with a shake of her head. "Let's change the subject."

By virtue of literally living inside her mind, Kurama could see what Naru was planning and reacted by trying to rein her in. Naru, no.

Naru, yes! The Number 2 shot back with cheeky defiance.

"Sure, Senpai~! Why don't you answer a question I have for you?"

"Ask away, Kohai-chan. What do you want to know?"

"Okay then~! So, Shokuhou-senpai, are you, Dolly-chan and Kouzaku-san lovers?" Naru-sama asked her with a teasing smirk.

If the Number 7 was surprised or unnerved by it, she didn't show it. Instead, she calmly replied, "No comment."

"Are you really going to go with an ambiguous answer like that, Senpai?" Naru pressed with a powerful pout. "What would Kamijou think if he heard it?"

"Keep him out of it, Naru-chan." Shokuhou-senpai said with a pout.

Listen to her, Naru. She's really upset. Kurama warned.

Yeah, I know. Naru replied. I didn't need your empathy to let me know that I crossed a line.

"Okay. Okay. I'll change the subject." Naru said placatingly. "Why don't you tell me how is it that you and Kouzaku-san are here in the first place? I mean, I get that Dolly-chan is invited because she's a Sister, but she could only bring one guest, right?"

"Mitori-san is here as Dolly-chan's guest. I, on the other hand, was invited here as a guest in my own right just like you are, Naru-chan." Shokuhou-senpai said with a smug grin.

"Oh? Why is that?"

Still grinning like she was the cat that ate the canary, Shokuhou-senpai elaborated. "You see I recently made a deal with Eden Corp for the Misaki Detective Agency to be its on retainer private investigator."

"Huh? Then where's your imoutos? I didn't see them."

"I'm not surprised." Senpai said, somehow looking even more smug. "Frankly, I would've actually been surprised if you had spotted them. They were designed for infiltration after all."

"I know. That's why they all look different from you, right?"

"Yes, but that's only part of it. What few people know is just how far their creators went to achieve that talent."

"What do you mean?" Naru asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Well, you see their creators used Testament to upload into them a version of the late Yumiya Rakko's Out-of-System Skill to disappear into crowds."

Naru blinked in surprise at that revelation and turned to survey the crowd that filled the ballroom. A survey that completely failed to locate Shokuhou-senpai's clones and when she tried to tap into her empathy, she found it unresponsive.

Kurama, lend me your empathy.

Now you need it? Kurama replied with faux haughtiness.

Kurama~!

Oh, alright~! Here you go!

As her partner once more lent her his power, Naru suddenly felt not just her empathy flare but also had her senses abruptly expand as Kurama fed his chakra to enhance them as well. Thanks to that, she finally located the Misaki clones as they mingled among the crowds in the ballroom and couldn't help but let out an impressed whistle as she did. There was one of them just a few feet from her and Shokuhou-senpai and she'd missed her!

"Damn! They are good!"

"I know right!?"


After stopping a server and replacing her drink from the tray she was carrying, Frenda prepared to continue her patrol of the ballroom. Sipping from her newly acquired cup of fruit punch as she moved away from the waitress, Frenda surveyed her surroundings and spotted the [Railgun] with Shirai-san and Uiharu-san. Like all of the other women at the party, they were all dressed up in snazzy dresses and looking great.

Though that look was marred by the fact that Uiharu-san actually looked a little shaken and was in the process of being calmed down by her two anxious friends.

I wonder what's got her so upset? Was it because of people complimenting her on her looks?

That was not an unfounded assumption considering she did look exceptionally good today in that pale pink floral dress of hers. Especially when combined with her ubiquitous floral headband.

Or maybe she was shocked by the multiple recruiters that have probably approached her over the night?

Hmm… Frenda thought with a frown. I've gotta remember to ask her about it later.


"I'm fine, Kuroko-san, Mikoto-san. Really." Kazari said, trying to reassure her friends after she had gotten slightly overwhelmed from being swarmed by recruiters who sought her out trying to poach her to work for them.

