Part 1
Kusanagi Godou was a guy who did not have any unspeakable secrets
in his private life.
No lovers that had to be hidden from friends, nor any fetishes that
could not be made publicly known. There were also no secrets
regarding his birth.
That is why when Mariya Hikari had asked him, he had immediately
answered.
"Umm, Onii-sama. You've mentioned before that you occasionally
work part-time, what kind of job is it?"
"I do a few of them, but all of them are normal ― "
It was a comfortable autumn Saturday morning.
Kusanagi Godou, before heading for his part-time job at noon, had
paid a visit to Nanao Shrine.
By chance, his workplace was Toranomon. He had some time to kill
before reporting to work, and anyway, he would be able to meet the
Mariya sisters if he went to the shrine grounds.
"Physical work, customer service, behind-the-scenes support for
example, just some simple work."
Godou recalled the past jobs that he had done.
Among those, were also jobs that were a little specialized. But in
truth, after trying them out, he found that they were also rather
normal. Of course, this was all in the context of part-time jobs.
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It would be really troublesome if he had to explain and elaborate
further upon those points.
"Your workplace is around here today, right? What kind is it exactly?"
The one who asked him was Yuri.
Her gesture of gently leaning her head to the side, really resembled
that of an elegant ojou-sama.
"An acquaintance of my grandfather and my deceased grandmother
owns an old bookstore around these parts. Normally they use light
truck for logistics purposes, but they are not able to do so due to a
hip injury. Because of that, I've been asked to help out."
In actual fact, though it may be called a 'job', the wage was minimal.
Rather, because it was his grandparent's acquaintance, Godou had
not cared much about the monetary rewards, and promised to lend
his aid.
Even so, it was better than nothing.
Like this, he could broaden his connections, who could possibly then
introduce more part-time jobs to him or help him out when he is in a
pinch.
For example, during the summer this year, the multiple jobs that he
had worked at to save up for his trip to Sardinia had been from these
connections he had made.
Even on the magic side, as a Campione, Godou had been helped
many times by Erica, Yuri, Liliana and Ena, they were reliable friends
and connections.
Once again, Godou felt that these connections were extremely
important to him.
"Actually, I've never had a part-time job before."
Yuri said, somewhat shyly.
"But, don't you work here at the shrine?"
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"That is merely my duty as a hime-miko.... it's just that, I'm a little
envious."
The beautiful hime-miko confessed.
Befitting of a Yamato Nadeshiko like sheltered young lady, perhaps
this was one of her modest wishes.
Understanding her point of view, Godou could not help but smile, and
Yuri returned his smile with her own quietly. Like this, the two of
them exchanged smiles.
"Ah. Then this time, why don't you tag along and work along with
Onii-sama, Onee-chan?"
The one who had abruptly suggested that, was none other than
Hikari.
"On your first part-time job, you get to spend more time together
with Onii-sama, isn't that a good thing? At a family restaurant or any
other eatery, for example, wouldn't that be nice? And then, I'll drop
by, and keep Onii-sama company!"
"Hikari! Don't just say whatever you like."
The elder sister rebuked the young sister. However, she looked at
Godou with an air of nervousness.
"Ah ― ... I see. A part-time job, together with Mariya, huh..."
"S-sorry about that, Godou-san. Hikari had said something
irresponsible. ― B-but."
Yuri faltered, looking embarrassed, and her expression was very cute.
"If, it is possible, that there was such an opportunity, of course I
would not be opposed to experiencing something new... W-what do
you think?"
Working part-time with this ojou-sama.
It wouldn't be too ― No, this might become a very enjoyable event.
Just as Godou wanted to say [Then this time's a good opportunity],
he noticed something.
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"Come to think of it, the work I'm doing, it's not suited for a girl at
all."
"Aah, is it a job that only men can do?"
"No, although the job is not strictly men-only, it's just that the job is
ill-suited for a girl to do."
While answering Hikari, Godou scratched his head.
Although the tasks of this job were normal, it would be awkward to
ask Yuri to join him. As he thought, he had to think this through.
"The [normal] that you've mentioned, cannot even be fundamentally
believed."
It was past ten o'clock in the evening.
Finishing his work, Godou had returned to his home, located in the
shopping street of the third district of Nezu.
He had run into the daughter of the sushi bar's owner, his childhood
friend Tokunaga Asuka, on his way back who had told him this.
".... That was out of the blue. To have described me as someone
without any common sense."
Godou responded dishearteningly.
Being told something like that, as the first thing upon meeting.
Expectedly, he was annoyed.
"You know, if you are asked [What have you been doing up till now?],
you should say [a part-time job at an old bookstore]. And if I asked
[what kind of job? Hmm. How much do they pay?], to which you
should reply [moving a large amount of old books in half a day, for
3000 yen]. For [Isn't that too little!?], it should be [That's not the
case at all. Isn't that normal?]."
Outspokenly, Asuka energetically continued.
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Though her features were a little fierce, she was quite the pretty
young girl. Her long-hair had twin-pigtails sprouting out from both
sides. This was a hairstyle that she had had for the longest time.
While his childhood friend was taking a breather, Godou took the
chance to interject.
"I, didn't particularly say anything strange, did I?"
"It was strange."
He was instantly struck down.
Part 2
The next day after that kind of incident had happened, a Sunday.
