Short Story 1: Hikigaya Hachimans taste of home cooking is wrong as

expected[edit]
It was the peak of the fall reading season. Typically, this would be the season to be indulging in books, but
today just wouldnt let that come to pass as we stared at the computer that Hiratsuka-sensei forced onto.
Chiba Prefecture Region Problem Consultation Mail
When I apathetically announced the title, Yuigahama clapped her hands repeatedly.
Yukinoshita stopped her hands that flipped the pages of her paperback book and gave me a puzzled look.
Hey, where did this get sent from?
Well, Hiratsuka-sensei probably had something to do with it
Recently, Hiratsuka-sensei suddenly added problem consultation mail to the activities of the Service Club.
Apparently, it was mail from various people in school with issues.
Yuigahama looked at the computer and read aloud.
Errm, todays first letter is A letter from a resident of Chiba City, Pen Name: Master Swordsman Shogunsama.
This guys pen name didn't mean anything, did it? Just now, not only did a real name come to mind, but so
did a face and figure.
<Pen Name: Master Swordsman-sans Problem>
[I have chuunibyou, but I want to love][1]
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[Even if youre suffering from chuunibyou, you can still love. Why dont you muster up your courage and try
confessing? The other party should reply with this: Im sorry.]
Hes getting turned down already!?
Yuigahama who was reading the answer noticed a little late. Unrequited love and a broken love were splendid
loves too, you know?
But, well, just like this, only bothersome, worthless problems would come in. Also, even though it said Chiba
Prefecture Region, only mails from Chiba City came in.
In any case, one case was dealt with, so on to the next mail. I sent Yuigahama a look to go on.
Ah, okay, Ill read the next one. Umm This is from Pen Name: Currently looking for a spouse, I have stable
income (teacher)-san.
Hey, again, was there any point in having a pen name? Not to mention the appeal here was really outrageous.
How serious was this person, like really? Then again, I mostly understood what this problem entailed from
just the pen name alone.
<Pen Name: Currently looking for a spouse, I have stable income (teacher)-san >
[As embarrassing as it is, Im not particularly well-versed in housework and that, of course, includes cooking.
I can't help but worry when I'm married in the future (lol). In the first place, Im worried about whether I can
get married (lol), but Im thinking that I do want to try to remember at least one special dish that I can cook.
Something popular with men (lol), also something light so its popular with men, ah, I wrote that twice, didnt
I (lol)? Anyway, is there anything simple that will leave a good impression with the men?

This isnt something you ask students, is it?

Creepy. This person's too serious that it's creepy. Also, the overuse of the self-inflicting (lol)'s were really
freaking scary, so it's really creepy. But my fear wasn't at all shared with the other two as they nonchalantly
talked.
Ah, maybe meat and potato stew? Or something made at home?
If it's Japanese-styled hamburger, then just a little change to it would leave a different impression, wouldn't
it?
Well, what those two were saying were well-grounded. But it's exactly because it's well-grounded that there's
a downfall to it.
Well, wait. It's a minus if you end up aiming too high since conversely, it'll make you look creepy instead.
Women who made those tend to think as long as I make this, then I'll have it in the bag (lol), guys are too
easy (lol) and I wasn't too fond of that. Whoa, stereotyping.
Then what would be good?
I-I might want to know too, a little bit.
Yukinoshita shot a look at me while Yuigahama looked at me nervously.
It looks to me you guys don't know the true meaning behind the taste of home cooking. Listen here. The
thing about moms are that the way they handle their sons and daughters are completely different. And the
taste of home cooking to men of the world is basically...
I stopped abruptly and Yuigahama bent forward. Uh, I didn't say anything amazing...
Just some adequately baked meat and white rice. This is the taste of home cooking.
...I feel silly for listening to you seriously.
And here I was thinking what you'd come up with...
Both of them were completely astounded. If I were to write astounded as AKIRE, [2] then that would give off
vibes of a masterpiece.
But, well, I had an excuse to go with that.
Anyway, the point is that a guy's stomach is very simple. Also, once it reaches marriage, then cooking is
something you do every day, you know?
When I spoke, Yukinoshita placed her hand on her chin and took a pondering posture.
That's true. If it's something everyday, then we'll have to think of a lineup of dishes that the person won't get
tired of...
No, anything complicated is just a pain. The easier, the better.
You're looking at this from a house-husband point of view...!? Not to mention your thinking is too realistic.
...Well, I'll just keep it in mind as a reference. How would this be for an answer?
<The Service Club's Answer>
[Meat and potato stew and Japanese-styled hamburger would be the major ones but a dish that men would
be reminded of their mother's home cooking would be ginger-fried pork. But Hiratsuka-sensei, shouldn't you
find a partner first?]
...There really was no point to the pen names.

Someone take her already. Please.

S.A.: Side-A * Special Act A: Even we have to pray that the future those
boys and girls head for is full of happiness.[edit]
Marriage. Its the graveyard of life.
Those who are married, without exception, proudly sing its praises.
Being happy from having someone there to say oh, Im back or being able to try your best the following day
as well from just seeing your childs sleeping face
But hold your horses.

You could already say Im back" at your parents house. If not that, then you could just say Im back to the
cover of your mouthwash instead. And if youre seeing your childs sleeping face, then that meant you were
working in overtime hell.
Was that really something you could call happiness?
The eyes of those who supposedly advocate that happiness rot in the same way as mine do, as if they're
zombies who drag people into the marshlands with them.
I ask again. Now then, was that really something you could call happiness?
Happiness was, you know, something like, how should I say it? Its something along the lines of this: Maybe
its something like the feeling of watching your little sister in an apron preparing breakfast while humming a
tune first thing in the morning?
With that scenery unfolding right before my eyes, I let out a yawn and waited absentmindedly for my beloved
little sister to finish making breakfast.
And this was what you could call happiness. We dont need something like marriage, yeah!
My two working parents left the house early today as well. They sure were busy. Really, they truly were going
through quite a lot of trouble. Its thanks to them that I could lead this rather fulfilling lifestyle.
Eventually, my plan was to take up the occupation as a full-time house husband, but with late marriages
becoming more rampant and marriage rates dropping, that may not be so simple. There was also something
about divorce rates on the rise too.
Perhaps, the lifestyle that I was aiming for may not be welcomed given the current state of society. Then
again, since the dawn of history, was there ever a time the lifestyle I desired actually suitable? Like maybe
during the Heian era?
Accounting for the likelihood that I couldnt get married, I would like it if my parents could work energetically
forever. It was of my opinion that they work themselves hard, from not only their legs but also their very core,
to keep me afloat.
With the ambitions and the like of Hikigaya Hachimans burning at my chest, Komachi spun and did a turn in
the kitchen in front of me. Apparently, she was done making breakfast.
Komachi hurriedly carried the morning plates from the kitchen.
Sorry for the wait~!
Right on.
She placed the tray on the table and Komachi sat in the seat directly opposite from me. Todays menu
consisted of toast, salad, omelet and coffee, huh? A rather American dish if I say so myself. Or maybe even
Nagoya. It looks sooo[3] good, yup.
Komachi started doing house chores around the time she was in elementary school, but recently, she had
gotten so used to it especially with her cooking skills already far surpassing mine that she was already
knocking on the door to a mothers domain.
From the viewpoint of my parents, they were probably deeply moved from seeing their child going beyond
them. I, too, felt I would be surpassing my father as a scum in the near future as well.
Sorry for the trouble.
Onii-chan, you promised not to say that anymore, right?

After a brief, super random conversation peculiar to siblings, we expressed our gratitude for the blessing of
life and clapped our hands together. Expressing your gratitude to livestock was important. I learned that in
Silver Spoon. Also, corporate slaves should receive the Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi [4] too. We could eat
today as well because Papan and Maman were working. Eating food without having to work was delicious.
Super delicious.
But as delicious as it was, unfortunately, one of my hated foodstuffs jumped into my field of vision.
Ah, I totally hate tomatoes, though?
No matter how good the free food was, this was something I could never say was tasty. Komachi didnt act
particularly concerned even after I said that as I fiddled with the tomatoes with my fork.
Yup, thats why I put them in.
Komachi added without a hint of shyness and began to eat her salad... Eh? Why did it turn out like that?
Wasnt that kind of weird?
Were you not taught by our parents to not do things people didnt like? Speaking of which, I wasnt taught
that myself. As youd expect from my parents. Its the style that emphasized watch and remember. Whats
up with that professionalism training for newcomers?
This was where I should make it clear to my little sister what the problem was as her older brother.
No, see here Komachi-chan?
Onii-chan has a lot of things he likes and hates after all. Whether its people or food.
Komachi carried the omelet to her mouth and answered.
Hoh, if youre going to say something like that, then I had something to say too. Its time that I taught you the
truth of this world. I grabbed my coffee cup, took a sip, and puffed up with pride.
Its not like thats a bad thing. If you just force yourself with something you dont like, everyone involved will
just end up miserable.
Haa I cant see onii-chan ever getting married.
Komachi sighed with an indication of gosh, so silly. Whats up with your attitude, huh? Its not like I said
anything wrong, right? If anything, I was fully aware of how impossible it was for me to get married, so could
you not bring it up? Because in order to avoid that, onii-chan right now was repeating every day about being
a full-time house husband in his mind so it could be imprinted into his subconscious.
In the first place, I was the kind of man who didnt want to marry by becoming something I wasnt.
Deceiving your natural self wasnt something you should be doing as people just had different sense of values.
Depending on how you were brought up, you couldnt deny your preferences either. If marriage was where
you didnt accept those differences and forced yourself to be together with someone else, then it wasnt
necessarily the case that itd bring you happiness.
As thoughts came right after the other, I would eat my omelet. Yep, it was delicious.
Theres ketchup there.
Well, duh, if its an omelet, then there had to be ketchup on it. Or was it something else? Could it be you were
a mayo person? A mayo loooover? Or maybe Shinoraaaa[5]? This girl sure was Ultra Relaxed[6], huh?
As I thought about how nostalgic it was for Komachi to not know something normally, I lifted my head and
immediately in front of me was Komachis face.

After Komachi stared at my face, she leaned forward and gently touched my cheeks with the tip of her fingers.
What? Or so I thought, but apparently there was ketchup on my face. Just say it in the first place. Your face
was too close, so annoying, and embarrassing. That newly-wed behavior was making me embarrassed, stop
it. I sent an objecting stare to Komachi, but she wasnt bothered and grinned.
That just now was high in Komachi points.
If you didnt add that, maybe.
I replied back and I gulped my salad.
She really wasnt a cute little sister at all If she didnt follow up with little things like that, shed be super cute
too. I couldnt help but make a bitter smile. But because of that bitter smile, even the tomatoes started to taste
bitter too
Well, just like how I was aware of Komachis good and bad points, Komachi understood me. Family was quite
convenient, Id say.
With all thats been said, this was basically that. Even if you didnt marry, if you had a little sister, wasnt that
good enough? If manufacturers were going to bother putting disks in a package with the actual item, then
they should just include little sisters instead. Theyd definitely fly off the shelves.

I spent the typical morning away, led my usual school life, and eventually greeted the usual business after
school time.
What was different than ordinary was that a somewhat different type of request was brought to us.
The bearer of the request was Hiratsuka-sensei, who had placed something on the table.
Yukinoshita and Yuigahama looked at each other and then glanced at the magazine and pamphlet in turn.
Yukinoshita was squinting and making a difficult face, but Yuigahama was seemingly thinking about nothing
at all with a look of wonder.
Whatever it was, since it looked related to a request, I took a quick peek from behind wondering what in the
world it could be.
On the magazine Yuigahama was looking at absentmindedly were familiar looking landscapes and words
printed. Not to mention it was labeled as Chiba. It was apparently one of those so called local magazines.
Eh, whats that about, did they have special Chiba information written in here? How should I go about asking
for a subscription to this, I wonder?
On the other hand, the printout that Yukinoshita was reading had the word Project written on the header. It
was probably a project plan of the sort.
Ummm Love Marriage Chiba Wedding.
Yuigahama read aloud with a deeply interested voice. What was with that angel of love legend naming
sense? It was getting dreadful because I was getting assaulted with some kind of dreamin feeling, so I took
a look at the portion that Yuigahama was reading.
What leaped into my vision was romantic content enveloped in absurd happiness. I reflexively winced at it.
No way, I was definitely sure marriage wasnt representative of all these positive images at all...

Haa, Youth Marriage Special Edition, huh

I let out a voice slightly mixed with disgust.
But it looked like Hiratsuka-sensei wasnt holding any particular negative images regarding it. When she
raised her index finger, she explained it thoroughly.
Thats right. As part of revitalizing the Chiba region, it seems like they plan on starting up a local magazine.
They plan on making the magazine through a joint cooperation with the administration, neighboring bridal
companies, and hotels with marriage halls and so forth in order to have the younger generation have a deeper
understanding of marriage.
Fumu. This was apparently a project that saw the occasional involvement of both the people and the
government by means of a local magazine. And so the magazine brought here was a sample.
While listening to Hiratsuka-senseis explanation, Yukinoshita was tracing along the lines of the sentences on
the project plan with her eyes. After she placed her hands on her temple, she set the papers on the table and
tapped.
So, why was this problem brought to us?
After taking an ample pause, Yukinoshita sent a fixed stare to Hiratsuka-sensei. Hiratsuka-sensei choked on
her words and averted her gaze in a seemingly ashamed fashion.
W-Well, thats, you see The higher ups at school wanted to cooperate in some form or another, so I ended
up being entrusted with the task so
With Yukinoshita sharply glaring her down, Hiratsuka-sensei answered incoherently.
Why our school, then again, why us?
When I grumbled with a sigh, Hiratsuka-sensei blinked her eye and then suddenly had distant eyes.
A reason, huh? Well One mustnt seek out the reason for orders that were passed down from the top.
Thats what it means to work.
I didnt want to hear that, I really didnt want to hear that
The small remaining desire to work just instantly disappeared How mysterious When you lose the urge
to work, the desire to marry (= desire to be dependent) steadily increased instead It had to be that, if
everyone started thinking that they wanted to be supported, the marriage rates would shoot up.
As I welcomed the battleship of dependence at the port in my mind, Yukinoshita lightly cleared her throat.
The problem is why its us in particular that should be doing this.
Ah, thats right. Isnt this, like, Hiratsuka-senseis job?
Yuigahama, who was engrossed in the local magazine up until now, lifted her head at Yukinoshitas words
and looked at Hiratsuka-sensei curiously.
Due to how pure her look was, Hiratsuka-sensei, who was being stared at, cringed and faltered. She then
slipped out an uuu with a crying and shaking voice.
I-I mean I-I dont have a clue what to do when it comes to marriage so
She finally broke down into tears.
Aaah ah, they made her cry.
When I looked at Yuigahama, she then looked at Yukinoshita.

Yukinon
No, youre at fault too, you know With Hiratsuka-sensei weeping in front of her and with a helpless stare
from Yuigahama, Yukinoshita flinched and let out a sigh of resignation.
Haa Its not like were experts at the matter ourselves, but well help as well.
Okay, thank you.
As she wiped her tears and sniffed, Hiratsuka-sensei adorably expressed her gratitude. It was an unexpected
cuteness that was unsuitable for her age.
Hurry! Someone hurry up and take her! Otherwise, Ill be the one to instead!

We poured tea for Hiratsuka-sensei to calm her down and we began looking at the project plan.
So to summarize the entire story, we were given a page in the local magazine and apparently we needed to
fill it with a written article.
But what to do, huh?
Yuigahama went hmm and crossed her arms.
Certainly, being told to make an article out of the blue was quite the pickle. Hiratsuka-sensei probably didnt
know what to do hence why she brought it to our attention.
But since the framework was seemingly already decided, we couldnt really just do it without this plan. In that
case, what we could do was limited.
For now, we could just write something and fill it up with that. Aah, we could make this page a space for an
advertisement and sell it off somewhere. That way, thered be no work and well even get our hands on some
money.
Hikigaya Thats no good.
When I said that, Hiratsuka-sensei shook her head with a dejected expression. Thats a no go, huh? I
thought it was a pretty good idea too. Its a style where you sold the framework through underhanded means
and reaped the profits.
The problem is the deadline Just how much time do we have?
Yukinoshita placed her cup on the table with a clack and moved her eyes to the calendar. Following her,
Hiratsuka-sensei adjusted her eyes as well.
It hits the press next week, so for the most part, theres about a week left for proofreading.
Thats very sudden, isnt it?
Yukinoshita sent a fixed, faulting stare to Hiratsuka-sensei, but Hiratsuka-sensei smiled bitterly with an
exhausted face.
Work just tends to fall to the side, see Even more so with work thats hard to get started on.
Aah, I totally kind of get that.
Yep, yep, same here. When you lose your motivation, things just gradually fall to the backburner. Thats why
its better to get into gear and get things done as soon as time would permit, and as a result, theyd be less

taxing mentally. This world is abundant with those kinds of dirty jobs and the fact that there are people who
get paid to do them really scares the daylights out of me. I definitely dont want to do stuff like that. As
expected, I believe there isnt a need to work.
With that said, its not like there was a commission or anything. Not to mention quality wasnt emphasized
here either it seemed.
How about writing up a random essay and using that?
When I said that, Yukinoshita shook her head from side to side.
If its just that, itd be rather difficult if the page was just full of words, no?
Then we can gloss it over with design then?
If it was just littered with words, then the strength of design could make things work too. I mean, anime tended
to do it, you know? Something along the lines of the fancy stuff like cool looking words and narration that
occupied the space. Although it did make you suspect that maybe the images werent made in time, but lets
just be positive and pass it off as production words with that kind of sense.
If we had the time, then we might be able to work with that, but that seems difficult as well. Moreover, do you
think an amateurs design could fill up the space?
Dont they have past templates? Just put a number of those together and fill in the space with text.
When I said that, Yukinoshita took a sullen thinking posture for just a moment and in that time, Yuigahama
who was completely lost had a trembling expression and pulled at Hiratsuka-senseis sleeve.
Se-Sensei, these two are kind of scary
That just makes them all the more reliable. Although theyre not acting like high school students
Yukinoshita looked like she came to a conclusion despite Hiratsuka-senseis bitter smile as she placed her
hand on her temple and let out a sigh.
Haa, you really are quite the savant when it comes to cutting corners
I put an emphasis on efficiency, thats what.
In any case, thats rejected. The order was for an article befitting of a high school student.
Well, what Yukinoshita said was quite right. In the first place, we wouldnt need to be involved if this was left
in the hands of a professional.
But even so, something befitting of a high school student, huh? Just exactly what was this concept befitting
of a high school student that the government office and the higher ups were thinking of? Was it the freshness
of a high school baseball player? Or maybe that chippy feeling of TODAY, NOW high school girls?
I reflected on myself and then I took another look at Yukinoshita.
Well, everything was no good at the start then. You and I arent like high school students at all anyway.
Thats right.
Having said that, Yukinoshita dropped her shoulders looking somewhat convinced and averted her eyes.
Usually the first thing you start thinking about is what to do. Starting right off the bat from how to fill up the
space Just how twisted are you two?
After looking at how we were, Hiratsuka-sensei extrapolated with both a surprising and admiring tone. Both
of us were very well aware of that so we ended up letting out a sigh.

No, wait.
Theres someone Someone that was very like a high school student A sudden realization hit me and I
looked up.
Yuigahama, its time for you to make use of your normalcy.
The way you put it kind of makes me mad!
Yuigahama made a resentful scowl, but Yukinoshita continued with an earnest expression.
Yuigahama-san, could we ask for your help?
Asking me with this kind of timing, how complicated!
Despite finally given the chance to do some work, Yuigahama went uuu as she was tearing up. Well, you
know, I think that normalcy of yours was quite valuable. At the very least, I think Yukinoshita personally
thought that portion saved her quite a bit. Being normal was good enough for Yuigahama, really.
Yuigahama let out a reluctant uu, but with Yukinoshita wordlessly looking at her, she stretched out her uuu
groan even longer and looked like she had prepared herself.
Yuigahama crossed her arms.
Yuigahama held her head.
Yuigahama was dazing off absentmindedly.
Apparently her head exploded from excessive thinking. She went bleh with a face that looked like her soul
was sucked out. But suddenly, she clapped her hands.
Ah, how about we accept wedding design submissions or something!
There arent very many people who can draw a rough draft of a wedding dress.
I had that kind of idea in mind too, but actually making it happen was difficult. Having to scour the area for
someone who could design dresses would be a lot of trouble too. We werent in the position to be checking
with people one by one whether they would wind or not wind[7] either.
When I said that, Yuigahama rubbed her head back and forth in a circular fashion and suddenly leaned
forward in exclamation.
Ummmm, then how about a wedding dress contest! Or something like that?
Time-wise, a plan to solicit submissions from the entire school may be difficult as well.
Yukinoshita calmly shot down the idea. Given the schedule where submission was next week, whether we
made it known to the entire student body or hosted an event, it really was unlikely. Even if we tried the
schedule where we reduced the time for proofreading, the remaining week wouldnt change.
Sorry to say to Yuigahama who went through the trouble of thinking things, but you couldnt win against adult
circumstances. Well, adult circumstances typically meant deadlines though. We should just abolish the
system of deadlines already.
Yuigahama was still trying her best to think, but she then crossed her arms looking like she gave up.
Um, marriage, marriage, marriage Mmm, I guess I dont get it. It just doesnt feel real or something.
Well, its not something we should be thinking about at our age after all.
For the most part, Id be legal to marry next year, but in regards to that, it didnt feel like reality at all. The two
girls of course were in the same situation.

But a resounding, solemn tone could be heard.

I guess so When I was your age, I never gave it much thought too
Yuigahama and I went dead quiet and slid our eyes in a different direction.

Wait a second, whatre you going to do about this heavy atmosphere? Its not the time to be looking out the
window right now, Hiratsuka-sensei.
On the other hand, the only one quiet for an apparently different reason was Yukinoshita. She placed her
hand on her chin in total contemplation.
Thought about it
Ahn?
When I questioned Yukinoshitas words that she slipped out, she looked convinced of something and was
nodding her head.
On the contrary, its exactly because were not thinking about it that if we were to take a survey, then we may
be able to get some material out of it.
That makes sense~. It might be pretty fun if we get everyone to fill out a questionnaire or something too.
Yuigahama went ooh~ and clapped her hands.
A survey and questionnaire, huh? As a design to fill the page, they were reasonable solutions. Like in
graduation yearbooks, theyd have something like "the best 3 xx type of people. Huh? Could you stop
entering peoples names in worthless entries like someone likely to become a CEO in the future just so you
could be considerate to those whose names werent listed anywhere else? That kindness was actually painful
instead. There was that, but whats with the blank pages at the end of my yearbook? Was I missing pages or
something?
Even for this local magazine, couldnt we just settle for a completely white page, litter it with random phrases
like to the future ~to LOVE marriage~, and include a list of names on it? If we just filled this page with its
you and other things like that, itd probably fool some people out there.
As I thought in my own way about things, Yukinoshita was thinking in a way like herself, but very seriously.
Itll take quite a lot of time if we tried with the entire school or an entire grade, so it may be better to do it one
with just one class
That doesnt seem like a very useful sample size.
One class seriously made it on the level of graduation yearbooks. As a survey, it seemed rather far from being
an effective statistic. Its not really something to worry about since its not like were measuring our academic
capability. Of course, Yukinoshita understood that as well.
Given the situation, we dont have a choice. So, once we compose the page, we can add a column of the
sort and it should turn out fine from there.
After Yukinoshita said that, Hiratsuka-sensei who was watching us the entire time spoke up.
Fumu, a column huh? Sounds like Hikigayas time to shine.
Why me?

Therere two others here Yuigahamas writing ability gave off the impression that it was something to be
concerned about so it was out there. As for Yukinoshita, the things shed write were pretty much going to be
something out there as well. But thats not to say that didnt apply to me either because I was rather confident
in what Id write to be out there too, okay! Then again, this was originally senseis job, no?
I put a good portion of my soul into the words why me, but Hiratsuka-sensei stopped me and clarified with
a clear reason.
Its because youre always writing all those reports filled with nonsense. This kind of work should be a fools
errand for you.
You couldnt expect someone to do something after being told off like that What, did I not have the qualities
of a superior?
It mightve been because I made a rather reluctant face that Hiratsuka-sensei looked at me with one eye
closed after brushing her hair to the side.
Putting aside the things you write, Im actually praising you rather highly.
Stating it that way with that kind of smile made it difficult to refuse.
Um, I dont want to write it though.
Flushed with embarrassment, I averted my eyes and ahead was Yukinoshita who was pressing against her
temple for some reason.
Editing seems like itll be quite a lot of work
No, its not like I asked you Then again, Id rather you not do anything because you totally seem like youd
put a bunch of red marks all over the place. Lets go in the direction of praising me more and extending things
as the objective of editing!
Seeing Yukinoshita sigh, Hiratsuka-sensei wore a teasing smile.
Oh? Yukinoshita, youll look it over yourself, huh? Then Im not too worried.
Well, I dont mind if its just doing something like that.
She flicked her face to the side in displeasure and straightened her collar. No, like I said, I didnt ask you to
What? Were you the editor-in-chief or something?
Okay, next is to think of the questionnaire, huh?
Yuigahama adjusted her sitting and spoke. Well, since the objective was decided, then we had better get a
move on. Hiratsuka-sensei turned back to us again.
Now then, before we hand them out to everyone, lets go for a test run.
When we amassed papers from all over the room, all of us thought of various related questions. Yukinoshita
collected them all and created an overview of the questions. She then gave it to Hiratsuka-sensei who made
copies and we all wrote our answers to the questions.
Shortly after we finished writing, Hiratsuka-sensei looked around at us.
Now then, just what do we have here, hm?
After she said that, she quickly grabbed a piece of paper written with answers from the stack.

Q. How much do you expect your spouse to make yearly?

A. More than 10,000,000.

Hikigaya-kun
Hikki
When Yukinoshita and Yuigahama both looked at me with apathetic eyes, they recited my name with slightly
withdrawing voices.
Hold on a second. Howd you know it was me?
We can tell from just your handwriting
Yuigahama looked at me with sad eyes and Yukinoshita brushed away the hair that rested on her shoulder.
Does this man really think hes worth that much, I wonder? He has no friends, his science is despair, he has
low prospects for a job, and his future is bleak. And on top of that, his eyes are like a dead fishs
Shut up. There are plenty of dummies out there in the world whod write the same thing.
You see it all the time. Like on those evening variety news programs that held a special on those seeking
marriage. The women above thirty who attended these marriage parties would write this kind of answer, right?
In the first place, the people who actually fulfilled those conditions were popular, so they wouldnt go to those
marriage parties, damn it. It was probably more correct to say they werent looking at reality at all than it was
to say they were watching dreams too much.
W-Well, that is, what can you say? Its good to aim high, yep.
Hiratsuka-sensei took my side which was rare. Thank you, sensei! So what exactly did she write on that piece
of paper that she was hiding behind her back, hm?
I-In any case! We have our questions, so lets start getting some samples!
As if noticing my rotten stare, Hiratsuka-sensei energetically jumped out of her seat.

Yuigahama volunteered to get the samples for us, so we waited for her absentmindedly in the meantime.
Hiratsuka-sensei was reflecting on herself while grumbling something as she fixed the answers she put on
the questionnaire.
As for Yukinoshita, she was reading her book like always. She suddenly twitched her shoulders and she
closed her book.
After that, the door energetically flung open.
There were still some people hanging around so I got them to fill out the questionnaires!
Yuigahama came in the room, with the stack of papers proudly raised in the air. Whats this? Was this
Yukinoshita's special ability or something? Shes like our cat whenever Komachi came home
Thank you, Im sorry for leaving the rest to you, Yuigahama-san.
When Yukinoshita spoke to her, Yuigahama answered as she took her designated seat.
No, no, its fine with me. It looked like only the guys from our classes were hanging around anyway.
From what Yuigahama said, it looked like there werent many papers filled out amongst the stack of papers
she scattered about. Still, this amount was something that only Yuigahama could achieve.

Well, even if I went around asking, no one would answer me.

I suppose so. If it was Hikigaya-kun, its likely youd be seen as a lawless religious solicitor.
Thats right. I have way too much nonconformist charisma that its dangerous.
I retorted since she was poking fun at me and Yukinoshita let out an astounded sigh. The echo of that sigh
continued.
In your case, its scary since I can imagine you as the founder of a religious sect
Hiratsuka-sensei uttered with a somber face. Wait, whats with that serious look? I mean, if Yukinoshita
went around herself, I was pretty sure people would gently refuse her because theyd be too wary of her.
Even I wanted to let out a sigh, but that was when Yuigahama went now, now, mediating the situation.
Anyway, why dont we take a look?
After urging us, we scattered the papers and began to inspect them. Yuigahama read aloud from one piece
of paper from the stack.

Q. What career do you want your spouse to have?

A. I want to marry a voice actor!

It took me less than a moment to figure out who wrote that.

Okay, yeah, next, next. Then again, this guy isnt even in our class
I instantly rejected Zaimokuzas answer sheet and we continued to look through the next questionnaires one
by one.
Q. Is there anything you may be concerned about regarding marriage?
A. I totally cant cook. Also, cleaning. Cant do it.
A. My relationship with my mother-in-law, living together and separately, and my inheritance. Its
because I have a lot of siblings
A. Im worried about Hayama x Hachimans future

As we assessed the answers read aloud, I went bleh, feeling a little annoyed. Especially with that last one.
Written anonymously or not, you could tell in a heartbeat who wrote what We FINISH with NO HINT.[8]
Easy to guess who wrote what
Well, its people from our class after all.
True enough, its just like Yuigahama said. All of them were undoubtedly answers coming from people in our
class. It was probably Miura, Kawasomething-san, and Ebina-san
For Miura, she was, like, consistent with how she normally was that I couldnt think negatively of her. As youd
expect from the Queen.
As for Kawasomething-san Seems rough for her, huh She was giving off vibes like Sachi Usukosan[9] people so I really wanted her to try her best to grab ahold of happiness.

Ebina-san was more or less out of the question.

What do you think of putting these out for display?
Yukinoshita tilted her head with a pensive look. No, you didnt need to think twice about it, these were no
good It looked like I wasnt the only one with those thoughts as Hiratsuka-sensei turned the papers over
and groaned.
As I thought, these answers arent very realistic.
Is that something you should be saying?
I reflexively shot a fixed stare at Hiratsuka-sensei. In disregard of me, Yuigahama crossed her arms and
thought.
But its hard to answer since we dont know whats good and bad about marriage life. And since theres no
one here with experience, therere a lot of things we dont get too
Well, the only samples we had were our parents and its not like were actually conscious of the fact. It might
even end up different if you tried to watch them with a new perspective, but trying to become someone and
think like them was extremely difficult. Its particularly even more so with those in the middle of puberty whose
self-awareness inflated to ridiculous levels.
No matter what you did, you couldnt become someone else.
Even our parents felt the same way. In reality, having to marry and live together with someone else was
probably far more difficult than we could imagine, no doubt.
As I slipped into deep thought, Yukinoshita spoke up as if something came to mind.
I believe I have someone in mind if its someone young with simulated experience on the matter.
Eh? Really?
When Yuigahama asked attentively, Yukinoshita showed a smile.
Yes. When it comes to knowing the pains of taking care of a useless bum in close proximity, then I believe
she would be the most qualified.
Yukinoshita answered in a very detailed manner. Hearing that, my eyes ended up sparkling in turn.
Eh, you knew someone like that? Really, seriously? Someone like that would totally support me for life. Hurry
up and introduce her to me. With this, I was pretty much winning at life.
Or so I thought.
After that, not an hour had passed and the person Yukinoshita had in mind had arrived. It was a face that I
recognized all too well. In fact, from this morning even.

