Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Just4fun Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en] 2026-04-30T17:42:09Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.43.1 https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=210379 User:Just4fun 2012-12-05T06:10:56Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 4, Volume 10 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=200606 User:Just4fun 2012-10-29T14:00:00Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 4, Volume 8 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=198966 User:Just4fun 2012-10-22T13:31:35Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 4, Volume 7 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=197011 User:Just4fun 2012-10-15T12:34:38Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 4, Volume 6 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria&diff=192213 Hidan no Aria 2012-09-28T08:53:38Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Volume 9 - Spark Out */</p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Hidan no Aria_Volume_1_Cover.jpg|286px|thumb|Volume 1 Cover.]]<br /> Project page for Hidan no Aria. Enjoy the visit.<br /> <br /> The ''Hidan no Aria'' series is also available in the following languages:<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Versión_Española~|Español (Spanish)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_(Version_française)|Français (French)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Russian_Version~|Русский (Russian)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Deutsche_Version~|Deutsch (German)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_Bahasa_Indonesia|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]<br /> <br /> (Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)<br /> ----<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Story Synopsis ==<br /> <br /> Tokyo Butei High School--- A special school where armed detectives, also known as "Butei", are brought up. Tohyama Kinji is a sophomore student who has a unique body that activates a "super mode" when it is stimulated by "something". He tries to hide it from others in order to live a peaceful life, but trouble comes to find him when he becomes the victim of a bombing incident, where he meets the Butei High "Assault" department elite, Aria H. Kanzaki.<br /> <br /> == Translation ==<br /> <br /> ===[[Hidan no Aria:Registration_Page|Registration]]===<br /> <br /> Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.<br /> <br /> '''Translators are asked to [[Hidan no Aria:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''<br /> <br /> ===Format Standards===<br /> '''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''<br /> *[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br /> *[[Hidan no Aria:guidelines|Hidan no Aria Format/Style Guideline]]<br /> <br /> ==Updates==<br /> *24 March 2011 - Volume 3 completed.<br /> *2 April 2011 - Volume 1 completed.<br /> *8 April 2011 - Volume 2 completed.<br /> *19 April 2011 - Volume 4 completed.<br /> *24 April 2011 - First Arc -The Prologue (Overture)- completed.<br /> *27 April 2011 - Jeanne declared as the translators' knight.<br /> *1 May 2011 - Volume 5 completed.<br /> *22 May 2011 - Volume 6 completed.<br /> *14 September 2011 - Volume 7 completed.<br /> <br /> ==Terminologies==<br /> All terminologies, character informations, and other informations regarding this series are hosted on [http://hidannoaria.wikia.com/wiki/Hidan_no_Aria_Wiki this wikia].<br /> <br /> ==The <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aria_the_Scarlet_Ammo ''Hidan no Aria''] series by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/赤松中学 Akamatsu Chuugaku]</span>==<br /> Visit [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=4322 this thread] for any information, comments and error reports on the PDFs.<br /> <br /> === Volume 1 - Aria the Scarlet Ammo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume1|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?tjag4k5krf0oolw PDF])===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 1 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Prologue|Reload]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter1|1st Ammo - La bambina da l'ARIA]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Kanzaki H. Aria]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Assault]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Behind the Fringe]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Holmes]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Last Ammo|Last Ammo - La bambina da l'ARIA]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 2 - Blazing Diamond Dust ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume2|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?9fhtib6idhn2bww PDF])===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 2 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Armed Shrine-Maiden]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Edge Catching]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Caged Bird]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Man-made Beach]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Diamond Dust]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - Who Performed the Last Move?]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 3 - Honey Trap ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume3|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?snnrnl6vqpabblc PDF])===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 3 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Quadras Under the Moon]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - High Butei Riko]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Wolf and Reki]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Infiltration]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter5|5th Ammo - 296 Meters Above Ground Billiards]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - You Stole my Precious Thing]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 4 - Fall of the Scarlet Ammo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume4|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?6uext9vylzbwwxg PDF])===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 4 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Invisible Bullet]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Emergency Mission -Quest Boost-]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Summer Festival]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Infighting -Falling Out-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Golden Pavillion -Abu Simbel-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - Awakening of the Scarlet Ammo]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 5 - Overture's Fine ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume5|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?jy29tpox85rga8k PDF])===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 5 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter1|Pierce 1 - The Man Beyond Space and Time]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter2|Pierce 2 - Overture's Fine]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter3|Reload 1 - Konayuki, Shirayuki's sister]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter4|Reload 2 - Marseille Roulette]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter5|Reload 3 - Goodbye Aria]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Hello Reki]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 6 - Killing Range 2051 ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume6|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?qv612g6z9q2t07p PDF])===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 6 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Manhunt]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Water Tossing]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Caravan I -Field Trip-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Flash Cannon]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Reki]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 7 - Waltz of Wind and Fire -Castling Turn- ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume7|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?szcatic6gz3tved PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?bmdf9780qwt2t3w PDF for e-Reader]) ===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 7 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Case E8]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - HURRY UP]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - The Third Quadra]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Team Baskerville]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The War Meeting -Bandire-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 8 - Tornado High ===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 8 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Night of Chaos -Turbulent-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Cosplay Cafeteria -Ristorante Mask-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Silver-White ICBM]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter4|4th Ammo - 350m Altitude Tornado]] (Incomplete)<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The Spiral Sky Tree -Tornado High-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 9 - Spark Out ===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 9 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9 Chapter1|1st Ammo - Spark Witch -Dracula Hilda-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Magnificent Riko -Fii Bucuros Riko-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Secret Rehabilitation -Boy Meets Girl-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Cultural Festival Day 1 -Carnaval Via-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Cultural Festival Day 2 -Carnaval Finale-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Epilogue|Go for the Next!! The G Bloodlines]](Incomplete)<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 10 - Arcanum Duo ===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 10 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Descent of the Hawk]]<br /> ::*2nd Ammo - Deen Conference<br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Secret of the Deep Blue<br /> ::*4th Ammo - Three Roads of Immorality<br /> ::*5th Ammo - Surprise Rose<br /> ::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Impromptu Sisters<br /> ::*Translation Notes and References<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 11 - Collateral Bros ===<br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 11 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_1st Ammo|1st Ammo - Lumberjack -Night of Revenge-]]<br /> ::*2nd Ammo - Sports Festival -La Lissa- <br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Farewell, G-4th -The End of G-4th- <br /> ::*4th Ammo - The G Bloodlines -Collateral Bros-<br /> ::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!!!<br /> ::*Translation Notes and References<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 12 - Snowfall upon a Wolfhound - Fall Oblige - === <br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 12 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*1st Ammo - As if Into Thin Air - Like Vanish - <br /> ::*2nd Ammo - Kinji, the Mediocre Person <br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Moe Mochizuki <br /> ::*4th Ammo - Kikuyo Kagataka <br /> ::*5th Ammo - Enlightening Emptiness <br /> ::*Translation Notes and References<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> === Volume 13 - Counterattacked Kowloon -Kowloon Reverse- === <br /> [[File:Hidan no Aria Volume 13 Cover.jpg|thumb|x210px|right]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*1st Ammo - Dry Eyes <br /> ::*2nd Ammo - OZONE -Bridgehead- <br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Kou/Son -Double Cast- <br /> ::*4th Ammo - Kowloon's Monkey King -Kowloon Monk- <br /> ::*5th Ammo - The Dancing Hong Kong Tram -Dance Outrage- <br /> ::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!!! -Tset Acht Z8- <br /> ::*Translation Notes and References<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> ==Project Staff==<br /> <br /> *Project Administrator: [[User:onizuka-gto|Onizuka-GTO]]<br /> *Project Supervisor: [[User:YoakeNoHikari|YoakeNoHikari]]<br /> <br /> ===Translators===<br /> [[File:Aria04 003.jpg|thumb|x210px|left]]<br /> <br /> '''ACTIVE'''<br /> :* [[User:YoakeNoHikari|YoakeNoHikari]]<br /> '''INACTIVE'''<br /> :*[[User:IngridSenpai|IngridSenpai]] (Chinese trans.) [UNACTIVE UNTIL SUMMER] <br /> :* [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] (Chinese trans.)<br /> :* [[User:Othao|Othao]]<br /> :* [[User:Nera Sleith|Nera Sleith]]<br /> '''K.I.A.'''<br /> :* [[User:Spadey|Spadey]]<br /> :* [[User:Seoulfighter|Seoulfighter]]<br /> :* [[User:Ken FF|Ken FF]]<br /> <br /> ===Editors===<br /> [[File:Aria04 002.jpg|thumb|x210px|left]]<br /> '''ACTIVE'''<br /> <br /> :*[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]]<br /> :*[[User:EnigmaticRepose|EnigmaticRepose]]<br /> :*[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]]<br /> :*[[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]]<br /> :*[[User:Lofthouse|Lofthouse]]<br /> :*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]<br /> <br /> <br style="clear:both"/><br /> <br /> == Series Overview ==<br /> * Volume 1 - "Hidan no Aria I Aria the Scarlet Ammo" / 第一巻: 緋弾のアリア　(Published　August 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8401-2401-0)<br /> * Volume 2 - "Hidan no Aria II Blazing Diamond Dust" / 第二巻: 緋弾のアリアⅡ　燃える銀氷 (Published December 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8401-2600-7)<br /> * Volume 3 - "Hidan no Aria III Honey Trap" / 第三巻: 緋弾のアリアⅢ 蜂蜜色の罠 (Published March 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-2720-2)<br /> * Volume 4 - "Hidan no Aria IV Fall of the Scarlet Ammo" / 第四巻: 緋弾のアリアⅣ 堕ちた緋弾 (Published August 21, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-2873-5)<br /> * Volume 5 - "Hidan no Aria V Overture's Fine" / 第五巻: 緋弾のアリアV 序曲の終止線 (Published December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-3126-1)<br /> * Volume 6 - "Hidan no Aria VI Killing Range 2051" / 第六巻: 緋弾のアリアVI 絶対半径2051 (Published April 23, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3281-7) <br /> * Volume 7 - "Hidan no Aria VII Castling Turn" / 第七巻: 緋弾のアリアVII 火と風の円舞 (Published August 21, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3486-6)<br /> * Volume 8 - "Hidan no Aria VIII Tornado High" / 第八巻: 緋弾のアリアVIII 螺旋の天空樹 (Published December 25, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3678-5)<br /> * Volume 9 - "Hidan no Aria IX Spark Out" / 第九巻: 緋弾のアリアIX 蒼き閃光 (Published March 25, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3859-8)<br /> * Volume 10 - "Hidan no Aria X Arcanum Duo" / 第十巻: 緋弾のアリアX 禁忌の双極 (Published July 25, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3969-4)<br /> * Volume 11 - "Hidan no Aria XI Collateral Bros" / 第十一巻: 緋弾のアリアXI Ｇの血族 (Published December 22, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-4331-8)<br /> * Volume 12 - "Hidan no Aria XII Snowfall upon a Wolfhound - Fall Oblige" / 第十二巻: 緋弾のアリアXII 狼狗に降る雪 -フォル・オブリージュ- (Published May 25, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4579-4)<br /> * Volume 13 - "Hidan no Aria XIII Counterattacked Kowloon -Kowloon Reverse-" / 第十三巻: 緋弾のアリアXIII 反撃の九龍 -ガウロン・リバース- (Published August 24, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4682-1)<br /> [[Category:MF Bunko J]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=191211 User:Just4fun 2012-09-24T12:40:22Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 4, Volume 5 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=179654 User:Just4fun 2012-08-20T19:40:26Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Next on the Line: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 3, Volume 5 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=179653 User:Just4fun 2012-08-20T19:39:58Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Finished reading: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 3, Volume 5 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=179652 User:Just4fun 2012-08-20T19:39:30Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8 (Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 3, Volume 5 (Taking Turns)<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=179622 User:Just4fun 2012-08-20T18:17:48Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 8(Taking it slowly.)<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 3<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Epilogue&diff=179621 Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Epilogue 2012-08-20T18:17:14Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==Epilogue: Go for the Next!! The War Meeting -Bandire-==<br /> <br /> From then on, for a while, the days which flowed by were so peaceful it felt like a dream.<br /> <br /> Aria, who had the tendency to skip school, went to school as normal, and it seemed that she was teaching a first year girl that was based in the Butei High system, Amico. Thanks to that, I could stretch my wings for a short while, and my transfer application to a normal school was too--alright, I had submitted it to Masters.<br /> <br /> If it went well, my transfer would be in April of next year.<br /> <br /> Which high school I would go to, I had not decided yet, but at the same time as my graduation to a third year, I will transfer.<br /> <br /> Doing that...after school on the day I had taken another step towards the self who was a "normal high school student", a small incident occurred.<br /> <br /> After staying at Informa, where shoes were forbidden, to go to my information class, opening my shoelocker to go home--<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Above my shoes, there was a letter.<br /> <br /> The letter was inserted into a pure-white letter, and like in the movies, akin to how foreign wealthy people sealed their letters, it was sealed with red wax seal.<br /> <br /> The name of the sender was...Jeanne d'Arc...Jeanne, huh?<br /> <br /> "--Hey, hey!? I haven't seen anything like that except for the shoujo manga that my sister has, you know!"<br /> <br /> When we were going home together, Logi's Muto suddenly grabbed my head from the right.<br /> <br /> "Ahhh...just as I was wondering whether things were going well between you and Kanzaki-san, it's already this."<br /> <br /> Shiranui, on my left, was smiling wryly with his handsome face.<br /> <br /> "...what the hell's 'anything like that' and 'this'? It's just that Jeanne gave me a letter, right? But, she's so old fashioned. A letter in modern times. If she wants to contact me, it's fine if she just gives me a mail."<br /> <br /> I complained, and Muto and Shiranui looked at each other--<br /> <br /> "You know. Mails have no romance or magical fairy tales in them, so that's why it's a letter. That's a love letter. I have the patience of a samurai, and I'll keep quiet about it so ''show me''."<br /> <br /> "Kanzaki-san, Hotogi-san, Mine-san, Reki-san already, and this time it's Jeanne-san~? Tohyama-kun's matters of love deal with a complete set of beauties."<br /> <br /> Saying that, certainty about it being a love letter coming from my left and right, they tried to snatch my letter from me.<br /> <br /> No matter what the contents are, showing a letter from someone to somebody else is forbidden. As a human being.<br /> <br /> Thinking that, I performed the Tohyama family's secret legacy move, the headbutt, on Muto, knocking him out, and as I was going to bring about the same result in Shiranui, he escaped from Informa.<br /> <br /> Getting on the round-trip bus which had just arrived, I opened the letter on my seat--uu. English...no, French. And it was also written in the same flowing, cursive script.<br /> <br /> She writes really well. Despite the fact that she can't draw.<br /> <br /> Rather, I can't possibly read this, right? It's in French, and it's so tightly written.<br /> <br /> As I thought that, at the end was a note in Japanese.<br /> <br /> <br /> "I do not believe that you can read this, so I wrote it in Japanese on the back."<br /> <br /> <br /> ...Sparkle.<br /> <br /> Then, write it in Japanese from the beginning!<br /> <br /> <br /> 「Tohyama Kinji-dono<br /> <br /> October 1st 0:00<br /> Southern tip of Empty Island　。Wait under the crooked windmill<br /> Go armed　。Come alone<br /> <br /> Jeanne d'Arc」<br /> <br /> <br /> ...What is this?<br /> <br /> The instructed time was--tomorrow, or rather, tonight.<br /> <br /> As I was suspicious, after I got off the bus I immediately called Jeanne...<br /> <br /> "--Tohyama? It seems you have read it."<br /> <br /> "Jeanne, why did you use a letter? Thanks to that, we have to bury Muto."<br /> <br /> "That is a formal letter--because, it is an invitation. You are a boy, so come properly."<br /> <br /> Just saying that, without explaining in further detail, Jeanne hung up.<br /> <br /> Calling her again, she did not pick up.<br /> <br /> How should I say this...it seemed that, if she had said it properly, she thought I probably wouldn't come.<br /> <br /> This is getting more and more suspicious.<br /> <br /> <br /> I wasn't very interested, but pulled in by Jeanne's behaviour, I--<br /> <br /> Because Muto...refused me, I managed to get a miniature 2 horsepower motorboat which did not need a license from Muto's sister, who, like him, was in Logi.<br /> <br /> With that, at midnight, I crossed over from Academy Island to the southern tip of Empty Island. Just in case, with my gun.<br /> <br /> Climbing the rusty stairs, the surface of the artificial island was--<br /> <br /> -on top of being dark, wrapped in mist.<br /> <br /> On the left and right of my unclear vision, windmill poles continued from west to east at regular intervals.<br /> <br /> For some reason, it was an ominous scene.<br /> <br /> Looking as if I was pushing through the mist, I...walked until I was below the slanted windmill. Nicknamed as slanted windmill in Butei High, which I had crashed a plane into in April.<br /> <br /> The wreckage of that plane had been dismantled and disposed of, and the area around here had returned to its former emptiness, but...enveloping this area, this mist...somehow, makes me feel uneasy.<br /> <br /> It felt as if this mist had not occurred naturally.<br /> <br /> Somewhere, it seemed that I had been enveloped by the same mist before...that's right. At IU, when I had fought with Sherlock Holmes, he had, in the name of "preparatory classes", covered me with a mist like this.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, over here."<br /> <br /> Turning towards the shouted voice--<br /> <br /> At a location slightly distant from me, wearing platinum armor, Jeanne stood there.<br /> <br /> Magic Blade - Durandal's tip pierced straight into the ground, standing there like a cane, and the hilt was clasped by two hands at the pommel, the hands placed on top of each other.<br /> <br /> "What is it. Calling me out to a place like this at night."<br /> <br /> Saying something that Aria had said to me a little earlier, I approached Jeanne--<br /> <br /> Her western armor was more heavily equipped than when we had once fought her in the underground warehouse. In addition to the cuirass and greaves, she was even wearing a skirt-like fold and curved gauntlets.<br /> <br /> On her graceful face, there was a sense of urgency. What had happened?<br /> <br /> "--Soon, it will be 0:00."<br /> <br /> Because from above, a familiar voice rang out, I turned my face upwards--<br /> <br /> (...Reki?)<br /> <br /> On the unmoving windmill's propellers, Reki, in her uniform, was sitting.<br /> <br /> Looking closer, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragunov_sniper_rifle Dragunov sniper rifle] which was forever slung over her shoulder was cradled in front of her.<br /> <br /> Here too--it had not reached a level of readiness for battle, but the atmosphere too was quite alert.<br /> <br /> "What the hell is this, you two..."<br /> <br /> As I was frowning.<br /> <br /> --''Flash''--<br /> <br /> As if encircling the slanted windmill in a large circle, multiple strong lights flashed into being.<br /> <br /> Covering my eyes with my arm from the glare, I...once again, looked around me.<br /> <br /> (...! What...they are...!)<br /> <br /> In the mist, illuminated by the light, other than us, there were several other--figures.<br /> <br /> Those shapes were, all, without an exception, abnormal.<br /> <br /> --An atypical group.<br /> <br /> Indescribable with any other words, that ominous bunch was gathered in an area around 50 meters in radius.<br /> <br /> Like that, with everyone standing apart, it was like a group of cosplayers at a cosplay competition, but...I instinctively understood that this was not that kind of playful event. Even if it's this slow, normal me.<br /> <br /> --This is bad. This is bad. These people are dangerous.<br /> <br /> In my mind, the faces of IU we had fought with before flashed through one by one.<br /> <br /> And whichever one of these it was, they were all in the category of strange people, monsters and demons. Not just people.<br /> <br /> If I thought about it, I could be killed by the touch of a finger. Right now. Right here.<br /> <br /> Even if I were in Hysteria Mode, I have no chance of victory. They were those kinds of people.<br /> <br /> As if, I was being surrounded by several Kanas and Sherlocks, that kind of feeling of danger.<br /> <br /> "--It seems that, a few days ago, {{Hidan_no_Aria:Ranban}} Koko sisters have caused quite a lot of trouble. My deepest apologies."<br /> <br /> Respectfully apologizing to us was a man whose eyes were so thin they were akin to slits.<br /> <br /> On that face, a smile plastered to it, he was wearing round glasses, and he was wearing magnificent Chinese cultural clothing.<br /> <br /> On the ground slightly distant from him--''ZZzzzz''...a black shadow wriggled.<br /> <br /> Strange. That shadow is strange. Although there's nothing above it, even though the shadow is the only thing there, it moved. A scene out of a nightmare.<br /> <br /> I thought that the shadow had assembled and become a human--and it rose from the ground.<br /> <br /> "So you are the boy who, along with Lupin the 4th, defeated my father. Unbelievable."<br /> <br /> This was different from Riko's sweet lolita...with white and black as a basis, her whole body clothed with a gothic lolita costume, the shadow became a girl with golden twin-tails. Despite the fact that it was night, her white hand was holding a frilly parasol, and on her back was something like a bat--large wings grew there.<br /> <br /> As if showing off that those wings were real, with one flap, behind it--<br /> <br /> "--Vn--"<br /> <br /> -a strange sound rang out from inside another person's body.<br /> <br /> Within the faces gathered here, it was the biggest. A giant that was 3 meters tall. Its whole body was enveloped in modern armor, it was carrying a Gatling gun, and its shoulders were even equipped with a linked rocket launcher. It was like a bipedal tank. Rather, is it a human? I don't even know that.<br /> <br /> Next to it, body clothed in glamorous, white vestments, a nun carrying a large sword which looked like a cross and--with a pitch black hood, a large peaked cap, on her shoulders a raven which seemed to have been out of a picture, a tiny witch, and they were glaring at each other with droopy eyes and up-slanted eyes.<br /> <br /> "We will not wage war, that of Tohyama. Still not tonight. I too am very excited because this is my first grand battle in 86 years."<br /> <br /> For some reason, talking in a manner as if she knew about me, the person who said that was--<br /> <br /> Wearing blue Japanese clothing with Sanskrit characters written on it, a girl even shorter than Aria.<br /> <br /> The corners of her sharp eyes long, they seemed to be that of a Japanese person, her long hair was a dark golden colour, rather, golden brown.<br /> <br /> The thing to rub one's eyes at was, on her head there were two...cat-like, no, fox-like ears standing up straight. Seeing it twitch, it did not seem to be just a decoration.<br /> <br /> Others in the area were, a handsome white man wearing a trenchcoat and carrying a longsword, wearing a one-piece which seemed to be made out of a　tabby-like feline's fur, a cave-man-like girl, and listening to music from earphones and swaying his body to it, an ugly-looking pierro....various types of strange people had gathered here.<br /> <br /> And, at the edge of my vision, ''Sparkle, Sparkle''--gold sand danced--<br /> <br /> From the direction of the mist, two figures became visible.<br /> <br /> Wearing clothes which exposed her body, one of the girls was--aah, her...!<br /> <br /> "Hohoho. Tohyama Kinji, it's been a while."<br /> <br /> Witch of sand, Patra.<br /> <br /> And--wielding Scorpio, dyed navy blue, waving at me with a "Hellooo" kind of feeling...<br /> <br /> (Kana...!)<br /> <br /> Even Nii-san appeared...!<br /> <br /> Long bulletproof coat, high-laced boots----that was Kana's battle outfit from when she was a Butei.<br /> <br /> Rather, Kana...this isn't the time for "Heellooo", right? That's like a family member who　has arrived to observe the class.<br /> <br /> With a face which was twisted with agony, I looked around again--<br /> <br /> Sweat oozing from my forehead, I wiped it with the back of my hand.<br /> <br /> I just want to become a normal person.<br /> <br /> Just the measly, boring high school student of that wish.<br /> <br /> And being here, I too--am the same as them, being decided as an "abnormal" human being?<br /> [[File:Aria07 259.jpg|thumb]]<br /> ''Whoosh''--<br /> <br /> Ice blue eyes looking around at all that were present, Jeanne...<br /> <br /> Like a chairman, spoke out in a cold voice.<br /> <br /> "Then, let us begin. Ambassadors of the agencies, societies, and organizations from all around the world. {{Hidan_no_Aria:Bandire}}--After IU's　collapse, the things we seek, taking them, fighting for them, scrambling over them, our world --{{Hidan no Aria:GTFN}}!" <br /> <br /> --Go For The Next--<br /> <br /> Towards the people, each of them crying out, I, my eyes half-desperate, turned.<br /> <br /> Until now, "Go", "Go"、those rushed days--<br /> <br /> Go--For Aria's sake, run.<br /> <br /> Go--For my companion's sake, for survival's sake, fight.<br /> <br /> Go, Go, Go--I planned on finishing up on everything. How naive.<br /> <br /> Apparently, as for becoming a normal male high school student--<br /> <br /> It seems that, still, many "Go"s exist that I have to cross. Apparently.<br /> <br /> <br /> Go For The Next!!!<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter4|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume8 Illustrations}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Infinite_Stratos&diff=175178 Talk:Infinite Stratos 2012-08-05T11:38:26Z

<p>Just4fun: /* GOOD NEWS! */</p> <hr /> <div>== other characters picture displaced==<br /> <br /> Shinonome Tabane's picture is in misplaced, screwing with the text and other things. Confirmed on ie, moz and iPad. <br /> If it wasn't obvious; it's in character description on the main page. Cheerios.<br /> <br /> <br /> ==LN titles==<br /> <br /> It seems that there are problems with the titles. For example, V3 chapter 1 the title is, according to wikipedia, rain maker while my translation is different. What do we do in that case? [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 22:38, 19 February 2011 (UTC)<br /> <br /> I just checked Baike(chinese) and compared it to Wikipedia. Baike wrote Blue days/little switch while Wikipedia says Blue days/red switch. WHICH IS CORRECT FOR GOD'S SAKE![[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 00:04, 20 February 2011 (UTC)<br /> <br /> Suggestion: Check anime, don't they show original titles in the start of each chapter? <br /> <br /> <br /> You know, when I see the name "Teh Ping" on the first page, I know this LN will be finished in no time. See what's happening now...?<br /> I'm deeply impressed. Just...."waw..." [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 16:17, 15 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I concur. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:38, 15 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Oh my God, Teh Ping; I can't believe my eyes!! 55% translation progress in just 1 day???? Thanks a lot. Really...thanks..... - [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 20:21, 17 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Ehhh~ ==<br /> <br /> On Infinite Stratos. Young Japanese women or school girls usually say "Ehhh~" just to sound cute or in a cutesy manner in Japanese society, especially in conversations between fellow woman/girls. So its better to keep them in most cases in IS. It's staying true to the author's original intent since "Whaaat" isn't very cute sounding for the most part, although it does fit in the sentence. Therefore, I suggest that we keep Ehhh~ the way it is unless there's a better alternative than "Whaaat" and "Huuuh" to replace "Ehhh~" in IS. The "Ehhh~" is somewhat similar to the exclusively Japanese sound effects for something cute like Funya, Funyari, Nyaa, Gao and etc. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 01:18, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I don't think Ehhh~ ''always'' denotes cutsyness, it can denote extreme surprise or tired surprise like Cecilia being bothered by the girls over her makeup, dress sense and perfume and her saying it (sometimes in her mind) out of exasperation. The only times it denotes cuteness is when the character tries to appear childish. Sometimes it just denotes surprise. It depends on the circumstances. But since there are multiple forms in english that can replace it we should take them into account. There are many variables. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:50, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But then again "Eh" is an [http://english-learners.com/2010/03/interjections-exclamations.html interjection] in the english language. But it isn't used as much. On the other hand the cute Ehh~ you are talking about fits [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJrCnWOwuZQ this type of girl] more, see the whole thing but 1:05 specifically. Cecilia or the other girls are not that type, well maybe Laura but... no not that level after all. Sigh, I'm sorry but in light of the overall I can't say it fits with cuteness; tiredness or exasperation maybe, but not cuteness. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:56, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Wouldn't keeping the Eh's be fine too, instead of replacing them with Huh or What? It doesn't really detract from the meaning as whole in the Light Novel, some english translation projects like Toaru no Majutsu just keep the "Eh" the way it is, and I know its not commonly used in many English novels, but the Eh's are not that big of an issue. “Ehh!? Why!? Why are you here!? World War III… The Arctic Ocean… Y-you were dead… Wh-what is going on…!?” Misaka Mikoto from NT volume 2, chapter 1. Although I agree with Hiro that sometimes its used in a cutesy way by girls, but other times its used for being suprised in an almost comical way. -Anonymous Reader ( [[Special:Contributions/160.253.128.7|160.253.128.7]] 14:03, 8 September 2011 (CDT) )<br /> <br /> Yeah... but, you see... It's already been done and now to change everything back would be excessive or leave it as it currently is and not change "eh" to "huh" or "what" in present or future chapters kind of goes against conformity. Sigh. I do get what you're saying, I really do. It's just I think... it's too late in the game to change the rules, y'know what I mean don't you? Besides I don't think Hiro Hayase intends to change all "eh"s back, only the "Ehh*~"s the ones with a drawn out sound. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:35, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Agreed, a compromise will do here. Just leaving Ehh~ with the drawn out sound the way it is will suffice, its too late to change everything back now anyways. Well at least this is sorted. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 19:01, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Hmm... I'm all good for a compromise, normally. But only when the "~" is used and there are ''more'' than one "h". At least until I find something good enough in the english language. See, I'm using both my decision and FoxReplace to change the "eh"s (decision for vague ones and FoxReplace for repetitive changes) and FoxReplace can only be picky in certain ways. Sorry, this is something I can't help. Currently it is set to change all "eh" ''words'' to "huh" but not any with more than one "h" so I can make the decision to ignore them, but I think only those with the ~ until I find something fitting. Maybe I will, most probably not. So is that cool? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:22, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> It's cool with me. Changing the repetitive eh's is also alright with me. I guess its case closed now -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 22:11, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> == Volume 8 ==<br /> <br /> Does anyone have any information on when volume 8 will be released?<br /> <br /> I'm also interested in this ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 13:53, 12 January 2012 (CST)<br /> <br /> there is no information about it yet just be patient and wait<br /> <br /> == rumor has it that IS is cancelled ==<br /> <br /> here is what I read about IS being cancelled<br /> <br /> http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/02/21-1/news-rumor-infinite-stratos-light-novel-canceled-by-media-factory<br /> <br /> NOOOO!!!! THIS CAN"T BE HAPPENING!!!!<br /> <br /> It may be canceled by the publisher, but it is already wrote by the author. Just that nobody knows who is going to take the title for the time being. --[[User:Braiam|Braiam]] 10:59, 3 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Why was the author attacking fans on the net? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:20, 4 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I doubt about the thing the author attacking fans on the net cause if he really did it, it would be bad for him... maybe there is someone else behind wanting to destroy his image or something like that...<br /> lets just hope that it really doesn't get cancelled [[User:Kipoyedcl|Kipoyedcl]] 21:41, 5 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But then why's the above linked article saying he did it? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:29, 6 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> he got what he deserved 05:43, 6 April 2012 Zmunjali<br /> <br /> That's besides the point!!! I wanna know why that happened. Besides what's the point of him getting what he deserves if it's us readers who get caught in the crossfire? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:10, 6 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I'm with zero. I don't know what hapened bot I wanna see the 8th volume of IS because this is annoying. I can't imagine how attacking on twitter can somehow lead to the complete removal of the series. discontinuation is one thing but removing is a little overboard I think ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 10:55, 14 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I think IS is now dead because I saw on some forum that the author of IS is now working on a new novel which is (KIMI P). but I am still hoping that the novel will continue-[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 17:40, 4 May 2012<br /> <br /> Isn't it more likely that the novel was going in a direction that the current company couldn't endorse or agree with because it goes against their current image? That would explain it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:57, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Also I saw this on wikipedia: ''Yumizuru cited that Media Factory's overseas representatives were engaging in contracts with foreign publishers without the author's permission as the reason for the suspension. Yumizuru had also stated that he was willing to fight over this matter in court if necessary.'' I'm willing to bet this is the real reason for their ''falling out'' as they call it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:05, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> so in other words IS will not continue anymore?? or IS is in state of hibernation?? ohhh well.. i will just wait patiently..- [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] - 14:38, 5 May 2012<br /> <br /> aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!! and i was so looking forward to vol 8 ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 15:22, 18 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^Have hope dude! hahaha! i am still hoping there is still volume 8 to be released. [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 21 May 2012<br /> <br /> Good News Every One! The novelist has confirmed more IS in the works. http://www.animenewsnetwork.co.uk/news/2012-06-17/infinite-stratos-novelist-yumizuru-confirms-more-in-the-works Anon-kun 19th June 2012<br /> <br /> == Cliffhanger! ==<br /> <br /> i just finish volume 1-7 and its a cliffhanger.. really! i really wish volume 8 will be released soon... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 23 May 2012<br /> <br /> ...Even if you complain to us, we can't do anything about it unless you ask me to write a fanfiction volume 8 or something like what I actually planned for April Fools' this year. (The only thing stopping me was that I can't get convincing illustrations).--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 00:51, 23 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> hahaha! i wasn't complaining... i think i like that plan teh ping... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] May 30 2012<br /> <br /> == Idiom in Vol 1 , Chapt 1? ==<br /> <br /> Fantastic work, I love this site, and I thank all the contributors.<br /> <br /> One question, though. What does "black on the face" mean here, please? The sentence is strange on its own, I'm wondering if it's an idiom that didn't get adapted. The whole text of the books are so well done, so this sentence seems a little strange.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "Well, maybe I won't be able to get to the level where Chifuyu-nee won't be all ''black on the face'', but at least I don't want her to be embarrassed on the professional field."<br /> <br /> --[[Special:Contributions/75.132.157.54|75.132.157.54]] 15:44, 25 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^i think its an idiom.... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 30 May 2012<br /> <br /> Most probably the sentence is an idiom. Judging by the sentence itself and the contents around it. I think it means that Ichika won't be on the level where he messes up so badly that Chifuyu would be embarrassed to be his sister, angry at Ichika and basically like a demoness. You know, those murderous glares... or something like that. Sorry, but even I'm not very sure about this and can only guess. Translator... oh Translator... help out, please... [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:55, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But you know... this kind of query should be on the respective Chapter's talk page itself rather than here. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 06:37, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> It's actually more like an expression. In anime, don't you see people's faces become darker when they look stern?--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 07:00, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> im with Teh Ping. you know there are times in both anime and manga when they get angry, look down and their face gets darker ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 05:04, 7 June 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> == GOOD NEWS! ==<br /> <br /> IS will resume again.... see baka forum for details(IS thread)... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] June 21 2012<br /> <br /> Thank god ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 14:04, 22 July 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> You could help us speed up getting there by giving us a direct link y'know. But, Thanks for the News!!! [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:44, 22 July 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3518&start=525 here is the link - [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 5 Aug 2012</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=173881 User:Just4fun 2012-07-31T11:52:14Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Next on the Line: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 3<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=173879 User:Just4fun 2012-07-31T11:51:00Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 3<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Chapter4&diff=172899 Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter4 2012-07-28T11:35:06Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> ==4th Ammo - Team Baskerville==<br /> <br /> Returning to Butei High in the night....<br /> <br /> After the Masters ensured that there were no severely wounded casualties, they quickly split us up by subject and distributed debriefing records. It sickens me. Let us rest a bit first. At least allow us a bowl of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsudon katsudon]. Aria was taken by the Assault instructor Ranbyou to the principal's office. Riko and I were Inquesta while Mutou was of Logi; we were all interviewed by our respective instructors. After that, the Masters got into contact with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Police_Department Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department], the media and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Railways_Group JR]. I thought we would be castigated for cutting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen Shinkansen]; however, with the capture of the perpetrators, this did not happen.<br /> <br /> On the contrary, we were lauded for resolving the issue. Officially to boot. Like this, Butei High did not have to take responsibility for Koko and her group's hijack of the Shinkansen to extort money from the Japanese government. This was a very nicely done maneuver no matter how you look at it.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama-kun, I'll tell you this before the start of legal hearings for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plea_bargain plea-bargain]. The fact that you all were targeted must be kept strictly confidential lest some very important person gets upset."<br /> <br /> The Inquesta Master Takamagahara Yutori said. With the presence of the black suited man during our debriefing on top of Yutori's words, I could somehow understand that. Judging from his badge, that guy was an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs holding the class of a vice-minister. This was probably related to Aria. As a general rule, regardless of whatever cases Butei are involved in, international ones are their own responsibility. However, Aria is a foreign [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristocracy_%28class%29 aristocrat].<br /> <br /> It was better for Japanese-British relations that the fact that she was exposed to great danger on Japanese soil not to be made public. These are the so-called "adult matters" in which we kids have no say. This isn't exactly a very good point either because if it continues to worsen, it would prove troublesome indeed.<br /> <br /> <br /> Perhaps there was an attempt to offer us hush money, for the official mentioned something about "the government offering us distress money in the future" of which our polite refusals of his good-will caused us to be eventually dismissed very late.<br /> <br /> Once we finished, I headed over to the No. 2 girls dorm. To the highest floor......to Reki's room. Opening the door with the cardkey I got from her before, I found the interior dark. Although I already expected this, still there really was no one in.<br /> <br /> (Reki...)<br /> <br /> A naked light bulb cast its light to no purpose on a room of bare concrete. The living room window was shut and the silence was deafening. <br /> <br /> The wind.....didn't blow here.<br /> <br /> It wouldn't anymore.<br /> <br /> <br /> Returning to my own room in the boy's dormitory, here too, there was nobody. According to Ranbyou whom I crossed paths with on my way, Aria had headed to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toranomon Toranomon] for a preparatory meeting with a female lawyer whom she had hired, before the trial of her mother Kanzaki Kanae. Doing so after such a major operation; she really is tough.<br /> <br /> I entered the living room....<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Chika*, *chika*</nowiki><br /> <br /> I noticed the flicker of a light.<br /> <br /> .....What? The answering machine of my rarely used landline is at maximum capacity? This is 1 min x 30 messages and with 30 minutes of recording time....With an unpleasant feeling in my heart, I pushed the playback button.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan, are you alright?"<br /> <br /> As I thought, Shirayuki.<br /> <br /> That girl....whenever anything happens, she'll have this habit of incessantly sending mail....As my cell was destroyed and thus could not be connected, she contacted here instead.<br /> <br /> "If you receive this message, even if it might be a trouble....please call me back. I believe Kin-chan's alright, yet....guuugh....I'm really...worried....u...hu...hu...."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki had been separated from me when she had been left behind in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_City Shizuoka] with the rear portion of railway cars.<br /> <br /> I know you are worried, but don't call for 30 minutes.<br /> <br /> After a momentary break, the recordings began to play the next portion.<br /> <br /> "Uu...eguu...huu..Kin-chan...uu...uu...uuuuuuuu....."<br /> <br /> S...scary!<br /> <br /> Please stop crying into the recording. In the dead of the night it's like a ghost.<br /> <br /> With apprehension, I played the next part which was...<br /> <br /> ".....I've just got a call from Butei High! I am so relieved when I heard that Kin-chan's alright. The criminals have all been captured too! How truly magnificently done....! Kin-chan is truly amazing. Truly amazing, Kin-chan is.....aa.....Kin-chan is...truly an amazing gentleman...."<br /> <br /> Why the repetition...<br /> <br /> "All of us here are fine. We are taking the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokaido_Line Tokaido Line] back. It will be pretty late when we get back but I'll prepare a feast after we return. Just a short while back, I bought fresh crab!"<br /> <br /> Shirayuki being Shirayuki, this switch in tone is too fast.<br /> <br /> Speaking of which, have you brought the crab back yet?<br /> <br /> Uu...there's still some more messages. I'm getting sleepy already.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan, about that...about that...that pregnant woman aboard the Shinkansen; she safely delivered her baby at a Shizuoka hospital! That's just great news...I just received the photograph by e-mail. It's a cute little girl! Errm....speaking of which...do you like babies Kin-chan? I like them a lot. They are so cute, just looking at them makes me feel all blissful inside. That...that's why I.....I....someday...someday, Kin..."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pi*......I pushed the stop button.<br /> <br /> Stop....stop.<br /> <br /> This no longer has anything to do with the initial purpose of ensuring my safety. Furthermore, what's with this bad feeling crawling down my back. Right, time to delete them all. Despite being sleepy; well Shirayuki was rather worried, so I gave her a call. In the face of all that excited screaming, I simply said, "I'm fine. Don't worry. Sleep now," before quickly ending the call.<br /> <br /> Disconnecting the phone line and having showered, I lay alone in bed for a long time without my cell and nothing in particular to do.<br /> <br /> (Koko, Koko, Koko...)[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes] <br /> <br /> I dimly reflected on the memory of the three sisters who had targeted Reki and me. Those three were all captured at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Station Tokyo station], screaming and cursing all the way to the end. To better differentiate them for the Logi seniors escorting them, the words "eldest daughter", "second daughter" and "third daughter" were stuck on their foreheads, in a most amusing manner; just like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyonshi kyonshi] in that old film "Mr. Vampire". Tonight, those three sisters would be interrogated by the Dagula's top S instructor Tsuzuri Umeko.<br /> <br /> I don't know the details and I don't wish to know, but I hear that Tsuzuri does some rather horrific stuff to suspects during her interrogations. Good. Let them get their punishment.<br /> <br /> (Well then....this time around...)<br /> <br /> This time around, can I finally say my great ancestor's favorite phrase?<br /> <br /> "With this, one case is closed"<br /> <br /> But this phrase....thinking about it now, it has a ring of unease to it. One case closed. Doesn't this.....give the feeling that there will be a 2nd, a 3rd case? Oi....great ancestor....<br /> <br /> <br /> Due to nothing happening after being vigilant for some time, I could spend my entire SW after Caravan I resting. No wait, it would be more proper to say, the start of the vacation. The prologue would be being awoken just some time after noon the next day by Shirayuki making crab fried rice. With Aria absent, that left Shirayuki and me to do the cleaning, washing and cooking. Shirayuki, who as ever, was a god with these household skills, was like one of the maids commonly found in Riko's games. I spent my vacation leisurely under the care of Shirayuki, who for some reason was extremely blissful every day, while taking my time to pick a new cell phone.<br /> <br /> Just in the middle of those tranquil days, right in the midst of my vacation, Riko, who had somehow gotten the cardkey to my room from god knows where, appeared in my room. A brutal mood like that found in a Western shootout scene filled the room. "Ki~ku~n♪" Riko said in a catlike voice. "Get away from Kin-chan-sama, you adulterer!" [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes] Responded Shirayuki. With a swing of a knife, I returned to those sad days; Riko clinging all over me for who knows, possibly the sake of killing time and Shirayuki would always grab her, swing her [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%95%B7%E3%83%89%E3%82%B9 nagadosu], even let fly with her M60. My room has already been the scene of 10 grappling matches, 12 sword duels and 15 gun battles. Riko who likes games of chance besides fighting and Shirayuki who is easily provoked.....whether it be arm wrestling or speed eating, there have been many battles between those two. And Shirayuki being Shirayuki and having the ridiculous reasoning that "a wife should never lose to a mistress!" would always readily join battle. At times when I return home, those two would be on all fours head butting each other with grunts of "mo...!" "nnmo....!" like bulls......hey you two, aren't you actually on pretty good terms since it has even come to this? So it was that September arrived in the midst of this unceasing hubbub. The time had come to register the team roster that was submitted earlier even if I was reluctant to do so.<br /> <br /> Normally, a representative from the team would attend the application, the Masters would give a confirmation call after the field trip and an affirmative reply would be made and finally, the confirmation photograph would be taken. However, as Reki did not respond to the Masters' call, our team had not been confirmed. Which is to say that I did not belong to any team and that I'm left dangling. Well, even if my case is a little special, truth is on our field trip, there were numerous "we are still not a team yet" incidents. That is why there were emergency measures known as "Just" for these students. These on-site applications simply required one to fill out and submit on paper the names of the team members. Once the Masters take a group photo, the team would be considered "acknowledged/registered." In short, it is a shortened, last-minute registration of a team. Nonetheless, the deadline for this emergency measure is tomorrow. As expected of me feeling impatient, I called Aria.<br /> <br /> "About the formation of the team, please wait for a while." Awaiting instructions, I got only this from Aria.<br /> <br /> "You told me to wait, that means you already have a plan?"<br /> <br /> "Yes, but since you used that kind of tone on me earlier, I won't tell you. H-un."<br /> <br /> Making that kind of anime sound with her nose, she hung up. It seems that..... she still could not let go over the "I'm fine with anything about the team formation" I had said before Caravan I. Certainly, that had been my fault however....good grief, Aria is certainly like a bratty kid in stature and personality.<br /> <br /> <br /> Like that.....<br /> <br /> During the deadline of the on-site applications the next day, I was unattached to any group. Students who did not manage to fill in an on-site application would have their team decided for them by the Masters. Well at worst, so be it. Either way, I still intend to transfer out of Butei High. Just when I was feeling a little unwell and forcing myself to study,<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan, I'm sorry. I haven't said this until now...."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki brought in something wrapped in a furoshiki. That body resembling a gravure model was dressed in a black outfit. The neat ribbon across the breast of her blouse was black. The hair band she normally wore was also black. Furthermore, her hair was tied up, which was rare. This was not like the usual Shirayuki. It appears that that clothing was Diviza Nero; the attire worn by students taking their team confirmation photos. It has been loaned out from Amdo.<br /> <br /> "Ki..ki...ki...kun come here♪ The water here's sweet♪"<br /> <br /> Riko sang as she appeared, also wearing black. She wore a design which daringly revealed her skin, particularly her breasts. Most disagreeable. One can tell at a single glance that she wore no underwear on her breasts. On that note, is the protection offered alright? Wearing bulletproof clothing which exposes the skin.... Averting my eyes in embarrassment upwards, I saw that the ribbons holding her two-side up tails in place were also black. These two were totally in black from head to foot.<br /> <br /> "The team's....Just. You are all attending it?"<br /> <br /> "Thaaat's right! Kiii...kun must go too!"<br /> <br /> "......Me....too.....?"<br /> <br /> "About that, even though it's not good to say, but....earlier, I divined that I would form a team with Kin-chan....so I did not tell anyone about the team's application. Furthermore, I heard from Aria after Caravan I that everyone would be in the team...."<br /> <br /> I opened the furoshiki while listening to Shirayuki. Inside, was a black suit.<br /> <br /> This is.....the Diviza Zero that I would use.<br /> <br /> "Riko-rin and Aria also formed a two man team; however, we annulled it during the confirmation. Aria had changed her mind; this was for the purpose of forming a new team with Ki-kun and everyone else."<br /> <br /> So saying, Riko showed me the application slip for the on-site application.<br /> <br /> On it was....<br /> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; margin:1em auto 1em auto; clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent;"<br /> ! style="background:#DCDCDC;" align="center"|Team Name "Baskerville"<br>Members<br /> |-<br /> |〇 Kanzaki.H.Aria (Assault)<br /> <br /> ◎ Tohyama Kinji (Inquesta)<br /> <br /> ・ Hotogi Shirayuki (SSR)<br /> <br /> ・ Mine Riko (Inquesta)<br /> <br /> ・ Reki (Snipe)<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> These 5 names were written.<br /> <br /> This is the team that Aria envisioned.<br /> <br /> Setting aside the fact that a double circle denoted me as leader, even Aria had a single circle marking her as the vice-captain.<br /> <br /> "Oi...this is...."<br /> <br /> I said while pointing at Reki's name.<br /> <br /> After the Just, the students of the newly formed team had to have a group photograph taken by the Masters. Like this, each team member displayed their mutual solidarity.<br /> <br /> However.....Reki, who had vanished at Tokyo Station, was still missing.<br /> <br /> Which means that there was no way we could register.<br /> <br /> "Un....Since we cannot contact Reki-san, we may cancel her name. But Kin-chan wants to do Butei work with her, right?"<br /> <br /> Shirayuki said with upturned eyes, as if she shared the same misunderstanding as Aria.....<br /> <br /> However, it didn't seem fitting to tell her about Reki interning herself to me as a sniper at this juncture. With nothing confirmed or denied, I listened to whatever else she had to say.<br /> <br /> "That's why Aria was bent on including Reki in the team. She said that, 'if Kinji is to be included, then so too must Reki be included. Otherwise, this team would be against Kinji's wishes. '"<br /> <br /> "But Rekyu is still missing. I don't know whether she can join the team like that," Riko said, continuing Shirayuki's observations. <br /> <br /> "And thus Aria said that, 'letting Kinji have false hopes isn't good, so please don't tell him about the team before Reki has been admitted.' Well, Aria being concerned about Ki-kun is a good thing that's why Riko won't say anything more from now. Apologies."<br /> <br /> Aria.....<br /> <br /> So that's the reason you were so vague about the team last night. Such human concern was so gentle and female. Even if you were like a man in every other aspect.<br /> <br /> "However we still could not contact Reki by phone in the end. Just in case, she sent the assembly location and time of the application to Reki by text but there was no reply." <br /> <br /> Looking at the downcast Shirayuki, I thought, "That's understandable," since Reki's phone was destroyed in Kyouto by Koko.<br /> <br /> "Aria is already at the photo taking site. She was already there waiting for Rekyu first thing in the morning. The deadline is noon today. 30 more minutes and it will be time. Well, we can't go yet Ki-kun! Put on your clothes! This is Ki-kun's on the spot changing show! Kyahaaa!"<br /> <br /> Riko said as she reached for my belt while I stood still with the black suit in hand. Looking as if I would be stripped of my trousers, I shifted away from Riko.....With the Diviza Nero in hand, I left to change. Partly without protest.<br /> <br /> <br /> My room was originally a four man room so there were a few to double as private rooms. Entering one of them, I straightened my hair before a mirror and got changed.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kasha*<br /> <br /> From the roof, came the sound of a phone camera clicking.<br /> <br /> "Ki-kun is too exposed. If I were using a pistol, Ki-kun would be a wind hole now."<br /> <br /> Looking up, I saw that one of the roof panels had been removed. Riko hung upside down from there with her upper body sticking out, waving her rhinestone adorned cell phone.<br /> <br /> ....Appearing in weird places again, as usual.<br /> <br /> "Girls shouldn't take pictures of men changing. Even if I don't do it, our roles would normally be reversed."<br /> <br /> Already knowing that stopping Riko's weird behavior is fruitless, I checked out my new look with a black necktie in the mirror.<br /> <br /> "Ki-kun's life photos can be sold to Yuki-chan for a considerable price. Kuhihihi..."<br /> <br /> I say, Shirayuki would really buy them. You two really do get along, no? Definitely.<br /> <br /> "By the way, is it okay with you Riko?"<br /> <br /> Just in case....<br /> <br /> I should ask Riko hanging over my head first. Looking in the mirror;<br /> <br /> "You want to kill Aria and me. However fighting would be difficult if we form a team. Butei seriously fighting among themselves is strictly forbidden. Killings within a team are especially heavy crimes."<br /> <br /> "Ha. This girl here is an outlaw. Tu es amnésie"<br /> <br /> Riko.....her voice suddenly becoming sharp, turned towards me with a grin.<br /> <br /> "The reason why I am working with you all, is so that others do not kill you. I said it after defeating Vlad, ''"I won't forgive you if you get killed by anyone else besides me."'' But after that, how many instances where there in which you all were nearly killed? It was also very dangerous this time round. I can't bear this any longer. Furthermore the Bandire[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes] is fast approaching. For the sake of the future from now on before Aria and Kinji are fully grown, I will always be with you. Once the cerises [cherries] are ripe, I will eat you down anew.<br /> <br /> "After this......the Ban..... what?"<br /> <br /> Looking at Riko who mentioned that unknown danger....however, the ceiling was as it was before. There was no trace left let alone Riko. I let out a "hun" from my nose like I was trying to dispel this uneasy atmosphere before putting on my black suit and leaving the room.<br /> <br /> <br /> This year's team photo shoot was held at the roof of the Inquesta block. When the 3 of us, Shirayuki, Riko and me, arrived, we found that there were more black-clad students there than we thought. 20-30 people were present. Were they all here for the Just? We were the same, yet its seemed that everybody was still hesitant at the end. Well, a Butei team is based upon mutual trust with lives. This is not something that can be so easily decided. Being unsure up to the last moment is entirely natural. I looked out over the rooftop beneath the overcast sky. There, amidst the milling crowd of students....was Aria. She was wearing what should be a specially made mini-sized Diviza Nero with a tube top beneath her jacket. Her navel was intermittently exposed as her clothes fluttered in the wind. A rectangle was marked out in black vinyl tape on the floor. The other teams waited in line in the middle of this area for Ranbyou to take their pictures.<br /> <br /> "Oi, Aria. Kaminari-sama will eat your navel."<br /> <br /> I said to the silent Aria who appeared to be having her picture taken.<br /> <br /> "Kinji."<br /> <br /> Aria, who had turned around, gave my navel and the overcast sky a "?" look<br /> <br /> Her beautiful brows deeply furrowed, she walked towards me, Shirayuki and Riko.<br /> <br /> "Once more you speak such ridiculous things. It isn't my navel that's going to be photographed."