The usual gatherings of the Kusanagi household were usually
comprised of Godou, his sister Shizuka + their grandfather, just the
three of them. The mother was very busy with her work and private
affairs and hence was often absent, whereas the father, after the
divorce, had separated from the household.
However, the lunch that day was a tad more crowded than usual.
The rarely present parents ― were not here, but rather it was a
sudden addition of three people.
"Uwa ―, this ham is great ― !"
Gobbling down the thick ham steak, Kouzuki Sakura complimented.
Because the ham that was used was of high quality, not much skill
was needed to bring out the outstanding taste in it.
"This is something Mayo had brought back. That child doesn't eat at
home very often, isn't that such a waste? Today, it's good that I could
let Sakura-chan and you all have a taste of it."
The person who had said that in a gentle tone, and who also prepared
the ham, was Kusanagi Ichirou.
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He was not someone who would obligingly interfere in the affairs of
others. However, he would casually lend his aid to others, this was his
forte.
These traits were displayed through his expressions and tone.
"By the way, Sakura-chan. Coming here today, did you have anything
you needed from our Godou?"
"Nope. I was coincidentally free, so I dropped by. Recently, my friend
Fuyuhime-chan had also said that she wasn't busy with anything, and
if I'm feeling lonely, I can always pay Godoh-kun, Shizuka-chan and
Grandpa a visit, and I like you guys, too."
"Is that so? That's good to hear. Ah, if you'd like, we also have some
pretty good cheese."
"Eh, really!? Ufufu, somehow it seems like a dinner party, the menu
Father has when having wine!"
Grandfather and Sakura were chatting together harmoniously.
Since the start of September, his cousin Sakura had been visiting the
Kusanagi household frequently.
The siblings Godou and Shizuka need not be mentioned, but even the
grandfather had been nonchalantly watching over this relative's young
girl, and helping her out.
".... Just a little bit more, if it were someone with an ordinary way of
life, huh."
Godou murmured to himself, softly.
However, someone heard him. Shizuka, who was seated directly next
to him, did.
".... Though I fully agree, the shelves in Onii-chan's heart are easily
capable of storing staggering amounts. Directly throwing various
things out, or drawing them in."
".... What are you trying to say? Don't describe your big brother as
some strange guy."
"..... Hmph. Onii-chan is plenty strange, as a perso ― n."
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The siblings whispered to each other.
Though the little sister liked to nag, and the older brother did not
understand his sister, the two of them got along very well.
On an unrelated note, what Sakura had said earlier, the comment
[seems like a dinner party], was absolutely correct.
Today's lunch, with the smoked ham and sausages, and the cheese
imported from overseas, were all [tributes] to the mother Kusanagi
Mayo, which she had brought back home. Together, with wine and
brandy of famous brands....
These had all been gifts from men, a true display of her title as
[Femme Fatale].
Furthermore, the father Genzou had sent picture postcards addressed
to the siblings.
Though it did not state what he had been up to, it had been sent from
the southern hemisphere, from Cape Town. Upon it was written
[Wherever I go, I wander, lost. But I will always be here, friends]. No
one had understood what he meant by that.
"Father, what kind of person is he exactly... ?"
Reading the postcard that was left on the table, Liliana murmured to
herself.
"I have a feeling that there is some kind of message behind it.... but
to the inexperienced me, I am unable to decipher even a single bit of
it as of now."
"It's fine. Because even we don't understand it."
"Anyway he's someone who only thinks about acting cool. You don't
have to care about it."
The siblings instantly responded, to which Liliana responded with a,
"Huh?".
Her silver hair tied in a ponytail, the fairy-like East European bishoujo.
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Structurally altered it may have been, but with the pure Japanese
style of the Kusanagi house, she could not have been said to look in
place with it. However, recently, because of her incessant coming in
and out of the house, the feeling of being out of place has all but
disappeared.
"But, Onii-chan has levelled up greatly, too."
In the Kusanagi house's living room. Everyone was encircled around
the dining table. Godou was sandwiched between his sister on the
right, and Liliana on his left ―
While looking cynically at Godou's position, Shizuka murmured.
"Openly bringing back one of the girlfriends to have lunch with the
other members of the family. Did Grandpa even do something of this
level in the past?"
"You idiot. Since when did you get all these weird
misunderstandings?"
"Kusanagi Godou. I cannot agree with your verbal abuse to your
blood-related kin. Though that may be the case, it is the truth that
Shizuka-san has some improper impressions of the situation."
Against Shizuka's cynicism, Godou and Liliana did a combination
retaliation.
In the first place, their grandfather had not brought back many
females with whom he shared an intimate relationship to the house,
because of his guilty conscience. Please do not compare me with him.
".... If you are planning on explaining yourself, I'll listen."
"Explain? I'm not going to do that. Liliana and I, as previously said,
we just get along really well, it'll be good if you think of us as good
pals. Because it's that kind of relationship, coming to the house and
meeting with the family is normal, isn't it?"
"Yes, like the two inseparable wings of a bird, we will not part ways
from each other."
A splendid coordination. The breaths were closely synchronized with
each other's.
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Tightly following the direction of his gaze, to inform him of immediate
problems, and offering her advice. Of course, also following up with
appropriate actions, bringing a decisive force to the frontlines.
To the team commander, to the King, Liliana might be the perfect
aide.
Recently, that was what Godou had thought.