"You sure, Kazari?" Kuroko-san asked worriedly.

"I am."

"We'll take your word for it." Mikoto-san said with a frown. "But mind telling us why you reacted the way you did? Were there too many of those recruiters?"

Kazari nodded. "Yeah. I get contacted by them regularly, both digitally but sometimes by them showing up in-person too, but never so many of them at once."

"You can handle them normally?" The [Railgun] asked, her face a mask of concern.

"Sure. I just had to politely decline and explain that I already made a commitment to work with Eden Corp and Ruiko-san's Power Development Team and simply cannot take on another."

"Did you try that this time?"

"Of course I did, Kuroko-san." Kazari said with a pout, slightly affronted that her Judgment partner would think she wouldn't. "But they just refused to take no for an answer and kept offering incentives to entice me to agree."

Mikoto-san frowned at this. "What could they possibly offer that they think would get you to change your mind?"

"Mostly they just offered more pay or even donations for charities of my choice. One of them even name dropped Asunaro Park."

Kuroko-san scoffed. "Did they honestly believe that would sway you?"

"Maybe?" Kazari replied with a shrug. "It didn't work though."

"Wait a moment." Mikoto-san spoke up, looking somewhat alarmed. "How did they know that you volunteer at that Child Welfare Facility?"

"That's not actually that hard to figure out. Not only would it turn up in any basic background check on me, but I did donate the one billion yen prize I won from the Jailbreaker Trail to it. Based on all that, it isn't too difficult to figure out that I favor Asunaro Park."

"I suppose that makes sense." Her Level 5 friend conceded with a thoughtful hum.

Clearing her throat, Kuroko-san got their attention. "I'm honestly more curious about what reasonable offers those headhunters thought might sway you, Kazari."

"The more reasonable offers they made revolved around allowing me to work with them part-time and that if I did, they would be more willing to work with Eden Corp."

Mikoto frowned upon hearing that. "That's sneaky. Not only are they basically bending backwards to accommodate you with an offer like that but by bringing in the prospect of cooperating with Eden Corp, they're hoping that you'd put its interest ahead of your own and agree so it would benefit."

"Yeah, I got that feeling from that offer too. But I rejected it anyway."

"Why?" Kuroko-san asked, blinking in confusion. "It sounds workable."

Shooting her partner a disappointed look, Kazari explained herself. "I know I can be a workaholic at times but even I need rest and sleep at times too. If I accepted that offer, I wouldn't have any time for that!"

"Way to go for missing the obvious, Kuroko." Mikoto-san said as she rolled her eyes at her roommate's lapse in judgment, causing the Teleporter to blush at embarrassing herself in front of her Onee-sama.

Desperate to deflect from her embarrassment, the tawny haired Level 5 hastily said, "So, Kazari, have you managed to calm down?"

"I think so." Kazari assured them with a smile and nod.

"Then about we grab something from the refreshment table? It's better than just standing here and talking."

"Onee-sama is right. There is nothing wrong with just talking but we can at least enjoy some snacks as we do."

"I could do with some cake." Kazari mused, her mouth watering at just the thought of enjoying some of the undoubtedly delicious cake that had been prepared for the occasion.

"You and your sweet tooth." Mikoto-san said with a giggle even as she began walking towards the refreshment table, prompting both Kazari and Kuroko-san to follow after her.

"I can't help it." Kazari said with a self-conscious blush.

"We know and we love you for it." Kuroko-san said, offering her a smile. "Right, Onee-sama?"

"Definitely." Mikoto added with a smile for Kazari of her own.

Kazari smiled back, feeling so very glad that she has such great friends.

They really are the best friends that a girl could ask for.


Frenda was just stepping back into the ballroom after a quick trip into the washroom, that included a quick check of her hidden weapons and equipment, to continue her patrol. And as she did, she spotted Last Order-chan, Febrie-chan and Janie-chan seated at a table near the windows. The three munchkins were surrounded and were busy being spoiled by Ruiko-sama's female siblings.