<br /> <br /> Apparently, this child who has just returned to her country had no idea about the saying where Raijin is supposed to eat human navels.<br /> <br /> Alright. Now was not the mood for explanation but next time I'll do so and give her a good scare. That's because Aria has a strong phobia of thunder.<br /> <br /> "Approximately how long till the deadline?"<br /> <br /> "Around 5 minutes."<br /> <br /> At both Shirayuki and Riko saying this, Aria's camellia eyes turned up towards me.<br /> <br /> "Kinji.....are you okay with it ....coming here? About you.... forming a team....with us"<br /> <br /> "Whether I'm fine with it or not, you have already written my name on the application form. And as leader to boot."<br /> <br /> "I, I was thinking of forcing you in because the matter between Reki and I would not abide us being in a team....I never thought about stealing you away from Reki's side."<br /> <br /> Aria, who was slightly embarrassed at saying such forceful things, fell silent. I.....said nothing and watched the surroundings.<br /> <br /> Reki.....didn't turn up. As I expected.<br /> <br /> "There is no more time. What do we do with Reki?"<br /> <br /> "Wait until the end. I'll text her again."<br /> <br /> Aria said, cradling her arm and looking at the stairs.<br /> <br /> About...4 and a half minutes left...<br /> <br /> Looking at Assault Master Ranbyou who was handling today's photo taking and at Riko and Shirayuki who were holding the application form, I leaned over slightly and whispered,<br /> <br /> "Aria, listen to me. It's still alright to cancel now."<br /> <br /> "......? What?"<br /> <br /> Aria leaned over, directing her tiny left ear at me.<br /> <br /> ".....Riko; she's dangerous. We still don't know if she's a friend or foe."<br /> <br /> "I knew that all along. When the time comes, there will still be a final showdown between her and me."<br /> <br /> "She may launch a sneak attack on us. She will always be around us if we form a team."<br /> <br /> "She's not that type. Despite her appearances she's very prideful."<br /> <br /> Aria, whose own pride reached into the heights of space, looked behind her.<br /> <br /> "Anyway, if I do fall to a sneak attack, avenge me. That's an order. Carry it out well, okay?"<br /> <br /> "Me defeat Riko? That's a very serious matter. And strictly speaking, if you are going to order me why do you still need me to be leader?"<br /> <br /> "That's for the strategic purpose of Kinji taking the role of UL in battle formation. In other words, a leader in name only. The orders will still come from me."<br /> <br /> Even if I don't hand you that task, you would still start issuing orders of your own accord anyway. But if I were to mention that, a handgun would come into play.<br /> <br /> Well, whatever. Just take it as I'm lending you the title of leader.<br /> <br /> "Also, the team name sounds like that of a vehicle. What does it mean?"<br /> <br /> "Aa...that's the name of a place that I own. It's in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmoor Dartmoor region] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devon Devon county]."<br /> <br /> Aria casually said as my eyes widened. Owning a piece of land...but she's a highborn lady doesn't she already own land? Does she intend to wear a crown on her head as well? I stared at Aria's twin tails in surprise.<br /> <br /> ".....Well, it's empty wilderness. It's just inheritance of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles one of the scenes of the Holmes family's triumphs]. I didn't even earn it through my own efforts." Aria averted my gaze in mild embarrassment.<br /> <br /> I remember that name.....Baskerville. I read about it in the Inquesta textbooks. Amidst the cases solved by the original Sherlock Holmes, that name appeared. Later, the Holmes family acquired the land where that case occurred and named it Baskerville. And now, it belonged to Aria.<br /> <br /> (As I thought, she's really a noble lady...)<br /> <br /> I shook my head and while doing so, saw for a moment at the edge of my vision.....a flicker of white.<br /> <br /> ".....?"<br /> <br /> In the shadow of the 2m high air-conditioning unit installed on the roof....was something that looked like a white tail.<br /> <br /> "......!"<br /> <br /> I.....broke into a run.<br /> <br /> "Kinji!?"<br /> <br /> Ignoring Aria's voice from behind, I sprinted towards the air-con unit.<br /> <br /> ....That was...<br /> <br /> It doesn't merely look like it; it was a tail. Covered in silver fur, it was the tail of an animal.<br /> <br /> (It likely isn't a mistake....)<br /> <br /> Turning a corner round the air-con unit, there....was a silver wolf.<br /> <br /> Haimaki.<br /> <br /> And.....<br /> <br /> His master.<br /> <br /> A girl with short cut hair, wearing a Diviza Nero in the form of a man's suit. Her back against the side of the unit, gazing impassively at us as she stood there without a word....<br /> <br /> "Reki....!"<br /> <br /> Aria, who had chased after me, shouted the girl's name.<br /> <br /> "....."<br /> <br /> Reki, who stood below my field of vision, no longer had a bandage wrapped around her brow. I was still worried about her other wounds but from the looks of it, she was alright. Her 4 kg [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragunov_sniper_rifle Dragunov sniper rifle] was also carried on her shoulder in her usual manner.<br /> <br /> "Reki-san! This is wonderful, you made it in time....! Everyone was searching really hard for you, yes? Where did you go? Really....."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki, who was running over with Riko looked as if she was interrogating a younger child as she questioned Reki.<br /> <br /> "....After joining up with Haimaki, I headed for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto Kyouto]."<br /> <br /> "Eh?"<br /> <br /> Seeing Shirayuki's surprised expression, it seems that she did not go to the Hotogi branch shrine there. She must have found it hard to show up there after stealing their helicopter. And Haimaki must have sensed that his master was near and thus, left the shrine.<br /> <br /> "....After which we made a reservation at the inn where we came under attack before and had a bath there."<br /> Inn.....you mean you were at Saori-san's Hachinoko? Speaking of which, baths? You still rely on traditional healing remedies and those are severe wounds. Well since you are healed now it's good.<br /> <br /> "Even so....you knew that we were here."<br /> <br /> I said as I remembered that Reki's cell phone had been destroyed.<br /> <br /> "After I bought a cell phone just now, I received Aria's message immediately."<br /> <br /> Reki replied as she lowered her head.<br /> <br /> (Ah...so that's the case)<br /> <br /> The moment I charged the phone that I bought a few days back, I was surprised by getting a mail from Mutou and Shiranui. It seems that Reki encountered the same situation. Generally speaking, when cell phones that are receiving messages are out of range or off, the message will be saved for a few days in the network center. And once it detects a signal again, the message will be sent anew. It's the same with new phones bought after the destruction of the previous one. It just requires the user to use the same number and not change his mail address. That's why Reki received Aria's message when she bought a new phone. A wry smile surfaced when I imagined the surrealism of Reki in an electronics shop but it's fortunate that Reki bought a new phone today. If it were tomorrow, it would be too late.<br /> <br /> (In any case, Reki.....made it here. She would never hear the Wind again.)<br /> <br /> ...Yes. She came of her own accord. This would be the first time Reki had acted on her own free will.<br /> <br /> ......Welcome. Welcome, Reki.<br /> <br /> "....."<br /> <br /> Aria....<br /> <br /> Despite rushing over immediately, was silent.<br /> <br /> What's....with this hesitation? The deadline of the Just is drawing near. Well, despite forming a team after you had a big fight, it's understandable there would be a strain in relations.<br /> <br /> ....Can't be helped. This is where I come in.<br /> <br /> As I wasn't in Hysteria Mode now, I don't know if I can skillfully restore the ties between both girls to their former state.<br /> <br /> "Reki, are you fine with joining this team? Even if its arbitrarily formed by Aria."<br /> <br /> I asked in place of Aria.<br /> <br /> Reki....nodded her head without a word.<br /> <br /> "Well then, hurry up and say what you want to say, Aria. After that we hold hands like friends and go get our picture taken. During the battle when you were being attacked on both sides by the Koko's you were holding hands."<br /> <br /> Recalling the turn above the Shinkansen, I pressed Aria on....<br /> <br /> "During that time, I only did that because it was the best thing to do."<br /> <br /> Aria, red from embarrassment, responded as she looked up at Reki.<br /> <br /> "But you wanted Reki in your team. Stop being so hard-hearted."<br /> <br /> "Th...the team needed a sniper in it. That's why I included her."<br /> <br /> Aria...this stubborn girl....My words seem to have had the opposite effect. It would be bad if I continued speaking and they end up fighting. They would still be fighting when the deadline passed. Just when I was getting my hands burnt dealing with this troublesome kid, a lifeboat appeared...<br /> <br /> "Even though you say all these things, Aria actually likes Reki, no?"<br /> <br /> "Come on Aria, it's fine saying it. Yesterday, I felt pity for you watching from the sides....you were so worried about Reki."<br /> <br /> Riko and Shirayuki said from both sides.<br /> <br /> Aria looked at the two of them, looked at me, and then looked at Reki.<br /> <br /> ''Buwaaaa''<br /> <br /> With no time for me to thank Shirayuki and Riko, Aria's face turned red.<br /> <br /> "That...that's not the case! I....I...."<br /> <br /> So saying, Aria, who had extended a trembling arm towards Reki....took one step, a second, and walked towards Reki.<br /> <br /> ".....Reki.....!"<br /> <br /> ....She hugged her.<br /> <br /> "Reki....Reki.....I was so worried! Why did you suddenly disappear...!"<br /> <br /> The crying Aria and the expressionless Reki as she was being hugged.<br /> <br /> Riko laughed as she watched those two and Shirayuki looked as if she was the elder sister kindly looking upon her two younger sisters.<br /> <br /> G-Great.<br /> <br /> As I thought, to get girls to make up, you need the help of girls.<br /> <br /> "Aria-san, that time atop the Shinkansen..."<br /> <br /> Reki, from the center of Aria's arms....<br /> <br /> "Thank you for holding my hand."<br /> <br /> Looking into Aria's face, they were the first words of gratitude she had spoken.<br /> <br /> Thank you.<br /> <br /> Until now, Reki had never said those words to anyone as far as I can remember. And hearing those common words from Reki, who was so silent that it seemed like that would never happen, it made me feel good.<br /> <br /> Reki did change a little after that life-threatening Caravan I after all.<br /> <br /> Hearing this overly frank gratitude Aria....whose face had been red from embarrassment for a moment, neatly turned to face Reki.<br /> <br /> "Reki....I too am thankful. For coming that time....thank you. Let's erase this hole in our friendship. Let's now......restore diplomatic ties? Renew our relations? Err....let's be friends again!"<br /> <br /> I gave a bitter laugh at such strange words for mending ties.<br /> <br /> "Hey hey! My dear students! There is still 15 seconds to the deadline. Butei are to strictly adhere to that timing!"<br /> <br /> A man's voice could be heard from somewhere. I looked at everyone who was dispersed. This voice....the owner was famous for only remaining audible while he himself was invisible. Master of Lezzad, Chan Wu.<br /> <br /> "Oi little brats! Stop clinging all over each other and come here! There's around 10 seconds left! Hurry up and enter this border and have your picture taken!"<br /> <br /> Looking in this direction, Assault Master Ranbyou brandished a camera and denoted the area marked out by vinyl tape on the floor.<br /> <br /> [[File:Aria07 219.jpg|thumb]]<br /> <br /> "Let's go."<br /> <br /> Aria grasped Reki's hand. Just like when they were atop the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> "Alright, we'd also better get going."<br /> <br /> Pushing Shirayuki and Riko by the shoulder, I hurried towards Ranbyou and her camera. Ahead of us, Reki who seemed unsure how to react after having her real self accepted by another person, ran behind after Aria's lead. Chasing after those two, I smiled. <br /> <br /> Here, on this rooftop of the Inquesta building was where a month ago, Reki became my partner against my will. And now....at this very same spot, we dragged Reki into our team. What an inversion it is.<br /> <br /> "5 seconds left! Run!"<br /> <br /> Charging towards Ranbyou, who was looking at her watch and shouting angrily, the 5 of us entered the area in one scattered block. There was no time left to neatly line up like an exemplary team. If this were a normal photo shoot, the photographer would say "Smile, look this way!"<br /> <br /> "Alright. No smiling! Look diagonally ahead!"<br /> <br /> This is a Butei group shot. It required us to look diagonally ahead, giving little hint of our true selves. We wore black to prevent the identification of our school from the uniform.<br /> <br /> "Team Baskerville! Kanzaki H Aria Just!"<br /> <br /> Aria, who was first to stand in the middle of the area, said to Ranbyou with her hands on her waist. To her right rear, Reki, in order to prevent her Dragunov from being photographed, pushed the rifle sling on her shoulder back a little to hide it. At Aria's left rear, Riko folded her arms and faced to one side, with only her eyes focused on the camera. I brushed my hair slightly such that it covered the wound left on my cheek by the Slash. To hide the taping covering my still aching fingers, I placed my hand in my pocket and entered the frame's right corner. If anyone deduced my techniques from my scars, that would leave me at a disadvantage. Last to enter the left corner was Shirayuki, who, demonstrating her fine upbringing, faced Ranbyou's camera with a slight smile.<br /> <br /> "September 23rd 1159 hrs, Team Baskerville....Acknowledged, entered!" <br /> <br /> Looking at her watch, Ranbyou raised the camera and pushed the shutter release at the very last minute.<br /> <br /> And so, the strobe flashed with a sound.<br /> <br /> Unexpectedly however, the camera that Ranbyou hurriedly raised was slanted. Although all five of us were captured in the picture, it was messily crooked to one side. Well, whatever, it's a photograph of us who always leaves things to the last minute. <br /> <br /> At that time, I never expected that this photograph.......<br /> <br /> .....would be the first and last one together for us, the five members of Baskerville.<br /> <br /> <br /> After an evening shower, the sky cleared. A rose-coloured sunset engulfed Tokyo...<br /> <br /> I took Reki and Haimaki to the western tip of the Academy Island outside the fence that prevents anyone falling into the sea. This was for the purpose of giving Haimaki that reward I promised him on that mountain during the sniper battle.<br /> <br /> "Here...eat up. It's really troublesome peeling off all the vinyl wrapping."<br /> <br /> In an open box by my foot were 60 fish sausages. Or in other words, I bought the entire box. On seeing that, Haimaki let out a howl, thrust his head into the box and began devouring. His white tail was waving like a propeller. He really loves fish sausages.<br /> <br /> "...."<br /> <br /> At Haimaki's side, Reki knelt down and gently stroked his back, as always; expressionless to a stranger's eyes...however, I had the impression that I could read Reki's expression to some small degree. This was a gentle expression of gratitude to Haimaki. I turned towards the golden sea, illuminated by the sunset and took a deep breath of the sea breeze. At this time, the wind was refreshingly cool. <br /> <br /> Summer....was nearing its end.<br /> <br /> "Speaking of which, did you know that even the battle positions were submitted by Aria on her own volition?"<br /> <br /> Hearing my words, Reki raised her pretty face from her kneeling position and shook her head.<br /> <br /> "The front is formed by Aria and me. Aria is the PM (point man), I'm the UL (Unit Leader).[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes] Support will be you and Shirayuki. Riko will make up the tail. When storming a target, Aria and I will suppress with handgun bullets while you two will provide medium and long ranged attacks. Riko will be on alert for any attacks from the back and in retreat; she'll act as the rearguard, hampering any pursuers."<br /> <br /> Reki's face was like that of a small animal as she gazed intently at me while I fired Assault terms non-stop. Seeing as she didn't say anything, it appeared that she had no objections. Well, at any rate, after being forced to become leader, I knew how to improve the team's formation. I had to combine everyone's talents and personalities. <br /> <br /> Aria and I were experts at fighting alongside each other. Shirayuki was an almighty unit in both offense and defense. She could charge forwards with both spell and sword or stay at the rear tending to the wounded and act as a spotter for sniping. And at the rear was the genius sniper Reki, protecting Riko who would quickly spot dangers. In the event of withdrawal, although Riko could defend against the enemy's assault, however, her true skill lay in escaping; the fighting retreat being her expertise. Aria....in this accidental team of 5, was a balance. She may have no reasoning ability but she was a genius in combat matters.<br /> <br /> (And furthermore, military formations aren't all there is to this team.)<br /> <br /> In this team, everyone's abilities are singularly high. Including Reki, this team had two S-rank Butei which was something that was rare even amongst 3rd years. In the 2nd year, only we alone had this. Shirayuki and Riko are both A-rank so it's really a big drop in ability when my E-rank is considered. I'm truly sorry. Well, with the run-up to registration being so chaotic, the cohesiveness of the team in doubt and according to Ranbyou-sensei, "If the team is unwilling at the start, you'll have a hell of a time in the end."<br /> <br /> I certainly pray we don't run into any cases big enough to have a hell of a time.<br /> <br /> "How should I say this....Is this really alright? Forming a team with Aria."<br /> <br /> Although the matter might have passed, but I'd still better be sure.<br /> <br /> "....Yes."<br /> <br /> Reki quietly stood up and faced me.<br /> <br /> "Until now, I've never felt 'human emotions.' But after this experience, I've started to think. I've started to think about....Aria-san's feelings."<br /> <br /> "Aria's feelings....?"<br /> <br /> "When I was wounded on the mountain during the sniper attack, I was bent on following the Wind's orders; to fight to the death. And so, I allowed you to leave me. That had to be putting on a brave front. At that time, I was wavering between you and the Wind."<br /> <br /> Putting on a brave front....even at that time, that emotion had already taken root in Reki?<br /> <br /> "Now, I can say, at that time what I was thinking in my heart was 'I don't want to die.'"<br /> <br /> "...."<br /> <br /> "And the one who allowed me to embrace that thought was Kinji-san. You."<br /> <br /> "Me....?"<br /> <br /> ".......You are a very important person to me. I did not want to leave you."<br /> <br /> Reki, who was new to emotions....<br /> <br /> Said honestly into my eyes without hiding her feelings.<br /> <br /> "......."<br /> <br /> Suddenly having a pretty girl say all this to me....<br /> <br /> I was unable to respond and turned to face the sea.<br /> <br /> "It's you who allowed feelings to take root in my heart. If I died I would be separated from you....from the one important to me. I don't want that."<br /> <br /> The one important to her....she said it twice. And furthermore, they were both direct to my face. Reki sure is straight. Exactly like a sniper who fires straight and true at her target.<br /> <br /> "This time, I've thought about Aria-san's feelings. When I took Kinji-san away from Aria-san it was the same kind of act. To her, you are a very important person."<br /> <br /> Perhaps mirroring my actions, Reki's eyes which were looking out to sea were.....at this moment filled with a hint of loneliness.<br /> <br /> "That's why I'll join the team.....I'll watch over you all, never pulling you all apart again. No matter what happens in the end."<br /> <br /> Hearing Reki who was normally caught up in her own world say all this.....I had some difficulty keeping up.<br /> <br /> "That's why, you and Aria being together is a good thing."<br /> <br /> Having said that, Reki closed her tiny lips. And after a rare moment of hesitation,<br /> <br /> "But this too.....is putting on a brave front....."<br /> <br /> She murmured.<br /> <br /> "Putting on a brave front?"<br /> <br /> "Yes. Once more there are conflicting emotions in my heart. I'm....facing not just the male who is simply the one Ulus need....but also the Kinji-san who allowed me to feel emotions."<br /> <br /> Reki's red-brown eyes stared at me, as if she were gracefully expressing her own feelings and slowly said,<br /> <br /> "I don't want to see you stolen away by Aria-san"<br /> <br /> ....That's virtually the statement of another confrontation once more and yet....<br /> <br /> Reki's demeanor did not have the same one-sided feel as when she last fought Aria at Butei High.<br /> <br /> "....."<br /> <br /> "....."<br /> <br /> For a while, the two of us were silent. The sound of crashing waves resonated in the distance.<br /> <br /> "And conversely, I now ask if Kinji-san is fine with it; having me on the team. The Wind doesn't speak anymore. I myself don't know what to do either. My own heart follows some uncertain guidepost as it walks on, wrapped in contradiction. Without any direction from the Wind I don't even know who I am anymore...."<br /> <br /> Perhaps it was due to the silence raising my sense of unease but Reki's behavior....resembled in some respects an attempt to cling onto something. Thinking this a little cute, my cheeks loosened imperceptibly.<br /> <br /> "....Reki. No one ever knows who they are."<br /> <br /> "....."<br /> <br /> "Reki is Reki. That is enough. I'm fine with the current Reki, don't worry."<br /> <br /> Hearing this, Reki's cheeks....slightly turned scarlet. Well, this must have been due to the red light from the setting sun.<br /> <br /> "But....I don't know what to do from here on."<br /> <br /> "If that's so, then just start looking from now on and it'll be fine. Just set yourself a target. And the school and team are there for that purpose."<br /> <br /> The S-ranked honors student, Reki hearing me, the E-ranked problem child with a reputation for being utterly useless say such vague things, looked as if she was.....slightly taken aback. She resembled someone listening to the warnings of elders.<br /> <br /> ....The sound of waves reverberated in the distance....<br /> <br /> Reki....<br /> <br /> "You.....are just like the Wind."<br /> <br /> She murmured to herself. And gently caressed by the wind,<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san is a great person. Even knowing about my emptiness....he didn't change."<br /> <br /> "No, I'm quite narrow minded. You however..."<br /> <br /> Being able to suppress Hysteria Mode demonstrates that I'm quite a virtuous person at heart. I felt like saying so but to do that in front of Reki would be embarrassing.<br /> <br /> Swallowing my words, I tried to cover it up.<br /> <br /> "Ah....emptiness, emptiness has its own benefits. You just need to fill it up with many various things." <br /> <br /> "Kinji-san..."<br /> <br /> "That's why I'll teach you some general knowledge."<br /> <br /> "Yes. Please teach me."<br /> <br /> So saying, Reki's attitude gives the impression of having pure respect for me....Even if it's appropriate that I remain silent, I still felt somewhat embarrassed. In terms of Riko's games, it would be like entering "Reki's route." Although it wasn't my intention, did I just pick all the words that would win her over? This...although the character is different, it was just like my junior in Lezzad, Fuuma Hina. Mistakenly respecting the useless me, Reki sure is pitiful, I thought.<br /> <br /> "After all, you are devoid of common knowledge. Probably the most out of all 5 Baskerville members."<br /> <br /> For the sake of balance, I said something that would reduce her goodwill towards me. And with that...Reki's mouth seemed to twitch by millimeters. It seemed like she was pressing her lips together in an endless line but she was actually curling them.<br /> <br /> "....."<br /> <br /> And with a sound, she drifted over to my side and....<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa*<br /> <br /> Lightly struck my upper arm.<br /> <br /> This might well be an expression of anger. Communicating with Reki definitely requires observational skills. Because she hit me, I too retaliated. Lightly, gently, striking Reki on the upper arm.<br /> <br /> And so, *pa* *pa*.<br /> <br /> Reki hit me twice. I don't understand it but there was somehow an air of joy to the whole thing.<br /> <br /> Which is to say that Reki also doesn't know how to express emotions.<br /> <br /> Aa....this was bad. Even this had to be taught to her. Looking down, I saw that Haimaki had finished eating his fish sausages.....Beneath the brightening moon and the sun that had almost sunk below the sea, I turned around and prepared to return to my dorm. Like I'd just abandoned her, Reki....<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> Lightly tugging my jacket from behind;<br /> <br /> "The loyalty of the Ulus is eternal. Even if the wind no longer speaks to me, I will protect you....forever."<br /> <br /> The happiness within her words took me aback. Seeing that kind of expression on Reki's face again, it made me feel good. <br /> <br /> Those who do not know Reki well may not understand but I could understand that expression well enough. <br /> <br /> It was a really thin smile. But it was cute enough to capture my heart.<br /> <br /> There was nothing that could rival it in that....a smile, without a doubt.<br /> <br /> That night, just after 11pm....having revised [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Japanese modern Japanese] until pretty late.....Shirayuki got the remaining crab out of the freezer and prepared a late night [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenshindon tenshindon].<br /> <br /> Perhaps it was because the food was too delicious but Riko who for some reason, had recently settled at my home took her ladle and clashed with my own for the tenshindon. Riko you little bitch...scraping even the tenshindon in my mouth out is far too much. My teeth are going to break like this. Just when I was protecting my own bowl by using Edge Catching Double Finger to stop Riko's ladle....my cell rang. It was Aria's lawyer. How many times has it been during this vacation that she had taken our testimonies over the phone? Thinking it was another one of those times; I resigned myself to leaving the remaining tenshindon and quietly walked into the living room. However, that was not the case. She was informing us that the preparations for the retrial of Aria's mother, Kanzaki Kanae-san, had been complete. Generally speaking, from now until the start of the hearing, no more new pieces of evidence could be submitted. Which in other words, means that for the time being, Aria had some time for herself. On hearing this news, I checked my watch....and took something from the wall cabinet and put it in my pocket. That was...how shall I say this....something I bought out of care for Aria. After saying "I'll be back soon" to Shirayuki who was in the bathroom, and ignoring the giggling Riko who was giggling and gulping down her tenshindon like a hyena while saying cryptically, "hu hu hu....well, well, well....? Going-some-where-hmmm? Excellent, excellent. Looks like my love-making counseling on the Shinkansen did not go to waste, hu..hu..hu," I left the house.<br /> <br /> <br /> Recently, Aria did not rest at all due to the preparations for the trial. Add to that the conflict with Reki and she must be very stressed. And all past experiences until now demonstrate that when stressed, Aria would get into angry outbursts and things would become "Kinji's fault." In reality, Aria had recently on many occasions became nervous and would eye me in a strange manner before disappearing. That is probably a sign of danger. Thus why I needed to pacify her before the dual Governments simultaneously open fire. Nevertheless, my opponent is a girl. All along, calming the tempers of girls has never been my strong suit.<br /> <br /> However, this time was different. I had methods taught to me by Jeanne-sensei at my disposal.<br /> <br /> "Girls will be calmed down when they receive from men clothes, accessories or things they can wear."<br /> <br /> And this really does work as demonstrated by Reki calming down when I bought her clothes in Osaka; this theory can be said to have withstood practical on scene scrutiny. It can thus be also applied to Aria. Even so, suddenly giving her a present would be weird. "What double meaning is there to this? Tell me! Quick, tell me now!" she would say while pointing a handgun at me. Nonetheless, today was also an occasion. <br /> <br /> Today, September 23rd......<br /> <br /> Despite there being only around 30 minutes left, today was Aria's birthday. Probably.<br /> <br /> Probably, since I never heard it clearly from Aria's own lips.<br /> <br /> However, a few months before, I heard Aria tell Shirayuki that "I'm a Virgo." This met a reply of " Eh..? That really doesn't seem so." And thus this dangerous conversation played itself out.<br /> <br /> A few days ago while under the influence of Hysteria mode, I recalled (apparently, when in Hysteria mode, I could recall every word I heard about something) this. To avoid the problem of being peppered full of holes in the event that I forgot Aria's birthday, I noted down in my Butei notebook that "Aria is a Virgo." And from some searching on the net, I found that Virgo ended on the 23rd of September. In other words, today. If Aria's birthday was before this date, I should be blown full of holes by now. As such, I can guess that today is her birthday.<br /> <br /> Of course, this alone would still be insufficient basis for such a claim so I found additional backing in the unidentified 4 digits in Aria's e-mail address—0923 since it was common for users to place their birth dates at the end of their mail addresses.<br /> <br /> Leaving the male dormitory, I leaned against the guardrail of the road and gave Aria a call. A single ring and Aria immediately answered.<br /> <br /> ".....Wh... what? Kinji."<br /> <br /> What's with this suspicious tone.<br /> <br /> Why? Well whatever.<br /> <br /> "Where are you now?"<br /> <br /> "Ah, eh? H-Here? This is the girls dorm. My room. I just returned from the lawyer's office. But...wha, what is it Kinji? Don't tell me you want to come to my room?"<br /> <br /> Who the heck would go to Aria's room?[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes] <br /> <br /> "Then come to the conservatory below the girls' dorm."<br /> <br /> "Eh..."<br /> <br /> "I will....yeah, be there in around 10 minutes."<br /> <br /> "Ha, ha, eh?"<br /> <br /> Ha, eh? What is this?<br /> <br /> I said warningly to Aria who spoke in that idiotic voice as if air was leaking from her throat,<br /> <br /> "Understand?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> Yes?<br /> <br /> That was the first time I heard anything akin to polite language towards me from Aria's lips.<br /> <br /> Is Aria alright? She's being a little strange. Maybe she was simply tired. Even so however, I still must proceed. There was nothing more important after all, than preserving my own safety.<br /> <br /> <br /> Walking through the academy island in the late night, I reached the foot of the girls' dorm....<br /> <br /> One would know just by looking from the outside, that the interior of the conservatory was utterly dark.<br /> <br /> Aria still hadn't arrived? I turned on the electrical switch at the side of the glass window when—<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa* *pa* *pa*... the light of fluorescent lamps bathed the interior starting from the front of the conservatory. Vegetable gardens, lily and nadeshiko zones, water lily and hibiscus zones; flowers and greenery glistened individually beneath the light. The last zone to be illuminated was the most sprawling of all; the rose zone.<br /> <br /> There, garbed in her uniform, Aria stood idly.<br /> <br /> She grasped at her twin tails as if rubbing them. This was a habit of hers whenever she was nervous.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, she let out a "Ha, Waah?!" and looked around her surroundings. As if some event had not been able to be cleared up in time, numerous light bulbs lit up the decorative plants. It seemed as if the power source and ceiling lights were linked. It was just like a Christmas tree. Incidentally, the small fountain in the middle of the conservatory was linked to the power source as well. It began to spray sparkling drops of water. To top it off, the night scene of Tokyo, together with the Tokyo tower, under the harvest moon of mid-autumn could be seen through the glass walls. Somehow this over-illumination turned the place into one of much splendor.<br /> <br /> Well, time to put Jeanne's battle plan into action for the sake of saving my life. I raised my hand in Aria's direction and walked towards her—<br /> <br /> Aria tightly held her hands before her front, her expression one of extreme impatience.<br /> <br /> "Why...why did you call me here?"<br /> <br /> When I stepped forward, she took a step back.<br /> <br /> This isn't like the Demon Butei Quadra Aria at all. She looked apprehensive.<br /> <br /> "Aria....are you.....alright? You could still speak fine up to 'here'."<br /> <br /> While speaking, I walked up to the front of Aria who was covered in the blooming roses....and on noticing the scar on the ground left by repair work, let out a small whistle.<br /> <br /> "Haha....oi, this is where we fell from above back then."<br /> <br /> Back then, I—<br /> <br /> Had leapt from the top of the girls' dormitory together with Aria who was about to be taken back to London in a helicopter.<br /> <br /> At that time, I had misjudged the strength of the [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%93%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%8F%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B9 vinyl greenhouse's] roof and had fallen rather vigorously to the ground. In the process, I had battered aside several of the metal piping, wounding myself as a result.<br /> <br /> "....Seriously...."<br /> <br /> Aria who was looking at that spot, remembered that incident and, hit by nostalgia, her angry, upturned eyes softened. Normally angry, Aria now—<br /> <br /> Was actually rather....cute. From the first time I met her, I had always thought so.<br /> <br /> As if she could hear my thoughts, Aria looked up and covered her grinning mouth with her hand like she was somehow trying to hide her double canines. It appears she has a sensitivity complex regarding her own cat-like canines. That being the way it is, there's no need to hide them now. Besides, I don't dislike them. Setting her unseemly mouth in order, Aria cleared her throat—<br /> <br /> "Eh....what do you want with me? There must be a fair reason for calling a lady out at such a late hour, yes?"<br /> <br /> She said with the oppressive feeling that I would be blown full of holes if that wasn't the case.<br /> <br /> I pointed at the clock hung on the trees in the center of the conservatory.<br /> <br /> "11:45. That's quite safe."<br /> <br /> "So; what. Is. The. Matter."<br /> <br /> Aria. Right now, your expression is extremely weird. It is the utterly strange expression of one who is excited but is desperately trying not to let it show on her face. I should take this with my phone camera.<br /> <br /> "Today is your birthday."<br /> <br /> Putting on airs, I had barely said this when—<br /> <br /> Aria, nodded frantically with her eyes wide open.<br /> <br /> "You, yourself forgot didn't you?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>shake, shake, shake*<br /> <br /> Presently, her twin tails were violently swinging from side to side and her eyes tightly shut as she shook her head.<br /> <br /> "You'd thought I'd ignored it then?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Nod...shake, shake*<br /> <br /> One moment nodding then the next shaking her head, she really did believe that I had ignored her birthday totally. Such lack of faith in me.<br /> <br /> By the way, why are you suddenly not saying anything? Just some time ago, Reki had become so talkative and now Aria had fallen silent; are you switching places or something? I really can't understand girls at all, seriously. Each and every last one of them.<br /> <br /> "Your hand. I have a present for you."<br /> <br /> At this, Aria raised her trembling hands together before her chest like she was collecting water.<br /> <br /> "Err...just one hand will do."<br /> <br /> With that, I half-heartedly grasped Aria's left hand with my right.<br /> <br /> Waa...Aria having lost her voice and thus not making a single sound...was strange like that. How should I put it....it's as if someone had informed her beforehand of this and she had been waiting all this while....? Well even if that were the case it would still be alright. It doesn't look like she's going to reject it. I reached into the depths of my pocket—<br /> <br /> And fished out a ring of pure silver. To prevent it from hindering Aria when she was wielding her gun, it had no gemstone. Only a plain band. This was bought from that curious, cat filled clothes shop in Osaka, Chaton b during my spare time when Reki was in the dressing room.<br /> <br /> However....<br /> <br /> While pulling Aria's left hand before the front of my chest, I suddenly noticed it. I noticed right now, this ring. Bought in a smaller size for the purpose of fitting Aria's hand....Yet I had not considered far enough which finger it should fit. How thoughtless of me. <br /> <br /> "Uu....uu...mou, if you want me to accept it then hurry up and give it to me.....!"<br /> <br /> Just like a child about to get a shot, Aria's left arm was trembling.<br /> <br /> "Why are you so tense? It isn't as if I'm handing you a bomb. Let me see your fingers."<br /> <br /> "F...fingers? Fingers?! W...w...w...Why!"<br /> <br /> Her eyes having opened to the point that they were about to fly out of their sockets, I examined five of Aria's fearfully trembling fingers....<br /> <br /> Thumb, index finger, middle finger, all.....no good. It can't fit. It would fall off the little finger. Well, ring finger then.<br /> <br /> "Aha"<br /> <br /> I pulled the ring from my pocket,<br /> <br /> "Wa, wa, waaa!"<br /> <br /> Aria cried in a fit of abnormally wild temper.<br /> <br /> "Wa! Waaa!"<br /> <br /> That is a ring. It is just a ring.<br /> <br /> Why are you getting so worked up? It's not a big deal.<br /> <br /> I say, don't make so much noise in the middle of the night. You are being a public nuisance.<br /> <br /> "Here. Happy birthday."<br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:Aria07 243.jpg|thumb]]<br /> <br /> And with that, I handed the ring over—<br /> <br /> However, "! ! !," Aria was shaking so badly with fear that it was unlikely she could put it on herself. With no choice left, I took the ring finger of Aria's left hand and smoothly slid the ring into place—<br /> <br /> Oh...it fits just nice. How fortunate.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Gyui.....*<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Gyuiiiiin—*<br /> <br /> At this moment, Aria's pale face was shifting through the spectrum of colours, changing from white to red. No matter how many times I see it, it never fails to amaze me; this physiology that can turn someone's face scarlet in a second. Even a chameleon would be impressed.<br /> <br /> "I'll tell you this first, that isn't some expensive trinket."<br /> <br /> "It's, it's al-al-alright. B-But can I accept this? Can I really accept this?"<br /> <br /> "Just take it. And don't open fire on me so easily in future."<br /> <br /> "—Y-Yes."<br /> <br /> There it was once more. Aria's "yes."<br /> On the contrary, it felt weird. Up to this point, she had been responding in an over the top manner. I really don't understand her at all....<br /> <br /> This is a lesson that a ring is an item which resounds with extreme intensity in the hearts of girls. The Aria, who can boast of a level of fieriness worthy of the Guinness Records, has been reduced to this state. <br /> <br /> (.....Errm.......it's kind of like .....)<br /> <br /> Aria's tantrum isn't a reaction one would have on receiving any simple accessory. Perhaps there is a further meaning to this current chain of behavior than I know? <br /> <br /> On the night of her birthday, she got a phone call calling her to go to the conservatory.<br /> She had received a ring as a present which was put on her left ring finger.<br /> Right after, she had freely attacked me for some time.<br /> <br /> While it was possible that the above behavior had some meaning behind it, I entirely could not see it at all. I don't want to boast but regarding basic knowledge on this sort of argument between man and woman, I know little like a child.<br /> <br /> Due to my fear of entering Hysteria Mode, I had avoided that kind of information all my life.<br /> <br /> Speaking of which, Kana had already warned me in the past....a lack of knowledge on such matters poses the danger that someday, actions leading to a disastrous misunderstanding when dealing with girls would result....among other things.<br /> <br /> And so, the one facing me was the person eternally infamous for misunderstandings, Aria-san.<br /> <br /> Any one of my previous three behaviors could have been [misunderstanding causing behavior].<br /> <br /> However, my initial aim of ensuring my own safety has been achieved.<br /> <br /> So it’s good, un, un.<br /> <br /> Aria, who was nodding alone at me stammered<br /> <br /> “Kinji….I’m….I’m very happy with th…this. But still….th..this..is too soon…wh..what does this…..mean…for us?”<br /> <br /> Hmph…is that what she's asking.<br /> <br /> Well, if right now, I say something like: "This is for the sake of preventing myself from being raged and shot at," I'll be made into live food for several .45 ACP bullets. As such, I--<br /> <br /> "Butei Charter article 6: "Reflect by yourself, act by yourself". If you're a Butei, then you'll think of it yourself, right?"<br /> <br /> Confused her.<br /> <br /> After shaking her head up and down in one big nod, Aria looked at her open left hand, right in front of her own face--<br /> <br /> With a feeling as if she couldn't tear her eyes away from the ring, shining on her ring finger--<br /> <br /> ''Tch, tch, tch...''<br /> <br /> As if backing away from the pure, silver light, she started to shuffle back.<br /> <br /> However, her hand was her own, so of course it followed her.<br /> <br /> Aria, her lips shaking, walked further backwards with her shaking knees...<br /> <br /> "Mikyaaa!"<br /> <br /> --''Thud! Splash!''<br /> <br /> She caught her foot on the edge of the mini fountain, and tipped over backwards.<br /> <br /> She really fits perfectly inside the pool of that fountain, which couldn't be anything but around the size of a bathtub.<br /> <br /> "He-hey..."<br /> <br /> "M-Mikyaa! Kyaapu! Kyaaapu!"<br /> <br /> ''Splash! SplashSplash!''<br /> <br /> Even though the water probably couldn't be anything more than 30 centimeters deep, Aria, who could not swim, started panicking in an instant--like she was drowning.<br /> <br /> At what kind of level is your inability to swim?<br /> <br /> No, that isn't a level at which one is able to say a simple inability to swim.<br /> <br /> "Are you alright, Aria...?"<br /> <br /> Aria, who was struggling, only the lower half of her fallen body sticking out, ''Yank!''<br /> <br /> I pulled her out from the fountain's pool, and...her eyes were spinning.<br /> <br /> It didn't seem as if she had drunk any water, but her appearance was such that it appeared as if she had entered a vegetative state from the shock.<br /> <br /> (Aahh...I can't leave her alone like this...)<br /> <br /> I squeezed her soaked twin-tails like a wet towel, getting out the water, and then decided to carry her on my back, returning home. There's no choice. I guess I'll even let Shirayuki take care of her at our place.<br /> <br /> Uwaah. As light as ever. Aria, that is. Isn't her body weight around 30 kilos?<br /> <br /> "...Ex-exactly like Riko said on the Shinkansen...It's become that...Mo-more than that...!"<br /> <br /> Aria being carried on my back, I didn't understand her words, which were like the words of someone delirious, but--<br /> <br /> (Doing this, this time I can spend with Aria, too is...coming to an end, isn't it.)<br /> <br /> So I thought, and I felt a loneliness that I could not begin to describe creep into my chest. <br /> <br /> Aria...is selfish, self-centered, presumptuous- an intensely troubling girl.<br /> <br /> But only because of that, being together with her isn't boring. Whether it was good or bad, it was always exciting.<br /> <br /> It felt as if, to me, who had been labeled with the nickname, "Introvert," that my relationship with her had led to a balanced life. It's a different meaning from what Aria had said, but--she probably was a good partner.<br /> <br /> Aria.<br /> <br /> I have never said it clearly to you--<br /> <br /> From now on, I don't think I'll say it either though. For the sake of both of us.<br /> <br /> --I don't want you to go back. To someplace like London. Really.<br /> <br /> But, that is my selfishness. So, I will leave it in the midst of my chest. For eternity.<br /> <br /> Also, when next year comes, I too will transfer from this Butei High to a normal school.<br /> <br /> April...The transfer application that I had torn up before I had chased Aria to this girls' dormitory, it's probably time to make it again. Just about time.<br /> <br /> Continuing straight forward, Academy Island--<br /> <br /> Carrying Aria, walking down the footpath, I thought.<br /> <br /> Right now, I even felt that it would have been nice had Academy Island been longer. <br /> <br /> That this night would continue forever, that it would have been alright just to walk like this, anywhere.<br /> <br /> However, there is no night that does not dawn. There is an end to each road.<br /> <br /> I felt as if that was something intolerable, and I tried not to think about it, but...Aria's mother's retrial is next month. EU has been defeated, a judgement of innocence is no longer in doubt.<br /> <br /> So, after one month--my parting with Aria. Just once.<br /> <br /> <br /> Like that, this time was a time to steel myself, but...<br /> <br /> Our fate, it isn't sold by a wholesaler.[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes] In this, and that.<br /> <br /> --Right, 'Hidan no Aria'-san?<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter3|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Epilogue}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User_talk:IngridSenpai&diff=172662 User talk:IngridSenpai 2012-07-27T08:47:09Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Hidan no Aria */</p> <hr /> <div>== A Little Thanks ==<br /> <br /> Thanks for picking up this series, it's been weeks since the last update. I hope you can continue on delivering more translations in the days to come, oh... you can take your time, I'm not rushing you and all, I'm sure many are glad (I think) to see that the series is being translated again and... '''THANK YOU!!'''<br /> <br /> == Hidan no Aria ==<br /> <br /> i do really mind if you translate vol 8 chap 3 first but if you will start on vol 10 it is alright... do your best! and thank you! [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User_talk:IngridSenpai&diff=172660 User talk:IngridSenpai 2012-07-27T08:37:51Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>== A Little Thanks ==<br /> <br /> Thanks for picking up this series, it's been weeks since the last update. I hope you can continue on delivering more translations in the days to come, oh... you can take your time, I'm not rushing you and all, I'm sure many are glad (I think) to see that the series is being translated again and... '''THANK YOU!!'''<br /> <br /> == Hidan no Aria ==<br /> <br /> i do really mind if you translate vol 8 chap 3 first but if you will start on vol 10 it is alright... do your best! [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=171922 User:Just4fun 2012-07-24T14:58:55Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Stopped)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=171921 User:Just4fun 2012-07-24T14:54:37Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Chapter3&diff=171915 Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter3 2012-07-24T14:44:04Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==3rd Ammo: The Third Quadra==<br /> <br /> The three girls from Connect had several simple single-earphone-type incams, and taking them, we established communication, sharing the same frequency.<br /> <br /> Afterward, confirming that we had reached our respective positions...first, a message from Shiranui was transmitted through the incam.<br /> <br /> "...Tohyama-kun. On Car 7, there are several TV staff of some location aboard and they have cameras. They understand that this is an incident, so it seems that all along, they have been using the train's wireless LAN to broadcast."<br /> <br /> "Broadcast...in this situation?"<br /> <br /> "Yes, they seem to be happy. They were able to be right at a scoop."<br /> <br /> Really...They have no sense of reality.<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that everyone might die in a heartbeat.<br /> <br /> "...Leave them. Reporting is a freedom."<br /> <br /> Scooping up the butterfly knife which I had dropped just now, that was all I said.<br /> <br /> Because of the incident with Nii-san, I hate the media, but--in any case, I cannot stop the information leak. I can just pray that this doesn't lead to something bad.<br /> <br /> --At the front of the train, next to me,<br /> <br /> "Kinji, use your heel hook too."<br /> <br /> Saying that, Aria put her white sneakers back on.<br /> <br /> To prepare for a case where one has unstable footing, Butei normally carry a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_alloy titanium-alloy] hook around with them.<br /> <br /> On the belt buckle or at the bottom of the holster, the concealed metallic components have the ability to fit together and change into several different forms for several different purposes, much like a transformer robot toy.<br /> <br /> For the sake of not falling off the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen Shinkansen], Aria had attached those to her shoes, choosing spikes.<br /> <br /> "During the bus-jacking, we had used wires attached to the roof as our support, but this time, we'll be in close quarters combat. There's the chance that the wire will be severed."<br /> <br /> "--Correct decision."<br /> <br /> And, while I too was attaching the spikes to my shoes... <br /> <br /> Having finished her preparations earlier, Aria turned her back this way, going through a series of stretching exercises.<br /> <br /> "You know. In Osaka, the thing with you and Reki--"<br /> <br /> After a while, as if for the purpose of breaking the awkward silence, Aria interjected.<br /> <br /> "I don't really mind. For intruding too much on your private matters, I apologize."<br /> <br /> This is...a tone which shows that you really do mind.<br /> <br /> Apparently, she's still angry that I was together with Reki throughout the field trip.<br /> <br /> "Aria. It probably made you misunderstand, but...at that time, I was under Reki's Sniper Restriction. Reki is silent, so she didn't say much, but it seems that she was trying to protect me."<br /> <br /> "Fuun..."<br /> <br /> Having said that, Aria turned her head, seeming to be half satisfied, half suspicious.<br /> <br /> "--Well, it's fine.　I was waiting around there anyways. Waiting on my own."<br /> <br /> "Waiting? For what?"<br /> <br /> "It doesn't matter, right? Alright, this conversation is over. Ah, anyways, I'm so unlucky. Even though my birthday is so close, I've been dragged into this incident."<br /> <br /> A glance flickering my way, Aria stamped lightly, seeming to be testing out the spikes.<br /> <br /> "Really, I'm so unfortunate. It's my birthday next week."<br /> <br /> ...Why did she say it twice. Birthday, birthday. At least, I'll memorize it.<br /> <br /> Thinking about that, I met her eyes, and Aria's expression seemed a little urgent,<br /> <br /> "Ah, u-um. Kinji. Where's your hometown?"<br /> <br /> She seemed to be deliberately leading the conversation away from that topic.<br /> <br /> I don't really understand, but--I'll just go along with her.<br /> <br /> "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugamo Sugamo]. My grandparents are living there."<br /> <br /> "Sugamo...? Were you planning to go there with this Shinkansen? If so, it's a shame."<br /> <br /> Saying that, it seemed that Aria wasn't very familiar with Japanese geography.<br /> <br /> "Sugamo is in the city."<br /> <br /> "In the city...Then, why do you live in a dormitory? Wouldn't it be fine to commute to school?"<br /> <br /> "--Well, there are a lot of reasons."<br /> <br /> Fixing my shoes, I faced Aria without explaining in detail.<br /> <br /> So, the atmosphere turned to "Ready"--<br /> <br /> Aria was patting her cheeks, mustering her fighting spirit, showing a cute movement.<br /> <br /> Alright--from now on, it's time to fight. As if telling herself that.<br /> <br /> It's just a theory that when a two-man cell hasn't fought together for a long time, they should have some idle chatter in order to synchronize, but we had just finished with that.　We had done it arbitrarily in the conversation just now.<br /> <br /> "Let's go."<br /> <br /> Immediately reaching out for the stairs, Aria's petite hand was--<br /> <br /> -because I was on top, covered by my hand as if being embraced.<br /> <br /> "Wh-what, all of a sudden. Hand, handhand."<br /> <br /> Apparently weak against surprise attacks, Aria's face turned red in an instant, and I reached out with my little finger, flipping down her skirt.<br /> <br /> "Only when going up stairs and ladders, ladies first is an exception."<br /> <br /> The reason I was going to climb the ladder before Aria was...also for the sake of making sure that I would not have a hole blasted through me afterward, when Aria would notice the spatial relationship between myself and her skirt, but--<br /> <br /> -it was also for the reason that, my mind in Hysteria Mode had had an uneasy prediction.<br /> <br /> If this prediction turned out to fit the reality, the first person to exit would be in danger.<br /> <br /> Leaving Aria, holding her skirt with both hands, her face having become red, below, I--<br /> <br /> -extended my torso out from the rectangular exit leading out to the roof into the outside of the train, which had become completely dark.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> --''Whoosh''--<br /> <br /> While I was doing that, an enormous amount of wind pressure assaulted my back.<br /> <br /> The Shinkansen was operating at over 200 km/h--the wind-flow flowing over the roof was far more violent than I had imagined.<br /> <br /> The sound of my necktie and bulletproof uniform being buffeted by the wind rang out.<br /> <br /> (But, it isn't to the extent where it's impossible to stand up.)<br /> <br /> Fighting against the wind, I relied on my spikes to stand up.<br /> <br /> Koko was--there.<br /> <br /> Having already moved to the anterior of Car 16, at the only pantograph there--a metallic component stemming from the aerial wiring above the car which supplies electrical energy to the vehicle--in front of it, a large installation had been set up, and it was flashing as if giving off some sort of signal. Alright. Her back was facing this way.<br /> <br /> (...We haven't been noticed.)<br /> <br /> Having bent over for the sake of reducing air resistance, at my feet--<br /> <br /> ''Clank''.<br /> <br /> The sound of the lid of the door I had just exited slamming shut rang out.<br /> <br /> ''Rumble Rumble Thud!'' The sound of Aria, apparently having been trying to come up, falling to the floor resounded.<br /> <br /> As I went "Tch", turning around--<br /> <br /> ''Bang! Bang Bang!''<br /> <br /> I released bullets from the Beretta in my right hand.<br /> <br /> ''Clank! Clank''----!<br /> <br /> Approaching me from the back, another Koko used the broad Seiryuutou as a shield, deflecting the bullets.<br /> <br /> "Kihi--!"<br /> <br /> ''Creak!''<br /> <br /> The spikes on her feet groaning, Koko dropped to all floors in that position.<br /> <br /> "'''Sister Pao! Kinji came!'''"<br /> <br /> "--'''Sister Mei! Hold tight!'''" <br /> <br /> <br /> The two Kokos, at the front and back of the car yelled to each other in Chinese--<br /> <br /> Having noticed the sound of the gunshots, the Koko at the back of the car drew an SMG, an Uzi.<br /> <br /> Taking that opportunity, I retreated from the Koko who had been called Meimei, the one holding the Seiryuutou, reaching approximately the middle of the car. <br /> <br /> The position was such that I was caught exactly in between the two Koko's at my front and back.<br /> <br /> (...As I had predicted.)<br /> <br /> This Koko and Koko. They looked exactly the same, something like twins, right?<br /> <br /> I had deduced that in advance, and ended up not being cut down--<br /> <br /> -because my mind in Hysteria Mode had seen through this trick from two pieces of information.<br /> <br /> The first piece of information is--the '''Explosive Bubble''' bubbles that had blown Aria away.<br /> <br /> That was the same thing as the light that had injured Reki in the night-fight.<br /> <br /> But, the range of that dispersal device, the atomizer, is short.<br /> <br /> It isn't able to attack a sniper that is at least two kilometers away.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, at that time, some other person had covered Reki with that '''Explosive Bubble'''.<br /> <br /> The Koko that is strong in martial arts--Meimei was the offender.<br /> <br /> Creeping in under the distraction of the hunting dogs, Meimei released that vapor explosive.<br /> <br /> And, the second piece of information is--the conversation with Aria in the car.<br /> <br /> From that conversation, I realized that the second Koko's appearance was exactly the same as the first's.<br /> <br /> Aria had gotten angry over the fact that Koko looked like her, and apparently, on the day of Water Tossing, during their Aru=Kata battle, she had said, "I told you to get rid of it!"<br /> <br /> But, Koko had said that she had no memory of such a thing.<br /> <br /> Rather, she had said that this was only the first time that she had met Aria in person.<br /> <br /> In other words, the person who had engaged in Aru=Kata with Aria at Butei High was another Koko. With the exact same appearance, one more Koko--and that was the person that was on the back end of the car right now, '''Paonyang''', right?<br /> <br /> This trick...it's obvious to say it's obvious.<br /> <br /> Koko had called herself "The Warrior of Ten-Thousand Techniques", but a single person cannot do everything.<br /> <br /> Martial arts. Marksmanship. The Kokos had divided up their specializations, acting as '''Ten-Thousand Arms'''--"The Warrior of Ten-Thousand Techniques".<br /> <br /> "Koko, Koko--It's time for your punishment."<br /> <br /> While looking at the Kokos on the left and right of me, one after the another, I drew the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMI_Desert_Eagle Desert Eagle] that was stored by my chest with my left hand.<br /> <br /> Desert Eagle. The gun of my father's legacy can also be used by the me in Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_M92F/FS#92F_.2892SB-F.29 Beretta] in my right hand. Desert Eagle in my left hand.<br /> <br /> Doubla, dual-wielding.<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, in terms of blades, I also have a butterfly knife and a scramasax.<br /> <br /> I'm in the middle of a field trip, so I don't have many bullets. If I run out of ammo, against the two Kokos...I can do nothing but use twin-blades.<br /> <br /> --Aria. Riko.<br /> <br /> I'll be borrowing your specialty for a moment.<br /> <br /> Tohyama Kinji Version--Quadra of Mimicry. <br /> <br /> "Kinchi, you...went into Hysteria Mode, didn't you. How?"<br /> <br /> Apparently noticing that my aura was different from earlier, the Koko holding a blade--Meimei glared at me.<br /> <br /> "Did you use Aria? Did you use Aria who looks like Koko?"<br /> <br /> Paonyang, holding her submachine gun ready, turned red with a surprised expression. <br /> <br /> They had realized that, with Aria, who was very alike to themselves, my Hysteria Mode--had been triggered by arousal. Realizing that, it seemed that for some reason, their alertness had increased.<br /> <br /> ...How impolite. Because I had had past experiences with going into Hysteria Mode with various women, you said it in a loud voice, but it's not like I can just do it with anybody, you know?<br /> <br /> "Be-be careful, '''Sister Mei'''. There's a lot to be careful of."<br /> <br /> "'''Yes''', '''Sister Pao'''. No matter how I look at it...it is impossible to capture HSS without injury."<br /> <br /> The two people, saying that as if playing on stereo--their eyes, already very slanted, narrowed even more.<br /> <br /> A stronger killing intent than before radiated from my left and right.<br /> <br /> Almost numbing, it was a true killing intent--<br /> <br /> --They finally got serious, huh?<br /> <br /> Until now, it seemed that Koko had been showing themselves as relaxed in order to catch the enemy off guard.<br /> <br /> Haha. As expected of the teacher, the martial style is extremely similar to the ''someone'' who wears Goth Loli uniforms.<br /> <br /> "Kinji, it's me. After 10 seconds, we're accelerating. Don't fall off."<br /> <br /> From the driver's seat, Muto communicated over the incam.<br /> <br /> "What happened, Kinji! The door isn't opening!"<br /> <br /> I heard Aria's high-pitched voice, which was almost as if it was trying to mask Muto's.<br /> <br /> "I'm in the midst of battle. There are 2 people exactly like Aria on top of the train."<br /> <br /> Answering with only that, I didn't say anything that might urge Aria to support.<br /> <br /> The me as of now is in Hysteria Mode. I don't want to see girls in danger.<br /> <br /> "Don't hold back, '''Sister Mei'''. It doesn't matter if you kill him."<br /> <br /> "'''Yes'''. It doesn't matter if I kill him--!"<br /> <br /> '''Thud'''---! Readying her Seiryuutou, Koko; Meimei ran towards me from the direction of advancement. <br /> <br /> --Quick. Aided by the 250 km/h tailwind, she shortened the distance in a heartbeat.<br /> <br /> And, with a stance reminiscent of baseball's head-first sliding, she charged this way.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> ''Thud!''<br /> <br /> The Seiryuutou, the force of her entire body behind it, swung at my feet, and I jumped lightly, avoiding it.<br /> <br /> I wanted to jump upwards normally, but I was immediately buffeted backwards by the air pressure,--<br /> <br /> ''PaPaPaPaPa!''<br /> <br /> The Koko holding a gun fired her Uzi from behind me.<br /> <br /> Twisting around in the air, I--fired the same amount of bullets from my Beretta - Kinji Model, defending with Billiard Shot.<br /> <br /> The enemy's bullets all exploded into sparks in the air--<br /> <br /> "-Ha!"<br /> <br /> This time, as if stretching out from the roof, Meimei, doing a handstand, immediately kicked up at me.<br /> <br /> I had no choice, kicking girls is rather painful for me, but--<br /> <br /> My feet and Koko's feet met each other midair--<br /> <br /> And, I leaped off her feet as if they were a jumping platform.<br /> <br /> Meimei and the me in Hysteria Mode. I jumped with the combined power of two. High. Jumping over the flowing power lines and the hanger of the power pole holding them up, swiftly flying upwards for two, three meters.<br /> <br /> From midair, using the Desert Eagle--boasting three times the stopping power of a Beretta, I fired at Meimei's Seiryuutou.<br /> <br /> --''BANG!''<br /> <br /> With the recoil akin to that of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_%28weapon%29 mortar], I hung in the air for a moment.<br /> <br /> As expected of the automatic strongest-class Desert Eagle. This power isn't to be laughed at.<br /> <br /> ''Clank!'' Deflected, the Seiryuutou was torn out of Meimei's hands, sliding backwards on the top of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> At the anterior of the car, just as Paonyang picked it up--''Clank.''<br /> <br /> Still in the air, below my feet, the Shinkansen accelerated.<br /> <br /> This speed--260 km/h--!<br /> <br /> Paonyang embedded the Seiryuutou into the back of the Shinkansen, and I could see that she was using it as a pole to retain her balance.<br /> <br /> "Yaiyaiya!" <br /> <br /> Having lost her Seiryuutou, Meimei knelt to the ground while screaming that out, fishing two large fans from out of her sleeves.<br /> <br /> ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_war_fan#War_fans_outside_Japan Battle-fan]--huh? This is the first time I've come up against it.)<br /> <br /> From the air, I looked down at the fans, dyed crimson and gold, widening.<br /> <br /> I had seen Shirayuki use battle-function fans before, but they had been made out of bamboo and paper.<br /> <br /> However, Meimei's Chinese fans were made of metal. The edge, gleaming in the moonlight, was a blade.<br /> <br /> Running, Koko twisted her entire body, jumping upwards, trying to dice me like a mixer--<br /> <br /> And against that edge, ''Chnk, Chnk!''<br /> <br /> I kicked off of it with my spikes, dancing into the air once again.<br /> <br /> And once more, I fired the Desert Eagle in midair.<br /> <br /> ---''BANG! ZNG!''<br /> <br /> Meimei immediately overlaid the metal fans, somewhat deflecting the .50AE bullet.<br /> <br /> However, the Desert Eagle's stopping power was cheat-level. Destroying the two fans, it forced Meimei towards the front of the car.<br /> <br /> Once again hanging in the air through the recoil, I brushed the aerial cables in the air, modifying my trajectory--<br /> <br /> Finally touching the roof of the Shinkansen again, I stretched my arms outward, pointing the Doubla at the Koko sisters.<br /> <br /> The light from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamamatsu_Station Hamamatsu station] flowed past us like innumerable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracer_bullets tracer bullets].