"Because it is completely natural for us to be together, I do not even
have the slightest bit of guilty conscience about it. Our thoughts are
pure. On the contrary, for thinking that we have an immoral
relationship, isn't Shizuka-san the one with improper cognizance? Do
understand this.... Ah, that reminds me."
Liliana suddenly whispered to Godou.
"This coming Monday, let us use the ingredients that I have been
given to prepare lunch. I'll handle Mariya Yuri, and as for Erica ― I'll
have Karen inform Arianna who prepares her meals. Once in a while,
please have a taste of my very own personal handmade dishes."
Liliana's cheeks were slightly reddened, softly speaking as though she
were telling a secret.
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That innocence and gallantry combined, looked really cute.
Regarding the ingredients, that referred to their grandfather at
roughly an hour ago, he had told the frequently visiting Liliana, 'These
are some souvenirs', and had given her some of the tributes meant
for the mother.
The silver-haired knight had changed from before; she no longer tried
to obtain leadership over the kitchen of the Kusanagi household.
Already, she had become more gentle, a girl who made others feel
good with her presence ― she would surely become a good wife and a
good mother, Godou thought so vaguely.
"Hmm. I got it, I'll be looking forward to it."
"Yes, please do."
"Ugh, ku ― h. Furthermore, before the family, to the extent of openly
discussing the management of his circle of girlfriends!"
"Fufufufu. Godoh-kun sure gets along well with everyone, it seems so
fun!"
While Shizuka was at a loss for words, Sakura smiled cheerfully.
In addition, about one month back, Godou had explained [Liliana had
returned to Milan because of some circumstances with her family!] to
his cousin.
However, their abrupt meeting once again caused Godou and Liliana
to be flustered, but Sakura had regarded it absent-mindedly.
"I, due to certain changes in various circumstances, have once again
returned to Japan!"
"Ah, I see ―. Again, I'll be in your care ― "
In response to their sloppy ad-libbing, the overwhelmingly beautiful
hearted cousin had accepted it with a smile.
It seems Liliana too, had understood how to handle Sakura. Even if
she continued to pester them with a [I want you to teach me magic
~], they would be able to brush it off skillfully.
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".... Although it's always like this, this household sure is lively, isn't
it...."
The childhood friend Tokunaga Asuka murmured to herself softly.
Yes, there were three guests today. And the third guest was Asuka.
"Though it's not that there are any noisy people in particular, but
everytime this house leaves me feeling at ease... Really, I can't
decide whether I'm for or against this."
The sushi bar that the Tokunaga house managed was named [Toku
Sushi].
The lady boss (Asuka's mother) had sent their daughter here to
deliver some things.
It would not be good if they were only to accept the superbly self-
prepared, seasoned quality lean meat tuna from the sushi bar owners.
Hence they invited Asuka to join them in the living room, and gave
her some souvenirs as well.
"Well ―, as I thought I'm kind of an ordinary person..... although
one-on-one I can deal with Godou and Grandpa pretty well, but the
entire Kusanagi family, if you get along that well with each other, the
situation looks really terrible. Somehow, Shizuka-chan too, is letting
her inner willfulness out."
Quietly observing the members inside the living room, Asuka said
earnestly.
Even though she was always so aggressive, this girl could only be
stupefied before the entire spectacle of the Kusanagi family. Earlier
when they had asked her the reason, she instantly replied [I'm tired].
"Wh!? Don't describe me as if I'm the same as the other Kusanagi
family members!"
"H―mm. How should I say this ―, it looks like Aunt Mayo's blood runs
rather deep, eh ― "
While countering Shizuka's comment, Asuka seemingly brilliantly
looked at Liliana, and after that, her gaze turned towards the
Kusanagi siblings' cousin, Sakura.
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"Could it be possible, that perhaps the ones who will remain by
Godou's side in the end would be these...."
In a whisper, a mysterious assessment escaped her lips.
The person in question, Sakura, with a smiling face, spoke out
towards Godou.
"Hey ―, Godoh-kun. This coming week, do you happen to be free!?
We haven't met up with Fuyuhime-chan in a long time, and for sure
this time, I want to pass her the letter. I also want to go out together
with Godoh-kun. Ah, if it's ok, how about bringing Liliana-san and
your other friends from school? If everyone goes together, I think it'll
be fun, surely."
Part 3
Even on a Sunday night, Godou was working a part-time job.
The place was somewhere in the vicinity of Ameyoko, in Ueno.
Restaurants, bars, pachinko parlors, capsule hotels and saunas were
concentrated in this lively area.
A bustling street, full of peculiar dubiousness and energy.
Today's part-time job was 'a little special'. When the sun was setting,
Godou had entered an unpleasant-looking multi-tenant building's fifth
floor, the bar named [three backs].
It did not particularly have a membership system.
However, it was filled with only regular customers, and it was a shop
first-time customers hardly ever came to.
The shopkeeper, who was also the bartender, had said [Although it's
a modest business, some way or another I can make a living], with no
intention of modifying his quiet business style.
Before the operating hours of this hiding place-like bar, Godou
entered the establishment, and changed his clothes.
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It was a shop with neither an office nor a backyard. In the interior of
the shop before it opened for business, he hurriedly changed into a
white shirt and put on a necktie, and then wore his vest. Just like a
bartender.
"Well then, I'll start with the cleaning."
"Ok, I'm counting on you. Ah, once you're done, help me out with the
stocking preparations."
Upon hearing Godou's voice, the shopkeeper-bartender, Yanagi-san
said.