So, why Komachi?
My eyes spontaneously turned rotten, starkly different from the shining glitter in my eyes earlier. In contrast,
Komachi wore a grinning smile on her face as she was standing at the front of the door.
Didnt you hear me? That there was someone going through the pains of taking care of useless weight.

Could it be? No, there wasnt a need to hypothesize because that useless weight was probably referring to
me Well, since she didnt say useless person, then this was a rather mild phrasing coming from Yukinoshita.
Maybe shes in a good mood today, hm?
Once Yukinoshita gave an outline of the situation, Komachi went hoh, hoh and nodded.
Please let me see those surveys or whatever.
Komachi shot her hands out and Yukinoshita gently handed over the stack of papers. She tilted her head up
and down, nodding as she sifted through the papers one by one.
I see, I think I have the gist of what everyones generally worried about.
Quick to comprehend and adapt truly made her a capable little sister. Even the problem this time, she quickly
understood it. Well, putting Zaimokuza aside, the insecurities regarding marriage life in the future for Miura
and Kawasaki were understandable. Not discussing Ebina-san was a no brainer, right?
Komachi and the rest of us all reached a common understanding of the situation.
Uh huh, its just were not sure how to go from here.
We cant just put these out as they are now Itd be really helpful if you had any ideas about what to do.
After Yuigahama and Yukinoshita spoke, Komachi placed her index finger on her temple, doing circular
motions while thinking.
Fumu fumu Ha! Komachi light bulb!
She then clapped her hands, making a slapping sound. This bizarre dramatic acting was fishy... It looked like
she wasnt thinking of anything good But regardless of my unease, the other three sent her stares full of
expectation. Having received those looks, Komachi erected her index finger and triumphantly began
speaking.
For now, based on these surveys, everyones hopelessly lacking in wife points. We need to start off with
raising those points.
What the heck are wife points?
Dont worry about the trivialities. Basically, well shift the direction of the plan to how to become more like a
bride!
She nonchalantly ignored my concerns and on top of that, she even started to redirect the direction of the
plan. Listening to Komachis energetic words, Hiratsuka-sensei spoke up.
Fumu, so its something like a bridal training course.
Thats a good phrase! Komachi will take it!

She performed a bizarre gesture as if writing a memo in her palm, stood up, and loudly proclaimed.
Without further ado We will now begin the bridal training course! Thump, thump Wife points showdown~!!
Don don, pafu pafu!
Yukinoshita, Hiratsuka-sensei, and I shot dubious stares at Komachi, but for some reason, only Yuigahama
was enthusiastically clapping her hands.
Like I said, what the heck are wife points?
It looked like I wouldnt be getting the answer to my concerns for an eternity.

The wife points showdown or whatever was to be done on another day because Komachi had some
preparations to do on her end.
And that day was upon us. Although we gathered at the club room, as Komachi had instructed, the group of
girls were nowhere to be seen.
And now I had to wait for some time for them to get in contact with me.
In the meantime, I was left alone in the Service Club room and was forced to kill some time. Well, its not like
thats a bad thing or anything. Since ages ago, I was super good at holding the forte while everyone was out
anyway.
As I was absorbed in reading while waiting for them, my cellphone phone vibrated. Upon checking, it was a
mail from Komachi.
Just what exactly was she planning to do by having everyone gather at the home economics room? But,
well, when it came to requests from my little sister, the one who typically saw to them were me.
I gallantly left the club room and headed for the home economics room.
The hallway afterschool with no signs of people was comfortable. It was submerged in a silence that seemed
like a lie from its normally boisterous levels.
But as I approached the home economics room, it was oddly getting noisier. I could even hear shrieks
sometimes running down the hallway too.
Hey, hey It was starting to get too scary to enter the home economics room now
But I was already at front of the door.
I mustered my courage and opened the door.
When I did, Komachi was wearing an apron, standing by waiting for me.
Ah, finally here. Okay, lets get started, onii-chan.
Exactly whats getting started?
After I asked, Komachi took a daunting pose and placed her hands on her hips.
Starting now is the bridal training! Thump, thump Wife points showdown~
When she exclaimed in a high voice, Komachi revealed a ladle from behind her. Whats this? What
BY[10] were you trying to be?
Once she set herself up by pretending the ladle was a microphone, she did a jerking turn to behind her.
Well start off first with a cooking showdown!
Ahead of where she turned to were three people sporting the same apron appearance as Komachi:
Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and Hiratsuka-sensei. Sitting at the table situated further in were two familiar faces.
We look forward to working with all of our judges!
In response to Komachis call, one person waved his hands.
Im not sure why I was called here, but Everyone, do your best!

Fumuu, the less you explain, the deeper it is, this setting as of late. Very well! I, the Master Swordsman, will
play along with your games!
They were Totsuka and Zaimokuza. Did Komachi call these two here? When I got confused, Komachi pointed
at the table seat.
Okay, onii-chan, please have a seat at the judges seat.
So it looked like those in aprons would make food while the people designated at the seats would judge. I
wasnt getting a good feeling, but even if I was unwilling here, Komachi would do this and that to force my
participation.
Just as I was instructed, I took my position at the seat prepared for me.
Frankly, I had a lot of doubts regarding this development. But amongst them, there was just one thing that
bothered me the most that I had to make sure of.
Should Totsuka really be sitting here? Hey, should he be here?
I figured Id ask Komachi, but she nonchalantly ignored me, and turned around to face Yuigahama and the
others. Hold on, wasnt ignoring me like that a little mean?
The theme is a boys desired homemade cooking. And the first batter up is Yui-san!
Upon her announcement, Yuigahama readily took a step forward. In her hands was a plate with a metallic lid
that I sworn I had seen in a high class restaurant before
Um, the menu is
Japanese hamburger!
In the middle of Komachis questioning, Yuigahama answered. At the same time, she removed the metallic
lid and showcased her dish as if it was an artifact she had confidence in. But the reaction of Komachi who
laid her eyes on it wasnt so positive.
Err
Komachi was completely baffled. Understandable.
Dripping all over the deeply blackened body of mass was sauce. There were also deep brown fried vegetables
along with tattered green onions.
Japanese? Which part was? If anything, there wasnt a hint of Japanese in this dish because it looked like
it was the scene of a volcano It was the kind of visual where if you mentioned the Kilauea volcano, Id
probably believe it. In the first place, where was the hamburger element in it? Then again, was this edible?
Despite my retreating, Zaimokuza gallantly reached out with his hand, apparently getting high spirited from
the thought of eating a girls handmade cooking.
Goramu goramu. Nano, nano, Nanjiro! It is as they say of ages past. That one should not judge from what
you see before you. It is likely that there exists a hidden brilliance in this dish deep within its exterior
Zaimokuza was unusually spouting some impressive words, but in reality, he wasnt saying anything correct,
since the words he spoke were a little empty.
When he carried the hamburger to his mouth, Zaimokuza moaned mu! as if he was enlightened with a divine
oracle and popped opened his eyes.
Buhebo!

When he made a super subdued groan, he fell flat on the desk. He didnt move a single inch since then. The
inside of the room buzzed into silence.
The criminal was someone amongst us
Komachi stared at Zaimokuza and after confirming that he may not be coming back to this world, she spun
towards me.
Ummmm, since the Chuuni-san collapsed, next is Onii-chan.
Eh?
When I became bewildered from being pointed at, Yuigahamas cooking slid into my view.
Guh
I sank into silence when the cooking with the horrific visual stared at me.
Even if Zaimokuza was known to have absurdly, annoying overreactions, for him to be damaged that much
made me unable to muster my courage. As I stiffly sat there, Yuigahama caressed the bun of her hair as she
laughed, trying to gloss it over
Hi-Hikki, y-you dont have to force yourself to eat it
She averted her down casted eyes and made a feigned laugh. No, if I could, I wouldnt force myself at all.
They did tend to say where might is master, justice is servant after all.
But even so, I couldnt just throw in the towel here. I had to give my gratitude for being given life. Not to
mention Zaimokuza already fulfilled the victim quota and, well, also, um, you know. Its not so often this kind
of opportunity came along.
Aah, besides, there was no way I could allow Totsuka to consume any of this.
In order to charge up my courage, I sent a look to Totsuka who was beside me.
Hachiman? Is something wrong?
As if my abrupt look to Totsuka was strange, Totsuka tilted his head and smiled.
I want to protect this smile
Right now, the only one who could protect it was me. Mights coming through, so get lost justice.
With a strong will, I took my chopsticks. I then grabbed the plate and threw everything into my mouth.
Crush, bite, gulp. In just that one bite, the curtains to the Koshien[11] of Hellish Tastes were raised.
Hikki
It felt like Yuigahama was looking at me with teary eyes and quite frankly, I was the one in tears, but that
wasnt something I could possibly say out loud.
With everyone watching me with abated breath, I somehow managed to swallow everything.
The home economics room filled with silence and only the sound of the chopsticks I put down reverberated.
I let out a small breath and slowly opened my mouth.

Yeah Well, how should I say this? If you prepare yourself and forcibly eat it, its not something you could
not eat
It had zero human points, let alone wife points.
Your comments too weird!
Yuigahama let out a heartbroken scream, but if youre going to say something like that, try a little harder
Because I most certainly did.
Im not sure what to think if youre saying that with a blue face like that
Yukinoshita looked somewhat fed up and astonished and Komachi quickly lined up next to her.
Next is Yukino-san!
With Komachi urging her, Yukinoshita carried over her cooking. In the same manner as Yuigahamas plate
from earlier, her plate was covered with a metallic lid of the sort.
Please present your menu!
I made paella
Upon lifting up the cover, on the plate was beautiful paella. Yuigahama raised her voice in admiration at what
she had looked at.
Oh~, Italian cooking.
Paellas a Spanish dish.
Eh? But it was at Saizeriya[12] Eh?
Yuigahama was confused when Yukinoshita snappily corrected her. I understand. Saizeriya certainly did offer
paella. The Mediterranean Sea Pilaf had (paella) written next to it after all.
That paella was brought to us judges. Seafood was the star of dish, lavished with meat and vegetables and
with the rice simmered in saffron also appearing fresh, the distant Mediterranean Sea breeze ascended
upwards.
Well, not that I had ever been to the Mediterranean Sea though.

Since I completely devoured all of Yuigahamas cooking earlier, I gave the honors to Totsuka. If its
Yukinoshitas food, then there shouldnt be anything to worry about.
When I gave way to Totsuka, he perked up with a smile and quickly grabbed his spoon. He then took a bite.
Woow, Yukinoshita-san, you really are a good cook!
Its not that big of a deal. Its simply a matter of getting used to it.
There was a part of Yukinoshita who truthfully thought so, showing no concern over embarrassment of the
sort. She said so in a calm manner like always.
Following Totsuka, I grabbed a bite myself. The rice was cooked properly, the balance of ingredients was
good, and even my appetite was getting stimulated again. No matter what it was, I had not a single complaint.
Its just that it didnt feel very bridal
It has a normal good taste that its hard to comment on
I thought there wasnt particularly too much to say and Yuigahama raised her hand.
Me too! I want to eat some too!
Okay, okay, lets all help ourselves to the dish after we finish~!
Komachi interrupted and gently kept Yuigahama at bay.
Now then, next is Komachi. Here you go, meat and potato stew.
She wasnt acting particularly presumptuous when she presented her food, but the one who was the most
knowledgeable when it came to Komachis cooking was none other than I. Just like always, it was delicious.
Then again, why the heck was she participating in this showdown? There wasnt any meaning in increasing
her wife points because she wasnt getting married any time soon.
Yeah. Well, you know. Its like always. Also, youre trying to show off too much with your selection.
Kuh, our closeness backfired
Komachi clicked her tongue as she spoke and Totsuka promptly followed up.
But its really good though?
Because Totsuka had uttered so straightforwardly that his words were filled with truthful warmth, causing
Komachi to shed tears.
Uuu, Totsuka-san, youre such a good person Your wife points are so high
I feel the same way too
Frankly, he was without a doubt the top runner here. Komachi and I let out sighs, each of our sighs having a
different meaning.
But Komachi shook her head and came back to her senses.
Hah, not good, not good. Now, for the star performer, we have Hiratsuka-sensei.
Hiratsuka-sensei wore a daring smile, full of confidence, and proudly stepped forward as if meeting the
expectations of how she was presented.
What did sensei cook?
Fufufu, this!

Tada! Came off the silver cover and what appeared was a plate full of brown colored meat. A large helping
of meat and bean sprout along with a large bowl of white rice.
The meat, meat, and meat that bared forth its instincts as if a violent, animalistic nature was awakened. And
then, the savory aroma that stimulated the appetite, completely squeezing out the feeling of hunger.
This combination was something I was familiar with. There was no doubt about it.
Dont tell me, this is!? Only the meat and bean sprouts are cooked, with the entirety of it being covered in
yakiniku sauce!
Can you really call that cooking?
Yukinoshita said so in doubt, but Hiratsuka-sensei ignored her and shot me a question, full of confidence.
How about it, Hikigaya?
How vexing! But I couldnt help but feel it! (The deliciousness)
I regret to say, but I had no choice but to acknowledge it
Delicious Its super delicious The yakiniku sauce is awesome
Praise me
Hiratsuka-sensei popped a vein at her brow and glared at me. Uh, but, if youre going to call that cooking,
even I could make it Menu in mind, the wife points were really low, you know?

Ultimately, unable to gauge their wife points with just cooking, we proceeded on to the next stage of the
contest.
Now then, next is the What would you do at a time like this? wife quiz!
When she announced with a loud voice, urging the girl group with please have a seat to the long table and
not explaining anything, they sat in a row. On the other hand, Totsuka still remained sitting at the seat for the
judges. Zaimokuzas corpse was left as is. We couldnt object to Komachis instructions since we had
requested her help as the Service Club, so we had no choice but to comply obediently.
Starting now, Ill be asking everyone questions that will gauge your wife points. Everyone should write their
answers as if they were a wife.
Fumu, so in other words, she was doing a case study by means of a quiz, huh? So those who sat at the long
desk would be the answering participants. I see. If thats how things were going to be, where I should sit was
all but natural.
So without further ado Er, what are you doing there, onii-chan?
Im aiming to be a full-time house husband after all.
Komachi asked me having noticed my seat relocation, but my answer was very much simple. Since I had to
act as the judge earlier in the cooking showdown, I couldnt participate, but I was confident that I had far more
wife points than the girls here. Ill teach them a thing or two about what it means to be a wife.
Hachiman, do your best!
When Totsuka waved at me with a smile from the judges seat, Komachi gave up going oh well and smiled.

Well, whatever. Okay, lets get started~. Question: Your mother-in-law lodged a complaint regarding your
cleaning. What do you do at a time like this? Please write your answer on the flip board!
Ah, so we had a flip board, huh? There certainly was one situated at where our hands were. Just when did
Komachi prepare these?
I quickly wrote down my answer without batting an eyelash. Having some extra time, I checked with how the
others were doing. Yuigahama was groaning while Yukinoshita began writing her answer smoothly. Hiratsukasensei was mumbling something as she scribbled away.
After confirming that everyone finished, Komachi spoke up.
Now then, your answers, bam!
The boards were flipped over one by one as Komachi pointed at us sequentially.
The first one was Yuigahama. Yuigahama went here we go and flipped over her board.
Say sorry and do it over.
It was an answer typical of Yuigahama. On TV, mother-in-laws tended to shut down any form of apology if
you never got along, so I couldnt say that was a very good thing Seemed like shed have it tough
After her was Yukinoshita who flipped her board with a disinterested expression.
Explain from the start how reasonable my cleaning methods are.
Aah, this gave off THE YUKINOSHITA vibes. It looked like shed be okay since shed be able to shut down
any arguments from her mother-in-law. In place of that, rather than her mother-in-law getting refuted, itd be
her husband whod get refuted over and over again, so it seemed rough... For those around her.
Furthermore, Hiratsuka-sensei went fufu with a smile and answered.
Talk with my fists.
Mmm. Engage in physical conversation, huh? It must be that. So it was something like having duels for brains
and basically settling all problems with a duel.[13] If you were to give an extremely positive rationalization of
this answer, then it meant gaining acceptance through confrontation and forming a truce. If I were to explain
it with common sense, then it was more like what in the world was this person saying?
And then, it was finally my turn.
I quickly flipped my board over.
Make the seasoning extra strong in her miso soup.
You could relieve yourself of some stress by not forgetting to take your revenge. Moreover, if you redirected
her attention to a new problem, she wouldnt have any more complaints regarding your cleaning. It was one
of those getting revenge in an unlikely place kind of things. It was just a question of adding more salt to the
wound until it was my victory
Hoooh~, very individualistic answers I see For the time being, sensei and onii-chan are out.
Komachi took a sweeping look of the answers and made an x with her fingers and made a wry smile. No
good, huuuh. Well, I guess adding extra salt might be a bit too unrealistic. Then making it sweeter would work.
A sweeter taste would definitely be more noticeable.
Still, there really wasnt anything worthwhile from answers in a quiz like this As I thought that, Komachi
revealed a flip board from behind her back. It looked like she had a model answer prepared.
A Komachi-like model answer would be this. Complain to my own mother and try harder tomorrow.

Its such an oddly realistic answer!?

Yuigahama answered with a slightly retreating voice. You got that right. Its kind of like being overwhelmed
with that feeling of trying hard as you suffered. What? Was there someone a real handful in the family or
something?
Despite the heaviness of the answer, the person in question didnt seem too bothered and cheerfully
continued on.
Lets keep going~. Heres the next question.
When she said that, Komachi spoke with a tone of acting.
Tomorrow is Christmas. But no thanks to your good for nothing husband, this month is a bit tight
Looking at the sniffing Komachi whose expression sank into gloominess, Yukinoshita murmured.
Oh, its as if thats like a certain someone.
Thats so true.
Well, there are men like that in the world after all. The women who support them are what you call good
wives.
In response to Yuigahamas big nod, Hiratsuka-sensei answered seriously. Pardon me? Could you please
stop looking at me as you say that?
Because the three spoke unanimously, they had interrupted Komachi in the middle of her reading. She placed
her hands on her waist and frowned.
Im still in the middle of my question~ In that situation, what would you do about your childs present?
When she finished reading the question this time, Komachi cutely tilted her head. That being the signal,
everyone began writing down their answer.
The ticking sounds of the long hand of the clock and the squeaking sounds of moving pens overlapped. Once
a certain amount of time had passed, Komachi spoke up.
Tiiiimes uuup. Now then, your answer, bam!
Just like earlier, Yuigahama was first.
Cheap toy.
Did their grades drop or something? Well, that was probably the safest option. And so, since the kids would
be completely more knowledgeable about the price of the toys than the adults, theyd surely realize there was
something going on in regards to the drop in grades, right...? The result was that she might raise children that
would be very mindful of the mood.
Next was Yukinoshita.
A book.
I see. It also depended on what book was given, but a great reading experience was a bliss that couldnt be
replaced for anything else. As far as cost performance was concerned, it was satisfactory. It was a very
befitting answer of an avid reader.
Following her was Hiratsuka-sensei with a smile.
A Blu-ray box of a classic anime.
Thats just something you want, isnt it?

It was now my turn.

Explain that Santa doesnt visit naughty kids.
This was something my dad told me, I believe. That bastard Just what were you saying to me as young
as I was back then? While it was fine that mom prepared something for me afterwards, my young heart
was already resolved to hunt down Santa
Looking at everybodys answer, Komachi tapped on her temple.
Aaahn, it looks like everyone didnt pay close attention to the question. The core of the question lies with how
to deal with the problem.
Komachi erected her finger and said. Apparently it wasnt a question about what kind of present to give to the
child.
That being said, a Komachi-like correct answer would be this.
Komachi presented her board and read it aloud.
Leave it to their grandparents.
Is that really fine?
Yukinoshita was astounded and looked at Komachi with cold eyes, but Komachi clicked her tongue as she
waved her finger.
Its okay. Grandpa and grandma are so super sweet to their grandchildren. Source is Komachi.
When I looked at Komachi who pointed at herself, I suddenly remembered. Speaking of which, thats right.
Back when I was a confused little child, both grandma and grandpa were very kind.
Well, thats true. But they tend to be sweeter with the younger one.
The melancholy of the eldest, huh?
Hiratsuka-sensei laughed and said it in a teasing way. No, no, it wasnt that melancholic at all. I mean even
now, the one who pampers Komachi the most in my family was probably me anyway.
And the person in question, Komachi, looked at the judges seat.
Umm. Having seen the answers up until now, what are your thoughts so far Totsuka-san?
Once asked, Totsuka who had been watching the entire time thought about what to say and made a sudden
smile.
Being given a book for a present seems like an amazing experience.
Alright, I know what present Ill be going with this year.
Lets go with a book. What kind of book should I get, hm? Since hes in the tennis club, then something
related would be good. Or maybe a classic fairy tale or a novel or even a legend. My recommendation would
be The Little Prince. In that case, Ill stop midway and go with The Prince of Tennis!
It looked like the interview with Totsuka ended as I was thinking. Komachi once again began directing.
Okaaay, thank you very much. Well, well, this is the last question.
When she said that, Komachi started up a little play.
Recently, my husband has been coming home late Could it be an affair? What would you do at a time
like this? Now, please put your answers on the flip board!

At the participant seats, Yuigahama groaned over and over, Yukinoshita was quiet pretending not to recognize
anything except for broadly grinning and Hiratsuka-sensei was blabbering about something while molding her
hands into a fist while actively making noises with her fingers. This was a little late, but I really didnt like sitting
here
I wrote down my answer on the board hoping for this to hurry up and end already and Komachi announced
the end of the thinking time.
And times up~. Now then, lets see all your answers at once.
Komachi extended both her hands outwards and then everyone simultaneously spoke their answers.
Be worried.
The way Yuigahama spoke was already worried.
Hunt him down.
Yukinoshitas tone was sharp like an edged tool.
The fist of punishment.
Hiratsuka-sensei clutched her fist as she answered.
Get consolation money, child support and divorce.
When I presented my board and spoke, Komachi nodded as she looked at each one.
Looks like everyones presented their answer~.
I emulated Komachi as she examined the answers one by one and looked at every other answer. And my
eyes stopped on one of them.
What the heck do you mean by hunt him down Thats super scary
When I said that, Yukinoshita tilted her head with a blank face.
Oh, I must have mistaken it for question him. However, it boils down to the same thing.
She then made a smile. Scary. Whats with this person? Scary. It wasnt just me because Totsuka and
Yuigahama and of course Hiratsuka-sensei were shocked too.
But it looked like it wasnt something entirely out of the question as an answer for Komachi.
Putting aside onii-chans answer, everyone elses is on the right track, buuut a correct Komachi-like answer
would be something like this.
She then raised her own flip board.
Believe in him. This has a lot of Komachi points.
The girl group let out an ooh in admiration as if she concluded things on a good note of the sort. To be in
middle school and have this awareness, or rather conversely, its exactly because she was in middle school
that she was watching a dream. Either way, with this kind of answer, once she was betrayed, shed end going
through a terrible experience.
I didnt think at all that believing was necessarily the one solution to every situation. Not believing, in other
words, suspecting was a self-defense mechanism of your own heart. The act of abandoning that form of
defense was no different from hurting yourself.
Is that really okay?
When I asked her with eyes full of doubt and caution, Komachi cutely tilted her head.

Mmm, the person Komachi likes would probably be someone whod look like he wouldnt get involved in an
affair. And since hed be honest to a fault as well as a hinedere[14]-san, I wouldnt have to worry too much.
Is there really someone like that out there?
Is she an idiot? In the first place, an incomprehensible guy who was weirdly honest to a fault and was
twisted was definitely no one decent. Aim for a better guy.
Youd be surprised.
Komachi showed an embarrassing smile, but she immediately jumped right back into her usual high spirited
self.
Now then, its the long awaited final match!
She raised her voice and with that, it was finally the start of the closing heart thumping Wife Points Showdown.
Like I said, what the heck are wife points?

I sat absentmindedly in the home economics class, being forced to wait for quite a bit of time.
It looked like Totsuka was pulled away from the middle of his club activities so he went back. Just before
leaving, he mentioned what a bummer that he wouldnt get to see everyone in wedding dresses, but I was
more bummed out by the fact that I wouldnt get to see Totsuka in a wedding dress instead No, given the
occasion, I wouldnt mind seeing him in a tuxedo either! In fact, I want to see him in one!
As I was engrossed in my lone, mute emotions, the door clattered open and Komachi came in.
When I looked, she was in a wedding dress.
It was an unorthodox dress with a mini-skirt. As for the cloth, instead of being pure white, it had a yellowish
huge, making prominent a healthy, bright, and lively cuteness.
With her new appearance, Komachis spirits were higher than even before.
Happy, Embarassing Bride Outfit Showdown~! And so that being the case, Komachi changed into a dress
too. Onii-chan, looky, looky!
Yeah, yeah, you're the cutest in the world.
When I said that, Komachi shoulders made a clacking sound when they dropped and the motivation in her
voice vanished.
There it is. Saying whatever he wants again. Well, whatever. Now then, we'll start off the show with Yui-san.
After Komachi made her announcement when she faced the door, the sound of the door timidly clattering
open could be heard.
Yuigahama peeked in only with her head and looked around the room restlessly. Finally looking like she made
her resolve, she entered the room.
The cloth of her dress was pink in color, an appearance with a brilliant glamor which served to complement
Yuigahamas hair color. The short skirt was fluffed out and surpassing what I had thought, it made it more
conspicuous how slender her legs were. The expanded skirt wrapped around her waist and her boldly
exposed chest area with the glimmering spangle and lam was bright. Frankly, it was hard to look at her
directly.

Whether it was because she was nervous or she wasnt used to wearing the dress, her struts were awkward
and stiff. When our eyes met, her cheeks turned flush red as if being in the wedding dress was really
embarrassing after all. I could sense her embarrassment as well and it was starting to infect me too, so please
stop glancing at me
When Yuigahama finally made her way beside Komachi, she moved behind Komachi as if using her as a
shield.
Um... Ko-Komachi-chan, where'd you get this?
Ahaaan, it's a secret .
Komachi winked and brushed it off. She probably borrowed them from the rival companies involved in the
plan. She was my little sister that didn't leave a nook or cranny unturned.
Okay, okay, next is Yukino-saan!
When Komachi called her name, the door opened without a sound. And then, gracefully entering the room
without even the slightest sound of footsteps was Yukinoshita.
Everyone instinctively held their breaths.
The pure white dress was elegantly arced in such a way that served to emphasize the lines of her body. Her
bosom gave presence to the flower decorations and the gentle-sloping curves lustrously stretched around
her feet like the fins of a mermaid. From her head, the long, long laced veil hung from her head resembled a
blanket of piling snow atop her jet black hair. The dress didnt try to hide her pure white skin. In fact, it was
kindly encompassing her as if to promote that beauty.
Behind the covering of the veil, Yukinoshita closed her eyes and slowly walked in a manner to conceal her
face.
...Why me as well?
I could hear that mutter escape from her veil.
She seemed rather upset. Even if she couldnt be seen acting tough, it was easy to tell from her aura, and I
mean just her aura. When her veil lightly fluttered, you could see a glimpse of her cheeks mixed with
discontent and flushed bright red from embarrassment.
Ooh, she is most certainly upset... Not even the veil can hide her true nature...
...What was that?
A glare packed with coldness and intensity pierced me from behind the veil. It had to be that. Just like how
the white kimono had the bridal headdress, the veil of the dress should be expected to have a similar effect.
Although it seemed like it didnt really have that effect for Yukinoshita.
Yukinoshita lined up next to Yuigahama as well and Komachi observed the two with a look of satisfaction.
There was just one more person left in this Bride Outfit Showdown.
Now then, for our final contestant, Hiratsuka-sensei~!
Compared to how Komachi presented the other two, she seemed more relaxed this time. It made me curious
as to why it sounded like she was saying final loser instead of final contestant.
But in spite of that soft announcement, the door slowly opened. In that instant, tranquility visited the room that
made everyone forget to even breathe.
Easing into the home economics room was a beautiful woman with her eyes gracefully closed, taking single
steps inwards while avoiding trampling on the long, continuing veil.

When Komachi went out to the front, the one who called her out was surprised herself and grew stiff.
Who?
While bewildered, Komachi squeezed out a single word. No, I was thinking the same thing
Her black hair that was always straight was tied into a bundle, consolidated together at a slightly high position.
The interweaving laces that followed from there lightly wrapped around her exposed back but even so, it was
unable to hide the beautiful curvatures that extended from her nape to her shoulder blades.
The dress had an orthodox, slightly classic style and that alone emphasized the beauty of every single part
of her body. Her snow white gloves were thin that stretched to her fingers and the long skirt that expanded
starting from her waist which acted as a simple tube top that decorated her hips emphasized the fine details
of her skin and her abundant bosom.
Hi-Hiratsuka-sensei. So pretty
She should just look like that all the time
Yuigahama and Yukinoshita raised their voice in admiration and surprise, being moved from the sight before
them despite being of the same sex.
Hikigaya How is it? Im pretty good, arent I?
Hiratsuka-sensei turned towards me and made a boastful laugh. It was an innocent smile that looked like she
succeeded in playing a prank, filling in the missing piece of the dress.
It wouldve been preferable had I said something tactful at the moment, but apparently my eyes were absorbed
in her appearance. When I noticed I was silent, I scratched my cheeks to try to hide my embarrassment.
A-Aah Well Um Youre very pretty.
When I managed to say something, Hiratsuka-sensei blinked her eyes several times.
I-I see T-Thank you.
Hiratsuka-sensei buried her face in her bouquet and mumbled. The way she was trying to hide her redness
that reached up to her ears didnt coordinate with her age at all that it made her adorable. Really, just why
couldnt she get married?
With Yuigahama, Yukinoshita, and Hiratsuka-sensei gathered, this was the end of the Bride Outfit Showdown.
With the final showdown over, Komachi announced with a loud voice.
Result presentation~!
Komachi clapped her hands as she said that and we followed in suit and gave applause as well.
She nodded in satisfaction and Komachi made a sweeping look of the home economics room.
What she looked at were the piling plates in the sink, the flip boards and signing pens, and then, the girls in
wedding dresses.
After seeing everything, Komachi made a wry smile.
Aah, everyone was totally no good~ The winners pretty much Koma

Just as she was about to finish speaking, there was a stare filled with pressure coming from somewhere. A
strong will that wouldnt allow her to say any further could be felt. I looked in the direction of where I could feel
that abnormally strong will and Hiratsuka-sensei was exuding a serious murderous intent.

Even so, Komachi attempted to finish her words.