<br /> <br /> I--<br /> <br /> This battle is no longer in desolate territory.<br /> <br /> An Aru=Kata gunfight at 260 km/h. This isn't something one can see in even Kung Fu movies.<br /> <br /> It's a shame that Hong Kong's famous director, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Woo John Woo's] camera isn't here.<br /> <br /> --''SSSHHHHAAAAAAAAA''<br /> <br /> Going onto a large curve, the Shinkansen leaned to the left as it tried to retain its bank angle.<br /> <br /> For the sake of preventing the derailment of high-speed trains, they will take the curve like an airplane, banking.<br /> <br /> The chassis moved with centrifugal force, and we were standing slanted along with the train.<br /> <br /> Her back against the slanted ground beneath her, Meimei, having thrown away her broken fans, bent over--''Ba''<br /> <br /> The flat of her hand standing erect, she stretched out her hands to retain her balance, her opened knees dropped till they reached right angles as she bent her hips.<br /> <br /> And, ''Thud!''<br /> <br /> Just like what Riko had did to Haimaki at Butei High station, she kicked up with her right leg.<br /> <br /> "As expected, Kinchi. You really do have good skills. If it were possible, I don't want to kill you."<br /> <br /> Immediately pointing her right hand at me, Meimei shook her sleeves--''Clank!''<br /> <br /> She took something small out of her sleeve, holding it in her hand.<br /> <br /> I can't see it...What is it. What did she take out?<br /> <br /> I have a bad feeling.<br /> <br /> That is something--like a finishing move.<br /> <br /> Staying alert, from the opposite side of Meimei--the sign of a gunshot was--!<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> The moment I dropped down--''PaPaPaPaPaPa!'' The sound of gunshots rang out.<br /> <br /> The bullets that Paonyang, walking this way, had fired with her Uzi whooshed over my head.<br /> <br /> (...Danger!)<br /> <br /> The stray bullets that I had just dodged were heading straight for Meimei, in front.<br /> <br /> Thinking that, the me in Hysteria Mode readied the stance for Billiard Shot in an instant, but--<br /> <br /> All the stray bullets passed through the air just left and right of Meimei. They didn't hit her.<br /> <br /> Paonyang--as the Koko that specializes in marksmanship, had shot such that even if she missed me, she would not hit her sister. <br /> <br /> With an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi Uzi], she sprayed countless of bullets in that instant--with a submachine gun.<br /> <br /> Amazing marksmanship. The level of Aria, Kana, and I.<br /> <br /> Does someone like that still remain in this world?<br /> <br /> No...That was not all I should be surprised at.<br /> <br /> Meimei--another Koko, was completely at ease.<br /> <br /> She trusted that Paonyang's bullets would not hit her. As if she understood that she would not shoot herself.<br /> <br /> (They're alteregoistic. These sisters...!) <br /> <br /> I leaped upwards, kneeling on one knee on top of the car.<br /> <br /> I tried to raise my Beretta to counterattack, but--<br /> <br /> While switching the long-magazine of the Uzi, ''ThudThudThud'', Paonyang kicked my head and gun while running over me. Towards Meimei.<br /> <br /> ''Zuzaaaa'', Paonyang, doing a headfirst slide at the end of the Shinkansen--<br /> <br /> -at Meimei's feet, she stayed lying down like that. As if protecting herself from whatever was about to happen.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> My eyes caught sight of the equipment that Meimei had whipped out from the palm of her hand.<br /> <br /> "Time for the fireworks."<br /> <br /> That is--<br /> <br /> -the thing which fires the vapor explosive bubbles, an atomizer!<br /> <br /> "--'''Explosive Bubble Dragon Chain'''!" <br /> <br /> <br /> Together with that scream, the '''Explosive Bubble''' that she released windward wasn't very visible in my dark field of vision--there were many of them.<br /> <br /> Zig-zagging side by side, they rushed towards me like a miniature dragon.<br /> <br /> (Damn...!)<br /> <br /> I can't--dodge that.<br /> <br /> A bomb's area of effect is normally an expanding "sphere". Even if its diameter is the extent of a vehicle, one can dodge to the front or back.<br /> <br /> However--multiple explosions, stretched out in a row, encompassing the whole of the top of the train, cannot be dodged.<br /> <br /> I'll have to take it. If I don't prepare myself to any degree of damage, then...!<br /> <br /> As I went "Tch", crossing my arms over my head, protecting it--<br /> <br /> At Meimei's side--if one were to call it a dragon, the first '''Explosive Bubble''' popped at the tail.<br /> <br /> ''BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM---!''<br /> <br /> The explosion set off the next bubble, and then the next bubble--the explosions continued in a chain. As if a slender Chinese Dragon was blazing into flame. <br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> I put strength into my legs, trying to withstand the impact, but--''Clank!''<br /> <br /> As if a raging dragon had just thundered into my body, I was blown towards the back of the train.<br /> <br /> The impact and heat wave stopped my breathing, and for a second, my consciousness--went blank.<br /> <br /> Even so, without releasing the guns on my left and right, standing up on the roof, in my ears--<br /> <br /> "Meimei! Get Kinji off! '''Sister Juu''' came to assist! She came earlier than planned!" <br /> <br /> -could hear Koko's voice saying that.<br /> <br /> Looking up towards the sky, from the air behind me, ''Barabarabarabara''...<br /> <br /> As if brushing past the stars between the clouds, I could see a helicopter approaching.<br /> <br /> (Now...Reinforcements for the enemy are coming now...!?)<br /> <br /> Earlier, Koko had said, "Promise for a date".<br /> <br /> It seemed that that was meeting up and extraction with the companion that was riding this helicopter.<br /> <br /> Not even leaving me enough time to frown, Meimei fished a small gourd out of her sleeves, which were being buffeted by the wind--<br /> <br /> ''Guii-----! Thud.''<br /> <br /> With a pose as if gazing up into the sky, she faced straight up, emptying the contents in one gulp, throwing it away.<br /> <br /> "---'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zui_Quan Drunken] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguazhang Eight Trigrams Palm]'''---"<br /> <br /> ''Sway''. In a moment, Meimei, looking as if she had lost her balance--<br /> <br /> ''TapTapTapTapTap!'' While her twin-tails were fluttering like ribbons in gymnastics, she closed in on me with frontal somersaults and cartwheels.<br /> <br /> "--!?"<br /> <br /> My reaction towards those erratic movements, which I had seen for the very first time, was late.<br /> <br /> Movements like stepping on the gourd that she had thrown away and tripping mixed in, I could not keep Meimei in my sights.<br /> <br /> Wh-what kind of movement is that? Drinking alcohol and then fighting...that's impossible!<br /> <br /> "JYAAAOOH!"<br /> <br /> ''Thump.''<br /> <br /> Meimei extended her legs, clinging to my waist, just as I was barely standing. <br /> <br /> "Kuh...!"<br /> <br /> No, not only her legs.<br /> <br /> ''Shh''--snaking around my neck was a twin-tail.<br /> <br /> This is what I had been subjected to on the day of "Water Tossing", the irregular choke. That front...!<br /> <br /> "ShanShiKeiKeiBa!" <br /> <br /> In a heartbeat, Koko was holding her own twin-tails, ''Guiii!''<br /> <br /> She threw herself backwards.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> The same as the day of the opening ceremony, my windpipe and carotid artery was clamped.<br /> <br /> I grabbed hold of Koko's twin-tails as if we were playing tug of war, trying to resist, but--<br /> <br /> -added to Koko's two arms, she was using the power of her back to pull the tails on her left and right completely tight.<br /> <br /> I-I can't...I'm losing my strength...!<br /> <br /> "Kihihi! From the beginning, you can't win against the princess of the middle of the world! Peaceful idiot '''Japanese!'''"<br /> <br /> This is bad...my consciousness is starting to fade...<br /> <br /> ...I'm done. My mind in Hysteria Mode told me that calmly.<br /> <br /> This is my loss. Once again.<br /> <br /> The first reason being, this was two against one.<br /> <br /> Moreover, those two could completely synchronize their actions exhibiting perfect co-operation.<br /> <br /> Teamwork increases the power of individuals.<br /> <br /> Yes, I had--been subjected to the figurative opposite of what we had always done to I-U's assassins.<br /> <br /> (This too is...divine retribution...?)<br /> <br /> The second reason for my loss was...Hysteria Mode. That weak-point had been exposed.<br /> <br /> I did not want to hurt girls, without letting Aria join the battle, my battle ability dropped, and even the enemy, Koko, I tried to protect, creating an opening.<br /> <br /> Naive. Too naive.<br /> <br /> I...really am a peaceful idiot Japanese person.<br /> <br /> I smiled a wry smile, tainted with self-derision, but even the muscles in my face...I could no longer put strength into them.<br /> <br /> Blackout----when blood no longer flows to the brain, the optic nerves cease their function--at the denouement of that feeling, as I lost consciousness--<br /> <br /> <br /> ---''BSSHHHHH! BSHH!''<br /> <br /> <br /> A jarring impact ran into my body from Meimei's twin-tails.<br /> <br /> "Auoh!?"<br /> <br /> ''Clink,'' bent backwards, Meimei dropped towards my feet, the choking maneuver was--<br /> <br /> -in an instant, released.<br /> <br /> The bundle of silky hair was still wrapped around my hand.<br /> <br /> Meimei did a backwards somersault, and her hair had--become short.<br /> <br /> The twin-tails on the left and right had been severed.　Right at the foundations.<br /> <br /> Still contorted, I saw that, at the bottom of my field of vision, two new bullet holes had opened up on the roof of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> (Ju-just now was...a snipe!?)<br /> <br /> And the instant I noticed,<br /> <br /> <br /> ''Bang...Bang...!''<br /> <br /> <br /> I heard the sound of distant gunshots. <br /> <br /> This--sound.<br /> <br /> I hadn't forgotten it.<br /> <br /> Time and time again, this sound had been heard as if engraving itself into my consciousness.<br /> <br /> The sound of a ...[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragunov_sniper_rifle Dragunov sniper rifle]!<br /> <br /> "Different--that helicopter is different from '''Sister Ju''''s! Who is it!"<br /> <br /> Along with that gunshot, like a distant crack of a thunder, the sound of Paonyang's panicked voice.<br /> <br /> From a swaying helicopter, shooting the roots of a person's twin-tails while they're grappling with somebody on top of a moving Shinkansen, severing two of them together. Furthermore, with a famous rifle, yet nevertheless anachronistic, an SVD.<br /> <br /> Able to do something like that, a superhuman sniper....I know nobody besides one person.<br /> <br /> "--Reki...!"<br /> <br /> The helicopter, following the Shinkansen, was an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_OH-1 OH-1].<br /> <br /> Inside the Hotogi shrine's garage, Kawasaki Heavy Industry's high-speed helicopter.<br /> <br /> From the opened hatch--<br /> <br /> Still bandaged in various places around her body, Reki had stuck her body out, holding her sniper rifle in place.<br /> <br /> And with a speed which overwhelmed surprise, the muzzle of the Dragunov flashed.<br /> <br /> --''BSSSSHHH!''<br /> <br /> The supersonic 7.62mm x 54R impacted the ground by Meimei's left and right feet, looking as if it was brushing past them.<br /> <br /> "'''Ah!'''"<br /> <br /> Letting loose a truncated scream, Meimei pressed against her heel--''Thump.'' She fell upon the ground there.<br /> <br /> This is...a manner of falling which suggests that while there was no blood loss, her [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon Achilles tendon] had been grazed.<br /> <br /> Reki. As always, you are a goddess of sniping. Despite being heavily injured.<br /> <br /> With just one bullet, you crippled Meimei's ability to stand.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> Unable to stay in place, Meimei was buffeted by the wind--<br /> <br /> She slid towards the back of the car.<br /> <br /> ''Hssh'', Somewhat able to hold on to the signalling device at the foundation of the pantograph, Meimei stayed in that position, hiding herself in the shadow of the installation. She seemed to be trying to protect herself from Reki's follow-up.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan...um, hello? Sorry for interrupting while you're fighting."<br /> <br /> A message entered the incam as I was still stunned.<br /> <br /> Panicked for whatever reason, Shirayuki's voice.<br /> <br /> "What's wrong?"<br /> <br /> "From Hotogi's Makieda-san--from the chauffeur-san, there's a phone call."<br /> <br /> Ph-phone call?<br /> <br /> Frowning, in my ears, ''Click, Beep'', I heard what seemed to be the sound of Shirayuki's cellphone linking with the incam.<br /> <br /> "--Tohyama-sama, my deepest apologies. This is Hotogi's Makieda. Right now...I am flying over the anterior of Hope 246."<br /> <br /> ...This voice.<br /> <br /> This is the driver which brought us to the Hotogi Shrine by car.<br /> <br /> From that high-speed helicopter, she was talking with Shirayuki?<br /> <br /> "Wh-what is it...!"<br /> <br /> "This is--our disgrace. The young megumi miko who were watching TV were talking, and Reki-sama, having heard them...took her gun, and kicking Kazayuki off, who tried to take this helicopter to come to Shirayuki-sama's aid, she ordered the pilot, myself, to fly her out."<br /> <br /> Looking at the anterior of the vehicle, the helicopter had already descended to the point where it was nearly touching the Shinkansen. <br /> <br /> In the co-pilot's seat of the OH-1, extending half her body out of the hatch, Reki--<br /> <br /> -while her short hair was being beat down upon by the wind, she was looking down on the very back of the train.<br /> <br /> And, giving some sort of order to the pilot's seat of the helicopter...<br /> <br /> "--no, Reki-sama, we have already exceeded the vehicular speed limit. If we go any faster...the chassis won't be able to take it...!"<br /> <br /> I heard Makieda-san's voice, apparently in response to Reki--<br /> <br /> -and even so, Reki pointed her Dragunov at Makieda-san, and I could see her giving Makieda-san some sort of order.<br /> <br /> ...''Barabarabarabarabarabarabara''...!<br /> <br /> The OH-1 descended even lower while accelerating. At the edge of the very back of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> Do you plan to board...Reki!?<br /> <br /> Impossible. Stop it.<br /> <br /> You're injured.<br /> <br /> Don't fight!<br /> <br /> "Kinji! Pull back the helicopter! --in front of us is a tunnel!"<br /> <br /> Reaching over the incam, Aria, apparently having heard the conversation between Hotogi's chauffeur and I, said as if screaming.<br /> <br /> Looking back at our direction of advancement, while the vehicle was delineating the large curve, it was heading straight for a tunnel.<br /> <br /> Above the tunnel was a mountain.<br /> <br /> At this rate--the helicopter will crash right into it!<br /> <br /> "Kinji! We're accelerating in another 10 seconds! We're exceeding 300!"<br /> <br /> Muto's voice delivered the worst of the situation.<br /> <br /> "Makieda-san, rise!"<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Apparently concentrating on the complex operation under the limit-breaking speed, there was no response from the helicopter.<br /> <br /> "'''Reki!''' You can't hit anything except birds--'''Northern Barbarian'''!"<br /> <br /> From the front of the vehicle, with the Uzi that Paonyang was holding by her hip--''PaPaPaPaPaPa!''<br /> <br /> Although it was outside the gun's effective range, she let loose a barrage at the helicopter.<br /> <br /> Without taking notice of that, Reki placed her toes on the handle of the helicopter, hanging upside down out of the hatch--she readied her Dragunov.<br /> <br /> ''Pa!'' Thinking whether the muzzle had flashed--''BSSSH!''<br /> <br /> "Kyuu!"<br /> <br /> Paonynang's Uzi was torn out of her hands, falling down towards the track.<br /> <br /> The next instant, no longer able to bear the strain, the helicopter tried to avoid the fast approaching mountain, rising--<br /> <br /> Feeling that, Reki, ''Flutter'', launched herself off the helicopter, into mid-air.<br /> <br /> ''Zan!''<br /> <br /> At the very back of the Shinkansen, Reki pierced the roof with her bayonet, clinging on to it.<br /> <br /> Her amber eyes immediately faced towards this direction--towards the Kokos and I.<br /> <br /> --''WHOOOSSH''--<br /> <br /> Staying at a speed of 300 km/h, the Shinkansen entered the tunnel--<br /> <br /> --''Ban!''<br /> <br /> In the midst of the darkness, the airflow around us intensified in a mere moment.<br /> <br /> (Uu...!)<br /> <br /> The air pressure changing in a heartbeat, my lungs seemed to rip apart.<br /> <br /> Buffeted by the vortex of wind, I had no choice but to press myself against the back of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> Grinding my teeth, straining my ears in the midst of the ever-present roar.<br /> <br /> Listening to the operational noise of Hope Number 246, echoing in the tunnel--for whether the sound of the helicopter's explosion was mixed in.<br /> <br /> Still tense, my ears searched through the ripping noise.<br /> <br /> But...it was alright.<br /> <br /> The OH-1 [Ninja] was a helicopter that was as maneuverable as its nickname boasted.<br /> <br /> I had only been shown it in a video by Muto, but in case of emergency, it could perform an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immelmann_turn Immelmann turn].<br /> <br /> The helicopter performed a maneuver in reaction to death, avoiding the slope of the mountain, escaping danger.<br /> <br /> (Makieda-san--as expected of the chauffeur that armed Miko are entrusted with.)<br /> <br /> Above my head, the lights lighting up the tunnel at regular intervals flowed past one by one like a meteor shower.<br /> <br /> In that scene, as if out of a movie, at the very back of the train, around 400 meters away, was Reki.<br /> <br /> Reki was somewhat standing, and step by step, she advanced. Facing this way.<br /> <br /> --No.<br /> <br /> Don't come, Reki! You'll die!<br /> <br /> You are injured. Fighting under such torturous conditions, your body can't take it..!<br /> <br /> "'''Re-Ki'''...!"<br /> <br /> ''Clatter!'' Turning my head to that sound, I could see that, while holding a new Uzi that she had taken out of her sleeves, Paonyang was slowly crawling towards the sloped head of the Shinkansen, which was taking the streamline-curve.<br /> <br /> Hiding her body against that slope--when Reki comes into her gun's range, she plans to take the attack with her gun.<br /> <br /> "Shira...yuki...!"<br /> <br /> Not able to breathe properly in the midst of the wind pressure, pressed on the ear which had the incam inserted into it, shouting.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan! Are you alright!?"<br /> <br /> "I'm...alright! Rather than that, Reki has...boarded, from the helicopter! She has, severe injuries, can't let her fight...!"<br /> <br /> "Re-Reki-san is...on the train!?"<br /> <br /> ''Pa---!''<br /> <br /> With that sound, the Shinkansen shot out of the tunnel.<br /> <br /> While Reki's skirt was fluttering as if it was about to be torn off, she was already crossing from the car at the very back to the next car.<br /> <br /> --There's no choice. Telling her to stop won't stop Reki.<br /> <br /> Finally able to breathe normally, I decided to put the final measure that I had been thinking of secretly all this time into action.<br /> <br /> "Shirayuki, for the sake of not allowing Reki to fight, for the sake of saving the passengers--there is something a request for you."<br /> <br /> "A request for me...?"<br /> <br /> "The lead car of the Shinkansen, this Car 16...sever it. With your katana."<br /> <br /> "...Eh...!"<br /> <br /> "In truth, for the sake of that, I had you stay there. The vapor explosive is in the frontmost car--Car 16. Because the passengers are gathered in Cars 15 and below, if you sever it, casualties will be kept to a minimum."<br /> <br /> "But, Kin-chan...will be left at the car with the enemy and the bomb...!"<br /> <br /> Worried about me, Shirayuki didn't seem to be willing to immediately accept cutting the Shinkansen apart.<br /> <br /> However, it doesn't seem as if I'll have enough time to persuade her.<br /> <br /> This train was passing by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_Station Shizuoka station], which was desolate after the people had evacuated.<br /> <br /> I can't help it. I don't really want to do this, but...I'll put Hysteria Mode's techniques into action.<br /> <br /> This is a technique which Nii-san, which is to say Kana, had showed me before, but--<br /> <br /> In this kind of time, I can probably do it.<br /> <br /> "Shirayuki."<br /> <br /> Tone of voice; this kind of feeling is good.<br /> <br /> Calm down, Kinji. If you calm down, then you should be able to do it.<br /> <br /> "Shirayuki. Are you listening? Shirayuki."<br /> <br /> With a voice that was a little deeper, I started speaking as if appealing directly to Shirayuki's heart.<br /> <br /> "Ye-yes."<br /> <br /> "Ever since before, Shirayuki has known me. Shirayuki, who knows me more deeply than anybody else--wants to say that the burden of this battle is too heavy for me? If that's so, then that truly is unexpected."<br /> <br /> "Th-that's..."<br /> <br /> "I thought that Shirayuki understood me, yet--was I wrong? Shirayuki."<br /> <br /> Mixed with the sweetness of Hysteria Mode, my voice, Shirayuki, Shirayuki, called out that name, weaving it into my words.<br /> <br /> "N-no, that's..."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki's attitude immediately became as obedient as norm...no, changed into something even more obedient than normal.<br /> <br /> Alright, alright, I managed to perform it well.<br /> <br /> This is something that has been passed down through the Tohyama family, "Voice Captivation"--a type of hypnotism.<br /> <br /> Recently, this was proven scientifically by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_acting_in_Japan Seiyuu]-training schools, but people are weak against the opposite gender's voice when a special tone and breathing method is blended in.<br /> <br /> The Tohyama bloodline, which has Hysteria Mode, has already refined this to an art, passing it down.<br /> <br /> According to that piece of knowledge, if one continually responds to girls with their own name, gently, sweetly whispering into their ear...it appears that their mind will gradually become more and more hazy, and they will leave any decision to boys. <br /> <br /> "Shirayuki. The severing of the cars--you'll do it for me, right? This is something that only Shirayuki can do."<br /> <br /> Controlling my impatience, I continued whispering to Shirayuki.<br /> <br /> Because Shirayuki has an incam inserted directly into her ear,<br /> <br /> I can expect that it's able to replicate the effect of the contact-distance of whispering.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan...you can...win?"<br /> <br /> "Yes. Please leave the enemy and the bomb to us. I'll leave the passengers to Shirayuki and the others. You said that--recently, your Kidoujutsu has been unstable, but...you can cut it?"<br /> <br /> "Ye-yes. If I use all my strength, then...definitely!"<br /> <br /> At Shirayuki's voice, a wave of relief washed over me.<br /> <br /> It seems that she'll do this job for me.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan, I'm cutting it. I'll definitely sever it well!"<br /> <br /> "Ye-yeah."<br /> <br /> It seemed that she was the type to be easily affected by hypnotism; it felt as if Shirayuki had been completely motivated.<br /> <br /> "I'll cut it! Cut! Cut! For the sake of Kin-chan-sama, I'll cut it in half!"<br /> <br /> No-now that I think about it...Nii-san had warned me about this. "Voice Captivation" is prohibited from being frequently used and abused.<br /> <br /> I have no idea of how one could exploit it, but indeed, if I use this often, then it seems as if it'd be horrible.<br /> <br /> It seemed that, in an instant, inside Shirayuki, something like 'loyalty' for me had been amplified...<br /> <br /> The future is extremely uneasy.<br /> <br /> "--Aria."<br /> <br /> I returned my voice to normal, talking to Aria through the incam.<br /> <br /> "Aria--please retreat to Car 15. You have Kanae-san's trial. You no longer have the time to be preoccupied with this stupid incident."<br /> <br /> "N-no way! I...!"<br /> <br /> "Kinji, I heard, you know? It seems that I've been put in the Detention group."<br /> <br /> Just as it seemed that Aria was about to starts shouting, Muto's voice interrupted.<br /> <br /> "Muto. I'm sorry. That things became like this."<br /> <br /> "Heh. I don't care. It's been my dream ever since I was a kid to drive a Shinkansen. With that granted, I feel like it's fine even if I die."<br /> <br /> Saying that, Muto's voice was really trustworthy.<br /> <br /> Even though it was half-desperate at the same time.<br /> <br /> "--Muto. There's also a pantograph at the back of the leading car. If we receive electricity from there, can we keep going even while severed?"<br /> <br /> "I'm changing the settings to that right now."<br /> <br /> As expected of Muto. He's quick at his job.<br /> <br /> No wonder he's an honor student in Logi.<br /> <br /> "If we sever the cars--what will happen to the cars in the back?"<br /> <br /> "Don't worry. The Shinkansen was designed so that each car can run on its own. Because the New Automatic Train Control System is cut, it can be stopped through manual operation. The crying driver from earlier can do it for us, right?"<br /> <br /> While listening to Muto's words, I watched the back end of the vehicle, and Reki had already crossed over the middle of the train.<br /> <br /> "Shirayuki, do it, do it for me."<br /> <br /> "Yes...! Kin-chan, may the God of battle bless you...!" <br /> <br /> Apparently having been conserving her power till now, Shirayuki took a deep breath--<br /> <br /> "--Hotogi Soutenryuu--Hihihotogikami - Zankan--!" [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes]<br /> [[File:Aria07 141.jpg|thumb]]<br /> In the wake of that voice, ''Shing!'', the sound of a blade being drawn, reminiscent of a bell, rang out.<br /> <br /> The next instant--without a sound, at the end of the front-most car, the linking portion, light burst forth all around it.<br /> <br /> As if several burners were being used, a scarlet light.<br /> <br /> "Kya...!"<br /> <br /> Meimei drew her neck in at the sudden glare, and immediately after--<br /> <br /> ''Clank''...that heavy sound rang out, and Car 15 started drawing back.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> --Well done; is all that can be said.<br /> <br /> The cars had been severed. With that one strike.<br /> <br /> Having seen that, Reki started running this way as if trying to push the wind out of her path.<br /> <br /> "--Reki! Stop!"<br /> <br /> As I shouted, the severed car behind us got farther and farther.<br /> <br /> 1 meter, 3 meters, 5 meters--<br /> <br /> Alright, it was no longer a distance that Reki could cross while fighting against the wind.<br /> <br /> The forward-most car, having become solitary--seemed to have become unstable aerodynamically, and its shaking intensified.<br /> <br /> In my shaking vision, Shirayuki, visible from the incision at Car 15--<br /> <br /> Like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hishikawa_Moronobu Hishikawa Moronobu's] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukiyo-e Ukiyo-e] "Beauty Looking Back", her back was facing this way.<br /> <br /> Apparently and probably from some kind of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iaijutsu iai technique] was the flash just now, and she appeared to be still in the regretful stance which had caused it.<br /> <br /> "Kin, chan...!"<br /> <br /> Shirayuki--the blade in her hand, ''Clank'', dropped to her knees.<br /> <br /> Her breathing ragged, with her exhausted face, she turned to look this way painfully.<br /> <br /> Shirayuki, you did well.<br /> <br /> Thanks to you, all the passengers are saved.<br /> <br /> Reki as well. With this, she can leave the battlefield--with that, Reki, who I looked at again--<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> While sprinting across the roof of Car 15, which had been severed from this one, she took something out of her breast pocket.<br /> <br /> My eyes in Hysteria Mode caught sight of it.<br /> <br /> (Butei Bullet--!)<br /> <br /> That color is, Grenade. Triggering a huge explosion, it is a miniature vaporized fuel explosive. <br /> <br /> What do you plan on doing.<br /> <br /> Reki--!<br /> <br /> "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamoto_no_Yoshitsune Minamoto no Yoshitsune]...Eight Ship Leap...!"<br /> <br /> Still collapsed, Meimei said something, pale--<br /> <br /> Reki was coming.<br /> <br /> Whilst spinning on the spot, ''Sparkle''--in the air, behind her, she released the Butei Bullet.<br /> <br /> And once again, sprinting forth with all her strength, she faced this way.<br /> <br /> <br /> --''BAAAAAAAAAAAAANGGGGGGGGG!!''<br /> <br /> <br /> Manually detonated, the Grenade spun into a crimson vortex of flame behind Reki.<br /> <br /> The shockwave blew away the wind from the front, acting as an reverse hurricane.<br /> <br /> --Reki, while being blown away by the blast--<br /> <br /> -cradled the Dragunov, and her skirt seemingly being torn to pieces--she traveled the gap between the two cars.<br /> <br /> And--''Thud!'', she tumbled onto the brink of the leading car.<br /> <br /> "--Reki!"<br /> <br /> Rolling off the the edge, delineating a curve, Reki, her face unchanging, pierced the roof with her bayonet.<br /> <br /> And, clinging onto the stock of her bayonet, her entire weight hanging upon it, she used it as a stepping stone, ''Paki---'', and just as the bayonet snapped, she somehow managed to climb onto the roof.<br /> <br /> That body, wrapped in bandages here and there, seemed to have had its wounds opened from the impact just now, and they were soaked in blood.<br /> <br /> Why...are you so reckless. Reki.<br /> <br /> White smoke streaming from her burning bandages and shoes, Reki, standing on top of the train, as expressionless as always...<br /> <br /> Meimei, and even Paonyang, stared up at her in shock.<br /> <br /> ...Reki.<br /> <br /> Robot Reki.<br /> <br /> Do you not know even terror?<br /> <br /> You'll die if you do that...!<br /> <br /> "Why...did you run this way!"<br /> <br /> I shouted from the center of the car.<br /> <br /> "The reason I ran?"<br /> <br /> Removing her burning shoes and socks and tossing them aside, Reki stood barefoot on the back of the Shinkansen--<br /> <br /> "--because, Kinji-san too ran for me. On that night, from the mountain, cradling me."<br /> <br /> Her method of speaking completely emotionless, she answered with that.<br /> <br /> My ears in Hysteria Mode caught that voice even through the wind.<br /> <br /> "...Reki..."<br /> <br /> After the sniper battle at Hieizan...I thought that Reki had fainted, but it seemed that she was slightly conscious.<br /> <br /> Because I faltered in my words out of embarrassment, Reki turned towards Paonyang, who was looking at the situation from the front of the vehicle.<br /> <br /> "Also, I made an oath. "I oath to become a single bullet, bringing destruction upon those who wish to harm my lord."--That."<br /> <br /> ''Click.''<br /> <br /> As if readying a blade, Reki pointed the Dragunov at Meimei.<br /> <br /> "Koko of Ranban. Just once, I will give you the chance to surrender. The number of people in battle is already two against one. You have no chance of winning. Disarm the bomb and stop the train."<br /> <br /> From behind Reki--<br /> <br /> "It's three against one."<br /> <br /> ''Shh'', Aria climbed up from the cut section of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> "Aria...!"<br /> <br /> In response to Aria, her jet-black and silver-white Governments drawn, my cheek twitched.<br /> <br /> Aria. Although I told her to retreat from this car earlier, it seemed she had stayed.<br /> <br /> Reki--continued to keep her back facing Aria,<br /> <br /> "Aria-san. Please return to the interior of the car. I believe I told you not to approach Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> While her bandages, slightly unraveled, and her short hair was being buffeted by the wind, she spoke a warning.<br /> <br /> "...As for the wounded, return to the hospital."<br /> <br /> Twin-tails being blown about, Aria answered as if arguing.<br /> <br /> "Aria-san is the one that is supposed to retreat."<br /> <br /> "That's you, right?"<br /> <br /> "It is Aria-san."<br /> <br /> "It's you!"<br /> <br /> He-hey. Both of you.<br /> <br /> Don't fight even here.<br /> <br /> The fact is, the two of you being here together in this situation is reality. There's no helping it.<br /> <br /> At that point, I thought outside the box. A place to return to, a road, none of that is here.<br /> <br /> However--if we are fighting together, if we do not work together, it will be dangerous.<br /> <br /> For a Butei and Butei, if they are able to cooperate well, 1+1 will equal 3 or even 4. However, if there is disagreement between them, 1+1 will not even equal 2.<br /> <br /> The worst case is, they will drag upon each other, turning it into a negative number.<br /> <br /> In the past, Shirayuki and Riko...were opposed to Aria, but if it was an emergency, they would cooperate and fight.<br /> <br /> They were not people who would remain stubborn in even times of trouble.<br /> <br /> --However, Reki cannot.<br /> <br /> Her killing intent, as if the number of enemies had increased by one, was released at Aria, who was behind her.<br /> <br /> Aria too, being Aria, was in a mood where she was ready to point her guns at Reki.<br /> <br /> This won't do. These two...will fight. At this rate. <br /> <br /> I frowned--and just as I clutched my Desert Eagle, nearly out of bullets, and the Beretta--<br /> <br /> --''Zzaaa''--<br /> <br /> Once again, the Shinkansen entered a tunnel, and the vehicular noise as well as darkness enveloped us.<br /> <br /> However, the tunnel this time was short, and in a few seconds, the vehicle exited.<br /> <br /> After exiting the tunnel--a glaring light shone down upon the train.<br /> <br /> This light...what is it? Squinting while I looked up into the air--<br /> <br /> ...''Barabarabarabarabara''...<br /> <br /> A news helicopter, making that noise, was flying in the air at a rather high altitude.　There were many of them. It seemed as if they were waiting for this train, Hope 246.<br /> <br /> This light was the searchlights that the helicopters were focusing on one point.<br /> <br /> The bloody media. From a distance where they would not be affected by an explosion, they were going to be bystanders from above, huh?<br /> <br /> "Koko. It's over. Throw down your weapons and raise your hands."<br /> <br /> Within the searchlights, which seemed to be carving out a path in the darkness--<br /> <br /> I pointed the Desert Eagle, shining brightly, and the Beretta at Paonyang and Meimei respectively.<br /> <br /> However...even with that, Paonyang's eyes had not lost their will to fight. The same went for Meimei, collapsed on the ground.<br /> <br /> Why? Why won't they wave a white flag?<br /> <br /> The Kokos are--<br /> <br /> (...Waiting for something...!?)<br /> <br /> At the exact moment that my mind in Hysteria Mode realized that...<br /> <br /> The sound of the hovering news helicopters changed slightly.<br /> <br /> Looking back at the sky, one of them--Eurocopter's AS365, approached from the anterior of the vehicle. Reckless. There's a bomb set on this train. Which location is this TV station from?<br /> <br /> --No, wrong...!<br /> <br /> That was disguised as a news helicopter--<br /> <br /> "Aria! Reki! --Hostile vehicle!"<br /> <br /> Right before I shouted, my eyes in Hysteria Mode had caught sight of the pilot.<br /> <br /> A girl shouldering a sniper rifle.<br /> <br /> She is, she too is, Koko!<br /> <br /> Exactly the same as the Kokos that are here, the third Koko.<br /> <br /> "Rather than twins, they were triplets...!?"<br /> <br /> I went "Tch", glaring at the AS365.<br /> <br /> This is one kind of infiltration method.<br /> <br /> Even if we chase, even if we knock them down, the next Koko will appear.<br /> <br /> "Ah...!"<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Forced away by the descending air pressure that the helicopter was creating, Aria and Reki retreated till they were at my side.<br /> <br /> Aria pointed her Governments at the AS365 as if in intimidation, but she did not fire.<br /> <br /> It seemed that Reki was observing my order, "Do not kill,"--and she did not shoot the helicopter.<br /> <br /> As if jeering at the two, the helicopter swept over the Shinkansen from the back to the front like it was making fun of them.<br /> <br /> "Uah!"<br /> <br /> Twin-tails pulled taut by the wind, Aria, behind me, was forced to retreat in the direction of advancement.<br /> <br /> The helicopter--<br /> <br /> "...Uu, Uoah!?"<br /> <br /> Directly above Muto, who had shouted into the incam in surprise--it hovered in the air above the cab. No, to be more accurate, it was not hovering. At 350 km/h, it had started to run parallel to it. In the air.<br /> <br /> From that helicopter, which seemed as if it was originally for rescue purposes, the hatch opened and--''Thud.''<br /> <br /> Koko, a hook attached to her feet, descended to the tip of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> The weapon that the third Koko was holding was the famous rifle, renowned for having the highest reliability in the world, an M700. The one that was destroyed by Reki was painted with camouflage paint, but this one, apparently for night-combat, was colored matte black.<br /> <br /> "'''Sister Pao'''--I kept you waiting. Let's go to '''Sister Mei'''."<br /> <br /> The Koko that came to reinforce ordered the second Koko, Paonyang, who had earlier called her, "'''Sister Juu'''". <br /> <br /> I could understand it from her attitude, it seems that this sniper girl is the eldest sister.<br /> <br /> "'''Yes'''--'''Sister Juu'''"<br /> <br /> Paonyang responded to Juujuu with one sentence, ''Ba!''<br /> <br /> While unfastening the buttons of her ethnic costume, she dived towards the right of the vehicle.<br /> <br /> "--!?"<br /> <br /> At these movements which appeared suicidal, I drew in a sharp breath--<br /> <br /> Billowing in the empty space, Paonyang's clothes expanded into one large piece of cloth like an unfolding piece of origami--as I watched, it turned into a parachute.<br /> <br /> This scene. I've seen it before.<br /> <br /> Turning into a parachute in an emergency, it was the same as Riko's modified uniform.<br /> <br /> Koko, using it not for airborne purposes but to glide, moved in a 'C'-shape next to the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> And, embracing Meimei, who was collapsed at the brink of the back end of the train, she gracefully descended.<br /> <br /> Severing the parachute of clothes, Paonyang* was only wearing underwear--despite the fact that she was fourteen years old, she was wearing something like crimson lingerie--and she hid her body behind the installation at the base of the pantograph. <br /> <br /> Looking closer, in that one instant, the Seiryuutou that had been embedded into the anterior of the train had been pulled out as well.<br /> <br /> (...This is bad...!)<br /> <br /> My mind in Hysteria Mode told me that the situation had devolved in a mere moment.<br /> <br /> While Paonyang was using the broad Seiryuutou as a shield to protect herself from the Dragunov, she planned to draw Reki into Aru=Kata. Because, if Reki did not have her bayonet, then close-combat was akin to impossible for her.<br /> <br /> From the other side, the front of the vehicle, Juujuu pointed the M700 sniper rifle at Aria.<br /> <br /> Aria too pointed her Goverments back at her, but there was 20 meters of distance between Juujuu and her. It was not a distance where one could shoot accurately with the accuracy of a pistol.<br /> <br /> Each of their enemies having taken an advantageous position, Aria and Reki retreated towards me, who was in the middle of the train, as if clamping down on me with their backs.<br /> <br /> And, as if symbolizing the two person's relationship, still unable to try and cooperate in this situation--they stayed like that, their backs facing one another.<br /> <br /> "'''Sister Pao!''' This is it for business. There are no hostages anymore. The Japanese government won't give us any money.<br /> <br /> "I understand, '''Sister Juu!''' Retreat and blow up the train. We can't take these people back with us either."<br /> <br /> In the sky above the Meimei sisters, who were talking to each other, the helicopter, which had been vacated, rose by a few meters before it stood-by.<br /> <br /> Apparently calculating the distance between it and the Shinkansen with a camera, while doing that, it preserved its speed and altitude. It seemed that auto-pilot functionality had been installed on it.<br /> <br /> Functionality that was the same as something like the functionality of spacecraft flying parallel to and on the edge of a small planet.<br /> <br /> That is amazing. As expected of I-U's engineer.<br /> <br /> And--as expected, they are the descendants of China's General of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao. <br /> <br /> Despite the fact that we wanted to drive them to a dead end, at some point in time, we had had that inflicted upon us.<br /> <br /> I had learned this from World History, it seemed that Cao Cao was also a scholar who researched and compiled ancient China's Art of War, "Sun Tzu".<br /> <br /> And according to Sun Tzu's Art of War, the three conditions that were critical to victory are: "The time of the skies, the advantages of the earth, the peace between men." <br /> <br /> If one were to analyze it in Assault terms, 'the time of the skies' would hold the meaning of timing, 'the advantages of the earth' would hold the meaning of positioning, and 'the peace between men' would hold the meaning of teamwork.<br /> <br /> The Kokos had chosen their perfect timing, successively attacking us, using the train and the helicopter freely in order to take the advantageous position, and since they were triplets, they had taken advantage of their synchronization...now, each of them had determined the target that they could defeat.<br /> <br /> On the other side, we were limited by the timer of Non-Stop, we were thrown into confusion on the roof and the interior, and with Aria and Reki turning their backs on each other, I was clamped in-between them.<br /> <br /> Even though we had higher numbers, even though our personal ability was not below theirs--we had been pressured, driven to a corner.<br /> <br /> At this rate, Aria and Reki will be crushed, and then I will be killed in a crossfire.<br /> <br /> If--we don't do something.<br /> <br /> But, what do we do?<br /> <br /> What do we do...!<br /> <br /> My mind in Hysteria Mode driven into full operation, after a few seconds--<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> The image of a method to turn this around flashed into my head.<br /> <br /> But...Hey, me.<br /> <br /> Is that image really possible?<br /> <br /> To realize it, we have to have the same thing as the Kokos, the three conditions of heaven, earth, and men.<br /> <br /> The time of the heaven--with the correct timing.<br /> <br /> The advantage of the earth--creating an advantageous position.<br /> <br /> But, for the sake of that, the peace between men--teamwork between Aria and Reki is required.<br /> <br /> Right now, that is missing.<br /> <br /> Therefore, we cannot help but create it.<br /> <br /> --Create it. Who?<br /> <br /> Me.<br /> <br /> Even if just for a moment. I will make these two people link hands. For the sake of victory.<br /> <br /> "Aria, Reki."<br /> <br /> To the backs of the two, I spoke.<br /> <br /> "I believe. In the two of you, in the depths of your hearts...I believe that you trust each other."<br /> <br /> Juujuu is trying to maximize her profits--Paonyang is trying to charge outwards--now!<br /> <br /> "--Then, a make-up handshake."<br /> <br /> I threw my own Beretta and Desert Eagle up into the air.<br /> <br /> And as the two lingered in the air--<br /> <br /> Aria's and Reki's arms grasped each other behind their backs.<br /> <br /> And half forced, their hands came firmly together.<br /> <br /> "!?"<br /> <br /> "?"<br /> <br /> Aria and Reki were linking hands like girls that were really good friends with each other, turning around to face each other.<br /> <br /> While leaning over like a dancer, I--<br /> <br /> -with my right and left hand, I turned each of their arms to back to their waists. From a bird's-eye view, we would be in an S-shape.<br /> <br /> And, as if I was a chess piece in an axis of revolution, I turned a semi-circle, bent on one knee.<br /> <br /> <br /> --''Guru''---!<br /> <br /> <br /> Using me as an axis--Aria and Reki twirled around as if in a waltz. For me.<br /> <br /> --"Castling Turn"--<br /> <br /> Two pieces moving in one turn to switch places, a special chess move.<br /> <br /> Aria. Reki.<br /> <br /> You're good girls. Both of you.<br /> <br /> Aria trusted. Trusted Reki, who moved, trusting me.<br /> <br /> Reki too trusted. Trusted Aria, who moved, trusting me.<br /> <br /> Focusing our consciousness for the enemy's attack, at the timing where we could not defend or dodge--<br /> <br /> The two used me as an intermediary, trusting each other, putting teamwork into play. In a mere moment.<br /> <br /> But, the moment of that inversion was more than enough.<br /> <br /> Their positions changed, each of Reki and Aria's opponents were--Juujuu for Reki, Paonyang for Aria, switching into that position. As I expected.<br /> <br /> Sniping versus sniping. Pistol versus pistol.<br /> <br /> We had set up that position. With that "Castling Turn".<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> ''Bang!''<br /> <br /> Unable to cancel her shot out of reflex in that instant, Juujuu's bullets were--''Bch! Clank!''<br /> <br /> Catching the Desert Eagle that I had released earlier, I used Billiard Shot with my last .50AE.<br /> <br /> Juujuu's bullet deflected at an oblique angle, Reki counterattacked with the Dragunov--''Tan!''<br /> <br /> She shot at the feet of the Koko that was a sniper, Juujuu.<br /> <br /> "--'''Ah!'''"<br /> <br /> Tripping in the same manner as Meimei from earlier, Juujuu slid towards the front of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> "Koko!"<br /> <br /> ---''Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang!''<br /> <br /> At the back of the vehicle, Aria, while shooting the Governments in both her hands, ran towards Paonyang.<br /> <br /> At Paonyang, who was using the Seiryuutou as a shield and planting her feet, I--switched the Beretta which I caught to full-auto, following up with a barrage which all but left my magazine empty.<br /> <br /> As expected, apparently unable to endure the consecutive attacks of the Governments and the Beretta, Koko,<br /> <br /> "'''Kyuu!'''"<br /> <br /> -fell on her butt.<br /> <br /> ''Clank Clank!''<br /> <br /> The Uzi and Seiryuutou held in her left and right hands were precisely torn out of her hands by Aria's .45ACP bullets. <br /> <br /> Finally disarmed...towards Paonyang, who was left with the ungraceful appearance of only wearing undergarments,-<br /> <br /> "--You're under arrest!"<br /> <br /> Without holding back, she charged forwards.<br /> <br /> The weapons she was holding having been shot, her hands probably numb, Paonyang was bound by Aria, who had immediately bowled her over, with a wire.<br /> <br /> "This is payback for tying me up back then!"<br /> <br /> Because, shouting that, Aria had bound Meimei, who could not fight, too, I turned to look at the front of the car--<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> At the edge of the continuing slope at the head of the Shinkansen, Reki was crouching there wordlessly.<br /> <br /> "'''Sister Pao! Sister Mei! Save me! I'm slipping! I'm falling!'''" <br /> <br /> In that direction, apparently, clinging unseen to the bottom of the slope, I could hear the sound of Juujuu screaming.<br /> <br /> "You are rather noisy.　Since you are also a princess, please know your position."<br /> <br /> ''Chchk--''<br /> <br /> Taking a stance of placing the Dragunov against her shoulder, Reki's barrel was pointed directly at the helicopter in the air.<br /> <br /> "...Uguu..."<br /> <br /> It seemed that the thought of it being shot down was intolerable--at that, Juujuu fell silent.<br /> <br /> --Koko, Koko, and Koko--<br /> <br /> All three of them had been rendered useless in combat. Finally.<br /> <br /> ...There's nobody left, right? After this.<br /> <br /> "It can't be that there's more of you, right!?"<br /> <br /> Apparently thinking the same thing as I, Aria, ''Step'' <br /> <br /> Not able to hold back, she stepped on Meimei and Paonyang who looked exactly like her--<br /> <br /> ''Whoosh Whoosh'', spinning the pistols on her left and right, she inserted them back into the holsters below her skirt.<br /> [[File:Aria07 159.jpg|thumb]]<br /> And, facing upwards, Aria and--<br /> <br /> -Reki, standing up, turned to face each other at the same time.<br /> <br /> Those eyes, and those eyes, met.<br /> <br /> "...D-don't misunderstand, Reki."<br /> <br /> Blushing a little, Aria had started stuttering.<br /> <br /> "Earlier...was just my body moving by itself."<br /> <br /> "--The same goes for me, it was only that my body was moving by itself."<br /> <br /> Reki too also said that, remaining stubborn, but--<br /> <br /> Aria. Reki. I understand. <br /> <br /> Your line of sight, meeting now, was different from earlier.<br /> <br /> Those are the eyes of two people who acknowledge each other, the eyes of a Butei and a Butei. Earlier, the event of helping each other which I facilitated--I pray that that is the new first step between two people.<br /> <br /> "---'''You flat chested girl! Remember this!'''" <br /> <br /> From the tip of the car, Juujuu's voice--<br /> <br /> "?"<br /> <br /> Turning to that, '''Buwaaaaaa...!'''<br /> <br /> Apparently having taken it out of her sleeves, a pink smokescreen was thrown up, whirling into a vortex.<br /> <br /> Together with the smoke, Juujuu seemed to be washed away by the cutting wind--she flew towards the back end of the vehicle.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> Juujuu, flying extremely far to the back in the space of an, 'Ah', ''Whoosh''....!<br /> <br /> Parachute expanding, she performed a rapid deceleration.<br /> <br /> Where she was inside the pink smoke, I did not really know, but in the instant that the smoke parted, I saw--hugging her knees to herself, in that position, she had slowed to around 50 km/h.<br /> <br /> And staying in that position, ''Zaaaaa''...she touched ground in a small field.<br /> <br /> "--What a cold-hearted sister. She left you here."<br /> <br /> At Aria, who said that to the Kokos at her feet, apparently slightly regretful that she had let one person get away--<br /> <br /> ""Kihi...Kihihihihihihi!""<br /> <br /> The Kokos responded with an ominous laugh.<br /> <br /> "A fight between a tiger and a dragon--We'll take you on the road with us."<br /> <br /> "This isn't Kokos' loss. Everyone will be blown away by '''Explosive Bubble'''! Idiot, idiot, idiot!"<br /> <br /> ''Kun''--The Shinkansen sped up even more. With this, our speed is 370 km/h...!<br /> <br /> Apparently not able to keep up at this speed, Koko's helicopter, in the air above us--began to lag behind.<br /> <br /> Once it was a certain distance from the train, the helicopter decelerated...landing on the road next to the track.<br /> <br /> "You can't do anything except for fight. You're different from Koko."<br /> <br /> "Kinchi, you're a useless, slow, idiotic turtle."<br /> <br /> There was no longer an escape route. For Koko. And for us.<br /> <br /> The Shinkansen was operating in an urban area. No matter where it explodes, there will be casualties.<br /> <br /> "--That's right. I'm not nimble like Riko or Aria. I cannot use any techniques like Shirayuki. I don't have the skills like Muto to be able to drive anything. By myself, I cannot do anything."<br /> <br /> However, my ears had already caught it.<br /> <br /> That noise.<br /> <br /> "That's right. You can't do anything!"<br /> <br /> At Koko, who said that in a high pitched voice--<br /> <br /> "But, ''we'' can do anything--"<br /> <br /> From behind me, who answered with that--the sound of a horn rang out--<br /> <br /> Another Shinkansen had chased us.<br /> <br /> ""...?""<br /> <br /> The Kokos, brows creased, looked at the Shinkansen that was chasing us in shock.<br /> <br /> "In this Caravan I, that was something that we learned as well."<br /> <br /> <br /> We used a wire, returning from the back of the vehicle to the interior.<br /> <br /> And for once, the Kokos cooperated with Aria as she brought them inside.<br /> <br /> The door to the vehicle was opened due to Muto's operation, and from the door of the rescue Shinkansen, traveling at the exact same speed along the straight railroad--<br /> <br /> A tube, roughly 1 meter in diameter, was extended this way, automatically attaching itself with a hook.<br /> <br /> "Aya, Ayayayayaya!"<br /> <br /> Sliding down that tube as if it was a slide was--<br /> <br /> ''Thump'', Her butt planted on the floor, Amdo's Hiraga Aya.<br /> <br /> "...I apologize, Hiraga-san. For dragging you into this."<br /> <br /> "What are you talking about! If it's one of my customer's problems, no matter where it is, Aya will come running! Tohyama-kun, Reki-san, Riko-chan, everyone is my important customer!"<br /> <br /> Hiraga-san tugged on the rope that she had brought with her in the tube, pulling several different tools and a piece of machinery that looked like a fire extinguisher with her--whilst she was doing that, her eyes blinked at me. It seemed that she was trying to wink, but apparently, she couldn't do it.<br /> <br /> A girl whom I never know if she's skillful or not.<br /> <br /> Bringing in her tools, the tube that was crossing the space between the two Shinkansen's was taken off. For the purpose of transferring signs and signals between each piece of track, there are poles, and this was for the sake of preventing the tube from clashing with them.<br /> <br /> However, even though we had nowhere to run, for some reason, Hiraga-san was assembling her equipment in a good mood.<br /> <br /> "A-Ayaya! I-i-it's leaking!"<br /> <br /> I heard Riko's voice say that from the direction of the seats.<br /> <br /> "Just hold on a little longer! If it leaks, then the switch in the seat will short-circuit!"<br /> <br /> "Riko is short-circuiting too! Quickly, quickly! Save meeeee!"<br /> <br /> Riko...wanted to go to the bathroom?<br /> <br /> That's obvious. Because, she had drank far too much strawberry milk.<br /> <br /> "Haven't you disabled it, Hiraga!"<br /> <br /> ''Kun''--Muto said while making the Shinkansen accelerate further.<br /> <br /> With this--390 km/h.<br /> <br /> "--'''''Nothing is impossible!!!'''''"<br /> <br /> Flashing an innocent smile while working, Hiraga-san answered cheerfully.<br /> <br /> We had passed Shinyokohama station. Time left till Tokyo station was--7~8 minutes, huh?<br /> <br /> No. If you think about the distance that is needed for the vehicle's system to brake, it's even shorter than that. <br /> <br /> Two instruments had been extended out of the fire extinguisher-like piece of equipment, and working very gently, attaching them to the window of the washroom, Hiraga-san--<br /> <br /> "The vapor explosive will explode once it mixes with oxygen, I heard that earlier from Riko-chan through wireless."<br /> <br /> -said that, and she started working cautiously, but skillfully.<br /> <br /> It seemed that, with a cutter that was attached to the tip of the tube, she apparently opened two miniscule holes.<br /> <br /> Inside those holes, from one side of the tube, something like a balloon began to expand outwards.<br /> <br /> "This is...?"<br /> <br /> To Aria, who was looking through the window, Hiraga-san thrust forth her flat chest.<br /> <br /> "Inflated with nitrogen, it's a silicon balloon! When it has expanded to fill every corner, the vapor explosive will be forced into this vacuum cylinder."<br /> <br /> ''GoGoGoGoGoGOGo''...the sound of a compressor working.<br /> <br /> After...three minutes. We had already entered Shinakawa station.<br /> <br /> The balloon expanded, and the ''Explosive Bubble'' was forced into the gas cylinders while the balloon spread to every corner of the washroom.<br /> <br /> Hiraga-san checked the pressure inside the cylinder.<br /> <br /> The nighttime view of Tokyo flowed by on the left and right.<br /> <br /> Tokyo station was already very close--!<br /> <br /> "Kinji, the last acceleration...410 km/h...let's go!"<br /> <br /> ''Kun''---!<br /> <br /> The shaking of the Shinkansen growing stronger, Hiraga-san stumbled a little.<br /> <br /> Will she make it--as I watched over her--<br /> <br /> ''Beep'', the piece of equipment made a noise.<br /> <br /> "...Aaalllright! I'm done!" <br /> <br /> "--Muto, brake!"<br /> <br /> Having shouted, I took Aria and Reki, as well as Hiraga-san, into the embrace of my two arms--<br /> <br /> I braced my back against the wall of the vehicle.<br /> <br /> <br /> --EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE--GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII--<br /> <br /> <br /> In a heartbeat, along with the noise of the wheels gripping--an ear-piercing braking noise.<br /> <br /> ''CLANK!!''<br /> <br /> The most intense impact up till now rocked the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> Decelerating--<br /> <br /> ''Bang!''<br /> <br /> Turning to the sound of the explosion, beside us, the window of the washroom beside us blew outwards.<br /> <br /> However--the vapor explosive did not explode. All of it had been sucked into the gas cylinder by Hiraga-san.<br /> <br /> Because the cylinder rolled to hit the wall with a clank, I felt a chill run down my spine--<br /> <br /> "<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>!"<br /> <br /> I endured the G-force of deceleration with my back.<br /> <br /> Outside the window, orange light started flashing up from below the car. Sparks raised from the wheels and the rails.<br /> <br /> I had thought that after we hit the brakes, we would travel for over 1 kilometer, and we still had not stopped.<br /> <br /> Staying like that, the Shinkansen entered Tokyo station--<br /> <br /> <br /> ''Giiiiiii''...''Gii''...<br /> <br /> <br /> Along with that ponderous sound--outside the window, the JR station name display could be seen.<br /> <br /> <br /> --"Tokyo"--<br /> <br /> <br /> Visible in the direction of the smoke rising up from below the chassis, that display...stopped.<br /> <br /> Stopping--<br /> <br /> We achieved it.<br /> <br /> With this...everything has been resolved.<br /> <br /> I took a deep breath, and--tapped on Aria's back as she continued squeezing her eyes tight in the midst of my arms.<br /> <br /> It's all right now.<br /> <br /> As if telling her that.<br /> <br /> Aria raised her head--<br /> <br /> Her camellia eyes first looking out the window, she turned from it to look up at me.<br /> <br /> As if looking at a man who had realized something like a miracle.<br /> <br /> "Aria...the reason I stay in a dormitory despite my home being in the city, I will tell you now."<br /> <br /> Towards me, who was acting as Aria, continuing the small talk that we had had before going up the roof...<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Aria blinked her large eyes.<br /> <br /> "--I don't really like trains."<br /> <br /> At those words, Aria, while smiling wryly, replied with one sentence: "Same here,"<br /> <br /> <br /> Tokyo station, which had been evacuated beforehand, was desolate.<br /> <br /> Apparently supposed to act as a shield at the time of detonation, the trains belonging to the empty stations of Yamanote line, Keihintouhoku line, Chuuouhon line and Oumidou line were gathered here.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, around the stop signs, sandbags were piled up to prepare for the explosion.<br /> <br /> ...How polite.<br /> <br /> Aria and I stepped onto the platform...<br /> <br /> "Ahaa! As a reward for my work, I'll be taking this~♪ Ayaya will help herself!"<br /> <br /> From behind, Hiraga-san exited while innocently hugging the canister holding the "Explosive Bubble" to herself.<br /> <br /> I see. With that as her goal, she helped us very happily. <br /> <br /> "...Careful when you play with fire."<br /> <br /> While smiling dryly, I put my hand on Hiraga-san's head, she who had a strong mercantile soul.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Next was, slinging the Dragunov over her shoulder, Reki, barefoot, descended onto the platform.<br /> <br /> "'Tokyo~, Tokyo~, may the customers who are disembarking please be careful not to forget anything'"<br /> <br /> Lastly, changing his tone to that of an announcer, Muto, dragging the two Kokos, exited.<br /> <br /> On top of each other in an X-shape, sprawled on the platform, the Koko sisters were...were looking between us with an expression which seemed to express that, if we came any closer to them, they would bite us.<br /> <br /> Really, what a huge fighting spirit. I want to act like that.<br /> <br /> "You two.　If you persuade your sister to give up--I'll connect your phones."<br /> <br /> Aria sat on top of the two, her arms folded, triumphing over her victory with a serious expression.<br /> <br /> "It seems like these people's helicopters have been locked down by the Kanagawa police. I'm not saying this just 'cause I'm Logi, but no matter what kind of person it is, they can't do anything while on foot. She's about to be caught."<br /> <br /> While taking off the incam, Muto cracked his shoulders.<br /> <br /> "Muto...you worked hard. Thank you."<br /> <br /> "What's with the politeness? Butei Charter article 1. It says, do something something with your companions, right? Which is...hey, hey. Can we get out of this station? They really stacked up those sandbags. I was thinking about buying station-lunchboxes--rather, Ryuuyouken's Jet Sieuw Mai."<br /> <br /> "Muto~kun! You can exit from here!"<br /> <br /> "Kinji, I'll leave the rest to you. Bring them to Dagula and have them squeeze them a little for us."<br /> <br /> Hiraga-san, apparently wanting to do the analysis of the Explosive Bubble, if even a moment earlier, and Muto, a station-lunchbox maniac, scurried from the platform of the Shinkansen.<br /> <br /> (I think that the station has been locked down though...)<br /> <br /> While smiling wryly at the backs of the two, I saw them off, and once again, I knelt down on one knee by the Kokos.<br /> <br /> Looking closer, Aria was, from Meimei's sleeve--taking out tools and weapons one by one, knives, hooks, smokebombs, etc...I took a tool that Meimei was carrying, about the size of a rice ball, into my hand...<br /> <br /> I tried pulling a strange string which was sticking out of it.<br /> <br /> Doing it, ''Pon.''<br /> <br /> (Oh...?)<br /> <br /> In around a second, expanding out of it like an airbag was--<br /> <br /> -clutching her knees, Koko.<br /> <br /> A dummy balloon with the appearance of a person.<br /> <br /> "......!"<br /> <br /> Having seen that, my mind, still in Hysteria Mode, screamed out a warning.<br /> <br /> This is bad.<br /> <br /> This puppet's characteristics...<br /> <br /> These are the characteristics of, the person who had used a parachute of clothes, escaping to the side of the line, Juujuu.<br /> <br /> That was--an inflatable dummy. Which is to say...<br /> <br /> "--Sisters, retreat. For now, return to Hong Kong."<br /> <br /> Koko's voice resounded from the end of the platform, and Aria, Reki, and I turned towards it in unison.<br /> <br /> Over there was...dragging her feet, there was the figure of Juujuu, holding an M700 ready.<br /> <br /> (Fuck...!)<br /> <br /> Juujuu did not fall of the train.<br /> <br /> Throwing up a smokescreen, at that point, she switched with the dummy...even if she was not able to climb up, she clung to the side of the Shinkansen. Until Tokyo, the whole while.<br /> <br /> Probably crawling along the rail, Juujuu had distanced herself 100 meters, creating the distance to use a sniper rifle.<br /> <br /> Nothing can be done with guns.<br /> <br /> That aim was...on me. I knew that her sights were meeting my head.<br /> <br /> "Reki, don't move!"<br /> <br /> At Reki, trying to raise her Dragunov, Koko shouted.<br /> <br /> Reki--had noticed that I was being aimed at. She did not ready her gun.<br /> <br /> Just, staring in the direction of Juujuu.<br /> <br /> "...Ouch!"<br /> <br /> Just flicking my eyes to look in Aria's direction, Aria--was having her feet tightly squeezed by the Koko sisters.<br /> <br /> The Kokos were, with some sort of desperation, yanking on Aria's hair and skirt.<br /> <br /> With that, Aria can't move.<br /> <br /> Because, she had gotten carried away, sitting on Koko.<br /> <br /> "The wind trained Reki well. It made you lose the heart of a human. In this battle, I understood that veeeerryyy well. You are a girl I cannot use. So, already, you, I do not need."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "Reki--I expect that you still have bullets. ''Die by them''. Right here, right now."<br /> <br /> Juujuu was apparently still in pain from being shot by Reki, and while her foot was trembling--she gave that order.<br /> <br /> The M700 aiming at my forehead was a bolt-action rifle, and it could not reload automatically. <br /> <br /> If it shot me, in the time until the next bullet was in the chamber, she would be counterattacked by Reki.<br /> <br /> She did not want to leave that opportunity.<br /> <br /> So, Juujuu ordered Reki to shoot herself.<br /> <br /> "If you die, I will not kill Kinchi. Kinchi is a piece I can use, Koko doesn't want to kill him either."<br /> <br /> "Koko. As you say...I have one bullet. If I shoot myself, you won't kill Kinji-san?"<br /> <br /> Towards Reki, saying that as if in confirmation--I turned in panic.<br /> <br /> I had heard this from Jeanne at the Hotogi Shrine.<br /> <br /> --Last Bullet--<br /> <br /> When those of the clan of Ulus are backed into a corner, when they are hindering their companions--like the samurai which once existed in Japan, they perform [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jigai Jiketsu]. A clan that continues the culture of ancient Japan.<br /> <br /> This is dangerous. This situation is--<br /> <br /> "Stop it, Reki! No matter what, she won't ki-"<br /> <br /> "Kinchi, shut up! Reki, the words just now was an oath by the name of '''Koko'''."