He was in his mid-thirties. A slim, good-looking man.
His skill as a bartender was extraordinary, but his cooking abilities
that he had picked up as a hobby were also marvelous.
Kusanagi Godou's employer. That was the profile of Yanagi-san.
"Yes.... Unusual, isn't it. Even though you had an appointment today,
you still came?"
Always, while Yanagi-san was still doing the cooking preparations,
Godou would finish with the cleaning.
That was how the routine went before opening hours.
"Was that an appointment? Earlier, I received a mail on my cellphone
from Daka-san, saying 'Today I want to eat paella. And seafood pizza.
I'm counting on you'. And also some requests from other regular
patrons, for things that weren't on our menu."
While making a bitter smile, Yanagi-san took out the ingredients from
the supermarket bag.
Normally, this kind of shop would not serve food made with all the
chef's might. Bars, were places where liquor was enjoyed, to the
utmost....
That was his stance on it.
However, Yanagi-san's regular patrons, made many requests for
dishes that were not on the menu.
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Due to it being a Western style bar, it seems they ended up making a
Western style meal menu, with wine and the like. One would expect
that if Japanese style and Chinese style meals were requested, they
would be rejected.
"And because of that, we're going to be busier than usual. I'm relying
on your help."
Yanagi-san would not raise his voice in any way, he was a kind
employer.
Actually, he was a friend of his mother. Before the summer vacation,
Godou who had been searching for a part-time job had asked his
mother, 'Is there anything nice you could recommend? ', and then,
with a, 'I have an acquaintance who doesn't mind minors, though
their schedule is irregular, as long as they are willing', he was
introduced.
Still, even while he was thinking that it would be impossible for a high
school student, he went for the interview ―
"By the way Yanagi-san, why did you hire someone like me?"
"Basically, I've been managing this shop somehow by myself. A child
who wants to seriously become a bartender, I do not plan nor have
the allowance of taking one as a full-time apprentice. And thus, I just
needed someone who would help out when things looked busy.
Furthermore ― "
Yanagi-san was probably, not just a kind person.
When he had overwritten the resume that Godou had brought, by
changing the age to above eighteen, and said 'You, I'll employ you',
during that time Godou had understood this.
"I thought that it'd be a little nice, for a naive and obedient boy to be
working at my side... Probably, you've caused me to forget about my
fatigue and tiredness more than I thought you would. Fufufu, just
stay as your densely unaware self, that's Godou-kun's virtue after
all."
Well, occasionally he murmurs some weird things.
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Perhaps, like the regular customer Hideko-san who had once said,
'Shop manager, you definitely do swing that way, right☆Your
behaviour is just too amorous!'.
That might be the case. However, Godou was not too concerned
about it.
This part-time job's terms and pay were good, and basically he liked
Yanagi-san, and also the shop's regular patrons too. If that was the
case, he was plenty satisfied.
There were both pros and cons.
Depending on the case, sometimes a little rule-bending was OK.
While exhibiting those traits unconsciously, Godou went about the
part-time job's chores today.
Once again, working here had brought about other business and
encounters for him. As he thought, quitting the job would be
regrettable, due to the little feelings of guilt.
"Godoh-chan, could I count on you to be our support for grass-lot
baseball next time?", "I'm planning on going in to the depths of Mt.
Ontake, harvesting herbs. I'll pay you a part-time job's wage so help
us out?" , "Next month, there's a wine-tasting event. Let's all go.
Shop manager and Godoh-chan, let's go together!", "Hey, I need a lot
of manpower for next week's inventory count. You did say you were
looking for a part-time job!?", "With the source of Tonegawa river in
mind, I have a rigorous programme planned out.... I'm looking for
men with confidence in their physical abilities.", "Although I can't give
you payment in kind, but the display and sales of new products event
next time, come and be a salesperson for me."
Among others. A non-stop exchange at the bar's counter.
While helping Yanagi-san out by polishing the glass, setting up the
liquor bottles, washing the tableware, various voices were calling out
to him.
Before, Godou had said, 'Please introduce me to any good part-time
jobs you know', to the regular patrons.
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Afterwards, before he realized it, he was well-known amongst the
regular patrons as, [a young man with good physical strength who will
not slack off, with excessively high adaptability and was currently in
the middle of looking for part-time employment].
Nowadays, more than half of Godou's part-time jobs were introduced
to him from here.
Well, although there were other things introduced besides part-time
jobs, seemingly interesting offers did turn up from time to time.
Although Kusanagi Godou thought of himself as a tough person,
sometimes he just wanted to forget about school and his life as a
devil king Campione, and to take a break from that life.
Thus, the work for the day ended.
After the operating hours, the bar was cleaned and tidied up.
The time was approaching twelve midnight. Just a little bit more and
the date on the calendar would change to Monday.
Usually after closing shop, he would be treated to a meal. However,
they had cooked up a lot, and there were not many ingredients left.
And hence, after bidding goodbye to Yanagi-san who was doing the
accounts at the register, Godou excused himself.
I'll go home after eating something, maybe even ramen.
Come to think of it, his baseball mate Rui had said to him, 'If it's ok
with you, after your part-time job, there's an interesting festival float
event happening, wanna try going? We'll invite Miura-kun and
Nakayama-kun too. All of us live around this area anyway', as an
invitation.
Anyhow about today, it would be fine if he just said something next
week —
While considering that, Godou got onto his mountain bike, and set out
for Kasuga street.