T-The winner is

As if trying to run away from that stare, Komachi looked away from Hiratsuka-sensei. A sweat fell from her
brow.
The, winner, is
!
In the face of the overwhelming intensity, Komachi faltered and her shoulders went clack as they dropped.
She continued the rest of her words with a powerless voice that sounded like it would disappear.
T-The winner is Hiratsuka-sensei, right
When she spoke fragmentally, Hiratsuka-sensei made a bright smile. This persons way too happy here
Mm? I-Is that so? Well, ahahaha! Wow, to think Id be the winner, huh! I wonder if marriage Is just around
the corner, hm?
Yuigahama made a tahaha strained laugh to the shamelessly blurting Hiratsuka-sensei and Yukinoshita
was silently amazed and let out a brief sigh. Komachi approached me with a sobbing voice going fuee,
sniffed her nose, and wiped her tears.
I-I was scared. I was sooo scared
There, there
As I patted Komachis head while cheering her up, something suddenly came to mind. Thats right. Its
because she had a part of her that was like this that Hiratsuka-sensei couldnt get married, huh
Looking at Hiratsuka-sensei who was celebrating by herself, Yuigahama clapped her hands as if she thought
up of something.
Ah, since we went through the trouble, lets take a picture together!
Ah, that sounds nice! Cmon, onii-chan.
Komachi who heard the suggestion suddenly made a smile. I knew she was faking her tears, but onii-chan
wanted her to try just a little bit harder And then, since we had to take the picture, she pushed on me from
behind.
Dont push
When I was pushed to the front of the window where the glow of the setting sun began to shine through,
standing there was Yukinoshita moved to the side as if trying to avoid me. She then tried to fade out from
there.
Ill refrain.
Although she said that, Yuigahama who was waiting in her path caught her.
Cmon, Yukinon too.
Dont cling onto me
Yuigahama pulled Yukinoshita along right towards the middle. She then pulled me closer by my sleeve.
Dont pull on me

Yeah, yeah!
She made a pleasant smile, further pulling on Yukinoshitas arms and mine.
Were all ready to go here! Im taking the picture!
When Komachi finished setting the camera on her cellphone, likely using an automatic timer, she flew towards
us.
This isnt so bad every now and then, right?
Hiratsuka-sensei said with a gentle tone. She stood next to me and gently placed her hand on my shoulder.
Well, if its every now and then. Ah, Ill send the picture to Totsuka afterwards.
And then, the sound of the shutter echoed in the evening home economics room.

It was late at night on Friday, a few days since the Wife Points Showdown.
We had our dinner and the only ones remaining in the living room was Komachi and I, my parents already
having gone to sleep.
I was slumped on the sofa looking at my laptop while listening to the sound of Komachi washing the dishes
in the kitchen. It completely went over my head, but we had to write a column that would be used on the page
of the local magazine. Starting tomorrow was a weekend so if I concentrated late into the night, I should be
able to make some progress.
Mammals were supposedly nocturnal beasts by nature. Since I was a mammal as well, I would be much more
active during the night. Really, I want to do some breastfeeding.
I wrestled with the manuscript that I had yet to write a single word for, wondering what I should write for the
thing they called a column. There was barely any time left until the deadline. Just what the heck did we do up
until now, but thats not it, seeee? Nothings just coming to mind, seeee? Do you understand this feeling, hm?
You probably dont riiiight? Because I totally dont. Whatever, lets just hurry up and write something.

I would repeatedly write and erase, erase and write, gradually getting things solidified in the process. My
hands would stop whenever I contemplated about the things I needed to write and my language. The time I
spent playing Kancolle on the side began to become longer than the time I spent typing away on the keyboard.
I guess this was as far as I could go for today huh
Just as I was about to call it a day, the cellphone which I left on the table further away rumbled. The vibration
notified me of an incoming call. Aah, but I couldnt move my hands right now.
When I gave up and ignored it, Komachi turned off the faucet with a squeak and she returned from the kitchen
while drying her hands with a towel. On her way back, she grabbed my cellphone and tossed it to me.
Onii-chan, phone.
Mm.
The phone went smack when I caught it. Well, since she got me the phone and all, there was no way I couldnt
pick up the phone now. Upon looking at the display, the caller was Yuigahama. I rested the cellphone on my
shoulders all the while having an idea of what she was calling me for and started the phone as I did work.
Hello?
Ah, Hikki, are you done?
Bullseye. It was about the manuscript. If I had it done, I wouldve sent it over to you, jeez.
Like itd be that easy. Are you guys done on your end?
Uh huh, I drew the pictures. Yukinon is putting everything together. Once we get Hikkis manuscript, were
all done.
Yukinoshita was doing the editing and compiling while Yuigahama was doing cut-out illustrations. It was a
division of labor where each of us was assigned a job based on our aptitude.
Then again, the fact that they were waiting on my manuscript put unnecessary pressure which caused my
hands to move slower though When I went slightly quiet, being a little apologetic, I could hear a faint voice
on the other end.
Is he already finished?
It was apparently Yukinoshita. Oh, was Yuigahama staying the night at Yukinoshitas? Those two sure were
hitting it off, hm?
Eh? Oh, okay. She asked if youre done already.
I could still hear Yuigahamas voice, clear as ever. It looked like the phone was picking up Yukinoshitas voice
who didnt seem to have been all that farther away.
Not yet.
He said not yet. Eh, okay, Ill ask.
It sounded like Yuigahama was talking with Yukinoshita. There was a small pause before she answered
again.
She asked when youll be done.
No clue Then again, this middleman business is a real pain.
There wasnt a need to play this telephone game, was there? When I said that, on the other end of the
phone was the exchange, could you switch with me? okay, here, that was slightly audible.

Hello.
Yo.
The one who spoke on the phone was Yukinoshita. Speaking of which, this mightve been the first time weve
ever spoken on the phone. While thinking those kinds of things, Yukinoshita went straight to the point.
When will you be done?
I reflexively winced to her usual, unchanging cold tone. Even on the phone, her words were packed with a
forcible pressure.
S-Sometime this week
When I stuttered on my words due to the slight feelings of guilt taking its toll on me, a small sigh could be
heard from the other end of the phone.
Todays Friday, so I can assume by sometime this week you mean today, right? Do you know when the
deadline is?
B-By Monday
Thats called next week. Well leave your column blank and move on ahead. Once youre done, send it over.
Right. Ah, by send, you mean
Bye.
She hung up the phone, not bothering to wait for me to finish my reply. Only the sound of buzzing could be
heard. I glared at my phone and muttered to myself.
How can I send you anything if I dont know your address?
Thats why, no matter how hard I tried, the delivery of the manuscript would be pushed to Monday anyway. It
couldnt be helped. It was Yukinoshitas fault for not listening to me properly Well, the fact I wouldnt meet
the deadline made us even, yep.
I let out a brief sigh, being relieved from finishing that phone call. I flung my cellphone aside and rotated my
shoulders.
But there wasnt much time left to work. It was a real pain, so lets get this over with quickly.
When I reengaged with the computer once again, coffee was offered to me before my eyes.
I looked up and Komachi was standing with two cups, one in each hand.
I took a cup from her with gratitude and Komachi took a seat next to me. It looked like she was going to stay
awake and hang around.
You dont need to wait for me or anything.
I wasnt really sure how long itd take. I might even have to stay up all night. When I said that, she shook her
head.
Its okay. I want to read it so Ill wait.
If you say so.
Well, tomorrows a weekend. It should be fine even if its a little later than usual. After taking a sip of my coffee
and saying that, I began typing away on the keyboard.
Working alone usually meant Id take it easy, but with someone waiting on me nearby, the only thing I could
do was put in some effort and get things done.

In hoping to get as done as soon as possible, I continued to write and write with my poor writing and the
pages and time began to pile.
In the quietness of the night, the sound of key presses echoed. Occasionally, only the sound of falling water
droplets could be heard.
During that time, amongst all those sounds, there was a faint breathing of someone sleeping.
Having finished a majority of the piece and thinking that there was just a little more left, I took a look to my
side and Komachi was dozing off.
With the comfortable weight resting against my shoulders, I closed my eyes for a split moment.
However, it was that instant.
Without waking up Komachi, I quietly hammered in the final paragraph that flashed by in my head.

Whether it is marriage or the future, no one knows what will happen down the road.
Common sense of the world dictates that to prepare meant to bring forth new sorrow.
But the right to wish for happiness is something held by everyone.
The effort for what is to come should not be neglected. In conclusion, the fine ladies of the world should claim
a full-time house husband of their dreams before it is too late. And done.

Short Story 2: Of course, Hikigaya Hachimans kindness is twisted.[edit]

Fall began to intensify, with the sporadic leaves starting to turn crimson in color. The symptoms of change
were visible to the naked eye, as little as it was. The club that I resided in also saw a small change as of late.
Chiba Prefecture Problem Consultation Mails~!
Yuigahama was inexplicably in high spirits, calling out the title in a weird way. While adding drumming and
puffing noises, she gave a round of applause by herself, but Yukinoshita and my stares were cold.
This was the small change that I mentioned. Hiratsuka-sensei added to the Service Club activities the
consultation of problems in the form of mails from all over, an impromptu idea that she came up with.
Still energetic from earlier, Yuigahama read a mail aloud.
Mmkay, todays first correspondence is a letter from a resident of Chiba, Pen Name: Im worried-san.
Did this person not know what a pen name was? It was more like the title of the mail instead. The instructions
Please read the instructions carefully were written there, so this person mustve been the type that wouldnt
read those at all. Tch, like thered be any advice for people who didnt abide by the rules of the mail. I wasnt
feeling motivated at all now.
<Pen Name: Im Worried-sans Problem>
[Now that the upper classmen have retired, I will be taking up the role as the president of the tennis club. How
should I get everyone to follow me? If theres something I need to be careful of, please tell me. I look forward
to your reply.]
Hahaan, I see. So this person mistook the pen name and cutely wrote the title there instead. Gosh, to make
such an adorable, slight error like this, theres no doubt this person was cute while worriedly sick.
Alright, lets get the show on the road and get this answered!

He got motivated all of a sudden somehow

Putting aside Yuigahama who was surprised as well as shocked, I moved the conversation along in a hurry
to get arrive at a solution.
Okay, first, Yukinoshita whos serving as a club president as well. Your thoughts?
Lets see, if youre fine with my personal thoughts on the matter, that is.
Once Yukinoshita, who had been continuously reading the entire time not concerned with what was going on,
had her name called her, she closed her book and took a slight thinking posture.
The first step in control is to start from the display of your excellence. Once youre standing at the top, then
what follows is oppression, information manipulation, and thorough political purging. If you keep up this
political reign for about a year, then it should be enough to keep everyone at bay.
Yukinoshita said with a sweet smile. That smile of yours was really scary, you know
Mmm, but in reality, I wonder, huh? I mean if you just say leadership, it might sound good and all, but if you
go too far, people will end up disliking it instead.
Well, thats true. I mean, some club president out there would do things however she pleased or even would
act overbearing, nothing close to leadership. Not to mention she wasnt popular.
Could you stop looking my way while youre saying that?
Yukinoshita spoke while making a frown. Surprisingly, she was aware of her own personality and she mightve
been concerned about it in her own way If youre concerned about it, then fix it.
W-Well, lets just say leaders have a lot of baggage to deal with!
When Yuigahama smoothed it over, she began writing the reply to the mail.
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[A club president isnt just about standing at the front and pulling everyone along. Isnt a club president who
supports everyone just as fine as well? But going too far with it will push everyone away, so be mindful of
that. Try your best!]
Okay, thats one case settled. To get started on the next mail, Yuigahama read it aloud.
Ummm, the next correspondence is a correspondence from a resident of Chiba, Pen Name: Master
Swordsman Shogun-san.
This guy again Because he was sort of like a regular customer, I couldnt help but be a little happy, so stop
it.
<Pen Name: Master Shogun-sans Problem>
[I hear as of late on the net that if I wrote in Japanese that I would take first for the Light Novel Rookie of the
Year award, but that was certainly not the case. Source is I. Explain in the great detail how I can claim first]
After the mail was read, Yukinoshita showed a baffled expression.
Shouldnt he fix the Japanese in this mail first?
Whatever hes saying totally makes zero sense
So said Yuigahama, but Im pretty sure his Japanese level was pretty much on par with yours.
In short, its a problem of how he can take the Rookie of the Year award and make his debut.

I explained and made a fleeting glance at Yuigahama. My eyes asked her for her opinion, but she made an
incredibly unpleasant face.
Eeeh? But isnt this like totally Hikkis forte? Hikki should answer it.
Yukinoshita tilted her head, nodding in agreement.
Telling him harshly is also a form of kindness.
Once Yukinoshita said what she wanted to say, she dropped her gaze to the book at her hands and went
back to reading.
Fumu. Then, how about something like this? I pulled the computer closer to me and began writing the answer.
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[Its just the people who read your work and dont recognize it and the editorial department that are strange.
Have some confidence and keep going as you are now. Continue chasing your dream until your last moment
without giving up, trying your best for eternity]
After a feeling of satisfaction from finishing the answer, I let out a sigh. The misusage of the words last
moment and until the end was the main point.[15]
Oooh, Hikkis so nice.
Kindness sure is cruel.
Yuigahama who peeked at the screen was innocently surprised while Yukinoshita softly averted her
seemingly sad eyes.
Well, lets just say that theres another side to kindness.

Bonus Track! Hikigaya Komachis Tactics[edit]

Check the blog for the voiced drama CD
Were we not born to play? Were we not born to frolic?[16]
That was stated in a paragraph in the Ryoujin Hishou[17], but suppose that the very reason people were born
was to play. If so, life was to play and everything in this world was to play.
Be that as it may, just what was it that to play was referring to?
To play was an expression with various meanings, its definition moreover vaguely phrased, and it certainly
wasnt a matter of conduct.

For example, hey, hey, miss, lets go have some fun! If this was used, then it made you think normalfags
should go die. You wanted to have fun with me, huh!? If this was used instead, really, normalfags should go
die.
Cooking with a playful mindset typically ended in disasters and whenever your attempts at something failed,
I was just playing around~ was enough of an excuse to keep things as they were.
In other words, there was absolutely nothing good about something like playing.
On the same note, if lifes purpose was to play around, since there was nothing good about playing, then
there was nothing good about life itself.
But being able to easily imagine the lives of these people playing around becoming terrible; thats the Ryoujin
Hishou for you. The Cloistered Emperor Go-Shirakawa didnt go bald gracefully. It was that hardship that
made his baldness. With him side by side next to Bruce Willis and Nicholas Cage, they should be proclaimed
as The Great Three Baldies of the World.
Being bald was cool, being bald was a status; I felt that betting on the continued development of those values
than on trying to grow out the strands of hair on your head had more possibilities.
So putting that aside, all in all, the phrase to play and what conduct it referred to was something that, by all
means, should be questioned.
Just what would happen if all you did was play? It wasnt complicated to build a disastrous future off of that.
But in accordance with history, people who played around can change their job to a sage at level 20.
Thats why, well, you know Maybe playing around just a little might not be so bad

Yuigahamas birthday party started from a proposal, well not really, but from a chain of events.
Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. Then there was Totsuka who we met on the way and Komachi who was waiting
at the meeting place. Furthermore was Zaimokuza who accompanied us due to our humane consideration
and with me included, these members headed for karaoke and it was there that I laid my eyes upon something
that I shouldnt have.
It was a lone female teacher around thirty who was killing time alone at karaoke after being driven away from
a party for marriage prospects. So youre singing an Enka about all of that huh
When that thirtyish female teacher singing the Enka of her party for marriage prospects spotted us, she let
out a sorrowful voice and ran off.
The rainy seasons sultry air subsided in the evening with the refreshing wind that blew towards the ocean.
Riding along that wind was a heartbreaking wail that found its way to my ears.
I want to get married
It was boundlessly simplistic and straightforward desire that echoed in the night city.
I had no idea whether it was the Doppler Effect or the PaRappa effect, or whatever effect, but her voice
wouldnt leave my ears at all, oddly enough. If anything, my eyes were getting moist and my heart was aching.
What the heck was this? Was this some sort of mustard gas effect of the sort?

Apparently I wasnt the only one suffering from the pains at my chest because everyone present gazed in the
direction where Hiratsuka-sensei had disappeared off to.
Not a single word was spoken by anyone, but the most level-headed individual in the group, Totsuka, spoke
up with a worried voice.
Hi-Hiratsuka-sensei. She was crying when she ran off, do you think shes, okay?
Thats Totsuka for you. Hes so kind. I really thought so. Somehow looking timid, the way he was glancing in
the direction of the corner where Hiratsuka-sensei turned was super kind (primarily in my eyes).

Conversely, the voice that answered was harsh and cold.

Shes already a fine adult, so she should be fine.
After Yukinoshita lightly flicked her hair away, she said in a calm demeanor. If only this girl stayed quiet, then
shed look kind to me too But she wasnt wrong in the least. In fact, she was too correct. I found myself
agreeing with her opinion.
Pretty much. Then again, shes too much of a fine adult already, what with her age and all.
I mean really, shes a fine adult, so someone please take her already.
Fumuu, those courageous words that laugh at danger[18]... The hymns of humans are the hymns of courage!
With a quivering expression, the nearby Zaimnokuza wiped the sweat off his brow and then blurted out loud,
being even more annoying and oppressive than before.
Well, putting that aside, the birthday party sure was fun.
The one who subtly sidestepped that solemn voice was Komachi. As expected of the Hikigaya households
final weapon of communication. Zaimokuza whom everyone was hesitant in interacting with was smoothly
pushed to the side.
After that, a smile floated on Yuigahamas face, she too being the owner of the worrisome communication
skill.
Thanks a lot for today, Komachi-chan, everyone.

Komachi returned a smile to Yuigahamas and Yukinoshita who was watching over them quietly looked
relieved. Well, Yukinoshita was being considerate in a lot of ways too.
Good work.
A look of appreciation, or so Id like to send her, but it looked like it wouldve made her once in a blue moon
good mood to go sour, so I kept it to myself.
If Yuigahama was pleased with everything, then this was good enough.
And besides, its not like the time we spent was boring at all for me or anything.
It was so fun that we ended up forgetting about the time, huh?
In light of Totsukas words, Zaimokuza and I adjusted our eyes to our watches.
Indeed, as you say, it is already this late. The time for darkness will soon befall us
For some reason, Zaimokuza leering distantly towards the faraway sun that was setting in the west sky dyed
in crimson, but were I to accompany him in doing this, the sun really would settle, so I nonchalantly ignored
him.
I guess. Anyway, Im heading home. See you.
Ah, okay. See you later.
Yuigahama saw me off as she reservedly waved her hands. When I raised my hand slightly in response, at
the corner of my eyes creeping up to Yuigahama with something in mind was Komachi.
Sparkle! Yui-san!
Yuigahama let out a bewildered hoe!? to Komachis sudden appearance and Komachi talked in a small
voice. What was she planning on doing? With an unsettling premonition tugging at me, I slowly walked on,
but every bit of Komachis words reached my ears.
Are you okay with us going home like this? This may not mean much coming from me as his little sister,
but my brother going outside at all is SR, in other words, super rare The next time hell go outside is
Glance.
Komachi looked at me as she spoke unnaturally. After that, the speed of Yuigahamas waving hands slowed
as if she was in the middle of thinking. And then, her hands abruptly stopped.
Next time, next time Wait up. Wait uuup!
Yuigahama chased after me with the tapping sounds of footsteps.
L-Lets hang out a bit more!
Eeeh, I have a pretty strict curfew though.
Get invited, refuse for now. This was a loners act of preserving equilibrium and also a loners instinct to be
evasive. I mean, see, if I answered Ill go and it turned out that it was just lip service on their side, wouldnt
you feel apologetic if it turned into something like a middle school reunion where theyd have a bitter laugh
and answer ah, so youre going? Responding to that consideration with your own form of consideration
was what they called the courtesy of an adult.
But it looked like Yuigahama didnt say it as a form of lip service and needing to confirm the validity of my
words, she spoke to Komachi.
Is that true, Komachi-chan?
Not at all? We dont have something like that at home though?

Komachi shook her head to the question she was asked. Well, our household had a hands-off policy after all.
Then again, both of our parents were busy so they wouldnt be home around this time anyway.
When Komachi answered, a small sigh could be heard.
Making up a lie that would immediately be exposed in front of your little sister, Im not sure if youre simplistic,
brave, or something else... To be invited by people happens very rarely for you, so why dont you gratefully
take up the offer?
Yukinoshita stated with a mix of astonishment, but who in their right mind would go after being told that?
Just how bad were you at inviting others?
Well, I mean, we have a cat and all. I need to get back and take care of him.
A poor invitation should be given a poor rejection.
When I answered, Yukinoshita abruptly went still. She then hesitated for just a speck of a moment.
A cats meooow voice could be heard. It either came from the corner of my brain, or possibly Yukinoshitas.
And then, Yukinoshita nodded her head.
I see. If its for your cat, then theres nothing we can do.
Shes convinced!? I-If youre talking about your cat, then he should be okay! L-Like, you know how they say
pets resemble their owners and stuff, so he should be okay by himself!
Hey, thats one word too much.
She most certainly wasnt wrong though since Komachi and I had the character traits of wanting to be left
alone than being perfectly fine by ourselves, but it sounded more like she was saying we were completely
unfit for society or failure as human beings.
But even if I brought it up, Yuigahama wouldnt listen at all. If anything, she would look at me with murky eyes
while pulling at Yukinoshitas sleeve.
Cmooon, lets just hang out a bit mooore! I mean, everyones going too.
Just when did you decide everyone was going? Hey, does that include me too?
Yukinoshita raised an objection to the plans that were arbitrarily made and Yuigahama puffed her chest out
as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Duh!
When Yuigahama asserted strongly, Yukinoshita blinked and slowly averted her face.
I-I see
Yuigahama peered into Yukinoshitas face worriedly, seemingly confused at Yukinoshitas reaction, having
responded in a small, fragmented voice.
Maybe, you dont want to?
No It was just, a little surprising.
Yukinoshita gently lifted her head and slightly shook her head. Her smooth, charming black hair fluttered
lightly, hiding her cheeks that were flushed red.
However, to Yuigahama who was directly in front of her, it probably didnt hide anything. As if Yuigahama was
charmed by Yukinoshitas behavior, she let out a slight breath.

Aah, this was totally Yukinoshita-san giving in. The girlish, lover scenery was so bright that I wasnt sure
how many colored mosaics there were.
And then, the yuri-yuri atmosphere flew into A Single Yuri[19].
Then, then, that means Yukino-sans OK to go, right!? If so, that gets a lot of Komachi points!
In contrast to Komachi who asked her with vigor, Yukinoshita replied with a calm tone.
Yes. When it comes to Yuigahama-san, theres no telling how fussy shed be if I refused. Ill be accompanying
you.
Yay! Hikki too, lets hang out!
Having gained the ally called Yukinoshita, Yuigahama exploded with energy.
Furthermore, reinforcements came from an unexpected source.
Thats right, Hachiman. Prepare your resolve! If Hachiman gooooooes, I tooooo shall go!!
You like me way too much
I was subjected to Zaimokuzas irritating love call. Like, recently hes been acting so chummy with me that its
scary. That is, the fact that I just might end up acknowledging his existence.
But I, too, was a man. I had my pride. I had my dignity. I had my beliefs.
Taking back the words I had already said was something I couldnt do. To a man, there were no second
words. If its something I didnt want to do, then I wouldnt do it. Even during the times where I said Id do it,
depending on what it was, I wouldnt do it either.
Itd be a problem if they overestimated me. If its to make my life easier, then I would pull all the stops to make
it happen. Therefore, I will at least try to make my case to Yuigahama.
Look here, Yuigahama. In the first place, what exactly are we supposed to do when you say hang out? If
you dont live your life with goals in mind, your life will end before you know it. Are you okay with that?
He started lecturing for some reason
Yuigahama looked a bit sulky, but Id prefer it that you be glad that a punch wasnt added in the lecture. But
once I saw her fed up expression, it looked like I was able to confuse her.
Just when I thought I was in the clear, Yukinoshita placed her hand on her chin and lightly tilted her head.
But thats certainly true. Now that you mention it, the words hang out dont specifically refer to anything.
Yukinoshitas murmur meant for herself was heard by Komachi who erected her index finger, looked up at
the empty sky, and thought.
Mmm, when you say hang out, I think of like hide and seek and tag. And then, if its innocent, the Komachi
points
Points this, points that, shut your trap already. Are you the clerk manning a register at a convenience store
or something? I didnt bring a card with me, damn it.
As they told you that, youd start feeling guilty because you didnt bring a card with you. Not to mention, even
if you said ah, no thanks as a final closing remark, theyd ask should I create a card for you? very nicely
to you in which youd respond with ah, no thanks. What the heck was the ah about? Was there some sort
of rule where you had to include English words at the beginning of your sentences or something?
And as I was submerged in useless thoughts like that,

Theres also color tag, freeze tag, king of the hill tag Um, others are
Totsuka tried his best as he folded his fingers while blurting out whatever came to mind. It looked like he was
trying to derive the answer to the question what exactly does it mean to hang out? by bringing up examples.
By identifying a commonality of the brought up examples, you would derive the truth. It was truly a wonderful
method. The way his mouth would open as he thought was truly innocent and wonderful. Thats why I decided
to lend him a hand.
Therere also cops and robbers and robbers and cops.
Arent those two the same thing?
The moment I said something, Yuigahama opened her mouth and asked curiously. Whats with her? Why
was she stupidly opening her mouth like that for? Close it or Ill throw some trash in there.
When I scrutinized her with my rotten eyes, Yukinoshita patted Yuigahamas shoulders.
Yuigahama-san. Hikigaya-kun doesnt have much experience going out to have fun, so there isnt much of a
variation for him. Please be understanding.
Upon realizing after being told, Yuigahama said sorry looking apologetic.
Ah, I-I see Sorry.
Stop being so serious when youre apologizing. I was this close to actually having to confront my past, darn
it.
Also, Yukinoshita, it may have looked like you were trying to change the mood in consideration of me, but
that wasnt the case at all, okay? Why were you making that sweet smile while saying that, huh?
But onii-chan, you didnt go out all that much, right?
Shaddup, Im a boy of today. Im living for the future!
Jumping into the conversation at the earliest opportunity, Komachi nonchalantly brought up the things
regarding my rosy handsome youth. Well, it was more like wicked eye than rosy.
And then, Yukinoshita made an enthusiastic, cheerful kind of smile and spoke sounding convinced.
Participating in outdoor physical activities isnt something you can do unless youre with someone else. Aah,
so thats why youre called Hikki. That name indicates how in shape you are. Its rather accurate.
How sweet. It was as sweet as MAX COFFEE. What the heck, thats like super sweet. Well, if its that sweet,
then I could settle for Saizeriyas gelato. Then again, what the heck was happening to MAX COFFEE if it was
sweeter than actual sweets?
Ha, dont look down on loners. We can easily engage in physical activities alone.
Yep, yep, onii-chan would always box with the wires of the lights or use socks to shoot three pointers into
the laundry basket right!
Excuse me? Komachi-chan? Why would you expose that? Look, Yukinoshita-san was starting to look sad
now, you know?
So youre doing it in the progressive tense, huh? Are you an idiot?
When I get into it, it starts getting fun, so what can I do?
In fact, it gradually became more fun and fun. My most recent interest was pitching socks. When I imagined
the situation where I would pitch in the ninth inning of the game as the closer, magnificently holding down the
other team, its very fun. By the way, the finishing pitch was a knuckle ball.

Just when I figured Id give them a detailed explanation, after imagining what kind of reactions theyd give
afterwards, I decided against it. Even my one and only little sister, Komachi, didnt look like she would bother
paying attention to me and moved the conversation along.
Okay, so lets just say what we do from here will end up becoming fun Onii-chan, lets go!
Eeeeh
It felt like I was cunningly pulled along somehow. Though I was still reluctant, Totsuka tip toed next to me.
Um, I was thinking of going too Ill be really happy if Hachiman goes too.
So, where are we going? What should we do? Lets play as hard as we can without breaking the law!
What the heck! You shouldve said so earlier! Its getting really fun all of a sudden now!
Fumuu. The quickness of that change. Truly a super rapid transformation Its hopelessly cool!
As I was roaring to go, Zaimokuza shot me a thumbs-up. I was close to doing it myself as well, but thanks to
seeing Zaimokuzas appearance, I managed to stop myself. Thanks, Zaimokuza.
That kind of bugs me Anyway, I guess were set then!
At first, after watching the exchange that occurred between Totsuka and me, Yuigahama didnt have a
completely satisfied expression, but after a nod, she cheerfully clapped her hands.
On the other hand, Yukinoshita went hm and tilted her head.
But what exactly are we supposed to do when we hang out? Playing hide and seek at our age really is
questionable
Its not that complicated The normalfags are always playing house in class after all.
In fact, there were those who played house where they would engage in exchanges that had expectations of
the roles that were decided for every individual. If they were interacting unaware of anything, then the person
was probably happy, but those who became conscious of the template conversations and everyday life were
pitiful. Thats because they had to hold on to the awareness of that fact for their entire life. While only those
who became aware of that feeling could sympathize with each other, it was that fact itself that didnt allow
them to coexist with each other.
In the same way, Yukinoshita likely understood this as well and made a sudden chuckle.
Oh, its a bit unusual to hear that coming from you. As youd expect from the man whos always playing hide
and seek in class, you see things differently.
Pretty much. Ive been super good at it since a long time ago, hide and seek that is. Even in elementary
school, whenever I was hiding, everyone ended up going home at some point.
What a sad skill
Yukinoshita placed her hand on her temple and let out an astounded sigh. See, look, theres no way we could
coexist. But Yuigahama was something else.
But Hikki, its not like youre hidden at all or anything in class. Rather, your bad eyes totally stand out.
Everyones totally a demon around here, really
Those given the role of demon wouldnt ever look for me Hachiman, you knew, didnt you? That everyone
in class 2-F were all chummy with each other! Except for you.
I-Its okay, Hachiman. This time Im here. Anyway, lets decide where to go. Okay?

Hachiman, spoootted! So claimed the angel, but, ah, ah, totally got that wrong. Totsuka said it. He was just
too pure hearted that I was close to ascending to Nirvana...
Fumu, if there is not anything that comes to mind, then the arcade may suffice. It is one of my super
recommended recommendations.
While I was dumbfounded, it felt like someone with a particularly loud voice was saying something, but like
Totsuka said, we had better decide where to go.
So, what should we do?
Ha! The arcade! There was that too! Here! Komachi agrees with the arcade!
When I asked again, Komachi who was thinking of something shot her hand up as if she had come up with
something.
That might be good, its pretty close to here too. I went last time with Hachiman, but we didnt get to play that
many games.
Alright, if Totsuka says so, then the arcade it is. Objections wont be accepted.
I agreed with Totsuka who agreed with Komachi. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama didnt particularly have any
objections as they nodded their heads.
Huuuh~? Thats weird though~? Didnt I say that just now~?
Only one person in the back moaned, but as we pushed him going yeah, yeah, we began moving to the
nearby arcade.
Alright, the arcade with Totsuka! Itd be nice if we could get a two-shot photo together!

