Chapter 20 Graduation Ceremony

2016. 3.14 Monday Tokyo Kunitachi High School

Two months before the solar eclipse, we returned to Tokyo a few times with the help of the girls. Fortunately, we didn't have to repeat any grades and were able to take the university entrance exams.

I have to say, Amaterasu truly has her ways. When she resurrected all the innocent civilians who died in that battle, she also restored the destroyed streets and scenery, as if the catastrophic damage caused by the Earth's axis shift had never happened. She even erased everyone's memories. When I asked Professor and Ken about it, they had no recollection at all. It seems that only the six of us in the entire world still remember what happened back then, as well as the fact that the three of us brothers went to Yomi for the girls afterward.

A few days have passed since that battle and our experience in Yomi. Now, we are soon-to-be university students. During that battle, we exhausted all our energy and lost our ability to transform. We resumed our normal school life, but this time it was different because we were about to graduate.

I lay on the school's rooftop, basking in the sun, holding the university admission notice I received this morning, lost in thought. I glanced at Kagami, who was napping beside me, and Shigeru, who was rushing to meet a deadline on his laptop, and recalled the events of the past year and a half.

To be precise, it should be six months, since one day in Takamagahara equals one year in the human world.

From the beginning, we came to Tokyo seeking revenge against the Powerpuff Girls Z. Suddenly, we gained new powers and joined them in protecting Tokyo's peace. Over the past six months, through our daily interactions, we went from mutual hostility to cooperation, which then developed into friendship and even love. If it were the past us, we wouldn't have imagined this happening.

Noon, Classroom

Momoko looked around and asked her female classmates A and B, "Have you seen Yuzuhiko?"

Female Classmate A shook her head, "No, we haven't seen him..."

Female Classmate B looked uneasy, "Actually, we're really afraid of Shirakawa... Akatsutsumi, aren't you afraid of him?"

Female Classmate A added, "You often hang out with him, you'll be criticized too!"

Momoko looked puzzled, "Although he's a bit wild and rough, he's not a bad person, right?"

Female Classmate B: "I heard he's the leader of Japan's largest delinquent gang, and with one command, he can gather 2,000 subordinates!"

Momoko almost laughed out loud, "Where did you hear that rumor? 2,000 subordinates? Don't make me laugh, he can only command Kagami and Shigeru at best."

At this moment, Miyako and Kaoru walked into the classroom with lunch boxes.

Miyako asked Momoko, "I haven't seen Kagami either. I wonder where he went."

Kaoru also asked, "That guy Shigeru is also nowhere to be found. Momoko, have you seen him?"

A male classmate C interjected, "Gotokuji, we're about to graduate. You should stop associating with that fool Midou."

Miyako got angry, her cheeks turning red, "Kagami is not a fool!"

Male Classmate C smirked, "He looks like an idiot! He likes snails, slugs, and snakes, those disgusting creatures. And wasn't he absent for a year and supposed to repeat a grade? How did he even pass the exams? Looks like the school took quite a bribe~"

Usually, mild-mannered Miyako got angry hearing Kagami being mocked, "You've gone too far!"

Meanwhile, a few female classmates in the classroom were eagerly discussing, "Tomorrow is the graduation ceremony! I'm going to confess to Shigeru~~"

"No, Shigeru's heart belongs to me." Hearing this, Kaoru blushed and asked the girls, "You're going to confess to Shigeru?"

The girls replied matter-of-factly, "Of course, he's the most popular guy in our school!"

Then they added, "But this shouldn't concern you, Matsubara. Don't you like muscular guys?"

Kaoru blushed, "Don't make assumptions!"

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Momoko quickly grabbed Miyako with her left hand and Kaoru with her right, rushing out of the classroom, "I know where they might be!"

A familiar voice reached my ears, "Found you! You three are indeed here!"

Momoko opened the door to the rooftop, holding lunch boxes with Miyako and Kaoru, and walked towards us.

I jumped down from the water tower, flipping Momoko's skirt, "Oh, strawberry pattern."

Miyako and Kaoru, beside her, had wide eyes and blushing faces.