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Passing through Ueno Okachimachi and heading in the direction of
Yunoshima, on the way back to the 3rd district of Nezu, which was
parallel to Shinobazu street. The standard regular route. A road he
was very familiar with from commuting to work, back and forth.
However.
Today, some guys that he was unacquainted with, were obstructing
his path.
There were three of them. All of them, were dressed in a bizarre
fashion.
Covered in yellow overalls from top to bottom ― was that a track
suit?
He had seen this long ago in the past, and he recalled a movie
starring a great kungfu star [1]. Also, another action movie[2] included a
blond beauty wielding a Japanese sword who was seeking revenge.
Godou could not make out the trio's faces. He was made to think of
classical Chinese opera, as their faces were besmeared with queer
make-up.
HOOOAAAAaaaaaa.......
An ominous breath, escaped from the trio's throats.
And then, these guys took a strange Kenpou-like stance.
Right before Kusanagi Godou, they were glaring at him. Within their
eyes dwelled hostility and bloodthirst. I see ― this is an ambush, and
furthermore, an attack under the cover of darkness.
Understanding the circumstances, Godou stopped his bike.
Bruce Lee Kill Bill
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Part 4
"If you have something to say to me, I'll listen to you just this once."
Godou, still mounted on his mountain bike, called out to the queer
trio.
He was outnumbered. Godou did not want to throw away his
superiority in mobility... While calmly considering these factors, he
found the situation becoming more and more unpleasant.
The feeling of incurring someone's enmity, is... Well, although
whether there is or isn't is a delicate issue, even if it's a grudge,
threat or grievance, I don't feel like running away from these guys
who seem like they have something to say.
As one would expect, a disturbance to that extent had been raised.
Which is why, he had to make a calm appeal firstly.
― However, the trio did not reply.
SHIAAAAaaaaa! FUOOoooooO! Heeeyyaaaa!!
Once again, an ominous breath escaped, followed by a yell. It was like
the cry of some strange bird.
No room for negotiation, huh. Dangerous tools were grasped in their
hands. Hemp rope, handcuffs, and then, a syringe filled with fluid.
Could it be, that they intended on capturing Kusanagi Godou?
The moment he noticed that, he had already stepped on the pedal of
his mountain bike.
In one breath, he accelerated. Throwing himself straight into the trio's
midst, at the guy in the middle!
The queer trio faltered before the sudden assault, and scattered left
and right in a hurry.
Into whatever space he could, he charged in on his mountain bike.
Further acceleration. The trio's barring his path, were easily breached.
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It had turned out to be much faster than Godou expected, and he felt
it was anti-climatic.
However, he quickly changed his opinion.
Those guys gave chase with immense speed from behind him. The
trio were riding granny bikes that were meant for use on the streets,
and were pedaling with all their might!
What Godou was riding was a mountain bike.
In terms of weight, it was lighter than road bikes, and it should be
overwhelmingly lighter than granny bikes. The gears were also
different. Thus the acceleration capability should have been higher.
In spite of that, the trio, on their granny bikes, were closing the gap
bit by bit.
The difference of their leg power ― this was probably not it. Surely, it
was the difference in their spirit.
What was approaching from behind, was not just the trio. They were
emitting an aura that seemed to speak, 'No matter what, we'll
definitely capture you!'.
While feeling the pressure of being pursued, Godou continued moving,
on the banks of Shinobazu Pond.
At that time, one of the trio shouted out.
"FUOOOAAAAAAAAAA!!"
The cry of the spirit. That was perhaps, a warcry for the purpose of
channelling and straining all the power in their physical body.
One of the granny bikes sped up tremendously.
Finally catching up with Godou's mountain bike, right next to him.
And then, the queer person jumped off the granny bike.
Yes, aiming straight for the Kusanagi Godou that was next to him!
Just like a flying body press. As though he were a Mexican pro
wrestler who was skilled at aerial assassination, a plancha suicida.
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A splendid, and furthermore, a self-destructive attack.
"UWAAAAAAAAAAA!?"
Taking the do-or-die suicide attack, Godou was thrown off his bike.
"Owwwwww....."
While moaning, Godou started to pick himself up.
He had suffered grazes on various parts of his body. Something like
this, compared to the wounds that he had been dealt in mortal
combat up till now, were literally mere scratches, but....
Next to him, the queer person who had did an aerial assassination
technique on him started to get up too.
He had sustained similar levels of injuries. There did not seem to be
any serious injuries, like bone fractures.
Moreover, the other two comrades had caught up on their granny
bikes. This time, they did not simply obstruct his path. A full
surround, cutting off all retreat.
It was the worst possible time, and the situation looked grim.
However, Godou tilted his head to the side, puzzled.
No matter how much time passes, he had no confidence that he
would be able to use Verethragna's authorities. In other words,
because they were normal people, the power would not activate. And
with that, the chase.
If the other party had been either Lu Yinghua or Erica and the others,
they would be able to catch up with their running ability, and should
be able to overtake him.
These guys, just who on earth were they!?
― The moment he thought of that question in his mind, the cavalry
arrived at the scene.
"Your Majesty, are you alright!? I'll clean these guys up right away,
just hold on!"
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"Godou, your knight will be showing her bravery and beauty on the
battlefield, take a good look at me!"
The pair that came flying out from the darkness of the night, were
people he knew very well.
The long sword wielding hime-miko, Seishuuin Ena.