The arcade.
To high school students, its a space they were familiar with. Due to the large racket inside, the voices of the
merry-go-lucky couples and group of friends wouldnt bother you. By being able to be one with crowd, you
could feel isolated, allowing you to keep your heart at peace. It was because of that noisiness that anyone
could become a part of the space, where even guys like me could feel at ease.
What a noisy place What exactly are we supposed to do here?
Yukinoshita looked around restlessly as if she wasnt familiar with being here. As I recall, the arcade at the
place we went to last time, Lalaport[20], was geared more towards families, with a lighter emphasis on
amusement than pop, so coming to an arcade like this submerged in explosive sounds and smoke was
probably her first time.
For now, lets take a look around.
There wasnt any point if we just stood around at the arcade. I suggested to the others and we decided to
walk around the area for the time being. When we made our leisurely rounds, Yuigahama noticed something
and pointed at it.
Ah, that looks kind of fun.
Oh, that might be nice!
I looked at what Komachi and Yuigahama were pointing at and,

Fumu, Mahjong Fight Club[21], huh?

Huh, you can play all over the country through net play.
In the games nowadays, you primarily did everything online. Itd be nice if they could be more considerate of
those who were friendless and wanted to collect things or those who ran away to the forest and still didnt
have a place to go.
What should we do? Komachi-chan, do you want to try playing Mahjong?
Lets do it! In the national tournament mode, Ill play with Yui-san!
Dont play. You guys seem like youd be super strong too, so stop it.
Also, Yukinoshitas older sister, Haruno-san, seemed like shed be loved by the tiles[22] while Kawasomethingsan seemed like shed be absurdly strong in dealing her tiles. Its like everyone was really strong or
something
Ignorant of my thoughts on the matter, Yukinoshita gazed at the Mahjong game cabinet from afar and
muttered.
Is Mahjong something women play? It doesnt really give off that kind of image.
I guess so. It does feel like something guys would play. It sure is cool since its so manly
Just as Totsuka said, seeing guys playing Mahjong was probably easier to imagine. So something like the
nights of field trips, youd see set up tables in the boys rooms.
Similarly, I would play Mahjong as well for the most part. Or so I say, but I only knew at best the scoring hands
and if I had to calculate the points, then I wasnt really sure how that worked and to top that off, there wasnt
anyone who would play with me. But since the CPU existed, then that wasnt a problem at all.
Oh, it looked like my gaze had found its way over towards a cabinet I was very intimate with. That gaze was
dutifully spotted by Komachi who made a cat-like smile.
Ah, the Mahjong game that onii-chan usually plays was that one, right? The one where clothes are taken off
when you win.
Hey, idiot, stop. Dont blurt that out in a place like this. Totsuka might hear, damn it!
Dont go spreading negative assessments of your onii-chan playing morbid-like games, okay?
With this, Totsuka would end up hating me and with slightly red cheeks, hed go I-I guess you cant help it,
huh? H-Hachimans a guy and all What the heck was I supposed to do if he said that with a blushing face?
Id either feel like dying, or possibly, end up having my eyes opened to the vulgar ecstasy of imagining a cute
girl who believed in cabbage fields and Oriental storks being thrown into an uncensored porno [23].
But luck was on my side as Totsuka didnt seem to have overheard. After feeling slightly relieved,
Yukinoshitas icy voice pierced me from behind as if freezing water was poured on my back.
Be a little considerate of us too.
She was either angry or disgusted as she sent a glancing glare at me. Youre scary. Because she was scary,
I averted my gaze from Yukinoshita and what I saw instead was Yuigahama motioning her hands to come
over.
Ah, but look, look. It looks like something women would play too, see And, huh?
Pulled by Yuigahama, I looked in her direction as well and a familiar looking back emanating with grief was
there.

Oh, Im getting good tiles today. I sure am loved by the Mahjong tiles. Juuust why dont guys love me, huuuh?
Oh, thats Pon, Kan, Shin[24], just kidding, hahaha, haaa
The smoke that escaped along with her deep sigh was covering her face, but there was no mistake about
that appearance.
Its. Hira. Tsuka. Sensei
Yuigahama shuddered as she uttered the name in a way to ascertain it.
It looked like when Hiratsuka-sensei ran away from us earlier and was at a lost as to where to go, she arrived
at this arcade, playing Mahjong while sulking. Zaimokuza placed his hand on his chest and straightened his
clothes as if he was mourning while Totsuka averted his eyes away in sorrow.
Contrary to the lively space, it was turning to an atmosphere abundant with sadness.
Uuugh, I really dont want to talk to her.
As I worried about whether to just ignore her or call out to her, Yukinoshita pushed me from behind.
Look, thats your homeroom teacher, right?
Dont push me. Also, could you not force it onto me because you can?
Just when was that decided, huh? Once you started taking care of, shes likely to ramble on and on, so I really
didnt want to do that, you know?
While having that exchange, I could hear some sort of mumbling from behind me.
A single, heartbroken female teacher Hah! That could work! As far as Komachis concerned, thats a
possibility! Its better to have more candidates anyway
When I turned around, Komachi was calculating something as she bent her fingers. And once she arrived at
a conclusion, she shot her hands up and walked forward.
Leave this to Komachi!
The instant she said that, Komachi dashed towards Hiratsuka-sensei.
She ran off with a huge smile on her face.
Just like Yukinoshita said, Komachi had a nehehe kind of grin on her face. That was a rather familiar looking
smile.
Nothing good ever happens when she has that kind of smile
Aah, I kind of get that
Yuigahama made a wry smile. Im sorry that my little sister was always such a bother.
Right? Well, thats what makes her cutely cute though.
There he goes, siscon
Yuigahama said so in shock. But thats wrong. Its not that I was being a siscon, I was just showing my love
for her.
And that beloved little sister of mine snuck up behind Hiratsuka-sensei and put all she could into making her
voice energetic when she called out to her.
Seeeensei.
Mm? W-Whoa, Hikigayas little sister W-Whats the matter?

Hiratsuka-sensei threw herself back noisily rattling the stool since she thought no one would call out to her.
The lines of her prettily arced back made me imagine her slender spine. This was completely irrelevant, but
her bent back was very erotic.
For the brother that knew nothing beside his little sister in his heart, the opposite being true just as well,
Komachi rapidly spoke to Hiratsuka-sensei with her hand drawing close to her.
No, no, thats the thing. By coincidence, Komachi and the others came here to play, so by all means please
come with us or something, or rather, my brother needs someone to watch over him or something.
Fu, Fumu. I-Is that so Then shall l take you up on your offer?
Hiratsuka-sensei gave her consent, getting pulled along by Komachi. Yukinoshita who watched their
exchange from afar let out a small sigh.
It looks like theyre done talking.
Okay, so again, lets all go and have some fun!
When she said that, Yuigahama ran to where Hiratsuka-sensei and Komachi were. Following her was Totsuka
who jogged over while Zaimokuza advanced forward in loud steps. Both Yukinoshita and I who were left
behind looked at each other, let out a brief sigh, and obediently went along.

We took an unplanned look around the arcade.

The display with a high brightness in the dim interior was vivid to the eyes and the loud BGM entangled with
character voices would sometimes reach my ears.
And amongst the noise was a remarkably resounding fanfare.
Oh, this looks excellent! Experience Horse Racing, Shining Star Horse!
And then Zaimokuza undauntedly screamed out. It might have been because of that shriek too that I spoke
with a cringing voice.
Horse racing game, huh?
Oh, you dont seem interested. Useless men are supposedly fond of gambling though?
Hiratsuka-sensei said so in surprise.
I already decided that I wouldnt gamble. Also, Im not a useless man
My grades were good normally and even my in-class behavior was quiet and diligent, you know? Well, its
not like I had anyone to talk to in class anyway. Because of that, English group discussions were totally bad.
Whats bad? The people who sat next to me would go straight to fiddling with their cellphones without
question; it was that bad. I mean, they could confirm with me first! At least say something like its not like we
need to do anything, right? No, thats bad too. Saying only bad made it sound like my Japanese was worse
off than my English.
I was starting to feel more like a useless human being than a useless man. Apparently, I wasnt the only one
who thought that because Yukinoshita made an abrupt smile as if making a fool out of me.
In your case, the way you live your life is a gamble. The odds are quite high.
Dont turn a persons life into low percentages. Being a full-time house husband is super stable.

Thats a super gamble

Yuigahama uttered an honest impression with a shivering expression.
Thats not it, really Its just I havent met my destined one yet
Yeah, I wasnt at fault. Destiny was.
In that case, how about something like that then?
Huh? Was it my destined person? Or so I thought, but it was Totsuka. What Totsuka was pointing at was a
medal game cabinet. Um, the one where you insert a medal ball and it drops down. It wasnt like those medal
games where a medal would come out if you won at rock-paper-scissors, but like those games where medal
drop down called Pusher or something.
Its a rather intuitive game so there shouldnt be too many issues with figuring out how to play it. Its also
something couples play quite often.
To put it the other way around, it was also a game that was light in the needs of the customers.
For that reason, Zaimokuza made a kepukon cough and triumphantly opened his mouth.
Fumu. A medal game, huh? Too nave, too nave! Someone of my caliber would not find enjoyment in the
musings of children like this!
So in other words, its a game where you insert a medal and the stored balls drop. A rather simple game,
isnt it?
The way Yukinoshita spoke sounded like she was interested, seemingly having an image of the game being
played by children.
Now, now, everyone should at least give it a try. While it may be simple, it can surprisingly get you addicted.
Listening to those two, Hiratsuka-sensei made a bitter smile and said so to mediate.
Well, something like this was something you had to try once.

The interior of the store was enveloped by a lightly played BGM track and as if drowning that out were the
explosive sounds coming from the cabinets. I could hear from afar the merry voices of the young people.
And in front of me was the sounding of medals trickling down coming from the medal game cabinets.
The noisy sounds could be heard from all around me, but comparatively, you were given the impression that
it was rather quiet in comparison which may have been because no one had opened their mouth.

The talkative Zaimokuza and also Yukinoshita were dead silent when I noticed. Despite that, their eyes
continued to move, their fingers already poised for the timing to insert the medals.
Ah, aah, so close. Grrr~, why didnt they drop just noooow?
Yuigahama-san, quiet.

Um, youre being way too serious, you know Yuigahama looked a little awkward so didnt you feel sorry for
her?
And then, there was another pitiful person.
Fumu. Dont look down on the power of the wicked eye I can see it! Ah, aaafun It missed Ngh, an
afterimage, huh?
You couldnt see a damn thing
It was more like his head was pitiful in this case. Didnt you just claim that this was just musings of children?
Youre totally having a blast right now.
But Zaimokuza wasnt the only one who was having fun.
Tch, to think Id let the jackpot slip by, what a blunder on my part
It looked like Yukinoshita was the type to be rather enthusiastic once she was involved in a game because
this time as well, she was making a fist with a fiery concentration that seemed capable of anything. In fact, it
looked like she caught on to the game really fast because medals were just spilling out too
E-Everyones pretty into it, huh? Yukinoshita-san remembered the rules at some point too.
Its like the moods becoming really bloodthirsty or something
Totsuka and Komachi who were playing wholesomely stopped their hands temporarily and backed away as
they were watching. But Yukinoshita and Yuigahama were engrossed in the game and continued without
noticing.
Ah, Yukinon, Im going to borrow a medal, okay~
The hand that Yuigahama stretched out was grabbed by Yukinoshita.
Wait right there. Do you have a plan to get them back? For a while now, youve been just inserting the medals
without thinking about anything.
Uu
When Yukinoshita pointed it out, Yuigahama froze. Certainly, she was spending the medals like water for a
while now. She was the type that shouldnt be allowed to gamble. As if having the same opinion, Yukinoshita
raised her index finger and lectured Yuigahama in earnest.
In the first place, Yuigahama-san, your ability to think about the future is rather lacking since a long time
ago...
Uuuu
One word and Yuigahamas body shrunk back. Since Yukinoshita had a sound argument, no one could really
help her out here.
Komachi, gimme a medal.
Thats my onii-chan for you, not even looking like he wants to borrow them
Komachis expression became a look of realization instead of a look of astonishment. What? Its not like I was
going to give them back anyway, so the expression Ill take them was more correct. I was just being honest.
As I was attempting to send a sibling-only non-verbal communicative method through a stare to Komachi, a
voice called out to me from a cabinet nearby.
Hikigaya, would you like to use these?

Hiratsuka-sensei held out medals that bounced off each other. Waaaai, lucky! Just as I was about to extend
out my hands, Komachi slapped them.
Oh, cmon, Hiratsuka-sensei said it was okay. When I looked at her in discontent, Komachi raised her finger
going no!
She then turned to Hiratsuka-sensei.
Aah, could you not spoil my brother too much? Youll only speed up his uselessness as a man. If he becomes
financially dependent in the future, the ones who will suffer will be me and also his wife. As far as Komachi is
concerned, I want my brother to have a respectable happy life.
I-I see W-What a deep thing to say for a middle school student
You got that right, what a deep thing to say for a middle school student. How the heck did you become so
amazing? Was there a useless person in the family or something? By all means, please thank the bad model
of a teacher.

Whether it was because we didnt have all that much at the beginning or that our earnings were shared
between everyone, we went empty on medals surprisingly quickly.
Now then, what should we do next? With nothing to do, Komachi was trying to decide and opened her mouth
after looking at everyone.
Okay, were all out of medals and were also low on time, so lets move on to the last game.
Last game? What are you planning to do?
We were still going to do something more? I totally thought we were going to go straight home. Komachi took
the stares that wondered what exactly we were going to do and she declared in a bodacious voice.
All-About Chiba Prefecture Ultra Quiz~!
While everyone else had a dumbfounded face, only Komachi herself turned towards the cabinet behind her
as she added bam, bam, puff, puff.
So with that being said, well be holding a contest that tests your knowledge of Chiba with this game here,
QUIZ MAGIC CHIBADEMY[25].
QUIZ MAGIC CHIBADEMY, its time to get started~!
Suddenly a clone of the quiz games I usually played appeared Were there other places beside Chiba that
requested for this? In fact, it was already suspicious enough that Chiba did.
When Komachi inserted her coins into the machine, the machine made br-r-r-ring noises and looked like it
was going to start up. It seemingly had already decided on what we were going to do, not requiring any input.
Now then, sensei. Please be the quizzer and the judge.
Umu, very well.
Hiratsuka-sensei gladly took up the request from Komachi.
She started up the QUIZ MAGIC CHIBADEMY and steadily filled up the system screen, but there was a
problem.

But this is one of those games, isnt it? Fundamentally, its a game you play by yourself, right? Designed just
for me, right?
When I asked, Komachi went fufuun as she laughed.
Thats why well be competing in teams. Well break up into teams and answer as we see fit. The rules are
Well, like, please read the mood as we go along.
Komachi-sans explanation suddenly got lazy, didnt it?
Yukinoshita spoke while placing her hands on her temple. Seriously. Read the mood as we go along, what
the heck was that? Japans common day to day life?
Well, there only being two cabinets, all we could do was just form teams, make some mental compromises,
and go at it.
How should we split up the teams?
When Totsuka asked while fidgeting, Yuigahama slowly raised her hand, her hesitation making her look
suspicious.
Ah, if its a team battle, then Ill go with Hi-Hikki Um, for his Chiba knowledge
Well, a reasonable choice. When it came to knowing about Chiba, I was by far the most knowledgeable. The
team I was placed in was pretty much set to win As long we didnt try to coordinate with each other, we
should be okay.
Komachi shook her with a no, no, riding between being aware of what she was planning and not.
Lets break up the teams into boys and girls.
Fumu, that made a lot of sense. So that meant my team would consist of myself, Zaimokuza, and Totsuka?
Its okay for Totsuka to be in this team, right?
I was close to being absorbed in serious thought out of habit, but once I caught a glimpse of Totsukas cheerful
smile, I stopped caring.
Were on the same team then, huh, Hachiman?
Yeah, lets give it our all, Totsuka.
Alright, lets try our best!
On one hand, I was overflowing with motivation and on the other was an audible, depressed voice coming
from the corner of my vision.
Eh? Eeeeh
Komachi snuck up to the discontent Yuigahama.
Yui-san, I have something in mind.
T-There it is~. That planning, scary kind of smile
Komachi abruptly distanced herself from Yuigahama and turned in our direction. All the while making a
suspicious smile at the start.
Fufufu Now, let us begin! The losing team will be subjected to a penalty game!
With a typical, poppy Komachi-like smile at the end, she proclaimed the start of the game.

In the contest flowing with a unique feeling of tension, Hiratsuka-sensei stood at the front of the two cabinets.
With both teams betting their pride and the penalty game on the All-About Chiba QUIZ MAGIC CHIBADEMY,
the match was lit at this very moment.
And with my love for Chiba, I couldnt be losing so easily.
Hiratsuka-sensei looked at us and let out a big breath. She then raised her voice.
Do you want to go to the Kingdom of Ostriches[26]!?
Yeeaaah!
Yeaaaah!
Yeaah!
Komachi, Totsuka, and also Zaimokuza raised their hands overhead in excitement. On the other hand, feeling
left behind, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama tilted their heads.
Whats the Kingdom of Ostriches?
Totally sounds like a place I wouldnt want to go to
What, did these two not know about the Kingdom of Ostriches?
Its pretty fun if you go. Ostrich sashimis really delicious.
So you can eat ostriches
Yuigahama was surprised with a look of disgust, but ostrich was known to have high protein and low calories.
The light quality of the meat was quite delicious. The eggs had a rather rough taste.
As I thought over the matters relating to ostriches, the game had started without my knowledge. I could hear
Hiratsuka-senseis voice reading the questions aloud.
Question. Speaking of Chibas mascot,
Before she was able to finish reading the question, on the same team was Zaimokuza who pressed the
buzzer.
Fumu, leave this to me.
When Zaimokuza spoke brimming with confidence, he fluttered his coat, straightened it, and pointed at
Hiratsuka-sensei.
The rampaging red mad dog, CHI-BA+KUN[27]!
Whats with that nickname?
And then, along with Hiratsuka-senseis shaking head was the buzzing too bad SE. It looked like she was
still in the middle of her question and she continued reading.
CHI-BA+KUN, that is
Nng, a trap!
Zaimokuza hit the buzzer in frustration. Yeah right, it was just common sense, not a trap. In quizzes, there
were key points to the questions. Thats what they said in Nanamaru Sanbatsu[28].
Zaimokuza, you

When I glared at him, Zaimokuza stuck out his tongue and bonked his head.
Tehe pero
Tch, you really piss me off
When I transmitted my murderous intent to Zaimokuza, Hiratsuka-sensei, disgruntled from our exchange,
tried to continue on.
Im reading the rest of the question. Speaking of Chibas mascot, the mascot CHI-BA+KUN, that is, what is
its color?
This time, the key point of the problem was read. And this was where I would press the button. But I was
unable to cover the distance to touch the buzzer and Komachi took the right to answer.
All mine! The answer is red~!
When she answered correctly, the lights glittered. Komachi was dancing with twirls and spins under those
lights. Well, that was a simple question that was way too easy so Lets just think of it as a warmup.
When Komachi and Yuigahama went yaaay! with a high five, Yukinoshita muttered curiously.
Why is CHI-BA+KUN red, I wonder?
W-Who knows Even I dont know that much
I wonder why, huh? I was sure there wasnt anything associated with red in Chiba though Surely the reason
wasnt because peoples bodies radiated colors of red from overflowing motivation
Indulged in my own thoughts, Hiratsuka-sensei spoke up.
Do you mind if I move on to the next question? Question. Located in Chiba, the very first manmade beach in
Japan is!?
Oh, now this was a rather difficult one. No one could reach out to the buzzer. But at that moment, Totsuka
reached out to the buzzer with a contemplating face.
U-Um Ku-Kujuuukuri Beach?
And then the incorrect answer buzzing SE sounded out.
Totsuka became depressed and clapped his hands together apologetically to me.
Hachiman, sorry.
Nice guts, my little firefighter-kun. We wont get anything like the correct answer if we dont speak up. Its all
good, dont let it bug you, dont mind!
I thought I could embrace at least one of his shoulders in the midst of the confusion but a shadow abruptly
got in between us.
Ha-Hachiman!? I-I as well! I tried my best too, you know!
Why the hell was this guy using cute appeals with me lately? Were you expecting a Saint Bernard kind of
demand or something? You sounded more like a tosa dog though.
Yeah, yeah, I hear you. Leave the rest to me.
I quickly dealt with Zaimokuza and I turned towards the cabinet. To wipe away Totsukas guilt from committing
a mistake meant that I had to correctly answer this question.
I sharply eyed the buzzer and then pressed it with absolute confidence.

When the ding, dong SE went off, Hiratsuka-sensei made a grin.

Fumu, Hikigaya. Your answer.
The answer is Inage Beach.
My throat resounded with a gulp. Or it couldve been from someone else there. It was a brief and momentary
silence.
And then there was the chiming of the ding dong, ding dong, ding dong sound as if to conspicuously applaud
the winner for answering correctly.
Hmph, when it comes to Chiba, thats about right.
Although I was elated with success, just what was with this super enthusiast question? Had it not been
someone like me proudly full of love for Chiba, no one wouldve been able to answer it.
Hiratsuka-sensei nodded her head and raised both of her hands, with one finger standing up on each.
With this, both teams are head to head. Alright, lets keep going!
After Hiratsuka-sensei squeezed her hand into a fist, I found myself naturally getting into gear as well. I lightly
placed my hand on the buzzer and readied myself for war.
Question. Chibas local specialty is?
Katsu tantan-men!
Question. Bousou Local Pastries is?
Orandaya[29]!
Question. Although its in Chiba?
Tokyo German Village[30]!
Question. A famous Chiba person is?
Inou Tadataka[31]!
In no time, I shot out a stream of answers in speedy fashion. After the defeats from earlier, the stream of
correct answers also got everyone excited.
Hachiman, youre awesome!
Indeed. Hachiman, you are number one.
Totsuka clapped his hands and directed a smile at me while Zaimokuza triumphantly laughed and patted my
shoulders. But it wasnt like I was the amazing one.
Nah. Im not number one. Chibas number one, thats all. Chibas 3rd place in Kanto though.
Following Tokyo and Kanagawa was the immovable third position, Chiba. You might as well consider it as
the third of the entire country. Even the name Makuhari New City was like that, so Chiba might as well be
called a capital.
As opposed to the boy team, frolicking with the belief that their win was assured, the girl team were low in
spirits. Even Komachi was gritting her teeth in frustration.
Kuh, thats my onii-chan, his love for Chiba is deep
At this rate, were going to lose to Hikkis team

The words that Yuigahama slipped out caused Yukinoshita who seemingly wasnt interested in the
competition to twitch reactively.
Lose Lose to Hikigaya-kun
When she voiced that displeasure, she opened her eyes and lightly reached out to the buzzer, burning with
a serene, fighting spirit.
Yu-Yukinons on fire
Yuigahama shivered from Yukinoshitas oppressive spirit. Hiratsuka-sensei who was fond of that kind of
development made a grin and continued to read the next question.
Question. At Chibas decanter souvenir shop, the well-known
Its mine! Even if Yukinoshita decided to take this game seriously, when it came to Chiba, it was my field, it
was my garden; in fact, it was my house. I may lose on the semester exams, but I had no reason to lose here.
With absolute confidence, I pressed the buzzer to give an immediate response.
Wet rice crackers!
The instant I answered, Hiratsuka-sensei smiled abruptly.
Wet rice crackers But,
Kuh, crap
I ended up tripping over my own feet out of reflex because of Yukinoshitas influential ambition Zaimokuza
looked at me with an irritating expression going hmph hmm.
While breaking away from Zaimokuzas stare, the question continued.
What is the recommended way of eating these wet rice crackers!?
Who the heck would know that!?
Yuigahama raised her voice in frustration going grrr, but there was someone who promptly hit the buzzer.
Leave it to Komachi!
Not good I eat wet rice crackers with Komachi all the time so shell definitely get the right answer
The answer is You toast it in an oven and eat it with shichimi and mayonnaise!
When Komachi answered, Yuigahamas face turned into a grimace and Yukinoshita made a frown.
Sounds like a ton of calories
Is it really okay to toast wet rice crackers?
It sure was, since they were delicious when toasted. Well, I probably couldnt deny the calorie claim though.
And then came the ringing of the fanfare to the correct answer.
It was even the right answer too
So said Yuigahama astonishingly, but you should at least give it a try as its rather good.
Feeling good after answering correctly, Komachi looked proud going hmph.
When it comes to useless things regarding Chiba, please leave it to me. After all, I just end up remembering
everything my brother says about Chiba since Im the only one he can talk to!
Woow, weird siblings

Hey? Yuigahama-san? Werent you just being a little too upfront about your thoughts? Its not a big deal,
right? Were getting along really well and all. Just when I thought I would object, Hiratsuka-sensei began to
read the next question, not allowing me any room to do so.
Question. The most hauled fish product throughout the country in the Chiba prefecture is?
The instant the question was finished, the buzzer was pressed at lightning speed.
Spiny lobster.
Yukinoshita answered with a posed look. What the heck was that just now? Because there was absolutely no
delay there
Why the heck does Yukinon know!? Yukinons a little weird too!
Yuigahama exclaimed, but it wasnt something to be surprised about. The question just read was in
reasonable bounds of academic geography and if you considered Yukinoshitas fathers work, she probably
knew a few things about Chiba.
That being said, that wasnt something youd know normally. Even Totsuka was impressed as he spoke.
Were in Chiba yet we can still catch spiny lobster. Hauled the most in the country too
Right? We might as well change Chiba to Chiba Lobster instead.
Its called spiny lobster, yet Ise[32] wasnt holding the number one position. Whats that about? Was it similar
to how Tokyo German village was in Chiba or something? I see, that made sense.
In any case, from the topic just now, it made it clear to me again how high Yukinoshitas mysterious specs
were.
But still, not a big surprise at all. Yukipedia-san.
Could you stop calling me that?
Yukinoshita brushed her hair resting against her shoulders away and stared at me with a piercing, cold look.
Komachi tried to use that anger to her advantage.
Thats right, onii-chan. You need to make sure to call her by Yukino.
Wha, thats Im not doing that My life would be in danger if I did.
It was scary so I said those last few words in a small voice. Because of my fear, my stare shifted away and
as if responding to that, Yukinoshita gently averted her face.
T-Thats right Itd be troublesome if you did call me by that.
Aaah, are you guys done?
Yukinoshitas words were drowned out by Hiratsuka-senseis sighing voice, so I wasnt able to hear what she
had said all the way to the end.
Hiratsuka-sensei cleared her throat with a cough and made a club holding gesture.
The last question is a Hammer Chance!
Chance!
For reasons unknown, Zaimokuza reacted to just that single word alone.
Completely ignoring that, Hiratsuka-sensei began to explain.
For this last question, if you answer correctly using this Golden Hammer, youll earn 10,000 points.

Then what the heck was the point of the entire quiz then? Now I look like an idiot for answering all those
questions earlier. Whats this, epitome of life?
You could pile up things one by one gradually, but that didnt always mean you would succeed. Things like
connections, relations, the whims of the big-wigs and estimates from the top were enough to overturn
everything, turning everything to nothing.
Once again, I was enlightened to another truth of the world
But its exactly because of that that I couldnt lose. When it came to winning for my luxury, regardless of how
scummy and crappy the rules were, the twisted laws that allowed anyone else except me to have a taste of
that sweet nectar was something I would stand against.
As if we were kindred spirits, Zaimokuza faced me and clenched his fist.
Hachiman, I will leave this to you. Use it, the Goldion Hammer!
R-Right Its Golden Hammer by the way.
Was this really okay? Was this a good idea? Well, the so called as long as the problem didnt become one,
it wouldnt become one aspect existed too. Right now, that wasnt the problem.
It was finally the last question. This long lasting battle would be at its end with this one question. Then again,
this battle was going to end from just this question alone though? Was that really okay?
Question. I asked 100 high school girls from Chiba. What is the standard dating spot?
I waited patiently for the key points of the question and cautiously pressed the button.
There was no issue with my timing in pressing the buzzer. I flawlessly took the first step before everyone else.
The phrase victory goes to who strikes first further solidified my victory.
What was left was to use as much of the allotted time as I could and derive the answer.
Purposely starting off with from Chiba meant that the living creatures called high school girls wouldnt differ
all that much from region to region. This wasnt Pokemon, so it mostly certainly wasnt the case that their
allocation would be different from habitat to habitat.
Furthermore, high school girls were living creatures sensitive to the latest fads, so on a whole, they were
always trying to get in with the things that were mainstream. Therefore, the restricting condition of from Chiba
didnt apply in this context.
In addition, the words dating spot made it obvious that the answers in this survey were just personal
preferences given by the high school girls. So to speak, it wasnt difficult to imagine that this survey was
simply a gathering of love worshipping high school girls.
If I were to say more, the condition of female high school girls could be said to include the naivety and youth,
and flipping that around, their purity and admiration towards adults.
From those given conditions, the answer I could derive was
I can see it! The ending! But saying it out loud was a little embarrassing
B-Boyfriends house or something?
Buzz buzz. The SE rung mercilessly.
And the room suddenly became quiet.
Everyone looked at each other and at Komachis side, they began to talk about something.
He gave a surprisingly, honest answer

Yuigahama murmured wanting to run away.

Hiratsuka-sensei asked me with a considerate voice.
Hikigaya, is that what youre hoping for?
For how realistic that delusion is, its also sad.
Yukinoshita purposely gave me the final blow at the very end. It depended on the explanation, but beheading
was a form of kindness too!
Kuh, super embarassing Kill me! Just kill me!
As I saw despair in the world, Totsuka and Zaimokuza followed after me.
I-Its okay Hachiman. You gave it some thought, as far as girls are concerned, theyd be happy!
Thats right, Hachiman. I think about it quite often. It is nothing to be ashamed about.
I-I know, right? Were boys and all. Its not weird at all!
Totsuka was too much an angel that I would love to have him visit my house next time. But Zaimokuzas
delusion was creepy though!
Then again, being categorized with Zaimokuza made me think yeah, Im me as my feelings sank away.
There, Komachi with a grinning smile tapped on my shoulders.
Now, now, whats the problem? Komachis at the house anyway, so that just now was very high in Komachi
points.
Dont comfort me. Dont give me that look of pity. Dont pile up the points either. Youre just making me feel
worse.
Besides, if Komachis at home, then I was pretty much on the true route already. Shed be my girlfriend and
wed have dates at home every day. What the heck, what Chiba anime was that?[33]
Having been put to shame, my life was already beyond zero, it was Requiem Zero. But there was also
something else taken away from me.
Since it was the wrong answer, the Golden Hammer will be handed to the other team.
The Golden Hammer was ruthlessly taken by the other team and the Hunter Chance[34] was given to them.
Well, common sense of the world dictated that missing your chance meant the end of you.
And then, the girl team had their attacking cha~nce[35].
Yuigahama-san, its in your hands.
Yui-san, go for it!
Yukinoshita who wasnt particularly suited for the question left it to Yuigahama who had a better probability
of answering it while Komachi clenched her fist and cheered Yuigahama on.
O-Okay
With their feelings, Yuigahama nervously pressed the buzzer.
Um The answer is Tokyos Destiny Land!
And then, the SE indicating the correct answer went off as if praising the winners.