The next second, Momoko slapped me hard, "Super pervert! What are you doing?!"

"Ouch!" I was sent several meters away by Momoko's slap, leaving a burning, clear handprint on my cheek.

Kagami was woken up by the commotion, yawning, "Ha, what's going on?"

Miyako, smiling, holding two lunch boxes, said, "Kagami, let's have lunch~"

Kagami, with sparkling eyes, took the lunch box, swallowing, "Wow! Miyako's lunch, it looks delicious!"

Kaoru sat next to Shigeru, patting his shoulder, "Big writer, it's time for lunch~"

Shigeru closed his Macbook Air, and his stomach growled, "Grr..." The next second, he took the lunch box Kaoru handed over, "Thanks~"

Shigeru looked at the lunch box in surprise, "Wow, such a rich selection! Did you make it all?"

Kaoru proudly smiled, "Actually, my mom helped with some of it~"

The spring sun was particularly warm. Looking at the cherry blossoms below the rooftop, I ate the lunch Momoko made, biting into a mini octopus sausage, and asked the girls, "What are your plans after graduation?"

Momoko excitedly answered, her eyes shining with anticipation, "I've been accepted into the Tokyo Confectionery School, and I plan to become a professional pastry chef!"

Miyako smiled and said, "I got into Bunka Fashion College. I can finally pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer~"

Kagami sincerely congratulated her, " Miyako, that's wonderful!"

Kaoru proudly said, "Haha, I got a full scholarship to the Japan Women's College of Physical Education!"

Shigeru immediately high-fived Kaoru, "Congratulations~"

Momoko then asked us, "You got your results too, right? You didn't tell us which universities you applied to last time?"

The three of us brothers looked at each other, then simultaneously took out our university acceptance letters received this morning.

I handed my acceptance letter to Momoko, Kagami smilingly gave a paper to Miyako, and Shigeru confidently handed his letter to Kaoru.

The three girls all looked surprised.

Momoko's hands trembled, "The University of Tokyo... Faculty of Law?! Yuzuhiko, is this acceptance letter really yours? Could it be a mistake?!"

I glanced at her, "It has my name and Tokyo address on it. Why are you so surprised that I got into the University of Tokyo?"

Momoko was still in disbelief, "But you hardly ever study!"

Miyako, like a proud mother, patted Kagami's head, "Kagami, you're amazing! Waseda University's School of Commerce is very hard to get into!"

Kagami laughed foolishly, "That's because you helped me with my studies!"

Kaoru's eyes widened, "The University of Tokyo's Faculty of Letters... and you were admitted first?! Shigeru, you're incredible!"

Shigeru confidently smiled, "I've always been better at humanities, and I want to continue on the path of a professional writer."

Momoko suddenly realized, "So we're all going to schools in Tokyo. It won't be too hard to get together in the future~"

Miyako said wistfully, "Three years have passed so quickly. Tomorrow is already the graduation ceremony..."

Kaoru also felt sentimental, "Yes, time flies. We're all about to start our new journeys..."

I took a deep breath, "Tomorrow our foster parents can't come to the school to watch the ceremony. Can we invite that guy?"

Kaoru looked puzzled, "That guy?"

Kagami and Shigeru said in unison, "Someone you're also familiar with..." Miyako was a bit skeptical, "Could it be..."

Momoko held her head, "Mojo?"

Kaoru was the first to object: "No way, who knows if he might come to destroy the school?!"

Miyako didn't oppose: "If we set some ground rules with him, he should follow them, right?"

Kagami quickly nodded: "We will definitely make sure he follows the rules!"

Momoko thought for a moment: "After all, he is your three's nominal birth mother. If we don't let him come, it might seem too unreasonable."

I added: "If he dares to destroy the school, we'll punch him back to his little hut."

Shigeru agreed: "If one punch isn't enough, then two punches."

Kaoru sighed: "Alright! I get it! I won't oppose anymore!"

In the blink of an eye, lunchtime ended, and it was soon time for school to be over. When the three of us brothers packed our bags and prepared to leave, we found the girls waiting for us at the classroom door.

Kagami, Shigeru, and I exchanged glances, looking puzzled: "?"