What's up with that? Frenda thought curiously as she noted that all of whom, even the three kiddos, were wearing dresses in some shade of red. No way that's a coincidence. They must've done it on purpose. I wonder why?

Deciding that she wouldn't be able to figure it out at the moment, Frenda just shrugged and proceeded to continue her patrol. Guess I'll have another thing to follow-up on later.


Seated at a table near the ballroom windows during the Eden Corp party that Mama had brought her to, Janie sat across from her sisters, Last Order-nee and Febrie, being pampered by her aunties. Namely their aunties were bringing plate after plate of the desserts from the buffet for her and her sisters to try. Sweets that her sisters were totally pigging out on.

"Order-nee, Febrie, please slow down." Janie scolded her sisters. "You'll give yourselves a tummy ache at this rate."

"Don't worry so much, Janie-chan." Ai-obasan said as she put down a fresh plate full of macarons, cupcakes and other sweets for her and her sisters on the table. "Indulging once in a while is fine."

"Yeah, Janie." Febrie paused in her pigging out after swallowing a cream puff to tell her.

"Yeah, Yeah, Misaka Misaka says with a smile." Order-nee said as she finished off a sundae. "Just relax a little, Janie-chan. Misaka Misaka urges."

Janie pouted at being scolded by her sisters. "Papa and Mama will get angry with you if you do get a tummy ache."

"You're worrying too much, Janie-chan." Park-obachan said, patting Janie's head. "If they do get mad with you, just ask them to talk to us. We'll take responsibility."

"Totally. So just relax, Janie-chan." Maki-obasan said, offering her a kind smile.

Crossing her arms and shaking her head. Janie stood firm. "No, even if we don't get in trouble with Mama and Papa, I won't overeat. I don't want to get sick either."

"Well, she's definitely Ruiko-chan's daughter." Khulan-obasan said with a laugh. "She was always a stickler for rules too."

Janie's aunties all laughed whilst nodding and making agreeing comments. "Yeah, that's true."

"She was always such a mommy's girl."

"I can still remember her bursting into tears everytime we stretched the rules."

"I know, right?" Banri-obasan said, rounding out the comments.

Her interest piqued, Janie turned to her aunties. "Obasans, are there any stories that you can share about Mama acting like that?"

Her question piqued her sisters' interests and they paused in stuffing themselves with sweets and joined her in turning pleading eyes towards their aunties. Looks that got the older girls to exchange amused grins.

"Oh, we have plenty." Ai-obasan said with a smirk. "Want to hear some of them?"

"""Yes!""" Janie and her sisters answered in unison.

"Oh, you guys really are adorable." Park-obasan cooed.

"And cute girls deserve a reward." Ai-obasan said with a nod. "So listen up. There was this one time when we were little when your Mama…"


Some time after her return from the washroom, Frenda was surveying the ballroom from an inconspicuous corner. A survey that allowed her to spot Accelerator-sama hanging out with Ruiko-sama's male siblings, with both the Number 1 and the Kiyama sons dressed with various prominent articles of red in their suits in a way that matched the latter's sisters' red dresses.

Okay. Considering their sisters were all wearing red dresses and now this, the Kiyamas definitely coordinated their outfits. Frenda thought with a nod. Again, I wonder why? I really have to ask Ruiko-sama about this when I run into her. For now, I am honestly more curious about what Accelerator and the Kiyama boys are talking about?

After all, what could a bunch of normal Espers talk to the Number 1 about? Did they even have anything in common?

Maybe they are trying to give him a shovel talk? Frenda thought before giggling at the mere suggestion.

If there was little chance that the Kiyamas had anything to talk to Accelerator about, then there was no chance they had of intimidating him. And the whole point of a shovel talk was scaring the target into treating their partner well, wasn't it?

Moving away from her corner to continue her patrol, Frenda giggled to herself as she imagined the Kiyama boys even trying that and Accelerator's response. I mean, however it turns out, I'm sure that it would be hilarious.