In the arcade that returned to its liveliness, even being noisier, Komachi amusingly raised her voice.
Time for the results~!
No different from the very beginning, Komachi went bam, bam, puff, puff as she spoke, took a step forward,
and gave way to Hiratsuka-sensei. After a single nod, Hiratsuka-sensei made a grin.
The girl team wins with 10,003 points.
Im not satisfied with this at all
But, well, complaining wouldnt do me any good. No matter when or where, the world was cruel, even funny
at times. The value of effort was inferior to the value of miracles.
Thats why the only thing the losers could do was praise the winners who managed to bring forth those
miracles. That act alone allowed the winners, thanks to the losers, to justify the truth that resulted.
As we gave our round of applause, the girl team was overjoyed as they huddled together. They were probably
deciding on the penalty game.
Since we won because of Yui-san, Yui-san can ask for whatever she wants.
I suppose so. I believe thats proper. I dont have any complaints since we won and I dont have anything in
particular that I want to ask them for.
When Komachi and Yukinoshita gave their decisive right away, Yuigahama got flustered. Well, it wasnt very
often she had to decide things for herself, so suddenly being pushed the role probably confused her.
Eh, thats so sudden though
Yuigahama groaned as she thought about various things and Komachi crept up to her.
Yui-san, Yui-san. Can you lend me your ear?
Eh? What is it?
Yuigahama faced Komachi and tilted her head.
Whisper, whisper, whisper.
Uh huh, uh huh, --eh, eeeh~, thats kind of embarrassing
I didnt know what Komachi was telling her, but Yuigahama turned red all the way to her ears. When they
finished their talk and signaled, Hiratsuka-sensei turned towards us.
Now then, its time to reveal the penalty game.
After saying that, she glanced at Yuigahama and urged her on.
Y-You see Hikki.
Her words then stopped abruptly. She took several deep breaths. She then controlled her breathing and
looked at me with upturned eyes.
Lets, go out and play again?
It was a moderate, yet slight single step, no, possibly a half step. It was a distance that was testing the waters.

If I had given it a number then it undoubtedly wouldve been at most a few centimeters. In words, then itd be
somewhere between playing and leeway.
This fragile feeling of distance acting as a buffer of the sort to guard against conflict and fatigue was suitable
for how we were now. Thats why I was able to minutely take the middle ground and respond accordingly.
Well, I guess Ill have to if thats the penalty.
Right, if thats the penalty, then I had no say in the matter.
The defeated had to bear their sins as well as accept their punishment. So accompanying her one more time
like how we did now should be fine.
When I answered, Yuigahamas shoulders shook and she let out a sigh. She showed a smile as if a huge
burden was taken off her shoulders and I found myself averting my eyes away in embarrassment as well.
Ahead of where I turned to was Komachi nodding her head up and down, somehow getting on my nerves.
What my little sister was thinking was clear as day, but that included her actual feelings on the matter so it
was rather complicated being unable to get angry with her. As I scratched my head wondering what a situation
to be in, coming from an unthinkable direction was a raised voice.
Yeah, that might be nice! We should all hang out again!
It was a soft tone that resembled an angels bra or even an angels wing.[36]
Komachis face became dubious after the sudden audible voice.
Hm?
When I turned around, Totsuka was coming up to me with a smiling face, completely indicating I cant wait!
Reflexively, I ended up replying without spontaneously voicing things like yeah!, alright!, and yes, yes!
Eh? To-Totsuka-san? As far as Komachis concerned, that didnt mean everyone but...
Komachi attempted to get in between me and Totsuka in a panic, only to be obstructed by a large looming
shadow.
Fumu. I shall accompany you as well. A-Although I did say accompany, I just meant accompanying you as
in hanging out, okay! D-Dont misunderstand! Hachiman!

I wont. There isnt a single thing in what you said for that to ever happen.
Again, what kind of appeal was that, damn Zaimokuza? When I felt disgusted, that disgust seemed to have
infected Yuigahama who smiled with a fufu.
Its like Something I wasnt expecting, but since its fun, whatever.
After she said that and turned around, Yuigahama smiled at Yukinoshita. Yukinoshita who understood the
meaning behind the smile let out a small sigh and nodded lightly.
I suppose. Im not particularly too good when it comes to everyone, but if youre okay with me, Ill accompany
you when I have the time.
Yuigahama who took her kind gaze flew at Yukinoshita.
Okay, its a promise. Yukinon, I love you!
Wait, could you not get so clingy? I only said when I have free time.
Yukinoshita tried to wriggle her way out, but Yuigahama wouldnt let go. Hiratsuka-sensei looked at both of
them with distant eyes.
Sure is nice to be young
Hurry! Someone hurry up and take her!
And then, there was one more person with a complicated expression, watching from afar.
O-Ooph, an unthinkable sneak attack Komachis super plan Onii-chans youth love comedy is, wrong as
expected
Hahaha, what a shame, huh Komachi?
It didnt matter what kind of plan you cooked up, onii-chan was a guy who got giddy just from getting invited
by another guy.
It looks like onii-chan was the one who should be ashamed.

Short Story 3: Surprisingly, Hikigaya Hachimans study methods arent

wrong.[edit]
The Culture Festival came to an end and just as it was about to reach the height of autumn, the chilly open
air also found its way to the interior of the Service Club room. And the cause of that was the Chiba Prefecture
Problem Consultation Mails.
Today as well, we were sent a worthless mail. The one reading it, Yuigahama, raised a small voice with an
uwah.
<Pen Name: Master Swordsman Shogun-sans Problem>
[Hachiman-sensei I want to write a sellable light novel (shaky voice).]
Listening to Yuigahama reciting the mail aloud was Yukinoshita who spoke to me without closing her book.
Hikigaya-kun. It looks like youre being requested.
Thank you for requesting me! Im Hachiman(SidePeace)!

If I didnt force myself to be energetic internally, I thought my heart was going to break. Couldnt you designate
this to a domain so it could be rejected or something? With irritation and anger at the darkness of the IT world,
I typed my answer slightly violently.
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[There are four components to a selling light novel: The first is illustrations, the second is its label,
the third and fourth doesnt exist, and the fifth is force your way through. This is what I think
personally. So using the aforementioned as a start, please try your best.]
Yukinoshita read the answer in one pass as her eyes narrowed dubiously. She then cocked her head in
puzzlement.
Where should the author put his effort into?
Either the third or fourth one, right?
When I answered, having read the mail as if looking at something fishy in the same way as Yukinoshita,
Yuigahama raised her face.
Is it okay if you just leave that blank?
If its just to sell something, then its fine to keep it blank. The mail asked how for a sellable light novel and
not an interesting light novel. Theyre not always equal in all cases.
When I said that, Yuigahama let out an impressed voice with a wow while Yukinoshita slightly nodded her
head convincingly. Indeed, something that was sellable and something that was interesting was not the same
thing. Thats why I love it man! GaGaGa Novels! Im looking forward to the work where I wont have to fret
over it selling!
As if she was feeling good from one incident being done, rather, the incident that she didnt want to bother
with, Yukinoshita unusually began reading the next mail.
So, next one then? From a resident of Chiba, Pen Name: Its not like I need to write my name since its a
consultation-san.
<Pen Name: Its not like I need to write my name since its a consultation-sans Problem> [My little
brothers taking the entrance exam for high school this year, so I want to know some efficient study methods]
The straight to the point content and the sharp pen name, not to mention it was about the little brother.
Somehow, a really familiar face was popping up in my head.
Yukinoshita, youre pretty good with this, right?
When I asked her, Yukinoshita placed her hand on her chin and began thinking.
Efficient Its not something I really give any thought to. Since I just do it normally If anything, arent these
kinds of underhanded methods more your field?
At least say good at Well, Im pretty normal myself though. Understand past exam questions and a
thorough review of what you get wrong. Depending on the material too, you just end up remembering things
indiscriminately.
Thats surprisingly honest of you.
She seemed earnestly surprised, but this girls rather rude, wasnt she? Well, its not like I didnt think of
anything underhanded, but that actually took some effort to think up too.
While there are techniques you could use for test taking, you still have to go through the repetitions for them
to stick.

They do tend to say that there arent shortcuts to learning.

Yukinoshita said so solemnly. Thinking any further, thats the kind of conclusion youd settle with.
Alright, guess Ill answer with that in mind.
And, just as I was thinking about what to write for the answer, Yuigahama stood up abruptly looking like she
couldnt hold herself back anymore
Wait a second, why arent you asking me!? I took the test too! I really did take it, you know!?
Yukinoshita didnt pay any attention to Yuigahamas appeal as she looked at the PC screen and let out a
small ah.
Theres still some left in the mail. [Also, I want to know good refreshers from study fatigue.] or so.
Its finally your time, Yuigahama! Were counting on you for the refreshers part!
Hikki, your smile makes me upset! Besides, Ive been giving it some proper thinking too!
With a fit of anger, Yuigahama snatched the PC away and while moaning, she slowly typed the mail.
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[How about studying together with him?? If you tell him to just study!, he might not end up wanting
to. Thats why, Kawasaki-san, if you study together with him, he should think I better get to it too~.
Ah, if you teach him things he doesnt understand, that might be really effective too! And then, when
youre done studying, if you talk about different kinds of fun stories of high school, then that would
be a good refresher too! Do your best!]
After finishing the answer, Yuigahama made a bragging fufu Well, I could see why she was acting so
proud. Even I was a little surprised from reading her answer. It looked like Yukinoshita was on the same boat.
Awfully rare of you to give an honest answer like this.
I suppose, for Yuigahama to write a decent answer like this is rather unusual
Thats the part you meant rare!?
As I watched with a sidelong glance at Yuigahama repeatedly hitting Yukinoshitas chest half-crying going
waaah, the fact the answer was actually a decent answer for once made me think this club was already
beyond saving.

SIDE-B * Special Act B: Even now, they still dont know the place they
should return to.[edit]
The periodic tests ended, followed by the start of the rainy season.

Extended rains had ceased, but even so, the bursts of sudden downpours that seemingly targeted the period
when it was time to head home were frequent. It was because of this humidity that filled everything below the
sky that this and that clung to your body.
Especially with Sobu High being positioned along the coast, the humidity from the sea was brought over in
its entirety. The assimilated salty sea breeze was discoloring the paints and bikes, rusting the exposed iron
fences.
As damp as the atmosphere was, it oddly gave rise to a feeling of invigoration.
That was because this time of the year which awaited the onset of summer vacation was the season where
not only the normalfags would rustle about making plans for their frivoling, but also the loners who would be
freed from the hell called school and become animated.
Would it be fine to call this the charm of summer?
Incidentally, the heat would make people go mad.
Because of that, even I was behaving strangely against my better judgment. It was the kind of behavior that
wasnt typical of me, that even I couldnt help, but find odd.
The area wedged between the back of the school building and the annex was cooler than anywhere else due
to it being under the shade. In contrast to the school building which was enclosed at all four corners like a
square if you looked from above, this annex which abundantly stuck out was a place that the average student
wasnt familiar with. For the martial arts dojo below the gym, only if the sports club had a room there that
people would pass by, but with it being lunch, no one came.
That being the case, there was no one else other than me and one more person.
The students who were exhilarated for the start of summer during lunch.
The faint, smell of salt that rode along the wind.
And the backside of the school building with no human presence.
It was a secret moment that only the two of us would spend together.
If I recited these kinds of things, it was as if I was listening to one tale of a summers youth.
But reality was not so.
Ku, ku, ku, I praise you for coming. My longtime enemy. Hachiman!
That theatrical, to the point idiotic, annoying way of speaking was answered back with a voice that lacked
motivation.
Ive finallyyyyy cornered youuuu, Master Swordsman Shoooogun.
When I monotonously responded in a way that would warrant talent and movie directors to complain about
saying it to do it better, directly facing me, Zaimokuza quietly took his stance. Barf Spark annoying [37].
This was what reality was.
In this reality, it was just the two of us, Zaimokuza and I, taking refuge here in the shadows behind the school
building where no one was at so no one could see us. Also, I was positive this smell of salt was actually the
stink of sweat. Trick descriptions sure were scary!
I was just eating my lunch at my usual place by myself while watching from afar Totsuka doing his noon
practice until Zaimokuza caught me.

I was then forced to read the plot of Zaimokuzas novel and before I realized it, in this blistering heat, I was
engaging in chuunibyou antics with him.
This was my reality and the summer of my second year in high school. The summer of Japan, it was not the
summer of Kincho.[^2][38]
Fumuu Hachiman. Dare I say something is amiss with your dispirited attitude!? Why do you not take your
stance!? You will not be able to stimulate my image like that!
Zaimokuza voiced his complaints as he noisily stamped on the floor.
No, even if you told me that When I blurted out I didnt understand the setting of the plot he wrote,
Zaimokuza started a live performance. Before I knew it, things had turned out like this.
But even if I gave him a sound argument, it wouldnt get through to Zaimokuza. This was the Zaimokuza
QUALITY. It would prove more advantageous to retaliate with emotions instead of logic.
I displayed a smile that mocked him.
This stance, huh? This is the Formless Stance. By sheathing my power, I can counter any and all
attacks.
What the heck is that? Thats cool!
Given how I blurted out random knowledge I gained from Ruro Ken, the fact that Zaimokuza ate it up was
good. Accepting it, he began pressing away on his smart phone. He worried whether he wanted to go with
that stance or the Universe Stance, but if that turned out to be a reference, then that was plenty.
Nufu, after avoiding an attack and nullifying it, you follow up with a sermon punch[39]. This could get popular
I ignored Zaimokuza who was blubbering about something and leaned against the wall. Since it looked like I
solved Zaimokuzas problem, I should be released now.
Forcing me into this stupid act made me sweat unpleasantly. The wind that blew past my red hot cheeks felt
good.
I bathed in the wind that blew much further ahead of me and when I twisted my body, trying my hand at
pretending to be T.M.Revolution, a strange spectacle flew into my sight.
A number of boys sporting a judo appearance were walking in stuttered steps with downfallen shoulders this
way. Their judo outfits alone were enough to give them an overbearing appearance, yet they looked fragile
somehow.
I thought only MY ANGEL Totsuka was the only one who went through the trouble of practicing during lunch,
but was our judo club the same? Ah, MY ANGEL Totsuka. I want to answer this quiz correctly and raise him.
In Totsukas case, he refreshingly, moreover, cutely, looked like he was having fun while cutely doing his
noon practice, but that didnt seem to be the case for the passing judo folks..
Well, theres nothing they could do. Totsukas special after all. Special Totsuka, in short, Totspecialka.
Special Totsuka is cute was like a tongue twister.
On the other hand, the walking of the not special, not cute, and not Totsuka judo guys were like that of a
zombies and their expressions looked considerably exhausted Were you guys all company employees or
something!?
Still leaning against the wall, I slid down into a sitting position.
As I was watching the orderly judo club with a side glance, Zaimokuza who also seemed to have seen them
was tilting his head in contemplation with a fumuu.

A rather suspicious group, were they not?

Uh, compared to you, not really
Perverts that wore coats during the summer were only people like Black Jack-sensei, you know
Rufun. Well, once you are on the same class as I, then you are already a Master Swordsman
Apparently taking those words as compliment, Zaimokuza snorted with pride. If you translated positive
thinking in Japanese, didnt that mean shitty, misunderstanding bastard?
But pointing out Zaimokuzas misunderstanding didnt have any benefits at this point. That was probably the
case for him internally and I mean only for him internally.
I removed my gaze from Zaimokuza and when I watched the guys in judo outfits turn the corner, a thought
came to mind.
Oh yeah, didnt you choose kendo for your martial arts?
This time of the year for us second years was when gym would start doing martial arts. You had to choose
between kendo and judo.
But you had to buy equipment for either of them. Since kendo equipment came in a complete set and was
expensive, I opted for judo. I told my parents Im not sure what Ill do, but gimme money for kendo. This was
what they called the Full Metal Jacket, the Small Change Alchemist.
I chose judo and since Zaimokuza wasnt there, through the process of elimination, that meant he went with
kendo instead. Though, there was also the possibility that Zaimokuzas existence got eliminated as well.
Homu, indeed. I most certainly did choose kendo. It was most natural. Is there something the matter?
No I was just thinking how pitiful itd be for the guys whod have to pair up with you.
In reality, by virtue of it being gym, it was already quite the pain already. With kendo being in his field as well,
then hed probably be even more annoying.
Worry not. It is preposterous I would use my power against the likes of common disciples. I will keep myself
in check.
Aah, is that so
So if I translated that to modern speak, then, I-Its too embarrassing to expose that kind of setting in front of
other people Thats why Im going to stay put. H-Hachiman, youre the only person I can show this to, okay!
or something like that.
What the heck was that? Thats disgusting.
Well, it was fine as long Zaimokuza wasnt a bother to other people. The reason why loners were allowed to
exist was so they didnt harm other people. The pheasant would not be shot, but for its cries. But a pheasant
that didnt cry was less than a pheasant. As an existence that served no value in beating, it could be thrown
away. Could it be treated as if it didnt exist or could it be avoided as something that was hated? Either way,
it was dead if it was Another.
Hachiman, what did the likes of you decide upon?
As if he was displeased at my attitude, Zaimokuza pouted and asked. But my answer was exceedingly simple.
There wasnt a speck of surprise in it.
The guys in the judo club partnered with me. The rest was just practicing ukemi [40].
Homuu You surely mean caretaking, not partnering, correct?

While wiping the sweat at his brow, Zaimokuza said.

But it wasnt something to be surprised about. Whenever a particular competition was held, it was the fate of
the club members related to get the short end of the stick. Theyd be told to show a demonstration and they
had to prepare as well as clean up the equipment. Calmly overlooking this overtime labor was the darkness
of the sports oriented world. Rumor had it that the sports clubs were to rear future corporate slaves; inside of
me that is.
Thats why the people of the judo club could not cease taking care of me Was that the reason for their dark
expressions? Sorry, okay?
But it weighing on mind wouldnt change this tradition. As if I could go out of my way to skip class just for
them. There was no one to help the loners, so they had to make sure to attend all their classes.
Sorry to the judo guys, but for now, Ill be a nuisance to you all.
After solidifying my defiance, the chime indicating the end of lunch rang. I stood up and wiped off the sand
stuck to my behind.
Okay, Im heading back to class.
Saying that, I turned my back and the sound of footsteps followed me as if it was natural.
Hamon. Indeed, let us go.
Eh? Were going back together? I was pretty sure I meant, Ill be going back by myself. I sent him a doubtful
stare, but Zaimokuza paid no heed and instead made an oppressive fufun laugh.
What are you dawdling about for? With haste, with haste! Eey, slow! I will head out first!
He snappily turned towards the school building and pointed. To put the words Zaimokuza spoke just now in
modern speak, Whats wrong? Lets hurry and go back okay? Ah, but, if rumors of us going back together
spread Itd be kind of embarrassing
It didnt even make me angry if I thought about it like that. It just disgusted me.

I finished up the afternoon classes and headed for the club room.
Due to the nature of todays era, our high school was equipped with air conditioning, enabling us to take
classes comfortably during the summer. But outside of class was a different story. The same could be said
for after school.
Even on a hot day like this, while heading for the Service Club room located in the inner depths of the special
building, I could feel a cooling sensation either because the club room was situated in a spot under the shade
or that the ventilation was splendid. Or possibly, it couldve been because of the leaking aura of the club
rooms master. I was sure that this coolness that made your spine shiver was from the latter. Aah, also, her
breasts were also cool too!
While engrossing myself in pointless thoughts regarding the coolness of the special building, I opened the
door and a slightly, exceedingly so, cold stare was thrust at me.
Good work.

After receiving the shooting glint in her eyes from Yukinoshita Yukino, I couldnt help but falter. What, why
was this person so angry? Did my thoughts from earlier get across to her somehow? With Yukinoshita as the
esper, I as the satorare[41], the second big controversy would happen again.
Oh, it was Hikigaya-kun. You were making a rather damp looking face that I thought an amphibian had
entered the room.
Well, youth consequently made me feel wet, so theres not much I can do there. Make sure not to tell
Hiratsuka-sensei that. Because she would totally be bothered by it.
Once we exchanged our usual greeting, I sat at my designated seat that was directly opposite from
Yukinoshita.
While looking like her typical displeased self, Yukinoshita didnt say anything more in particular. She then
dropped her eyes back to the book at her hands.
I could see that she wasnt in the greatest of moods, though it didnt seem to have been from her enmity,
hatred, and dislike of me. The proof of that lied with how she would normally add a few more words of sarcasm,
but today she was rather docile. Then again, she would normally say a bit too much though.
If I wasnt the reason for her discontent, then why was she in such a bad mood? Youll just make the mood
of the place worse so stop it. Was she one of those OLs that were harshly treated like tumors depending on
the difference between their good and bad moods?
Since I didnt have anything particular to do, I pulled a book out from my bag as well. I flipped and skimmed
through the pages randomly, making occasional glances at Yukinoshita.
Phew.
The only thing she was doing was reading yet she was sighing. In the meantime, it almost looked like her
stress was gradually building up. What, was the book really that boring? You know you could just stop
reading
Well, it was pointless to say something to people who were privately generating their own stress, intoxicating
themselves even. Only the person himself could clear away their pent up stress.
Leaving her to her own devices, I lowered my gaze to my book once again and just as I was about to engross
myself in reading, the noisy sounding of creaking filled the room.
Yahallo!
Barging into the room with a midsummer, sultry greeting was Yuigahama Yui. As she noisily made stepping
sounds, she sat at her usual seat.
As of late, Yuigahamas skirt had been much shorter than before. In addition to that, she stopped wearing
navy blue socks, more often using ankle socks. The short sleeves of her blouse were rolled up too. It was
totally an appearance meant for summer. With a relative look, you could even say that the exposure of her
arms and legs had increased. Well, its not like I was scrutinizing her in detail or anything, its just something
you end up noticing, what with having to see her every day. Itd be a problem if you underestimated the
observing eyes of a loner.
It sure is hot!
Having arrived at her seat, Yuigahama grabbed the blouse at her bosom and flapped it. Stop doing those
things. You cant expect me not to look, really.

Speaking of which, although she was blabbering about it being really hot, she wasnt wearing a polo shirt or
an open-necked shirt, huh? It was a little unexpected. Maybe she was slightly obsessed with the ribbon or
something?
Hoping to avert my stare from Yuigahama, I focused my attention on the book in my hands. After that, I used
an extra amount of strength to pull the pages that were normally stuck together already from the humidity and
it wrinkled nosily.
Aah, I better rest something on the page later It was a sad thing to do to the books you loved. It was also
one of the many unpleasant things of this season.
Its not like it was Yuigahamas fault, in fact, it was completely mine. But really, um, I even felt kind of bad for
looking at her, but as long Yuigahama was one of the reasons for this, as unfair as it was, I couldnt help, but
send a slightly reproachful look to Yuigahama. No, its not because she was flapping her blouse at her chest
that bothered me, or that it was strange how surprisingly long her legs were; it was just an unjustified,
resenting stare. Whatever it was, it was the most despicable reason.
But that was seemingly a needless concern as Yuigahama didnt pay any heed to my stare and instead was
being considerate with Yukinoshita.
Yukinon, is something wrong?
Had it been anyone else, they wouldnt think to call out to Yukinoshita who was in a bad mood. If anything,
even Yukinoshitas regular attitude was a high enough hurdle already.
However, the current Yuigahama could do it.
If it was like before, she certainly wouldnt have overstepped her boundaries and wouldve asked about
something harmless. For her to ask so directly was proof that the distance between the two had shortened.
Ever since Yuigahamas birthday, I got the feeling that the needless consideration and reservation between
the two had decreased.
Yukinoshita stopped her movements as well, wondering whether she should talk now that she was spoken
to. But when it came to Yuigahama, she would try to answer sincerely.
Its just the humiditys so awful that it curls
Aah, the humidity, huh? I get that too and it makes it hard to fix up my hair. Its so annoying.
In contrast to Yukinoshita who let out a sigh as she rubbed her book, Yuigahama roughly fiddled with her hair.
Fix up? Im the opposite. The humidity causes it to warp, so it sticks together Its really stressful.
Eeh? Thats not true at all.
When she said that, Yuigahama stood up and went around behind Yukinoshita. In disregard to Yukinoshitas
puzzled face, she gently caressed Yukinoshitas hair.
Its super silky. Aah, but, its probably a little hot, huh?
Yuigahama-san? What are you doing?
Mmm. Got it.
Yuigahama was rummaging around in her pockets, but took something out. She then wrapped it around her
fingers and spun it around. It looked like a hair band.
Furthermore, after reaching out to her bag and taking out a brush, she slowly, but carefully brushed
Yukinoshitas hair. When she bundled her long, smooth, black hair together, she lifted her hair up and tied it.

Having long hair during summer traps heat, so keeping your hair this ways a lot better, right?
Y-Yes. Thats true
Hearing her thoughts, Yukinoshita was confused as she answered. She was slightly hesitant, not used to
having people fiddling with her hair. It was a rather rare sight to see.
Um So, Yuigahama-san? Why my hair Um, were you listening to me?
Of course, Yuigahama wasnt listening.
As she consolidated Yukinoshitas hair while humming, she fixed her hair to give the finishing touches. Even
so, her long black hair looked like it was going to spill out and turn into a mess. When she fastened it with the
hairpin she took from her breast pocket, she completed the bobtail.
All done! We might match a little.
When she examined the completed makeover, she made a satisfied smile going heehee. If you compared
their hairstyles, certainly, they looked rather similar.
More like fake than match.
Your mouth! Watch it!
Yuigahama snapped at me. It looked like she was very proud of her work.
You could tell me to watch it all you want. There wasnt anything else I could say It was like Tamagotchi [42] or
TAMAGOTCHIA rip off of the former. Spelled in katakana in Japanese as opposed to hiragana.</ref> or
Digimon or Gyaoppi[43]. Was there anything else I could say, I wonder?
Does knockoff work?
Thats no different!
For the most part, I was being considerate when I chose these words that had clearer intentions... Still, in
reality, I wasnt sure what to say. It wasnt anything like 2P [44] characters or anything, in truth, the fact that it
didnt look similar, but was trying to made it even more of a fake
Speaking of which, doesnt the clashing hairstyle bother you?
When it came to high school students, they tended to blabber on about individuality, individuality and
especially when it came to fashion, the girls definitely had their say, but how was it really? Or could it be that
if you lived your life reading the mood like Yuigahama, would Kaneko Misuzu Exceptional People: Everyone
is Together and Everyone is Wonderful[45] happen instead?
Yuigahama raised her face going mmm and thought, but her answer was simple given how long she took.
Well, if we get along, then it wouldnt matter, right?
Aah, I see Both of you get along pretty well, huh
I mistook her happy answer for poison. I let out a short sigh mixed with shock and returned to my reading.
When I did, Yukinoshita who was left behind the entire time opened her mouth.
Um Exactly how does it look?
The person in question, Yukinoshita, wasnt aware of how her head was. Yuigahama grabbed a rectangular
hand mirror and passed it to her.
Here you go!
Thank you.

Yukinoshita placed her book on the desk and took the hand mirror.
She then flipped it open, reflecting herself. Her eyes gently narrowed with her expression turning into a
puzzled one. She then clamped the mirror and she directed a doubtful stare to Yuigahama.
Yuigahama-san, why my hair?
When asked, Yuigahama blinked in confusion.
Eh? Werent you saying how your hair was bothersome and annoying?
What I was talking about was this.
Yukinoshita pointed at the book on the desk and continued.
The humidity damages the book and having to wring it out takes time So thats why.
Ah, so thats what you were talking about I thought for sure
Yuigahama let out a tahaha while scratching her head.
Hair and paper just didnt mingle for you, huh? I understand God, why would you make me have these
stupid thoughts?
Well, Yuigahama didnt read books, so when she heard kami[46], the first that would come to mind would be
hairstyles. The scope of her interests was different.
On the other hand, Yukinoshita although not totally indifferent to fashion, probably liked books more. But true
enough, for readers, the summer humidity was quite the obstacle. Also, hand sweat. Definitely this. Sweat
from your hand would cause the pages to stick together. And when the dripping sweat gets on the paper,
youd go,Fa!?[47], and even get depressed too .
Yuigahama tried to brush it off with a laugh and abruptly rose from her seat going as if suddenly realizing.
Ah, I-Im sorry! Ill fix your hair!
Its not a big deal.
Yukinoshita quickly averted her gaze. Although she said that, she looked interested in her own hair as she
opened the mirror again, checking both the left and right sides of her head and rubbed the bobtail.
Its refreshing.
Although she added that at the end, that didnt look like the case with her flushed red cheeks. It seemed like
Yukinoshita-san had taken a liking to her hair, hm?
Seeing that, Yuigahama made a happy smile and flew at Yukinoshita.
Right, right!?
So hot
Yukinoshita tried to look upset, but it only looked like she was trying to hide her embarrassment. Though on
the other hand, it was making my heart completely cold
Since it looked like Yukinoshitas in a better mood, Ill leave the rest to the two youngsters and go home,
maybe! Alright, lets go home.
When I placed my book in my bag, I quietly stood up so I wouldnt be noticed. I took a step towards the door.
It was exactly when I took that step the sounds of banging came from the door.
Come in.

Judging that as a knock, Yukinoshita immediately answered.

Excus us.
Along with a completely incomprehensible greeting that resembled the cutting noise of the came in solemn
looking guys. There were three guys who resembled a potato, a sweet potato, and a taro.
This season was hot enough already, yet they were making it feel unnecessarily even more so. It was that
precise moment when the temperature of my body tripled.

The three young men stood at attention, enveloped in the same, homogeneous atmosphere. Although their
appearances were different respectively, the impact they gave off were similar.
Amongst the three, one person looked familiar. He sported an appearance like a potato and he looked like
he had recognized my face as well and spoke to me.
Ah. Err, during gym
Yeah
I gave a short reply and raised my hand. Thats right. He was the good person that always took care of me in
judo during gym. He didnt work his self to the bone, but he was a good person. Not that I remembered his
name or anything.
So did that mean the other two were from the judo club? As my gaze was wandering around, Yuigahama and
Yukinoshita looked into my face.
Friend?
Acquaintance?
There was a questionable difference in how they asked just now. Just why would Yukinoshita-san ask me
under the assumption I was friendless, huh? Its not like she was wrong or anything.
No, I dont know his name. We were paired up in gym.
You were together, yet you dont know
Yuigahama was astounded. No, there were actually people whod get weirdly cozy with you if you somehow
remembered their names Then again, I actively didnt try to remember peoples names. During middle
school, I was called creepy just because I remembered everybodys name in my class. That was the first time
having a good memory was actually harmful instead. Since then, I would commit names to memory vaguely.
Like Kawasomething-san.
For the most part, I was trying to be considerate by talking in a small voice, but it looked like I was heard. The
potato made a bitter smile. But since he didnt seem to have recalled my name either, we were even.
The potato spoke with a resounding voice, deeper than youd expect.
Im Shiroyama from the judo club. These guys are my juniors
Tsukui, yeah.
Fujino, yeah.