And the other one was, of course, Erica Blandelli!
.... In the ensuing conflict, well, there was nothing worthy of special
mention.
For example, Ena KO-ing mysterious person A with a strike to the
jaw, with her palm.
Erica dealing a chop to mysterious person B's face with a brilliant
backhand blow, causing the victim to faint in agony.
And as for the last mysterious person, C, Ena had utilized a showy
roundhouse kick, and though it was simple, the killing power looked
ridiculously high, and drove her foot into the solar plexus mercilessly.
Immediately following, Erica, in the middle of a big, impractical jump
kick motion, had used the only move that was effective in actual
combat, testimony to her prowess as a street fighter, a jumping knee
that smashed into the temple of C. The lengthy and detailed
explanation was most likely redundant.
That was how, the three queers had fainted.
Giving them a sidelong glance, Godou, Erica and Ena faced each
other.
"Thanks, you bailed me out there.... but, why are you guys here?"
"How it came about is not something significant, but by chance, there
was someone who told me Ena-san had come to Tokyo."
First, Erica had said, nonchalantly. 'By chance', eh.
Godou thought. Surely, several factors of inevitability had been
entwined and come together, which is what 'by chance' referred to.
For example, relying on someone for the provision of information.
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"In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, a dojo of some sort, right."
"Green Dragon-sensei's dojo. Ena and Amakasu-san.... in other
words, a person authorized by the History Compilation Committee. In
Asakusa, it's Green Dragon-sensei, in Setagaya it's White Tiger-
sensei, and in Azabu it's Vermilion Bird-sensei, and in Ouji it's Black
Tortoise-sensei, the four of them are there. They, as assistant
instructors, have instructed Ena and the others in various ways of
martial arts."
".....Someone just like you?"
Those whom Ena had listed, all of them had only strange names.
"Yep, yeah. With regards to martial arts, people who are much more
awesome than Ena. Something like the Four Great Heavenly Kings of
the imperial capital. Anyway, before I paid your Majesty and Yuri's
place a visit I dropped by the dojo, and was asked about various
things."
"Various?"
"The assistant instructor, Green Dragon-sensei for example, and the
other disciples. They, asked if Ena was finally going to be a wife."
A perfect, flawless beauty, fair and lively, that was Seishuuin Ena.
That kind of girl had said that while blushing, bashfully. It was
unusual, a conduct different from her usual self, and was also awfully
cute.
"Wi-wife?"
"Yep.... Everyone, looks like they've heard about your Majesty. 'Have
you had a baby already', 'Is your bridal training going well?', for
example, I was asked some troublesome things...."
"Eeeeeeeeh!?"
Ena reported, slightly casting her gaze downwards. That appearance
was rather fresh, and surprising.
She was wearing her usual ― an unidentified high school's uniform.
Page 235
It was not something one should be wearing on Sunday. She was a
girl who did not care much about her appearance. However, that kind
of girl was innocently expressing her affection for Kusanagi Godou.
The happy feeling of having this intimate relationship was conveyed
directly.
Of course, he was glad about that, but..... Godou felt dizzy.
How should he respond to her, he was troubled as he could not
decide. And besides, words like 'baby' and 'bridal training' had been
used, what was that about?
The various burdens that Ena and the others bore were grave enough
realities.
However, it was far too early to comment on that ―
Beside the faltering Godou, Erica said, with a slightly angry
expression.
"Yeah. Them having that kind of exchange at the dojo, I came to
know of it by chance. That is why, I thought I had to correct those
guys' mistake, and I dropped by the dojo for a little...."
Again, 'by chance', eh. Well, I shall refrain from delving into that.
Rather, what he was concerned with was the situation. The situation
seemed almost as if ―
"Showily defeating the entire dojo, that was the first time I've seen
something like that. That time, Erica-san, was really outstanding."
To Ena's words, Godou nodded his head deeply in assent. Just as he
thought, it had been like that.
"From there on, one thing led to another, but well, Ena-san and I
started arguing about whose rank as a lover was higher in front of
those guys there, and our mutual thoughts were conveyed and
addressed to each other, and then we started to compete in the
sword and cooking ― "
"Cooking? Seishuuin, you can cook?"
The crimson bishoujo and domestic chores. That there would be a
point of contact between these two, it was very hard to believe.
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Because of that, Godou did not bother to waste his breath, and only
asked Ena.
"Ah ― ..... Yes. I'm good at broiling the fish I catch with salt. And
after that would be strangling chickens or hares, for example, then
removing the fur or feathers, draining the blood, and turning them
into meat, I think I'm also pretty good at those. Beyond that, I can
only whole roast or stew."
As expected, she was like a child of nature, a 'wild' answer.
How would they compete with each other? Pondering whether to ask,
Godou worried.
"In the end, a clear winner between the two of us was never decided,
but this time, another new dispute had arose between us."
"... Dispute?"
"Yes. Hey, your Majesty, for this coming winter vacation, would you
rather visit the hot springs or go skiing!?"
"As for me, I insist that we should be going skiing in Switzerland. My
family has always done so in winter. Uncle Paolo-sama will be coming
to the Blandelli family's mountain villa too, don't you think that
sounds good?"
"Ena thinks that the hot springs would be good ― . In the mountains
that the Seishuuin main house in Chichibu owns, there's a genuine
secret hot spring that no one besides Ena knows. Climbing the snowy
mountains is tough, but doesn't it sound pretty fun?"