<br /> <br /> My voice was drowned by Koko's words.<br /> <br /> "Waiting is unfair for Koko. Reki, shoot yourself right now. If I have to wait, Koko will shoot Kinchi. Reki, it's fine if after that, you shoot Koko. Rather than letting some other person take Kinchi, Koko chooses to die together."<br /> <br /> "Koko. Princess of Ranban."<br /> <br /> Having said that, Reki--<br /> <br /> -placed the stock of the Dragunov at her feet.<br /> <br /> "The '''Reki''' of Ulus asks. The oath of just now--not killing Kinji-san, will you keep it?"<br /> <br /> "It's not good to make fun of me. Koko is the princess of the prideful Wei."<br /> <br /> "--If you break the oath, all the 46 girls of the Ulus will destroy you. With that everything, once having conquered the world, they will definitely take your life. You should have understood."<br /> <br /> Straightening her back, Reki placed the barrel under her own chin.<br /> <br /> "Stop it...Reki!"<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san.　The girls of Ulus are equal to bullets. However, I was...akin to a defective, unusable bullet. Unusable bullets are meaningless pieces of iron."<br /> <br /> "Stop it, Reki! You're being tricked!"<br /> <br /> Aria's high-pitched voice pierced the air.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san. You ordered me not to kill a person, but now, I, for the sake of protecting my lord---will shoot myself."<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> "However, please understand that this is not disobedience of your orders. Because--"<br /> <br /> "...Stop it..."<br /> <br /> "--''I am a single bullet.''--"<br /> <br /> She placed the toe of the foot which had lost its shoe on the trigger of the Dragunov.<br /> <br /> "YOU ARE NOT A BULLET!"<br /> <br /> My cry was also in vain--<br /> <br /> Her expression not even flickering, with her toe, the trigger was--<br /> <br /> --pulled.<br /> <br /> <br /> --''Click''.<br /> <br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Once again, Reki's eyes opened.<br /> <br /> Those eyes were--<br /> <br /> -clearly opened in surprise.<br /> <br /> The bullet--did not fire.<br /> <br /> "Misfire..."<br /> <br /> Camellia eyes opened, murmuring to herself, Aria too had an expression which conveyed her disbelief.<br /> <br /> As for modern bullets, the chance of a misfire is low. It would be correct to say that it is mostly nonexistent.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, Reki had her extremely meticulous misfire prevention, even going so far as to make her bullets herself. <br /> <br /> The chance of a misfire was one out of a billion...No, it had been controlled to the point where it was one out of a trillion, right?<br /> <br /> That had just happened.<br /> <br /> Reki was, at that--surprised. Clearly.<br /> <br /> "Because, this gun will not fail me."<br /> <br /> The Dragunov she had trusted that much had--<br /> <br /> -failed. Failed Reki. Now, for the first time.<br /> <br /> --Reki.<br /> <br /> Earlier, you said that you were an unusable bullet, that you had no meaning.<br /> <br /> Misfires have meaning too. Think about that meaning.<br /> <br /> "...Kinchi!"<br /> <br /> Juujuu-<br /> <br /> -in that one instant, understood the change in the situation.<br /> <br /> Reki could not kill herself. However, she had no bullets but an unusable bullet. <br /> <br /> And, the next danger, the person who could fight was--me.<br /> <br /> She is lost.<br /> <br /> Kill me now and run, run without killing me and recreate this scenario, attacking us again.<br /> <br /> In the space of that hesitation--I snatched the magazine out of the Dragunov that Reki was holding in blank shock.<br /> <br /> "--Reki. Don't shoot yourself a second time."<br /> <br /> While saying that, I took the last bullet out of the magazine before Reki's eyes--<br /> <br /> And I clasped it in my two hands.<br /> <br /> While doing that, I stared directly into Reki's eyes. I am furious. For the sake of telling her that.<br /> <br /> "This is an order. You said that you would listen to my orders, correct?"<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki matched my sharp gaze--''Nod''.<br /> <br /> Wordlessly, she nodded.<br /> <br /> Having confirmed that, I revealed the bullet in front of Reki's eyes,<br /> <br /> "Now--be born again."<br /> <br /> I told her that. ''Click''.<br /> <br /> Returning it to the magazine, I slotted the magazine into the Dragunov.<br /> <br /> "--Reki. The person you should shoot is that enemy. Once more, believe in me."<br /> <br /> I said that to Reki--<br /> <br /> ''Bang''--<br /> <br /> While I turned back, I stood in a position where I could protect Reki from Koko's sniper rifle.<br /> <br /> She would definitely shoot before Reki, who was cradling the gun in a daze.<br /> <br /> That one shot--well, if it comes, it comes.<br /> <br /> As for my guns, I do not have anymore bullets. Billiard Shot is impossible.<br /> <br /> Bullet slicing is impossible too. I don't have my knife anymore.<br /> <br /> The Bite I did against Patra--that is also impossible.<br /> <br /> That defense is imperfect. Because, I will faint from the impact. Koko still has bullets. If I fall, at the last, I will be killed by the second loaded bullet.<br /> <br /> All the methods I had used till now could not be used in this situation.<br /> <br /> --However, I will not die. Hysteria Mode is unmatched in this world.<br /> <br /> My reflexes, 30 times faster than normal, thrust my hands forward before I could think.<br /> <br /> That's right. Definitely, if I do this--!<br /> <br /> Towards me, who had taken that stance--Koko--<br /> <br /> "Kinchi!"<br /> <br /> --''Bang!''<br /> <br /> Along with the gunshot, a 7.62mm NATO was released.<br /> <br /> The palm of my two hands, stuck out, was--<br /> <br /> -just the index fingers and middle fingers of my opened hands were overlaid in a #-shape.<br /> <br /> --Can I do it? This kind of thing?<br /> <br /> I was only half-confident in myself, but I could not think of anything but this. In this instantaneous moment.<br /> <br /> I surrounded the enemy's bullet trajectory with the square made of my fingers.<br /> <br /> The bullet, showing no intention of stopping, approached my fingers--<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> <br /> --''Whoosh''--<br /> <br /> <br /> Using Edge Catching - Double Finger, I closed in on the bullet with the two fingers of my right hand--<br /> <br /> However, the bullet was not restrained, and it flew through the space between my fingers, heading towards me.<br /> <br /> A 7.62mm NATO's initial velocity is supersonic.<br /> <br /> The full-metal jacket, heading straight between my eyes, was averted slightly to the left--<br /> <br /> While spinning, it flew towards my left eye.<br /> <br /> With my index finger and my middle finger, once again, I closed in on the bullet.<br /> <br /> And, once again, I slightly changed its direction. Further to the left--<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> ''Whoosh!''<br /> <br /> A sharp pain ran through my cheek.<br /> <br /> And--the bullet--<br /> <br /> ''Clink''--<br /> <br /> -left and behind me, far away, the glass of showcase of the flowers vending machine which had been hit was cracked.<br /> <br /> As for me--I was not hit.<br /> <br /> The bullet had just grazed my left cheek.<br /> <br /> I did it--<br /> <br /> It was theorized in but a moment, yet when I had tried to do it, it had worked.<br /> <br /> With my bare hands, slanting the course of the bullet...a technique which changes it into something akin to the symbol, "/".<br /> <br /> If I were to give it a name--Slash--would be what it would be called.<br /> <br /> As expected of Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> Finally, it seemed that I had become such that I was able to deflect a bullet.<br /> <br /> Well...I had been injured quite badly though, spraining my fingers. On both of my hands. It really hurts.<br /> <br /> "Kinji...y-you, just now..."<br /> <br /> Her voice filled with shock, Aria's eyes had widened into circles.<br /> <br /> From next to her--<br /> <br /> "--In the midst of this darkness.--"<br /> <br /> Reki's voice.<br /> <br /> Turning to look at her, Reki was closing her eyes, and her Dragunov was raised once again. Aimed towards Juujuu.<br /> <br /> That was something I would have never thought would have come from Reki, an extremely irrational movement.<br /> <br /> Reki trusted in the fact that the misfire from just now could be fired. That which was uttered just now--<br /> <br /> -My words.<br /> <br /> "A path of light exists--outside of the light, nothing can be seen, nothing exists. I--"<br /> <br /> Reki's...poem when she was sniping had changed.<br /> <br /> Opening those eyes once again, Reki--<br /> <br /> "--am one who runs in the midst of that light."<br /> <br /> -pulled the trigger.<br /> <br /> <br /> --''Bang!''<br /> <br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> This time, having been fired, the Dragunov's 7.62mm x 54R--<br /> <br /> --''Chiiiiii''--<br /> <br /> --brushed past Juujuu's head as she was reloading, not hitting its target.<br /> <br /> "Kihi...!"<br /> <br /> Koko, having broken out into a cold sweat, laughed, holding up the M700.<br /> <br /> Aria sucked in a deep breath. Reki, who had perfect accuracy, had, regretfully, missed--so she thought, however, that was wrong.<br /> <br /> It is that sniping technique. I had seen it before.<br /> <br /> "--!?"<br /> <br /> ''Bang!''<br /> <br /> Koko, who was on the same level of Reki, fired.<br /> <br /> Diagonally, in a completely different direction.<br /> <br /> "...? ? ?"<br /> <br /> And, ''Stagger, Stagger'', she stumbled about--<br /> <br /> -and with an expression which revealed that she had no idea what was happening to her body, ''Thud''.<br /> <br /> -at that spot, she toppled.<br /> <br /> That was a sniping technique which Reki had used against the Caucasus Silver Wolf--the Haimaki of present, during the period where he had once infiltrated Butei High.<br /> <br /> With a normal bullet, grazing one part of the body, applying pressure on one portion of the nervous system, a complex sniping technique which numbed the recipient.<br /> <br /> It can be performed on humans too, that technique. As expected of Snipe's prodigy, Reki.<br /> <br /> Getting a concussion, her feet unsteady, Koko used the M700 like a cane, trying to rise again, but--<br /> <br /> ''Thud!''<br /> <br /> Hidden below the platform and above the track, Riko came charging out--and she clung to Koko's back.<br /> <br /> "Mi-Mine Riko!"<br /> <br /> "Cao Cao-! That's also Cao Cao, this is also Cao Cao. All three are here~. Kufu!"<br /> <br /> Like a piggyback monster, she tightly squeezed Koko's body with her two legs, performing a full nelson on her with her hands--and very literally, Koko's two long twin-tails, like snakes, moved to tighten around her neck.<br /> <br /> This choke, used in an attempt to kill me twice--Shanshikeikeihou, Riko-version.<br /> <br /> "Go to sleep with your own technique, Cao Cao. The person who taught me this move has become my enemy."<br /> <br /> "......! !"<br /> <br /> Even so, Juujuu reached her hands out to Riko's face as she was behind her, trying to counterattack, but--<br /> <br /> -having taken advantage of opportunity where Meimei and Paonyang were rooted in shock, she flew straight towards Juujuu.<br /> <br /> "Koko--you really don't know when to give up!"<br /> <br /> "Wai-! Aria! Time out, time out!"<br /> <br /> Aria ignored Riko's voice, extremely panicked, ''Thud!''<br /> <br /> Going into a double-legged dropkick from sprinting forward with all her might, she rammed into Koko.<br /> <br /> Riko, ''Thump!'', along with Juujuu, blasted backwards--<br /> <br /> "<nowiki>~~~~~~~~~~</nowiki>..."<br /> <br /> Finally, she seemed to have fainted. Riko, too.<br /> <br /> While smiling wryly at Aria, binding the third Koko with a ferocity akin to that of a tiger devouring a panda--<br /> <br /> This time, with this, everything is resolved--I turned my back on the Kokos.<br /> <br /> (Reki...)<br /> <br /> On the other side, Reki--apparently exhausted, collapsed to the platform, sitting completely straight.<br /> <br /> From the Dragunov, which she had not been able to shoot herself with--<br /> <br /> As if feeling some sort of message, she tightly, tightly hugged it to herself.<br /> <br /> I knelt by her side, and...<br /> <br /> I could see that, from Reki's eyes, a single tear fell.<br /> <br /> "...Reki..."<br /> <br /> "I...do not hear it anymore."<br /> <br /> Those shoulders were trembling slightly.<br /> <br /> "Hear what?"<br /> <br /> "The voice of the wind--I can no longer hear it. The wind has already stopped speaking."<br /> <br /> Reki has...<br /> <br /> Until now, never made movements that she had thought of herself.<br /> <br /> Just being ordered by the "Wind", with this, living like a robot.<br /> <br /> Those directions had faded away--so she said.<br /> <br /> That was probably the release of the delusion that had been engrained into her by someone.<br /> <br /> I had learned this in Inquesta, that type of mind control could be released by a severe shock.<br /> <br /> With the shock of her Dragunov failing her, which Reki had trusted from the bottom of her heart, she had been released from that unseen hold.<br /> <br /> "The wind is no longer saying anything--huh. Isn't that the same as saying, "think by yourself"?"<br /> <br /> Towards me, who had said that, placing my hand on Reki's shoulder...<br /> <br /> Reki raised her head.<br /> <br /> "I do not understand. From now on, what do I do? From now on, alone--"<br /> <br /> "It's fine. The wind is something which blows where it wants, right? And also--you are not alone. I am together with you. Because, after all, you've already submitted our team registration to the school. Within this time, by yourself."<br /> <br /> Saying that, I flashed a small smile, straightening my back.<br /> <br /> Reki...was silent.<br /> <br /> Staying silent, her left and right hands grasping the grip and stock of the Dragunov for support, she stayed in that position for a few moments--<br /> <br /> And when a gust of wind blew through the station, ''Whoosh'', she raised her head.<br /> <br /> "--'''''anu urus wennuia'''''...Eternity--"<br /> <br /> Reki had--<br /> <br /> ...A song...?<br /> <br /> "--'''''Celare clai ol....tu plute ire, urus claia''''' Sky--"<br /> <br /> --started singing.<br /> <br /> I knew not which country those words stemmed from. I could hear that parts seemed to be in Japanese.<br /> <br /> Amazingly mysterious lyrics.<br /> <br /> However...it was, a beautiful song.<br /> <br /> Even then, its rhythm seemed was so nostalgic, so familiar.<br /> <br /> And, Reki's voice. It was wondrous. Its volume was soft, but she sang like a true singer, with perfect tone, such that anybody there who was listening to that beautiful voice would be rendered speechless.<br /> <br /> "--'''''Raios Zalo Ado'''''...Ясны, ясны на небе звёзды--"<br /> <br /> Standing up, Reki sang, and it reminded me of a bird setting off from its nest, a beautiful, vibrant song--<br /> [[File:Aria07_187.jpg|thumb]]<br /> Along with that continuing melody, the wind flowing through the platform strengthened.<br /> <br /> As if it was singing. The wind too.<br /> <br /> Aah. This is probably--<br /> <br /> -The parting song between the wind and Reki.<br /> <br /> "--'''''Celare claia ol...tu plute ire, urus claia''''' Sky--"<br /> <br /> At the refrain of the song, the wind, intensifying into a gust--<br /> <br /> From the vending machine which I had broken earlier, the bouquet of flowers which the person who says farewell gives to the one who sets off on his journey was swept up, released into the air.<br /> <br /> The flowers, coming loose, were caressed by the wind, with innumerable amounts of petals scattered into the air.<br /> <br /> In the midst of that multi-coloured mist of flowers--Reki walked atop the platform.<br /> <br /> Towards the end, which was completely desolate.<br /> <br /> (...Reki...)<br /> <br /> All words lost, we could not even open our eyes in the face of the intensified wind.<br /> <br /> When I closed my eyes, the last thing I could see was--<br /> <br /> "--'''''anu urus wennuia'''''...Eternity--"<br /> <br /> -in the instant the song, returning to its first line, finished, turning around, Reki--<br /> <br /> -as if having been reborn, her fresh, neat face.<br /> <br /> That face still could not form anything but a slight expression, but...<br /> <br /> ...It was smiling, I thought.<br /> <br /> <br /> The wind stopped--opening my eyes again, Reki's figure was no longer there.<br /> <br /> Aria panicked at the fact that Reki had suddenly disappeared, but...I was not like that at all.<br /> <br /> Isn't it alright? For the first time, Reki started walking by her own will.<br /> <br /> She had stopped living by the orders of someone, and herself acting like a new wind, she walked towards freedom.<br /> <br /> So, this is like Reki's second birthday.<br /> <br /> Rather, I felt as if I wanted to give her my blessing.<br /> <br /> 'Happy birthday, Reki'--that.<br /> <br /> <br /> Brought to our location by Muto and company, the Jieitai's bomb squad came out...<br /> <br /> After them, a higher-up from the police, Butei High's Ranbyou and Tsuzuri, those teachers, and the aftermath squad--<br /> <br /> A few Butei High students came with them.<br /> <br /> After hearing of Reki's disappearance, Snipe's third year Shibaiko-senpai tried looking for her, but...I thought it is useless. Because, by her own will, Reki could completely erase anything like a hint of her presence. As long as she does not try to come out, no matter who looks for her, she won't be found. Even if you brush right past her.<br /> <br /> Also...because she had erased her presence by herself, she should be doing things covertly. Right now.<br /> <br /> While I was thinking that, I exited from the desolate, maze-like Tokyo station along with the others.<br /> <br /> Exiting from the Marunouchi exit, there were several black Butei Cars waiting.<br /> <br /> Apparently an Assault elite, and treated differently as such, Aria was taking a car together with Ranbyou...Each of us, Riko, Muto, Hiraga-san and I, were driven by freshmen from Logi, split up, sitting in the backseat of our respective cars.<br /> <br /> "...Now that I think about it, did you make it to a toilet? There was no toilet on Car 16."<br /> <br /> Hysteria Mode released, I asked lightly, and Riko planted her fist in my left cheek, pressing down on it firmly.<br /> <br /> Ou-ouch. The bullet graze from when I had performed Slash, hurt a little.<br /> <br /> "Ki-kun! You're not allowed to ask that question of girls! I certainly made it in time!!"<br /> <br /> Apparently, Riko, blushing, had...well, somehow done it somewhere.<br /> <br /> Pursue it any further, and she'll be pretty pitiable. Even the me of normal understood that.<br /> <br /> Turning away to face the window of the backseat, Riko--<br /> <br /> "--Kinji. You're a cheater."<br /> <br /> -with the manner of speaking of the Other Riko, murmured that.<br /> <br /> "What are you talking about?"<br /> <br /> "This. My eyes cannot be cheated. Here. There's the mark of a knife."<br /> <br /> Saying that, the thing that Riko took out of her pocket was--the shell of a sniper rifle's bullet.<br /> <br /> That was the casing of the bullet which Reki had tried to shoot herself with, and after that had failed, shot Koko with.<br /> <br /> "...You have sharp eyes, Riko. As expected."<br /> <br /> Sinking deeper into the seat, I received the casing from Riko's small hand.<br /> <br /> A normal bullet's casing has an ignition point known as a primer attached to it. If there is no primer, the bullet cannot be fired. In other words--the end result is a misfire.<br /> <br /> I...<br /> <br /> ...after hearing about the "Last Bullet" at the Hotogi branch...if the situation became such that she had been pressured to the last bullet--Reki, as Jeanne had said, might shoot herself. That's what I thought.<br /> <br /> So, at the sleeping Reki's side, when I was performing the simple disassembly of the Dragunov--I extracted the bullets from the magazine, and removed the primer from the last bullet in advance. In preparation for Koko's next attack.<br /> <br /> Removing the primer from the bullet was a rather dangerous action, but if I used my knife, using the special method that I had learned from Nii-san, I could do it.<br /> <br /> As I expected, Reki tried to shoot herself with the last bullet--and that bullet ended up being a misfire.<br /> <br /> After that, I took the bullet out of the magazine, and I reattached the primer which I had enclosed in my pocket. Clasping the bullet, I acted as if I was concentrating on doing something.<br /> <br /> And with that, loaded once again, this bullet performed its correct function, becoming the bullet which decided our victory.<br /> <br /> "Kinji--planned this? The whole flow?"<br /> <br /> "Well, about half. Rather, it doesn't matter anymore, right? That."<br /> <br /> Riko looked this way with an expression of admiration, this time staring out my window.<br /> <br /> Visible there was a large billboard advertising the 3D movie to be opened to the public shortly, "The Wizard of Oz"<br /> <br /> Now that I think about, when I had eaten ramen with Reki at Odaiba too, that billboard was visible.<br /> <br /> "The Wizard of Oz". When I was small, my mother read that to me from a picture-book--and one of the characters which appeared in it, the tin lumberjack who was missing a heart, received a human's heart at the end.<br /> <br /> Every one of us is probably like that.<br /> <br /> The wandering Dorothy, the cowardly lion, the stupid scarecrow.<br /> <br /> However, everyone lent each other their strength, and each of them managed to take hold of their future self.<br /> <br /> Like that fairy tale, immediately getting it before the ending...is obviously impossible.<br /> <br /> However, it's fine if we approach it step by step. Towards our new self.<br /> <br /> So, Reki--you should do that too, from now on.<br /> <br /> "Ki-kun, why're you smiling? Are you so happy to be next to Riko?<br /> <br /> While pushing Riko, who had returned to Normal Riko and was cuddling up against me, I noticed that I was smiling wryly.<br /> <br /> I had been completely--drawn to Reki's side. I was just thinking about this.<br /> <br /> Lima Syndrome, which I had planned to use on the night which I was placed under Sniper Restriction by Reki--<br /> <br /> -the reverse of that psychological phenomenon, Stockholm Syndrome, exists.<br /> <br /> The people who are imprisoned feels sympathy for the people who are imprisoning them...a phenomenon where they become completely allies of their capturers.<br /> <br /> This was, probably, that.<br /> <br /> I had planned to win her over, but I had been won over instead.<br /> <br /> Of course, the other side was not conscious of this result.<br /> <br /> Now, I am definitely standing by that wordless and expressionless beautiful girl who is out there somewhere--Reki.<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter2|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter4}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=170713 User:Just4fun 2012-07-20T13:12:40Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> '''Resumed'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=164935 User:Just4fun 2012-06-27T08:14:08Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> '''Stopped(Temporarily)'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=164934 User:Just4fun 2012-06-27T08:13:21Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently reading: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> Sword Art Online.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> '''Slowed'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=164933 User:Just4fun 2012-06-27T08:13:02Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Next on the Line: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sakunai.<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> '''Slowed'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=164932 User:Just4fun 2012-06-27T08:11:56Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Finished reading: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS)(Somebody said on the baka forum that IS will continue... i really hope it will...)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> '''Slowed'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=164931 User:Just4fun 2012-06-27T08:10:48Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> '''Slowed'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 <br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=164930 User:Just4fun 2012-06-27T08:10:01Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently reading: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria.<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> '''My edits are temporarily stopped because of laptop problem (Will be editing again after 2 weeks)'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Infinite_Stratos&diff=163745 Talk:Infinite Stratos 2012-06-21T14:16:32Z

<p>Just4fun: /* GOOD NEWS! */</p> <hr /> <div>== other characters picture displaced==<br /> <br /> Shinonome Tabane's picture is in misplaced, screwing with the text and other things. Confirmed on ie, moz and iPad. <br /> If it wasn't obvious; it's in character description on the main page. Cheerios.<br /> <br /> <br /> ==LN titles==<br /> <br /> It seems that there are problems with the titles. For example, V3 chapter 1 the title is, according to wikipedia, rain maker while my translation is different. What do we do in that case? [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 22:38, 19 February 2011 (UTC)<br /> <br /> I just checked Baike(chinese) and compared it to Wikipedia. Baike wrote Blue days/little switch while Wikipedia says Blue days/red switch. WHICH IS CORRECT FOR GOD'S SAKE![[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 00:04, 20 February 2011 (UTC)<br /> <br /> Suggestion: Check anime, don't they show original titles in the start of each chapter? <br /> <br /> <br /> You know, when I see the name "Teh Ping" on the first page, I know this LN will be finished in no time. See what's happening now...?<br /> I'm deeply impressed. Just...."waw..." [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 16:17, 15 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I concur. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:38, 15 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Oh my God, Teh Ping; I can't believe my eyes!! 55% translation progress in just 1 day???? Thanks a lot. Really...thanks..... - [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 20:21, 17 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Ehhh~ ==<br /> <br /> On Infinite Stratos. Young Japanese women or school girls usually say "Ehhh~" just to sound cute or in a cutesy manner in Japanese society, especially in conversations between fellow woman/girls. So its better to keep them in most cases in IS. It's staying true to the author's original intent since "Whaaat" isn't very cute sounding for the most part, although it does fit in the sentence. Therefore, I suggest that we keep Ehhh~ the way it is unless there's a better alternative than "Whaaat" and "Huuuh" to replace "Ehhh~" in IS. The "Ehhh~" is somewhat similar to the exclusively Japanese sound effects for something cute like Funya, Funyari, Nyaa, Gao and etc. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 01:18, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I don't think Ehhh~ ''always'' denotes cutsyness, it can denote extreme surprise or tired surprise like Cecilia being bothered by the girls over her makeup, dress sense and perfume and her saying it (sometimes in her mind) out of exasperation. The only times it denotes cuteness is when the character tries to appear childish. Sometimes it just denotes surprise. It depends on the circumstances. But since there are multiple forms in english that can replace it we should take them into account. There are many variables. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:50, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But then again "Eh" is an [http://english-learners.com/2010/03/interjections-exclamations.html interjection] in the english language. But it isn't used as much. On the other hand the cute Ehh~ you are talking about fits [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJrCnWOwuZQ this type of girl] more, see the whole thing but 1:05 specifically. Cecilia or the other girls are not that type, well maybe Laura but... no not that level after all. Sigh, I'm sorry but in light of the overall I can't say it fits with cuteness; tiredness or exasperation maybe, but not cuteness. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:56, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Wouldn't keeping the Eh's be fine too, instead of replacing them with Huh or What? It doesn't really detract from the meaning as whole in the Light Novel, some english translation projects like Toaru no Majutsu just keep the "Eh" the way it is, and I know its not commonly used in many English novels, but the Eh's are not that big of an issue. “Ehh!? Why!? Why are you here!? World War III… The Arctic Ocean… Y-you were dead… Wh-what is going on…!?” Misaka Mikoto from NT volume 2, chapter 1. Although I agree with Hiro that sometimes its used in a cutesy way by girls, but other times its used for being suprised in an almost comical way. -Anonymous Reader ( [[Special:Contributions/160.253.128.7|160.253.128.7]] 14:03, 8 September 2011 (CDT) )<br /> <br /> Yeah... but, you see... It's already been done and now to change everything back would be excessive or leave it as it currently is and not change "eh" to "huh" or "what" in present or future chapters kind of goes against conformity. Sigh. I do get what you're saying, I really do. It's just I think... it's too late in the game to change the rules, y'know what I mean don't you? Besides I don't think Hiro Hayase intends to change all "eh"s back, only the "Ehh*~"s the ones with a drawn out sound. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:35, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Agreed, a compromise will do here. Just leaving Ehh~ with the drawn out sound the way it is will suffice, its too late to change everything back now anyways. Well at least this is sorted. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 19:01, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Hmm... I'm all good for a compromise, normally. But only when the "~" is used and there are ''more'' than one "h". At least until I find something good enough in the english language. See, I'm using both my decision and FoxReplace to change the "eh"s (decision for vague ones and FoxReplace for repetitive changes) and FoxReplace can only be picky in certain ways. Sorry, this is something I can't help. Currently it is set to change all "eh" ''words'' to "huh" but not any with more than one "h" so I can make the decision to ignore them, but I think only those with the ~ until I find something fitting. Maybe I will, most probably not. So is that cool? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:22, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> It's cool with me. Changing the repetitive eh's is also alright with me. I guess its case closed now -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 22:11, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> == Volume 8 ==<br /> <br /> Does anyone have any information on when volume 8 will be released?<br /> <br /> I'm also interested in this ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 13:53, 12 January 2012 (CST)<br /> <br /> there is no information about it yet just be patient and wait<br /> <br /> == rumor has it that IS is cancelled ==<br /> <br /> here is what I read about IS being cancelled<br /> <br /> http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/02/21-1/news-rumor-infinite-stratos-light-novel-canceled-by-media-factory<br /> <br /> NOOOO!!!! THIS CAN"T BE HAPPENING!!!!<br /> <br /> It may be canceled by the publisher, but it is already wrote by the author. Just that nobody knows who is going to take the title for the time being. --[[User:Braiam|Braiam]] 10:59, 3 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Why was the author attacking fans on the net? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:20, 4 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I doubt about the thing the author attacking fans on the net cause if he really did it, it would be bad for him... maybe there is someone else behind wanting to destroy his image or something like that...<br /> lets just hope that it really doesn't get cancelled [[User:Kipoyedcl|Kipoyedcl]] 21:41, 5 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But then why's the above linked article saying he did it? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:29, 6 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> he got what he deserved 05:43, 6 April 2012 Zmunjali<br /> <br /> That's besides the point!!! I wanna know why that happened. Besides what's the point of him getting what he deserves if it's us readers who get caught in the crossfire? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:10, 6 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I'm with zero. I don't know what hapened bot I wanna see the 8th volume of IS because this is annoying. I can't imagine how attacking on twitter can somehow lead to the complete removal of the series. discontinuation is one thing but removing is a little overboard I think ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 10:55, 14 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I think IS is now dead because I saw on some forum that the author of IS is now working on a new novel which is (KIMI P). but I am still hoping that the novel will continue-[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 17:40, 4 May 2012<br /> <br /> Isn't it more likely that the novel was going in a direction that the current company couldn't endorse or agree with because it goes against their current image? That would explain it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:57, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Also I saw this on wikipedia: ''Yumizuru cited that Media Factory's overseas representatives were engaging in contracts with foreign publishers without the author's permission as the reason for the suspension. Yumizuru had also stated that he was willing to fight over this matter in court if necessary.'' I'm willing to bet this is the real reason for their ''falling out'' as they call it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:05, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> so in other words IS will not continue anymore?? or IS is in state of hibernation?? ohhh well.. i will just wait patiently..- [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] - 14:38, 5 May 2012<br /> <br /> aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!! and i was so looking forward to vol 8 ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 15:22, 18 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^Have hope dude! hahaha! i am still hoping there is still volume 8 to be released. [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 21 May 2012<br /> <br /> Good News Every One! The novelist has confirmed more IS in the works. http://www.animenewsnetwork.co.uk/news/2012-06-17/infinite-stratos-novelist-yumizuru-confirms-more-in-the-works Anon-kun 19th June 2012<br /> <br /> == Cliffhanger! ==<br /> <br /> i just finish volume 1-7 and its a cliffhanger.. really! i really wish volume 8 will be released soon... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 23 May 2012<br /> <br /> ...Even if you complain to us, we can't do anything about it unless you ask me to write a fanfiction volume 8 or something like what I actually planned for April Fools' this year. (The only thing stopping me was that I can't get convincing illustrations).--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 00:51, 23 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> hahaha! i wasn't complaining... i think i like that plan teh ping... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] May 30 2012<br /> <br /> == Idiom in Vol 1 , Chapt 1? ==<br /> <br /> Fantastic work, I love this site, and I thank all the contributors.<br /> <br /> One question, though. What does "black on the face" mean here, please? The sentence is strange on its own, I'm wondering if it's an idiom that didn't get adapted. The whole text of the books are so well done, so this sentence seems a little strange.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "Well, maybe I won't be able to get to the level where Chifuyu-nee won't be all ''black on the face'', but at least I don't want her to be embarrassed on the professional field."<br /> <br /> --[[Special:Contributions/75.132.157.54|75.132.157.54]] 15:44, 25 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^i think its an idiom.... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 30 May 2012<br /> <br /> Most probably the sentence is an idiom. Judging by the sentence itself and the contents around it. I think it means that Ichika won't be on the level where he messes up so badly that Chifuyu would be embarrassed to be his sister, angry at Ichika and basically like a demoness. You know, those murderous glares... or something like that. Sorry, but even I'm not very sure about this and can only guess. Translator... oh Translator... help out, please... [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:55, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But you know... this kind of query should be on the respective Chapter's talk page itself rather than here. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 06:37, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> It's actually more like an expression. In anime, don't you see people's faces become darker when they look stern?--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 07:00, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> im with Teh Ping. you know there are times in both anime and manga when they get angry, look down and their face gets darker ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 05:04, 7 June 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> == GOOD NEWS! ==<br /> <br /> IS will resume again.... see baka forum for details(IS thread)... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] June 21 2012</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Infinite_Stratos&diff=163744 Talk:Infinite Stratos 2012-06-21T14:15:47Z

<p>Just4fun: /* GOOD NEWS! */ new section</p> <hr /> <div>== other characters picture displaced==<br /> <br /> Shinonome Tabane's picture is in misplaced, screwing with the text and other things. Confirmed on ie, moz and iPad. <br /> If it wasn't obvious; it's in character description on the main page. Cheerios.<br /> <br /> <br /> ==LN titles==<br /> <br /> It seems that there are problems with the titles. For example, V3 chapter 1 the title is, according to wikipedia, rain maker while my translation is different. What do we do in that case? [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 22:38, 19 February 2011 (UTC)<br /> <br /> I just checked Baike(chinese) and compared it to Wikipedia. Baike wrote Blue days/little switch while Wikipedia says Blue days/red switch. WHICH IS CORRECT FOR GOD'S SAKE![[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 00:04, 20 February 2011 (UTC)<br /> <br /> Suggestion: Check anime, don't they show original titles in the start of each chapter? <br /> <br /> <br /> You know, when I see the name "Teh Ping" on the first page, I know this LN will be finished in no time. See what's happening now...?<br /> I'm deeply impressed. Just...."waw..." [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 16:17, 15 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I concur. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:38, 15 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Oh my God, Teh Ping; I can't believe my eyes!! 55% translation progress in just 1 day???? Thanks a lot. Really...thanks..... - [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 20:21, 17 October 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Ehhh~ ==<br /> <br /> On Infinite Stratos. Young Japanese women or school girls usually say "Ehhh~" just to sound cute or in a cutesy manner in Japanese society, especially in conversations between fellow woman/girls. So its better to keep them in most cases in IS. It's staying true to the author's original intent since "Whaaat" isn't very cute sounding for the most part, although it does fit in the sentence. Therefore, I suggest that we keep Ehhh~ the way it is unless there's a better alternative than "Whaaat" and "Huuuh" to replace "Ehhh~" in IS. The "Ehhh~" is somewhat similar to the exclusively Japanese sound effects for something cute like Funya, Funyari, Nyaa, Gao and etc. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 01:18, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I don't think Ehhh~ ''always'' denotes cutsyness, it can denote extreme surprise or tired surprise like Cecilia being bothered by the girls over her makeup, dress sense and perfume and her saying it (sometimes in her mind) out of exasperation. The only times it denotes cuteness is when the character tries to appear childish. Sometimes it just denotes surprise. It depends on the circumstances. But since there are multiple forms in english that can replace it we should take them into account. There are many variables. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:50, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But then again "Eh" is an [http://english-learners.com/2010/03/interjections-exclamations.html interjection] in the english language. But it isn't used as much. On the other hand the cute Ehh~ you are talking about fits [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJrCnWOwuZQ this type of girl] more, see the whole thing but 1:05 specifically. Cecilia or the other girls are not that type, well maybe Laura but... no not that level after all. Sigh, I'm sorry but in light of the overall I can't say it fits with cuteness; tiredness or exasperation maybe, but not cuteness. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:56, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Wouldn't keeping the Eh's be fine too, instead of replacing them with Huh or What? It doesn't really detract from the meaning as whole in the Light Novel, some english translation projects like Toaru no Majutsu just keep the "Eh" the way it is, and I know its not commonly used in many English novels, but the Eh's are not that big of an issue. “Ehh!? Why!? Why are you here!? World War III… The Arctic Ocean… Y-you were dead… Wh-what is going on…!?” Misaka Mikoto from NT volume 2, chapter 1. Although I agree with Hiro that sometimes its used in a cutesy way by girls, but other times its used for being suprised in an almost comical way. -Anonymous Reader ( [[Special:Contributions/160.253.128.7|160.253.128.7]] 14:03, 8 September 2011 (CDT) )<br /> <br /> Yeah... but, you see... It's already been done and now to change everything back would be excessive or leave it as it currently is and not change "eh" to "huh" or "what" in present or future chapters kind of goes against conformity. Sigh. I do get what you're saying, I really do. It's just I think... it's too late in the game to change the rules, y'know what I mean don't you? Besides I don't think Hiro Hayase intends to change all "eh"s back, only the "Ehh*~"s the ones with a drawn out sound. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:35, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Agreed, a compromise will do here. Just leaving Ehh~ with the drawn out sound the way it is will suffice, its too late to change everything back now anyways. Well at least this is sorted. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 19:01, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Hmm... I'm all good for a compromise, normally. But only when the "~" is used and there are ''more'' than one "h". At least until I find something good enough in the english language. See, I'm using both my decision and FoxReplace to change the "eh"s (decision for vague ones and FoxReplace for repetitive changes) and FoxReplace can only be picky in certain ways. Sorry, this is something I can't help. Currently it is set to change all "eh" ''words'' to "huh" but not any with more than one "h" so I can make the decision to ignore them, but I think only those with the ~ until I find something fitting. Maybe I will, most probably not. So is that cool? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:22, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> It's cool with me. Changing the repetitive eh's is also alright with me. I guess its case closed now -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 22:11, 8 September 2011 (CDT)<br /> <br /> == Volume 8 ==<br /> <br /> Does anyone have any information on when volume 8 will be released?<br /> <br /> I'm also interested in this ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 13:53, 12 January 2012 (CST)<br /> <br /> there is no information about it yet just be patient and wait<br /> <br /> == rumor has it that IS is cancelled ==<br /> <br /> here is what I read about IS being cancelled<br /> <br /> http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/02/21-1/news-rumor-infinite-stratos-light-novel-canceled-by-media-factory<br /> <br /> NOOOO!!!! THIS CAN"T BE HAPPENING!!!!<br /> <br /> It may be canceled by the publisher, but it is already wrote by the author. Just that nobody knows who is going to take the title for the time being. --[[User:Braiam|Braiam]] 10:59, 3 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Why was the author attacking fans on the net? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:20, 4 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I doubt about the thing the author attacking fans on the net cause if he really did it, it would be bad for him... maybe there is someone else behind wanting to destroy his image or something like that...<br /> lets just hope that it really doesn't get cancelled [[User:Kipoyedcl|Kipoyedcl]] 21:41, 5 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But then why's the above linked article saying he did it? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:29, 6 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> he got what he deserved 05:43, 6 April 2012 Zmunjali<br /> <br /> That's besides the point!!! I wanna know why that happened. Besides what's the point of him getting what he deserves if it's us readers who get caught in the crossfire? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:10, 6 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I'm with zero. I don't know what hapened bot I wanna see the 8th volume of IS because this is annoying. I can't imagine how attacking on twitter can somehow lead to the complete removal of the series. discontinuation is one thing but removing is a little overboard I think ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 10:55, 14 April 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> I think IS is now dead because I saw on some forum that the author of IS is now working on a new novel which is (KIMI P). but I am still hoping that the novel will continue-[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 17:40, 4 May 2012<br /> <br /> Isn't it more likely that the novel was going in a direction that the current company couldn't endorse or agree with because it goes against their current image? That would explain it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:57, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> Also I saw this on wikipedia: ''Yumizuru cited that Media Factory's overseas representatives were engaging in contracts with foreign publishers without the author's permission as the reason for the suspension. Yumizuru had also stated that he was willing to fight over this matter in court if necessary.'' I'm willing to bet this is the real reason for their ''falling out'' as they call it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:05, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> so in other words IS will not continue anymore?? or IS is in state of hibernation?? ohhh well.. i will just wait patiently..- [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] - 14:38, 5 May 2012<br /> <br /> aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!! and i was so looking forward to vol 8 ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 15:22, 18 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^Have hope dude! hahaha! i am still hoping there is still volume 8 to be released. [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 21 May 2012<br /> <br /> Good News Every One! The novelist has confirmed more IS in the works. http://www.animenewsnetwork.co.uk/news/2012-06-17/infinite-stratos-novelist-yumizuru-confirms-more-in-the-works Anon-kun 19th June 2012<br /> <br /> == Cliffhanger! ==<br /> <br /> i just finish volume 1-7 and its a cliffhanger.. really! i really wish volume 8 will be released soon... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 23 May 2012<br /> <br /> ...Even if you complain to us, we can't do anything about it unless you ask me to write a fanfiction volume 8 or something like what I actually planned for April Fools' this year. (The only thing stopping me was that I can't get convincing illustrations).--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 00:51, 23 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> hahaha! i wasn't complaining... i think i like that plan teh ping... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] May 30 2012<br /> <br /> == Idiom in Vol 1 , Chapt 1? ==<br /> <br /> Fantastic work, I love this site, and I thank all the contributors.<br /> <br /> One question, though. What does "black on the face" mean here, please? The sentence is strange on its own, I'm wondering if it's an idiom that didn't get adapted. The whole text of the books are so well done, so this sentence seems a little strange.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "Well, maybe I won't be able to get to the level where Chifuyu-nee won't be all ''black on the face'', but at least I don't want her to be embarrassed on the professional field."<br /> <br /> --[[Special:Contributions/75.132.157.54|75.132.157.54]] 15:44, 25 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^i think its an idiom.... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] 30 May 2012<br /> <br /> Most probably the sentence is an idiom. Judging by the sentence itself and the contents around it. I think it means that Ichika won't be on the level where he messes up so badly that Chifuyu would be embarrassed to be his sister, angry at Ichika and basically like a demoness. You know, those murderous glares... or something like that. Sorry, but even I'm not very sure about this and can only guess. Translator... oh Translator... help out, please... [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:55, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> But you know... this kind of query should be on the respective Chapter's talk page itself rather than here. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 06:37, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> It's actually more like an expression. In anime, don't you see people's faces become darker when they look stern?--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 07:00, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> im with Teh Ping. you know there are times in both anime and manga when they get angry, look down and their face gets darker ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 05:04, 7 June 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> == GOOD NEWS! ==<br /> <br /> IS will resume again.... see baka forum for details(IS thread)...</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=163110 User:Just4fun 2012-06-18T13:30:35Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> '''My edits are temporarily stopped because of laptop problem (Will be editing again after 2 weeks)'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=163109 User:Just4fun 2012-06-18T13:29:41Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> '''My edits are temporarily stopped by 2 weeks because of laptop problem'''<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter1&diff=162283 Talk:Hidan no Aria:Volume10 Chapter1 2012-06-15T14:25:42Z

<p>Just4fun: Created page with "So.... is this chapter finished??? Just4fun June 15 2012"</p> <hr /> <div>So.... is this chapter finished??? [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] June 15 2012</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Chapter2&diff=162282 Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter2 2012-06-15T14:02:04Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==2nd Ammo: HURRY UP==<br /> <br /> Honestly, I should have stayed in the Hotogi shrine to watch over Reki, but Kanae-san's trial was fast approaching. And for that, there was an unconfirmed chance that the lawyers would have to speak with us, the people who had fought with I-U, face to face before the trial.<br /> <br /> So, on the evening of that day, I left the doctors and Kazayuki to watch over Reki...<br /> <br /> Shirayuki and I took the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sany%C5%8D_Shinkansen Sanyou Shinkansen] - Toukaidou Hope 246, going to Tokyo.<br /> <br /> "16, Car 15, Row D-E...Ah, here. It's all the way at the front, Kin-chan! Kin-chan likes the aisle seat, doesn't he? Here you go. Have this ticket."<br /> <br /> Pushing the ticket for the aisle seat into my hands and sitting at the window seat, Shirayuki--because she had left the Hotogi, was talking with me incessantly. It seemed like she was trying to encourage me, who barely said a word, worried about Reki.<br /> <br /> It was evident that her own heart wasn't calm either. Shirayuki is really a very firm person.<br /> <br /> She never forgets to empathize, to be concerned for others, a really good person.<br /> <br /> "Shirayuki, thanks a lot."<br /> <br /> Sitting down on the aisle seat--<br /> <br /> "Eh. Mmm, it's fine. Because--this is the first time I've ridden on the Shinkansen, I wanted to see the scenery, so it's great that I'm sitting at the window seat. On the contrary...if I wasn't riding together with Kin-chan, I would have to take the car again, so...thank you very much."<br /> <br /> I had just said a word of thanks, yet Shirayuki's face turned red, and she waved her hands furiously.<br /> <br /> Because I saw Shirayuki, who was putting so much effort into being cheerful, abruptly return to her normal self, I laughed softly, a small ''Fu'' escaping my lips--and Shirayuki made a "Waaa!" expression.<br /> <br /> And, to hide her expression, her hands slapped to her cheeks...her face, looked as if she was paying her respects, went all the way down to her lap, a sort of kneeling position, and her body twisted in what seemed like agony, she looked out the window.<br /> <br /> Wh...what are you doing...?<br /> <br /> "Ahh...at such a short distance, I was blessed with 'Kin-chan laugh'...cool...cool, so cool...!"<br /> <br /> While muttering what she was thinking in her heart, Shirayuki was, to put it in Riko terms, making an "excited by something moe face". The feeling of "Kyaaa".<br /> <br /> Do you think that I can't see your face? Well, I can see it really clearly in the reflection of the window.<br /> <br /> Rather, what's "Kin-chan laugh"? Is it that old comedian's act, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%AC%BD%E3%81%A1%E3%82%83%E3%82%93 Kin-chan] run, the one that Muto sometimes does to pick up girls...?<br /> <br /> While thinking about that, I reclined in the seat a little, inside the Shinkansen which had just started to move.<br /> <br /> I rested, but, is it due to the continuous chain of events that had completely thrown my body's clock into disorder...?<br /> <br /> Again, I could not sleep.<br /> <br /> I was looking at the scenery outside the Shinkansen, passing by abnormally slowly...''Drowsy, Drowsy''...and...<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> ......<br /> <br /> .........<br /> <br /> "While you're sleeping--I'm sorry to disturb you."<br /> <br /> ...n?<br /> <br /> Argh. The train attendant came.<br /> <br /> It seemed that, at some point in time, I had really fallen asleep.<br /> <br /> "Ah...Yes?"<br /> <br /> I showed her the train ticket, however, for some reason, sweating under the uniform cap, the train attendant...only swiftly checked the luggage rack above us and the space below our seats before leaving in a hurry.<br /> <br /> It seemed as if she wasn't here to check our tickets.<br /> <br /> What did she come here for? She was moving her hands like she was looking for something...well, whatever.<br /> <br /> I looked at my watch and already, more than 30 minutes had passed since our departure.<br /> <br /> Looking to my side, Shirayuki was also sleeping, continuing to sit upright on the seat.<br /> <br /> She seemed to be sleeping deeply, since she didn't seem to have woken up when the train attendant came.<br /> <br /> That's to be expected. I had caught a little sleep at Hotogi, but the reason for this was because Shirayuki had been protecting Reki and me throughout the night.<br /> <br /> Originally a beautiful person and such, with a beautiful sleeping face as well, Shirayuki...ng...?<br /> <br /> "...Fufu...so cute...mnya..."<br /> <br /> With an amazingly happy face, she started sleep-talking something.<br /> <br /> "...His eyes are exactly like Kin-chan's...ah, his nose looks like mine, doesn't it...ufufu..."<br /> <br /> ......。<br /> <br /> What's happening inside Shirayuki's dream? I mean, before that, what does Shirayuki's dream world have to do with me? Just imagining it is terrifying.<br /> <br /> (...I shouldn't think about it too deeply...)<br /> <br /> I turned my back to Shirayuki's sleeping face, softly standing up from my seat.<br /> <br /> Because I had taken a nap, my fatigue was slightly relieved, but my head was still hazy.<br /> <br /> (I'll just go to the washroom for a little while to wash my face.)<br /> <br /> Go through the automatic door, going to the end of Car 16...I was going to the washroom on this side of the cab.<br /> <br /> But...<br /> <br /> Huh? The door isn't opening.<br /> <br /> It didn't move at all, almost like it was welded shut. What the hell is this?<br /> <br /> Since this wasn't the toilet, I looked in from the small window, but...there was nobody inside.<br /> <br /> (It seems that, somehow, the door was broken.)<br /> <br /> Since I didn't have any other choice but to use the washroom at the back, I started to walk towards Car 15.<br /> <br /> On the Oumi Shinkansen, returning to Tokyo and Chinami, Car 16 is the front most car, and Car 1 is the farthest back.<br /> <br /> The train wasn't that crowded, and I looked around while walking--on the rows of seats, three on the right, two on the left, there were many types of passengers sitting there.<br /> <br /> Some children playing trump. And, there was what I thought to be their guardian, a pregnant woman, her belly bulging out.<br /> <br /> A pair of salary-men, on a business trip, were playing chess against each other with a magnetic chessboard.<br /> <br /> Since I had learned the rules of chess from Kana, I sneaked a look as I passed by...one of the players was just using the special move, "Castling".<br /> <br /> A movement that switches the king with the rook, "Castling" is--one of the moves I like.<br /> <br /> Seeing the two pieces switch places as if dancing in a cycle, just looking at it was rather fun. <br /> <br /> (Kana was really good, I didn't even win once.)<br /> <br /> While I was reminiscing about the past, I once again started advancing up the aisle.<br /> <br /> Ah...having inclined the chair all the way backwards, the man drinking sake was Washio Narau.<br /> <br /> He was both an actor and a singer, although besides that, he was a person that was notorious for his excessive vulgarity.<br /> <br /> In the middle of the row of three seats, the ones on the left and right occupied by the female assistants he had brought with him, Washio--the eyes beneath his sunglasses met mine, and he went "Tch", as if saying: "I was noticed, huh."<br /> <br /> (...What. It's not like I'm gonna start shouting.)<br /> <br /> Feeling rather annoyed, I passed by...walking towards the back of the car.<br /> <br /> ''Ngaaah, Goo''...As I was thinking about who that big guy was, snoring like that, I saw that it was Muto.<br /> <br /> Aah, it's so embarrassing to be a Butei just like him. I'm just glad that, at least, there's nobody sitting next to him.<br /> <br /> I pretended that he was a stranger, passing by...farthest back on Car 16, for some reason, the seats in the two-seat row had been turned--they were seats whose backs were facing this way.<br /> <br /> Above the seat, I could see a red horn sticking out.<br /> <br /> To be more correct, it was a hair clip whose front stuck out like a horn.<br /> <br /> Attached to pink-blonde twin-tails, sitting there, back facing this way, was--<br /> <br /> (...Aria...!)<br /> <br /> That's Aria.<br /> <br /> Next to her, I could see loose waves of tea-coloured hair, probably Riko's head.<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, during the field trip, Aria was saying something about meeting Riko and Muto at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kure Kure].<br /> <br /> These three were taking the train back to Tokyo, huh?<br /> <br /> "Ari..."<br /> <br /> Stepping forward, just about to tell her about Reki, my arm, ''Grab''.<br /> <br /> "--?"<br /> <br /> I was grabbed by the person who was sitting in one of the seats in front of Aria and Riko, forcefully pulled into the empty seat.<br /> <br /> Turning my head, that hand was--Assault's Shiranui Ryou.<br /> [[File:Aria07 055.jpg|thumb]]<br /> While the handsome Shiranui placed a finger in front of his mouth, making a gesture for "be quiet," his left and right eyes flicked open and shut, winking at me.<br /> <br /> Decoding that like morse code..「Talking about something interesting; Listen」...?<br /> <br /> Trying to ignore it and get up, I was stuck inside Shiranui's arms.<br /> <br /> 「Let go; I have something to say to Aria.」<br /> <br /> I replied.<br /> <br /> 「Let go.」<br /> <br /> 「It's fine; Stay like this」<br /> <br /> 「Let go.」<br /> <br /> 「It's fine; It's fine」<br /> <br /> Forcefully answering with that kind of winking...''Chatter Chatter.''<br /> <br /> Looking up the aisle, three Butei High girls were sitting on the three-row seats, looking this way, whispering with each other. Those were students that were in the same class as me, 2A. If I'm certain, Connect.<br /> <br /> The three female students, their faces red, were saying: "Pl-player," "Even with boys," "Ca-captured...!", apparently shocked. I could hear about three-tenths of what they were saying.<br /> <br /> (...Th-this can't...)<br /> <br /> Noticing their serious expressions, if I look at this from an objective point of view--This scene between Shiranui and me. Hands linked intimately, looking at each other directly, not saying anything. Two boys.<br /> <br /> Shi-Shiranui. Please at least care about what this looks like in other people's eyes. Even if that isn't so, there's never been any rumors about you getting together with any girls, so it's easy to suspect that you're ''that'' kind.<br /> <br /> For the sake of not having an even worse reputation even more among my class,<br /> <br /> 「I got it; I got it, so; Let go of my hand; 5 minutes; I'll stay here quietly.」<br /> <br /> Communicating that to Shiranui, Shiranui released my hand.<br /> <br /> (But, what does he want me to hear?)<br /> <br /> Folding my arms in annoyance...I could hear Aria and Riko's conversation from behind me.<br /> <br /> "--This is, something that my friend consulted me about. Look, I, ah...be-because, about romance, I don't really understand that kind of thing. Maybe you would understand...I thought."<br /> <br /> "Ask anything you want! Riko is a love-romance human Wikipedia!"<br /> <br /> ...Love? ...Romance? <br /> <br /> What. Isn't this the kind of thing that I'm horrible at?<br /> <br /> This isn't interesting at all.<br /> <br /> "My friend...th-that friend, um, let's call her A-san. This A-san, for a boy...well, he'll be K-kun. Sh-she hasn't clearly told K that she likes him, but um...well, they've been moving together. For a few months.  <br /> <br /> She understands that K--doesn't have much motivation, but he's a boy that can do anything once he tries. So, A-san has established a collaborative relationship with K, becoming something like friends that fight a lot. And, while they were doing that, A-san has started to feel something like, "he's mine", towards K...that..."<br /> <br /> "Hmm, hmm. So, something more than friends but less than lovers. And, the possessive feeling towards the counterpart, it has already started to sprout before officially being together. It's those kinds of symptoms, hmm? Kufufu."<br /> <br /> Taking on the air of a teacher, Riko seemed to be having a lot of fun.<br /> <br /> In her heart, she likes talking about these kinds of things, right?<br /> <br /> "Bu-but. A-san is already going to switch schools very soon. Leaving K at Butei High."<br /> <br /> Aria, on another side, was radiating a feeling of slight desperation.<br /> <br /> Her tone seemed to suggest that she was talking about herself.<br /> <br /> She had said she was talking about a friend, so why'd she become so serious?<br /> <br /> "It does exist, you know. Before a school transfer or exam, this kind of boy-girl messy situation. Juruuuuuu."<br /> <br /> Wondering what kind of sound it was, I peeked through the gap between the seats and...<br /> <br /> On the window seat, Riko was drinking out of a pack of strawberry milk.<br /> <br /> And if I looked closer, on top of the table that was attached to the wall was around 20 packs of empty strawberry milk stacked atop each other.<br /> <br /> I see. Because she wanted to place them there in such huge numbers, she had reclined her chair back? As usual, she does whatever she wants. <br /> <br /> Rather, no matter how I think about it, that's over-drinking strawberry milk.<br /> <br /> "But, well, when things had come to that time, Kin-ah, um, K-kun became closer to another girl. This...girl named R-san. She's a type that's completely different from A-san whether it be personality or ability...an outstanding girl."<br /> <br /> Looks like the cast of characters has increased.<br /> <br /> A-san, K-kun, and R-san, huh.<br /> <br /> Well, I don't really care about the story of Aria's friend. Finish up quickly.<br /> <br /> "After that, K and R-san started moving together...um..."<br /> <br /> "Hmm, hmmm. If K-kun eats nothing but strawberries, won't he want to start eating some melons?"<br /> <br /> Extremely serious, Aria asked Riko, who had just said those words, a question: "Are boys like that?"<br /> <br /> She's such a gullible person. Aria, that is.