Accelerator honestly didn't know how it happened but after arriving at this over the top Eden Corp black tie party with Ruiko, he had eventually ended up surrounded by his girlfriend's brothers as they tried to make small talk.

"So Accelerator-san, did you enjoy your time in Hawaii with Ruiko-chan?" Wu-san, Ruiko's oldest brother, asked as he offered Accel a drink.

Nodding in gratitude as he accepted the cup of fruit punch, Accel heard the rest of Ruiko's brothers also express their interest in how he spent the trip in the tropical paradise of Hawaii with their sister.

"There were good parts." Accel admitted with a shrug. "But mostly it was annoying. It was still a mission and most of those are annoying. And the one to Hawaii was definitely one of the annoying ones."

"I think I can understand." Harada-san said with a nod. "Ruiko-chan tells us about her missions sometimes and what she says doesn't exactly make them sound fun."

Accel cocked an eyebrow at that revelation. "What exactly does Ruiko share with you?"

"Not much." Hoga-san replied. "Most of the time she just complains about her enemies."

"Yeah. She mostly tells us about how idiotic they are." Izumi-san said with a chuckle.

"She's right about that." Accel said with a snort. "A lot of the guys we fight are idiots."

"Oh? Can you give us any details?"

"Sorry, no." Accel said with a frown and a shake of his head. "I could probably tell you a bit more than Ruiko did, you are the kids of one of the City's Directors after all, but it's probably safer not to. I don't want to tell you something confidential and get us into trouble."

"Why would you be worried about getting into trouble?" Izumi-san asked, looking surprised. "Aren't you the fearless Number 1?"

Accel shrugged. "No, I wouldn't be worried. Not if I was the only one involved. But I have to think about Ruiko, our girls and the rest of our family too. Ruiko and I would probably be able to take anything the City throws at us but the others can't."

His answer had Ruiko's brothers looking at him in shock.

Shaking it off, Wu-san offered Accel a grateful nod. "Thank you for thinking about our safety, Accelerator-san."

"You're Ruiko's family, of course I would think about you guys. If anything happened to you, Ruiko would be heartbroken."

This reply got the Kiyama sons smiling at him, confusing him a little at their whiplashing responses.

"You really are a good boyfriend to Ruiko-chan."

"Took you guys long enough to realize that. What made you change your mind?"

"Realizing how whipped by Ruiko-chan you are." Sato-san answered with a teasing smirk.

Something that earned him a chiding look from Wu-san before the oldest Kiyama son turned to him with an apologetic look. "Sorry about that, Accelerator-san."

"No need to apologize." Accel said with a shake of his head and a self-deprecating chuckle. "I wasn't insulted. Ruiko does have me whipped. I'm not ashamed of that. After all the crap that I put her through, it's only fair for me to listen to what she asks me to do."

"What kind of 'crap' did you put Ruiko into?" Izumi-san fished.

"You'd have to ask Ruiko that." Accel said sternly. "She told him not to talk to anyone else about it. It's between us. All I will say is that before we started dating and were just training partners, I put her through a lot."

"Can you tell us something at least?" Hoga-san asked with a worried frown.

Accel shook his head, in part to refuse caving into the inquisition but also to help him push aside the memory of his hand impaling Ruiko and him tossing her hard into the side of a shipping container during the climactic battle of the Level 6 Shift.

"Nothing at all?" Harada-san pressed.

Accel hummed thoughtfully. Is there anything that I can tell them? There had to be, isn't there? They won't stop asking unless I tell them something.

"I guess it's safe to let you know that I used to help Ruiko practice her regeneration."

Ruiko's brothers stilled at that. Clearly they understood the implication of that statement. Again Wu-san was the first to recover and with a nod, asked. "You're making it up to Ruiko-chan?"

Accel nodded.

"That's good." The Chinese boy said as the rest of Ruiko's brothers all nodded as well.