"And with that, we thought we should ask Godou his opinion on which
he feels is better."
"Erica-san then used searching magic, and investigated into your
location. And thus, as your Majesty was being assaulted, we joined in
the fray to save you."
"Well, Godou, that about sums it up. Anyway, which programme
sounds better to you, give us your honest opinion."
"Yes, do tell us frankly. But leaving that aside, that is more important
now."
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About the queer trio that had fainted, Godou caught a fleeting glimpse
of what they could do.
Similar to Erica and Ena in their unprecedented pace of doing things,
they were their comrades in that regard.
"Ah ― , these guys. Things like their background information, for
example, will they obediently tell them to me ― ?"
"If they won't be obedient, I'll have no choice but to make them so....
But actually, I'm poor at having unrefined negotiations like that."
"Heh, how surprising. Because it's Erica-san, I thought you'd be well-
informed in that kind of thing. In the past, poisoning and torture were
rather popular in Italy, am I correct?"
"Yes, from the Renaissance Era. Not as far as the time of Cesare
Borgia, that would also be an emulation of countries in civil war.
However, Erica Blandelli's style is a little different."
"I see. Ena is also bad at that. Although I'm fine with asceticism,
torture is a little ― "
"As I thought, a fair and square duel is the best, chivalrous way. But,
they came to the Campione as assassins. Surely they've safeguarded
their minds with protection spells, to prevent their minds from being
read by certain techniques when captured, employing those tricks."
"That's right, surely.... No way around it, but for now let's try pouring
some water on them?"
"Yeah. Luckily, it seems there's a pond there."
You guys, shouldn't you worry about the torture method first....
The two of them, the vectors of their train of thought went beyond
the imagination. Even though their personalities were that different. It
was unexpected, and Godou was just about to stop Erica and Ena.
However, he was a little too late.
Bon, bon, bon. The sounds of three heavy objects being thrown into
the water.
Page 238
However, with that step the true identities of the queer trio was
revealed. Thrown into the Shinobazu Pond, the make-up on their
faces were washed off.
... Nanami, Sorimachi, Takagi.
They were Godou's classmates, the faces of those going by the
nickname 'idiot trio' had appeared.
Part 5
"It all started like this, during homeroom last month..."
One of the idiot trio who had been salvaged from Shinobazu Pond,
Nanami recounted.
All of them were trembling, looking cold, going brr brr. They had
become completely wet, at night in October. Exposed to the night
wind, even the core of their body became completely chilled.
"That time, we were waiting for the right moment, intending to
suggest a [school swimsuit + nekomimi maid cafe] for the school
festival's class project... ! During March, we refined and refined the
idea with all our might!"
Sorimachi cried out, with a burning tone in his voice.
Ah ― was it that, Godou recalled. The project which the girls of the
class had objected.
A class poll was held, and it was instantly rejected.
"However, we still had another plan. We gave up on the class project,
and realized we just had to participate in the school festival as
student volunteers . [School swimsuit + nekomimi maid cafe], for its
realization, we made efforts to gather comrades. And Kusanagi who
had forgotten his previous ties, to think we even asked you!"
This time, it was Takagi who spoke.
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However, Godou was puzzled by that claim.
"Did you ask me or something? In the first place, did I have some sort
of disagreement with you guys?"
"Ngh! Because of this, Riajuus[3] are.... "
"What a hateful show of composure..."
"Ku-Kusanagi.... leave aside the disagreement for now. Are you
saying that you've forgotten about our request!? Because of our
heartrending grief, that is why we had requested that of you! 'Please,
we want to select Erica-sama, Mariya-san, Liliana-san and then, if
possible, the Kusanagi sister as the main cast for our [school swimsuit
+ nekomimi maid cafe]. Please help us persuade them.'!"
"Now that you mention it, you did request that of me..."
However, with that, it did not seem as though he would say that he
invited Kusanagi Godou.
"No, if it's just me by myself, of course I would help when I'm free.
Still, Erica and the others are a little... Of course I'd refuse."
Godou said while scratching his head. And then, Ena who seemed as
though she was in wonder, asked him.
"Your Majesty, why did you refuse? It'd have been fine if you had just
persuaded us, wouldn't it?"
"Hey, Erica. If I had begged you, would you have consented?"
"It's an offer that's not even worth the consideration. It's something
you didn't even bother to try asking, right?"
It was curtly refused by Erica, and he nodded his head in assent
within his heart.
Well, it's come to that, huh. In response to the exchange between
Godou and the others, the idiot trio shed their tears.
Riajuu: internet slang for somebody who has a good life. It's typically used by otaku
and such on message boards like 2chan to refer to people who have girl/boyfriends
and are popular with their peers.
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"In the meantime, the day of the school festival was rapidly drawing
closer.... ! The remaining time was steadily running out.... ! Then, we
made one last gamble. We intended to capture Kusanagi, using him
as leverage, to urge Erica-sama and the others to be maids for us!
Although it was that sort of plan!"
"No way ― . Shouldn't you guys have come up with a better plan?"
Godou said seriously. It was to an extent that they had started to give
in to despair.
"So Godou, what do you plan on doing with these guys? Even as a
joke, it's still an attempted abduction, so I think that it's OK even if
we do something proper in retaliation?"
"That's right ― . Although it's not an eye for an eye, wouldn't it be
fine if we just break them a little?"
Erica and Ena asked.