I asked Momoko: "Why aren't you going home yet?"

Momoko, blushing, said: "After the ceremony tomorrow, let's meet under the cherry blossom tree at school…"

Miyako, smiling, said to Kagami: "You must come~"

Kaoru, also blushing, said to Shigeru: "We must see you there!"

I smiled: "Okay!"

Kagami smiled at Miyako: "I'll definitely come!"

Shigeru cheerfully said: "See you tomorrow!"

After saying that, the three of us jumped out of the window from the fifth floor.

Momoko at the door commented: "Can't they use a normal way to come and go…"

Miyako and Kaoru just smiled wryly.

"Mojo's Hut"

"Mojo, what is this…?!" Mojo stared at the letter in disbelief.

"An invitation to the school graduation ceremony… Will you come tomorrow?" I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Kagami added: "But you absolutely must not destroy the school!"

Shigeru showed a fierce smile: "Or else don't blame us for being rude, heh heh~"

Mojo embraced the three of us: "Mojo… my sons! I am so proud of you!"

I quickly pushed Mojo away: "Stop that, it's really disgusting!"

Kagami smiled wryly: "It's okay, Yuzuhiko."

Shigeru agreed: "Letting him be a bit spoiled sometimes isn't bad."

"The Next Day"

The graduation ceremony venue was decorated in a grand manner. The playground under the cherry blossom tree was filled with red and white chairs, and a prominent banner read "Wishing the Graduates a Bright Future."

The students were dressed neatly in their uniforms, their faces full of excitement and reluctance. Teachers and parents gathered on the side, waiting for this special moment.

The three of us brothers put on our graduation gowns early in the morning and entered the campus, filled with different feelings. Last night, we delivered the invitation to Mojo, and his excited reaction made us realize he was also proud of our achievements.

As the ceremony began, the principal gave an impassioned speech, reflecting on the growth and changes of our class. Then, representatives from each class went on stage to receive their diplomas. We also went up in turn to receive congratulations from everyone.

When the three of us received our diplomas from the principal, we saw Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru in the audience, looking at us with expectant eyes.

We three brothers couldn't help but smile. In the audience, Professor Utonium, Mrs. Utonium, Ken, Peach, the Akatsutsumi Family, the Matsubara Family, and Kiyoko also applauded and congratulated us on our graduation.

From a distance, I saw Mojo, in disguise and wearing a suit, standing in the corner of the crowd, excitedly waving at us.

The three of us brothers unanimously gave a "YA" hand gesture.

"Under the Cherry Blossom Tree"

After the graduation ceremony, the campus was filled with laughter and the sound of people taking photos. Under the cherry blossom tree, people gathered in small groups, talking about future plans and reminiscing about the past.

The three of us brothers stood under the cherry blossom tree, waiting for the girls to arrive. Cherry blossoms were falling, adding a touch of romance to our gathering.

Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru walked slowly towards us, each looking a bit nervous.

Momoko approached me, holding her hands tightly, her eyes shimmering with anxiety and anticipation. She took a deep breath, looked up at me, and said: "Yuzuhiko, I know you often act rough and are hard to understand, but I've found that you actually have a kind heart. I've been really happy spending time with you these days and have gradually realized… I love you. Will you… face the future challenges with me?"

I was taken aback, looking at Momoko's sincere eyes. A warm current flowed through my heart, and I smiled, reaching out to stroke her orange hair: "Silly, of course, I'm willing."

Momoko's face lit up with a brilliant smile, her eyes sparkling with tears. However, her gaze also showed a hint of worry: "Yuzuhiko, now that you're going to the University of Tokyo, there will surely be many outstanding girls around you… I'm worried you might meet someone more beautiful and better than me, and then…"

I immediately held her hand, my cheeks flushed: "Please, just managing the law school courses and working part-time will take up a lot of my time. I don't have time to meet other girls besides you…"

Momoko looked at me, her eyes full of deep reassurance.

I took a small paper box out of my pocket and handed it to Momoko, feeling a bit embarrassed: "I was supposed to give this to you yesterday, as a White Day return gift."