"Change of topic!" Sato-san spoke up suddenly. "So, Accelerator-san, you mentioned that there were some good parts during your and Ruiko-chan's mission to Hawaii, right? What were they?"

Offering the boy a grateful nod, he replied. "Well, a highlight was Ruiko and I going skinny dipping."

Ruiko's brothers all groaned at hearing that.

"Let me guess?" Izumi-san said with a shake of his head. "Ruiko-chan suggested it? Maybe even set it up?

"Do you even need to ask?"

"So Ruiko-chan is as much of a nymphomaniac as always?" Harada-san asked as he rubbed his temple as if he was fighting a headache.

"Yeah. She might pretend otherwise by playing up her being a ojou-sama now but underneath that, she's still just as thirsty as always." Accel said, causing Ruiko's brothers to once again groan.

"Okay, that's enough. Let's talk about something else." Wu-san said, his tone betraying a hint of desperation. Turning to Sato-san, he added. "Takeshi-kun, where's your girlfriend? I'd have thought you'd bring her as your guest today."

The boy in question shrugged. "Shizuka-chan couldn't make it. There's a big test tomorrow and she has to study for it."

"Doesn't that mean you have a test too, Takeshi?" Hoga-san asks with narrowed eyes. "I mean, you're classmates aren't you?"

"Yeah, but this event is important to Eden Corp and Sensei so I studied ahead of time so I could attend it."

"Are you sure you're properly prepared for the test?" Wu-san asked with a frown.

"I'll be fine." Sato-san said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"You'd better be." Accel told him with narrowed eyes. "Ruiko and your mother will be pissed if you don't do well in the test. I'm sure that they would've been okay with you missing out on this event if you'd asked."

Sato-san paled a little but nodded. "I know that. I'm sure that I'll do alright."

"Okay, outside of Takeshi's test, did anyone have anything worth talking about happen to them at school lately?" Harada-san said, cutting in.

"Oh! I do!" Izumi-san said enthusiastically. "I've joined my school's martial arts club and boy do I have stories to tell!"

This isn't too bad. Accel mused to himself as he listened to the wannabe kung fu fighter describe some of the latest fights he'd been in as part of his club activities alongside the rest of Ruiko's brothers. It was like he was an actual member of the family. I can see myself doing this more often.


Walking away from a refreshment table with a plate of hors d'oeuvres as she continued her patrol around the ballroom, Frenda spotted Kiyama-sensei chatting with Nunotaba-san and Kuriba-san.

Okay, I think I know why the entire Kiyama brood is wearing red today. Frenda thought as she saw what Academy City's latest Director was wearing. They were coordinating their outfits to match her.

And it was worth it too. Kiyama-sensei was looking so uncharacteristic and striking that Frenda could not help but take note. She was looking smoking hot dressed in a stunning burgundy A-line dress with a floor-length hemline, an off the shoulder neckline with a dip in the bodice that allowed a tantalizing glimpse at her impressive cleavage and an attention-grabbing short sleeve style. A dress that was complemented by expertly applied makeup that brilliantly hid the characteristic bags under her eyes, and fashionably styled hair.

Damn! Kiyama-sensei really does clean up nice, huh?


As the night progressed, Kiyama Harumi had finally managed to break away from the necessary but unpleasant mingling at her company's event and finally found a chance to chat with people she actually enjoyed spending time with. Namely her fellow scientists, Shinobu-san and Kuriba-san.

"You look wonderful in that dress, Kiyama-sensei." Shinobu-san praised.

"Yes, you are looking very good tonight." Kuriba-san added with a nervous but sincere smile.

"Thank you, Shinobu-san, Kuriba-san." Harumi said with a shake of her head. "But I don't really like it. Give me a simple set of work clothes like a blouse, skirt and lab coat anyday. The only reason I am wearing it is because my children forced me to."

"It is good that they did." Shinobu-san offered with a smile. "As the Chairwoman of Eden Corp, you need to look the part today and dressing in your work clothes wouldn't do that. This is a black tie event after all."