<br /> <br /> Riko is definitely just saying whatever is most fitting. Judging from her tone. <br /> <br /> "That's right~. As opposed to women, who give birth, men are the people who make women give birth. Trying to leave their offspring behind in various types of women is just a natural instinct. Kufufufu." <br /> <br /> "Th-that does sound possible."<br /> <br /> "On that note, "what kind of girl do I like", is completely different from person to person. What kind of person is K-kun~?"<br /> <br /> "--A haremizer!' <br /> <br /> Saying that, Aria's tone seemed to be extremely angry.<br /> <br /> Although I couldn't see her, I could imagine that her face was demon-like.<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that I was completely unrelated to their conversation, a chill ran down my spine.<br /> <br /> "Normally he's a failure as a human, but just in front of girls, for an instant, he becomes really cool, amazingly cool...and, my chest starts hurting a lot, and afterwards, I can't do anything but think about it...he says strange things occasionally. Su-suddenly　touching me. It's really shocking. He's far too good at that, and over here, I can't do anything, just staying in this state, rather...no matter what the other side does, I probably can't resist, rather...My head becomes...something like...strange. It becomes strange--I mean, um, that, that's what my friend said." <br /> <br /> Heh~~? Does a failure of a man like that really exist in our school?<br /> <br /> Someone like that really is a devilish bastard.<br /> <br /> "Um, just now, um, my friend, A-san said that. Really. That was completely something that my friend, A-san, said."<br /> <br /> Hearing Aria remind Riko, Shiranui, who was next to me, burst out into a fit of little giggles.<br /> <br /> ...What's so funny? I don't get the punchline.<br /> <br /> "Well, because K is like that...A-san　got into a huge fight with K. But, I-ah, A! A-san, um, before transferring schools, with that K...even if "taking him back" is impossible, she wants just to be able to mend things between them. She knows that its just a selfish wish of hers, but R keeping K as hers like this...when A and K could meet again, K would already be R's captive, and K probably would not be partners with A. So, um..."<br /> <br /> At that point, Aria's chair creaked as she drew closer to Riko.<br /> <br /> "Wh-what does she do so that K doesn't forget about A-san. That, wh-what does she do before she transfers?"<br /> <br /> Somehow...Aria's voice seemed to be frozen with fear.<br /> <br /> On another side, Riko, in a very calm manner, went: "Nn~~Fufufu", laughing through her nose.<br /> <br /> "A-san-san is about to celebrate her birthday, right? And, her birthday will come right before she transfers."<br /> <br /> Saying that, Riko, ''Creak''.<br /> <br /> Aria jumped off her seat in surprise.<br /> <br /> "Yo-you really understand this! Th-that's right."<br /> <br /> Ho~~.<br /> <br /> Aria too has a friend that she gets along so well with? She even remembers her birthday.<br /> <br /> As for me, about my friends birthdays, I don't even remember Shiranui's, who's sitting right here next to me. Of course, I don't remember Muto's either. <br /> <br /> I just remember Aria's birthday, as if I had ignored it, I would be subjected to Infinite Windhole Hell, so I had memorized it as pertinent information. I don't really know it accurately, but I do remember that it was during this month.<br /> <br /> "Kufufu. That's obvious. It's because Riko is an excellent romance counselor. Kufufu~nn."<br /> <br /> Laughing an extremely horrible laugh, Riko,<br /> <br /> "--On that day, this love triangle will have a final battle."<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> "A-san cannot be hurried. It's fine if she doesn't do anything. Hold yourself back, and Ki-ku...um. Test K-kun!"<br /> <br /> "Te-test...?"<br /> <br /> "That's right. Because, if K-kun doesn't hate A-san, he won't let something like a birthday pass without doing anything. I expect that he'll disguise it as birthday wishes, and try to meet you alone."<br /> <br /> ''Gulp''.<br /> <br /> I could hear the noise of Aria swallowing.<br /> <br /> "A parting confession--might be possible. Kufufu..."<br /> <br /> "CO, CO-CO-CO-CO-CO-CONFE! SS-ION!"<br /> <br /> Aria, lower your voice.<br /> <br /> A train is a public vehicle, so don't shout so loudly.<br /> <br /> "No, no. K-kun, aside from confessing--he might even do something more than that...!"<br /> <br /> "SO-SOMETHING MORE THAN THAT IS FORBIDDEN!"<br /> <br /> ...So, Aria. Please calm down.<br /> <br /> Your Japanese has already become really weird.<br /> <br /> "Th-that's '''''too much!''''' Be-because '''''too early for me, for I'm just 17 at that time!''''' Lo-lo-look! If something comes so suddenly '''''how. how how how'd I ...I...'''''I !" [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2]<br /> <br /> Because Aria had started panting and speaking in some sort of alien language, I couldn't understand what she was saying any longer...<br /> <br /> 「This is stupid；　This much is fine, right?」<br /> <br /> I sent some winking signals at Shiranui.<br /> <br /> Shiranui too...winked, responding.<br /> <br /> 「Tohyama-kun；　Do your best, alright?」<br /> <br /> 「What? I do my best at what?」<br /> <br /> 「Only thus; Is Tohyama-kun」<br /> <br /> Shiranui smiled wryly, smiling and gesturing at me like a hotel concierge, as if conveying, "Please go ahead."<br /> <br /> What was that. In the end.<br /> <br /> When I tried to stand up, my mouth twisted into a 「へ」 character...at that exact moment.<br /> <br /> ''Guu''---<br /> <br /> The train swayed, as if it had been tugged forward a little.<br /> <br /> "Woah..."<br /> <br /> Losing my balance a little, I grabbed hold of the back of the reclined seat.<br /> <br /> What happened just now...?<br /> <br /> It was only a little speed, but it seemed as if the train had shook from some sort of sudden acceleration.<br /> <br /> 'Hmm?' Muttering to himself, outside of the window that Shiranui was looking through--Nagoya station flashed past.<br /> <br /> This Shinkansen passed by a station.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> That's strange.<br /> <br /> Wasn't this Shinkansen definitely supposed to stop at Nagoya?<br /> <br /> This isn't just me misunderstand it, right?<br /> <br /> Some passengers, apparently going to disembark here, had an incredulous look on their faces as they returned to the aisles.<br /> <br /> Just as they, their expressions dissatisfied, started to make some noise--<br /> <br /> 「--A notice to our customers.」<br /> <br /> An announcement started flowing through the interior of the car.<br /> <br /> 「This train was supposed to stop at Nagoya, but because of some unexpected　circumstances, it cannot stop.」<br /> <br /> ...?<br /> <br /> 「As for those customers that planned to disembark at Nagoya, as soon as these circumstances have been resolved...you will be sent to Nagoya from the closest station by an extra train. We are sorry for the trouble, investigations into the details of said circumstances are currently being held.」<br /> <br /> The voice, which I thought belonged to conductor, was trembling slightly.<br /> <br /> What's wrong? What happened?<br /> <br /> I've never heard of a malfunction that caused a train to hurtle by a station. On the contrary, I would understand if they stopped the train.<br /> <br /> That wasn't all that was strange.<br /> <br /> Ever since this Shinkansen passed Nagoya, it hadn't slowed down.<br /> <br /> Rather...it was speeding up...?<br /> <br /> "Hey, what the hell is happening?", "Arrrgh, the job is going to be canceled.", "What the hell are these 'circumstances'" "Could you explain? I didn't understand any of what was said just now."<br /> <br /> From between the passengers, who were milling about in confusion, the talent that was reclining in his chair just now, Washio Narau,<br /> <br /> "Hey! Conductor, get the fuck out here right now! I have to get off at Nagoya! The audience is already entering the dome, do you know who I am!? Go back to Nagoya!"<br /> <br /> -stood up, roaring in anger.<br /> <br /> Even though we've already gone past it, he was saying some reckless things.<br /> <br /> But, besides that--<br /> <br /> (This is bad...)<br /> <br /> Agitation is infectious. If the other passengers started to panic because of the weird things he was saying, gathering them all up would become difficult. If I don't quiet him down...<br /> <br /> Just as I stood up--<br /> <br /> 「Also, If there are any suspicious luggage or suspicious items in your vicinity, please alert the stewardesses.」<br /> <br /> Continuing as such, the announcer could no longer be tolerated by Washio, who kicked the seat in front of him.<br /> <br /> "What the fuck are these 'suspicious items'!? Is there a bomb set on this train or something!? Eh!?"<br /> <br /> Fuck, he said it immediately...!<br /> <br /> "--Bomb?" "Eh, seriously!? He said a bomb!?" "Hey, it seems that there's a bomb!"<br /> <br /> As the passenger's unease grew larger, some people started walking towards the driver's seat.<br /> <br /> "Everyone, please calm down." "Please return to your seats!" "A thorough investigation is being conducted--"<br /> <br /> The three Butei High girls that had been looking at Shiranui and me earlier stood up, trying to soothe the crowd, but...It's impossible. The situation inside the train was quickly nearing full-blown panic.<br /> <br /> This is--<br /> <br /> It was bad enough that Washio had stood up and shouted, but the crew's announcement didn't help either. The information that was released was far too vague.<br /> <br /> They didn't say anything about when it would be solved, just saying that there were some unnatural circumstances.<br /> <br /> As for the Shinkansen, the abnormality that they refrained from releasing an announcement:「Not stopping at Nagoya」, something that cannot be hidden, beforehand...if there was an announcement that they were sealed inside a train, an enclosed space, it isn't impossible that customers with a short temper, just like Washio, would raise a racket.<br /> <br /> A normal person, unlike us Butei, doesn't experience dangerous incidents like this everyday.<br /> <br /> "It's dangerous, so please return to your seat."<br /> <br /> When Shiranui said that to the pregnant lady, who had stood up, her stomach bulging out--''Whirr.''<br /> <br /> Feet swaying, a chain of cries rang out as the passengers stumbled to the back of the train.<br /> <br /> The Shinkansen had sped up again.<br /> <br /> (What the hell is this...!?)<br /> <br /> Looking out the window, the speed we had accelerated--judging from the change of the flow of the scenery, it was only a little.<br /> <br /> But, it was too sudden. It was a sudden acceleration that would be impossible under normal circumstances.<br /> <br /> Which is to say...It's like the feeling of barely being able to endure it, yet not being able to stop, continually gaining speed.<br /> <br /> On the electronic displays above the automatic doors,<br /> <br /> --[Current speed: 130km/h]--<br /> <br /> -those words were flowing from right to left.<br /> <br /> Apparently becoming more uneasy from the 'current speed', the customers started clamoring as they tried to stampede towards the driver's seat.<br /> <br /> Washio Narau ran towards the back of the car--''Clank Clank!'' Using what appeared to be a very expensive lighter to smash the lid of the emergency door control, which was buried into the wall.<br /> <br /> (That idiot! What the hell is he doing!)<br /> <br /> Is he planning..to open the door to the Shinkansen manually!?<br /> <br /> While in the midst of travel, the lock should be engaged, but now, the Shinkansen was in a situation where I didn't know if it was functioning normally. If by a one in a thousand chance, it opened...things would get ugly!<br /> <br /> "STOP!"<br /> <br /> I fixed my eyes on Washio, charging one straight line down the aisle, directly towards him.<br /> <br /> "--Kinji!?"<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan...!"<br /> <br /> While hearing Aria's voice, who had just noticed me, and Shirayuki's voice, who had apparently woken up due to the ruckus--I,<br /> <br /> "Calm down! You can't get off! Not at this speed!"<br /> <br /> -hurtled towards Washio, performing a full nelson on him.<br /> <br /> "Let go! LET GO! I'm going to Nagoya!"<br /> <br /> I managed to clamp down on Washio's arms, who had been lashing out at me, binding his arms behind him with the wire in my belt.<br /> <br /> At that moment, I heard the announcer once again--<br /> <br /> <<To all the passengers　　I will tell you now.>><br /> <br /> ---!<br /> <br /> <<This train　　will not stop at any stations　　until Tokyo　　it will go on　　non-stop　　Ahaha　　Ahahahahaha>><br /> <br /> --A vocaloid's synthetic voice...!<br /> <br /> <<The train　　will accelerate 10 km/h every three minutes　　not accelerating is impossible　　otherwise, Kaboom!　　Big boom!　　will happen　　Ahaha　　Ahahahahahahaha!>><br /> <br /> In response to the artificial laughter, cries started ringing out from within Train Hope 246.<br /> <br /> This vocaloid. It's the same voice as the one when Reki and I were assaulted by those remote controlled helicopters.<br /> <br /> (Koko...!)<br /> <br /> This is her doing.<br /> <br /> Leaving Washio sitting down, his face about to cry, I looked up at the electronic display--<br /> <br /> --[Current speed: 140 km/h]--<br /> <br /> We're accelerating. Definitely.<br /> <br /> (Express-jack--)<br /> <br /> I　don't know what her goal is, but she had carried this out extremely thoroughly.<br /> <br /> No wonder we hadn't stopped at the station.<br /> <br /> It was probably only after the conductor and driver had departed to Tokyo that they received a threat from the offender concerning the bomb.<br /> <br /> Earlier, I had thought that she was checking the tickets, but the sweating conductor was actually conducting a search for the bomb.<br /> <br /> But...she's really troublesome.<br /> <br /> At the front of the car--the direction of the driver's seat, the panicked passengers were　jostling against each other, saying things like: "You're going to hit the Shinkansen in front of us, right!?" "Dumbass! It said that there was a bomb!" "That's definitely a prank!", and I could see Shirayuki trying to calm them.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama-kun...!"<br /> <br /> "Kinji!"<br /> <br /> From the back of the car, Shiranui and--Muto, who was completely woken up, ran towards me.<br /> <br /> "Shiranui is calculating it right now. If the announcement just now was true, we have until 19:22."<br /> <br /> "...19:22...?"<br /> <br /> "Without stopping at any stations, if we continue at this pace of acceleration...we'll arrive at Tokyo then."<br /> <br /> I frowned at Muto and Shiranui's words.<br /> <br /> --Arrive at Tokyo.<br /> <br /> There is no more track after that.<br /> <br /> If we get there...The End.<br /> <br /> Looking at my watch, right now, it's 18:02.<br /> <br /> "Until the time limit--we have 80 minutes."<br /> <br /> "It'll probably come a little earlier. The announcement earlier...said that we would continue to accelerate. This Shinkansen is model N700, Toukaido route's top operational speed is 270 km/h. After 40 minutes--we'll exceed that."<br /> <br /> "If we exceed it, then what?"<br /> <br /> "It's impossible to operate safely. The entire car won't be able to stay on the rails, and at a curve, it's possible that it'll disengage."<br /> <br /> "Dangerous operation then...how many km/h can we go?"<br /> <br /> "It's said that the calculated maximum speed is 350-360 km/h. The actual limit wasn't announced by Japan Railways."<br /> <br /> Beside Muto, who had said that, Shiranui was using the calculator function on his phone to immediately calculate the speed and time.<br /> <br /> "--This speed isn't enough. To get past 19:00, we have to have 350 km/h, and to get to the end, we have to have 410 km/h."<br /> <br /> "No way...I've heard that the test train could reach speeds of up to 397 km/h. How long that can be sustained, nobody knows. 410 km/h is unknown territory."<br /> <br /> After 40 minutes, we will enter dangerous operation, and after an hour, we will have broken through the design limit--and at the end, unknown territory, huh?<br /> <br /> If we don't make it back to Tokyo, the chance of ''Kaboom'' is large.<br /> <br /> "Muto, Shiranui. Gather the Butei High students that are riding this train, then search for the bomb. Without decelerating, find the bomb and disarm it."<br /> <br /> From the window of Hope 246, which had turned into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Siege_2:_Dark_Territory Under Siege 2: Dark Territory], I could see the the town in the midst of dusk flow past like in a nightmare...<br /> <br /> This, outside the window--if for example, the bomb was affixed to the bottom of the train car, it's all over. It's impossible to disarm that kind of thing.<br /> <br /> Seeing Shiranui and Muto off, who were going to confirm that the cars behind didn't have any Butei High students in them, I---<br /> <br /> I drew closer to the location in the rear of Car 16, where Aria and Riko were sitting.<br /> <br /> "...Nn..."<br /> <br /> Having subjected me to violent acts such as kicking and punching whenever I was together with Reki in Osaka, Aria turned her head back as if avoiding me, and as if trying to hold back something that she wanted to say, her cheeks were puffed out like a puffer fish.<br /> <br /> The incident at that time...I wanted to explain　a lot of things, but this wasn't the time for that.<br /> <br /> First, I looked over Aria at Riko.<br /> <br /> "Riko. You know what I want to say, right? This is the same modus operandi as yours."<br /> <br /> With a voice that the other passengers couldn't hear, I said that as if interrogating her.<br /> <br /> On Riko's face, the normal high school girl expression that she had had on her face up till just now flickered,<br /> <br /> "We've been hit..."<br /> <br /> Her eyes sharpening, she muttered those words.<br /> <br /> April. During the "Butei Killer" incident which had led to the meeting between Riko and Aria and me, she was using these types of bombs. On my bicycle as well as the bus around Academy Island...she had set something on those modes of transport, a bomb that would explode if one decelerated below a certain speed.　An extremely terrifying, cruel planted explosive.<br /> <br /> Although, the explosives that were planted on this train were even more horrifying.<br /> <br /> Not only must it continue to run, but because, if the train doesn't continue to accelerate, the bomb will detonate.<br /> <br /> "Cao Cao...has started moving again, huh, that fucking miser...!" <br /> <br /> Gnashing her teeth, Riko stuck her hands between her knees, which were opened, moving them as if searching the seat.<br /> <br /> "Cao...?"<br /> <br /> Riko, her eyes in "Butei Killer" mode, turned towards Aria, who was frowning while asking that question.<br /> <br /> "Cao Cao is--a person with a demonic mindset, despite being a child. She is I-U's Mechanic. In exchange for massive amounts of money, she modified torpedoes and ICBMs into transport devices... Kinji, the "Non-Stop" method which I used on your bicycle was also taught to me by Cao Cao. This is its improvement, "Hurry Up"--!"<br /> <br /> Towards Riko, who had sweat trickling down her forehead--<br /> <br /> "I-U's...explosive tactic instructor--is that it? Riko, you're her student, so you understand the basic structure of her explosives, right? Go look for the detonator and disarm it immediately."<br /> <br /> Aria, still not looking in my direction, tugged on Riko's hand.<br /> <br /> But, Riko didn't stand up from her seat, and she shook her head.<br /> <br /> "No. I cannot move."<br /> <br /> "Why not?"<br /> <br /> "There's a pressure switch on this seat. I was careless, so I did not realize it. If I stand up, an explosive, planted somewhere, will detonate."<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Aria and me, speechless, looked under Riko's seat.<br /> <br /> Added on to forbidden deceleration and forced acceleration...a human switch?<br /> <br /> The first thing the enemy had done was seal Riko, who was the only one with any chance of being able to disarm the bomb.<br /> <br /> She meticulously investigated our movements in advance, planting a trap on the seat.<br /> <br /> In short, we--had, by our own free will, boarded the Shinkansen covered with the enemy's traps.<br /> <br /> At this point, all we could do is laugh. At our own lack of vigilance.<br /> <br /> "...An eye for an eye, 'Butei Killer'-san."<br /> <br /> I, who had had a bomb planted under the seat of my bike, patted Riko on the shoulder with a thump,<br /> <br /> "Riko, Cao Cao is a Chinese girl...a girl even younger than you. And the person who taught you those martial arts was her as well, right?"<br /> <br /> -I continued.<br /> <br /> Riko's big eyes, with those double-fold eyelids, looked up at me.<br /> <br /> "How do you know, Kinji?" <br /> <br /> "I was attacked as well. Yesterday, by this girl who uses vocaloids."<br /> The fact that she had a different name as well as Jeanne's statement: "There were no snipers in I-U," there was a point which caught my attention--<br /> <br /> That Cao Cao is Koko. I can't be wrong.<br /> <br /> Koko had...hidden from the members of I-U, who would become her enemies at some unknown point in time, her own skill in sniping.<br /> <br /> However, Koko...She is proficient in martial arts, gunfights and sniping, as well as being a genius technician?<br /> <br /> This time, it's so unbelievable that it makes me laugh.<br /> <br /> They're all monsters. Those in I-U.<br /> <br /> Saying something to Aria, who was, unreasonably, still angry, irked me, but since things had come to this, I had no choice.<br /> <br /> I pulled on one of Aria's twin-tails, forcibly making her head face this way.<br /> <br /> "Aria, calm down and listen to me. The offender who hijacked this Shinkansen is the person who attacked you with Aru=Kata. Her name is Koko. Reki had a sniping battle with her--and she was heavily injured."<br /> <br /> "...Reki was...!?"<br /> <br /> Aside from the huge fight that they had gotten into on the stairs of the Butei High Station a few days before--<br /> <br /> At the fact that Reki had lost, Aria's camellia eyes widened in surprise, forming large circles.<br /> <br /> "Don't worry. She managed to hold on to her life. She was just in danger from losing massive amounts of blood over an hour."<br /> <br /> "Why...why didn't you tell me earlier!"<br /> <br /> "My cellphone was destroyed by Koko. By the time I could communicate again, you were out of range...No, it was painful enough that all communication with Aria was interrupted, but--in addition to that, it seems the information was also destroyed."<br /> <br /> "Information...?"<br /> <br /> "You didn't tell Riko the details either, did you?　Neither the appearance nor features of the opponent you tied with on the day of 'Water Tossing'"<br /> <br /> Saying that, I could hear Aria's throat go "Uguu", and she went silent. It seemed that I had guessed right.<br /> <br /> Just like how I had never told anyone about my loss to an underclassman, "Defeat from the Bottom"...Aria had experienced, "Draw from the Bottom" in a gunfight--and she was hiding the disgrace of drawing with Koko, who was younger than her.<br /> <br /> It was because this noble ojou-san had pride twice that of a normal person.　Even though her height was half of a normal person's.<br /> <br /> Koko--knew that fully well.<br /> <br /> When Koko assaulted us, the first thing she did was--destroy our phones, our method of communication, and she used a false name as well, using Butei High's culture, the fact that people would hide the reality that they lost to their underclassmen...<br /> <br /> She had prevented detailed information from being spread among us.<br /> <br /> "Kinji, Aria, listen."<br /> <br /> We turned towards Riko's voice, which was extremely tense. <br /> <br /> "'Non-Stop' and 'Hurry Up'--Meter Bomb is started by wireless. Because, she usually plants explosives somewhere which already cannot be reached. But, jamming, congestion, out of signal range, weak electric field, hangup drop...wireless is lacking in reliability. Especially on high-speed vehicles like the Shinkansen, which is loaded with wireless components. I learned this from her. At those times, one must secure an escape route, riding the vehicle yourself. And, you have to see for yourself that your targets have boarded the vehicle, making sure what is planted inside the car starts up reliably. In short--"<br /> <br /> Riko's eyes sparkled, as if confident in something.<br /> <br /> "--the enemy is aboard this train."<br /> <br /> At those words, Aria and I looked at each other. And at that moment.<br /> <br /> <br /> ---''Gangan, Gakin!''<br /> <br /> <br /> The sound of metal clashing resounded several times, at the front of the car--the passengers who were gathered close to the cab of the train cried out while running back into the car.<br /> <br /> (--!?)<br /> <br /> At the front side of the car, while a scream rang out--as if swept away by some force, Shirayuki flew outwards, sprawling over the seats.<br /> <br /> The salarymen, chess pieces in their hand, the gaudily dressed girl emitting a piercing shriek, as well as the passengers who had kept to their seats, stood up, running towards Car 15.<br /> <br /> Threatening the people so as to chase them away, coming out from within the cab, its door broken from some large impact--<br /> <br /> "--Koko!"<br /> <br /> So in the end, she was riding the train...!?<br /> <br /> "'''Hello''', Kinchi. This is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riichi Riichi], isn't it."<br /> <br /> Clothed in cultural Qing garments, Koko winked at me.<br /> <br /> And--completely clashing with her elfin body, she raised a longsword akin to a hatchet.<br /> <br /> The hilt of that sword wreathed with decorative fabric, engraved onto the blade was a picture of a slender dragon.<br /> <br /> "This train will become your '''coffin'''! Kihi!"<br /> <br /> ''Zccccchhhh''----! The blade, brought down, sliced open the seats in front with ease.<br /> <br /> That is a--'''Lancet'''<br /> <br /> Called a Seiryuutou[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2] in Japan, it's a broad, weight, single-edged Chinese sword. <br /> <br /> I learned this in Assault, but the Seiryuutou is not like a Japanese long sword, which is sharp, meant to slice through organs and arteries. The blade is heavy so that it can cleave through flesh and bone, and it's a weapon that, if conceptualized, resembles an axe. <br /> <br /> "I'll just play for 10 minutes, Koko has a promise for a date."<br /> <br /> Looking over the shoulder of Koko, who had said that, on the driver's seat that I could see in the direction of the double doors was...<br /> <br /> Was the female driver, half turning around to face this way, and there was nobody in the co-driver's seat. It appeared that Koko had kicked the co-driver out and had been sitting there.<br /> <br /> ''Ueeeenn''--Turning my head towards that crying noise, close to the middle of Car 16, unable to escape from danger yet, the children were crying, clinging to the pregnant lady.<br /> <br /> They were all that was left of the normal passengers inside Car 16.<br /> <br /> If I looked closer, the pregnant lady was clasping her large belly, sweating heavily.<br /> <br /> Inside the midst of this panic, it seemed the stress had taken its toll on her body.<br /> <br /> "--Shirayuki! Save her and her children!"<br /> <br /> Shouting and dashing forward--drawing her sword was Aria.<br /> <br /> Leaving Riko, who couldn't move, and I, who stood up reflexively, behind, Aria　crossed her twin-blades, keeping them low, assuming a compact stance while charging down the narrow aisle.<br /> <br /> As Shirayuki, crouched down while running down the aisle, brushed past Aria,　they exchanged glances.<br /> <br /> "--Nn!"<br /> <br /> Using Shirayuki's hands, overlaid over each other, as a foothold, Aria jumped forward at an oblique angle.<br /> <br /> Not slowing down at all, Aria flew over the back of the seat, ''Tatatatata''-----!<br /> <br /> With reflexes far beyond the norm, she thrust herself off the seat, using it like a stepping stone.<br /> <br /> Opposing her, Koko span the Seiryuutou around once...<br /> [[File:Aria07 079.jpg|thumb]]<br /> "'''Come, come''', Sherlock the 4th."<br /> <br /> Her hand, outstretched towards Aria, gestured at her.<br /> <br /> Shirayuki helping the pregnant lady, I, while protecting the children, helped them to escape towards Car 15, and behind me--<br /> <br /> ''Clank!''<br /> <br /> The sound of Aria's blades, held in such a way that they resembled a pair of enormous scissors, clashing against Koko's Seiryuutou rang out.<br /> <br /> A Shinkansen is something alike to a steel box.<br /> <br /> For the sake of not injuring oneself due to ricochets off the wall or ceiling, Aria and Koko weren't using guns.<br /> <br /> Aria launched herself off the back of the seat, and Koko took the full impact head on, ''Clash''.<br /> <br /> The swords, clashing together at the heart of the blades, rolled over each other as if they were dancing, displacing each other. Twice. Three times.<br /> <br /> The pink and black twin-tails fluttered through the air, outlining a swirl-like shape--<br /> <br /> Aria. Koko. Aria. Koko.<br /> <br /> Looking alike visually, the two people were turning round and round at a speed which dizzied.<br /> <br /> It was as if it was a fighting game with 1P and 2P characters.<br /> <br /> "You tricked me, you clown! The first time I faced you, you said your name was "Koko"--that was a false name! Cao Cao!"<br /> <br /> "That's a name that Europeans mistakenly use. Sherlock of I-U called me by such a name, so Koko let everyone use it. '''Koko'''. The true pronunciation of the name in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cao_Wei Wei]!"<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> Is that how it is?<br /> <br /> Just like how Riko had once said Holmes as "Ormès" using the French pronunciation, the pronunciation changes along with the changes in the language. So,that's why Jeanne, upon hearing the name "Koko", had no recollection of any such name.  <br /> <br /> If I gave it a little more thought, "'''Sou Sou'''" is how Japanese people read it as well.<br /> <br /> --We're getting dragged into a global war, and we're having trouble over a name.<br /> <br /> Having guided the children to Car 15, I-<br /> <br /> "Shirayuki--I'll leave this woman to you. Go find out whether there's a doctor among the passengers. Aria and I, the two of us, will apprehend Koko."<br /> <br /> -said that to Shirayuki, who was supporting the pregnant lady, having entered Car 15. <br /> <br /> "Ye-yes! But, Kin-chan, be careful. I'm getting an abnormal feeling from that offender."<br /> <br /> While whipping out my butterfly knife--<br /> <br /> "Abnormal? Isn't that what happens all the time? So--it's normal."<br /> <br /> As if saying that for myself to hear, I answered.<br /> <br /> I returned to Car 16, and Riko, on the last rows of seats, was kneeling on the seat, just like a child.<br /> <br /> Looking back, I could see Aria and Koko, close to the front of the car and drawing closer to the edge,<br /> <br /> "--YOOOUUU!"<br /> <br /> "Kihi!"<br /> <br /> Their feet lashing out simultaneously, Aria and Koko went into a position where they kicked each other in the waist--and, with a smack, they separated.<br /> <br /> In the next instant, Koko let go of the Seiryuutou, and, ''Tan, Tatatata!'', she kicked the floor, Aria's knees, waist, and chest as if running vertically, showing off an acrobat-like maneuver--''Bccchhhhhh!''<br /> <br /> The toes in the peony embroidered silk shoes thundered into Aria's jaw.<br /> <br /> "Aria!"<br /> <br /> While flipping open the butterfly knife in my hand, I ran up the aisle.<br /> <br /> "---!"<br /> <br /> Reeling backwards from the impact, Aria retreated several steps this way.<br /> <br /> In that direction, Koko, her back turned towards the cab--cut through the air behind her with a backflip, her two long sleeves fluttering outwards like a fin.<br /> <br /> And, from the midst of those sleeves...What the hell is that?<br /> <br /> She took out something reminiscent of an atomizer.<br /> <br /> "--'''Explosive Bubble'''!"<br /> <br /> ''Shuu''!<br /> <br /> With that sound like the depression of an aerosol--If it hadn't been sparkling in the midst of the light of the car interior, I wouldn't have seen it--small soap bubbles, the size of rubber shavings, flew out towards Aria.<br /> <br /> "--Aria, dodge it!"<br /> <br /> Having seen that, Riko, panicked, shouted immediately.<br /> <br /> "'''Explosive Bubble''' is a vapor explosive, I saw it in I-U! When the bubble bursts, the contents mix together with the oxygen in the air, and--it explodes!"<br /> <br /> "!?"<br /> <br /> Aria heard her, and from her feet, a loud crack ran out.<br /> <br /> <br /> <nowiki>----</nowiki>''BOOOOOOOM''<br /> <br /> <br /> From the soap bubbles that burst right in front of Aria's eyes, a violent shockwave and blinding light burst forth.<br /> <br /> Amongst the seats in front, several of them were blown away--<br /> <br /> "Kyaaa--!"<br /> <br /> In the midst of the flurry of poker cards, which had been left on the seat, Aria flew outwards as if she had been hit by a car.<br /> <br /> This light...! I remember this.<br /> <br /> This is the same light that appeared at the end of the nighttime sniper battle between Koko and Reki, which caused her to be severely injured.<br /> <br /> The scale was even bigger than that time--Reki was hit by this vapor explosive!?<br /> <br /> "--Aria!"<br /> <br /> In a rush, I caught Aria, who had been heavily impacted on her back and posterior cranial fossa. <br /> <br /> Thank God, she didn't seem to have received any blatant trauma.<br /> <br /> The moment right before Aria had been caught up in the explosion, her animal-like instincts had sensed the danger, and she reflexively did a backstep.<br /> <br /> Thanks to that, she escaped a direct hit, and it seemed that she hadn't received any serious injures like Reki had.<br /> <br /> However, she received a considerable amount of damage from the impact. Aria's consciousness was fuzzy, and her knees were trembling. Aria was in a state where she could not stand up on her own. She had let go of her swords as well.<br /> <br /> "Uu...Uuu!"<br /> <br /> For what I assumed was to clear her head, Aria shook her head left and right, her pink twin-tails swinging around as if beating a drum.<br /> <br /> In that direction, 10 meters away from us, Koko, a broad smile on her face--<br /> <br /> "Kihihi, now it's '''even'''!"<br /> <br /> Like the immortal zombies who appeared in that movie from a while ago, "Reigen Doushi", her hands were stuck straight out.<br /> <br /> With that posture, sticking her hands out, ''Rattle Rattle''. Shaking her sleeves again, from inside...Nunchucks...? No. Wrong.<br /> <br /> She took out two mini rockets!<br /> <br /> Bringing the head of the two rockets together with a clink, Koko separated the two, bringing them left and right respectively.<br /> <br /> Between the two tips, a wire stretched outwards. An appearance exactly like nunchucks.<br /> <br /> "--'''Double Rocket Restriction'''" <br /> <br /> With a sharp jet noise, the two rockets, flying parallel to one another, passed by on the left and right of Aria and I--<br /> <br /> The wire, stretched out between them, pressed down upon the area below Aria's flat chest.<br /> <br /> "Uuu!?"<br /> <br /> The rocket, having fixed the wire upon Aria's body, started flying around us in an absurd manner.<br /> <br /> "Ah...ah!"<br /> <br /> "Woo...oah...!"<br /> <br /> In a heartbeat, Aria and I were bound by the wire, completely paralyzed.<br /> <br /> Twirling around our arms, torso, and legs, the rockets-''Clank!''<br /> <br /> -crackling, automatically severed the wires as their fuel was completely depleted, and they dropped to the floor, rolling.<br /> <br /> "Kyaa!?"<br /> <br /> Stepping towards the other side, Aria completely lost her balance--<br /> <br /> And along with me, who had been tightly restricted by the wire as well, she hit the floor with a thud.<br /> <br /> Uu...thanks to the fact that our legs were bound, w-we couldn't stand...!<br /> <br /> Added to that, from the shock of falling down...because I could not put any strength into my arms, which were fixed to my waist, I had let go of my knife.<br /> <br /> The knife had slid under the seats, and I had no way of reaching my hands out. As such, I could not retrieve it.<br /> <br /> Literally...my hands and legs were tied. In just that one instant...! <br /> "Uu...Uu..Fueh...Cao Cao...!"<br /> <br /> Seeing Aria and I get hit, Riko's hands were rubbing her eyes, which were gradually leaking out tears.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>"...BIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH! Wasn't Riko your partner in E~~~U!? Aren't we class~~~mates!? Save Riko, only save Rikoooooo! BIEEEEEEEEH!"</nowiki><br /> <br /> S-so loud.<br /> <br /> ...Bloody Riko. Despite the fact that she told us so much just now.<br /> <br /> When it starts to look like we're losing, she stabs us in the back.<br /> <br /> Rather, just now, you said "Save only Riko," right? Is she really our friend?<br /> <br /> "Mine Riko--stop faking your tears! Crying wins the sympathy of only boys!"<br /> <br /> ''Point!'' Pointed at by Koko, Riko-<br /> <br /> "Tch."<br /> <br /> -clicked her tongue, and she stopped crying, making a face at Koko.<br /> <br /> Koko--inserted her hands into each of her sleeves, holding them together in front of her chest, and with a composed expression, she walked forward.<br /> <br /> And, arriving at a place where she was looking down on Aria, Koko started intently at her face.<br /> <br /> "Fuuun. So, this is Aria. When I saw her photo, I certainly thought that she was as cute as Koko, but seeing her in person, Koko is actually cuter. Kihi."<br /> <br /> "Koko!"<br /> <br /> Even though she could not reach out with her arms or legs, Aria was baring her fighting spirit as well as her canines.<br /> <br /> "That hairstyle! Before, I told you to get rid of it, right!? That's the same hairstyle as mine!"<br /> <br /> "I don't remember hearing that, puh, puh! Whether it's '''Ranban''' or I-U's Ignatius, they want girls like Aria. If I use this hairstyle, I'll make a lot of money."<br /> <br /> "Ignatius...? You're one of the remnants of I-U...!?"<br /> <br /> "'''Wrong'''! From the beginning, I've been one of the members of '''Ranban'''! I-U was purely business!"<br /> <br /> I didn't really understand if she had met with Aria before, but Koko, saying some strange things...was squatting like a frog, her hands against the floor, bringing her mouth to Aria's ear,<br /> <br /> "Rather--you! Watch how you address me! Koko has been a princess for generations!'<br /> <br /> She shouted with a high-pitched voice on par with Aria's.<br /> <br /> I-I didn't think that princesses squatted like frogs.<br /> <br /> ''Whoosh'' Standing up, Koko--<br /> <br /> "--'''''Aria the scarlet ammo'''''."<br /> <br /> Hidan no Aria.<br /> <br /> The name that was passed down to Aria from Sherlock in I-U was uttered.<br /> <br /> "Everything is your fault. By destroying I-U, you broke the power balance between all the associations, groups and organizations in the world.　A time of chaos will begin."<br /> <br /> Koko was looking down at us haughtily.<br /> <br /> Like an empress looking down at captured criminals.<br /> <br /> "You have pleased the Hihiirokane. This too is the start of chaos. Hihiirokane and Ririirokane are opposed to each other. Sensing the mood of the Hihiirokane, Ririirokane has been harboring the anger of a century. Its anger has scattered invisible particles, rendering the ability of all the ''ability users'' in the world unstable."<br /> <br /> "''Ability users''...are...?"<br /> <br /> The back of her head pressed against the bottom of my chin, Aria asked with a tone which seemed to convey that she was completely ignorant.<br /> <br /> Not completely clear on the details of ability users, I too had nothing but a question mark appear in my mind, but--<br /> <br /> Thinking about the series of events that had been revolving around me recently, I noticed something.<br /> <br /> Before, when I had sought information about Reki...having cooled the can of hot coffee that I had bought by mistake, Jeanne had said it. "...Recently, my magic hasn't been very stable."<br /> <br /> And at Kyoto, Kazayuki had said something about the Mikos' power having debilitated.<br /> <br /> Were all those linked to the Irokane?<br /> <br /> --Koko, the corners of her eyes streaked with red eyeshadow, looked down at me, who was frowning.<br /> <br /> "From now on, ability users are useless. At this kind of time, the value of marksmen increases."<br /> <br /> ''Clank Clank''. Koko rapped her fingertips against my head.<br /> <br /> "Kinchi is different from an ''ability user'', but he's a good piece that has a secretly high battle ability. Ignatius, Daioh, Ulus, everybody wants Kinchi."<br /> <br /> Everyone...wants me...?<br /> <br /> I don't understand what kind of delusional words she's saying, but...<br /> <br /> It seems that I've become rather famous in the world of the other side.<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that I'm so inconspicuous at school.<br /> <br /> "The first to reach out for Kinchi was Ulus. Ririirokane gave a direct order to the princess, and she took action against Kinchi. However, Koko will snatch Kinchi from her side."<br /> <br /> As if genuinely happy, Koko jumped up and down on the spot.<br /> <br /> "Koko will also take Ulus' Reki.　She's an outstanding sniper, she's good for use in assassinations, and she's good for selling too. I will take Aria as well. Hihiirokane can be sold for a lot."<br /> <br /> As if operating an abacus inside her head, Koko smiled wickedly--<br /> <br /> "A chaotic world is good for business. This Shinkansen-jacking is also a side business deal. Earlier, Koko demanded a 30,000,000,000,000 yuan ransom from the Japanese government. It would be nice if they paid, but if they don't--KABOOM!"<br /> <br /> Twintails jumping up to the extent that it seemed they were flying, Koko shouted those words with a high-pitched voice.<br /> <br /> "I'll blow this train into pieces, demonstrating '''Explosive Bubble'''. Kihi."<br /> <br /> "'''Explosive Bubble'''--the exploding bubbles from just now, huh...!"<br /> <br /> Just having been blown back by that vapor explosive, Aria glared up at Koko.<br /> <br /> It seemed that...Koko had planted that on the train too. According to what she had just said.<br /> <br /> "The '''Explosive Bubble''' from just now was around 1cc of explosives. This train is loaded with 1 cubic meter of it."<br /> <br /> Said Koko, lightly.<br /> <br /> "Wai...that's over the top!"<br /> <br /> Kneeling on the seat, Riko'ｓ expression conveyed, 'That's seriously dangerous!'.<br /> <br /> I too--was speechless.<br /> <br /> 1 cubic meter. Whether it's a bubble or a balloon, a container which holds that much gas cannot be hid inside a train. It's definitely a lie. But, if it isn't--<br /> <br /> According to my calculations, the explosive force would be 10000 times that of the explosion earlier.<br /> <br /> This Shinkansen will be reduced to ash. All its passengers and the surrounding structures as well.<br /> <br /> "'''Explosive Bubble''' is an invisible explosive. It is a work of art, something which no matter where it is hidden, will not be found by anyone. If it explodes with enough splendor,　it will be ordered from around the world. Koko will become rich, and then I can buy my place as '''Ranban''''s empress."<br /> <br /> '''Ranban'''--from her tone, that's the name of the organization that Koko belongs to.<br /> <br /> Most likely, it's an outlaw group based in China. While being a member of it, she also entered I-U as a black merchant...huh?　That's judging from everything she's said up till now.<br /> <br /> "Kinchi, Reki, I'm bringing you to Hong Kong, '''Ranban''''s city. When we're there, become Koko's pieces and move for her. Aria will be imprisoned until a buyer arrives. Kihihihi!"<br /> <br /> Towards Koko, who was laughing like that--<br /> <br /> "Cao Cao. Wh-what about Riko?"<br /> [[File:Aria07_091.jpg|thumb]]<br /> Clutching the back of the seat with both her hands, Riko interrupted from the side.<br /> <br /> "Wouldn't you like some Riko with that? Riko is cute and strong, hiring me won't be a mistake!"<br /> <br /> ..."Wouldn't you like some Riko with that," you said.<br /> <br /> Are you McDonald's fries? <br /> <br /> "Mine Riko. Your power notwithstanding, your personality is difficult. Are you going to change?"<br /> <br /> Having said that to Koko, whose eyes were suspicious, Riko, 'UnUnUnUnUnUnUnUn'<br /> <br /> -with a desperate expression, nodded several times.<br /> <br /> "--If you swear loyalty to '''Ranban''', I'll consider it."<br /> <br /> "I love '''Ranban'''! '''Ranban''' Banzai! Kinji, Aria! Become a member of '''Ranban''' with Riko! Ranban's city is a paradise with lakes of wine and forests of meat, it's a super, ultra, amazing, wonderful place! You can eat as many authentic peach buns as you like!"<br /> <br /> "...Authentic...pea..."<br /> <br /> Still fallen down, Aria let loose a voice as if she had lost all sense of self, but-<br /> <br /> "Pea...hey, Riko! What kind of speedy betrayal is that!?"<br /> <br /> ''Grar!' -once again, she bared her teeth at Riko.<br /> <br /> In a position where it looked like I was embracing Aria, I--<br /> <br /> "It looks like negotiations have broken down, Koko. I--don't want to become your underling. Even though I look like this now, I'm a Butei."<br /> <br /> In the first place, I have no intention of becoming part of one of those terrorist-like groups...if I do, it's the end.<br /> <br /> Not only will I be lynched by the OB in the Butei High all over the world, as well as those demonic teachers, I'll be sentenced to death under the threefold punishment that is applied to Butei. Compared to that, dying a clean death here is still better.<br /> <br /> "--A good general will say that in the beginning. But, all humans have desires. China is a vast country, full of things and people. A country where everything exists. If you consult Wei's books on tactics, when the enemy general is a young man, with the use of women, he can become your own subject. I'll gather one hundred of the women you like. Beautiful women, beautiful girls, big, small, I'll give you many, many, many. You can decide on this one, or that one, whichever one. Ufuun."<br /> <br /> At Koko's words--''Twist, Glare!''<br /> <br /> Aria twisted her neck to its limit, afterward, staring at me out of the corner of her eye.<br /> <br /> Wh-why're you mad at me? Completely unreasonable. You're always like this.<br /> <br /> "I-it's unfortunate, but...that has the opposite effect on me, I think."<br /> <br /> I cannot explain in more detail in front of Aria...yet I replied with that.<br /> <br /> "Also, I told Reki this too, but I'm not anything like a general. I'm just a normal, male high school student."<br /> <br /> "--Kinchi, you need to know yourself. You are a special person. Special people will be hindered by those that are normal. Don't fit with the surface world. Rather than that, it's better to live an extravagant life in the world below."<br /> <br /> ''Twinge''--A flicker of pain ran through my chest.<br /> <br /> In the midst of Nii-san's battle with I-U, he disappeared from the surface world--<br /> <br /> Remembering that incident, my words became tinged with rage.<br /> <br /> "I...I won't become like that. I--will walk a normal person's road."<br /> <br /> "For a boy whose very existence is abnormal, what are you saying?"<br /> <br /> Once again crouching like a frog, Koko brought her hand closer to my face.<br /> <br /> ''Brush''. Her black twin-tails carrying the scent of sugared chestnuts, brushed past my face.<br /> <br /> "Kinchi, you and Koko are the same breed. Humans who have wondrous potential will definitely be picked out."<br /> <br /> ''Clank''<nowiki>----</nowiki>!<br /> <br /> At that moment, the Shinkansen shook again, the scenery flowing past the window had sped up.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>----[Current speed: 180 km/h]----</nowiki><br /> <br /> "Uuu...Lord--allow me closer--''Sob'', fueh...to you--"<br /> <br /> I seemed to be hearing some sort of hymn, sung in a crying voice.<br /> <br /> In the direction of the double-doors, opened, it seemed that the female driver was singing.<br /> <br /> Apparently Christian, her voice seemed to express that her will was reaching its limit.<br /> <br /> "Aiyayayayaya, I've talked for so long. Koko is going to get ready for her date."<br /> <br /> Koko stamped on the ground where she was standing, ''Twist''.<br /> <br /> Grabbing hold of Aria and I, still bound, ''Brush, Brush''.<br /> <br /> At the front of Car 16--further forward than the frontmost seats, we were pulled through the automatic door.<br /> <br /> "Wh...what do you plan to do to us!?"<br /> <br /> Koko, letting go of Aria, who was being dragged, crying out, and I, took a carabiner hook from out of her sleeves, and she attached it to the wire binding us.<br /> <br /> "You cannot do anything anymore. Neither do you need to know anything."<br /> <br /> Apparently opened up in advance was a door in the ceiling--it looked like a person could barely squeeze through. Probably used for maintenance.--Continuing up the stairs towards it, she exited the car.<br /> <br /> Seeing the wire stretched out away from us and the hook attached to it, Aria...<br /> <br /> "She...plans to string us up like a yoyo, bringing us somewhere."<br /> <br /> "Probably China. I don't have a passport though."<br /> <br /> Not even bothering to wonder why she would use a yoyo as an example, I heaved a deep sigh.<br /> <br /> "This isn't the time to joke around...! Nn...! I'm going to wriggle out...Uuunnn...Nnnng!"<br /> <br /> ''Wriggle Wriggle!'' Aria twisted her petite shoulders, squirming around.<br /> <br /> The wire was twisted around us several times, but it didn't seem as if Aria could move at all.<br /> <br /> While pressing her shoulder against my chest, she twisted her body, twisted...not being able to wriggle out, she struggled.<br /> <br /> At that moment, ''Clank''--!<br /> <br /> Once again, because the Shinkansen had sped up, the car shook as it had been struck.<br /> <br /> "Uwah!?"<br /> <br /> At the impact, ''Roll''.<br /> <br /> Aria, who had been struggling, twisted around, facing this way.<br /> <br /> He...Hey.<br /> <br /> Until just now, we were in a position where I was stuck against Aria's back, but　now, we were directly facing each other, in a pose as if we were glued together. All the while, bound by the wire.<br /> <br /> "Wa, wah...!"<br /> <br /> Looking up this way, Aria's face was just under my chin.<br /> <br /> "...tc...!"<br /> <br /> Because the wire was also pressed against the back of my head, I had no choice but to stare directly at Aria's face from an extremely close distance.<br /> <br /> Aria didn't seem to be able to lower her head either, and her large camellia eyes were looking at me--<br /> <br /> "F! F! Fffff!"<br /> <br /> ''Gyuui''.<br /> <br /> ''Gyuiiiiii''!<br /> <br /> Her speed-blushing technique of always was demonstrated.<br /> <br /> As expected of the inventor. Bright red was achieved three times quicker than Connect's Nakasorachi Misaki.<br /> <br /> "F! F!"<br /> <br /> ...What's "F"? "F".<br /> <br /> "F, F, face backwards! Yo-your face is close! Close, clooseeee!" <br /> <br /> Aria pressed her forehead against my face, trying to force me to look backwards.<br /> <br /> ''Gui''...''Guiiiiii''!<br /> <br /> O-ouch!<br /> <br /> "He-hey! Hu-human's can't turn just their necks to face backwards! Stop it!"<br /> <br /> If my neck continues to twist like this until it's turned 180 degrees, I'll become like that cursed girl that appeared in that famous horror movie from years ago, "The Exorcist"!<br /> <br /> "Ca...Calm down!"<br /> <br /> While shouting, in the instant which I twisted my head back to Aria's direction, ''Muchi!''<br /> <br /> Apparently still trying to press against me, Aria, on my cheek-<br /> <br /> --accidentally planted a kiss.<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> My mind--seemed to have registered that as "getting hit", and as such, I was fine in terms of Hysteria Mode, but Aria...seemed to have completely registered that as, "I KISSED HIM!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"</nowiki><br /> <br /> Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!<br /> <br /> Apparently, she was screaming that out, but...her scream was too high pitched, and it seemed that it had exceeded the hearing capability of human beings.<br /> <br /> Baring her canines, from Aria'a mouth, all I could hear was a very slight ''Kiiin!''<br /> <br /> Th-that's amazing.<br /> <br /> Aria. Right now, you're emitting supersonic waves. <br /> <br /> "FJKLD@#$*(&#$! SDOIFJO*#&$*(&#$! Pue! $LKJ#*&@#(*&FDLKJ!"<br /> <br /> Starting to shout with some kind of inhuman language, ''SQUEEEEEEEEZE!''<br /> <br /> Like a rabbit trying to escape out of someone's hands, she went wild.<br /> <br /> A-amazing strength...! What the hell is this?<br /> <br /> "Nnnnn! Nnn, nnn, nnnnn!"<br /> <br /> ''Brush Brush, Brush, Brush!''<br /> <br /> As if exceeding some sort of limiter, Aria, going half-berserk and struggling...O-oh...?<br /> <br /> Centimeter by centimeter, the wire is starting to move up our body!?<br /> <br /> (Sh-she did it...!)<br /> <br /> From a catastrophe to a blessing.<br /> <br /> Because of the wire, I could not reach out with my legs or feet, but thanks to Aria's stupid strength in this time of crisis, I managed to wriggle out.<br /> <br /> If I looked closer, her long twin-tails were...like the ears of a green foxtail clutched in a hand, apparently having the ability to help slide out of the wire restricting the body. How lucky.<br /> <br /> In the instant that I thought that...something unlucky began to happen to my body.<br /> <br /> Because Aria, still stuck against me, was inching up and up, escaping, my mouth and nose were...pressed against Aria's slender neck.<br /> <br /> (...ch...!)<br /> <br /> A-at this kind of time.<br /> <br /> I remembered about Nii-san's...which is to say, Kana's strange words which I had heard.<br /> <br /> Something like: "A girl's neck is the place where a girl's pheromones are most exuded, you know."<br /> <br /> And I was in a position where my nose, which is to say my face, was pressed against Aria's neck.<br /> <br /> I-I don't know whether or not these are pheromones, but...<br /> <br /> This is Aria's bittersweet scent.<br /> <br /> This is like some sort of perfumed fragrance. Like a flower, like a fruit--rather, a lovely fragrance which was almost addictive. It's always with Aria.<br /> <br /> At this place, with that lingering aroma, Aria was continually moving up, escaping. The parts which brushed past by my face were: a petite shoulder, a collarbone, slowing going down her body...which means, hey...! Be-below this...wai, this is bad! THIS IS BAD!<br /> <br /> "Aria...wait! WAIT!"<br /> <br /> Next, rubbing up against me, who was shouting...rubbing up against my cheek was the pure white skin exposed in the space at the collar of her sailor uniform.<br /> <br /> A-against my neck, already, Aria's...br-breasts were pressing against it...!<br /> <br /> "Nnn! Uuu!"<br /> <br /> Not listening to my warnings, Aria, ''Brush Brush Brush Brush Brush!''<br /> <br /> Centimeter by centimeter, continuing to slide upwards---<br /> <br /> (......Uu......!)<br /> <br /> ---!<br /> <br /> At last, I--<br /> <br /> -had my face buried in Aria's breasts.<br /> <br /> In April, ever since I had pressed against them in the PE Warehouse, that sensation was transmitted to my face once again.<br /> <br /> It was rather pitiful that they hadn't grown at all in the past half year, but this soft climax was--the same as that of that time. While it was slight, it was definitely there. It existed.<br /> <br /> Fitting her short stature and childish face, small, lovely breasts.<br /> <br /> It was across her blouse, but I, my nose and mouth completely blocked...''Bch, BchBch!''<br /> <br /> As if mirroring the moment where one gives up from sparring, my hand tapped Aria's thighs.<br /> <br /> ".....? ...! M...! Mikkyaaaaaaaaa!"<br /> <br /> She screamed like a wild cat, and furthermore, ''Brush Brush Brush Brush Brush!''<br /> <br /> Her body continued sliding up.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> My breathing blocked by the sailor uniform, and not able to stand the pain, I went the opposite way as Aria--forcing my body to escape downwards.<br /> <br /> My face brushed against Aria's slender waist, Aria's hip, Aria's skirt, one after another.<br /> <br /> Aria, Aria, a full course of Aria.<br /> <br /> "Ki-Kinji! Th-th-that was...damn it! Idiot! Ah, ah, aaaahh! Hole! I'll blast, a hole, stop, stop it!"<br /> <br /> I no longer understood where my head was pressing against Aria, who was shouting in agony with that anime-voice--''Squish''. When I thought that my head had finally been extricated from wherever, I was in the space between Aria's thighs.<br /> <br /> It had become a position where it was as if I was shouldering those lovely, slender, white thighs.<br /> <br /> And, the fortune in the misfortune was--finally. My hands were free.<br /> <br /> "...Aria. Just hold on a little bit longer. It'll be over soon."<br /> <br /> Somewhat able to breathe, I pushed up against Aria's lithe legs--and struggling between her knees, wreathed in black stockings, then between her calves, I extricated myself from the wire.<br /> <br /> Alright--I finally managed to get out.<br /> <br /> ...And now...<br /> <br /> Aah, I understand.<br /> <br /> I don't need to check it. My own blood flow.<br /> <br /> Because, I had fully appreciated a girl's entire body, from head to toe.<br /> <br /> I closed my eyes for a very long moment--and when I opened them--<br /> <br /> Without even looking in a mirror, I understood that the look in my eyes was completely different from that of just now.<br /> <br /> Quickly, I flicked my eyes over to the door of the bathroom, which I hadn't entered when I tried to wash my face.<br /> <br /> Leaving Aria to stand up, I grasped the handle, but...the door didn't open.<br /> <br /> This doesn't feel as if the lock was broken.　It was stuck together as if it had been glued.<br /> <br /> Looking through the window---the faucet of the sink, ventilation fan, electrical socket---in other words, the holes inside the room were blocked with some transparent silicon-like substance.<br /> <br /> --I see. 1 cubic meter. That's how it is.<br /> <br /> That sealed washroom--was completely filled with that vapor explosive, '''Explosive Bubble'''<br /> <br /> If I pushed my face in to look closer, inside the window, stuck against a corner, was something I thought to be the detonator, an extremely miniature piece of C4. If this is detonated wirelessly, breaking the window--if the airseal was broken...<br /> <br /> ''Kaboom''--right?<br /> <br /> (While it's a shame...this can't be disarmed.)<br /> <br /> Turning my head and looking down at my feet, Aria was...''Drip, Drip''...<br /> <br /> Like a girl who had been subjected to horrible things by some horrible man, she was sprawled on the floor, sobbing.<br /> <br /> "...Papa, Mama, God, forgive me...this is...just my slave running wild...I, didn't, a-al-allow any of this...!"<br /> <br /> I knelt by Aria, who was muttering something I didn't understand to herself.<br /> <br /> And, respectfully, I brushed off the wires that were still clinging to her quivering shoulders and back.<br /> <br /> "--Ki-Kinji!"<br /> <br /> ''Thump!''<br /> <br /> Jumping upwards into a sitting position, Aria grabbed hold of my collar.<br /> <br /> "I-I won't forgive you! For just now...For ju-just now, I won't forgive you! Ta-take respo--"<br /> <br /> I lightly reached out towards Aria, who was shouting with teary eyes--<br /> <br /> "Mm, it's fine if you don't forgive me."<br /> <br /> Gently, I straightened those disordered twin-tails.<br /> <br /> "Because, next time, I will do it with your consent. It's a promise."<br /> <br /> "That's right! Things that I don't allow are--wait, hu-huh, t-th-that's not it! That isn't a matter of me allowing it or not...!"<br /> <br /> Towards Aria, who had been completely drawn in by me in a mere 5 seconds, towards her cheek, I stretched out my right hand.<br /> <br /> From that small, dainty cheek, touching it yet not touching it-- I was at that distance. At a distance where, merely the heat of my hand was transmitted to her cheek. <br /> <br /> Aria, releasing an ''Uu'', trembled as if it tingled.<br /> <br /> "Look. As long as I don't earn your consent--I cannot even touch you with one finger. Do you understand? Aria's words have that much power. Something that can be transmitted only to me--a magical power."<br /> <br /> "Ma-magic? Wh-wh-what are you saying?"<br /> <br /> "On the other hand, if you tell me 'to do'--then, I will do anything for you, no matter what it may be. That too is a magic that only Aria can use. Think about what you can use it to make me do."<br /> <br /> "???......。......。......! ! ! !!!"<br /> <br /> First was confusion, and then, for a moment, she seemed to be trying to think about it, and from then on, suddenly starting to panic, Aria--<br /> <br /> ''WaveWaveWaveWaveWave! WaveWaveWaveWaveWave!''<br /> <br /> Haha. I wonder what she was thinking about. Speechless, she started waving her hands back and forth.<br /> <br /> "I await my orders. As for receiving your orders, I have prepared for it--to fight, to arrest Koko. To save the hundreds of passengers that are aboard this train--those orders."<br /> <br /> ---''Ha''--<br /> <br /> I understood that Aria had regained control of herself.<br /> <br /> "You...changed, didn't you."<br /> <br /> "That is all that has happened. If I had not changed, it would have been disrespectful towards you."<br /> <br /> Hey, hey, me.<br /> <br /> Hysteria Mode's trigger--arousal--don't say anything that might be a hint.<br /> <br /> Well, the child, Aria's eyes were going, "???", so it seems like it's fine.<br /> <br /> If Sherlock Holmes the First's power of deduction had been passed down to this child, then what I had said just now would have been rather dangerous.<br /> <br /> "I...I'm not going to give you an order."<br /> <br /> Aria stood up and she turned away from me, towards the opened door in the roof--<br /> <br /> She looked up at the night sky, visible beyond it, traveling at 190 km/h.<br /> <br /> "Butei Charter article 6. Reflect by yourself, act by yourself--a slave that only listens to people's orders...is not needed. The you as of now may say these kinds of strange things, but you are a Butei that can aid me as a partner."<br /> <br /> Partner.<br /> <br /> When those of the bloodline of Holmes fight together with their partner, their real power is released.<br /> <br /> In short, with this, she is equipped. Aria, with the me in Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> Koko. The us from now on will be strong.<br /> <br /> "Also, you--normally don't listen to me. So, I won't give you something like an order."<br /> <br /> --''Feh'' In response to Aria, who had turned back, sticking her tongue out at me, I laughed wryly.<br /> <br /> <br /> Entering Car 15, there was Shirayuki, bringing a doctor to the pregnant lady.<br /> <br /> It seemed that the woman was about to give birth, pressing down on her stomach and having broken into a cold sweat...but, the rather old female doctor started providing medical care with a calm, professional air.<br /> <br /> This was--pretty lucky, that this kind of doctor was on board.<br /> <br /> "Kinji! There aren't any other Butei!"<br /> <br /> "The nine on Cars 15 and 16 are all that we have, Tohyama-kun."<br /> <br /> Raising my head to that voice, Mutou and Shiranui were zig-zagging through the crowd of people, returning.<br /> <br /> The two people, having elbowed their way through the 400 meter round trip on the train, were a little out of breath.<br /> <br /> "We didn't find the bomb." "We managed to report to the police, but..." "We didn't manage to find the offender either."<br /> <br /> From behind the two, Takane, Hayakawa, Anesaki--the me in Hysteria Mode could remember girls' names with ease--the three girls who had been having bad delusions about Shiranui and me came back as well.<br /> <br /> "We already searched everywhere. It's time to enter battle."<br /> <br /> I put my hand on Shirayuki's back, gesturing at Shiranui, Mutou and the Connect girls.<br /> <br /> Using the space between Cars 15 and 16 as our meeting room, I--<br /> <br /> First, because I told them about the vapor explosive that was planted in the washroom at the front of Car 16, the fight with the offender and how she had escaped to the roof, and how the enemy's power was extremely high,<br /> <br /> "We are the only ones aboard this train that are armed.　To prepare for the enemy coming from anywhere, Takane, Hayakawa, Anesaki, you three will be spread throughout Cars 1, 4, and 5 and Cars 11, and 12, Shirayuki, please protect this location. Shiranui's--anti-terrorist training is very valuable. I want you to take charge of the middle, Cars 7, and 8."<br /> <br /> Swiftly, I told them how each member would be assigned.<br /> <br /> "Also, while you're waiting, can the people with Takane please contact Butei High, the Metropolitan Police, as well as the Railroad Public Safety Branch, to figure out how to disarm the bomb."<br /> <br /> "--Kinji. What do I do?"<br /> <br /> Not having been told a position, Muto asked me that question.<br /> <br /> "The Shinkansen's driver is already in shock. Muto, please drive in place of her. 10 km/h acceleration every 3 minutes...requires fine handling but, can you do it?"<br /> <br /> "Definitely. If it's Logi, a first year can do it."<br /> <br /> "The bomb is right behind the driver's seat. There's nowhere to run."<br /> <br /> I said that, as if testing his resolve,<br /> <br /> "Will ''you'' be able to run?"<br /> <br /> Muto showed me his white teeth, responding with a broad smile.<br /> <br /> Somehow, it seems it'll be alright.<br /> <br /> "--Aria, let's go. Let's arrest Koko for infractions of the armaments law and suspicion of imprisonment. We should teach that kid that it's the time for children to go home."<br /> <br /> Flexing my fingers and looking at the watch--I saw that it was 18:22.<br /> <br /> Until Tokyo, we have one hour. From now on, we are forced to be at a speed where safe-driving is impossible. <br /> <br /> In surprise, Aria was looking up at me, who was displaying such leadership in the midst of an emergency, but...when our eyes met, she let loose a small, "Ah," averting them,<br /> <br /> "Ye-yeah...!"<br /> <br /> Taking a tone as if she was my little sister, she nodded at me obediently.<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter1|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter3}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Tsukumodo_Antique_Shop&diff=162106 Talk:Tsukumodo Antique Shop 2012-06-14T14:20:44Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>Excuse me, I just want to know, why is this project still categorized as teaser? It already qualified to be a full project.