Curious, Momoko opened the package and her eyes immediately lit up: "Is this... a peach blossom necklace?"

My cheeks flushed as I turned my head away: "I just thought it would suit you..."

Momoko thought for a moment about the meaning of peach blossoms and murmured to herself: "Captive of love," "Captured by you..." Then, with a beaming smile, she put on the necklace and hugged me tightly!

Blushing, I thought: "Did that store clerk trick me? I just thought the necklace would suit Momoko perfectly, I didn't consider the meaning of the flower language at all..."

Oh well, as long as she likes it, and it really does look great on her.

Miyako looked at Kagami with eyes full of tenderness and nervousness. She cautiously spoke: "Kagami, I've always admired your hard work and kindness over these days. Although you can be a bit clueless sometimes, you always make me feel at ease. I… I love you. Will you walk with me into the future?"

Kagami stared at Miyako with wide eyes, stunned for a few seconds, then showed a warm smile: "Miyako, I've always been grateful for your help and support. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far. To me, you are like my sunshine!"

Miyako was amused by Kagami's words but then a hint of worry flashed in her eyes: "Kagami, now that you're going to Waseda University, you'll meet many excellent girls. I'm worried you might be attracted to others…"

Kagami gently held Miyako's hand and said earnestly: "Miyako, you are the only one in my heart. Maybe there will be many temptations in the future, but please trust me, I will always stay true to our relationship and won't let anything change my love for you."

Miyako's mood gradually relaxed, her eyes showing deep trust and emotion.

At that moment, Kagami seemed to remember something and took a small box out of his pocket, handing it to Miyako: "This is a return gift for the Valentine's chocolates you gave me last time. I hope you like it."

Miyako unwrapped the box, and inside was a pair of delicate, sparkling sunflower earrings. She was instantly moved and couldn't find the words to speak.

Kagami grinned and said, "If Miyako is the sun, then I guess I'm the sunflower~"

Miyako recalled the meaning of sunflowers and softly said, "In my eyes, there's only you," "Loyal love..." Instantly, she dismissed her earlier worries about Kagami entering university, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek.

Kaoru stood in front of Shigeru, her face as red as an apple. She stammered: "You must have received a lot of confessions today, right?"

Shigeru sighed: "I turned them all down and told them I already have someone I love."

Kaoru's heart flashed with a hint of unease as she asked: "Who is it?"

Shigeru looked at Kaoru with a confident smile: "It's you!"

Kaoru's face turned completely red, not expecting Shigeru's answer to be so direct.

Shigeru looked at Kaoru with a sincere expression: "Kaoru, I've always admired your courage and persistence. Would you agree to date me with the intention of marriage?"

Kaoru's eyes sparkled with concern: "I've heard there are many beautiful girls in the University of Tokyo's literature department… You won't…"

Shigeru took a delicately wrapped box out of his pocket and handed it to Kaoru: "Open it and see~"

Driven by curiosity, Kaoru opened the box: "Is this... a lavender bracelet?"

Shigeru chuckled and teased, "This is a return gift for that super bitter chocolate you made last time. You didn't blow up the kitchen while making it, did you?"

Kaoru blushed deeply: "The chocolate was very bitter, I'm really sorry!"

Shigeru quietly put the bracelet on Kaoru's wrist, leaned close to her face, and whispered in her ear: "Do you know the meaning of lavender?"

Kaoru blushed even more, feeling flustered but without any intention to resist: "I don't know~!"

Shigeru smiled and said, "Lavender's flower language is 'waiting for love' and 'unwavering love.' This is my heartfelt feeling for you."

He then asked, "And your answer..." Before Shigeru could finish, Kaoru held his face and kissed him on the lips, then turned her head away shyly: "That's my answer..."

Under the cherry blossom tree, as a gust of wind blew by, petals fluttered like snowflakes. The six of us took a photo under the cherry blossom tree. At that moment, time seemed to freeze—not just as graduates, but as companions about to embrace a new life. Under the cherry blossom tree, we made promises to each other, ready to face future challenges. Each emotion was witnessed by the gentle beauty of the cherry blossoms.