"Nunotaba-san is right, Kiyama-sensei." Kuriba-san agreed. "I mean, I have no room to talk considering how I look, but I really do think you look very good."

Harumi frowned at Kuriba-san's phrasing and Shinobu-san turned to the other young scientist with a deep frown.

"What do you mean by that, Kuriba-san?" Janie-chan and Febrie-chan's nanny asked, her voice full of concern. "Do you really think that you don't look good?"

Kuriba-san just gestured at her belted, long sleeved, black and gray, checkered, color blocked knit dress before replying. "Yeah, I mean, I don't really have much fashion sense. Just look at my dress. I'll be the first to admit it's not the most flattering. Not compared to what everyone else is wearing today."

Gesturing at the darker portion of skin on her face, Kuriba-san continued self-deprecatingly. "Plus thanks to the aftermath of my participation in the Total Human Cyborg Replacement Project, I know that I look weird. I mean, comparing myself to Kiyama-sensei is an exercise in futility but I can't even compare to Nunotaba-san who looks great in her dress."

Now, Harumi had to admit that Shinobu-san did indeed look good in her dress. The black and white dress made from swathes of tulle that were flocked with polka-dots and blooms and featured internal boning that gave it a sculptural neckline and a gently pleated bodice, certainly made her look quite elegant indeed. However, just because Shinobu-san looked good in her dress didn't mean that Kuriba-san was unattractive in hers.

"That's not true, Kuriba-san!" Shinobu-san denied vehemently. "And even if it was, it's only true now! The aftereffects of the Total Human Cyborg Replacement Project are starting to get better, aren't they? The color of the different patches of your skin are homogenizing, correct?"

"That's true." Kuriba-san reluctantly admitted. "But even if it is, I still look weird now, don't I?"

"No," Harumi said firmly. "You do not look weird. You look like you're recovering from being part of a black experiment. And if anyone who dares say anything unkind to you for that, they will have to answer to me."

Kuriba-san blinked at that response, tears slowly pooling in her eyes before she nodded. "Thank you, Kiyama-sensei. And yes, Doppel-chan, I know you told me that too, but having Kiyama-sensei stand up for me… It's just a little too much."

Shinobu-san put a comforting arm around her fellow teenage scientist. "It isn't just Kiyama-sensei that will back you up against anyone who might insult you, Kuriba-san. I would too."

"T-Thank you, Nunotaba-san." The cyborg specialist said through a suppressed sob.

A sob that prompted Harumi to put a hand on Kuriba-san's arm to join Shinobu-san in offering her some physical comfort as well. Comfort that though it took a few minutes did its job and helped Kuriba-san to calm down.

"Here, Kuriba-san." Shinobu-san as she offered the other girl some tissues she'd pulled out of her purse. "Would you like to head to the washroom to clean yourself up?"

"That might be a good idea."

Kuriba-san nodded and let Shinobu-san guide her towards the ballroom's doors and the washrooms outside.

Harumi was about to follow the two girls when she suddenly heard someone calling her name.

"Kiyama-sensei! There you are." Kaiba-san, the Eden Corp CEO, said as he walked over to her. "Do you have a moment?"

Harumi frowned and glanced at Shinobu-san and Kuriba-san.

"Go, Kiyama-sensei. I'll take care of Kuriba-san." Shinobu-san urged as the prosthetics specialist nodded her agreement.

Harumi didn't want to. The mother in her wanted to make sure that Kuriba-san was alright. She might not be one of her children but she was still a young woman and her employee, she thus felt responsible for her. But she had responsibilities to her business too. Thus with a frown, she nodded at the two younger scientists and turned to the man that she had hired to run her company.

"Yes, Kaiba-san, it does appear that I have a moment."

The man smiled and with an apologetic nod to Shinobu-san and Kuriba-san, he moved beside Harumi and began guiding her towards a group of men that she recognized as some of the City's prominent business leaders. A group that included Kaizumi Tsugutoshi and Valart Signal, her fellow Directors on the City's Board.