<br /> <br /> [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] 05:25, 29 May 2012 (CDT)<br /> <br /> ^ Yeah that is true..... [[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]] June 14 2012</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=161776 User:Just4fun 2012-06-13T13:27:50Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=161775 User:Just4fun 2012-06-13T13:27:20Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]<br /> <br /> [[Original LN:Ragybyr|Original LN]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=161748 User:Just4fun 2012-06-13T12:27:32Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 7<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume7_Chapter1&diff=161747 Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter1 2012-06-13T12:22:39Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==1st Ammo: Case E8==<br /> <br /> Reki.<br /> <br /> Always expressionless, unfeeling and taciturn Reki. <br /> <br /> Protecting me on orders from the "wind", the Reki who, armed with only a single sniper rifle, bravely took on the Ten Thousand Skill Warrior Koko.<br /> <br /> Under the starlight, that Reki was sprawled on the roadway.<br /> <br /> "This wound.....It's not a gunshot wound."<br /> <br /> Said Shirayuki's younger sister, Kazayuki, who was kneeling on one knee at Reki's side.<br /> <br /> The astonishment at her previously abrupt and hard to believe exclamation about Reki's bloodline still remained. However, now is not the time to be speaking about family lineages. <br /> <br /> Medical aid for Reki has to be quickly administered.<br /> <br /> "Reki was wounded by some sort of light that I don't really understand; some kind of invisible bomb. She bled considerably before you arrived. Shirayuki, your....healing art or something; can't you use it?!"<br /> <br /> Clinging onto my words, I shook Shirayuki by the neck, trying to get rescue to come.<br /> <br /> "Ordinarily, I would be up to the task......but right now, my powers are unstable." <br /> <br /> "Unstable....?"<br /> <br /> Kazayuki explained to me with my furrowed eyebrows,<br /> <br /> "Lately, in Japan...no, throughout the whole world, there has been a weakening of supernatural abilities. The reason for this drop in success rate is unknown. Among the Hotogi, the ability to heal wounds has been especially limited. In the event of failure, it could kill the person."<br /> <br /> I weakened at her words....<br /> <br /> Somehow or other, simply having Shirayuki's magic turn the game for the better would not be the case.<br /> <br /> Then how can I.....<br /> <br /> As I agitatedly paced around, Shirayuki took Reki's temperature.<br /> <br /> "Terrible. Her body temperature has plummeted to extremely low levels. If we don't get her to a hospital fast...."<br /> <br /> From behind, Shirayuki and her sisters boarded a convertible, a Himiko, a solid sedan of Mitsuoka Automobile and a Kushinada that came along with it.<br /> <br /> Shirayuki and her sisters used this bulletproof car for retreat in accordance with the battle situation.<br /> <br /> Just perfect. These guys can transport Reki. <br /> <br /> However....<br /> <br /> "Don't go to a hospital. Our enemy from just now, Koko, was using a sniper rifle."<br /> <br /> Right now, there is no sniper here.<br /> <br /> If the hospital in the city came under attack from a sniper rifle, we won't be able to do anything.<br /> <br /> Urban areas with plenty of buildings are where a sniper holds the most advantage.<br /> <br /> "In that case, we'll take Reki-sama to a branch shrine of the Hotogi. We'll call a doctor there."<br /> <br /> Kazayuki grudgingly soaked her miko garb in blood carrying Reki. <br /> <br /> Carrying Reki in the back seat of the Kushinada, I supported her, together with my neighboring passenger. With our cell phones destroyed, Shirayuki got into the co-driver's seat and called Butei High. <br /> <br /> With the engine primed forward, Kazayuki settled down on a passenger seat with a sharp expression. Right now, her wakyuu was in her hands in preparation for a pursuit with Koko.<br /> <br /> The driver opposite and the driver here; both of them dazzling beauties started their vehicles to maintain a lookout over the river bank, heading down the mountain road.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan, it's connected. The Masters' night duty room. It's Nangou sensei."<br /> <br /> I accepted the white cell phone from Shirayuki, and explained the situation to Nangou-sensei of Snipe; how during Caravan I, we came under sniper attack on the outskirts of Kyouto, the battle near Mt Hiei, Reki's wounding and the assailant being a Hong Kong exchange student named Koko. The silent Nangou listened to my words, all the while not saying anything.<br /> <br /> "That's Case E8, Tohyama. The Masters cannot act."<br /> <br /> A low voice at the end was the reply.<br /> <br /> Case E8.<br /> <br /> That was cipher code for "possibility of perpetrators within being high and as such, this common knowledge cannot be leaked out. Make contact with trusted individuals as active partners; resolve issue by the hand of concerned parties."<br /> <br /> Nangou's decision was....right. The perpetrator infiltrated under the disguise of an exchange student from Hong Kong. <br /> <br /> If the situation became common knowledge amongst the entirety of the student body, the enemy could obtain information.<br /> <br /> Thus, Butei Article Chapter 4:<br /> <br /> Butei must be independent.<br /> <br /> Upon reaching their 2nd or 3rd year in Butei High, it is a general rule that they defeat their enemies on their own. <br /> <br /> Those who receive aid from the Masters are interns or inexperienced first years. As it was not like I joined only recently, I somewhat understood Butei High's education policy. I understood....Nangou's callousness. Although, the one who's been attacked is your student, can't you be more worried? <br /> <br /> "If unarmed civilians get involved, contact me again Tohyama."<br /> <br /> .....It would be too late if that happens. <br /> <br /> Muttering in the depths of my heart, I made my salutations and cut the connection with Nangou.<br /> <br /> <br /> Two vehicles sped down the mountain from the national highway 367 towards highways 105 and 106. During a stop at an intersection, Kazayuki nocked an arrow and briefly raising her bow, surveyed the bank. Casting a sidelong glance, I called Riko from Shirayuki's phone.<br /> <br /> (Koko's modus operandi resembles Riko's in some parts.)<br /> <br /> Vocaloid warnings, submachine gun mounted radio controlled devices. Conversely, Riko's close combat technique in the confrontation with Haimaki at Butei High had the feeling of Kungfu.<br /> <br /> Perhaps she may have some kind of connection with Koko. However, my call could not connect. Riko was out of range. Yesterday at Osaka, I encountered by chance Riko and Aria who were speaking of working together. When I tried to make a call, Aria was out of range. <br /> <br /> In the midst of such a serious affair, where are those two? They aren't near at all.<br /> <br /> (......Koko....)<br /> <br /> Unable to do anything, I again considered from where our enemy may target us.<br /> <br /> Just who is she?<br /> <br /> A superhuman capable of combining hand to hand combat skills rivaling mine in Hysteria Mode, handgun skills that can evenly match Aria's and sniper skills equal to that of Reki......The face of I-U? I wouldn't happen to know.<br /> <br /> With that being the case, I called Jeanne who, just like Riko, had her roots in I-U. It took six calls to get a response from Jeanne, who was sleeping in the middle of the night.<br /> <br /> "Hotogi? What's the matter?"<br /> <br /> A clear voice emitted from the phone.<br /> <br /> "No, it's me. Tohyama Kinji. I'm calling from Shirayuki's phone."<br /> <br /> "......? It....It's the middle of the night. Why are you using Shirayuki's phone?"<br /> <br /> Ignoring the suspicion in her voice, I urgently explained the situation.<br /> <br /> "Jeanne, is there a sniper of Reki's skill within I-U? A monster with hand to hand combat and handgun skills. Her name is Koko," I asked.<br /> <br /> "Sniper.....Koko? None. Except for Sherlock, a sniper with the skill to exchange shots evenly with Reki does not exist in I-U. There are people like Patra who use sniper rifles but they are of modest skill."<br /> <br /> Then Koko....is not a remnant of I-U.<br /> <br /> With my face sheer white, I recounted the words Reki had spoken.<br /> <br /> "The enemies from here onwards cannot be beaten through a simple contest of force."<br /> <br /> The enemies from here on.<br /> <br /> (Reki...)<br /> <br /> Losing my desire to sleep, I held Reki and clenched my teeth in frustration.<br /> <br /> You, we..... How can fighting be even possible now?<br /> <br /> Reki......!<br /> <br /> Within the powerful Hotogi shrine, the organization is divided into the main shrine and branch offices.<br /> <br /> The branch office also doubles as a branch shrine. There was a large branch shrine of the Hotogi shrine in Kyoto. Around the time we arrived there, a warm rain had begun to fall from the lightening sky. <br /> <br /> On the wet asphalt scented road, megumi miko stood on alert. These were young miko who served full Hotogi miko like Shirayuki and Kazayuki. The megumi miko carried Reki away on a stretcher and led me, Shirayuki and Jeanne who had rushed over in a taxi to the shrine. <br /> <br /> Ascending a flight of meticulously swept stone steps.....<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, this place is just like a city. Reki will be safely protected here," Jeanne said as she calmly surveyed the surroundings. <br /> <br /> "Ah. Upon arrival I felt that the Hotogi's head and branch shrines were slightly different from normal shrines. It looks like a shrine yet its construction also resembles a fortress." <br /> <br /> Below was a garage. We saw the two vehicles being used some moments ago entering there. <br /> <br /> Not only cars but Kawasaki Heavy Industries OH-1 Ninja reconnaissance helicopters were housed there. <br /> <br /> --The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honden honden] of the Kyoto branch of the Hotogi shrine was situated at the top of a hill overgrown with Japanese cedar.<br /> <br /> Where snipers are concerned, they would be unable to take up position beneath the slope and fire into the interior of the shrine.<br /> <br /> Additionally, with the exception of the entrance [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii torii], samurai estates ringed with walls of mortar guarded the entire approach. <br /> <br /> Beneath the torii, Kazayuki, who had arrived earlier, stood sentinel in formal red armor and her [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%92%8C%E5%BC%93 wakyuu] in hand. Koko wouldn't succeed if she were to blindly pursue us here.<br /> <br /> "This way Kin-chan," Shirayuki said as she led us under the torii to a first-aid mansion resembling Kazayuki's clinic. <br /> <br /> Summoned nurses and a female doctor immediately crowded one of the rooms where Reki was brought into. Medical equipment and medicines filled the area around them.<br /> <br /> "Oh...oh.....you took a hit there....."<br /> <br /> The young female doctor fixing her rimless glasses who greeted Reki was brandishing a handgun. It seems like Hotogi summoned a professional from the Medic DA. Medic Butei are like medic troopers in the army: key personnel who give emergency treatment to wounded Butei. In Butei High, it's the Medica who train these Butei.<br /> <br /> "Blood cell count, blood type determination - cross match, biochemistry check – ASAP, begin blood transfusion."<br /> <br /> Immediately, the nurses monitoring Reki's condition hurried to carry out the doctor's instructions.<br /> <br /> "Boy, while we work here, you go take a rest. Your face looks like a corpse," the doctor said as she cast a sidelong glance at me.<br /> <br /> "I can't help at all? Reki; she..." With that, I, who could not take my eyes off Reki calmly walked towards Shirayuki.<br /> <br /> "It's okay, Kin-chan. This is a doctor under contract with Hotogi. She's the number one doctor in Kyoto. Wait. Tell me what's wrong."<br /> <br /> "Listen Shirayuki..."<br /> <br /> Certainly, it was frightening getting used to the methods of the doctor currently treating Reki. Almost assuredly, under normal conditions wounded Butei would have been first examined.<br /> <br /> (Reki....)<br /> <br /> <br /> Last night, all I could do was administer first-aid on Reki. It goes without saying that Shirayuki would allow only professionals to administer full blown medical care.<br /> <br /> The nurses' assistant.<br /> <br /> "I'll assist. It isn't advanced grade aid but I possess Pan-European Aegis Assistant qualifications," Jeanne said as she skillfully donned a surgical apron and nurse's cap. <br /> <br /> This isn't my place at all.<br /> <br /> Thinking about that, why does it feel as if a thread of mental strain is about to be cut?<br /> <br /> <br /> (.......Uu.......)<br /> <br /> My vision faded with a great tremor.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan!?"<br /> <br /> "Tohyama!?"<br /> <br /> Shirayuki and Jeanne's voices desperately called from far off in the distance.<br /> <br /> What happened to me.....?<br /> <br /> The floor that I had been standing on earlier...<br /> <br /> Appeared before my eyes...?<br /> <br /> <br /> What's that.....sound that I'm hearing?<br /> <br /> This is the sound of the wind.<br /> <br /> The sound of a dry wind blowing out from the surroundings.<br /> <br /> I found myself in the middle of a vast steppe with mountain ranges visible in the distance.<br /> <br /> This is probably......a dream.<br /> <br /> A dream in which you are self-aware. A lucid dream. <br /> <br /> In this arid steppe, several horses could be seen.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>Girls dressed in vividly colored traditional garb rode on those horses.</nowiki><br /> <br /> <nowiki>With severe expressions, they carried old, Russian-made sniper rifles on their backs. </nowiki><br /> <br /> <nowiki>At their head, was a girl with hair ornaments more exquisite than the others. </nowiki><br /> <br /> She approached on noticing my gaze.<br /> <br /> That face.....<br /> <br /> (Reki....?)<br /> <br /> <br /> ".........Reki........"<br /> <br /> .........<br /> <br /> .........I awoke.<br /> <br /> There was no wind but the sound of rain. This is......yes....The Hotogi branch shrine in Kyoto.<br /> <br /> After the wounded Reki had been treated by the doctors, I had collapsed from exhaustion. Sitting upright in the futon, I looked around my surroundings. I understood how I had come to be lying down in this large Japanese-style room. Beneath the hanging scrolls, I saw an old clock. It was close to noon.<br /> <br /> (Reki....How is she?)<br /> <br /> Before I knew it, I had changed out of my glossed silk night clothes into the neatly folded and washed uniform arranged by my bedside, opened the paper sliding door and headed outside. In the nightingale floored corridor, Shirayuki, in her miko garb and with sword in hand, knelt quietly. She was acting as my escort. For some reason, her face wore an expression of suspense as she glanced towards the direction of the torii. Looking over her shoulder, she finally became aware of my presence.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan!"<br /> <br /> Pyon! Shirayuki flew from a kneeling posture to standing.<br /> <br /> Tayun!<br /> <br /> "......."<br /> <br /> Shi-Shirayuki....as a result of that excessively vigorous jump, that overly massive chest was late by a single beat in swaying. Right now...suddenly right after I woke, a wonderful sight greeted my eyes. <br /> <br /> As usual, they were of a size far beyond that of a high school student. 1.5 times that of Riko's, 3 times that of Reki's, 6 times that of Aria's. As I was still mainly stunned however, in terms of Hysteria level, I was fine. As I thought that, Shirayuki stroked me while making sure that I was alright. With teary eyes she gently caressed my arms and head.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan, Kin-chan, I think my heart nearly stopped because of your sudden collapse......!"<br /> <br /> "Ah, aahhh. I'm fine, thank you. I was just a little tired, that's why. That aside, how's Reki?"<br /> <br /> Shirayuki delicately brushed aside my question.<br /> <br /> "Reki-san survived. However, we definitely cannot relax yet. She still hasn't regained consciousness. If she had over-exerted herself any more than this, her life would really be in danger."<br /> <br /> "I see...."<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan too....do not over exert yourself. Rest in your futon. The danger from the side of the torii seems minor for now."<br /> <br /> Said Shirayuki, facing the torii in a manner protective of me.<br /> <br /> "Torii....?"<br /> <br /> "Un....it can't be seen very well from here........for some time now, it seems some kind of animal is in the area."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki said as she looked over her shoulder in the direction of the torii. Amidst the drizzle, Kazayuki held her wakyuu in one hand like a staff, shooing in a bid to drive away something.<br /> <br /> .....grrr......<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> Barefooted as I am, I leapt at the growl coming from the direction of the stone steps.<br /> <br /> Amidst the rain, kicking up gravel as I ran through the compound with Shirayuki's and Kazayuki's restraining voices at my back, I leapt from the torii.....<br /> <br /> ".....Haimaki!"<br /> <br /> The torn and ragged silver wolf lay on the edge of the stone steps.<br /> <br /> The rain beaten Haimaki was visibly marked with horrific wounds. Bitten by Koko's hunting dogs and rent by claws, that snow white coat now resembled a shredded rag stained with blood and mud.<br /> <br /> "Haimaki......you.....!"<br /> <br /> Stumbling as I ran down the stairs, I embraced Haimaki.<br /> <br /> During the sniper battle the night before, Haimaki had acted as a decoy so that Reki and I might escape.<br /> <br /> One single animal taking on some ten hunting dogs. <br /> <br /> Against such overwhelming numerical superiority that survival seemed impossible, Haimaki had returned alive. <br /> <br /> After driving off the hunting dogs, Haimaki had tracked us first by the scent of Reki's blood, and from the point where that became disrupted, by the scent of the car's tires until he had discovered this place.<br /> <br /> "Thank goodness, Haimaki. Reki still lives thanks to you.....!"<br /> <br /> I said, as I patted his back.<br /> <br /> Relieved, Haimaki lowered his throat and grunted.<br /> <br /> <br /> Haimaki, who had been taken to the medical station firmly refused to move from the bedside of the sleeping, bandage-covered Reki. <br /> <br /> With no other choice, the doctors and nurses began Haimaki's treatment at that spot.<br /> <br /> With the first stage of that treatment completed, the medical staff accordingly kept watch on me all the way throughout.<br /> <br /> "Kin-chan....are you hungry? I am going to prepare some food."<br /> <br /> On hearing Shirayuki, who had worn a frilly apron over her miko garments mention that, I became thoroughly aware of my empty stomach. <br /> <br /> Come to think of it, I did not get to eat the half box of Calorie Mate last night.<br /> <br /> Following Shirayuki, I, who had collapsed from this reason, met up with Jeanne, who was strolling around with a deep interest in the shrine's interior. The three of us headed towards the kitchen hall which resembled a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryoutei ryoutei].<br /> <br /> The Kyouto branch shrine of the Hotogi is colossal; a great number of buildings interconnected by passageways attached to rooftops. As we crossed over, the megumi miko who occasionally appeared would kneel at the end of the passageways and bow deeply as soon as they saw me. <br /> <br /> What the heck.....it's just like a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daimyo daimyo's] procession.<br /> <br /> On that matter, the Hotogi is a shrine which is utterly forbidden to males. For some reason, the males of the Tohyama have special entrance rights. Because of this rule, males have been strangely accorded special treatment. It feels as if one is in foreign lands.<br /> <br /> (Such self-humiliating behavior.....it's totally not necessary....)<br /> <br /> Feeling vaguely irritated by that, we entered the kitchen hall. There, Jeanne and I prepared the small paulownia wood chairs we would use. Facing us was Shirayuki's seat. <br /> <br /> I was probably the first male to sit on this seat. Because of the need to welcome Jeanne, a foreign guest, apron wearing megumi miko reverently set the table and brought in lacquered circular soup containers. <br /> <br /> The menu consisted of flounder, turban shell, squid soumen sashimi, daggertooth pike conger, salted salmon roe sushi, tofu greater burdock rolls, [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BA%AC%E9%87%8E%E8%8F%9C kyouyasai] sauce, matsutake mushroom over a charcoal fire, rice with the colors of autumn, black bean.....<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry Kin-chan. That is all I have......I think the nutritional value is perfect. Eat a lot and recover your health, okay?"<br /> <br /> Is...is this all? The Hotogi sure are rich....I mean, this meal seems indiscriminately large for just me....<br /> <br /> "Thank you Shirayuki, it's really a little too much. Even so, excuse me for not apologizing yet. Sorry for suddenly bringing in a wounded person."<br /> <br /> "Uun....it's ok. You can rely on me any time when there is trouble."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki nodded her head with a gentle look in her eyes and a smile. At that, I again felt distress for Reki and glanced in the direction of the medical station.<br /> <br /> "Don't worry Tohyama. While I was assisting, I saw that that female doctor was skilled in her work. The treatment was adequate. With rest, Reki will surely regain consciousness." Said Jeanne, who sat down elegantly and crossed her arms before helping herself to the meal. From a side glance, I saw that she was using chopsticks perfectly. Rather than being unskillful, she was more skilled than a Japanese person. Beside me, Shirayuki was making additional checks to the food by hand. Finally, my own chopsticks were in her hands.<br /> <br /> "But....why were Kin-chan and Reki-san targeted?"<br /> <br /> "In the end, I have no idea."<br /> <br /> "Where were you targeted? You were both targeted together? Eh? Together...together....? Errm....why are Kin-chan and Reki-san together...?"<br /> <br /> "Ah....." I faltered.<br /> <br /> This is hard to explain. I cannot skillfully convey it, unstable as Shirayuki is.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama started living together with Reki from the start of this month."<br /> Jeanne murmured an elaboration from my side. With a forceful sound, Shirayuki's chopsticks came to a halt.<br /> <br /> "O...oi.....Jeanne...."<br /> <br /> "It can't be helped. The Hotogi are now involved in this. Information must be shared."<br /> <br /> I whispered into the ridiculously serious Jeanne's ear.<br /> <br /> "Be careful with what you share. Watch how you handle Shirayuki. Don't say anything unnecessary."<br /> <br /> "Anything unnecessary......? Hmm. Well then I'll just mention the main points. Tohyama and Reki acted together during the field trip and stayed together at the same inn. According to the female owner of the inn which came under sniper attack, both of them bathed together as well as slept together in the same futon. It was then that they came under attack. In short, those two continuously acted together; those two were attacked together. Is this ok ?"<br /> <br /> "No it isn't!"<br /> <br /> .....Fuck you, Jeanne...<br /> <br /> Jeanne, as might be expected from an Informa student, had last night sought out information from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryokan_%28Japanese_inn%29 ryokan] that was attacked by calling the proprietress. Damn it, she really got hold of that extraneous information all too quickly. I mean, she got part of the story wrong.<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> Quietly, Shirayuki looked in my direction.......<br /> <br /> Some time ago, her posture had gone rigid, her chopsticks failing to pick up any of the black beans.<br /> <br /> She wasn't blinking at all.<br /> <br /> S-Scary!<br /> <br /> "Jeanne, please be silent for a while. I'll do the explanation."<br /> <br /> "Why? I believe I already recounted all the facts."<br /> <br /> "The way you recount facts is exactly the problem!"<br /> <br /> "Oh? Was it hard to understand? In that case, should I recount it by drawing instead?"<br /> <br /> "N-No. Please no. Anything but that. But that's not the point. The way you tell the truth..."<br /> <br /> "But the truth is the truth," <br /> [[File:Aria07 029.jpg|thumb]]<br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pishari!* Jeanne flatly responded, unable to read the mood of the conversation. *Gushari!* Came the sound of Shirayuki's chopsticks.<br /> <br /> She had turned pale and was looking over her shoulder.<br /> <br /> "The truth....the whole truth....the whole truth.....eh. Beaten there first huh.....by Reki. A,ha...a,ha....a. She was one of those who didn't stand out much so you were unprepared eh, Shirayuki? That's right. Unprepared....However, how were you still unable to notice that girl's ambush Shirayuki...un. Reki's a sniper, so she'll ambush. It was unfortunate for you Shirayuki....that's right."<br /> <br /> T-Terrible.<br /> <br /> Shirayuki has started to talk to herself in a broken voice. One person playing two personalities. Furthermore, why did she start suddenly addressing Reki without honorifics?<br /> <br /> "H-Here Shirayuki. Come back to reality. I'm telling you, I was Reki's intern sniper. I was doing it for the purpose of inducing Lima Syndrome. It was a last resort...." For some reason, I felt utterly helpless while trying to explain.<br /> <br /> "Excuse me," said a small voice as the interior sliding screen opened.<br /> <br /> Sitting in the corridor with the same flowing black hair as her elder sister.....Kazayuki.<br /> <br /> Excellent. Although it was unplanned, it was a nice assist, Kazayuki.<br /> <br /> With that, Shirayuki's attention was diverted.<br /> <br /> "Ka...Kazayuki. How's the situation outside?"<br /> <br /> I asked with a stiff face, seizing upon the fleeting chance this conversation offered.<br /> <br /> "Currently, there is nothing out of the ordinary here. At this moment, the watch at the torii is being carried out by the megumi miko."<br /> <br /> The miko robes Kazayuki were wearing appeared brand new. It seems she had taken a bath. The faint scent of shampoo still lingered.<br /> <br /> Apparently, Kazayuki had business with Shirayuki as she gave me a bow and proceeded to sit next to her sister, whispering something softly into her ear. Shirayuki, whose eyes had dimmed, turned to me with a sigh.<br /> <br /> "......As I thought, Riri....I was certain wasn't I?"<br /> <br /> Hearing this highly important news, Shirayuki completely regained her senses. Suddenly resting her chopsticks with a click before the expressionlessly bowing Kazayuki.....<br /> <br /> "S...sorry Kin-chan. I have been disrespectful towards Reki-san. Thank you for the meal."<br /> <br /> Leaving her half eaten meal, she hurriedly disappeared into the interior of the room.<br /> <br /> <br /> In this uneasy atmosphere, we ended our meals prematurely and returned to the medical station. There, Reki was lying on a futon, watched over by the megumi miko. For some reason or another.....the behavior of the girls watching over Reki did not seem as if they were attending to a simple wounded person. It was more like they were tending to some distinguished and important person....<br /> <br /> Shirayuki, who had earlier left the kitchen hall, was in the midst of the megumi miko. Together with Kazayuki, they all sat, gazing down on Reki with firm expressions which were figuratively speaking, like swords.<br /> <br /> "......Kin-chan. An explanation now would be utterly necessary. I know you didn't want to hear the details about it... Forgive me."<br /> <br /> "I didn't want to hear about it? What are you talking about?"<br /> <br /> "The matter of Irokane."<br /> <br /> ........Irokane.<br /> <br /> The subject of Sherlock Holmes's long years of research. It's usage could turn a normal human being into a powerful ability user. A fragment of the supernatural metal had been fired into Aria's body as a result.<br /> <br /> "Last month, when Kin-chan was hospitalized, I heard from Aria what happened with I-U. That's why....Kin-chan also knows......The existence of Irokane."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki looked up at me with a serious face.<br /> <br /> I remained silent, giving a tiny nod.<br /> <br /> "There are limits to how much I can say.....we Hotogi miko also know about Irokane."<br /> <br /> That I know.<br /> <br /> Sherlock had mentioned it aboard the I-U.<br /> <br /> I-U are not the only ones to hold possession of Irokane.<br /> <br /> Among that list of organizations and groups, was the Hotogi. Yet for all that, what was Reki's connection with Irokane?<br /> <br /> "It may be difficult to understand but Irokane is a metal that is linked to a person's heart. Accordingly, it chooses a heart that is capable of connecting with it."<br /> <br /> "I know that. Sherlock said awakening the HihiIrokane......the Hidan, lies with the person's character. If I remember correctly, childlike, prideful characters...."<br /> <br /> "Un. However, that is the case for HihiIrokane (Scarlet Irokane)....There are several kinds of other Irokane. One of them is..... RiriIrokane (Azure Irokane)."<br /> <br /> .....What.....?<br /> <br /> "RiriIrokane....? Is that what Reki possesses?"<br /> <br /> "No. Some time ago, despite it being disrespectful, I conducted an inspection of her body and found that that is not the case."<br /> <br /> Kazayuki turned her head to the side.<br /> <br /> "It's likely that Reki-sama spent a long time in close proximity to RiriIrokane at her birthplace. The RiriIrokane linked with her heart and as it were, she became an existence similar to the miko of that place."<br /> <br /> Reki....was in the presence of Irokane.....? What does that mean?<br /> <br /> While I was furrowing my eyebrows at this, Kazayuki drew a small scroll from a paulownia box at her side. With a rustle, characters resembling kanji were drawn on the laid out scroll.<br /> <br /> "This is the Hotogi Shiseibun. It is the historical record that has been handed down within the Hotogi Shrine. Here, is the description of the RiriIrokane. 'RiriIrokane, when used in a state of calm, nullifies other powers. It hates human hearts, and threatens the Ulus that human hearts bring calamity. The princesses of the Ulus which revere the RiriIrokane have, for generations, sealed their own hearts, their hearts being offerings to the RiriIrokane.'"<br /> <br /> "....Ulus...."<br /> <br /> Despite not knowing its meaning in its entirety, that word sounded familiar.<br /> <br /> Reki had said it on the night we came under sniper assault.<br /> <br /> ("In that case, Kinji-san can become a part of the Ulus.")<br /> <br /> Certainly, that seems like a word used to refer to a family group.<br /> <br /> "As I thought. Ulus." Jeanne said while folding her arms.<br /> <br /> "......You know what's with that girl, don't you?"<br /> <br /> Shirayuki's habitually downcast eyes were slightly lifted, gazing at Jeanne.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama requested that I investigate Reki. From the start, I knew some things about her even if I had no positive proof. As a holder of Irokane, the Ulus had ties to I-U...." Jeanne said, blinking her blue eyes below her silver hair.<br /> <br /> "The acoustics analysis done by Nakasorachi of Connect had narrowed down Reki's birthplace to several places. One of those areas was that occupied by the Ulus clan."<br /> <br /> Ulus tribe.....?<br /> <br /> "Where is that tribe from? I've never heard of it."<br /> <br /> Hearing my doubtful words, Jeanne gave a small nod of her head.<br /> <br /> "That is certainly the case. The Ulus tribe is near the borders of Russia and Mongolia, on the plateau south of Lake Baikal where a few tribes of peoples live in seclusion. Despite that however, their ancestor is someone Tohyama must have heard of before."<br /> <br /> Jeanne's eyes fell upon Reki as she continued.<br /> <br /> "Conquering Asia with a bow and arrow, the Mongol king Chingiz Khan. The Ulus strongly inherited their ancestor's methods of warfare. Certainly, that's the case with their descendents as well."<br /> <br /> Kazayuki said the same thing during Reki's rescue. I couldn't see anything particular in Reki's behavior to refute this. Don't...tell me.....this is seriously true?<br /> <br /> "Before, the Ulus, afraid of being outstripped in their mastery of the bow and rifle, were mercenaries. However, their numbers have gradually declined.....5 years ago....well ....I'll have to be frank here. When Sherlock visited the Ulus to open negotiations concerning the Irokane, there were only 47 surviving members of the tribe. Furthermore, they were all female."<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Reki's words replayed themselves in my mind.<br /> <br /> ("We, the 47 daughters of the Ulus.") <br /> <br /> That means there are no more than 47 people comprising the Ulus tribe. That is why Reki had no surname. No....more like it wasn't necessary, being amongst a people that was only 47 strong and on the verge of extinction.<br /> <br /> "The Ulus are an insular tribe, that's why. There's a rampant genetic flaw in their veins that may cause only females to be born to them."<br /> <br /> Reki had said before she lost consciousness,<br /> <br /> ("I've been ordered to find a strong male to be inducted into the Ulus.")<br /> <br /> Perhaps this may have been the reason for it.<br /> <br /> Even so.....<br /> <br /> "But.....wait a minute."<br /> <br /> I gave voice to the sense of unease at Kazayuki's and Jeanne's words that I had been feeling since the start.<br /> <br /> "Yes?"<br /> <br /> "Suddenly speaking about this strange tribe that Reki belongs to, it doesn't make sense. Doesn't Reki look like a Japanese person? Be it eyes or skin colour. Although I never properly asked her about it, she must've dyed her hair."<br /> <br /> I regarded the hair above the bandaged brow of the sleeping Reki that the megumi miko were washing. It's often the case that a Butei, who is basically a lone wolf ready to form a team with a random ally at any point, would dye thier hair in specific colors so their peers can distinguish their specialty at a glance. In this case, it is customary for a sniper to dye their hair in "Simo Hayha," a blue-tone color.<br /> <br /> "The circumstances may be a bit different, it's similar to how Aria's hair has turned red. It seems Reki's hair has been affected by long years of exposure to RiriIrokane. And as for her appearance of a Japanese person, that's because she has Japanese blood."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki responded for Jeanne while looking sideways at me.<br /> <br /> "Japanese blood....?"<br /> <br /> "Chingiz Khan was in fact [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamoto_no_Yoshitsune Minamoto no Yoshitsune], a rank 9 general (Kurou Hougan) who crossed over into the continent from Japan roughly a thousand years ago. In the Mongol Empire at that time, his name was read as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan Genghis Khan]. It later became Chingiz Khan."<br /> <br /> ....Oi, oi.....<br /> <br /> "I've heard of this before. Isn't this story a fake?"<br /> <br /> "It was made to look like a fake story. After the truth was revealed in the Edo Period, the Hotogi requested historians to..."<br /> <br /> "The Hotogi?"<br /> <br /> "Un. At that time, the Hotogi shrine aided in Yoshitsune's crossing to the continent; a boat left in secret from Tsugaru."<br /> <br /> Shirayuki absentmindedly fiddled with her left and right index fingers, keeping them in front of her chest while pointing them towards each other, fingertips touching. As she did so, her eyes were turned upwards. A major event in history occurs and she's acting like a child whose prank has been exposed. Well, such disjointedness is only typical of Shirayuki....<br /> <br /> "The Hotogi shrine of that era was embroiled in complicated politics. Ever since the Yoshitsune formally established a state in the continent, there has been a flurry of back and forth intelligence on the Irokane. The name '''Reki''' is one of the names they traditionally use for pure blooded princesses there."<br /> <br /> Kazayuki pointed out the kanji for '''Reki''' on the scroll she took out just now.<br /> <br /> "It seems that Kazayuki is knowledgeable even regarding the names of princesses overseas."<br /> <br /> "Kazayuki is the miko in charge of foreign diplomacy with churches and temples overseas. I'm a specialist in the internal administration of the shrines within the country..... That's why Reki's name never rang a bell to me that she's related to the Ulus."<br /> <br /> In regret for not noticing this earlier, Shirayuki hung her head in shame.<br /> <br /> "Don't take it so hard, Shirayuki. No one could have imagined that Reki is a princess from a foreign country, or a descendent of the Genji. I for one, find this extremely hard to swallow."<br /> <br /> Despite that having been said, Reki's normal behavior would have befitted that of a warrior. Cradling her sniper rifle, habitually sleeping in a seated posture, she was every inch the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai samurai]. Truly, she was the descendent of the samurai.<br /> <br /> <br /> Outside the porch of the medical station, the rain had improved and the sunrays were returning. In the nadeshiko[http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fja.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2F%25E6%2592%25AB%25E5%25AD%2590&act=url][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianthus_superbus] covered courtyard, Hotogi swallowtail butterflies that had sought shelter from the rain under the leaves now fluttered around. There was a hint of calm under the noisy atmosphere. I took a metal brush and tools from a lone megumi miko and sat on the porch......maintaining the sniper rifle of the sleeping Reki in the room behind me. Removing the magazine, I placed a Butei bullet; equal to six shots of a normal one, in the pocket of Reki's uniform. This round was left over from that long battle. After all that, we ran out of ammo not while using handguns but as snipers.<br /> <br /> Like the top of an enormous piece of brown seaweed, Reki diligently scoured her room, singling out a bullet and copying it CG-like in uniformity, each one glittering in flawlessness, just like gemstones.<br /> <br /> "It's beautiful. Japan's witches using magic which make the papillon their familiars."<br /> <br /> Looking up at that voice, I saw Jeanne coming to the porch.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, it may not be very helpful but in a short while I'm leaving [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto Kyoto]. I'm having a preparatory meeting with Kanzaki Kanae's lawyer before the trial."<br /> <br /> Looking at her wrist watch, Jeanne said apologetically.<br /> <br /> ....Trial.<br /> <br /> Aria's mother, Kanzaki Kanae, who was burdened by the false accusations laid on her by I-U is soon to be retried in court. Now is the period for preparing the legal documents. Kanae-san's lawyer is scheduled to interview Vlad, who's currently under custody at a Level 5 detention facility in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagano Nagano], after which she's scheduled to meet with Jeanne who would be a witness in court.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, there is a word that all of you used during your conversations just now that I don't understand. Genji. What is that?"<br /> <br /> "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamoto_clan Genji]....well....they all no longer exist now. They were one of the famous samurai houses acting as regents in Japan around a thousand years back." I said while cleaning the Dragunov despite my knowledge of Japanese history being not very good.<br /> <br /> "The Ulus had their roots in the samurai."<br /> <br /> Jeanne turned behind and gave Reki a look, her face looking as if she thought of something.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, about you being forced into marriage by Reki last month..."<br /> <br /> ".....Aa."<br /> <br /> "According to samurai tradition, the female is officially the property of the male."<br /> <br /> On hearing this, I recalled Reki's actions and words. Calling herself my possession and listening to everything I say.....The decree of Reki's marriage contract; that was a strange form of male domination over a female. <br /> <br /> On that subject,<br /> <br /> "During Chingiz Khan's time....there was a similar practice in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol_Empire Mongol Empire]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol Mongol] customs of the time declared that females were 'treasures.' Just like silver or gold, they were taken amidst the plunder."<br /> <br /> "Plunder..."<br /> <br /> "Females were abducted and made their own wives; literally a custom of 'pillage wives.' One of the traces of that custom that can be found in the present day Mongolia is that on the eve of a marriage ceremony, the female is mock abducted."<br /> <br /> ".....That, that's....."<br /> <br /> I slightly tugged my cheeks as Jeanne gave a small nod.<br /> <br /> "Now you realize it. That's exactly what Reki did to you, Tohyama."<br /> <br /> "Oi...oi.... But Reki's a girl. Boys and girls are total opposites."<br /> <br /> "After a long time, male and female cultures become one. That transformation is not uncommon. For example, in Europe in the former half of the 19th century, it would have been unthinkable for a lady to wear this wristwatch," pointing at my wristwatch, Jeanne continued.<br /> <br /> "Particularly, the Ulus tribe is comprised of nothing more than a few females. It is little wonder they passed down the tradition of abducting superior members of the opposite sex to save their genetic lineage."<br /> <br /> So that....explains it.<br /> <br /> "Reki's nature is unique. She's practically a modern, living samurai of a sort," Jeanne, who herself carried the same warrior character, said. With a look that seemed to be telling me something, Jeanne sat herself beneath my gaze.<br /> <br /> "Finally, one more thing....yesterday, when you were being pursued, did Reki do anything extreme to an extent?"<br /> <br /> "Extreme to an extent?"<br /> <br /> "For example, try to shoot herself with her own gun."<br /> <br /> At this, I looked upwards.<br /> <br /> "I...understand. Yes. Reki was wounded. While we were being pursued, she would have blown herself up with the DAL. She would have left herself behind since she didn't have the strength to escape on her own."<br /> <br /> "As expected of her."<br /> <br /> So saying, Jeanne shifted her focus onto the bullet I had laid out on the cloth.<br /> <br /> "The Ulus have the same practice as the samurai's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hara_kiri hara-kiri]. "The last bullet".....The remaining bullet would be fired if survival seemed impossible in the face of pursuit, or if she was encumbering her master. That bullet would be used to end herself."<br /> <br /> "........"<br /> <br /> "Samurai would use a tantou to slice their bellies open; the Ulus would shoot themselves. They would die an honorable sacrifice for their masters."<br /> <br /> As Jeanne said this, I looked back at Reki.<br /> <br /> "Like a single bullet that has been fired, those girls lived solely for their aims. And so, this is carried over into battle. The last bullet....would be use to close the chapter of their lives. Sacrificing themselves by their blades, the samurai of old were the same. Tohyama, this is the girl that Reki is. Be careful of that."<br /> <br /> Leaving me with those words, Jeanne left the porch and headed down the corridor to await the Hotogi's chauffer. Left alone at the porch, I cradled the Dragunov.....Reki at my back.<br /> <br /> (Reki...)<br /> <br /> I am a descendent of the Tohyama bloodline. After a fashion, I am still a samurai. Yet the last bullet? Never.<br /> <br /> "Reki...."<br /> <br /> I held one of the bullets from the sniper rifle and spoke to the sleeping Reki behind me.<br /> <br /> .....I am a single bullet......<br /> <br /> Always, Reki said these words.<br /> <br /> "You are not a bullet."<br /> <br /> As a single bullet, she would have lived purely for her goal....by a bullet, she would have died.<br /> <br /> That's just too much.<br /> <br /> "You are human."<br /> <br /> I stated this obvious fact through gritted teeth to the sleeping Reki.<br /> <br /> At this moment, you, who are clearly without an ego, are truly a girl who is like a child.<br /> <br /> Reki. Somewhere, you were brainwashed by the "wind", made to exist solely for your goal, prevented from thinking for yourself and frozen in the time when you were a child. And so, you lived your life like an unfeeling bullet; like a robot.<br /> <br /> And yet.....Reki.<br /> <br /> At your very core, some hint of humanity still exists. That night when you were beaten in that sniper battle; that final smile you gave me....you looked just like a human girl. It was a lovely, honest smile.<br /> <br /> "You are....not very good in understanding this that's why I will not say that you would immediately become a person filled with normal feelings. But.....please, don't ever call yourself a bullet again."<br /> <br /> At any rate, she could not possibly hear it; Reki was comatose. However, I continued to speak over my back. That was an irrepressible thing that I had to say.<br /> <br /> "Reki, as Reki...as a human being, become even happier. You should find happiness. Right now, the happiness as a human that has been forbidden to you; you must take it back. You must live your own life."<br /> <br /> Speaking about those two happy days you spent with me it was, to me, more enjoyable than I imagined. That ramen speed eating battle in the fort, feeding Haimaki fish sausage, and what about at Chaton Call? Besides participating in the cat herding competition in Osaka, there were many other things. Perhaps only all those things that the "wind" didn't order you to do......weren't they giving you the happiness of being human? I don't know for sure, but for some reason, I have the feeling of that being true.<br /> <br /> "That is why, if you wish it so, those things...no matter how small, I will always accompany you from beginning to end."<br /> <br /> Girls are troublesome. If I can help it, I would be with them for as little as possible.<br /> <br /> But Reki...you....<br /> <br /> You....appreciate me. Even without that damnable Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> Well.....you overvalue me I think. To me, that is quite significant.<br /> <br /> .......I am a single bullet.....<br /> <br /> Reki.<br /> <br /> ....A bullet has no heart. Therefore, it does not think.....<br /> <br /> Please, stop being like that.<br /> <br /> I don't know how great your "wind" lord is, but true greatness is a person who can live, choosing his own paths. You, who gave everything up to the "wind" may find living and thinking for yourself difficult.<br /> <br /> ......it just simply flies towards its target....<br /> <br /> But please, stop being like that. Because,<br /> <br /> "You are not a bullet."<br /> <br /> -you are human.<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Illustrations|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter2}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=161376 User:Just4fun 2012-06-12T06:07:39Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 6<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 12 (Slow)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=161375 User:Just4fun 2012-06-12T06:06:46Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 6<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 11 (No errors so far..)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=161374 User:Just4fun 2012-06-12T06:06:19Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 6<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 11 (No errors so far..)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]<br /> <br /> [[My:My Original LN|Novel]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Chapter4&diff=161130 Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter4 2012-06-11T03:56:26Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==4th Ammo: Flash Cannon==<br /> <br /> Butei Charter article 4: Butei must be independent.<br /> <br /> Butei High's field trip follows this rule, making its students find lodging for themselves.<br /> <br /> Because Reki will definitely stay with me, even at night, I, not willing to be mocked by my classmates...booked an isolated hotel in northeast Kyoto, at the forest near Mount Hiei, online. After all, the site said that pets are OK.<br /> <br /> We took a minibus, going along the driveway, disembarking at a desolate night path...<br /> <br /> Standing there all alone, the hotel, "Bee's child", had a retro appearance, and personally, I liked it.<br /> <br /> If she was a normal high school student, she'd definitely scream, "I don't want to stay at such an old place!" However, Reki, wearing her dress, her Butei High uniform in a paper bag...didn't say anything. I'm so glad that, at times like these, I don't need to worry about her.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Clatter Clatter*, I opened the sliding door at the entrance, and an unexpectedly young landlady welcomed us from inside.<br /> <br /> "My, my. Welcome."<br /> <br /> "Ah, um...I'm the Tohyama that reserved a place here online. I reserved two rooms...but, I'm a little short on money, so could you change one of the two rooms into a cheaper one?"<br /> <br /> So I said to her...Wearing typical Japanese clothing, the landlady looked between Reki and I...<br /> <br /> "My, my~, ufufufu."<br /> <br /> Covering her mouth with her sleeve, she narrowed her eyes happily.<br /> <br /> ...?<br /> <br /> "Customer-han, since that is the case, wouldn't it be fine if ya switched ta one room? Ya can stay together with yer girlfriend."<br /> <br /> ''Fufufu''. The landlady said so extremely happily. I waved my hands violently, saying,<br /> <br /> "N-no, she isn't my girlfriend." <br /> <br /> "I am his girlfriend." <br /> <br /> Eh? I turned my head, and the person who had cut in was Reki.<br /> <br /> Wh-what are you claiming to be?<br /> <br /> "The hotel is the subject of the sentence, and the only other girl here is me. Therefore, the third person noun for such a situation would be 'she'." [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_4]<br /> <br /> Her speech like that of a teacher's, the robot girl said these things as if putting forth a counterargument.<br /> <br /> "Mmnnn, I'm so jealous about how innocent you two are~~. Saori is so jealous~~."<br /> <br /> With a strange movement like that of a little girl, the landlady swayed left and right. <br /> <br /> She seemed to be dancing in time with the pendulum affixed behind her.<br /> <br /> Facing her, who, if I were to put her in a manga panel, was scattering hearts everywhere, the landlady--Saori-san<br /> <br /> "Ah, no...she's a girl that's a little bit...that..."<br /> <br /> I wanted to try explaining Reki to her, but...<br /> <br /> "Fortunately, there aren't any other guests today, so I'll prepare a nice room for ya, OK?"<br /> <br /> Saori spun around, daintily walking inside, bringing us in.<br /> <br /> <br /> The "Room of the Western Front" that we had been led into was a luxurious 8-tatami room, the tatami is completely new.<br /> <br /> Aptly named, the walls of the room were decorated with vividly colored [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishijin Nishijin], which looked like tapestries. [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_4]<br /> <br /> In front of the silk was a vase, which looked big enough for someone to enter, raising the overall feeling of classiness.<br /> <br /> This is an amazingly...good room. Almost too good.<br /> <br /> Preferring Japanese-styled rooms to the rooms in modern city-hotels, I was extremely thankful to the landlady, who had given us such a high-class room for such a reasonable price, but...<br /> <br /> The problem is, the fact that Reki is sharing a room with me.<br /> <br /> For these few days, I had been living in Reki's room, but that was just a desolate emptiness. Rather than, "living" together with Reki, the mood was more like, "in the midst of battle."<br /> <br /> So, I was able to somewhat convince myself, but--<br /> <br /> Staying in the same room during a trip, however, the mood was completely different.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki and I were sitting next to the wooden table, eating the food that the landlady, Saori-san, had quickly prepared for us. It was delicious, but I was agitated to the point where I wasn't sure what I was eating.<br /> <br /> (He-heavy, this atmosphere...)<br /> <br /> Reki and I...for some reason...<br /> <br /> Isn't this ambiance something like the "couple that ran away together for whatever reasons" atmosphere, so commonly found in old movies?<br /> <br /> And, the majority of those would be, the so-called adult movies...and afterward, it will go into something where I can't help but avert my eyes, pushing the fast-forward button...that stimulating scene.<br /> <br /> Ah...<br /> <br /> (I may be alone with Reki, but because we have nothing to talk about...I'm thinking about these unnecessary things.)<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Stare* Looking in front of me, Reki, sitting up straight, was eating her meal from the right to left, just gradually eating, as if the taste was completely irrelevant. <br /> <br /> In a short while, she had finished all the rice, next, she ate all the tempura, from then on, it was sashimi, and lastly, she drank the miso soup in one gulp.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Afterwards, having finished our meal, together, Reki and I put our cellphones, both out of charge, on top of the TV, and each of us plugged our respective phones into our respective chargers.<br /> <br /> When I had released my cellphone because there was nothing that I could do...I ordered Reki to: "Sit at the wall," sleeping at the sliding door at the other end of the room.<br /> <br /> Us two, completely silent, could hear the sound of crickets coming from outside of the paper walls...<br /> <br /> In the silence of the long, autumn night, it stood out even further.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Following my orders, Reki was sitting at the wall, apparently resting after she had eaten, staying completely still.<br /> <br /> ...Even though she's wearing such a beautiful dress, she's still sitting upright.<br /> <br /> Turning my back on Reki, who was in that kind of position, I fell asleep...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Slide*<br /> <br /> "Forgive my rudeness."<br /> <br /> The sliding door in front of my eyes opened, and Saori-san, kneeling in the corridor, had made her appearance once again.<br /> <br /> "--How was your meal?"<br /> <br /> "Ah, yes, it was delicious. Thank you for the meal."<br /> <br /> Completely caught off guard, I sat up straight, slightly panicked, and Saori-san, seeing the distance between Reki and I--<br /> <br /> She made an expression: "I grow tired of this."<br /> <br /> "If yer completely finished with ya meal, then feel free ta take a bath. Because, today, both of ya are my only customers...You can use the hot springs for a while."<br /> <br /> A bath...?<br /> <br /> Flashing a face at me which said ''Give it your best shot'', because of Saori-san's expression--<br /> <br /> I had a bad feeling about this.<br /> <br /> <br /> Confirming my premonition, the hot springs at the hotel didn't have any signs with "Men's bath", or "Women's bath".<br /> <br /> In short, this was a mixed bath.<br /> <br /> --Mixed hot springs.<br /> <br /> For me, a no-man's land.<br /> <br /> When I had strode into the ICBM hangar in I-U, I was completely unarmed...and now, this was like entering there naked.<br /> <br /> But, today was quite hot, so I had sweated a little, so I had no choice but to go bathe.<br /> <br /> According to what Saori-san had said, there were no other customers, so there was no danger of being surrounded by any hostiles (= women).<br /> <br /> "Reki, you, absolutely, cannot come in here. Absolutely forbidden. Absolutely."<br /> <br /> In the room, having warned Reki--somehow, feeling as if I was the preview act for a comedy routine--I headed towards the hot springs.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, this hotel had a service where Saori-san would wash our clothes for us while we were inside the bath.<br /> <br /> As such, I put my clothes inside the laundry basket...<nowiki>*</nowiki>Rattle*, opening the sliding door...<br /> <br /> Because I had confirmed that no-one was around, I walked to the bath that was formed by rocks and a bamboo wall, lowering myself into the water in order to wash myself.<br /> <br /> (...)<br /> <br /> This...feels amazingly good.<br /> <br /> The temperature of the bath, lukewarm, was exactly to my liking, and besides that, the fact that I was alone allowed me to slip into a state of complete relaxation.<br /> <br /> It was as if the fatigue from the journey was seeping out of me, into the bath.<br /> <br /> Inside the steam of the bath, slowly wisping upwards, I...<br /> <br /> (I wonder what everyone from Butei High is doing...we're on a trip, so they're probably having fun right now.)<br /> <br /> ...thought about my classmates, time flowing by.<br /> <br /> After thinking about this and that, it was already 9:00 at night.<br /> <br /> Looking towards the stars, I saw that they were visible in the midst of the steam, and it was a beautiful sight. This is something that would be described as 'elegant'.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Buzzz*....*Buzzz*...<br /> <br /> The sound of insects from the forest.<br /> <br /> ''Hooo''...''Hooo''<br /> <br /> What I had heard from the faraway forest was the call of an owl. It had been a while since I'd last heard it.<br /> <br /> And, *Rattle*...<br /> <br /> The sound of the sliding door opening.<br /> <br /> (...Mm...?)<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Splash* The sound of splashing water.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Splash*...*Splash*.<br /> <br /> (...Mmm...!?)<br /> <br /> And, *Splash*--<br /> <br /> The sound of someone's foot entering the bath.<br /> <br /> --That!<br /> <br /> "Hey!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Splash!*<br /> <br /> Standing up immediately, I dropped the towel that was sitting on my head, and catching it, I--covered one specific part of my body, backing up.<br /> <br /> Looking into the steam, the figure which I could see belonged to a--<br /> <br /> Gi-girl.<br /> <br /> Rather, no matter how I looked at it, it was Reki.<br /> <br /> Leaning against the large rock at one side of the hot spring, was a Dragunov.<br /> <br /> Moreover, this was beyond obvious, but--she was naked.<br /> <br /> One wouldn't be able to say that Reki had a nice figure, even as flattery, since she had a body akin to a middle school student, but...<br /> <br /> Seeing the lines of her body where the steam was thin, she really had feminine, beautiful curves.<br /> <br /> Comparing is something that I would never do, but...her body was less flat than Aria's.<br /> <br /> The plumpness of her chest was like that of an unripe plum, or an apple. A slender waist. Her skin, normally reminiscent of ceramics, was shining even more, light reflected off the condensation of the steam, its pigment slightly flushed.<br /> <br /> "Re-Reki...!"<br /> <br /> --Reki isn't a robot, after all. She's a person. And she was, very clearly, a girl.<br /> <br /> The image she gave off, far from being anything like a normal girl, couldn't even be said to be human, but at this moment...I was made sharply aware of this sense of lust, of immorality. Reki, was a girl.<br /> <br /> But--<br /> <br /> If that is so, then why. Why did she enter the bath with me so calmly. We are no longer children with no sense of the relationships between men and women, just playing with bubbles.<br /> <br /> The one saving grace was...because of the steam, I had no way of clearly seeing Reki, who was standing three meters away from me.<br /> <br /> After, all I can do is hope that this steam, almost unnaturally thick, doesn't disperse, for any reason.<br /> <br /> "I-I said not to come, so why..."<br /> [[File:Aria06 199.jpg|thumb]]<br /> Hearing me say that, Reki turned her small face, veiled by her damp short hair, looking this way.<br /> <br /> "Yes. Kinji-san gave me that order--but, I sensed danger, and I came to protect you."<br /> <br /> Eh, for me, you're the most dangerous thing here!<br /> <br /> Looking at Reki, who had ignored my orders, entering the hot springs, I could only dip myself back into the water, hiding my body.<br /> <br /> Calm down...you have to calm down...Kinji...!<br /> <br /> The trigger to Hysteria Mode, is the heart.<br /> <br /> As long as my heart keeps calm, then I should...be able to suppress it!<br /> <br /> Alright, think of normal things. Think about the primary reason for bathing.<br /> <br /> Bathing is something that one does to cleanse oneself, dispelling the pressure on one's soul.<br /> <br /> There were no unhealthy impulses behind it. Absolutely not.<br /> <br /> "Pro-protect me? Protect me from what...!"<br /> <br /> I wrapped the towel around my waist, and with an immovable resolve, I strode out of the bath.<br /> <br /> Keeping my breathing steady, I turned my face, following the bamboo fence towards the exit.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Splash*<br /> <br /> The splashing sound that Reki made, apparently coming my way, made my heart skip a beat.<br /> <br /> "--I have felt an ill wind. Please do not go too far from my side."<br /> <br /> Feeling the flow of blood become ever more dangerous, I ignored Reki's words, leaving the hot springs.<br /> <br /> Taking deep breaths, confirming the status of my body's core...<br /> <br /> I-I did it. I'm safe. I overcame it.<br /> <br /> Reki is definitely a beautiful girl. She's as cute as a small animal, a girl who carries an inexplicable, indescribable attraction.<br /> <br /> But--in reality, it appears that it's hard for me to go into Hysteria because of her.<br /> <br /> I still don't know the reason, however, having been kissed by her once before and transforming, I could not let my guard down, not for any reason.<br /> <br /> My uniform, during the time that I was in the bath, had already been cleaned and dried by the landlady, Saori-san.<br /> <br /> Thanking her gratefully in my heart and wearing my uniform, having returned to "The Room of the Western Front", I never thought that my agitated blood flow would become even more excited...<br /> <br /> Because, inside the room, there was a huge futon.<br /> <br /> And, there was only one.<br /> <br /> Added to that, the two pillows on top of it were pressed together, intimately.<br /> <br /> (Did...Did Saori-san do this...!)<br /> <br /> This will definitely--even someone as slow as me understood the underlying meaning behind this scene--preventing me from composing myself.<br /> <br /> I opened the cabinet in a panic, but it was empty, there were no other futons prepared.<br /> <br /> (What do I do...!)<br /> <br /> Kinji, what do you do! You're out of the frying pan and into the fire!<br /> <br /> The futon and pillow were wondrously soft, making one feel as comfortable as if it was heaven. Although, sleeping in it alone and making Reki sit on the tatami...I thought that I'd get an ulcer out of guilt.<br /> <br /> But, if I let Reki sleep inside, heaven will immediately become hell.<br /> <br /> Just thinking about it triggered slight Hysteria, an extremely dangerous action.<br /> <br /> Maybe, if I use this side, and she uses that side...?<br /> <br /> I separated the pillows, placing them at opposite ends of the futon, and my mind was running scenarios of what this would look like while asleep.<br /> <br /> Th-this won't do. This kind of distance would be covered just by one of us rolling over.<br /> <br /> And, I have no reason to wear the complete protective gear, Armament Set C, to sleep.<br /> <br /> Because, yukata were placed next to the pillow, meant to act as pajamas.<br /> <br /> --Yukata are very dangerous. Because, they can be stripped off in an instant. <br /> <br /> Also, comparatively, my sleeping posture is quite bad. When I was a child, I had stayed at the Hotogi shrine, wearing a yukata...but, once I woke up, I noticed that, sleeping next to me, Shirayuki, Kiriyuki, Kazayuki, and Konayuki, (there were only 4 sisters then,) were pressed against me like a sandwich.<br /> <br /> If that kind of scene appears in a situation like this, where Reki and I, a boy and girl, are alone together--whether it be in the dead of the night or at the crack of dawn, because of Hysteria Mode, I will really do some things that will render me unable to do anything but submit a wedding application.<br /> <br /> I cannot let such a thing come to pass.<br /> <br /> I held up one pillow, and like Nakasorachi in Connect, I started rolling around the futon...<br /> <br /> --<nowiki>*Rattle*</nowiki><br /> <br /> At that moment, Reki, changed back into her uniform, opened the door.<br /> <br /> Having been completely unaware of her presence, I, shocked, started swinging the pillow, twice, thrice.<br /> <br /> "Ah, no, we're only two people, so we can't have a pillow fight."<br /> <br /> Saying things that even I didn't understand, I exerted all my willpower, forcing myself to act calm, keeping the pillow inside the cabinet.<br /> <br /> Hey, hand. My hand. Stop shaking.<br /> <br /> No matter what, I cannot let the topic turn to the futon...<br /> <br /> Steeling myself in my heart, I-<br /> <br /> "No-now that I think about it...what happened to Haimaki?"<br /> <br /> -asked this question, which I had been thinking of, trying to lead away from the topic.<br /> <br /> On the other side, Reki, going her own pace, grasped the Dragunov as if it was a stick...and at the wall, she sat upright.<br /> <br /> "--He's inside the room."<br /> <br /> "Inside the room?"<br /> <br /> I asked because he wasn't here.<br /> <br /> Well...whatever. At least, I've temporarily prevented any discussion over the futon.<br /> <br /> If Haimaki really were here, it'd just be even more hateful, anyways.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I re-arranged the things that I had disturbed in my panic just now, sitting down at the wall opposite Reki.