We truly thank you for your sultry, instrumental trio self-introduction. But their lack of distinguishing
characteristics made them hard to remember. It was a pain so lets go with potato, sweet potato, and taro; I
hereby dub them the three potato brothers.
Im the club president, Yukinoshita. Shes one of our club members, Yuigahama-san.
Yukinoshita directed her hand at Yuigahama and introduced her. Uh huh, I do believe there was one more
person here though.
But not touching on that at all, Yukinoshita advanced the conversation. Now then, with a fresh start, she
questioned the three potato brothers.
Can I assume that you understand what kind of club this is?
Yeah. I heard from Hiratsuka-sensei that you guys handled annoying problems regarding school
The potato Shiroyama, the Potayama said.
Hiratsuka-sensei again, huh? Then again, the explanation she gave was sloppy. Somehow, we were
starting to sound like trouble contractors[48], in short, TROCON. Were we slaughtering coconut crabs or
something?
Potayamas answer made Yukinoshita press against her temple.
Strictly speaking, thats a little off
I think its mostly accurate though.
Yuigahama said with a blank look.
Well, when it came to how Yuigahama understood it, thats probably how she saw it. Yukinoshita had an odd
idealization of it so if you looked at it from the side, then it was seen as a place for problem consultation and
handymen.
As such, the three potato brothers who found themselves here visited with some kind of problem.
So, what business do you have here?
When I inquired, the sweet potato and the taro were going to open their mouths, but were stopped by
Potayama. It looked like their senpai was going to give us the explanation himself. A good senpai, Id say.
Yeah, er, its a little hard to say, but Recently, there have been a lot of members claiming they were going
to quit. I also happen to have their resignation letters with me here too.
Judging from his tone, Potayama mustve been the club president.
Must be nice being able to resign from club activities I wanted to quit mine too, but I wasnt allowed to, see.
Were they an evil club[49] or something?
The president of the evil club placed his hand on his chin going fumu and made a thinking gesture.
Members thatll replace those who want to leave Do you have people in mind?
Thats
Shiroyama mumbled. But honestly, it wasnt something that needed to be asked.
Well, thats just how the judo club is. Its hard, its painful, and since its a smelly 3K [50] club with sound effects
all over the place, there wasnt much you could do, right?
When I stated that, the sweet potato and the taro fiercely argued back.
I-It doesnt smell, yeah!

But its true that its hard and painful, yeah!

Tsukui and Fujino. I couldnt tell the two apart, but for now, I could see that the sweet potato was sensitive to
smell while the taro was lacking in guts.
You guys shut up for a bit.
Yes sir.
When Potayama rebuked them, the two retreated. As expected of the sports minded, they were incredibly
well trained.
Hikigaya-kun, you be quiet for a moment as well.
Yes maam
Yukinoshita glared at me with cold eyes and I obediently withdrew. I was incredibly well trained.
Having noticed that the conversation was at a standstill, Shiroyama tried to continue on.
So, people in mind, you said?
Right, right.
Yuigahama gestured, urging him to go on.
Its about our senpai that graduated last year Hes currently a college student right now, but recently, hes
been coming to watch our practice. And the thing is, hes just a bit out there, you see
As if he was having trouble trying to say his words, they gradually grew more mumbled. But to compensate
for that, relatively powerful voices were raised in succession.
Its terrible, yeah!
Its gruesome, yeah!
Compared to how they were earlier, their voices were filled with a tinge of tragedy and even Shiroyama
couldnt keep them in check this time.
Following that, the words of the two passionately continued further.
He tells us how cruel the world is and makes us go through gruesome training, yeah! He totally throws us
hard too!
The very first person that loses in the randori[51] gets forced into shopping! He would then eat stuff like beef
bowls in front of ten people, yeah!
He gets upset when we use our techniques on him, yeah!
Its unfair to the point terrible!
They continued to alternate between each other. By using loud voices and on top of trying to speak quickly,
they grew short of breath and Tsukui and Fujino both went haa, haa in exhaustion.
Just as they were about to say some more, Yukinoshita faced them with a cold gaze which caused them to
lose their energy and become quiet. Yukinoshita waited and then opened her mouth.
I understand the situation. Basically, you want us to do something about that senpai, correct?
Just as Yukinoshita said, I could only think that the source of all the problems was that senpai. At the very
least, the sweet potato and the taro werent awfully too fond of him. So those who were looking to quit the
club were probably doing so for a similar reason like that.

In that case, amputating the affected part was the quickest way to go about things.
But Shiroyama shook his head. He then opened his mouth solemnly.
No, thats impossible.
Impossible? Why?
Yuigahama tilted her head in confusion.
If he was someone that would listen after talking to him, then things wouldnt have become like this
Besides, outsiders saying something didnt really mean anything, right?
It looked like Shiroyama may have tried talking to him several times. Though, I could only imagine feebly.
Since earlier, he gave off the impression that he was trying to avoid mentioning anything that would directly
allude to his senpai, carefully choosing his words in regard to him as well. It was either his discretion or he
was keeping him at arms length out of respect.
Clubs werent the only place where outsiders had trouble getting their thoughts in. Thinking someone needed
to shut up whenever they blabbered on about things they had no idea of the circumstances was what theyd
call empathy. Though in cases where it was a sound argument, then they wouldnt try to listen out of
stubbornness.
If so, it would be best to hear directly from the related parties.
The problem is?
When I asked, Shiroyamas shoulders dropped.
Our advisor is inexperienced at judo. Thats why we end up welcoming our senpai to teach us instead.
Ah, then, then, how about a third year?
They all retired at the last tournament.
Shiroyama immediately answered Yuigahamas question as well. Its likely that Shiroyama had given it some
consideration up until now. Once he realized it was impossible, he gave up.
Shiroyama had already arrived at his conclusion.
I dont think he would listen regardless of who spoke to him. Our senpais strong after all. Even if we didnt
win the team tournaments, he would always win the singles tournaments. He even got into college on a judo
recommendation too.
Casually, Shiroyamas directed his gaze to the distance. As if he was remembering the past.
Oooh College on a sports recommendation, huh? Aint that something.
I see. From my calculations, that meant he was a third year while we were first years. Even for Shiroyama
who was acquainted with his senpai, hed have trouble talking back.
Not to mention his ability was more than enough. In that case, the current third years wouldnt be able to
oppose him, let alone the amateur advisor.
I see. So they had no choice but to put up with it quietly. In the face of long service and ability, the hierarchical
relationship wasnt something that could be overturned so easily.
Not having interjected a single word up until that point and processing the conversation, Yukinoshita removed
her hand from her chin.
If this isnt in regards to your senpai, then I take it the problem would be acquiring new members?

When Yukinoshita asked, Shiroyama slightly moved his head and answered.
Yeah. I doubt the club will be abolished, but at this rate, we wont be able to participate in team tournaments.
New members, huh Its not like were dealing with cellphones here, so I dont think well be able to gather
people that easily
Especially since were talking about the judo club here.
People who liked the judo club; in the first place, if they didnt have any sort of interest, then it probably
wouldnt come up as a potential extracurricular activity. It may be odd coming from me, but for high school
students, it wasnt a very popular club.
How about getting the people who want to quit to come back?
When Yuigahama suggested, Yukinoshita nodded while crossing her arms with a hm.
I suppose so. At the very least, compared to the average student, theres a higher chance of having them
rejoin the club since they were interested in judo from the start.
Happy that Yukinoshita agreed with her opinion, Yuigahama suddenly jumped at her.
Yeah, yeah! Besides, like, if they somehow overcome this danger, then they just might end up getting along
better, or something!
Although she was a bit annoying, Yukinoshita didnt harshly push her away. At the most, she would try to
maintain just a little distance by thrusting her hand out. From just sporting a similar hairstyle, their exchange
made you think how close they were.
Well, I really did think these two had gotten really close. Ever since Yuigahama left and came back to the
club, you could certainly say their relationship had made some progress.
But that was just a unique precedent. It was because the Service Club was a relaxing club or possibility
because of Yukinoshita and Yuigahamas personalities that they were able to make it happen. That was how
I saw it.
Fundamentally, people who run away dont come back.
I wonder

As she said that, Yuigahama gave up on hugging Yukinoshita and instead compromised with rubbing her
shoulders. Even so, Yukinoshita looked a little displeased.
Lets stop doing that when customers were present, okay, you two?
To avert the attention of the members of the judo club away, I started a conversation with Shiroyama.
So how is it? Can you expect the leavers to come back?
Thats might be difficult.
Shiroyama for a moment explored that possibility, but he lightly shook his head.
I thought so. Having someone return after quitting the first time from club activities was rather difficult.
Compared to a relaxed club like our Service Club, other worked on different logic.
The so called sports-minded folks all followed their own set of ethics. For example, consider the hierarchical
relationship or camaraderie. Those had their virtues, but were also bad practices.
Bonds could also be interpreted as bindings.
Its because they were once friends that the oppression against those who stopped being friends became
harsher. The feeling that those who left and came back were traitors mightve existed as well.
If in particular the reason they quit was due to the senpais grueling training, then unless he was eliminated,
then expecting their return to the club was pointless.
In any case, we wont fully grasp the situation unless we see it for ourselves.
Sounds about right. Guts differ from person to person after all. Anyway, why dont we have a look at your
practice then?
Just maybe there was the possibility that the seniors grueling training wasnt anything that difficult and that
the people who quit were just good-for-nothings with no spine. In reality, there were people who endured
through it and remained even now.
When I moved my gaze to the trio who stayed behind after enduring it all, the head, Shiroyama, nodded.
Got it. Senpai didnt come today, so does tomorrow work?
Whatever the case, I didnt have any plans, so I left the judgment to Yukinoshita and Yuigahama. When I
looked at the two wondering what we should do, Yuigahama who also didnt seem to have any objections,
looked at Yukinoshita as did I.
Taking our gazes, Yukinoshita replied.
Yes. We dont mind.
Okay, tomorrow it is then.
Yuigahama continued after her and raised her hand indicating its nice to work with you.
Thank you for your help.
Potayama politely expressed his gratitude as did the two potatoes and they left the room.
After watching the three left, I looked outside the window.
Summer had only just started, yet the sun was still high up despite the encroaching evening. The sun that
dazzled brilliantly in the sky made me think how hot the judo dojo was right now.

It was the following day after the judo club, Shiroyama with the other two, came to the Service Club.
The three of us decided to take a peek at the judo clubs practice.
The judo dojo was located on the first floor of the gymnastics building. There were windows situated at our
feet seemingly to increase the ventilation for the gym. We maneuvered our way from outside and secretly
watched through it.
When you thought of high school club activities, youd be filled with refreshing images.
Scattering sweat. Shrilling cheers. And emotional tears.
You would imagine that kind of wonderful, Youth Graffiti[52].
But reality was different.
Wrung out sweat, gloomy screams. And just tears.
The few members of the judo club were fervently working hard at their club activities to the point that I could
vomit.
It didnt look fun at all
The primary reason being for that was the aforementioned senpai.
There was a man with a conspicuously, stern appearance, clad in the judo uniform. His physique was
evidently different from the other members.
He was watching the club members practice, standing imposingly at the kamiza[53].
Though I said practice, all they were doing for their practice was just running around.
Including Shiroyama as well as the two that accompanied him yesterday, the numerous other members were
running endlessly around in the judo dojo. Was there something in judo that had to do with running around
inside a building? I didnt know the details, but having to run inside this sweltering judo dojo on the level of a
heat wave looked difficult.
After the senior or whatever glanced at the clock, he slowly got up.
Thats enough. Those who were late will run for the amount of time they were late. As for the rest, well start
randori.
Uwah, that looks freaking hard
Yuigahama took a quick peek from behind and said.
I suppose. On the surface it does look difficult, but considering it looks wholesome and safe, Im not so
sure
Furthermore, sticking from behind Yuigahama was Yukinoshita who continued.
True enough, it was like Yukinoshita said. While there were still some concerns left, so far, the practice looked
unexpectedly wholesome. Not that Id want to be a part of it. Just the words relentless sports club made me
want to pack up and leave.
We watched for a little longer, the practice being slightly different from what we had thought, but once they
started practice, the atmosphere clearly changed.
Hopeless! You, go run until youre dead!

They were words spat out with a violent voice.

Just having it done once to you wont mean much for your studies, am I right? Even I was taught like that by
my senpai. If your body doesnt remember, then it wont stick after all.
It was a one-sided ongoing demonstration of his techniques.
Crying from something at this level wont get you anywhere in society. Things like high school clubs are
completely easy. The world is a much crueler place.
It was an unending lecture.
Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and I went silent.
Honestly speaking, these were events from another dimension. There was no doubt that there were probably
clubs out there in the world that were harder and more painful than this judo club.
But the most abnormal thing here mightve been those club members who were controlled by the senpai,
without ever having voiced a single complaint.
Having to look at one or the other wasnt a very pleasant feeling.
I believed that as people and as living creatures, avoiding things that were unpleasant was instinctive and the
things that couldnt acknowledge that were questionable.
Thats why you couldn't blame those who ran away from this situation. What should be criticized was the
tendency that blamed those who ran away.
With this, the plan to call back the members who left had disappeared.
This should be enough.
When I said that, I moved away from the window and confirmed with the other two. After the two nodded their
heads, they turned around and started off for the club.
Just one last time, I turned around.
From the window, I could see a small glimpse of Shiroyama practicing in silence. When I turned my back on
that with a feeling of reluctance, I began heading for the club as well.
In any case, we had grasped the current situation with the judo club.
Now what was left was to think up a plan.

Once we made it back to the club room, we could finally relax. Since we were also outside, entering this cool
room made it feel as if this room was a comfortable place to be.
Whenever the salary men who worked outside returned to their company, they probably felt it was like heaven.
If that happened, then that was proof you were whipped into shape as a corporate slave. Please be urgent
and take the interview for the Occupational Health Physicians.
As I drank my cold MAX COFFEE that I bought on the way back to the room, the first thing on the menu was
to organize our impressions of the judo club.
To put things bluntly, what do you guys think?

Even if you ask that Ive never watched other judo clubs before so I dont have anything to compare it to,
but disregarding that, it didnt feel very wholesome.
After Yukinoshita thought for a brief moment, she spoke while carefully choosing her words. Certainly, that
was important when comparing things, but I felt just because it was being elsewhere didnt mean itd be a
theory. It should be fine to take that opinion as encompassing up to that point.
On the other hand, Yuigahamas answer was simple.
Stuff like that is totally impossible for me
While her words were brief, they were also packed considerable implications. It couldve been about the
image in regards to the competition, the members, the senpai, or even the sight of the practice. There wasnt
likely a way to generalize all those with just one word, but it was probably an opinion that encompassed all of
them.
How about you, Hikki?
Cant say I like it.
My answer was similar to Yuigahamas as well.
In the first place, I had been living my life that didnt tie in with sports. I mean, they required teamwork and
stuff, you know? Because of that, my experience with sports wasnt very much and my understanding of them
was shallow.
Thats why I didnt have a particularly worthwhile viewpoint on the subject, but at the very least, the present
situation of the judo club at Sobu High was incompatible with my sense of values.
Rather rare for our opinions to be in agreement.
As Yukinoshita said, all three of our opinions in regards to that spectacle were negative.
In that case, we shouldve been able to move the conversation along.
I think the request was to recruit more members, but
Yuigahama confirmed one more time. The request we had undertaken was interpreted to be just that one
objective alone and nothing else. In other words, that was the matter we had to prioritize.
Well, well have to find a way to solicit people somehow.
If thats the case, well have to improve their image.
If we couldnt get across to people that there were a lot of good things to judo as well as merits, not limited to
just Sobu Highs judo club, then we would be hard-pressed to gather new members from this point on.
Even if we went through the process sequentially, raising the image was required.
As the three of us were thinking with our heads tilted in contemplation, Yuigahama clapped her hands
together.
Ah, what if we announce that doing judo will make you popular or something?
So simple
Somehow, Yuigahamas eyes were sparkling as she was saying that, but that was ludicrously simplistic.
Would you believe that if you were told that?
Pretend I didnt say that.

The instant I shot her down, Yuigahama immediately retracted her opinion and readjusted her sitting
dejectedly.
Whenever you started something, the very first reason that would come to mind was I might get popular.
But think about it rationally. Getting popular while doing some sort of sport or getting popular from playing in
a band; those things just werent true.
Those who were popular would be popular regardless of what they did. In fact, theyd still be popular if they
didnt do anything. Since the boys who werent popular were enlightened to that truth, resorting to that wouldnt
have an effect.
As I was considering other hooks, Yukinoshita took a short breath.
How about a diet of the sort?
Those guys are athletes that work really hard, you know. Stuff like how food is part of their training or
something...
Your body was an important asset in sports that came with strenuous activities. Since they had to build a
sturdy body along with satisfying their calorie intake, they consumed quite a lot of food. In the world of sports,
being able to eat a lot was supposedly a talent in itself.
Again, Yuigahama made a bitter expression going bleh.
Then again, it seems rough on your muscles
With this reaction, it didnt look like muscles would work as attractive lures either
In fact, if we were just trying to fish in those who wanted to build muscles, then werent they just better off
gulping as much protein as they could instead?
As we continued to groan with our arms crossed, unable to think of any worthwhile ideas, only the time ticked
by.
When the long hand of the clock shifted to a 90 degree angle, Yukinoshita undid her crossed arms and
performed a little stretch. It was a gesture that resembled a cat who was tired despite having slept all day.
Apparently she was trying to change her thoughts.
Rather than improve their image, its no good if we dont start at their core first.
She stated her reasoning. In other words, she gave up. That was inevitable. Between the important people
related to judo who gave it their all into pondering what to do as opposed to what we could think up of in the
small timeframe we had, it was impossible for us.
Even if we came up with something innovative, there was nothing to support it and with our power, itd be
difficult to try to propagate the idea as well.
Established notions arent things that can be changed so easily after all.
Hmm Then I guess well have to invite people straightforwardly.
Yuigahama groaned to my words.
Well, thats probably the correct way to go. But just because it was the correct way didnt mean it would always
lead to the correct answer.
We wont get anyone if we just try to recruit normally. If it was that simple, then thered be a flood of new
recruits already.

By all means, I didnt think there was a lack of guys interested in judo, but when it boiled down to it, if there
wasnt a reason that pushed them along or they were in an environment to do so, theyd have trouble stepping
forward.
To add, jumping into an ongoing club is a high hurdle as well.
I guess so.
As if that was an understandable point, Yuigahama returned a small nod and looked convinced.
Thats just how it was for everything.
That applied to part time jobs too. Nothing but fear was associated with already established relationships.
While they may go the extra mile by holding a welcome party for the newcomers, it was ultimately just for
them. I mean, whats that about? You aint got a seat! Did they want to say this indirectly or something?
Thanks to that, reading the mood led me to quitting the job, damn it!
The fear of joining midway wasnt just limited to relationships. There were others.
Also, theres that. When it comes to sports, your actual skill comes to light, so therere a lot of people who
hesitate to take the step forward.
When I said that, Yukinoshita went hm and crossed her arms once again.
So in other words, you want to emphasize the point that theyll get stronger from this point forth.
Well not that, but I want to emphasize that there isnt anything to be embarrassed about joining a club halfway
through.
Ah, that might work. The people around would end up feeling depressed too.
Thank you for your endorsement. Because Yuigahama disliked being overly sensitive with the reactions
around her, she was savvy to this truth and that was helpful.
Compared to her, when it came to Yukinoshita, she was incredibly impressed to the point that it mightve been
the first time Ive seen her like this.
I see. Thats Hikigaya-kun for you. When it comes to falling behind people, you wont lose to anyone in that
regard either. Quite insightful.
Hey now? Please watch your words, okay? Because Im unexpectedly proficient at this, you know?
I was proficient to the point that it would come back to bite me, like at my part time job where I remembered
how to do things so quickly that it caused people to say that guy aint cute at all, okay?
But not lending an ear to what I had to say, Yukinoshita began organizing the main points together.
That being the case, it seems well need to think of a way to solicit people such that it stands out even in this
off-season. We want to emphasis that the judos strength is nothing to be amazed about and that theyre
completely untrained and undisciplined.
For the most part, she was hitting all the right notes, but the way she put it was really harsh
Still, we managed to distinguish the matters at hand, but the actual solution was still far away. After we dug
out the main points, the conditions to succeed became complicated.
To satisfy all of those conditions meant we may have to do so by unordinary means. Would it better to solve
each one as an individual problem instead?
Whatever the case, the problem was how to appeal to the students. Still, I had the feeling being completely
untrained and having charm were things that wouldnt ever meet eye to eye.

While running through various thoughts in my head, Yuigahama suddenly shot up her hand.
Here! Here, here, here!
Yes, Yuigahama-san?
Yukinoshita recited her name aloud with astonishment, finding her repetition fussy.
When she did, Yuigahama stood up for some reason with a smile plastered on her entire face.
How about something like an event? Like, they usually have those In-Col type club stuff, see. So if we do
something along those lines with an event or something, it would gather a lot of people or so.
Unable to hold in her excitement from her own suggestion, Yuigahama spoke rapidly. I had no problems in
understanding what she was saying, but words I werent used to caught my attention.
That seemed to be the case for Yukinoshita as well.
In, Col? Curry?
Yukinoshita tilted her head with a what are you talking about? That word bothered me as well.
Is that an abbreviation for curry or something?
Coco-Ichi, In-Col, Cur-Kichi[54]. Putting these words next each other didnt really seem out of place. Hey hey,
this was totally a subject a particular, curry loving voice actor would like; In-Col, that is.[55]
Yuigahama shook her head to our reactions.
Thats not it! Its an abbreviation of in inter? college! I think.
When she said with an odd lack of confidence, Yukinoshita went aah and spoke with a look of understanding.
Intercollegiate; it means between colleges. I believe it was a word that indicated the interaction between
numerous colleges
As expected of Yukipedia-san. The word was properly documented in your pages, huh? So you abbreviate
intercollegiate to In-Col.
Right, right. So, like, the clubs in college get together with the clubs from other colleges. But if thats just
limited to only college students, itd be pretty hard to gather a lot of people, see. So what they do is they end
up holding different kinds of events. I even hear they call out to a lot of high school students too.
Yuigahama nonchalantly talked on and on, but she was actually talking about some scary stuff right now...
What, did college students only gather at those kind of things? Far from trying to have fun as much as they
could, they even went through the trouble of inviting high school students. Oh gosh, thats so scary. These
In-Col clubs seemed like theyd be full of scummy men and sluts (prejudice). Did Yuigahama go to one of
those too?
A retreating, disgusted look may have shown on my face. Heck, my ugh voice probably slipped out too.
When she noticed, Yuigahamas face turned red and she tried to make an excuse in a panic.
I-Ive never gone to one before, okay! I only heard about it from girls at other schools!
When I directed a doubtful gaze at Yuigahama, unable to believe in her outburst, Yuigahama gently looked
away. She then added to her words with a very thin voice.
Its kind of scary, going to a place like that anyway
Well, its not like you didnt have to go, really. There were probably people who needlessly worried if they
heard things like that anyway. Thanks to venting out my hatred for the things related to the In-Col clubs, my

mood felt just a little better. Well, if what they did there was just to gather people, then they might be useful
as references.
What kind of things did they do at those events?
When I asked her, Yuigahama went umm, thinking and thinking as she answered.
For example, if it was the tennis club, then theyd hold a reaaaaally easy tennis tournament to welcome the
beginners, or a bowling tournament, or even a barbeque.
Bowling Eh? What club was this again?
Um, tennis like I said.
Why did the tennis club need to go bowling too? Were they required to train their wrists so they could make
magic shots or something?
Its just like I thought, these in-Col clubs were really scary.
Ignoring my shuddering, Yuigahama continued her explanation.
So see, we could hold a judo tournament for fun. We can have the judo club members participate in it too,
but in a reaaaaally easy way.
I see, for fun, huh?
If its judo for fun, then it might actually attract the guys whod find it interesting. Furthermore, by having the
judo members ease up, then we could avoid the disparity of strength from showing too.
Surprisingly, it could work.
At the same time I was convinced, Yukinoshita was settling on it with simulations. She was nodding her head
up and down. But those head movements stopped.
Would the school give us permission?
It looked like she didnt have any qualms regarding the suggestion itself. Instead, she was worried about the
means. But that was probably an unnecessary concern.
It shouldnt be a problem, right? This schools pretty lax with the clubs.
This of course applies to the Service Club since we were always involved in incomprehensible, mysterious,
game-like activities.
Besides, the proper clubs had those kinds of activities approved as well. Like the tea ceremony club for
example. They often hosted small events where they invited outsiders to participate.
Yukinoshita showed that she understood what I was getting at, but her strict expression didnt loosen up.
Im sure soliciting new members wont be a problem Its just the people who come out to have fun would
ultimately end up quitting, right?
Probably.
Probably, huh?
Yuigahama showed a stunned face to my simple answer.
However, even so, it was still simple. The very reason for that was because that answer was already
anticipating what followed. If it was a club where even the members who joined as early as the entrance
ceremony had left, then it was all the easier for those who were new to do so as well. We had to think up
measures to prevent that.

Thats why well have to simultaneously change their environment as well.

What exactly that alluded to, without mentioning any further, Yukinoshita understood.
So well have to remove that senpai.
Correct. I responded with my agreement.
As long the source of everything wasnt removed, this problem would continue to loop. Worse, if the clubs
infamy swept throughout the school, there wouldnt be a single person whod want to approach the judo club.
The answer was as clear as day. But Yuigahama looked troubled as if there was a particular issue that
bothered her.
But the judo members, rather, the president didnt seem like hed cooperate with us
Certainly, he did seem to come off as admiring him
Thats not what you call admiration, but blind faith.
To Shiroyama, that blind faith was likely not directed towards his senpai as an individual. It appeared to be
more towards the concepts of the hierarchical relationship and camaraderie. He was acknowledging the fact
that unfairness was a part of life.
We learned in history class just how difficult it was to toss aside your beliefs. Therefore, itd be better to
assume that he wouldnt be able to cooperate with us. In truth, Shiroyama himself didnt present us the option
of choosing to eliminate that senpai.
A way to get rid of him without the help of the judo club
When I murmured, Yukinoshita slowly closed her eyes.
In contrast, Yuigahama leaned against her chair, rocking back and forth while gazing at the ceiling.
From there, her neck returned to her original position. She then flicked a finger up and opened her mouth.
Maybe we can talk to the other teachers or even people from the Board of Education!
The school probably wont want the problems getting out to the public.
As far as our school was concerned, it was a college prep school. If a problem sprung up with the way the
clubs were led, then it was a serious matter. Even if the problem was reported to those at the top, at most
theyd conduct an official investigation. But through enough persistence that there werent any problems, it
would be announced that the issues were external and it would be postponed indefinitely.
Yukinoshita was finding it difficult to agree with the plan as well and made a slightly sour face.
I suppose. Its likely theyll go as far as giving the advisor a verbal warning.
At worst, the judo club will be at fault and their activities will be suspended.
Also, there was the possibility that it wouldnt be a problem in the first place. If they decreed that it was within
the acceptable bounds of general leadership, then it would have the opposite effect. It could be as bad as
them giving the official approval.
As long these were activities involved in martial arts, there was the assumption that some dangers were
existed. On top of that, with leadership that worked to keep things as safe as possible, there were cases
where that ruling would oddly have clashing guidelines in regards to us amateurs and the experts.
In that case, it would be better to avoid playing with dangerous gambles.
The only thing we can do is to have the senpai leave willfully, huh

Without considering the uncertain factors, if you were to choose the best method, then there was nothing else
but this.
There wasnt, but Yuigahama and Yukinoshita together made questionable faces.
But he wont listen to outsiders, right?
Our only choice is to bring along someone with a higher position than both the senpai and the advisor. That
is, if we can.
Yuigahama made a slightly baffled smile while Yukinoshita made one mingled with resignation. Yukinoshita
probably added a hint of irony when she said that, but in reality, that was probably the only thing we could do.
In that case, guess we better get someone
Huh?
Yuigahamas eyes widened. On the other hand, Yukinoshita looking like she took a step back sent me a
dubious stare.
For someone who has absolutely no friends, let alone acquaintances, you have something in mind?
You only needed to say the last part just now. Why does this girl always have to include weird prefaces like
that? Well, its not like she was wrong though.
I spoke my words while gradually getting my thoughts in order.
If its something in mind, then I do. Rather, Ill make one now. In fact, for that to happen, we need to do the
event.
Are you planning on calling someone to the event? Then again, like who?
Yuigahama asked me with a lot of interest while leaning forward. When an unpleasant smile floated on my
face, I voiced the answer I had finished adjusting.
In the world, he was the one and most established outsider, the fellow called society.
When I finished speaking, Yuigahama let out a hoee voice that I had no clue whether she had understood
or not. Was that a bit too hard for her?
But Yukinoshita made a smile looking satisfied.
So in the end, hes not an acquaintance of yours.
Thats right. It was just a one-sided relationship on my end as the other party didnt know a thing about me.

Starting the next day, we began working towards holding the event.
The first thing was an explanation to Shiroyama and the others regarding everything about the judo club. This
part wasnt particularly difficult. To attract new applicants, well be doing something flashy thatll garner
attention. Using this as a preface to plan, they took it in rather easily.
But the underlying plan beneath it wasnt touched upon in the least. It wouldve been a hassle if they went up
in arms against it. Regardless of what our intentions were, what we were ultimately aiming for was for the
senpai to leave willfully. So there wasnt a need to go through the trouble and explain.
After the explanation to the judo club were the negotiations on the school side.

In regards to the judo tournament, it would be held publicly on campus, accepting entries for participation.
That being the case, we should expect to be asked about one or two of the circumstances. Having the school
interrupt the event halfway through would be irritating, so itd be easier to relay the story to them beforehand.
The negotiations started off with the judo club advisor. Or so I said, but we werent the ones that would be
doing it. The explanation that this was just a demonstration to attract new members was left to Shiroyama.
Though he may have been an advisor in name, he was seemingly aware of the recent departure of members
and we were able to get permission without issue. For the time being, we were requested to hold the event
with utmost safety, but that was cleared as well with the entire judo club being present.
We already had the venue and the dojo so we didnt have to worry about those.
So far, so good.
Whats left was to gather participants.
Since I had to participate myself, I had to find members as well, but first and foremost, I had to secure enough
participants that would allow us to at least hold the event.
For now, Yukinoshita created the printouts outlining the details of the tournament and after printing those out,
with the help of the judo club, we posted them at various places.
But using this to inform people wasnt something you could expect a lot from. Even the orchestra club or the
tea ceremony club didnt see much of a turnout from students despite using flyers and notices.
Those events typically saw a gathering of people who were brought in from personal connections more often
than not.
And speaking of connections, Yukinoshita and I were pretty much out of the question and it didnt look like
we could expect anything from the already weakened community of the judo club. There was Yuigahama, but
her personal connections alone probably werent enough to hold the tournament.
If thats how it was, then we needed to grope for a much more effective, efficient means of soliciting people.
It was the one component that would attract the most attention.
The answer was the casting.
Of course, plenty of the details were questionable, but in this case in particular, as long nothing was asked
about the novelty of the judo tournament, then we needed to attract attention with something else.
As luck would have it, we happened to have some knowledge of someone who had the greatest ability to
attraction attention in this school.
Yuigahama and I, well, Yuigahama would be handling those negotiations.
As usual, the class of 2-F during lunch was noisy. It was because summer vacation was right at our doorsteps
that lunch was buoyant.
Even I had found myself remaining in the class, not bothering to go outside as of late.
The reason was all so we could book the new challenger, Hayama Hayato, for Sobu Highs judo tournament,
the S1 Grand Prix. By the way, I was the one who made arbitrarily made that name up.
Hayama was a man whose unexpected participation would cause the gathering of a gallery; evident in the
case a while back when we had a simple mock tennis match. If we announced things beforehand of his
participation, then we could expect a bigger gathering of people than before. He was an essential casting that
must be secured.