However, Godou rejected that notion. More or less, he had only
suffered a few scratches, it was nothing serious.
Furthermore the idiot trio, occasionally had these strange moments of
hostility.
Although he was absolutely certain of these guy's eccentricity, Godou
might have done something to provoke their animosity. That was
something, that he did not quite understand as of now....
Well, they had issues of their own, but they were rather lovable idiots,
he felt. Certainly, to the realization of the [school swimsuit +
nekomimi maid cafe], in any case, their passion was the genuine real
deal, and Godou could feel that ―
Profoundly considering the fact that they had gone that far, Godou
was suddenly struck with an idea.
"If you guys really want it, I have a few acquaintances who wouldn't
mind if I introduce them to you. In the meantime, shall we try asking
that guy?"
Page 241
He proposed a summarized idea.
"Ku-Kusanagi, w-we misunderstood you....."
"Our bosom friend!"
"You're also our comrade ― One who walks on the path to the maid
heaven!?"
"No, I still haven't really done anything yet."
To the idiot trio who were blurting things out enthusiastically, Godou
quickly replied.
Several days later, in Akihabara.
The multi-tenant building that the Hong Kong Lu family had used as
their headquarters. In that was the maid yumcha house [Peerless
Statesman].
In the VIP room that ordinary customers would never be able to
enter, they were in the interior of said room. The maids would bring in
drinks and dim sum at times, but other than that they rarely came.
"That trio, they are energetically continuing with the preparations."
While scowling at his hand in their card game, Lu Yinghua said.
Sayanomiya Kaoru, Amakasu Touma, and also Godou were present.
A personal table for the purpose of enjoyment.
There was also billiard table and dart boards, to name a few, an
abundance of game equipment.
"A school festival in Honored Uncle's district? In addition, to get done
on time the selection of maids, ordering of uniforms, provisions,
ingredients and materials, making an effort at all of the above. My
underling will see to its completion, so please do not worry."
"Sorry about that, Yinghua. Making these unreasonable demands of
you...."
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Godou apologized, while throwing aside his hand.
After that night, he introduced the idiot trio to Lu Yinghua. From the
Hong Kong Lu family who dealt with maids as their family business,
the specialist friend that he had mentioned.
To have recalled this [nephew] while over there, there had been a
reason.
"Well, to say the real motive, though the Maid Palace that Honored
Uncle produced himself is good, just as I thought, eh. At present,
accompanying my school friend out to play, I don't mind doing a maid
cafe at a school festival. By doing so, Honored Uncle's motivation
might increase."
"Lu-san, are you proposing that kind of idea to Kusanagi-san?"
"Maid Palace, eh. Lu-san, if it's ok with you, I'll participate too."
While looking at his hand, Amakasu interjected.
Kaoru also smiled, with a 'fufu'. Somewhere along the way, Lu
Yinghua's way of addressing had changed. The androgynous hime-
miko seemed pretty skilled at closing the distance between people.
"My Honored Uncle being an expert at handling [women], all of the
people across the lands know of this. The Maid Palace, infused with
the thoughts of such a prodigal hero, would definitely succeed and be
profitable, I think. But because nothing can be done to make my
Honored Uncle himself get interested, it's indeed troubling."
"No, Yinghua..... Stop complimenting me in those weird ways. People
will misunderstand."
"It was a joke. Taking hold of my master's reins, the handling of that
transcendent woman ― the mastery of that technique, you have my
admiration from the bottom of my heart. Furthermore, the
unmanageable Erica-neesan, even her.... Fufufu, for sure, Honored
Uncle is the gentleman that Yinghua respects."
Sometime ago, after a reunion they had in this building. Lu Yinghua
had invited him, to join in the production of such a Maid Palace.
Godou had not hesitated, and gave him an immediate refusal.
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"Well, I thought it'd be boring if that plan never took flight. Before, I
had told my Honored Uncle that 'Should you ever have need of things
regarding maids, do give us, the Lu family, a call'. But I never
expected for a chance to come this early."
Lu Yinghua recounted, to Amakasu and Kaoru.
True. Because that kind of incident had occurred, Godou had come to
them for their assistance for the idiot trio. For the Maid Palace, in any
case, he had planned to pay them back for it, someday, somehow.
"But, to have resolved various problems and come to an amicable
solution, that's a relief."
Drawing a card from the mountain of cards, Godou murmured.
Then, Amakasu shrugged his shoulders. Even Kaoru, who could place
first amongst people who lacked common sense, had a bitter smile on
her face.
"Normally, people wouldn't think of something like this...."
"Godou-san, is a person filled with good and bad, eh ― "
"Erm... I don't think that's the case. It's a little uncommon, but
basically, I should be quite a normal person."
Godou made an appeal, from the bottom of his heart.
However, the respond from his surroundings was blunt.
"Ha ― ..... I see. To my Honored Uncle, having gone through so many
battles and great adventures, it cannot be helped that this is 'normal'
to him. Certainly, he has an unmovable presence of mind. Truly, this
is enlightening."
"Or rather, a normal high school student wouldn't be playing poker
and bridge in a room like this."
"At least I, besides myself, have never seen anyone who's enjoying
their youth that's surrounded by beauty. Godou-san, those words of
yours have zero persuasive power."
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Godou was unanimously told that, and reflexively felt disappointed.
The days of autumn will pass by, day by day, and someday, he would
hear the footsteps of winter.
This, was a scene from that season.