<br /> <br /> This...is, strangely enough, like a painting. Separated by a gigantic futon, a boy and girl sits apart, on opposite walls. Doesn't this situation make it seem as if we're paying special attention to that one futon?<br /> <br /> (Aw-awkward...)<br /> <br /> This is far too awkward.<br /> <br /> Did the people who really went through arranged marriages in the past have this kind of feeling too?<br /> <br /> Rather, what does Reki plan to do?<br /> <br /> It can't be that she can't see this gigantic futon.<br /> <br /> But, if you're going to sleep sitting down as always...I'm sorry, but I will be sleeping inside the futon by myself. I'm really sorry about doing this to you. But, let the ulcers come.<br /> <br /> "You, that...Do you plan to sit here, holding your gun while sleeping?"<br /> <br /> Unable to stand the silence any longer, I started to speak--<br /> <br /> -suddenly, I realized that the way I had started speaking might cause an understanding.<br /> <br /> What I had said just now seemed as if I was trying to draw Reki in. "Don't sleep that way" → "So, let's get into the futon together." If it were to be misunderstood like that, then I really won't have any way of backing out. I've really done it.<br /> <br /> But, it seemed as if I was just adding on to my imagined torments...<br /> <br /> "Yes. When the time comes, I have to fend off the enemy--The wind ordered me to do so."<br /> <br /> Reki, her head slanted downwards, looking at the tatami, answered me softly.<br /> <br /> If you say that...you're going to sleep upright. Alright, alright.<br /> <br /> The ball's on my court now.<br /> <br /> "The wind's orders, huh. Then, please obey them fully as well."<br /> <br /> "Yes. Just..."<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> "The wind has two other orders. And, I haven't fulfilled them yet."<br /> <br /> "What orders?"<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but frown.<br /> <br /> Reki--<br /> <br /> -wordlessly, stood up.<br /> <br /> "Protect the wind, creating descendants for Ulus."<br /> <br /> "Descendants for Ulus...?"<br /> <br /> "The child of Kinji-san and I."<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Th-those words...<br /> <br /> Why are they being said again, in this kind of situation...!<br /> <br /> Reki, *Footstep, Footstep*, walked onto the futon--<br /> <br /> The wood-framed chandelier that was hanging from the ceiling, *Click*, she extinguished it.<br /> <br /> Reki's eyes, reflecting the light of the stars that was shining into the room, which had darkened in an instant...*Turn*<br /> <br /> ...turned towards me.<br /> <br /> And as if at that signal, *Thump*...!<br /> <br /> The gigantic vase under the painting fell over, and a silver beast appeared from within it.<br /> <br /> Ha-Haimaki. That was where you were hiding?<br /> <br /> Haimaki-<br /> <br /> "Uu...?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shuffle. Shuffle*<br /> <br /> -pushed me forward forcefully, coming to a stop when he had reached Reki's feet.<br /> <br /> He-hey. Stop it! Th-this is bad...Ku!<br /> <br /> The flow which I had thought we were following, was broken.<br /> <br /> Rather than that, in the blink of an eye, I had run into a terrible danger. <br /> <br /> Before me, was Reki's soft, supple legs. Behind me, Haimaki's fangs, completely bared.<br /> <br /> I mean, I'm not too versed with this kind of thing, but this "overly forceful" approach...normally, the position of the boy and girl should be reversed, right?<br /> <br /> "That and--I was given one more order."<br /> <br /> Reki suddenly lowered her voice, bending down.<br /> <br /> Wh-what is it?<br /> <br /> "--protecting Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> Saying that--*Thump*<br /> <br /> Completely unlike the normal Reki, she shoved me with all her force, pushing me down to the ground.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Because of the pillow, I didn't smash my head, but, held tightly by Reki, I had no way of getting up.<br /> <br /> Reki was clutching me as if she wanted to use her chest to squash my face--<br /> <br /> At the point in time where I was utterly confused, my face reddening.<br /> <br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Sshhhcc....Sshhccc! Kch!<br /> <br /> <br /> The sound of something ripping through the air, piercing the paper screen--<br /> <br /> And, the sound of breaking glass at the end of the hallway rang out in the midst of the darkness.<br /> <br /> "--!?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Sshhcch!*</nowiki><br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kch! Kch! Kch!*<br /> <br /> The continuous sound of glass crackng.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Bang!*</nowiki>...under the impact of multiple bullets, the window fell out of its frame--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Shhchhch Shhhchch*!</nowiki><br /> <br /> On top of the TV, Reki's cellphone and my cellphone took direct hits.<br /> <br /> And on top of that, the bullet, *Bccch*...!<br /> <br /> The broken window, just like a frame, span around, falling down--smashing into the wall.<br /> <br /> The silk decorating the walls dropped down like flowing water. The vivid tapestries were ripped off from every direction, covering Reki and I.<br /> <br /> "--A snipe."<br /> <br /> Hearing Reki's words and not being able to help but turn pale, I,<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Clank*...*Clank*...! *Clank*...*Clank*...!<br /> <br /> -heard the sound of several gunshots coming from the mountain.<br /> <br /> That--was the gunshot sound of those snipes.<br /> <br /> A sniper rifle's bullets exceed the speed of sound. So, the bullets arrived earlier than the gunshots.<br /> <br /> Then, Reki pushing me--was for the sake of preventing me from being hit by those snipes.<br /> <br /> But...who is it? Why are they firing? Why are they attacking us!?<br /> <br /> "--Remington M700. Distance: 2180m. Fired from the mountain."<br /> <br /> Apparently able to judge the opponent's location and gun model merely from the gunshot, Reki said those words calmly.<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that number, I could not help but widen my eyes.<br /> <br /> (...2180m...!?)<br /> <br /> Reki's Killing Range is 2051m.<br /> <br /> Among the S ranked Butei in Tokyo Butei High, it was named as the greatest range.<br /> <br /> But, the person attacking us appeared to be an elite sniper who was even more skillful than Reki.<br /> <br /> Morever, that person was equipped with a Remington M700.<br /> <br /> It is the world's most reliable sniper rifle.<br /> <br /> "This place is extremely dangerous. The enemy is very clear about our location. Go outside."<br /> <br /> Crawling, I extricated myself from underneath Reki, who was covered with the beautiful silk.<br /> <br /> The room was filled with feathers, dancing through the air, having flown out of the torn futon.<br /> <br /> "Who...is the enemy? Why are they assaulting us!"<br /> <br /> Well, in terms of a vague idea...it's not that I'm at a complete loss. The important thing is, this has something to do with I-U.<br /> <br /> But if this is one of the remnants of I-U acting, it's too fast.<br /> <br /> Reki didn't answer my question, and she swept away the fabric--<br /> <br /> Those eyes looked like cameras, embedded into a robot.<br /> <br /> <br /> With Saori-san, who had called the police, trailing behind us, Reki and I, as well as Haimaki, his fur standing on end, exited from the kitchen door, which should have been in the sniper's blind spot.<br /> <br /> At that time, from an unknown location,<br /> <br /> "Tohyama Kinji Reki You two Surrender."<br /> <br /> (...!?)<br /> <br /> This...is the vocaloid that is so popular on the net, that sister-like voice.<br /> <br /> Next to me, who had realized that, Reki pointed her Dragunov into the air--<br /> <br /> ''Bang!!''<br /> <br /> --firing into the night sky.<br /> <br /> In the pitch black sky, something akin to small sparks burst forth...<br /> <br /> Immediately afterward, a remote-controlled helicopter, painted jet black, fell towards the driveway.<br /> <br /> And afterward, from the skies-''Dadadadadadada''<br /> <br /> -as if counterattacking Reki, several bullets buried themselves in the ground around us.<br /> <br /> "There's more!? --Saori-san! Don't come outside!"<br /> <br /> Hurriedly, I pushed Saori-san, who was clutching her cellphone in her hands, back into the room.<br /> <br /> And, exactly as I did that, a bullet pierced through the air, flying towards us. We dodged it by a hair's breadth.<br /> <br /> The shots, coming from the air--weren't very accurate. For the sake of keeping silent in order to prevent themselves from being noticed, miniature remote-control helicopters were being used. As such, the gun's recoil prevents them from accurately locking on to their target.<br /> <br /> However, there is the saying: 'It only takes one'. Just from the bullets ricocheting off the ground, there was the danger that we would be caught by a stray.<br /> <br /> Under the downpour of the rain of bullets, the cars and the asphalt parking lot were pockmarked with gouged-out bullet holes.<br /> <br /> "--I am a single bullet--"<br /> <br /> --''Bang! Bang! Bang!''<br /> <br /> Her sniper rifle pointed into the sky, Reki fired three continuous shots.<br /> <br /> From the parking lot, they hurtled into the darkness.<br /> <br /> Each one burst into sparks in the air...afterwards, we could see the remote-controlled helicopters, leaving a trail of smoke, fall from the sky. <br /> <br /> "If you run the... Saori-san there...break her Ahaha Ahahahahahahaha"<br /> <br /> The voice came erratically...but the helicopter announced that it would start firing indiscriminately.<br /> <br /> I cannot let Saori-san get dragged into this.<br /> <br /> Well, from the beginning, as for planning to run--I had no intention of doing so.<br /> <br /> "There are no more helicopters. Let us enter the forest from the hotel's shadow, circling around so we can counterattack."<br /> <br /> Reki said, lowering her Dragunov. I nodded...<br /> <br /> ...but, the enemy's attack had made me even more uncertain.<br /> <br /> A machine-synthesized vocaloid. Remote controlled devices armed with sub-machine guns.<br /> <br /> This mode of operation. It's indelible.<br /> <br /> This is exactly the same as the "Butei Killer"--Riko's attack method when she assaulted us in April!<br /> <br /> Although, it could not be Riko.<br /> <br /> That was something which exceeded Reki's Killing Range, a snipe from 2180 meters away.<br /> <br /> It is a superhuman technique which, with the exception of elite snipers, is impossible for humans to accomplish.<br /> <br /> The offender is definitely an expert who has undergone severe sniping training ever since he was a child.<br /> <br /> Even if Riko had familiarized herself with sniper rifles, judging from her past, it was impossible that she could have this kind of skill.<br /> <br /> Also, she has no reason to attack us...after all, Riko and I are in what amounts to a truce. Furthermore, Riko's target is, "Aria and I", this partnership, not Reki and I.<br /> <br /> Added to this--<br /> <br /> The name the enemy designated us as, "Reki and I", was also an enigma.<br /> <br /> Just now, for a moment, I had suspected that this was an assault from the remnants of I-U, but if it was them...their sights should be locked onto Aria, who was defending Kanzaki Kanae-san, who had been made their scapegoat, or perhaps the person who defeated Sherlock--me.<br /> <br /> Because, in the battle with I-U, Reki was only support. I can't say that they bear absolutely no hatred towards her, however, as for the order of targets, she should be relatively low on the list.<br /> <br /> --I don't understand.<br /> <br /> Who is this enemy?<br /> <br /> Why did you...attack us!?<br /> <br /> <br /> Reki and I crossed over the parking lot, taking care to keep ourselves hidden in the shadows of the trees--<br /> <br /> First, the forest, afterward, we enter the jungle that stretches far behind.<br /> <br /> The humidity here is extremely high. The abnormally rugged ground emitted the smell of dirt and rotting leaves.<br /> <br /> At the beginning, I was constantly gazing at the uneven ground below my feet...<br /> <br /> (...So dark...)<br /> <br /> But, once we had gone deep into the jungle, the surroundings were swallowed by darkness.<br /> <br /> There was the light from the stars, but it only just managed to pierce the thick jungle canopy.<br /> <br /> "Reki. We should--"<br /> <br /> -go to a slightly brighter area; before I had finished my sentence--Reki looked back.<br /> <br /> Her forefinger was held to her lips, forbidding me from speaking.<br /> <br /> ...I swallowed my words, approaching her...<br /> <br /> Reki stood on her tiptoes, softly whispering into my ear,<br /> <br /> "Stay silent. The enemy should have set microphones up. Just now, after Kinji-san alerted the landlady--the enemy said her name."<br /> <br /> ...Now that she mentions it, that's how it was.<br /> <br /> There was never a mention of the landlady's real name on the website, the "Saori" which the vocaloid had uttered.<br /> <br /> I nodded--<br /> <br /> Following Haimaki's lead, I, along with Reki, strode deeper into the jungle.<br /> <br /> But, not fit to this kind of environment, I...felt my breathing become erratic extremely quickly. I had completely lost all sense of direction as well. It was as if I was wandering through the forest, my only guide the faint starlight that pierced through the trees.<br /> <br /> And on the contrary, Reki hadn't even taken a deep breath once--it seemed as if she was advancing, a clear objective in her mind.<br /> <br /> "Where are you going?"<br /> <br /> Lowering my voice, I asked Reki, whose footfalls were near non-existent.<br /> <br /> "Judging from the hostile's location when he sniped us, I am estimating his current location--while searching for territory advantageous for my sniping."<br /> <br /> "Territory..."<br /> <br /> A battle between snipers...I had heard that they were like battles of positioning.<br /> <br /> A location where you can see the enemy clearly, yet a location where the enemy cannot do the same, the side that finds such a position, extremely fitting for snipers, gains an overwhelming advantage.<br /> <br /> "How is it that you're so clear about this mountain's topography. Our cellphones...are already broken, do you have something like a GPS with you?"<br /> <br /> "There are minor flaws in the output of GPS. My memory is accurate."<br /> <br /> "But, you haven't even seen a map of this area, right?"<br /> <br /> "Before, on the bus to the hotel, I saw a map of the topography here."<br /> <br /> ...As expected of an S rank Butei. <br /> <br /> The difference from me, who had been looking at a movie website with my cellphone while on the bus, was truly colossal. Apparently, Reki, who had been next to me, had memorized the surroundings' characteristics, a blank look on her face the whole time.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> ''Squelch''...My feet sunk slightly into the ground.<br /> <br /> Only now did I realize, there appeared to be water in front of us.<br /> <br /> From the faint sound of running water, I thought that...it was probably a rather shallow river.<br /> <br /> I don't know whether she had night vision, but Reki, moving lightly, crossed the river, almost like a water fairy. <br /> <br /> Apparently, there were stumps and rocks, and it seemed that she had crossed over above them.<br /> <br /> The river was filled with water, and I couldn't let it slow my movements. I recalled the little wilderness combat training I had learned in Assault, and keeping my body low, I kept careful watch of my feet while crossing over the deeper parts of the river. If I do this, then I can more or less make things out in the darkness.<br /> <br /> Stepping on the moss-covered rocks and stumps, I somehow managed to make it to the other side of the bank...<br /> <br /> Reki, having reached the other side far ahead of me, was standing next to a gigantic tree, and she was gesturing towards me.<br /> <br /> I walked to Reki's side, looking up at the enormous tree, which appeared to be a camphor.<br /> <br /> The large, wide trunk was already covered with vines, merging with the ground. I don't really know much about plants, but its age...is probably over 1000. It is the master of the forest.<br /> <br /> Is she going to use this tree's branches and trunk to act as cover, initiating the battle?<br /> <br /> I'm sorry, master of the forest-san. We're going to drag you into this mess, which reeks of gunpowder.<br /> <br /> "Then...What do we do now?"<br /> <br /> I pressed myself against the trunk of the colossal tree, drawing the Beretta at my waist, checking its functionality.<br /> <br /> Well, there isn't really a use for these in the coming battle--both the gun and me. <br /> <br /> "We will lie in wait here, scanning for the enemy. I will look for an opportunity to snipe."<br /> <br /> Scanning for the enemy...?<br /> <br /> We can't see anything in the midst of this darkness, right? And, the enemy is, like us, on the mountain.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san, please keep your watch."<br /> <br /> "...Why?"<br /> <br /> "Its fluorescent paint could be noticed by the enemy."<br /> <br /> "That's retarded. How can anyone see something like this?"<br /> <br /> "I can see it."<br /> <br /> Seeing Reki, who never lies, say this with such a serious look, I...couldn't help but swallow my saliva.<br /> <br /> The enemy--is someone who holds the same level of skill as Reki, no even more skillful, an elite sniper.<br /> <br /> Really, even this kind of tiny light might be seen by him.<br /> <br /> "It might be that the enemy is equipping a starlight scope. If so, we will lose the ability to take advantage of the night to surprise him, nor will we be able to see his remote-controlled helicopters, which are painted jet black."<br /> <br /> Starlight scope, it's a night-vision scope that can be attached to armaments like sniper rifles.<br /> <br /> I had used them once before--<br /> <br /> It really is able to make the dark night, only faintly illuminated by the stars, turn into day.<br /> <br /> "...Does that have any night-vision capabilities added to it?"<br /> <br /> While taking my watch off, I pointed at the Dragunov's scope. ''Rustle''<br /> <br /> Reki shook her head--<br /> <br /> "The only night-vision functionality that this scope has is lighting reticule."<br /> <br /> Lighting reticule...an overlayed aiming function, a cross that can be seen when one looks into the scope. Because it is luminous, it can be used at night, a very outdated attachment.<br /> <br /> It's better than nothing, but when pitted against starlight scope, it is nearly equivalent to fighting blind.<br /> <br /> Frowning, at my feet--<br /> <br /> Haimaki's ears stood straight up, twitching slightly.<br /> <br /> And, he was staring deep into the dark forest...killing his footfalls, he walked towards it.<br /> <br /> "...Hey..."<br /> <br /> Reki, staring in the same direction that Haimaki was going, stretched her hand out to stop me, who had called out to him in a small voice.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> ...Wh-what is it?<br /> <br /> What happened? Don't stay silent, explain this to me.<br /> <br /> --''Fwoosh!'' Cutting through the air, Haimaki rushed out.<br /> <br /> ''Huuu!'' That breathing noise--did not come from Haimaki.<br /> <br /> "...!?"<br /> <br /> In my line of sight, a black dog appeared, charging towards the silver wolf.<br /> <br /> That was something I had seen on one of Aria's animal programs, a dog-hunting dog--a Shar-Pei.<br /> <br /> It's a species that is used in China as a hunting dog or a military dog, a particularly vicious breed. And, its strain appeared to have been heavily modified, as it was far bigger than the ones I had seen on TV. It looked as if it could easily tear off a man's limb.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> I hurriedly brought my gun up--''Clank!''<br /> <br /> But, my elbow collided with Reki, who had brought her Dragunov up at the exact same time.<br /> <br /> Reki, a petite girl, lost her balance, and she leaned against the trunk with one knee.<br /> <br /> And, staggering, I--as if trying to push Reki down, fell down on her.<br /> <br /> --''Thump!''<br /> <br /> (Uu...!)<br /> <br /> The frontal impact jarred the Beretta, which was in semi-automatic, and one bullet was released, thudding into the ground.<br /> <br /> At that moment--Haimaki and the Shar-Pei had engaged each other, entering a state where we were forced into inaction, unable to shoot. If we fire, there is no guarantee that we will not fatally wound Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Standing up, thinking that I should at least fire some shots to intimidate the opponent--Woah.<br /> <br /> This time, Reki's legs and my legs were tangled, and I fell against the trunk once again.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> What the hell am I doing.<br /> <br /> Damn it.<br /> <br /> Reki and I--have never really fought together like this.<br /> <br /> Because, when we had worked together in Assault, Reki always acted as long-range support. Battling together with her in this kind of close-contact fighting...had only ever occurred during the Odaiba casino security detail.<br /> <br /> So, there is no coordination between us.<br /> <br /> (Right now...if it was Aria...!)<br /> <br /> In my mind--Aria's image, charging towards the dogs without any thought whatsoever, using the flat of her blade to start beating the enemy down, appeared. At that point, because she'd be unable to halt her momentum, she'd definitely strike Haimaki a few times. And I, standing on the side, would use the vines to bind the powerless dog, capturing it. If it was Aria, I felt that that kind of combination would be possible.<br /> <br /> --''Bang! Bang!''<br /> <br /> Reki, still being crushed by me, extended her Dragunov to the side, firing.<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> The empty casing which flew into the air before me, as well as the unique metallic clack of the Dragunov, forced me to slam my eyes shut.<br /> <br /> When I had opened them again...<br /> <br /> The black dog had suddenly weakened considerably.<br /> <br /> "--Haimaki, let that dog go. Stop fighting."<br /> <br /> Hearing Reki, who was below me, give him an order, Haimaki--kicked off the dirt with a thud, retreating.<br /> <br /> Keeping some distance away from that dog, ''Grrrrrrrr...'', he growled threateningly. <br /> <br /> That black dog...limping all the while...ran away.<br /> <br /> "...Did you hit?"<br /> <br /> "Yes. The bullet grazed both his legs."<br /> <br /> "That dog...probably ran back to its master. Like this, our hiding place will be exposed. I'm not trying to say that you should have killed it, but is it really fine..?"<br /> <br /> "Our location was already noticed by the enemy when Kinji-san fired. So, I fired as well."<br /> <br /> ..I-I see. The accidental discharge when I fell just now has already exposed our position?<br /> <br /> Because, the enemy really has microphones set up. That's probably it.<br /> <br /> To Reki, I'm really a dead weight.<br /> <br /> "Please do not concern yourself. That dog is very powerful. Haimaki wanted to clamp down on the dog's throat, not allowing it to bark, and afterward, he wished to use his claws to rake what appears to be a transmitter off the dog's body, but--Haimaki was unable to do so immediately. If the dog stayed abnormally still, the enemy would have turned his attention this way."<br /> <br /> "Transmitter..."<br /> <br /> I never saw such a thing...is that how it was?<br /> <br /> I turned my head, looking at Haimaki, who was staggering back, exhausted...he was injured.<br /> <br /> During the fight with the Shar-Pei, he appeared to have been bitten in several places. That beautiful silver fur was flecked with crimson blood.<br /> <br /> It appears that this confirms Reki's words. That battle dog was quite strong.<br /> <br /> Added to this, ringing out from inside the forest, as if reporting that it had already found us--a dog's howl. Probably the one from just now. It was vicious and chilling, a sound that easily inspired fear in people's hearts.<br /> <br /> "...We should change our position, right? We've already been exposed, so it's pretty dangerous here."<br /> <br /> Just about to move, I--<br /> <br /> -had my belt,''Tug'', grabbed by Reki.<br /> <br /> "You cannot move."<br /> <br /> "...Why?"<br /> <br /> My eyebrows furrowed.<br /> <br /> Reki took out a box filled with Calorie Mate energy bars from her pocket...and with a click, she opened it.<br /> <br /> Emptying its contents, she filled it with the earth by her feet.<br /> <br /> "...What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> Not turning towards me, Reki-''Fwoosh''<br /> <br /> -threw the dirt-filled Calorie Mate box away from the tree.<br /> <br /> <br /> --''Clank''--!!<br /> <br /> <br /> The box burst open, the dirt inside showering down.<br /> <br /> That scene made a chill run down my back.<br /> <br /> It had been sniped. And, it was a box roughly the size of my palm.<br /> <br /> "The moment we step to the right or left of this tree, we will be sniped. We cannot move."<br /> <br /> ...''Bang''...<br /> <br /> Immediately after Reki's words, the sound of a gunshot reached us from afar.<br /> <br /> "As predicted, the enemy has not left the location he was occupying when he first attacked the hotel. The distance is 2050m, and as such, he is in range."<br /> <br /> "...From 2050 meters...he is a sniper that is able to snipe that box from such a distance, huh?"<br /> <br /> There's nothing we can do. At least, there's nothing ''I'' can do.<br /> <br /> In this battle, I can only be a burden.<br /> <br /> "...He's really a powerful enemy. I have no idea what kind of person he might be."<br /> <br /> "The enemy is certainly an expert in sniping. As for his personality, it is overflowing with confidence."<br /> <br /> "...You can understand the enemy's personality?"<br /> <br /> "Because, the enemy sniped the box. That is meant to express that, even if his position is known, he will not lose, a challenge to his opponent."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "At the same time, the enemy has shown that he puts a lot of trust in new technology. He is a very adaptable person."<br /> <br /> "--I can't believe you know so much. But, what does it matter if you're able to deduce the opponent's traits? A battle of sniping is but a battle of marksmanship, right?"<br /> <br /> "A battle between snipers is done by reading the opponent's characteristics, and using that as a basis, deciding upon the method of attack."<br /> <br /> "Characteristics...?"<br /> <br /> I have no idea what use that might hold in a battle...<br /> <br /> And, not being clear about this point means that, for this battle, I cannot help in the slightest.<br /> <br /> ...I have no choice.<br /> <br /> Then, Haimaki and I will sharpen our gaze, looking out, seeing whether that hunting dog returns.<br /> <br /> I sighed, sitting down on the trunk--<br /> <br /> "--This will become a drawn-out battle. Please eat."<br /> <br /> Reki took one of the Calorie Mates which she had emptied just now, handing it over.<br /> <br /> ...I see. Now I know why Reki only ever eats these.<br /> <br /> This is like a wilderness ration. For the sake of being able to respond to these wars of attrition, Reki carries this kind of nutritious food at all times.<br /> <br /> As expected of a girl who is ready to fight whether she is walking, sitting, or even sleeping.<br /> <br /> I started thinking outside the box, and I asked Reki whether we could escape, running directly backwards from the tree...but the words had scarcely left my mouth before they were denied.<br /> <br /> But, that was normal, since this is a forest. <br /> <br /> As long as I move left or right even the slightest bit, just for the sake of avoiding a tree or rock, my head will suffer the same fate as that box.<br /> <br /> The safe zone only extends from this tree to the river. As such, Reki and I ate the Calorie Mates, scooping up some river water to drink....<br /> <br /> Staying by the trunk of the tree, unmoving.<br /> <br /> ...10 minutes...30 minutes...1 hour...<br /> <br /> Nothing...happened. We just waited. Both us, and the enemy.<br /> <br /> 2 hours...3 hours.<br /> <br /> The time was 0:00.<br /> <br /> Right now, it's the season of passage between summer and autumn, but as time dragged on, the forest air was becoming colder and colder.<br /> <br /> Our body heat slowly being stolen by the frigid air, our strength was being sapped as well. And, not only was our body affected, but drowsiness soon fell upon us. Quietly sitting in the darkness, I felt exhaustion come upon me...and, forcing oneself to stay awake is a large test of willpower.<br /> <br /> I understood, my own willpower was fading, along with the passage of time.<br /> <br /> Until now--in all the battles that I had fought with offenders...<br /> <br /> I had been able to see the enemy.<br /> <br /> Even if the enemy hid himself, all I needed to do was to force him out of hiding with my pistol.<br /> <br /> Although, the offender we're facing this time is a sniper. An unseen enemy. And, this isn't like the battle with Reki, where I had been running everywhere, but this was a war of attrition which had already been dragged on for several hours.<br /> <br /> Humans cannot maintain a state of agitation for that long a period.<br /> <br /> However, I needed to keep myself in that state.<br /> <br /> Because, once that was interrupted--My life would be put in danger.<br /> <br /> ...Fuck.<br /> <br /> (This too...is a battle, huh...)<br /> <br /> I had never experienced this kind of battle before. To be honest, I was about to reach my limit.<br /> <br /> And even now, I wanted to--test my luck, charging out of cover, running away from this place.<br /> <br /> On the contrary, Reki...completely still, was staring at me, who was in this state.<br /> <br /> Haimaki licked his wounds, his face fatigued.<br /> <br /> We still can't act...We still can't act!?<br /> <br /> Like this, when time had passed into the deep night--<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki made her move.<br /> <br /> She slipped the bayonet out from under her skirt, affixing it to the Dragunov...<br /> <br /> And, she took off the scarf of her uniform, releasing a soft sound of rubbing fabric, placing it on the tip of the bayonet edge.<br /> <br /> "...If you want to make a white flag, I'll lend you my shirt."<br /> <br /> Reki glanced at me, who was struggling to keep his eyes open, joking...<br /> <br /> ''Rustle''...She extended the scarf to the side of the tree.<br /> <br /> A gust of wind washed over it, and the scarf danced in the air, slightly outside the tree.<br /> <br /> ''Shhchh! Shhchh!''<br /> <br /> The scarf had been torn past at high speed by something--by a bullet.<br /> <br /> A few seconds later, the echo of two gunshots reached our ears from afar.<br /> <br /> --The opponent fired.<br /> <br /> The enemy's concentration was amazing, he had been staring this way for three and a half hours.<br /> <br /> "...Did he fire from the same location?"<br /> <br /> "Yes. He should not have moved from the location he attacked the hotel. I'm afraid that, securing the mechanical advantage of starlight scope and having set up several microphones, he has no intention of leaving that position."<br /> <br /> "He doesn't care even if we know where he is? Then, he really is very confident."<br /> <br /> "That is probably correct. The signal that I had released was returned to me unflinchingly."<br /> <br /> "Signal?"<br /> <br /> "The exhibition of technique. On each of that hunting dog's legs, I left a 3cm long, 3mm deep, 3cm high wound, exactly the same on both legs.<br /> <br /> A-a completely identical wound...? Furthermore, she's able to control its shallowness to such a degree that the dog can still walk?<br /> <br /> I can't do that even while in Hysteria Mode. Probably.<br /> <br /> Al...although I've been shocked at your strangeness up till now...exactly how much of a genius are you?<br /> <br /> ''Rustle''. On the bulletproof scarf that Reki opened up for me to see...there was an X-shaped hole which was probably caused by the two bullets from before.<br /> <br /> Those two obliquely angular lines...their length was exactly the same. Each one was about 30 centimeters long.<br /> <br /> --"I can do even this."<br /> <br /> The enemy is sending that kind of signal, right?<br /> <br /> "What do we do? Do we just last till daylight...I don't know if they'll come, but should we wait here for the police to come up the mountain to investigate?"<br /> <br /> Reki shook her head.<br /> <br /> "We would not be able to do it. The enemy is in a hurry to decide his victory."<br /> <br /> ''Stare.'' She said, turning her eyes to the forest. It seemed...that there was something there again.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san. Please use me, and go into HSS--Hysteria Mode."<br /> <br /> Wh...?<br /> <br /> What...did you say?<br /> <br /> "No matter what the result of this battle is, the you as of now cannot escape from this forest."<br /> <br /> "...Wa-wait. Hysteria Mode...you...I don't know where you found this information, but seeing as you know, I'll tell you. If I am to go into Hysteria Mode, I have to..."<br /> <br /> Suddenly telling me that crazy battle plan, Reki cut off my words.<br /> <br /> "--I will not mind no matter what you do to me. Because it's you." <br /> <br /> She said, her grip loosening on the scarf in her hands.<br /> <br /> The rouge colored scarf, fluttering in the midst of the darkness, seemed to imply some sort of deep meaning--and slowly, it fell towards Reki's feet.<br /> <br /> "We are nearly out of time, are you able to do it?"<br /> <br /> ''Thud''...Reki pressed herself against the gigantic tree trunk.<br /> <br /> Staying like that, unmoving, she stared directly at me.<br /> <br /> "Time...?"<br /> <br /> "After this, I will commence an exchange of shots with the enemy."<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> "If I die or am injured, please leave me. If that time comes, please bring back the scope on this gun. Hidden inside this is a camera, it has already been set to record the scene at the instant that I snipe--You can use this to confirm the enemy's appearance."<br /> <br /> "Hey..."<br /> <br /> Facing Reki, who was able to state her purpose so coolly despite the fact that she knew she might die, I couldn't hide the tremor that ran through my body.<br /> <br /> However, Reki, as if there was no time to answer, continued,<br /> <br /> "On my body, there are 3 DAL for sniper rifle use."<br /> <br /> --Butei Bullets.<br /> <br /> Different from normal bullets, they are special modified bullets that are only circulated among elite Butei.<br /> <br /> All of them are handmade by professional bullet craftsman, the price of one cannot fall lower than 1 million yen...Other than the Grenade and Flash that Nii-san gave me on I-U, there were many different types, such as Flare or Cannon.<br /> <br /> But, Reki, you brought those kinds of things with you to travel?<br /> <br /> "In a while, I will fire two DAL. For the third shot, I will use a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62x54mmR Russian bullet], and when I've finished--we will start to leave this place." <br /> <br /> Scarcely telling me what I needed to know, Reki ejected the magazine from her Dragunov.<br /> <br /> From its contents, she took out two bullets--''Click Click''<br /> <br /> -and she slotted in two other bullets that she had taken out from her breast pocket.<br /> <br /> They were probably attack-type Butei Bullets.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san. Quickly go into HSS...Hysteria Mode--We have no time left."<br /> <br /> I hesitated.<br /> <br /> A few seconds later...<br /> <br /> Reki closed those wise eyes.<br /> <br /> As if saying--that I was "useless".<br /> <br /> "Then, we shall change our plan. We are already at a dangerous distance. I will definitely take care of the enemy. After that, please go into Hysteria Mode...running away from here."<br /> <br /> Reki, not caring whether I approved of her plan, pressed her back against the tree--<br /> <br /> "...I am a single bullet."<br /> <br /> -she softly recited those mantra-like words.<br /> <br /> "A bullet has no heart. As such, it does not think."<br /> <br /> That voice is something that I had gotten used to hearing when she had acted as support, sniping--<br /> <br /> "It just flies towards its target."<br /> <br /> At that moment, I didn't know why, but a sense of unease sprung up in my chest.<br /> <br /> --Reki---<br /> <br /> ''Flutter''--Her skirt fluttering, turning her Dragunov to the right, Reki--<br /> <br /> -flickered out to the side of the tree, her gun held ready.<br /> <br /> ''Bang!''<br /> <br /> She fired without a moment's hesitation, and immediately, Reki turned left, returning behind the tree.<br /> <br /> As if grazing past Reki, ''Shhhchhh!'' , the bullet of the enemy's counterattack hurtled out of the darkness.<br /> <br /> ...!<br /> <br /> I didn't truly understand what had happened in that instant, but...wh-what was that!<br /> <br /> Just now, that was truly amazing.<br /> <br /> The enemy had fired the instant he saw Reki.<br /> <br /> The two sides are around two kilometers away from each other....the muzzle velocity of the M700 with 7.62mm NATO bullets that he was using, was 840 meters per second.<br /> <br /> The time between the shot and its impact is around 2.5 seconds.<br /> <br /> In that 2.5 seconds, Reki had aimed at the enemy, who was enveloped by the darkness, fired, and returned to the safe zone behind the tree.<br /> <br /> As I realized what had happened, stunned--<br /> <br /> ''Pch...!''<br /> <br /> Light glared out, coming from the direction of the forest. Almost as if lightning had struck.<br /> <br /> (Flash...!)<br /> <br /> Just now, Reki's attack--appeared to be the same as the one I had used in I-U, the bullet that brought a blinding light to life.<br /> <br /> The enemy's surroundings have definitely been lit up like a day at the height of summer.<br /> <br /> Continuing, Reki performed the same movement--flashing out to the side of the tree.<br /> <br /> ''Bang!''<br /> <br /> The second shot...<br /> <br /> --''GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN''--!!<br /> <br /> "Uu...!"<br /> <br /> From the depths of the forest, a high-pitched blast, which seemed to shake the ground even here, rang out.<br /> <br /> --Cannon.<br /> <br /> Normally used to disrupt the enemy's battle ability, it is a Butei Bullet that creates massive amounts of sound pressure. <br /> <br /> (Reki...)<br /> <br /> --I understand.<br /> <br /> I understand what Reki wanted to do.<br /> <br /> The first shot, Flash, was directed against starlight scope.<br /> <br /> That type of night-vision attachment, amplifying the light of the stars umpteen times, was extremely weak against strong light.<br /> <br /> A scope that faced that way would probably undergo 'white out'--or otherwise the safety function would engage, momentarily forcing a shutdown of all functionality.<br /> <br /> With this, Reki followed through with her second shot, Cannon, firing at the enemy, who had lost his sight.<br /> <br /> The enemy had used microphones, which amplified all sound, setting them up all around us. And, if he's wearing something like headphones to listen to their input, his hearing would definitely be damaged from the sonic-boom.<br /> <br /> "--The enemy sniper has reached for his ears in pain. He is a solitary killer, he has no observers."<br /> <br /> Looking into her scope, Reki reported these facts, like a scientist examining a guinea pig.<br /> <br /> (...I see...)<br /> <br /> --In a battle between snipers, the two sides read each other's personalities, deciding their method of attack.<br /> <br /> That was what had happened here.<br /> <br /> The overconfident enemy had responded to Reki's provocation. And, from that behaviour, Reki was able to recognize the enemy's position in an instant.<br /> <br /> Additionally, the enemy is also someone who relies a lot on machines. Setting up a location which he could not move from easily, he put too much faith in them.<br /> <br /> Reki specifically targeted this specific point--using light and sound, she assaulted the enemy's machine-heightened eyes and ears.<br /> <br /> And now, she held the enemy's life and death in her hands.<br /> <br /> We won...<br /> <br /> "The enemy--is a little girl. Younger than me."<br /> <br /> The sniper over there is a girl as well--and moreover, she's younger than you?<br /> <br /> It's unbelievable, but...these are Reki's words. They must be true.<br /> <br /> "Shoot to kill?"<br /> <br /> Towards Reki, who was saying this as confirmation, I immediately replied with: "No, respect Butei Law."<br /> <br /> "Then, I shall break the enemy's weapon."<br /> <br /> ''Bang!''<br /> <br /> Immediately after Reki sniped at the enemy, her gun emitting a sharp muzzle flash--<br /> <br /> (...?)<br /> <br /> ''Bch! BchBch!''<br /> <br /> Small dots of light scattering about her, she seemed to be in pain, as if she had been struck. Reki's skirt, as if dancing in place, spun a semicircle, fluttering up, before it fell down.<br /> <br /> ''Drip, Drip'' The sound of a certain liquid falling to Reki's feet reached my ears.<br /> <br /> "Reki...?"<br /> <br /> ...!?<br /> <br /> What...happened?<br /> <br /> Her appearance is extremely strange. Was she counterattacked?<br /> <br /> No. The enemy should have had her battle ability ripped from her, she shouldn't be able to do anything.<br /> <br /> Even if she had been sniped, I would have heard a gunshot, but none came.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki raised her gun again, aiming towards a location slightly different from before...and one step, two steps, she retreated.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Silently--she lowered her gun.<br /> <br /> In that state, she placed the stock of her gun against the ground, and while she appeared to be using it to support herself...<br /> <br /> ''Scrape''...''Scrape''...<br /> <br /> ...she sat down, unable to move.<br /> <br /> "...Ah...Hey...!"<br /> <br /> I immediately crouched down, supporting Reki, whose head was drooping down--<br /> <br /> "...!'<br /> <br /> She's injured...! When!?<br /> <br /> In the darkness, I fumbled around, trying to find Reki's wound, copious amounts of blood were flowing out.<br /> <br /> Her upper head was heavily wounded, as well as her forearm and left thigh.<br /> <br /> In that instant just now, what on Earth was she counterattacked by? I don't understand...<br /> <br /> Pressing down on Reki's wounds with a frantic desperation, I, ''OOOOooOOoo...! UoOOOoooOO...!''<br /> <br /> -suddenly heard the sound of several howls, all around us, continuously echoing out from within the forest.<br /> <br /> Those voices were similar to the Shar-Pei's that came earlier. And...there were 10...No, 20 sets of them.<br /> <br /> I see. It was because they were surrounding us, that Reki was so eager to decide the battle.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san. This..."<br /> <br /> Reki handed her Dragunov and bayonet over to me.<br /> <br /> ''Drip, Drip''. Blood was still flowing down her forehead and elbows, dripping off of her.<br /> <br /> "Regrettably, I have been injured. I no longer have the strength to drive those hunting dogs away, protecting you. After this, please protect yourself, and run away alone. The enemy will definitely regain her composure in short order...and she will come to perform the final blow."<br /> <br /> "What are you saying? Since that's the case, it's even more clear that this is a path that we cannot take! How can I leave you here, alone and unarmed?"<br /> <br /> I pushed the Dragunov back towards her.<br /> <br /> "I have one more Grenade left. It can be detonated even without a gun."<br /> <br /> Said Reki, taking the third, the final, Butei Bullet from her breast pocket.<br /> <br /> Understanding the meaning of her words, I...clenched my teeth.<br /> <br /> --Do you wish to commit suicide?<br /> <br /> Do you wish to go down the path of killing yourself and the enemy!?<br /> <br /> "Stop saying such idiotic things...!"<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san, hurry. The enemy's net is closing in, and soon, you will no longer be able to escape."<br /> <br /> Having lost too much blood, not even able to lift her head up, Reki--was still trying to hurry me, who was crouching there, not willing to stand up.<br /> <br /> "I failed. I was weaker than the enemy. The weak will be devoured by the strong. This is the natural law of the world."<br /> <br /> This...certainly, might be the truth.<br /> <br /> "This is very logical, Kinji-san. If you linger any further, both of us will be killed. As such, it is better if you yourself live."<br /> <br /> This too...might be the truth.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san...there is no need to worry about me. I live the life that the wind has determined, and I shall die in the same manner. That is of no importance to me."<br /> <br /> People--whether they be few or many, live by the rules that have been determined for them.<br /> <br /> Whether it be a delusion or something else, the "wind" is the rule in Reki's life. Just like a normal person's society, as well as their laws.<br /> <br /> So, Reki has been respecting those rules since she was born, and it is certainly possible that she will follow them till her death.<br /> <br /> --But. <br /> <br /> "Reki...dying in this kind of place, dying by the hands of an unknown person...Isn't this a worthless death...!? Don't always listen to the "wind's" orders, never laughing, never even crying...dying with no emotion, dying with no feeling, this is too...!"<br /> <br /> I knelt by Reki's side. Reki--<br /> <br /> ''Rustle.''<br /> <br /> Her hair shaking, she shook her head.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san. Yesterday...I said that I 'had no emotions'. But, actually...I do not know why I did not tell you then...I...once, had a very clear emotion..."<br /> <br /> "...Reki..."<br /> <br /> "The 'wind'...ordered me, it ordered me to take a boy...to take a powerful boy and bring him into Ulus. And when the 'wind'--ordered me to become Kinji-san's everything...in my heart...for the first time, I had my own...I had my own, true feelings."<br /> <br /> Reki...<br /> <br /> "--I'm so glad that Kinji-san is the one.--"<br /> <br /> An emotion had sprouted within you.<br /> <br /> You may not have been able to convey it through your expression or behaviour, but in your heart...an emotion, only belonging to you, had been brought to life.<br /> <br /> ''Drip, Drip'' Her blood trickling down without pause, Reki said,<br /> <br /> "So, Kinji-san, I will not die without any emotion. You...don't have to feel sadness for me inside...the responsibility of keeping the line of Ulus eternal, now lies with my sisters."<br /> <br /> Reki...!<br /> <br /> "I, have no regrets. I can, with the person who first created emotion within me...eat a meal with you, I can travel with you, I can receive clothes from you. It may not have been long, I may not have been able to...express it within this period of time...but, that is definitely an emotion...I...am very happy...the last two weeks that I have spent with you, those days were filled with joy..."<br /> <br /> Reki said, raising her bloodstained face.<br /> <br /> That face--<br /> <br /> Ahh, it was, for the first time...<br /> <br /> --Smiling--<br /> <br /> She smiled.<br /> <br /> This is probably Reki wanting to make me relieved.<br /> <br /> "Reki..."<br /> <br /> That beautiful, unblemished face--made me feel as if, in an instant, I had understood Reki.<br /> <br /> It isn't that Reki doesn't have emotions.<br /> <br /> She just doesn't understand what emotion is.<br /> <br /> Just that, her heart hasn't developed yet. Exactly like a child.<br /> <br /> And, the reason it was so difficult to go into Hysteria Mode from Reki, was also because...in my heart, I had a faint feeling that she was still a child. <br /> <br /> Reki.<br /> <br /> The enemy is approaching. We will fight for an instant.<br /> <br /> You cannot fight anymore. You yourself said very clearly for me to leave you behind.<br /> <br /> And I...only have to run away. By myself.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san...please go...it's already..."<br /> <br /> Reki's voice was losing all strength, but even in that state, she was calmly hurrying me on...<br /> <br /> I slipped the bayonet into my belt, and I shouldered the Dragunov.<br /> <br /> "Reki. As opposed to two people dying, it is certainly better for one to live."<br /> <br /> Hearing my words--<br /> <br /> Reki, as if relieved, lightly nodded.<br /> <br /> You don't even have the strength to answer anymore.<br /> <br /> "Yet--my math isn't very good, but at least, I can understand that that isn't the best answer."<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Reki's eyes, under her bloodstained locks, looked at me.<br /> <br /> ''Rustle.''<br /> <br /> Putting strength into my arms, I lifted Reki's arm.<br /> <br /> "Obviously, it is better if both can live."<br /> <br /> I helped her stand up, and Reki's--<br /> <br /> -almond eyes were slightly wider than usual, staring directly at me.<br /> <br /> It was extremely slight, but she had an amazed expression.<br /> [[File:Aria06 243.jpg|thumb]]<br /> <br /> That's good, Reki. That's good.<br /> <br /> Doing this, you have to find yourself.<br /> <br /> From this moment onward, let your life be filled with more surprise. With more tears. And--with more, more smiles.<br /> <br /> That kind of smile, shown to me while sitting in the midst of a puddle of your own blood--<br /> <br /> -your first and last smile...That isn't fine at all!<br /> <br /> "Reki. You cannot. You cannot die. I saw it. At this moment, you--smiled. You can smile."<br /> <br /> Reki--this is the moment where you start to grow.<br /> <br /> In this situation, where you've taken your first step, you cannot die.<br /> <br /> From now onward. For what comes after.<br /> <br /> You are no longer the wind's slave--you are a human, a new life.<br /> <br /> Therefore, you cannot die!<br /> <br /> Reki seemed to start trying to resist...but immediately, she lost all strength, and while standing, she swayed dangerously.<br /> <br /> She can't. Reki can no longer walk.<br /> <br /> The Dragunov slung around my back, I took Reki with my two hands before--holding her up, princess-style.<br /> <br /> It's a relief that this girl is so light. Because of that, I'm able to run. Relying on the strength that comes when one is in the midst of a firestorm.<br /> <br /> ''Tap Tap Tap''...!<br /> <br /> The hunting dogs had already reached a point where I could hear their footsteps.<br /> <br /> While holding Reki, I wasn't able to fire off any intimidation shots, and I had no idea as to where to escape--when from my feet.<br /> <br /> ''Whisper''...<br /> <br /> A white shadow flickered out.<br /> <br /> --Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Having been injured earlier in the fight with the Shar-Pei, Haimaki was standing up.<br /> <br /> ''Grrrrrrr''...Growling softly, Haimaki's fur was standing up, and although he was in the darkness, I was able to see that his fangs and claws were extended.<br /> <br /> His back facing me, running towards the forest, Haimaki--is an extremely faithful wolf.<br /> <br /> That blind faith was always there, a willingness to die for his master. Even when he had been struck by Patra's hideous golems, even when he was pursuing me, acting as the platform for Reki's ricochet, those positions of enormous danger.<br /> <br /> And now, even now, he was like this.<br /> <br /> Haimaki. You...<br /> <br /> ...are going to volunteer to be our bait?<br /> <br /> By yourself, you're going to challenge that entire pack of ferocious hunting dogs?<br /> <br /> You too--are a man.<br /> <br /> It matters not whether you're a human or an animal. When in times of need, men...have no choice but to help women. Even if one is to die, it is something that one must do.<br /> <br /> Only turning his head back halfway, Haimaki's eyes, gleaming in the darkness, looked at me.<br /> <br /> Those eyes had faith in me--<br /> <br /> Go. I leave Reki to you.<br /> <br /> They seemed to be saying that.<br /> <br /> "--Haimaki. When you survive and come back, I'll buy a box of fish sausages for you."<br /> <br /> Saying that, I--<br /> <br /> -turned my back on Haimaki, already surrounded by the countless gleaming eyes of the hunting dogs in the darkness by his side--<br /> <br /> -I turned my back on Haimaki, who howled, bursting into the midst of the pack like a hurricane. <br /> <br /> Facing the hunting dogs which had bundled up, preparing to savage Haimaki together, I held Reki's delicate frame in my hands, rushing towards the river--<br /> <br /> <br /> Run.<br /> <br /> I have to run.<br /> <br /> I have to run with all my strength.<br /> <br /> Still holding Reki, who was completely still, in my arms, I ran. Into the forest. Recklessly.<br /> <br /> The me as of now isn't in anything like Hysteria Mode. The me as of now is just a normal high school student.<br /> <br /> However, I still have the ability to carry a girl in my arms, running away. I can still turn my back on the enemy, running away with all my strength.<br /> <br /> Besides, Reki--I had run away from you during the "Manhunt", and normally, I run away from Aria as well. Running away is the only field in which I have a wealth of experience. So, don't worry.<br /> <br /> Having crossed over a few muddy creeks, my limbs scratched as I hurtled through the dense branches, having slid down steep slopes, my body stained with mud, covered with wounds, I still ran, despite being in this state. I had emptied my mind of all thought.<br /> <br /> In the midst of the mountain, Haimaki is probably still fighting with the hunting dogs, preventing them from going after us.<br /> <br /> Or perhaps, because I had crossed through many rivers, it was hard to track me? The dogs--had not given chase. It seemed as if they had retreated.<br /> <br /> Continuing to run deep inside, my breathing erratic, my vision suddenly opened--<br /> <br /> -I exited into a vast field where [http://k-kabegami.sakura.ne.jp/onokosumosu/e.html cosmos] was growing abundantly. <br /> <br /> Under the light of the stars, the pink color of the petals, all blooming simultaneously, seemed like a haze of pink.<br /> <br /> "Reki...Reki!"<br /> <br /> While entering into the midst of the cosmos in the field, parting their branches, I called out her name, trying to confirm whether she was conscious or not, but...<br /> <br /> Reki could no longer answer.<br /> <br /> I understood that the temperature in her limbs was already dropping.<br /> <br /> "...Reki..."<br /> <br /> Panicked, in an instant, I placed Reki into the midst of the cosmos--and pulling out the wire in my belt, I cut it with the cutter on my belt. Using it, I stopped the blood flow to her thigh and forearm.<br /> <br /> Because I had ascertained that Reki was still breathing, I raised my head, looking around. There was not a single house around. Not even the tiniest home. At any rate, we cannot contact a hospital.<br /> <br /> Aah, if my cellphone hadn't been damaged in the very first attack...<br /> <br /> I could have called in reinforcements for support, called in ambulances, called in anything.<br /> <br /> There were no lights around us. I had no idea where the city was. I had ran directly away from the enemy, but...it could be that I had ran in the opposite direction from the city.<br /> <br /> At that moment--<br /> <br /> ''Flutter.''<br /> <br /> ''Flutter.''<br /> <br /> A butterfly...flew into my field of vision.<br /> <br /> Appearing to be a swallowtail butterfly, it flew in small circles before us, and as if guiding us--it started flying in a certain direction.<br /> <br /> Heading in that direction, at the forest on the other side of the swamp--<br /> <br /> ''Shine.'' I saw a light. Squinting, looking closer, the lights...continued.<br /> <br /> Most likely, that's a streetlight.<br /> <br /> If I head over there, a car will probably pass. Then, I will be able to ask for help.<br /> <br /> But, aahh...<br /> <br /> It's so far...! To the point of despair.<br /> <br /> (Reki...you cannot die...!)<br /> <br /> Once again taking Reki into my arms, I stood up, focusing all the strength in my body into my legs.<br /> <br /> Reki, you cannot die.<br /> <br /> I have finally reached this point, I have finally understood you.<br /> <br /> Just the slightest bit...I can understand you.<br /> <br /> So--there is still something that I need to tell you.<br /> <br /> Something I haven't told you yet.<br /> <br /> So, you cannot die.<br /> <br /> You cannot die, Reki!<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter3|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Epilogue}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Chapter3&diff=160744 Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter3 2012-06-09T08:18:16Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==3rd Ammo: Caravan I -Field Trip-==<br /> <br /> Amdo's educational building is made up of 1 level above ground, and 3 levels below ground, with the levels underground wider than the level on top.<br /> <br /> 'Underground'. For Academy Island, which is an artificial island, that certainly is a curious phrase.<br /> <br /> Passing through the rigorous checks on the first floor and continuing underground...I arrived at a corridor that was filled with display cases filled with an innumerable amount of guns.<br /> <br /> This place...this is an empty space that makes me nervous no matter when I come.<br /> <br /> With Reki and Haimaki, who were following me, I passed through the corridor, ringing the doorbell of Workroom B201, which was adorned with a plaque which had "Hiraga Aya" written on it--<br /> <br /> "I'm in! The door's unlocked!"<br /> <br /> From inside, Hiraga-san's childlike voice reached my ears.<br /> <br /> I opened the door, noticing that the inside seemed to be a temple devoted to Don Quixote, as there were things, things, and more things everywhere.<br /> <br /> Tools of all sizes, components of guns from every era...springs, wrenches, the hundreds of screws in plastic cases, they were all mixed about, stacked until they reached the ceiling.<br /> <br /> "Hiraga-san, it's me. Tohyama."<br /> <br /> I shuffled sideways, taking care not to touch what had already become a forest of components, walking inside.<br /> <br /> The workbench that was situated within the room had a DVD player and a TV, which was broadcasting a shoujo anime on it.<br /> <br /> Beside it--*KCCCHHH!* Having been welding something, Hiraga-san twisted her head towards me.<br /> <br /> "Oohh!? Tohyama-kun brought Reki-san with him! You guys are getting along well!"<br /> <br /> Shunting the protective goggles upwards, Hiraga-san used those innocent eyes to look between Reki and me.<br /> <br /> "This is...I didn't bring her, she followed me herself. Also...Is it completed?"<br /> <br /> I looked around, asking.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, you guys are getting along well! You two really match!"<br /> <br /> Said Hiraga-san, pointing two fingers at Reki and me.<br /> <br /> "No, that isn't how this is..."<br /> <br /> "Aha! You're getting along well!!"<br /> <br /> ...Is that all you can say?<br /> <br /> <br /> "No we're not. What I'm asking is, is the object I contracted you for completed?" [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_3]<br /> <br /> Hearing me ask again, the lightbulb above Hiraga-san's head flickered on.<br /> <br /> "Aha! The contract is finished too! It's finished!"<br /> <br /> Saying this, she went deeper into the tool rack...*Kcch*. Just like a squirrel entering a tree, she stuck her head and torso within.<br /> <br /> It looks like, if she doesn't do that, she can't reach it.<br /> <br /> "Uuu! Just a little bit more!"<br /> <br /> Her SSS-sized uniform snagged by a nail on a shelf, Hiraga-san, only her bottom half visible, wriggled her hips, twisting them around, and those legs, as thin as an elementary school student's, were also struggling.<br /> <br /> ...It's amazing that you can remember where it is, at least.<br /> <br /> Well, Hiraga-san is a genius girl, which even U.S. arms manufacturers scouted because of her talent after all. The structure of her brain is, most likely, slightly different from normal.<br /> <br /> ...*Kch, Kccch*<br /> <br /> Ah, she came out.<br /> <br /> "This may be a western blade, but it is a masterpiece that is no worse than the best of Japanese katanas. Tohyama-kun really has something good!"<br /> <br /> Screws and springs stuck inside her hair, Hiraga-san, *Shh*<br /> <br /> Handed over a double-edged sword which had a body which seemed to glow with a fierce light.<br /> <br /> Ooh. It's been completely modernized.<br /> <br /> What I had just received was the scramasax that Sherlock had used in I-U.<br /> <br /> At the end of the battle, I borrowed this to mount the ICBM...but because of its unnatural sharpness, I had been keeping it up till now. What I had contracted Hiraga-san to construct was something fitted for me, a reinforced rubber handle as well as a hidden sheath--<br /> <br /> I placed it in the sheath behind my back. Yeah, it's completely hidden. As expected of Hiraga-san.<br /> <br /> "Also, I also modified this, as you requested me to. I accelerated the speed of magazine release, added a three burst-fire setting, as well as full auto!"<br /> <br /> This time, Hiraga-san used those small hands to hand over a gun.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Click* This heavy, large pistol is--a Desert Eagle.<br /> <br /> It is one of the world's most powerful semi-automatic pistols, my father's legacy.<br /> <br /> Reki glanced towards the pitch-black body.<br /> <br /> "The only person in Amdo able to modify it to such a level is Aya! Amazing, right!?"<br /> <br /> Said Hiraga-san, thrusting forward her flat chest, no different from Aria's, with pride.<br /> <br /> I raised the gun, aiming it towards the wall. In the sight, Jeanne, Vlad, Patra, Sherlock--the appearances of all the superhumans that we had fought till now appeared.<br /> <br /> ...Regretfully, I'm still a Butei High student.<br /> <br /> I-U, as a group, may have splintered, but its remnants are still on the run. So, it's practically certain that one of those ability users, just like in manga, will attack.<br /> <br /> And, for the sake of resisting, of course I strengthen my equipment.<br /> <br /> Following this line of thought, I found this Desert Eagle from out of my the things my father left behind.<br /> <br /> The bullets that this Desert Eagle uses are bullets that have three times the stopping power of the 9mm parabellum ammo that my Beretta uses, a .50AE.<br /> <br /> However, guns...aren't like in games, where once they are equipped, they increase the user's power. To put it simply, the user has to undergo training for such a thing to happen.<br /> <br /> Especially this Desert Eagle, whose barrel and recoil are both abnormally strong.<br /> <br /> My father, who was a strong man, nearly 2 meters in height, could use it freely, but for me, it's a gun that is too heavy, and too powerful. If I want to be able to use it without impediment, I have to undergo more practice.<br /> <br /> And as such, I temporarily--decided only to use it when I was in Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> After all, even if I have a powerful gun, it's meaningless if I can't hit the target.<br /> <br /> I sheathed the gun, slipping it into the holster that Hiraga-san had provided--one that was strapped to one's thigh.<br /> <br /> Beside me, Hiraga-san's round eyes were glowing with an innocent light, and she looked up at me, saying<br /> <br /> "Mmm, Tohyama-kun is really cool like this! A black Desert Eagle really fits a dark boy like you!"<br /> <br /> Dark boy?<br /> <br /> "Isn't that right, Reki-san!"<br /> <br /> ....*Shh*<br /> <br /> Reki nodded her head in agreement.<br /> <br /> "Reki-san, remember to buy the components for your armor-piercing bullets. I've already prepared amazing bullet tips, made out of reinforced tungsten carbide. Thanks for the patronage♪" <br /> <br /> Her hands put together, brought up, touching her face, Hiraga-san flashed a large, salesman-like, smile.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh*<br /> <br /> Apparently also one of Hiraga-san's old customers, Reki nodded.<br /> <br /> ...Selling weapons to me as well as selling weapons to Reki, it looks like, the more we fight...the richer Hiraga-san becomes. And, she herself doesn't have to fight. Arms dealing, it's such a profitable job.<br /> <br /> Her face may be innocent, but she's a terrifying person. Hiraga-san, that is.<br /> <br /> <br /> A few days after I started to live with Reki--The Reki humanization plan that I had prepared for the sake of the Lima Syndrome received a small opportunity.<br /> <br /> That day, we had swimming class, but Ranbyou-sensei, whose blind date appeared to have failed again, vented the full force of her rage upon the boys of class B, destroying the swimming pool. It was hard for me to imagine a lone person destroying a swimming pool with her bare hands, but ultimately, this is only something that the Vice-Director of Assault, the monstrously strong woman, Ranbyou, could do.<br /> <br /> Repairing the swimming pool would take some time...so the swimming class that the girls in class C were going to have was pushed back till after school.<br /> <br /> And after school--I didn't want it to look like I was peeping, but I still observed the swimming pool--I noticed that Reki, also wearing the school swimsuit, was standing with the other girls by the edge of the pool.<br /> <br /> (This means that I can temporarily move freely...!)<br /> <br /> I immediately put my body into gear, burdened by one extra sword and gun--using the fish sausages as a lure, I locked Haimaki in the sports warehouse before running to the rendezvous point with the person that was going to aid me in my plan.<br /> <br /> I arrived at a point close to the center of Academy Island--the tennis court by the second field.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Bch. Bch. Shh.*<br /> <br /> ...Inside the fence, wearing white tennis outfits, the girls in the tennis club were sweating profusely.<br /> <br /> Ignoring what they're like normally, in this kind of situation, they're fulfilling their time of youth, of vigor.<br /> <br /> But, opposed to them, pressing himself into the fence, was someone, looking exactly like a prison inmate. Probably for the crime of peeping.<br /> <br /> Ah! Jeanne-san!<br /> <br /> I looked towards one side of the court, towards where the freshmen girls were shouting, and over there--*Shh!*<br /> <br /> Strands of hair hanging on each of her cheeks, the rest tied up with a ponytail, Jeanne delivered a sharp smash, currently in a furious match with a curly-haired member of the tennis club.