Or so I said, but the one who was handling the negotiations was Yuigahama and not me.
Mmkay, Ill try talking about it to him.
After buying some lunch bread and a brief meeting with Yuigahama, she went back to the group she belonged
to in high spirits.
As I watched her go off, I sat at my seat.
Now then, from this point on, Ill watch them as attentively as possible and eavesdrop while having my
lunchtime.
I had to make sure I could follow up on Yuigahama if she was at a loss at how to explain things. That too was
a high hurdle in itself, but still.
As I was straining my ears, Yuigahama didnt waste a second and brought up the topic.
Ah, that reminds me. I hear the judo clubs going to host a tournament soon.
Uh huuuh.
Eating bread without the slightest hint of interest was Miura. Despite having zero interest on the subject, she
was still responding for the most part, so she mightve been just a slightly nice person.
Still, how she was holding bread in one hand and her cellphone in the other, it put me on edge as to whether
she would mistake her bread eating hand and bite her cellphone instead. Lets stop playing with our phones
during lunch, okay? Not to mention youre doing it while eating with others. Only loners fiddle with their phones
during lunch, okay?
Unperturbed by Miuras attitude, Yuigahama continued the conversation further.
Like, like, theyll decide on whos the strongest at school, or something?
Aah, speaking of which, I did see that on the flyer.
Immediately jumping into the conversation was Hayama. As youd expect, Hayama made sure to listen to
what other people were saying and behave accordingly so he could regulate his surroundings. Yuigahama
may have been aiming for this. She quickly redirected the conversation towards Hayama.
Hayato-kun, you look like youd be into that, why not try participating?
What the, talk about a careless way to invite him Hayama didnt look anything like that all
Eh? I-Is that how you see me?
Oh, see. I totally knew it. Hes sort of confused now. Hayama was established as someone who was refreshing
and judos image was completely opposite. Obviously, I wasnt the only one who had thought that.
Doesnt suit ya at aaall, Hayato-kun, like judo, no waaay!
Tobe was laughing out loud. Laughing along with him was Yamato and Oooka.
There, Yuigahama made her move.
Ah, how about Tobecchi too? You seem like youd be strong, not that Id know. Why dont you try doing it
together with Hayato-kun? Its a team tournament of threes anyway.
Eh Naaah, judos just a bit
Fumu. So it was a strategy to remove the obstacles around Hayama, huh? Seemingly, it wasnt that
Yuigahama started the conversation without a plan; instead, she was being daring by mentioning absurd

things in a way that would easily sweep Tobe into participating Probably. No, that might be wrong. I get the
feeling shed say that kind of stuff regardless.
Just how far did she plan, I wasnt sure. It was then a person who couldnt be calculated reacted with a twitch.
Doing it, together? D-Doing judo? That sounds great!
Ebina-san reacted slowly in time, as if the words from earlier were weighing on her mind.
Ebina. Here, tissues.
Miura threw tissues at Ebina-san whose nose was dripping at this moment. While thanking her, Ebina-san
placed the tissue against her nose, but still fervently continued on.
Great! Judos great!
Naah, judos just a bit Something Im a little confident in, ya know
When Ebina-san gave a thumbs up, for some reason, Tobe suddenly began to vouch for judo. The nuance
in his words was oddly different from earlier Japanese sure was difficult, huh
A-Are the boys going to be grappling each other when they fall? Who will!? Which Hikitani-kun will be doing
the falling!?
Stop calling my name please Because I felt a sharp stare, I averted my eyes in a panic. In the time my eyes
were averted, the negotiations regarding their participation continued steadily.
When I turned back towards them with shivers, Tobe began to overflow with motivation and tapped Hayamas
back.
Lets do this, Hayato-kun!
Mm. Well, we dont get too many opportunities like this after all.
With Yuigahama and Tobe encouraging him in succession to participate, Hayama couldnt refuse them as
youd expect and was gradually leaning towards entering.
Was this also the fate of those who were in possession of THE ZONE? If they were asked to build the
atmosphere, then this time, he was requested to act without destroying it.
There, the final push was added.
If Hayatos going to enter, I guess Ill go and watch?
When Miura who had absolute no interest up until that point spoke, Hayama seemingly made his decision.
Okay, I guess Ill participate.
Hayama made a refreshing smile and answered.
With this, our objective was achieved. Now once we made Hayamas participation known through word of
mouth, then the gallery of people would increase and if we increased the scale, then wed also see a rise in
participants whod want to enter.
Alright, we should enter too
Right on.
As if the ripple effect began to take place, Yamato and Oooka declared their entry as well.
It was standard for boys to like martial arts.

No, not like, but to have an interest in. The title of strongest attracting a boys attention at least once was
certain.
Thats why, as long you had the trigger, it probably wasnt difficult to have them call forth those feelings.
So at this point in time, the Hayama group, Hayama, Tobe, Yamato, and Ooka, was confirmed to be
participating in the tournament. Adding to that, since Miura was going to be in the gallery, as far as Sobu High
was concerned, that was plenty.
It was then Hayama suddenly realized something.
But its only three people per group huh
When he murmured in a small voice, he quietly stood up. From there, he started walking. Somehow, when I
trailed the direction in which Hayamas gaze was facing, oddly enough, my eyes had stopped moving. Huh,
hes coming my way, wasnt he?
In the several seconds I was thinking whether there was someone in my vicinity that Hayama had business
with, Hayama made it up to me.
Once he stopped his legs, he made a smile that displayed his white teeth.
Hikitani-kun, do you want to enter the judo tournament with me?
This guy, what was he blabbering about out of nowhere?
I could understand his words, but my heart couldnt. Still, since I was invited, I had to respond back somehow.
Eh, no, I mean, it wouldnt work for me. That stuff is just a little out of reach for me.
If I get invited, for now, Ill say no. This was the correct response to lip service.
I see. Well, since Tobe and the other two are in a group of three, Im kind of the odd one out.
Ah, right. Well, I guess so
Because he sent me a gaze that was strangely straightforward, I replied back with vague words and Hayama
drew back his shoulders.
So, how about it? Youre the one who suggested doing things this way, right?
Haa, so thats what youre playing at. So he came over here so he could bring up that time when we broke
up in to groups for the workplace tour.
But he was right. I was the one who suggested how to divide Hayama and Tobe into different groups. If he
was going to be consistent with that, then that meant he wouldnt group up with those guys this time as well.
That being the case, just like last time, speaking of it being obvious, then it was natural that it would be my
turn.
I had no choice, but to accept his proposal. Above all else, losing Hayamas participation just because of this
would inflict a fair amount of damage to us.
Though well still need one more person.
I gave my consent with those words and Hayama made a sudden smile.
In that case, could you invite one more person?
No, I dont have a single friend to invite.
No matter how you thought about it, it would be quicker to have Hayama invite someone. I looked at him
telling him to do it, but he avoided that as well.

You have one right? That guy, I mean.

That guy I wonder, was there someone like that? I went into thought. I-I see. Totsuka, right!?
Having been convinced, I also spoke up.
Aah Him, huh?
Right, right, Zaimokuza-kun. He seems pretty strong and this seems like a good opportunity.
Ah, you meant that
If that was Hayamas one and only nomination, then I had to talk to Zaimokuza. Right now, Hayama was an
important factor. I needed to follow through with whatever demands he had in order for his wholesome
participation in the event. Not much I could do
When my shoulders dropped in despair, Hayama nodded back as if he saw that as a form of nodding.
Okay, Ill leave it to you.
He left with those words and Hayama went back to his own seat.
Having to team up with Zaimokuza was a real bummer, but as part of the Service Club activities, it was
actually convenient. I didnt factor Hayama as being just a simple attraction mascot, but if he was going to be
usable as part of our forces, then that made it better for us.
So far, things had more or less gone according to plan.
Now it was just a matter of how much of the details we could settle on and how the big gamble on the day of
the event would go.

Just a little sport open to some fun.

The judo tournament began officially with a non-serious preface and surprisingly, the participants and the
galleries were gathering.
This period that was right before summer, on the contrary, mightve been better for us.
After this, we would be spending short of a month away from school life.
Before that, the students seemed to have seen this as moderate sized extracurricular that they could go wild
in for the last time.
The judo dojo wasnt a very big facility. Because of that, people were standing to watch, but it turned out to
be a success.
Shiroyama, on standby near the kamiza, gave a sweeping look of the entire room. He looked like the type
who wouldnt show much on his expression, but just this time, he displayed some emotion.
I didnt think this much people would come by. You really helped us out, thanks.
He gave his gratitude, but we had yet to do anything or help anyone.
What we were going to do was from this point on. After were done, I had the feeling he wouldnt want to give
us his thanks anymore.
Thats why I didnt touch on it and talked about something different.

Putting that aside, the senpais going to stop by today, right?

Yeah. As you asked, we made sure to call him. I think hell be here soon.
We were good if he was going to come. This was the one thing that we had no say in the matter, so we could
only rely on Shiroyama. The meager chances of him making his appearance, or in fact, whether he decided
to show up or not was the most important point.
It was thanks to Shiroyama that the senpai would be watching the entirety of the tournament from the top. So
with that, just what kind of reaction would the senpai have? Just what kind of values he had in regards to judo
done for fun, I didnt know.
Did you mention anything about this?
No. He didnt seem too particularly angry either.
While remembering his exchange with his senpai, Shiroyama spoke word by word in confirmation. So far, it
didnt look like his attitude was in opposition to this event.
He was someone who went out of his way to visit the club he had retired from. I had my suspicions that he
mightve been someone who preferred exclusive groups, but it didnt seem to be at that level.
Well, regardless, the goal of acquiring new members was still present. At the very least, that shouldve been
the thing that was most visible.
I see. Thats fine then. We need to show your senpai just how hard working and how exciting the club is.
I guess so.
Shiroyama seemed just a little bashful. But with his face resembling a potato from the start, it was hard to
discern that.
Well, itd be nice if they can heat things up. Ill see you later.
After stating that to Shiroyama and leaving the kamiza, I headed for the vicinity of the entrance.
A long table was placed there with the purpose of accepting entries for participating teams. Yuigahama
happened to be sitting there at that moment as well.
In the back was Yukinoshita writing the tournament brackets on vellum paper.
The total number of participating teams was eight.
There was my team with Hayama and Zaimokuza. Another team was from the judo club. The rest of the
teams would be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis until the cutoff.
If there were too many teams, then wed lose control of the tournament and worse of all, itd get boring.
For the time you had fun, the shorter it started to feel for you physically. If so, by making things brief and rich
in substance, then they might be able to feel like theyre having fun. It was a paradoxical play.
Also, well, you know, since itd get super cold too, the earlier we could finish was quite blissful in its own way...
Looks like were getting closer to starting time, huh?
I started a conversation with Yuigahama who was fiddling with her cellphone looking bored and without raising
her face, she answered.
Uh huh. I think once Hayato-kun comes, everyone else should too, right?

I recalled Hayama saying that he was going to get out of his soccer club for a moment. As for Hayama, since
we were on the same team, there wasnt an issue with our entry and we covered Tobes team as well. It was
just a matter of waiting for them to arrive.
I glimpsed at the tournament brackets.
Yukinoshita was filling them in with the team names. Our team was on the opposite end of the judo club.
With this, we wouldnt have to face them until the finals.
Hikigaya-kun.
Noticing that I was behind her, Yukinoshita spoke to me without turning around.
Hm?
For now, I put both of you on opposite ends just like you said, but if you guys dont advance all the way, it
wont go as planned in the end, right?
Well, I imagine so.
Once again with another careless plan...
Yukinoshita went haa as she sighed with astonishment. But it wasnt like I was doing this without anything
in mind.
If we lose, then we can just group up during the exhibition. Even so, well make it succeed. Just because
how we go about it changes doesnt mean what we need to do does.
I suppose Regardless of how it goes, the aftertaste will still be bad.
After the last squeak of the marker, Yukinoshita finally turned around. She then made a pleasant smile.
However, while it may not be me personally, I wouldnt be too pleased if my team were to lose pathetically.
If youre going to lose, I want you to at least do so gracefully.
Quit talking under the assumption that were going to lose
My motivation just before the match went up into smokes. Why was it that whenever she says these kinds of
things, shed smile?
Well, but still, its true that it was fine to lose.
More than that, starting this event with the senpai coming made eighty percent of the plan.
While it was certain this event was public relations for acquiring new members, that was just one part of the
plan.
The other part of the plan was the removal of the senpai.
What was necessary was the destruction of the senpais authority. If we could damage him to the point that
it would be hard for him to show up at school, then that was sufficient.
There were numerous ways to get that done. Its just that its highly probably the judo club wouldnt go entirely
unaffected after the job was done, so we had to put that into consideration as well.
The smartest choice in this situation was to have the senpai participate in the tournament and beat him at his
own game.
But that wasnt a very realistic option.
After all, the senpai entered college on a sports recommendation. Its better to assume an amateur wouldnt
be able to win against him. If thats the case, then it came down to settling for the second best option.

Its almost time it seems

Yukinoshita checked the clock and spoke. Lured by her, I looked at the clock as well and it was time.
As if trying to match that, the entrance grew noisy.
It looked like Hayama and company had arrived.
Im totally hyped up for this!
I could hear Tobes loud voice. When I looked, Miura and Ebina-san and company along with other groups of
people were there.
In that group was Hayama looking for me as he quickly jogged in my direction.
Sorry. Got here late.
Nah, just on time.
I pointed at the clock and Hayama let out a relieved breath.
Is that so? Thats good then. Also, he arrived as well.
Ahead where Hayama turned to was a fellow with the appearance of a bear who came down from the
mountains into a city making furtive glances.
Nuun What is this noisiness?
With his hand at his jaw, he would occasionally let out suspicious sighs.
You sure are late.
When I went to call out to Zaimokuza who refused to take a step inside, he displayed a weary reaction as that
of a small animal. But when he realized I was the owner of the voice, his stance gradually loosened.
Nu, Hachiman, I see I rushed over here upon your calling and now that I look, what in the name is this?
Yeah, tournament. You, athlete, my team.
Eh? Wait a second!? Mister Hachiman!?
He was screaming about not knowing what the heck was going on, but, huh? I never explained it to him?
Well, whatever.
Anyway, lets get going because the matches are going to start.
Hogh, matches?
Zaimokuza checked left and right while going nuun, nuun and placed his eyes on the tournament brackets
ahead.
Fumuu At the very least, if I could know what kind of match it pertains to... Should it be a duel, then I may
be able to do something about it, but
Its something like that. A Japanese styled duel in fact.
No, youre definitely lying, sushi.[56]
Upon looking, I was pushing Zaimokuza who was beginning to sweat profusely from the back, going into the
judo dojo.
On the way, Hayama joined us, helping with pushing Zaimokuza along. This guys a good guy. Its just well,
actual good guys wouldnt be pushing Zaimokuza right now though.

Lets get along, Zaimokuza-kun.

Never forgetting to be refreshing no matter the occasion, Hayama pushed Zaimokuza along while giving him
a refreshing greeting.
Oh. Right
In contrast, Zaimokuza was always an sultry, human tropical rainforest. Not giving him a worthwhile answer,
Zaimokuza was mumbling Somethinggashi? Hayama Somethinggashi is here
Well, however the situation, our team was gathered.
When I placed my gaze at the reception, Yuigahama was forming a huge circle with her arms. It looked like
all the other teams had arrived as well.
From there, I looked at the tournament brackets and Yukinoshita nodded her head and pointed at the
wristwratch.
Though it was just a little forced, our preparations were all done.
Lastly, I looked in the direction of the kamiza where Shiroyama was.
Shiroyama didnt notice I was looking at him. Or so was the case, but it was because Shiroyama was
accompanying his senpai from moments ago. In his place, the first year potato duo, Tsukui and Fujino greeted
back with a small osu.
With this, all the actors were present.
At last, we could determine who was the strongest at Sobu High, the opening of the S1 Grand Prix

The official host of the event, Shiroyama, opened off with an extremely, simple speech.
He spoke with his usual rugged tone, but with a gathered audience that was in high spirits, they applauded
with hoorays and cheers.
And then, it was moments before the start of the first match.
It was between the judo club and a bunch of incomprehensible guys.
The judo club safely secured their victory and with their casualness seemingly affecting the following two
matches, both the second and third matches reached an outcome in good spirit.
Tobes team that was in the second match smoothly advanced to the best of 4. Then again, there were only
8 teams, so we were already the best of 8.
The match schedule proceeded as scheduled and it was finally time for the fourth match.
It was our very first campaign.
After we finished changing into the borrowed judo uniforms, we advanced onwards to the square battlefield.
Along the way, Zaimokuza was groaning the entire time.
Hachiman Hear me, what exactly is this?
Youre so insistent. This is judo, damn it.
When I replied back, Zaimokuza sent me a bitter stare.

You said earlier that this was a Japanese styled duel

Its more or less the same. Well, think of it like this. I figured itd serve as a reference for your novel.
Mu Indeed.
I ended up blurting out the words that just happened to cross my mind, but surprisingly, Zaimokuza looked
convinced, nodding while going fununu. Uh, people normally didnt have that kind of voice when they
nodded, you know.
But skillfully, it looked like Zaimokuza would be able to switch into his conspicuous chuunibyou self. Either
that, being in front of so many people caused him to get too nervous that he went off the deep end. Looking
like he switched gears, he was entered into his Master Swordsman Shogun mode. If hes like this, then he
wouldnt be bothered by the publics attention. Once again, another page was added to his black history
We lined up on top of the tatami floors.
The role of judge was filled by one member of the potatoes, Tsukui? Or was it Fujino? I think they were
alternating between the two. I wasnt too confident on that, but that was probably the case.
When we bowed to each other in accordance with the instructions of the judge, everyone except for the first
person to compete moved back. It looked like they had already decided on their team order.
What should we do about the order?
This order was tied in with strategy. The rules for this tournament in particular werent to defeat everyone one
by one, but to secure two wins through round robin.
My question was intended to be for Hayama, but for some reason, Zaimokuza answered instead.
Fumuu, I shall serve as the vanguard. I will not hand over the honor of being the spearhead.
I think that sounds good.
The humane Hayama settled on Zaimokuzas abrupt suggestion, connecting with him humanely.
Okay, Ill go second. Well entrust the general position to Hikitani-kun.
Are you sure?
I wasnt exactly wearing a hard hat though? I wonder if I should end my sentences with da je or something? [57]
Im more suited to doing things in a comfortable position. Do your best, Zaimokuza-kun.
When Hayama smiled and said, he lightly tapped Zaimokuzas back.
Oh, right, sure.
Just being in contact with Hayama was enough to cause Zaimokuza to be at his wits end. Streams of sweat
were beginning to flow down. What, just how nervous were you? Or could it be that you liked Hayama?
Sorry, making you guys do this all of a sudden. Ill leave it up to you guys.
Whats this, rather cold of you. Leave it to me.
As I thought how reliable Zaimokuza seemed not knowing why when he gallantly responded, I copied Hayama
and lightly tapped Zaimokuzas back. When I did, it was slippery.
Eh? What the, was this guy an amphibian? Was this sweat? I thought for a second there he was covered
in Vaseline or something. Despite all this and still not showing a disgusted face, it made me realize how
amazing Hayama-kun was.
When he went out to the tatami, the first match quickly began.

As we watched, Zaimokuza moved unexpectedly fast. Still, his opponent was fairly fast himself as he grabbed
ahold of Zaimokuzas sleeve in no time.
But in that instant, the opponents face distorted into fear and repugnance. He suddenly let go of the sleeve
he managed to grab and looked at his hand in fear.
It looked like he had fallen into it The Zaimokuza swampland
That opening wasnt missed by Zaimokuza.
He seized the opponents collar and pulled him over with all his strength.
For their difference in weight, the opponent was easily blown away.
P-Point?
The judge announced with a question for some reason.
Even the audience went o-oooh, sounding fairly mild-mannered. The clapping was weak too.
But even so, a win was a win.
Zaimokuza calmly returned to our side.
Your thoughts, Hachiman?
Yeah, pretty amazing.
Your sweat, that is Had the times stayed the same, you wouldve been executed for illegal production of
salt. Look, like now, the judo club guys were having a hell of a time wiping away your sweat. Now I was
starting to feel sorry for them
Okay, next is my time, huh?
When he said that, Hayama gallantly walked out to the center of the tatami.
In that instant, a burst of fervent clapping occurred. What followed was the Hayama call.
HA-YA-TO (FU!) HA-YA-TO (SOIYA!) The rest being repeated.
Who knows when they revised it, but they even had interjected pauses in there. What, did everyone practice
this together?
Hayatooo!
Standing out in particular amongst the high pitched cheering voices was Miura. She was waving a fan as she
was cheering. Surprisingly, she was one of those follower types, huh? Because earlier, she looked absolutely
disinterested in the other matches, waving her fan back and forth while complaining about the heat Also,
this didnt matter, but Tobes interjections were annoying.
Hayama wasnt timid in the face of those cheering voices at all and he lightly raised his hand in response. He
was so composed to the point of being hateful. On the other hand, the opponents were completely taken in
by the atmosphere.
The outcome of the match was already decided well before the start of the match.
In reality, the match really did end with an unexpected swiftness.
As soon as the match started, Hayama took the opponents hand and beautifully did a shoulder throw.
The loud cheering voices that scattered throughout the judo dojo were directed at Hayamas back as he
nonchalantly returned back.

With this, its our win.

I-I guess so
To be honest, I felt a bit awkward being included since I didnt do anything, but for the time being, I was glad
that we won.
Regardless, Hayamas specs were ridiculously off the charts Speaking of which, a certain somebody from
somewhere beat him in a tennis match, you know? Well, we may have won the match, but we did lose the
fight No, wait a second? I did say match, but that time, I pretty much didnt do anything either. I was able
to win without putting in any effort. As I thought, I shouldnt be working in the future.
But even if I didnt plan on working where the future was concerned, right now, there was something I had to
do.
Theres still some time before the next match. Kill some time or something.
After telling Hayama and Zaimokuza that, I left the area.
From there, I headed for the kamiza.
Other matches were still in progress as of now. Right now, the semifinal with Tobes group and the judo club
should be taking place. Hayama would probably watch Tobes match with Miura and the others while
Zaimokuza would have no place to be, ultimately becoming a Ksitigarbha.
There, an individual at the kamiza was watching that match. Except with just a look of boredom.
It was the judo clubs senpai. I didnt know his name. Nor did I have any interest in knowing. We didnt a
firsthand relationship nor did I consider him my senpai, but regardless, I would still call him one.
Senpai.
Making it up the kamiza, I stood next to him and sparked up a conversation.
When I did, the senpai turned my way annoyingly. Because it was a face he wasnt familiar with, he looked
momentarily confused, but he quickly covered that up and replied with crude words.
Sup.
After confirming that he had a response, I continued talking.
How is it? The judo clubs new effort.
Lets see. Doesnt seem bad, eh? Being able to goof around like this is during high school after all.
The senpai spoke while flapping his fan back and forth as if trying to fill up the space. I could hear him
muddling those words one by one.
I see, so he was this kind of person who talked like this, huh? When I finished affirming that the impression
from when I saw him during that practice didnt change from the other day, I opened my mouth.
I suppose so We consulted with Shiroyama about this, but we thought this kind of playing around was
important, so thats why we gathered people.
When I said that, the senpai stared at me and made two, three blinks.
Aah, so you went through the trouble of gathering people? But if all you do is play around, it wont register
with your body, so dont go spoiling Shiroyama, you hear? Its because the world is much harsher than you
guys believe it to be. If you dont practice and study properly now, you wont get anywhere.
The words the senpai spoke as he closed his fan with a smack made me want to blow them off to which I
refrained. Instead, I said something in place of that.

Yes. Ah, thats right. Senpai, would you like to have one match?
Eh? Y-Yeah Ill think about it.
Whenever you feel like it, Ill be up for it.
I left the kamiza with those words. I could feel a sticky, puzzled glare as if there was something irritating about
my response, but I shook that off and walked on.
It was almost time for our match. Though, there really wasnt a meaning in me being there since those two
were going to win anyway.
What did you talk to senpai about?
Apparently I was seen. Since he was at the kamiza too, Shiroyama was concerned about the senpai.
Nothing much. I was just arranging a little act, thats all.
Act?
Shiroyamas slightly stuffed potato face rotated to the side.
Yeah, thats right. Also, Ill let you know as well. This is regarding the finals, but Ill be fighting against the
senpai, so act as the judge for me.
I dont mind, but
Okay, the act. Counting on you.
Hm?
Shiroyama had a puzzled face and titled his head.

In the end, I didnt get my turn in the semifinal. If there was one thing I did, then it was giving a mop to the
judo club after the match to wipe up Zaimokuzas sweat.
We advanced to the finals with Zaimokuza and Hayama securing two wins. Zaimokuzas slippery defense
and Hayamas shoulder throw were once again the winning moves. Ultimately, we had made it up to the finals
without me ever having done a thing.
Our opponent in the final was the team that destroyed Tobes team. Just when did they lose anyway?
By the way, since Shiroyama was the president, as a handicap, it was decided he wouldnt be participating in
the tournament. The one who appeared in the tournament was Tsukui, Fujino, and one more person I had no
idea who he was or his name so I went ahead and called him Yam.
As I watched the new three potato brothers warming up, we began to get ready for the finals as well.
When I did, having only watched from afar until now was Yuigahama and Yukinoshita briskly walking our way.
Do you guys need something? You normally try not to talk to someone before a match out of consideration.
When I said that, Yukinoshita spoke with a cool voice, unaffected by the enthusiasm of the judo club.
In that case, you must be in a match all year round.
More or less. So, whats up?
I joked with Yukinoshitas sarcasm and Yuigahama eventually raised her hand and answered.

We just thought wed cheer you on for the last match.

Aah. Thanks for that. That is, if I even get a turn.
Saying that, I looked at Zaimokuza and Hayama. Surprisingly, with those two, we just might end up winning.
You should. Otherwise, nothing will be solved.
As if seeing through me, Yukinoshita spoke. In actuality, I was a little suspicious of how far Yukinoshita read
into it, but when she said something, it was oddly persuasive so it was hard to respond. True enough, things
wouldnt end with just this.
I guess so.
Right, right! For the sake of the judo club, do your best!
Yuigahama optimistically pushed her arms out. I wasnt feeling in the mood to accompany her festive mood.
Its not like Im doing it for their sake or anything.
Huh?
Her surprised expression was asking nothing but then whose sake is it for? but before I could answer, it was
time for the match.

The finals were brewed a storm starting from the first match.
It was five seconds following the start of the match after their mutual bows.
Defuh.
Along the sound of a violent thump was a subdued voice that resembled hitting a wall in Dragon Quest that
could be heard.
When I focused again on trying to determine what had happened, someone resembling a sea lion that was
launched in the air was on the floor. It looked like Zaimokuza was thrown. He wasnt moving an inch.
The point was loudly announced.
For that Zaimokuza, to lose
Unbelievable. For that Zaimokuza who was proud of his unparalleled strength to lose so easily So he was
in the Yamcha position all along.
I imagine the judo club is used to that kind of competition.
At some point, Yukinoshita had already been sitting next to me in seiza and she explained for me.
Kuh, the gooeyness backfired, huh!?
Gross
Yuigahama who was hugging her knees as she was sitting provided an additional mental attack. Its not good
to kick a dead body.
Zaimokuza, collapsed and defeated on the floor, was sluggishly pulled away. After they moved Zaimokuza
who completely damp like a wet sponge, it was like the wake of a crawling slug. He was thrown outside the
premises.

In that time, the interior of the dojo was growing noisy. Zaimokuza getting destroyed instantly in gaudy fashion
appeared to be sensational. But when the next match was ready to go, the burst of unknown cheering voices
and the commotion began to die down.
The impact of the first match was overshadowed by the Hayama call as well.
These were the finals and also a battle that we definitely couldnt lose. The reason why was because unlike
the battles where you definitely couldnt lose with the scoreless draws that were typically losses, we really
couldnt afford to lose here. Losing the second match here would make us the losers.
All the more so when the audience was livening things up. Ebina-san was grinning the entire time from start
to finish, cheering with a loud voice. If Hayama won, then Miura just might strip It was that kind of excitement
that the boys were made to anticipate. Also, Tobe was annoying.
Hikitani-kun.
After he stood up, Hayamas speaking voice could still be heard even in this torrent of cheering voices.
Ah?
You should probably warm up.
By the time he finished his words, Hayama was already walking forward. How he stayed humble while
haughtily declaring his win to the point of being detestable truly fit him. Although it made me a little irritated,
since he was going to win, I couldnt say much.
From there, the Hayama commotion that threw the audience into a whirlpool of chaos reached its apex when
Hayama stepped into the ring.
Despite that, just when I thought how Ebina-san was quiet all of a sudden, it turned out she was sleeping on
Miuras lap covered with a wet handkerchief. What, what did she see? What came to mind?
At last, Hayama and his opponent faced each other.
At that moment, the doors to the judo burst open.
Aah~! I finally found yooou~. Hayama-senpaaai~, please come to cluuub~.
It was an idiotic voice that wasnt perturbed in the least by tension in the judo dojo. When I looked, it was a
girl student wearing a pink jersey with flaxen hair that was shoulder length. She completely ignored the mood
around her and walked directly up to Hayama.
In spite of everyone being dumbfounded, she didnt pay any attention.
After seeing that girl, Hayama actually shook for once.
I-Iroha
Because Hayama-senpai isnt there, the first years dont have a clue what to do, you knooow.
Ah, right. No, right nows a bit.
Hayama tried to argue back with her, but that Iroha-chan or whatever wasnt listening at all and gripped the
sleeve of Hayamas uniform.
Eh, whos this girl?
Or so I thought until Tobe in the audience stood up and called out.
My baaad, Irohasu. Ill go back, so spare Hayato-kun will ya?
Ah, youre fine where you are, Tobe-senpai.

With a smiling, graceful rejection, Tobe could only say r-right and sat back down.
Hayama and Tobes acquaintance?
I looked at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama and asked. Yukinoshita didnt seem to know and shook her head, but
Yuigahama seemed to have an idea.
Aah, its Iroha-chan. Shes the first year manager for the soccer club.
Hoh, Isshiki Iroha. Tch, I remembered her. As a dangerous creature, that is.
Thats bad. That girl was undoubtedly bad. My ghost was whispering to me to be careful of those beautiful,
airy and fluffy type of girls.
When that cute soccer manager who reeked of danger called Isshiki grabbed Hayama, she tried to pull him
along.
It was as if this was the selfishness of a princess that no one could interrupt it.
Would it be better to stop them for now?
Amongst all of us, the only person seemingly capable of acting was just Yukinoshita. But she checked with
me first, unsure of how to proceed.
No, it should be fine if we just leave them alone.
Is that so?
Though Yukinoshita stated dubiously, but you know missy, you clearly looked like you werent going to get
up from your seiza, were you?
But, well, it wasnt an issue if the ice queen didnt move from the princesss tomfoolery. Thats because there
was one more other that was going to.
Hey, seriously, you
Miura stood up like the hot heat waves of midsummer.
Hayatos like really busy right now, cant you see?
It was a tone that burned the earlobes of those who listened, but, to the zephyr princess, it didnt seem to
have an effect.
Eeeh~? Buuut, clubs a real mess right nooow
Haa?
When Isshiki made a rebuttal with a breezy voice, it made Miura even hotter.
N-Now, now.
Hayama interjected knowing that it was really bad and tried to calm Miura down. When he did, Isshiki was
twitching while snugly gripping the hems of her skirt behind Hayamas back.
That small animal like gesture made Miura even more upset. When she faced downwards, she let out a deep
breath like the pumping of a pair of pillows.
Hayato, you can go ahead on to the club. I have a little talking to do with this girl.
Eh?
Hayama let out a nervous voice and stiffened up.
What his stare was directed at was Miuras raised face.