"I do apologize for interrupting you, Kiyama-sensei, but there are some guests who would like to have a word with you, perhaps discuss some potential future business deals."

Where is Ruiko to advise me when I need her? Harumi thought with a sigh before steeling her resolve. It was time to put on her game face.


"Frenda-chan!" A pleasantly familiar voice called out to the Norwegian Level 0 and she turned to its source to find Ruiko-sama approaching her.

A Ruiko-sama who was looking absolutely smashing in a burgundy sequined backless dress with a mermaid style cut and a halter neckline that drew attention to her face and emphasized her killer figure. The latter effect being helped along by a teardrop cutout in her bodice that offered a tantalizing glimpse at the Level 5's ample Bust Upper enhanced cleavage.

"You look very stylish today." The Level 5 complimented Frenda. "Good choice in outfit."

"Thank you, Ruiko-sama." The blonde returned with a blush. "But I pale in comparison to you. You're looking gorgeous today."

"T-Thank you." Ruiko-sama said, blushing at Frenda's own compliment.

Smiling at the reaction she'd gotten out of her crush with a simple compliment, the Level 0 cocked a coy grin. "Oh, no need to thank me, I am just speaking the truth."

Her smile widening as Ruiko-sama's deepening blush, Frenda continued. "Though I am curious about something."

"W-What's on your mind?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to ask why your whole family is wearing red today. Why is that?"

"You can thank Kaa-san for that." Ruiko-sama said with an exasperated shake of her head. "She would only dress up appropriately for tonight's event if everyone in the family dressed in matching outfits in an act of solidarity."

"I see." Frenda said with a giggle. "Kiyama-sensei can be so difficult to handle, can't she?"

"She can." Ruiko-sama nodded. "But I love her anyway."

"Oh, I know. Considering how you dote on her, it's plenty obvious."

Ruiko-sama just smiled. One tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

Deciding to give her crush a break from embarrassing her, Frenda changed the topic. "So, Ruiko-sama, have you been enjoying the party?"

"Honestly? It's been boring until a little while ago."

Frenda couldn't help it. She rolled her eyes. She knew what her boss was going for. Despite that though, she compliantly played along. "Oh, what changed?"

"Why? Well, it's because I found some good company." Ruiko-sama replied just like how Frenda expected and with a playful smile.

"That line is just so cliche, Ruiko-sama." Frenda said with a giggle.

"Oh, I know." Ruiko-sama said with a giggle of her own. "But it was so cliche that I just had to try it. So how was it?"

Frenda shrugged. "Your delivery was alright I guess. But it was too cliche to make much of an impact."

Ruiko-sama pouted adorably at that. "I guess I'll have to come up with something more original next time then."

"Yeah," Frenda nodded. "Try something new next time."

"So you would let me have a chance to try in the future?" Ruiko-sama said with a sultry smile. A smile that Frenda recognized as one she sported when she was scheming.

"Of course I would." Frenda said without hesitation. "Now, what exactly has got you smiling like that?"

"Well… I was thinking of asking you to join Accel and me on a date."


Done and done! Thanks to Nameless as always!

Ah, slice of life. Some down time for our leading ladies and all their friends. I like the party and just having the ladies strut their stuff. Plots closed, new ones opened and other characters interacting for fun. And after this, we will continue on with the plot! Hope you all enjoyed it!

Nameless: So here's the first chapter of a purely slice of life arc. Hope you guys liked it. Consider it a bit of a cooldown after the hectic Hawaii arc and the whilst slower paced by still relatively action packed previous Dark Side Reform chapter/arc. It's also a nice opportunity for us to expand on certain characters and subplots that have been pushed to the wayside for a while as the main Toaru plot progresses. Hopefully, this change of pace isn't too jarring for you guys.

You know what to do! Smash that review button and tell us what you love! No flames and peace off my peeps!