"Um... are you sure about using elementary school students?"
Fujiwara Chika looked uncertain and whispered, "If even Nagisa-chan was scared of Kaguya-chan, won't little kids be even more terrified?"
"That is a problem." Amamiya Natsuki nodded seriously. "It would help if Kaguya-san's eyes weren't so... intense."
Shinomiya Kaguya crossed her arms over her chest and said flatly, "Apologies for looking at you so fiercely."
"Admitting your faults and correcting them is a great virtue."
"Stare—"
"Kaguya-san, please stop looking at me like you've just calculated my life insurance payout. I'm calling the police."
"Don't worry. I'll erase all the evidence. Even if the police come, it'll be useless."
"…"
"Well... maybe I have a solution."
A soft voice interrupted the banter. The three turned to see the source.
Natsuki blinked in surprise. "Kashiwagi-san? You haven't left yet?"
"Kaguya-san didn't tell me I could," Nagisa replied in a small, aggrieved voice.
Even something like leaving required permission? Just how afraid was she of Kaguya Shinomiya?
"You may go now," Kaguya said, her tone as icy as ever.
"Wait a second!" Fujiwara raised a hand to stop her. She looked toward Nagisa with hopeful eyes. "Just now you said you had a way to make elementary school students not afraid of Kaguya-chan?"
Nagisa nodded timidly, then whispered:
"Kaguya-san's eyes are… intense. If she wore a pair of plain glasses, it would help soften her gaze and make her feel less intimidating."
She hesitated, then added, "Also, her hairstyle. Long, straight black hair gives off a quiet, cold impression. If she wore something like a bun or a high ponytail, it would come across as more approachable. A white dress instead of a school uniform would also help. Kaguya-san is already very pretty, so if she dressed in a cuter style, even elementary school students would feel at ease… Maybe they'd even like her. Like a sweet, kind big sister!"
"Nagisa-chan, you're amazing! Your mom really is an internationally renowned designer!" Chika beamed, her eyes sparkling.
Pop!
The two girls high-fived.
Natsuki nodded in agreement. "Kashiwagi-san really is impressive."
Compliments from Fujiwara were one thing. But when the boy praised her too, Nagisa's face turned red.
"N-no, it's really just that Kaguya-san is super cute already…"
"That's what I said!" Chika grinned, ever the woman of action. She turned and grabbed Kaguya's arm. "Come on, Kaguya-chan! Let's go shopping!"
Kaguya sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I refuse—"
But before she could finish, Fujiwara had already locked arms with her.
"Let's go!"
"There's a shopping mall just downstairs. You girls go ahead," said Natsuki from behind. "I'll… go gather the elementary school students."
"Natsuki-san," Chika said cautiously, "the way you phrased that sounds extremely suspicious. Be careful no one hears you."
"…"
Once the girls had left, Amamiya Natsuki went to the game center's counter, bought a box of snacks, then approached a group of elementary school students huddled around some arcade machines.
Convincing kids wasn't difficult.
Coercion was out. So that left bribery.
"I've got an evil sister," Natsuki began, speaking earnestly. "She's always bullying me—stealing my snacks, taking my manga, even stomping on my stomach to assert dominance. It's gotten out of hand. I can't take it anymore."
He held out the box. "Please play a round of Street Fighter with her. This box of Meiji Mushroom Chocolates is your reward. If you beat her, I'll give you two more."
"Umm… but I'm just a kid," the boy replied, confused. "Why are you asking me?"
"Because she hates elementary schoolers," Natsuki said solemnly. "She says you're weak. Only by defeating her can we show her how strong you guys really are."
"Don't look down on us elementary school students!" the boy snapped. "Onii-chan, I accept your commission!"
"Just a warning—my sister is actually really good at games. You'd better bring some friends. The more the better. Rewards are guaranteed—each participant gets a Meiji Mushroom."
"Onii-chan, wait here! I'm calling my whole class!"
Ten minutes later.
Kaguya Shinomiya walked into the game center.
She now wore oversized black-rimmed glasses that covered half her face, her long hair tied up in a bun with a red ribbon. Her uniform had been replaced with a white dress.
The transformation was stunning.
From a regal, untouchable beauty…
To a soft, approachable big sister type.
But the moment she stepped in, a horde of elementary schoolers swarmed her with fiery eyes.
"That's her!"
"She's the one!"
"She's the scumbag sister who looks down on us!"
"We'll show her how strong we really are today!"
"…?"
Kaguya blinked, a visible question mark forming above her head.
Why am I suddenly public enemy number one among elementary schoolers?
One boy stepped forward, fists clenched like a tiny knight challenging a dragon.
"Are you the big demon who bullies Onii-chan every day?"
"…Excuse me?"
Kaguya pursed her lips and looked straight at Natsuki.
What do you mean demon? I only went to change my clothes!
"Yes, that's her," Natsuki said solemnly. "I'm counting on you."
"I'll defeat you and save Onii-chan!" the elementary student declared heroically.
"…Your courage is admirable," Kaguya replied, not bothering to argue. "I accept your challenge."
"Natsuki-san, what did you say to them?" Chika asked as she arrived, her curiosity practically radiating from her face. "How did Kaguya-chan end up as a 'big demon'?"
"I'd like to know that too," added Nagisa, ears perked up.
Natsuki shrugged. "Just a little dramatic flair. Don't worry about it."
The battle began.
And then…
The elementary school student lost, tears welling in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Onii-chan…" he sniffled. "I tried…"
"Well, she is a terrifying demon king," Natsuki consoled him. "Train hard and try again someday."
At the same time, Kaguya's Hundred Kills Mission progress ticked up by one.
As a genius, Kaguya learned quickly. Ever since Natsuki had taught her some combos that morning, her skills had improved at lightning speed. Her competitive instincts only sharpened her further.
"I'll avenge him!"
Another elementary student stepped up.
And so it continued—one challenger after another.
As the sun set, the Hundred Kills progress bar finally filled.
Mission complete.