Try your best at club, okay?

She was grinning with a smile, very likely the first and best smile I had seen Miura make.
From there, Miura dragged Isshiki along with her. Isshiki screamed Hayama-senpaaai that resembled a
shriek of the sort to which Miura completely ignored and continued on.
Hayama chased after them, understanding that wasnt something he could leave alone.
Sorry! Hikitani-kun! Ill be back in a bit!
As he said that while clapping his hands together, Hayama ran off.
Uh, I was absolutely sure you wouldnt be able to come back right away That outside scuffle probably was
going to attract everyones attention at this rate
Everyone was wondering what the commotion was about.
He was a man that was absolutely unreliable when we needed him But, well, lets just say good on him for
taking us all the way to finals.
So the remaining problem was how we were going to get past this second match.
W-Whats going to happen now?
Still sitting as she was earlier, Yuigahama scooted over to me.
Lose by default? Er, if we move up, then itd be my turn
If that happens, then wont the last match be lost by default too?
Certainly, it was as Yuigahama said. Whats supposed to happen in this kind of situation? I tilted my neck and
a calm voice sprung up from nearby.
Losing by default wont happen.
Oh, thats Yukipedia-san for you. She knew the rules of judo in detail.
Its not a problem if I go out instead.
Having said that, Yukinoshita quietly stood up. No, youre trying to do things your own way too much
No, that doesnt seem like it would fly.
Thats right! A girl cant be participating in that.
We both tried to stop her, but Yukinoshita wasnt listening.
I dont recall there being any restrictions on who could participate. Its not an official tournament either. No
one should mind, right?
Thats not it! You cant! Absolutely not!
Opposing her logic head-on was Yuigahama with an emotional outburst and Yukinoshita, as expected, was
hesitating.
Well, it wasnt necessary to have Yukinoshita force herself to participate.
The opponents may be members of the judo club, but they looked like first years, whether it be the Chinese
yam or the Japanese yam, even I might be able to manage something. When I took a confirming glance, the
three potatoes were whispering sneakily to each other secretly. When they looked at Yukinoshita, their cheers
were slightly blushed.
Hoho, a bit cheeky for a bunch of potatoes, eh?

Ill go first. Hayama might come back by then.

The possibility wasnt high, but that was probably the best plan for now.
After saying that, the moment I stood up, Yukinoshita pulled down on my sleeve with utmost force. My neck
whipped backwards.
Fueh, ouch W-What might be the matter?
When I asked her while coughing violently from the unexpected whiplash, Yukinoshita looked at me with calm,
rather, straightforward eyes.
Is there any meaning in that?
Haa?
On the contrary, I wanted to ask that of her question. When I inquired with an irritated expression, Yukinoshita
persuaded me with a matter-of-fact tone.
The plan you thought up may be full of holes, but didnt you prepare a lot of things to lure out that senpai
after this?

True enough, she was right. These past few days, this event, this place, and this stage were all planned to
bring out that senpai and make him fall. To toss aside all that effort up until now would be a very foolish
decision.
Its because it was the ultimate stage that the plan would have the greatest effect. Amongst the numerous
available methods, opting for the plan with the greatest possibilities of success would mean having
Yukinoshita participate here.
In addition to the chilly stare that woke up my mind, Yukinoshita added further, as if she was dumping cold
water on top of me.
Besides, your concerns arent necessary.
She sized up the opponent that would face her with a determined smile.
In short, all I need to do is avoid letting him get in contact with me, right?
Thats the problem!? At the very least, at least change your clothes, okay?
Having already given up on persuading Yukinoshita, Yuigahama spoke in tears. When she did, Yukinoshita
nodded her head as if the thought crossed her mind.
Thats true.
Okay, lets go!
Once that was decided, Yuigahama acted quickly. The moment she grabbed Yukinoshitas hand, they scuttled
off, and within ten minutes, they came back.
Yuigahama was panting in exhaustion with her clothes in a mess for some reason. On the other hand,
Yukinoshita was looking crisp.
Yukinoshita was wearing a navy blue hakama over her padded undershirt. Her hair was up and tied together.
On top of that, she had the same bobtail from the other day.
Whats with the getup?
We borrowed it from the girls kendo club!

Yuigahamas voice was rather energetic despite her heavy breathing.

Yukinoshita twisted her body, stretched, and straightened her collar as she checked her appearance.
Now, shall we get started?
When she said that, she walked out to the center of the ring.
The audience who watched the development gave applause to Yukinoshitas dignified still appearance.
The judge Shiroyama tilted his head not understanding what was going on. It was after our eyes met that he
thought for a little bit before nodding his head.
Apparently, he interpreted this to be the act. No, this was something else
Starting from the top, it was the second match, Yukinoshita against the purple yam or was it the sweet potato?
Both contenders stood at their positions and looked at each other. Yukinoshita was already winning from just
the glints in their eyes.
Simultaneously, the flag was flung along with begin yelled out by the voice.
In that instant, the opponent moved with a snap. The opponent was a girl. If he could at least grab a hold of
her, then he could throw her with all of his strength and win. That was probably his contrived strategy.

But that was only if we were talking about any normal girl.
Just who did you think youre making enemies with? It was Yukinoshita Yukino. If it was just her specs alone,
then she was at the top of the entire prefecture. She excelled in her resourcefulness, her strategies, her
bravery, and her features with her personality collected and viciously unjust. To add to that, she was invincible
and peerless as well as the ultimate sore loser. When it came to matches, she was the provisional strongest.
The small fry wouldnt be allowed to even come in contact with her.
As reality had it, Yukinoshita didnt even give him the chance to touch the sleeve of her uniform.
She would read her opponents exhalation, anticipate his inhalation of air, and anticipate the movement of his
legs. What remained was to insert the most optimal move in relation to her conforming to the movements she
had predicted. With dancing footwork and cutting agility, she controlled her opponents actions like that of a
matador.
The designated location was the empty space.

By the time I had confirmed with my eyes, the outcome had already been decided.
There was a loud thumping noise and after that, even Yukinoshitas exhaled breath had reached my ears.
Not a single person from the audience could make a sound. It was an abnormal space.
The sounds that were born in that space were the waving of a flag and the voice that declared the winner.
The audience that witnessed a rare display of fine skill broke into cheers and applause. Those cheering voices
arranged a flowery path that Yukinoshita passed through back to the place where we were sitting.
Yuigahama jumped at her.
Wow, that was amazing! You were so cool!
Hey So stuffy.
While she was complaining, she didnt pull away from her. Even Yukinoshita couldnt get out of this one. The
way she looked was pleasant, but in fact, what she managed to pull off wasnt.
She threw a person from just defensive body movements alone What the heck was that? Was she Kenichis
master?
She really did go and win without letting him lay a single finger on her.
Youre really unbelievable.
When I said that, Yukinoshita made a teasing smile.
Yes, I suppose so. For an opening performance, might I have heated it up just a tad too much?
I dont think that kind of teasings very good, you know.
Before heading to the ring, I did one last big stretch.
Alright, time to go
They were supposed to have been words for myself, but voices responded to them.
Go get him!
Keep yourself together.
Were you guys my mothers or something?

It was the long awaited final match. This festival, ridiculously dubbed as the S1 Grand Prix, would end with
this match.
The audience was already becoming small.
Well, quite frankly, they were redundant. It was like the extra story that came with the original. Having borne
witness to Hayamas participation and his scene of carnage along with Yukinoshitas acrobatics, the audience
shouldve been mostly satisfied.
Thats why from this point on, Id be doing things my way. I had prepared a lot of things for this. So they should
allow me to be at least this selfish.
When I went directly to the center of the ring, my opponent was just about to come my way. I forgot whether
it was Tsukui or Fujino, but I faced him, extended my hand out, and stopped him.

I then turned towards the kamiza and called out.

Senpai, how about it?
Thinking that he really wouldnt be called out, the senpai looked at me twice. The laws were already broken
from the change in members from the earlier match. The limitations of the rules no longer existed.
Thats why the only thing stopping him was shame.
This entertainment was to the school, originally, something that belonged to the outsiders which also pulled
the current judo athletes. He should have the feelings of shame towards that.
But if you directed the pointer in the opposite direction, then he had no choice but to step forward.
On this stage of the finals and in front of the excited audience, even if he was called out, he didnt have the
courage to respond. He should have the feelings of shame towards that.
What outweighed the other; only the person in question could know.
But I was confident. The senpai would definitely choose to protect the shame of the latter.
As the audience was watching with bated breath, the senpai sluggishly stood up. He then grabbed his judo
uniform and began to change into it.
His motions caused the audience to go ooh! with raised voices filled with anticipation.
On the other hand, the judge performed by Shiroyama was expressionless.
Senpais strong, you know.
I bet he is. Thats why I was getting this match hyped up.
While checking over my sash, collars, and sleeves, I answered and Shiroyama tilted his head in confusion.
Contrary to how Shiroyama looked, he wasnt clueless. By not being clueless, he shouldve been thinking
about the meaning of my words. In reality, before approaching us for a consultation, he had searched for
possibilities himself leading him to settle for a prudent and proper judgment.
Thats why in regards to that point, I could expect that much.
Then again, since he only stopped short of not being clueless as well, though he may be able to read whats
behind the scenes, he wouldnt go any further than that.
Just one strategic move was prepared. Well, its something like insurance. If I settled things without having to
use it, that was fine.
As youd expect, the senpai was used to it and promptly changed into his uniform and entered the ring. He
motioned the first years away with his hand and arrived at the position in the direct center that faced me.
The senpai sized me up with a stare that was lit by anger and shame. But, when it came to insight, I wouldnt
lose. I could see the things that deprecated no matter how brilliant it was.
It was because of that that I could see the senpai quite a bit.
Both opponents, bow Begin!
Shiroyamas gave his command with a deep tone.
From the onset, both the senpai and I took gradual steps to measure our distance, repeatedly closing in and
retreating back. He didnt do anything like jumping in hotheadedly. Of course, I didnt as well. When you say
judo, you think ukemi. Even in class, I practiced nothing but ukemi by myself the entire time.
Each and every day, ukemi.

I was so adamant on ukemi that even my life was ukemi.

Even if I went at the senpai with honesty, I was aware that I wouldnt be able to win. I wasnt that arrogant.
Thats why I would try to maintain this fixed distance, waiting for the point that had always been prepared.
Still, in the face of technique that was mastered, nave thoughts of an amateur were easily seen through.
When the senpai realized I had no intention of engaging, he haughtily stepped forward and destroyed the
equilibrium of our maintained distance.
Whoa. By the time I thought that, I had already been caught and my pivot leg was tripped by a leg that was
dispatched from the outside.
The sensation of the floor bursting ran almost simultaneously with the impact against my back.
Ouch.
I instinctively let out my voice. What was that speed just now? That wasnt at the level you could take with
ukemi
Confident in his win, the senpai was already heading back to the starting line.
The audience expressed sighs as well, looking ready to get up and leave.
Thats why this prepared point was left nowhere but here.
Oh boy, what a toughie. Sweat can get you to slip quite a bit, huh?
I spat out those few words with absolutely no shame.
Everyone looked at me with the expressions, whats this guy saying? The senpai, the audience, Yukinoshita,
and Yuigahama; they all looked at me. No, even I thought I was doing it too. There was no way an excuse
like that would fly.
But as long it did with just one person, then that was good enough.
The judge, Shiroyama, even now hadnt raised the flag or yelled out.
Confirming, I added further.
I want to check, but does falling over count?
Shiroyama was quiet. He then looked fixedly at my face and only nodded.
Both participants, return to the starting line.
That was what he announced. After all, this was an act.
The audience and of course, the senpai, were outraged. He turned towards Shiroyama and drew closer.
Hey, no matter how you looked at it, that was a point! Falling, are you kidding me?
As he was speaking, the senpai looked at his feet. When he did, the remnants that were left behind when
Zaimokuza was dragged away were still there. The commotion with Hayama and Yukinoshita caused them
to forget about wiping it up. That was despite them having done so in every match up until now.
But that had to be a point!
The senpai flared up even more. However, a decision couldnt be overturned. No, was it something you could
overturn? Shiroyama was pondering on that.
This was something I knew from my half-baked knowledge in sports, but it was rare for a misjudgment to be
recognized. It applied to student sports, professional sports, or even international tournaments.

There was then a guaranteed rule common to all of them.

If you go against the judge, thats a foul.
Aah?
The senpai shifted his eyes from Shiroyama to me. They were like those of a beast. Honestly speaking, he
was freaking scary. I was about to let out a shivering voice, but I played it off with the shrug of my shoulders.
Thats just how the world is, right? The worlds rather darn harsh.
Hearing that, the senpai made a loathsome face. It looked like he was aware of what came out of his mouth
after all. It didnt need to be said that this time, he had completely yielded.
Both participants, move back to the starting line.
When Shiroyama started from the top, the senpai reluctantly went back. Its just that compared to earlier, he
was glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.
This was bad. This was utterly bad.
The earlier fraud called an act was insurance with a single use. Any more was out of the question. That was
because the senpai definitely wouldnt allow it nor would the audience. Furthermore, Shiroyama didnt look
like he would either. As proof of that, Shiroyamas face was even more pale than usual. It looked like he was
undertaking a high-load of stress.
Begin.
Shiroyamas voice lacked the strength it had earlier.
If anything, even the voices of the audience were shriveling up. There were even people who stood up and
left. Because of that, my panting voice and the senpais howl easily reached my ears.
Thats why my voice that talked to the senpai should easily reach him as well.
Its a strange thing, isnt it?
As if he didnt have the experience of someone talking to him in the middle of a match, the senpai looked at
me with a puzzled face. The audience should have noticed that I was talking to him. I could feel the attention
concentrating on us.
Senpai. Even though you made it in with a sports recommendation, you sure have the free time to come
watch our judo club, huh?
It was a sudden stop. I definitely was able to confirm that the senpai had stopped his feet.
Shut your damn mouth, stop blabbering.
The fist that grabbed my collars was given even more strength.
But his gaze didnt perceive me at all in the least.
What it was looking at was my rear and then to the left and to the right. In other words, he was looking at the
gallery.
The audience was noisy. It was likely they were suspicious of how we were suddenly in a deadlock. Or those
suspicious could have been regarding what the two of us were talking about.
Even so, from the point of view of the senpai, when this conversation was heard and made a commotion,
thats probably how he felt.

Thats why I continued. In a way that could correspond with the senpais movements all the while being utterly
composed as I observed him.
Compared to circles in college, they truly practice in earnest, right? Only in high school do you get to play
around, I believe.
Shut up.
Offensively, the senpai took a step closer. It was as if he wanted to end the match as soon as possible so he
could cut my words off.
I matched his step in with a step out and maintain our fixed distance. I then lightly chuckled.
Truly, the world really is harsh.
Just how much of my voice reached the audience?
The amount of people in the gallery was clearly less than before the match started. But this amount was
plenty.
Though, if I had to say, it really didnt matter if any of this was heard by anyone. But if they held the suspicious
that they mightve heard it, then that was sufficient.
Really, its just like senpai said. Isnt that why you came back here?

The senpai choked on those words. The very words that he spat out himself.
With this, my objective was achieved.
Condemnation in the presence of the public. The fall of his dignity as a senpai and his pride.
It was to make the senpai believe that many students had heard everything. In reality, who heard or who
didnt wasnt a problem.
As long we could make the senpai think whether he could show his fate to the world or not, then that was
enough.
Whoever won or lost afterwards didnt matter at all.
In reality, the senpais eyes were darting all over. The only thing he could keep his mind on was what everyone
had thought of him. In the first place, there were already signs of that from the start. When I asked him that
one time, I could feel it intuitively.
Glorifying the past was evidence that your heart became weak.
Reciting your past achievements was proof that your heart was old.
Wanting to feel relieved by putting someone below you was a sign that you became weak.
Its likely that the senpai had a setback at college. He lost his confidence, his pride, and everything else.
Thats exactly why he took refuge here.
Its possible he mightve not been aware of his actions. He just happened to stop by on a whim and found it
to be surprisingly comfortable and then, he grew attached.
But nevertheless, that didnt mean staying here was a good thing. Looking at it from someone who was at the
bottom, those who gave from the top were just nuisances.
The world wasnt kind enough to take care of those who ran back with their tails in between their lags.
Thats why we brought them down. Evicted them. Ostracized them.

Aah, its exactly as you said; the world was harsh.

The senpai was biting on his lips. The strength in his arms that grabbed me was no longer there.
Its likely that he wouldnt come by anymore. Those who ran would only continue to do so.
That just had to be confirmed.
To do that, I had to win here.
To lose to an amateur like myself before the eyes of the audience was the best form of humiliation, something
that needed to be done to completely destroy his mind.
Thats why I smashed the final stake into him.
You didnt come back here, but ran away here.
It looked like I was able to pull the final trigger.
The senpai made an expression that looked like he was abruptly hit.
I grabbed his sleeve as if inviting him. When I did, he easily gave way. Up until that moment, the strength I
held back was definitely used. Did my provocation get to him?
It came.
With no retaliation.
I became aware of the beginning point, the strength point, and the functioning point.
Thanks to being thrown from class and from earlier, I had already understood the form. It looked like being
thrown for practice wasnt a mistake after all.
I covered my crude technique with the strength of my arms.
I just needed to somehow carry him up into a position where I could throw him. Just to do that, I would use
my arm strength. After that, I wouldnt go against it. All I had to do was leave it to earths gravity, the laws of
inertia, and my fighting instinct.
When I was positioned to shoulder throw him, a tone that sounded like it was spat out yet somehow composed
descended from that back.
Shut your mouth. Im already aware of all that.
It was then just a drop from there.
Instantly, the flag was raised.
The rounds of applause from the audience could be heard for the winner. The judo dojo reverberated loudly.
Point! Thats it!
Amongst all the types of voices Shiroyama had up until this moment, this was the most clear and clean.
In contrast, the voice of the individual collapsed on the floor at the end was considerably muddy and pathetic.
Ouch.

Its been a few days since the passing of the hysterical period right before summer vacation. I was finally
going to direct my eyes and nose towards summer vacation with excitement.
It was because of that I was able to attend the Service Club that I didnt really ever want to go, all while
humming no less.
Just how many more nights until it was time for summer vacation? Everyday was waiting for the days of
everyday.
When I opened the door to the club room, as always, Yukinoshita was reading a book near the window and
Yuigahama was collapsed on the table like a lazy dog, fiddling with her cellphone. I wouldnt be seeing this
scenery for a while as well.
Sup.
I greeted them as I usually did and took my seat at the chair that was furthest away, directly opposite of where
Yukinoshita was.
When I did, Yukinoshita raised her face from her book.
Oh, is your injured waist feeling better now?
Nope, but I got to skip P.E. because of it.
After I answered, this time Yuigahama raised her face.
Judo, I think it was? Thats admirable of you, keeping the promise and stuff.
Not really. It was just a lucky break of the sort.
On the day of the judo tournament, at the very end, while conspicuously rubbing the waist that was injured
from the ura-nage throw done by the senpai, I was forced to make a promise as the loser.
That promise was to never get involved with the judo club. It looked like my attitude rubbed him the wrong
way quite a bit. How I was a bad influence to the club members and how I was a curse to judo and stuff; well,
lets just say I was told off in a lot of ways.
Thanks to that, my dream of becoming a judo medalist at the Olympics was stolen from me. Thank goodness;
for not having interest in judo that is.
Well, with this waist of mine, I could aim all I wanted, but it wouldnt do me any good. It hurt so much to the
point I was blabbering throughout the night, my hips, it hurts, my hip hurts, ow, it hurts, hurts.
There was still some plain left, but still, since Ill be observing gym for a while, my plusses and minuses
canceled out to zero I got the feeling I definitely had a lot more minuses, but was I really this bad at
arithmetic?
Well, you should be glad things didnt go any further than that. You should thank Shiroyama-kun.
Right, right. That senpai really wanted to kill you the way he was glaring at you, Hikki.
The two unanimously said to me and it came to mind.
Mm, Shiroyama, huh?
Ever since then, I hadnt talked to Potayama, or Shiroyama.
There was the promise I was forced to make by the senpai too, but well, we were probably just showing our
consideration to each other. For me to do something like that which I normally wouldnt ever bother, this was
quite the incident. What could I say? I definitely did feel bad for pushing a terrible role on him like that. Since

thats how it was going to be, Id at least avoid causing him any more unpleasant memories by not getting
involved with him anymore. It was the greatest kindness I could offer.
So, hows the judo club been after that?
Of course, since I was ordered by the Geass to never involve myself ever again, theres no way I could know.
When I asked, Yuigahama, as youd expect, knew quite a bit from her connections. She was pressing away
on her cellphone as if she was mailing someone about that incident.
Ummm, there hasnt been an increase in new members, but the people who quit came back it looks like.
Hooh.
Well, if demonstrations like that were enough to get new members, the clubs wouldnt be having so much
trouble. Factor in that the ones who had actively participated were Hayama, Zaimokuza and Yukinoshita.
Other than that, there wasnt anything else to admire in the organization called the judo club.
Not everyone came back, but for the people who did, it looks like their reason was because that senpai
stopped coming.
Yukinoshita added as she turned the page of her book.
Ah, right. Thats surprising, huh? He was the one who won at the end, so I was totally expecting him to go
Im the strongest! Yeaaaaaaaah!
No way, like thatd happen.
Yuigahamas body and hand motions were so stupid that I answered back with a slightly amused voice. When
I did, Yukinoshita who found what I said odd slipped a bookmark in her book and closed it.
I dont think its likely, but could it be you lost because you knew things would turn out this way?
No, I was actually pretty serious about winning, you know
In fact, I thought ah, I totally won at the end.
S-So lame.
Yuigahama-san, youre being a little too honest, okay?
Is that so It looked like you were only just trying to provoke him to me. I was sure you were going to hand
over the victory and contrive something from there.
So for Yukinoshita-san, she was showing signs of thinking harder than she shouldve that made her beyond
saving. But its understandable for her to think that way.
Well, it didnt matter either way, win or lose. Its just winning meant a higher chance of the senpai not coming
to school anymore.
What do you mean?
Yuigahamas eyebrows formed an upside v, groaning while thinking. But it was nothing complicated.
Nothing much. You aint got a seat! If you just got that across, then that was good enough.
When I said that, Yuigahamas eyebrows bunched in closer. It looked like it didnt get across to her
But Yukinoshita made an abrupt smile.
I see.

When she said just those two words as if she understood, she resumed her reading. That suggestive behavior
bothered Yuigahama who started to shake Yukinoshitas body.
Eh, what is it? What did it mean?
Getting shook back and forth, Yukinoshita looked extremely irritated, but she continued to read seemingly out
of stubbornness. The twos amusing antics looked like theyd continue for a little longer.
I copied Yukinoshita as well and pulled out a book, opening to the page where my bookmark was placed.
But even as I followed along the words in the book, the content wasnt getting processed at all, so I gave up
and closed the book.
To the senpai, this school was surely a place I want to return to. It was nostalgic, comfortable, and pleasant.
It was to the point that he wanted to take refuge out of instinct.
Still, the truth that you ran away would further corner you. Thats why you ended up wanting to run away even
further, taking along all your stress. It was realitys infinite loop of escapism.
Just like how you would look at a mirror, as long you didnt think that society and the gods were watching you,
you wouldnt ever realize that truth.
At the end of the day, the stress you brought forth yourself was something you had to take care of by yourself.
Did he continue running away or did he go back to face it? Just which decision did that senpai choose?
Well, it didnt matter which. The senpais voice at the end of the match still remained in my ears.
I looked outside the window.
In the far horizon where the gigantic columns of clouds drifted. The shouts of the sports clubs with the timbre
of the brass band as well as the gently reverberating playful voices of two in the room.
It dawned on me that one day.
That one day, would I ever be able to make such a place? A place where I think I would want to return to.
Thats what I truly thought.

Short Story 4: Even so, Hikigaya Hachimans positive thinking is

twisted.[edit]
We transitioned into the season where the refreshing winds, rather, the winds that were occasionally cold
blew by.
Chiba Prefecture Problem Consultation Maaails
When I announced the title as weakly as the rustling of the autumn winds, Yuigahama clapped her hands.
But when Yukinoshita sent a dubious stare, those claps died down.
Yuigahama opened the tray of received mails as if to start things from anew and started off with the first mail.
Umm, todays first correspondence is from a resident of Chiba, Pen Name: Master Swordsman Shogun-san.
<Pen Name: Master Swordsman Shogun-sans Worry>
[The deadline of the industrys leader draws near. An infallible method, with haste.]'
This guy was sending way too many mails. It was the same scariness that youd get when a bot on Twitter
was adamant on making conversation with you.

Whats this?
Yuigahama who read the mail tilted her head and Yukinoshita called my name with a sigh.
Hikigaya-kun.
You dont need to tell me, I got it.
It was something like this; now that you made it this far, grandpa was starting to feel like taking care of you
now. Its okay, Ill accompany you until the very end... With my mind reaching a state of kindness, or rather,
enlightenment, I typed the mail.
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[Things like the industrys leader and whatnot, dont be so selfish . Lets just settle for GaGaGa Bunko.
Dont worry, its about the level of Shoggakan, okay? Furthermore, trend has it that GaGaGa writers
cant get married with voice actresses.]'
So thats one case done. Yuigahama-san, please read the next one.
Yukinoshita didnt do anything, yet she had a satisfied expression as she urged her to go on. Not finding that
strange at all, Yuigahama began reading the next mail.
Ummm, this is the next correspondence. From a resident of Chiba, Pen Name: Onii-chans Little Sister-san.
<Pen Name: Onii-chans Little Sisters Worry>
[Lately, I think because its gotten cold that our cat keeps going inside of our futon and forces me to
be his arm pillow. Ive yet to do it for onii-chan too! (That just now was high in Komachi points). I cant
turn over and the fusuu breathing in Komachis ears bothers me. Is there a good way to handle
this?]'
After the letter was read, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama looked at me with odd, lukewarm stares.
So it says, onii-chan.
There you go, onii-chan.
Shaddup, dont call me onii-chan.
The one who could call me onii-chan was Komachi and only Komachi. Keep calling me onii-chan, onii-chan
and Chanko Dining might just start up.
By the way, d-do cats really, um, sleep together with you? A-Arm pillow?
Yukinoshita was somehow embarrassed as she glanced back and forth at me with upturned eyes. That
gesture of hers was rather sweet, but the way she was squeezing her fists with all her strength made her not
cute at all.
No, whenever the cats with me, he just goes straight on top of my stomach.
When I said that, Yuigahama made a mocking smile.
Isnt he like toootally looking down on you? Kamakura totally thinks Hikki is below him for sure.
Dont put him on the same level as your dog.
Cats fundamentally live their lives in isolation, so they dont rank others as they would in a pack. There are
cases where they do form packs, but in this situation, it seems closer to a relationship between a parent and
child. Thats why he might be treating Komachi-san as a mother cat.

Not only was she gallantly analyzing the situation, she was getting super chatty Both Yuigahama and I
shrank back along the way.
Yukipedia-san sure knows everything, huh?
Could you stop calling me that?
Yukinoshita glared at me with an indignant face. It looked like she didnt know everything like a certain pedia
out there. Well, if she didnt like being called that, then I had better revise it.
Sorry. Catpedia-san.
Its fine if you understand.
Youre okay with being called that instead!?
Seemingly okay with that, in disregard to Yuigahamas surprise, Yukinoshita was nodding her head in content.
Because of Yukinoshitas lecture, I gained a considerable understanding of cats.
So basically, in my case, being spoiled by my overflowing, house-husband aura causes him to get on top
of my stomach.
Go me. Even the cats recognized my nature as a house-husband. In the future, I feel that I want to live a life
like that of a cats.
But needing to destroy that ambition, Yukinoshita made a sudden, cold smile.
But getting on top of your stomach could also be said to be the feelings of a parent cat towards its kittens,
dont you think?
Then hes just being treated like a child.
Phew, it looks like my desire-to-be-raised aura was making him do it, eh?
I was even causing cats to want to bring me up. Amazing.
Just how positive is your thinking!?
If youre going to go that far, that resembles more like a maniac train of thought than positive thinking Well,
it might be better to learn from that as well.
After saying that, Yukinoshita began typing a mail in response.
<The Service Clubs Answer>
[Since you get the chance to sleep with a cat, you should at least put up with that much.]'
Just get a cat already.

Afterword[edit]
Hello, I'm Watari Wataru.
It's already summer vacation throughout the world. Where's my summer?
So with that being said, when you say summer vacation, you think of it as a wonderful season where you can
make a lot of memories. But after becoming an adult and reflecting on that, memories weren't just limited to
special events, but typical pointless everyday events that oddly found themselves sitting in your memories.

That's what they certainly labeled as "everyday" and for those who lived it, it might actually be spectacular to
them.
Things like love affairs, relationships, or even food that was tasty. If you looked at them from the side, they
were nothing but trivial things, and as you kept on living, they were extremely natural scenes in life, but
depending on the person in question, it might be a big trigger to changing his life or so they say.
So with that feeling, this time's collection of short stories was brought to you.
Now then, speaking of everyday life and my everyday life, recently, I've been living my life like a certain light
novel protagonist where my everyday life was everyday life.
My gratitude to those who follow.
To the god, Ponkon8-sama. Heey? No matter how you look at it, Miura's the heroine here though? I did want
a Miura cover, but she was too cute that it scared me. This time's awesome too! Great work. Thank you very
much.
To the editor-in-charge, Hoshino-sama. Thank you for your hard work not only for editing the book, but also
all related media mixes. We've still got long ways to go for this Hell March. We'll keep progressing on and on
in this Hell Parade. In any case, great work. Thank you very much.
To the anime staff, cast, and media mix related individuals. Thanks to you all, we were able to safely finish
broadcasting the TV anime series. I've been a lot of trouble to you all, but in this form, I am absolutely grateful.
Thank you very much.
And lastly, to the readers. Thank you very much for all the support with the anime, the books, and the media
mixes. As a result of everyone's support becoming one, I was able to become well known and I'm truly happy.
From here on, I plan to keep piling it more and more. I'll be very happy if you could accompany along the way.
So with that said, I'm all out of space. So I'll stop here.
Let's meet again in volume 8!
On a certain day on July at a certain place in Chiba, late during the night, I make preparations to go buy MAX
COFFEE,
Watari Wataru