Drinking the coffee Shino brewed for him, Hachiman asked how things went with Kirito.
"Well, as expected, once I gave him a quick rundown on items, he was utilizing them at the right moments almost instantly." "Well, SAO didn't have magic, so items were crucial. In that sense, SAO is closer to GGO than ALO." "And as usual, his marksmanship shows no signs of improving." "...I wonder why." "...I wonder?"
No matter how much they thought about it, no answer came.
"Whatever. By the way, why doesn't he know about Shana? Not to self-aggrandize, but there are plenty of videos featuring the two of us, and your name is pretty well known." "Ah, that? According to Kirito-kun, researching opponents in advance ruins the fun of fighting someone for the first time, so he deliberately avoids watching videos." "What is he, a battle maniac...?"
Hachiman made an exasperated face.
"He did say he'd train hard tomorrow so he can at least shoot like a normal person." "And he had the nerve to say he'd beat me with skills like that..." "Well, he did beat that game on his first try. He's definitely still someone to watch out for." "True enough. Was he that impressive?" "Yeah. With a totally straight face, he said, 'I predicted the Bullet Line.'"
Hearing this, Hachiman's expression turned serious.
"Feels like he'd casually dodge our sniper shots too..." "Missing the first shot would hurt..."
Since it was getting late, Hachiman decided it was time to take his leave.
"Alright, I'm heading out. What are you doing tomorrow, Shino?" "Let's see. Sniping is all I've got, so tomorrow I'll probably just practice my aim on some mobs." "I see. If we get paired up in the preliminary round, no hard feelings, alright?" "Of course. I'll make sure to shoot right through that heart of yours." "Say 'chest' or 'core' instead of 'heart'..."
Hachiman left, leaving Shino feeling a faint touch of loneliness. She stared at the leftover coffee Hachiman had left behind, soaking in the quiet lingering atmosphere.
"It'd be nice if everyone could make it to the finals... and then, this time, win it all..."
Muttering to herself, Shino hesitated for a second before reaching out toward Hachiman's unfinished cup of coffee.
"It'd be a waste to leave it, so it can't be helped. Yeah, totally just avoiding waste."
She took a sip.
"...So sweet!"
The next day, Hachiman visited the Forest of Slumber once again.
"Hey, old man. You're getting up there in age, so hurry up and fix Xecty so you can pass away peacefully." "What are you spouting out of nowhere?! I'm not dying anytime soon!" "Fufu, Yuuki-san, Hachiman-kun just doesn't know how to say 'thank you' honestly, that's all." "What? Is that so? So you really do look up to me like a real grandfather, after all." "Meguri-n, please don't spoil this old geezer too much." "Okaay!"
Hearing that, Kiyomori maintained a straight face and replied:
"Goodness, is this what they call a 'tsundere'?" "What are you saying with such a deadpan face, old man?"
Despite his response, Hachiman asked Kiyomori:
"When do you think the test results will come out?" "They said tomorrow evening. You had that tournament in that GGO game, didn't you?" "I see... If the results show harm caused by drugs, Meguri-n, please contact my sister immediately. We'll have the police move right away from there. We'll need an on-site investigation and a re-examination of the deceased players' bodies from that angle..." "Got it, leave it to me!"
Kiyomori then looked at Hachiman with a hint of concern.
"Be careful yourself as well." "I plan to log in from here on the day of, so I'll be fine." "That's wise. I'll be here as well. Should I arrange for extra guards?" "I'm having a police officer dispatched through an acquaintance's connection." "Thorough as always, I see." "I'm leaving our little cat here as a liaison, so once the test results are in, let me know too, old man." "Right, leave it to me!"
Hachiman then logged in to assist Xecty.
"Xecty, how are things going?" "Hey, Shana..."
Xecty approached Shana with a look of genuine shock.
"That girl... what is she to you?" "That girl? Which one? Well, both of them are basically my charges." "Charges, huh... I mean the one named Ai. What is up with that monster-level adaptability? After just a bit of practice with what I taught her, she's mastering everything left and right." "Seriously...?"
Shana then watched Ai and Yuu engage in a mock battle.
"...Hey, Xecty. Why is Ai holding a sword?" "I was going to teach them about close-quarters combat against gun-wielding opponents, so I had them fight first without teaching them anything as a test. But look at her—she's handling it effortlessly without even being taught." "Ah, well, those two play fantasy-type games after all." "Is that part of it...? Say, isn't that girl already stronger than you?" "Right now, even with the stat difference, I don't feel like losing. But by tomorrow, I might not be so sure." "Hey, hey, show us the grit of a veteran, will ya?" "What about you then?" "Me? I... can't win against her anymore."
Despite his words, Xecty's face looked thoroughly pleased.
"You're accepting that pretty readily. Could it be you're happy seeing your pupil grow stronger?" "Well, since coming here, there's no audience around, so I admit I'm being more honest with myself. And to answer you—yeah, exactly, Shana. Wouldn't it be thrilling if my pupil beat you?" "Well, I get the feeling, but tell her to challenge me with her own strength eventually." "Well, once my body recovers..."
Xecty said with a self-deprecating laugh.
"I can't guarantee a complete recovery, but I'll cure it." "...Thanks." "...Yeah."
And so, carrying the varied thoughts and emotions of everyone involved, the day of the 3rd Bullet of Bullets finally arrived.
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