<br /> <br /> (Hey, that...)<br /> <br /> Just now, I thought that I had seen it.<br /> <br /> Jeanne's tennis-wear--<br /> <br /> That skirt, following in the wake of Jeanne's killer smash, had floated upwards.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Bch, Whoosh*--<br /> <br /> And every time she swung her racket...<br /> <br /> Her pure white triple-layered, frilly underskirt would, for an instant, be completely exposed.<br /> <br /> No. I understand. That isn't underwear. It's just sportswear, it doesn't matter even if anyone sees it.<br /> <br /> What I had thought I saw was just a mistake my brain had made, unable to tell the difference.<br /> <br /> But...that underskirt, almost like underwear, wasn't the only problem.<br /> <br /> Having long, graceful legs which a Japanese person would be hard pressed to have, (well, now that I think about it, she isn't Japanese,) her thighs were full, and delightfully supple. Also, they were amazingly white, almost like snow. <br /> <br /> Every time her skirt flipped up, those were exhibited for all to see, so the stimulation of arousal was hardly normal. This is too dangerous, right?<br /> <br /> Damn it. Why is it that the girls' tennis outfit is designed such that it appears to be showing off their lower body? To the designer: Get the hell out here! I wouldn't mind using my sword to help fix your broken mind. <br /> <br /> ...Actually, now that I think about it, doesn't it really look like I'm peeking?<br /> <br /> I just came here to find Jeanne...<br /> <br /> For the sake of preventing any suspicion that I would be doing such a thing, I dropped my head, and as I fought an inner battle with Hysteria Mode, which was threatening to activate...the sound of the match stopped.<br /> <br /> I jerked my head up, only to see a freshman kouhai shouting, "Please use this towel!", running towards Jeanne, who appeared to have achieved a landslide victory.<br /> <br /> ...Jeanne, you're pretty popular, aren't you. Even if among the female students. I may not know why, but it seems that she's a beautiful person that's just as attractive to girls. <br /> <br /> With such splendor, she was received in a manner befitting a princess.<br /> <br /> --In the time since the Plea Bargain that allowed her to transfer from I-U to Butei High, Jeanne had already enrolled in Informa, joined the tennis club, and like now, she was living a fulfilling high school life.<br /> <br /> And opposed to that, having been defeated by her in the underground warehouse last spring, I...am being restricted by a robot girl and a wolf.. What have I gotten myself into?<br /> <br /> Not able to avoid spiraling into deep depression, I-- <br /> <br /> "--Tohyama."<br /> <br /> Heard Jeanne, who had finally noticed my presence.<br /> <br /> "Jeanne, come, quickly."<br /> <br /> I waved towards her.<br /> <br /> <br /> Her silver hair partitioned, hanging down her back, she had changed into her uniform, striding out of the clubroom for the tennis club...<br /> [[File:Aria06 129.jpg|thumb]]<br /> At a distance around 2 meters away, *Tap*, she stood her ground.<br /> <br /> "Don't come any closer. Tohyama."<br /> <br /> "Why?"<br /> <br /> "In the club activities just now, I sweated a little."<br /> <br /> Said Jeanne, shifting the racket that was slung over her back, under her shoulder.<br /> <br /> "But, because of your haste, I did not have time to shower. As such, I only used a wet towel to wipe my body, and perfume to mask my scent."<br /> <br /> ...You're still so formal.<br /> <br /> Also, did you say you used perfume? Even though you're still a high school student. As expected of the ojou-sama who holds the blood of nobles.<br /> <br /> "There's no need to pay attention to that. Let's talk as we walk."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Fyuu* A gust of wind blew past--and Jeanne's scent, a comfortable, grassy fragrance, wafted from her body.<br /> <br /> Hey, you're not sweaty at all, are you?<br /> <br /> Before, I had heard Nii-san...No, I should say Kana...say that just relying on perfume wasn't fully effective, and that only when perfume is mixed and melded perfectly with a woman's natural scent, will it be able to create a pleasing, moving fragrance. <br /> <br /> And the Jeanne as of now had completely achieved this.<br /> <br /> In Butei High, which is full of the acrid stink of gunpowder, you really are an unparalleled, fresh existence.<br /> <br /> Jeanne frowned, a little hesitant--but she walked this way, keeping by my side.<br /> <br /> Glancing at her, who was walking beside me, that skirt, following the school rules perfectly, was hiding a gun.<br /> <br /> --A CZ100, huh? That's a good gun.<br /> <br /> "The fact that Aria and you separated and that you're in a team with Reki now--has become quite big news in Inquesta."<br /> <br /> "You're kidding me...Somebody like me isn't qualified to be a topic of discussion, right?"<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, you yourself may not know this, but the students in Butei High, especially those in Assault, believe that you have excellent abilities in battle, and from the shadows, they respect and admire you. However, they're afraid of your reaction, so they aren't too open with their admiration. To tell the truth, after hearing about your induction exam, I looked at you in a new light."<br /> <br /> Ha-have mercy on me.<br /> <br /> And, up till now, whether it is a good or bad thing I'm not sure of, but I'm still looked up to by those in Assault.<br /> <br /> "This is also written in the reports that Masters keeps. They said that, while there are some ups and downs with your status, you possess the greatest alternative power, your charisma, your leadership--you just lack integration with others, and there are some issues with your personality."<br /> <br /> Issues with my personality, huh?<br /> <br /> How troublesome.<br /> <br /> "Mmm, well...there's no need to talk about me. Rather, let's speak about Reki. What have you found out?"<br /> <br /> I thought about what Aria had said from back then--A battle between Butei is a battle of information.<br /> <br /> What kind of opponent the enemy is, what are his weaknesses, what does he like, what does he hate...the first side able to grasp these characteristics has an overwhelming advantage.<br /> <br /> But, if one acts by himself, he will be noticed immediately, and as such, contracting a third party is common practice.<br /> <br /> The person that I had contracted in April was Riko from Inquesta, and the person that I had contracted this time was Jeanne, who had taught Riko how to sift through information. After all, the teacher should be better than the student, and jokes and false information tend to appear in Riko's reports.<br /> <br /> "Elite snipers will often try to hide information about themselves, and Reki has this tendency as well. As such, the amount of information that exists about her is extremely limited."<br /> <br /> Well, that's what I expected.<br /> <br /> Even living together with her, I hadn't really figured anything out about her.<br /> <br /> "Also, her past history is a blank. The success rate of missions after entering Butei High is 100%, an impeccable record. But, she is extremely selective with her missions."<br /> <br /> "What does that mean?"<br /> <br /> "Presently, all I can say is, Reki only accepts a mission under three patterns."<br /> <br /> "Three patterns...?"<br /> <br /> "The first, a teacher asks her directly to do so. Under certain, rare circumstances, Masters will assign the contract to specific, excellent students...although these cannot be solved outright because of special conditions, it is possible to earn a large amount of credits, nullifying the need to take an exam. You ran into something like this during your first year, right?"<br /> <br /> Now that she mentions it...when I was in Assault, such a thing did happen.<br /> <br /> I thought back to that situation, and thinking of buying a can of coffee, I slotted a coin into a roadside vending machine.<br /> <br /> "--the second, missions with an LD Score of over 900" <br /> <br /> "900...!?"<br /> <br /> Shocked, my hand slammed into a button on the vending machine.<br /> <br /> LD Score is a ranking system, assessing the difficulty of a Butei mission. I don't normally pay attention to it, but special, outside organizations will use the value as an evaluator for the compensation.<br /> <br /> 300~400 are commissions meant for student Butei, 500~700 are commissions meant for professional Butei, and that is basically how it's divided.<br /> <br /> --But, above 900.<br /> <br /> In even elite Butei organizations, they are missions that only the best of the best would ever dare accept.<br /> <br /> "Ah...I was so surprised that I pushed the button for hot."<br /> <br /> Yet, it's amazingly hot right now...So unlucky.<br /> <br /> Grumbling, I took the black coffee out, and Jeanne, standing by my side, took it from my hands.<br /> <br /> "...Recently, my magic hasn't been very stable. But, I can still do something like this."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Pa*</nowiki>, the can of coffee that she threw back...had become cold.<br /> <br /> Oh! The Diamond Dust Witch, Jeanne, can use her ability for something like this. How convenient.<br /> <br /> "Reki...accepted several of those maximum difficulty sniping missions. And, speaking in light of the fact that she still has a 100% success rate, we can already determine that she is either an ability user or a sorcerer."<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that she herself was an ability user and sorcerer, Jeanne still said those words with a look of awe.<br /> <br /> "...You said that there were three patterns, right? What's the third?"<br /> <br /> "It's 'Eagle Eye'."<br /> <br /> "Eagle Eye...? Reki?"<br /> <br /> This rather unexpected content made me tilt my head, not fully understanding.<br /> <br /> The "Eagle Eye" in question is something that takes advantage of snipers' prodigious eyesight to observe a target from far away--a codename for a reconnaissance mission.<br /> <br /> That mission, where both the credit and money compensation isn't high, is such that, usually, only inexperienced freshmen or trainees in Snipe accepts it...<br /> <br /> "Tohyama. You've been observed before. At least two times before."<br /> <br /> "...What did you say?"<br /> <br /> "The first time, the contractor was Aria. The date was April the 2nd. She contracted Reki to be her "Eagle Eye", so she could figure out which entrance you leave Inquesta from, and lie in wait."<br /> <br /> Ah. That past incident, where we went to Oumi to look for that kitten.<br /> <br /> At that time, thinking of how to combat Aria, I took a mission, trying to escape outside--but Aria, lying in wait outside the Inquesta building, appeared before me.<br /> <br /> So, that was Reki, observing me from afar, reporting to Aria?<br /> <br /> She really sticks her head where it's unwanted.<br /> <br /> "And in July, she accepted a mission from Masters, the content being, observe the third boy's dormitory. At that time, Masters had apparently been warned by the police, being told to observe an empty room...since it's Butei High, they have to strengthen their alertness. And, Reki accepted that mission."<br /> <br /> I remembered that too. That was the time where Shirayuki saw Aria in a bunny girl outfit, and she went trigger happy on her M60. At that time, Reki was using the Dragunov's scope to observe my room.<br /> <br /> "And, the 'Eagle Eye' missions that Reki accepts all fall under certain criteria. Only when it involves you, Aria, or Shirayuki, will she accept."<br /> <br /> "Aria, Shirayuki, or me...?"<br /> <br /> What kind of pattern is that? I don't understand at all.<br /> <br /> But, I understand a little now...from the beginning, Reki had been paying attention to what goes on around me.<br /> <br /> And the only person who didn't know--was me?<br /> <br /> "The first time I investigated, I found some other pieces of information, but many of those were unconfirmed. This is all that can be reported. Alright--did you gather anything yourself?"<br /> <br /> A few days ago, after Reki and Aria's battle...I had explained my situation under Reki's Sniper Restriction, as well as Lima Syndrome, which was my adopted plan of action, asking Jeanne for assistance...<br /> <br /> At that time, Jeanne made one request: "As you're by Reki's side, give me a clue as to what I can investigate about her."<br /> <br /> "What I have gathered is--sound."<br /> <br /> "Sound?"<br /> <br /> "Reki always wears earphones, hearing these mysterious sounds. Yesterday, I took advantage of the time she was in the shower, and borrowed her headphones and MP3 player...copying it into a micro-SVD card."<br /> <br /> "Shower...? What kind of scene is that? That you two have."<br /> <br /> Jeanne said, flashing a look of suspicion towards me. I'll just ignore that.<br /> <br /> I plugged my earphones into my phone, handing one side to Jeanne.<br /> <br /> "Listen to this, see whether you can understand it."<br /> <br /> "Mm..."<br /> <br /> We stopped talking, each of us wearing one side, listening intently.<br /> <br /> Before this, I had tried listening to the sounds...It was slightly eerie, but it really was just the sound of the wind, playing endlessly.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Because the cord was too short, our heads slowly approached each other as we listened...*Shh*. Jeanne's long, silver hair, fluttering in the midst of the wind, lightly brushed my cheek.<br /> <br /> Uu. This feminine sensation is really hateful.<br /> <br /> But, I'll have to tolerate it.<br /> <br /> "--Here. It may be extremely small, but I heard a small sound. Not wind. But, I can't make it out..."<br /> <br /> "Mm..."<br /> <br /> Jeanne closed her eyes, her expression firm, completely concentrated on the sound.<br /> <br /> Waiting to see for Jeanne to comment, I looked directly at her face.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> ......<br /> <br /> ...Even so...she really is so beautiful. This girl.<br /> <br /> Long eyelashes. A shining nose. Lips like the petals of a rose.<br /> <br /> This cool image. Rather than a witch, she's more like an actress.<br /> <br /> "I can't hear it. But, this is certainly a clue...Wh-what are you doing, Tohyama? Why are you looking at me?"<br /> <br /> Widening those sapphire-like blue eyes halfway through her speech, Jeanne noticed that I was looking at her from an extremely close distance, and she pulled her head away.<br /> <br /> "Ah, no, I was just waiting for your comments."<br /> <br /> I said, taking off my headphones...and passed the micro-SD card with the music file on it to Jeanne, waiting for her to speak.<br /> <br /> Her face slightly red for whatever reason, Jeanne cleared her throat before saying,  <br /> <br /> "This might be a clue. I happen to know someone to go to."<br /> <br /> Her arms folded in front of her chest, forefinger and middle finger stuck out, she gestured towards the SD-card in between them.<br /> <br /> <br /> While using her own ice-blue cellphone to call that person she "happened to know", Jeanne brought me to see--Connect. Next to Informa, it's where students are taught to support those in the battlefield through the use of communicative devices.<br /> <br /> Connect, huh...I've never really come here before.<br /> <br /> "I get along quite well with the Nakasorachi here."<br /> <br /> Hearing this uncommon surname, I suddenly remembered something.<br /> <br /> --Nakasorachi Misaki.<br /> <br /> A Connect sophomore, although we were in the same grade, I couldn't remember what she looked like, but...I was very familiar with that voice.<br /> <br /> The reason I say that is because, very often, she acts as the operator during Assault combat.<br /> <br /> Butei--especially the Butei in Assault, need to be able to communicate with each other through wireless headsets.<br /> <br /> When undergoing a large-scale operation, the people that keep the complicated messages from getting jumbled, are the operators.<br /> <br /> The operator assumes command from Connect, accurately stating the team's status to all its members. Often, they will also report the ETA of reinforcements, the change in weather, etc., informing them of information that Butei in the middle of the combat cannot find out for themselves.<br /> <br /> In the bus-jacking incident in April, telling us which bus was hijacked, as well as informing us of all the situational reports before the reinforcements took action-- <br /> <br /> -was the operator, Nakasorachi. Which is to say, she was one of the people working behind the scenes, absolutely critical to the resolution of that case.<br /> <br /> Nakasorachi's operating is perfect. She is always amazingly calm, able to follow separate conversations with several Butei, all speaking with hurried, unclear voices at the same time. In spite of all that, she is able to pass on each and every piece of information accurately.<br /> <br /> Even more worthy of praise is her elocution, her voice is just as clear, as pleasing to one's ear as that of an NHK anchor. I had never heard her wrong, not once.<br /> <br /> (But, I remember that, although she is such an excellent Butei, she was only ranked as B.)<br /> <br /> I had only heard her voice, so I did not know what she looked like in reality.<br /> <br /> She's probably seen me before, through the small camera installed in every headset, but as for me, it was my first time seeing her.<br /> <br /> I can't be wrong that she's a girl. She must be an honor student, radiating a graceful air.<br /> <br /> Thinking of this, Jeanne, saying "Follow me", hurried me onwards--[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2]<br /> <br /> We walked into the Connect building, which was like a telecommunications corporation.<br /> <br /> Under Jeanne's guidance, I arrived at the audio classroom, and it appeared that, for the sake of keeping dust outside, shoes were forbidden inside.<br /> <br /> Changing into slippers and entering the room...because school was already over, the classroom was empty. <br /> <br /> I looked left and right, and audio equipment was neatly stacked all around me, just like a radio station.<br /> <br /> Jeanne and I stood a while, in the middle of this classroom, full of the scent of machinery...<br /> <br /> "--Jeanne?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap Tap* Several types of headphones piled up in her arms, a girl ran this way from the side...but because she was carrying too many, it didn't seem as if she could see in front of her--<br /> <br /> "He-hey."<br /> <br /> Not hearing my warning in time, *Thud*<br /> <br /> "Hawaa!"<br /> <br /> She smashed into me...*Thump* Her butt hit the floor.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Whoosh* A pair of silver-edged glasses flew into the air--and beside me, who had reached up, grabbing it, *Gcch Gcch*<br /> <br /> The earphones that she was carrying spilled out onto the floor, while the tangled wires wrapped around her head, her arms, as well as her feet, which were wearing red indoor shoes.<br /> <br /> "Haaa."<br /> <br /> That girl's hair wasn't only long in the back, but in the front as well, nearly blocking out her eyes.<br /> <br /> I remembered that the male protagonist in the galge that I had helped Riko buy, had this kind of hairstyle as well. <br /> <br /> Could it be that that's what's popular nowadays?<br /> <br /> (...Uu...)<br /> <br /> --Because she had fallen down, she was at my feet, and her skirt, terrifyingly enough, was in a mess.<br /> <br /> If it was a normal guy, he'd probably be feeling quite lucky. But, that isn't me. I have to avert my gaze, looking upwards, making sure that there isn't the slightest chance that I somehow looked between those thighs. After all, safety first.<br /> <br /> "Are you alright, Nakasorachi?"<br /> <br /> Jeanne, next to me, asked.<br /> <br /> Hmm?<br /> <br /> She is...Nakasorachi...?<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but widen my eyes, turning back towards that girl, who was still tangled because, for some reason, the wires were uncannily linked, and she couldn't get them off. <br /> <br /> This...This is completely different from the way I imagined it.<br /> <br /> Hearing her instructions, I really felt that she was an extremely adept person.<br /> <br /> That girl, named Nakasorachi, extricated herself from the wires with Jeanne's help, and waving her hands in the air, she shouted "Glasses, glasses!" Almost like in a manga, like a dog chasing its own tail, she crawled around, tracing circles on the ground, feeling for her glasses. Are you alright? <br /> <br /> ...Which is to say, I can understand that she'd be wearing her uniform while crawling around like this...<br /> <br /> Bu-but, those breasts...they're majestic. Shirayuki-ranked.<br /> <br /> Ignoring what kind of feeling she gives off and judging solely by her appearance, she's an extremely dangerous girl.<br /> <br /> And those eyes, sometimes hidden, sometimes appearing from beneath her fringe, were definitely those of a beautiful person.<br /> <br /> I felt as if I couldn't bear to speak, and so, all I did was, like giving a dog a bone, hand over the glasses I had caught just now...<br /> <br /> Nakasorachi went "Feh!", taking the glasses and standing up, unsteady...<br /> <br /> "...Wh...Who...is it...?"<br /> <br /> Nn...? Frowning, she squinted at me. *Sh, shh*<br /> <br /> Apparently not getting a clear image, she brought her face closer to mine, putting it so close that I could feel her breathing.<br /> <br /> Is it that her eyes aren't good? Or is it that her fringe obscures her vision, making her vision hazy? Or is it both? Anyways, finally able to see my appearance, she,<br /> <br /> "!!"<br /> [[File:Aria06 143.jpg|thumb]]<br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shuffle Shuffle Shuffle! Thud!*<br /> <br /> Backing up hurriedly, she smashed into the soundproof wall.<br /> <br /> "Ah, waa, it's, a boy, bo-boy, n-no, I'm fine! I'm fine! Bo-bo, like, I like! That's how, I really feel!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Whoosh*<br /> <br /> Waving her hands around manically, she was panicked to the point where I could not understand what she was saying.<br /> <br /> Her face, obscured by her hair such that I could only see the bottom part, turned red. Ooh, that's a rapid-blushing technique able to match Aria's.<br /> <br /> "Je-Jeanne, suddenly, suddenly suddenly, brought a boy with her...Awaahh."<br /> <br /> Her back sliding down the wall...*Shh*<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shhhh*...<br /> <br /> For some reason, the girl suddenly became alert, and she suddenly straightened her legs.<br /> <br /> And...is that how you straighten your legs? That's an amazing X-leg. Not even Shirayuki can match that.<br /> <br /> Afterward, putting on her glasses gingerly...<br /> <br /> "Gl-glasses, t-th-thathan, you very much..."<br /> <br /> She couldn't even say "Thank you very much."<br /> <br /> Is your articulation that bad?<br /> <br /> "Isn't this the wrong person?"<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but turn back, asking Jeanne.<br /> <br /> "Nakasorachi is Nakasorachi. Are you unsatisfied with my choice?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Zcchh* Jeanne's eyes stared directly at me...<br /> <br /> Helplessly, once again I...looked towards that creature, who appeared to be Nakasorachi.<br /> <br /> "Hii."<br /> <br /> But once I looked at her, she immediately used the headphones in her hand to block her face.<br /> <br /> "So-sorrysorry! So-sorry!"<br /> <br /> "No, I haven't sa..."<br /> <br /> "I-I-I-I, Jea-Jeanne-san, Jeanne-san was alone, I thought that Jeanne-san was going to come by herself, no-not, a boy, I didn't think that a boy would come, I haven't prepared my heart yet! I'm too excited! Ah, I say excited, but it isn't a happy excitement!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Wave Wave Wave*<br /> <br /> As if using sign language, Nakasorachi's hands gestured wildly, without pause.<br /> <br /> "W-Which I've only seen from the incam monitor, he's so cool, I-I didn't think he would come here, moreover, Tohyama-kun! Aah..."  <br /> <br /> Hold on...can this girl communicate properly?<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, Nakasorachi is the same as you, and she has some issues with her personality. Please go to that wall."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shhh* While looking at me, Jeanne pointed at one corner of the room. Saying "The same? How are we the same at all?", I grumbled while walking to the wall...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Ba*</nowiki><br /> <br /> Nakasorachi had taken a cellphone out of the pocket of her skirt, and being told something by Jeanne, *Patatatata! Patatata!* With a speed that blurred one's eyes, she entered in a cellphone number.<br /> <br /> ...Who is she calling?<br /> <br /> Just as I had thought that, the song, "Melody of Flowers" began flowing out of my cellphone.<br /> <br /> Eh. Me?<br /> <br /> "...Hello?"<br /> <br /> I picked it up.<br /> <br /> "--Hello, nice to meet you. Saying this is a little weird, but this is the first time we have met in person. I am Nakasorachi Misaki. Sorry for just now."<br /> <br /> Just like a radio announcer, a voice, enunciating each Japanese word with absolute precision, reached my ears.<br /> <br /> Eh?<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but look at Nakasorachi, but Jeanne had adopted a guard-like pose, standing in front of her.<br /> <br /> "I have the bad habit of being easily excited...so, please forgive me, I can only speak with you like this, relying on the phone--Will this be fine?"<br /> <br /> "Eh? Ah...It's fine."<br /> <br /> Wh-what's with this? What's with this attitude switch? <br /> <br /> I don't really understand, but it looks like Nakasorachi has such a personality that, only when she speaks through machines, can she speak steadily. Rather, without them, she can't speak at all. I shouldn't really say this, but she's a weird person.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shhhh* Jeanne turned her head, saying something to Nakasorachi, who was behind her.<br /> <br /> "--Is the procedure you would like me to help you with, the audio analysis of the music file in this micro-SD card?"<br /> <br /> "Ah, ahh. If you're able to understand something from that sound, please tell us."<br /> <br /> Hesitating, I responded to Nakasorachi.<br /> <br /> "That is the sound that Reki from Snipe always listens to on her headphones. She said that she was listening to the sound of her birthplace, although...we cannot hear anything, but what sounds like wind. I know that having you try to perform an audio analysis without a video of any kind is a difficult contract--"<br /> <br /> "--Not at all. Audio is able to convey much more than video. At least, for me, it is as if seeing a video. Also, because I am in the same normal class as Reki-san, sophomore class C--I can recall her headphones. Reki-san's headphones are...these. Sennheiser PMX990. One of its characteristics is its clarity of sound, a masterpiece which accentuates the higher pitches. Please wait a moment."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh* I saw Nakasorachi, behind Jeanne, put on a pair of orange headphones--<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> For a while, silence.<br /> <br /> She's probably started to listen.<br /> <br /> I'll just wait here too, silent as well.<br /> <br /> I mean, the person I'm speaking to has put their headphones on, after all.<br /> <br /> "...An extremely...vast location..."<br /> <br /> Within a few moments, I heard Nakasorachi's voice come out of my cellphone.<br /> <br /> This is probably a report on what she managed to figure out with the audio track.<br /> <br /> "From the echo and speed of the wind, the place of recording was an expansive field--a piece of ground at a high altitude. There are forests close by. Coniferous forests. The sound of the leaves rustling...this is, Larix Sibirica."<br /> <br /> He-hey, hey.<br /> <br /> Just from the sound...you're able to understand to such a degree?<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it--I had learned about this in Inquesta.<br /> <br /> Based upon the ambient noise during a telephone conversation or some other method of communication, it is possible to deduce a specific location based upon said noises. This is the method named, sound investigation.<br /> <br /> But, from what I could remember, one needs a computer with special software to do such a thing.<br /> <br /> And, Nakasorachi appeared to be able to perform such an analysis with just her ears. It looks like her ears, abnormally good, make up for her eyes.<br /> <br /> "Added to that, according to the sounds of the vegetation, this location is probably somewhere between Northern Mongolia and Siberia."<br /> <br /> ...Mongolia? Siberia...?<br /> <br /> Nakasorachi's calm voice reaching my ears, I tilted my head.<br /> <br /> "I can hear the breathing of horses. It isn't big, they aren't domesticated, but not completely wild...they're probably the descendants of Mongolia's horses, Equus przewalskii. Also, the howling of wolves...but on the contrary, these howls are quite loud, for wolves. I believe that they are a subspecies of gray wolves, tundra wolves."<br /> <br /> As I was feeling overwhelmed by Nakasorachi's sense of hearing as well as her wealth of knowledge--I felt that I was understanding these sounds less and less.<br /> <br /> Reki's birthplace...could it be that it's outside Japan?<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but frown...looking at my watch.<br /> <br /> Ah...this isn't good. Reki's swimming class is going to end soon. If I get too far from her, I might be sniped.<br /> <br /> I snapped my cellphone shut, raising my voice, directing it towards Nakasorachi's direction.<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, but I'm out of time. I'll be leaving first...afterward, could you structure what you learned in an e-mail and send it to me? I'll leave that micro-SD here, for now. It's fine if you return it later."<br /> <br /> Unable to talk without a machine, Nakasorachi--<br /> <br /> "Re...re-re-return it...? Go-go-go-go-go-going to the boy's dormitory, it's impossible! Be-be-because, I don't have any fitting underwear!"<br /> <br /> Immediately returning to that regretful personality, she answered with some mysterious words.<br /> <br /> What...underwear?<br /> <br /> Rather, I hadn't said anything about you coming to the boy's dormitory, right?<br /> <br /> Well, after all, this is Butei High, the gathering place of the strange. I sighed...opening the door, preparing to leave the Connect classroom...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh* And at that moment, Jeanne grasped hold of my arm.<br /> <br /> "...What?"<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Wordlessly, she pushed me out of the classroom, and after confirming that there was nobody in the corridor...she said softly, as if whispering,<br /> <br /> "Tohyama, be careful."<br /> <br /> "Of what?"<br /> <br /> "Reki. I didn't say it earlier, because I couldn't confirm the information that I had received, but--before Reki entered Butei High--ever since she was 14, she was not only in Japan, but it seems that she was also active in Russia and China. Because, before her international Detective Armed License was ratified, she had received a Butei License, allowing her to travel to China and Russia."<br /> <br /> "...What did she do in those foreign countries?"<br /> <br /> "It is not recorded. It's not that nothing was done, but rather, she was doing an unrecorded job."<br /> <br /> "'An unrecorded job'...?<br /> <br /> "It's difficult to say, is it fine if I say it?"<br /> <br /> "Say it."<br /> <br /> "For example, 'Sweeper'."<br /> <br /> --Well, I expected as much.<br /> <br /> In this business, that is probably the only unrecorded job.<br /> <br /> Even in self-defense, a Butei is forbidden to kill. At best, this applies in Japan and Western Europe--but when one talks about reality, Butei that do nothing but kill, do exist.<br /> <br /> And, around 70% of such Butei are those that specialize in sniping.<br /> <br /> Of course, no matter which country it is, this information is highly classified.<br /> <br /> "--I'll pretend that I didn't hear that."<br /> <br /> Saying this, I looked out the window.<br /> <br /> Reki...<br /> <br /> As expected, you are not normal.<br /> <br /> Well, from the beginning, I had had such a feeling.<br /> <br /> "Tohyama. Since you said that you're under Reki's Sniper Restriction, this problem would be best solved early. I certainly accepted a contract to aid you, but--if you wish to make Lima Syndrome a reality, in the end, you must still build a good relationship between Reki and you."<br /> <br /> "I was doing that, but it hasn't been going well."<br /> <br /> "Mm, luckily--you and Reki are a boy and girl. There's a strategy."<br /> <br /> ...A boy and girl? ...A strategy?<br /> <br /> Why is it that I don't have a good feeling about this.<br /> <br /> "What are you saying I should do?"<br /> <br /> "Have you brought Reki into the city? In other words, going on a date."<br /> <br /> "Go-going on a date...? No, it wasn't a date, but there was a time where we went to Odaiba to eat ramen."<br /> <br /> "You didn't make Reki pay, did you?"<br /> <br /> "She didn't pay."<br /> <br /> Hearing me say this, Jeanne said, surprised,<br /> <br /> "Well done, Tohyama. Reki must have been happy."<br /> <br /> "She didn't seem any different to me."<br /> <br /> "No. She would have been happy in her heart. After all, this is something that would make anyone happy. Even if that meal cost a mere 100 yen."<br /> <br /> More accurately, she didn't use any money.<br /> <br /> Because, she ate the super pot ramen within 30 minutes.<br /> <br /> "What I wanted to say was this behavior, treating Reki as a girl, treating her gently. Because of your role as a boy, this will have an effect. As long as you continue doing this, you will be able to build a good relationship with Reki. Right, I've thought of a good idea. Why don't you go to Caravan I now? Use that time where you have freedom of action."<br /> <br /> "Freedom of action...?"<br /> <br /> "Stay by Reki's side during the trip, doing things that girls would like."<br /> <br /> "Things that girls would like...what's that? I'm not holding myself back, but I really am clueless when it comes to that area. Couldn't you tell me something a little more specific? You're a girl too, right?"<br /> <br /> "That's--this method may be a little cliche, but use gifts to deepen your relationship. Once girls receive things like clothing or jewelry from boys, they'll feel that some distance has decreased, creating a happy feeling. Even girls and boys that are fighting make up with this method."<br /> <br /> "...Then, what shop should I visit to buy such things?"<br /> <br /> "For example, a boutique."<br /> <br /> Bou-boutique...<br /> <br /> That's a really ancient way of saying it...<br /> <br /> No, rather than that...<br /> <br /> "Don't you think that Reki has no interest in things like fashion...?<br /> <br /> "Listen well, Tohyama. There is not a girl on Earth that has no interest in clothing. This is a law of the world." <br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Rustle* Facing Jeanne, who said those words with an earnest face and feeling a little suspicion appear in my heart, I...<br /> <br /> "Then, would you be happy as well? For example, if you were to receive some clothes that you liked that I had bought for you from a boutique."<br /> <br /> ...casually put forth an example.<br /> <br /> And...maybe it was because this was an unexpected question, but...<br /> <br /> "Clothes that I like?"<br /> <br /> Jeanne looked shocked for a moment...and with an attitude very unlike her, she dipped her head a little.<br /> <br /> "--N-no. If Tohyama sees me wearing clothes like that...he'll definitely think I am strange. The fact that the clothes I like don't fit my image, I understand perfectly."<br /> <br /> "Your taste in clothes doesn't matter, right?"<br /> <br /> "Then, for example...just as an example--I wouldn't mind a fluttering, long skirt with patterns that a girl would like. There should be a headdress. Ah, no, that's just an example." <br /> <br /> Since you said it's just an example, why are you leaning towards me? What is this?<br /> <br /> "--Whatever. I'm not interested either. What's important is, you wouldn't be happy about something you should be happy about."<br /> <br /> "I-I'd be happy about that. Originally, I'd only wear it in my room, but if it was something you bought for me, it's not that I wouldn't specially show it to only you. If you wouldn't tell anybody." <br /> <br /> As if she really wanted to show it to me, Jeanne said that with a strange sort of tension, but...<br /> <br /> Well, in short, she would be happy. Receiving clothes that a boy bought for her. I understand that.<br /> <br /> If that's so for Jeanne, then...there might be a chance that Reki too is affected.<br /> <br /> But, for me, this is an amazingly difficult task.<br /> <br /> No less than a battle. How depressing.<br /> <br /> <br /> September 14--<br /> <br /> Called a field trip, the journey of team formation had started.<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that this, in reality, was not a field trip, on the schedule...the so-called, "Travel Bookmark":<br /> <br /> "Location: Keihanshin (Assembly point - Dispersal point)<br /> <br /> Day 1: Educational trip to tour Kyoto shrines (Tour at least three points and submit reports afterward.)<br /> <br /> Day 2 & 3: Freedom of action (Touring the cities: Osaka, Kobe)"<br /> <br /> Was all that was written.<br /> <br /> There were no teachers chaperoning. If this were shown to the Ministry of Education, they would fly into a rage.<br /> <br /> Crumpling that useless piece of paper into a ball and throwing it away, I--<br /> <br /> -stepped onto the Kyoto platform from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen Toukaidou Shinkansen], train No. 101.<br /> <br /> On the road, I had just been sitting there dazed, but the Shinkansen really is fast. We had left Shinagawa at 7:00, and barely after 9:00 we had arrived.<br /> <br /> ...*Tap Tap. Scrape Scrape*<br /> <br /> Reki and Haimaki followed me off the Shinkansen, stepping down onto the platform.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but make a pained look at Reki, who wasn't going to leave my side for any reason...<br /> <br /> The Butei High girls, taking the same Shinkansen to come here, were all looking this way, whispering something among themselves.<br /> <br /> And what they were saying...I could guess. Those few, while they were walking through the train, they saw Reki and I, and immediately, their faces became excited.<br /> <br /> ...Let's enter the city quickly, disappearing into the crowd.<br /> <br /> Aahh...This is the first time I've had a field trip where I've been less able to relax.<br /> <br /> But, the fortunate thing is, because of matters dealing with her mother's trial, Aria missed the field trip...and Shirayuki, staying at the Hotogi Kyoto Shrine, would have a hard time going onto the streets.<br /> <br /> If they were to meet Reki here and start a battle, they'd definitely give the residents of Kyoto some trouble. The type that tends to occur with stray bullets.<br /> <br /> "...Reki, is there somewhere you'd like to go?"<br /> <br /> Thinking about Jeanne's suggestion, I asked Reki what she wanted, though I knew it was useless...<br /> <br /> Reki shook her head, her hair rustling.<br /> <br /> "There isn't really somewhere I'd like to go either. But, the first day, we have to see at least three temples or shrines, submitting a report about them. So, we're going to have to walk a lot, today. It should be fine, right?"<br /> <br /> This time, she nodded.<br /> <br /> Ah...The Reki as normal.<br /> <br /> I fished the guidebook that I had bought in advance out of my bag. Now, I had to think about the routes we should take to go to whichever temple.<br /> <br /> During the time we had seen [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera Kiyoumizudera] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkakuji Kinkakuji], Reki, following at my side, had been wordless from the beginning to the end.<br /> <br /> Just, as we were walking through the tourists and geisha, whether it was to keep me from escaping or to keep us from separating, I did not know, but she would grasp my sleeve.<br /> <br /> And, known for my misfortune, I would always meet other students just at that moment, "Ah, they're linking their arms." "They're so lovey-dovey." It was like pouring oil on the fire of those horrible rumours.<br /> <br /> Because of that, for the sake of not meeting anybody from Butei High...I avoided Ginkaku temple, which was a set location, and following Muto's advice, who had come here before, we went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanj%C5%ABsangen-d%C5%8D Sanjuusangendou], where none of my classmates were. I avoided taking the bus, and instead, we took a taxi. Reki is really expensive.<br /> <br /> I threw a glance inside from the entrance of the temple,<br /> <br /> (Alright, there are no Butei High students.)<br /> <br /> After I had confirmed this, I...<br /> <br /> I went to the reception to buy tickets, and seeing the notice on the wall: "To the students on Butei High Training School's field trip, please leave your guns and swords etc., here"--I left all my weapons there.<br /> <br /> "Reki, leave yours too."<br /> <br /> Hearing my words, Reki, more obedient than I thought, left her Dragunov and bayonet at the reception.<br /> <br /> It looks like she really will listen to all my orders.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Suddenly, my gaze a little suspicious, I glanced towards Reki, who was like this.<br /> <br /> I had heard...paranoid Butei would hide extremely small folding knives or derringers. And, such people would always stay silent, so that they would not be found out.<br /> <br /> "...Open your mouth a little and show it to me."<br /> <br /> Hearing my order, Reki raised her head, looking at me...opening her mouth.<br /> <br /> Hmm.<br /> <br /> There's nothing, for now.<br /> <br /> But, it really is small. Her mouth.<br /> <br /> Her teeth were neatly arranged, and her tongue too, was like that of a child's.<br /> <br /> Well, that's a given, since Reki is a rather small girl.<br /> <br /> "Alright. Close it."<br /> <br /> Once I had finished speaking, Reki's mouth shut...and like a small animal, she looked up at me.<br /> <br /> Seeing this gaze and position, not being able to help but think back to Reki's kiss, I--<br /> <br /> "...Then, let's start touring. Make Haimaki wait here."<br /> <br /> Flicking my gaze at Haimaki, I entered the hall.<br /> <br /> <br /> Sanjuusangendou, since ancient times, has been renowned as a place for testing arrows.<br /> <br /> It is said that, the 120 meter long main hall, under the eaves, was used for an archery competition called "Arrow Traversal", and even now, it was still continuing, albeit in a different form.<br /> <br /> --Now that I think about it, it could be said that this is a temple that has a relationship with sniping.<br /> <br /> Walking through the corridor, which was lined with one thousand statues of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanyin Zenjuukannon], all neatly arranged in a row, I...glanced towards Reki.<br /> <br /> The same as ever...Reki still had that perfectly expressionless face.<br /> <br /> Even the statues of Buddha have expressions.<br /> <br /> But, only after reaching Kyoto did I know this, statues of Buddha have different expressions.<br /> <br /> Reki...didn't seem to have any interest in this place, she just trudged on alongside me.<br /> <br /> For her--a mere 120 meters was a distance where she could probably shoot through the heart of a flea.<br /> <br /> I counted the hands of Zenjuukannon, thanking God in my heart that Aria did not have this many. Rather than a Quadra, she'd be a Sendra[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_3]. Thinking about that, I chuckled...<br /> <br /> (If she were here, this trip would definitely be a lot more vigorous.)<br /> <br /> Thinking about this, I walked through the corridor.<br /> <br /> Although I was together with Reki, we hadn't shared any special feelings...<br /> <br /> "...We've finished the tour."<br /> <br /> Within a short amount of time, Reki and I had finished touring the hall.<br /> <br /> It had just reached afternoon.<br /> <br /> It was set down that we were to tour three temples or shrines on the first day, but we had already finished touring three.<br /> <br /> (...What should we do...)<br /> <br /> Under the fresh, blue, autumn sky, Reki and I arrived at something like a courtyard.<br /> <br /> Seeing that, in the middle, there was something like a backless-bench, covered with a red cloth, I sat down...looking over Reki, I gazed upon several windmills, apparently made by the local children.<br /> <br /> Suddenly,<br /> <br /> "--Kinji-san. When you were walking with me, you were thinking about another girl, were you not?"<br /> <br /> Still looking downwards, Reki spoke those words to me.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Surprise*<br /> <br /> "You were thinking about Aria, were you not?"<br /> <br /> Bu-bullseye.<br /> <br /> "...How did you know?"<br /> <br /> "Just now, when you were walking through the corridor, your smiling face--was the same as the face when you are together with Aria."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Stare*<br /> <br /> Reki's ice-cold eyes were fixed on me.<br /> <br /> Sc-scary.<br /> <br /> This is a temple--thank God that weapons are prohibited here.<br /> <br /> "Th-that is...Well, I was her partner for an entire semester, I just suddenly thought about it and laughed."<br /> <br /> I casually made an excuse, and Reki,<br /> <br /> "Please do not get closer to Aria."<br /> <br /> -with some sort of terrifying air...she warned me.<br /> <br /> I mean, it was extremely slight, but...she was giving a feeling, which seemed to convey the fact that she was angry about something.<br /> <br /> And, this was the first time she had spoken since we arrived at Kyoto.<br /> <br /> "Are you angry?"<br /> <br /> "No."<br /> <br /> No, you are angry, aren't you?<br /> <br /> For some reason, I felt that the way you said "No," just now was a little angry.<br /> <br /> "You're angry, right?"<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki shook her head, her hair rustling. <br /> <br /> But, this second denial--she did not speak. Just a gesture. It might be, that that was a sign of weakness.<br /> <br /> In short, she was more or less angry. About the fact that, while together with her, I had thought about Aria.<br /> <br /> Well...that was certainly my fault...<br /> <br /> But, Reki really gets angry for the most inexplicable reasons.<br /> <br /> If Reki and I were really engaged, then I'd be able to understand her anger. But, this was something that, according to what Reki had said, something like an arranged marriage...It was not because she liked me that she stays close to me.<br /> <br /> Just that, Reki had received some [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denpa_Onna_to_Seishun_Otoko denpa] from whatever place--and she was just obeying "wind"-sama's orders.<br /> <br /> So, Reki has no reason to get angry about the thing that happened before.<br /> <br /> From my standpoint, she was being a little unreasonable.<br /> <br /> ...With that, I felt a little upset...<br /> <br /> "I am not angry."<br /> <br /> Towards me, who was like that, as if announcing it to herself--Reki once again denied it.<br /> <br /> "Is that true?"<br /> <br /> "I am sure that Kinji-san is aware of my nickname."<br /> <br /> --Robot Reki.<br /> <br /> Have you heard it said yourself?<br /> <br /> "Just like what other people say in the shadows, I--do not have the emotions of a normal person. Because, the wind does not like people's 'emotions'."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> The "wind" that Reki had said...it looks like it's a firm delusion, set deep within herself.<br /> <br /> "So, I am not angry. I do not laugh, nor do I cry."<br /> <br /> Telling me these things in a detached manner, Reki's words made me...completely speechless.<br /> <br /> Certainly, I had never seen Reki express her emotions.<br /> <br /> I had always believed that that was just because of an overly strong professional consciousness as a "sniper", who seeks calmness in all things, manifesting itself in that pattern...but it seems that that was not all.<br /> <br /> Is her emotionless appearance tied in together with her "wind" delusion? If so, this is a profound problem.<br /> <br /> (But...)<br /> <br /> From the conversation just now--<br /> <br /> It may have been just a little, but contrary to her words, I felt that I had caught a glimpse of Reki's feelings.<br /> <br /> It had not been completely expressed, but the her as of right now was releasing a sense of unhappiness.<br /> <br /> So...definitely...<br /> <br /> It's definitely possible. Reki's humanization, and Lima Syndrome as well.<br /> <br /> That's what I thought. I could not help but think any other way.<br /> <br /> (But...then, what should I do?)<br /> <br /> The me as of right now has made her angry. Opposed to that, if I don't make her happy, there will be no hope for Lima Syndrome.<br /> <br /> I stared directly at the side of Reki's face, who had resumed her wordless mode, her arms folded...<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> ......<br /> <br /> Ah.<br /> <br /> A red dragonfly had stopped. On Reki's head.<br /> <br /> You, can even bugs mistake you as a statue? Please move a little.<br /> <br /> While I was complaining in my heart, I looked at the red dragonfly, sitting on her head like a ribbon, suddenly thinking back to Jeanne's words.<br /> "That's--this method may be a little cliche, but use gifts to deepen your relationship. Once girls receive things like clothing or jewelry from boys, they'll feel that some distance has decreased, creating a happy feeling. Even girls and boys that are fighting make up with this method."<br /> <br /> ...There's no choice.<br /> <br /> Because I have no more cards to play, I'll have to try using Jeanne's method.<br /> <br /> In the movie I had seen on TV, "Pretty Woman", there was this kind of scene.<br /> <br /> But...I'm not familiar with Kyoto.<br /> <br /> I have no idea of what is sold where.<br /> <br /> Go out to Osaka? After all, I had gone there before, together with Nii-san.<br /> <br /> Doing something like going with a girl to buy things, it's rather impossible for me, but...<br /> <br /> This is for the sake of Lima Syndrome.<br /> <br /> Written on Masters' schedule was the fact that Osaka too was a city where we could go see shrines, so it's two bird with one stone.<br /> <br /> "Reki."<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Let's walk to Osaka for a while. So we can shop together."<br /> <br /> Hearing me say that, Reki looked at me with, for some reason, a little surprise, before she nodded-- <br /> <br /> As if confirming the fact I had started to understand a little, a sort of soothed feeling began to flow out of Reki.<br /> <br /> She remained expressionless, but, if I were to use Haimaki as a comparison, it'd be a state in which his tail was wagging slightly.<br /> <br /> What...are you happy about me saying: "We can shop together"? I don't understand girls at all.<br /> <br /> <br /> After taking the train for around an hour, we arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsaibashi Shinsaibashi], Osaka.<br /> <br /> This place was the gathering place of teenagers, well, to put it in terms of Kyoto, it's a location akin to that of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya Shibuya] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harujuku Harujuku].<br /> <br /> Clothing stores and accessory shops were everywhere.<br /> <br /> Since we're going shopping for the sake of starting Lima Syndrome against Reki, then Keihanshin should be a good place.<br /> <br /> But, exiting the subway, which was like a mole, Reki and I, wearing bulletproof uniforms...stood out amongst the crowd of teenagers, wearing very current and fashionable clothes. <br /> <br /> "Coming here was good, but...I don't know it at all, the fashion of this city, that is."<br /> <br /> I said it, half to myself,<br /> <br /> "I do not know either."<br /> <br /> After Reki said that, we stood there, at a loss of what to do.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> After all, the location that Introvert and Wordless shouldn't have gone to, is here.[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_3]<br /> <br /> (But, this is also for the sake of putting Lima Syndrome into action against Reki.)<br /> <br /> I motivated myself, setting off down the busy street.<br /> <br /> I can't say that I'm wealthy--but it's not like I don't have any money.<br /> <br /> During July, my bank account had received the halved reward of the casino security detail, and the compensation of the commissions I took during the summer holiday may have been small, but I still received it from Butei High.<br /> <br /> But...the "boutique" that Jeanne had mentioned was here and there, but I had no idea of anything to do with fashion.<br /> <br /> Buying things that would make girls, Reki included, happy...I had no idea of what those things might be.<br /> <br /> "Reki. What kind of casual clothes do you wear?"<br /> <br /> Not knowing, I asked her directly,<br /> <br /> "I do not have casual clothes."<br /> <br /> "...Are you saying that you have nothing but your uniform?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> She responded with an answer that was completely expected, and I increasingly felt the urge to drop to my knees in despair.<br /> <br /> This is so difficult. Then, I'll directly make Reki walk and look for a store that she wants to go to. I'll just spend some time drinking coffee there or something.<br /> <br /> No...letting Reki, who has no consciousness of the outside world, or rather, no common sense at all, walk wherever she wants to, is dangerous.<br /> <br /> This street is full of boys radiating a feeling of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanpa nanpa], and Reki will have no idea of their ulterior motives. Even during the Casino security detail, she had trouble with the womanizing CEO.<br /> <br /> With that in mind, I brought Reki along with me, and without any real purpose, we walked onwards.<br /> <br /> If you let a dog walk on its own, it will hit a pole. As I thought about that, glancing at Haimaki, plodding along beside us...<br /> <br /> Kuh.<br /> <br /> This place too, has a few students from Tokyo Butei High.<br /> <br /> Because the boys were wearing the same uniform as me, and the girls were wearing a dark-red sailor uniform, I noticed it immediately.<br /> <br /> They too had finished their touring of the temples early, and were now touring the city...they seemed to be coming here to play. Over here, there was also an Osaka Butei High, they were moving with that as a destination. Damn it.<br /> <br /> Not wanting to be disturbed by them again, because of Reki, I--<br /> <br /> -thinking that whatever shop would be fine, I looked around.<br /> <br /> Convenience store, clubhouse, a neko-design cafe...in my line of sight, next to the cafe, "Chaton B", a select shop aimed towards girls, appeared before my eyes.<br /> <br /> Alright. I'll just go in here.<br /> <br /> With that, I pushed forward into the store--Reki followed me, her footsteps quick.<br /> <br /> Haimaki, wiping his paws on the mat at the entrance, followed us from there.<br /> <br /> It looks like a very fashionable shop, but it's fine. We're two Butei, bringing a wolf too, after all.<br /> <br /> <br /> Inside "Chaton B", there were a lot of neko designs as well...they seemed to be using a forest as an image theme, the shelves and cases were all made out of wood. The decorations were all leaves and vines too.<br /> <br /> This ambiance...isn't so bad.<br /> <br /> I was a little worried that we would be kicked out for bringing in a wild animal, but the female assistants, with tea-colored hair, said: "Welcome~~, oh, cuuteee~!", hugging Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Thank God. This seems to be a store where pets are OK. What a relief.<br /> <br /> Haimaki wagged his tail, looking up at the assistants with a face that seemed to convey the message, "I'm a good boy!". <br /> <br /> You can really read the mood, can't you. I hope that your master over there can watch and learn.<br /> <br /> "--I'm sorry. Could you lend me your ears for a while?"<br /> <br /> Hearing me say this and going "Mm?", the assistants thrust their heads towards me, next to my face...<br /> <br /> "I...am in a certain situation, and I have to buy something for that girl over there, but...she doesn't really know what kind of clothes she likes, so would it be possible for you to pick something for her?"<br /> <br /> If one wants ice cream, he goes to an ice cream parlor. "Shirts" ,"Skirts", "Pants." I, confused and ignorant about any of these phrases that girls use, should ask the assistants, right? <br /> <br /> Thinking this, I explained the situation to them honestly--and the onee-san smiled at me strangely.<br /> <br /> "Situation, huh? An-san, it's that, right? Yer preparing to break through her barrier, right? I knew it from a glance. That girl's guard is pretty firm."<br /> <br /> Uu...this person, is she something like a former Butei? I have no idea.<br /> <br /> If one is aiming for Lima Syndrome, they have to destroy the barrier around the opponent's heart.<br /> <br /> And, the barrier around Reki's heart was extremely strong. For the sake of breaking through it, I came here to go shopping so we can improve our relationship.<br /> <br /> I thought that there was probably no-one undergoing Sniper Restriction from a girl, but Osaka Butei High is near here, it could be that this shop was often visited by Butei.<br /> <br /> "--Speaking truthfully, that's how it is. I was hoping that you could help me solve this."<br /> <br /> Forgetting my embarrassment during the journey, I said that--<br /> <br /> "Hehe~. You're naughty~"<br /> <br /> Said the Onee-san, nudging me with her elbow.<br /> <br /> Eh. What did you say?<br /> <br /> Why would you call me naughty?<br /> <br /> "Isn't it great, young lady? This boy wants to buy something for ya~. Afterwards, give him a kiss, a'right?"<br /> <br /> Ki-kiss?<br /> <br /> Wh-what? It looks like we've misunderstood something.<br /> <br /> "Leave it to me! I'm a genius at choosin' clothes based on my customers' sizes. Alright, young lady, tell me ya height and weight. And, ya three sizes, hehehe."<br /> <br /> "150 centimeters, 41 kilograms, 76 centimeters, 50 centimeters, 73 centimeters."<br /> <br /> "Ooh, cuutee~. On a closer look~, ya have a really pretty~ face, y'know~. Almost like a diamond gem~."<br /> <br /> Answering casually while pushing Reki's back, the onee-san brought Reki deeper into the shop.<br /> <br /> "Why don'tcha sit down over there and have some coffee while ya wait, an-san?"<br /> <br /> "A-ah."<br /> <br /> Coffee?<br /> <br /> Not really knowing how things go at this store, I followed her instructions, sitting by the table, and quickly, from "Chaton Cafe", which seemed to have some sort of relationship with this place, another onee-san, wearing a brooch with a different cat-design, came, holding a menu, smiling all the while. Ku. I have to pay for the coffee as well.<br /> <br /> Rather, when did I say I was going to shop here? <br /> <br /> The people here really know how to run a business.<br /> <br /> <br /> A group of girls, holding select shop "Chaton B"'s paper bags, and boys, seeming to be buying the girls their clothes, were drinking tea and coffee while talking, seeming to be waiting for a certain event.<br /> <br /> Surrounded by these people, all speaking [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka-ben Osaka-ben], which my ears weren't accustomed to, I, the outsider, folded my arms, waiting...<br /> <br /> "How's it?"<br /> <br /> With that, the onee-san from earlier had brought--<br /> <br /> Reki's appearance made me spit out the coffee I was drinking with an "Ehnn!"<br /> <br /> The reason for that was--<br /> <br /> A kindergarten uniform...! Although it was made to be worn for adults.<br /> <br /> "Wh-what the hell is that!"<br /> <br /> Wiping a paper napkin around my mouth, I pushed the chair back.<br /> <br /> Wearing a yellow kindergarten hat along with a water-blue smock and standing there wordlessly, Reki had a tag with "れき" written on it pinned to her chest.[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_3]<br /> <br /> N-no, even more than that...those legs had become horrifying. I had thought that the length of the skirt would be to scale with a normal kindergartener's skirt, but it was a shocking mini-size. It stopped 1 centimeter below the inseam.<br /> <br /> Seeing the sheathe for her bayonet, gunchira (Seeing the area under the skirt where guns and knives are hidden. Namer: Idiot Muto), was happening even now.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki was, as ever, in her living mannequin mode, standing straight.<br /> <br /> (Wh-what a lifeless kindergartener...)<br /> <br /> Her hair was also tied back with a rubber band, and she really looked like a child that had been turned overly big with magic.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Seeing my reaction, Reki looked up and down at her own appearance a little.<br /> <br /> I mean...there's no need to wear that kind of thing so obediently.<br /> <br /> Some people, upon seeing this, would burst into tears out of happiness, but I have no interest in that kind of thing.<br /> <br /> "An-san~, ya made a nice, 'Eeh!', reaction. But...why'd ya do that? I thought that she'd fit this kinda childish clothin'."<br /> <br /> "O-of course, if it fits well, it fits well, but...don't use these kinds of clothes please...at least, something that she can walk outside in..."<br /> <br /> I...slumped over the table, trying to plead with the onee-san, somehow.<br /> <br /> "An-san, this ain't a joke ya know. But, somethin' for the nighttime would be nice, right? Hehehe."<br /> <br /> For the nighttime...?<br /> <br /> Is she planning to use it as pajamas? She'll catch a cold if she wears that kind of skirt, right?<br /> <br /> Well...it looks like this cosplay was just a prank. Is this part of their culture too?<br /> <br /> Looks like such things exist when you go on a trip.<br /> <br /> Behind Reki, whose kindergarten skirt was fluttering as she was led into the changing room, I wiped my sweat off.<br /> <br /> Ah, onee-san. Please close the curtain of the changing room.<br /> <br /> You just left a subtle gap, making it so that only people from my angle could see it, right?<br /> <br /> You probably think that you're doing me a favor, but it's just a complete annoyance for me. That action, that is.<br /> <br /> <br /> That kindergarten uniform was something that made me extremely surprised--<br /> <br /> But, it too was something that fit Reki really well, the shop assistant onee-san was really good at choosing an outfit that matches with her customer.<br /> <br /> Afterward, calling it "Jungle girl," she made Reki wear clothes with a reindeer pattern...it fit her too. There was no incompatibility.<br /> <br /> After that, wearing something very similar to the frilly dresses that Riko usually wears, it was a lolita costume. (Under Riko's persistent reminding, I finally remembered.) Originally, this seemed to be clothing that was meant to be worn by rather lively girls, but with Reki wearing it, she looked like an antique doll.<br /> <br /> But, this kind of clothing would make the sleeves get caught when readying her sniper rifle, so, from the Butei standpoint, I denied it... <br /> <br /> Lastly, the assistant said, "Next is my favorite," taking out some clothes from the corner of the shop so Reki could try them on.<br /> <br /> Because makeup was part of the service, Reki was really sealed inside the changing room by the onee-san.<br /> <br /> I finally realized that some cats that Chaton Cafe was taking care of were walking around, understanding why it was OK for Haimaki to enter, but I was wondering whether it was really hygienic as I waited...<br /> <br /> Reki hadn't come out for a while.<br /> <br /> Drinking my coffee and feeling a little bored, I went outside for a little while...<br /> <br /> Suddenly, I thought about something. I spent some time buying little things at the outdoor stalls.<br /> <br /> I returned to Chaton B,<br /> <br /> "...Ahh, ya really look like a diamond gem~..."<br /> <br /> Saying that, I heard a voice, shocked at something, from the changing rooms--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Rustle* After the curtain had opened, a slender foot, wearing white, high-heeled sandals exited the changing room. <br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap Tap* Once again making her appearance inside the shop, Reki...<br /> <br /> The assistants, Chaton Cafe's customers, I...even Haimaki, everyone's gaze was drawn to her, fixated on her.<br /> [[Image:Aria06 177.jpg|thumb]]<br /> Makeup applied, her hair combed and set properly, wearing a white sleeveless one-piece, the lack of sleeves its highlight, Reki was--<br /> <br /> (S-so...beautiful)<br /> <br /> That's what I thought, from the bottom of my heart.<br /> <br /> Those exquisite features, already looking as if she was a work of art, confirmed onee-san's words. She was like a sparkling diamond.<br /> <br /> Painstakingly polished by this process of outfitting herself and applying makeup, really, all eyes were focused on her.<br /> <br /> One portion of the white cloth, made of what looked like fine silk, accentuated the lines of her body, which were already highlighted by the illumination of the store, making the sense of transparency that Reki already gave off even stronger.<br /> <br /> I thought that if Aria takes the time to beautify herself, she could be on the cover of fashion magazines, and Reki...was the same.<br /> <br /> Well, Aria would be on one of those popular magazines that everyone reads--and Reki would be on those high class fashion magazines aimed at ojou-samas. If I had to make a distinction, that would be it.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Even with that, Reki wasn't making any special expressions, but as if checking herself out, she looked into the full-body mirror, her gaze somewhat satisfied.<br /> <br /> Well, that's...probably because she thinks it won't hinder her in battle.<br /> <br /> "Ehh, then, is this what you want?"<br /> <br /> Seeing that Reki and I had nothing to say, the onee-san whipped out a chocolate colored calculator.<br /> <br /> ...*Tap Tap Tap Tap*. She entered in the prices.<br /> <br /> "One piece and sandals...as well as the inner clothing, 'ight. Here ya go."<br /> <br /> Looking at the numbers on the calculator that had been handed to me, I...<br /> <br /> --Uwoah!<br /> <br /> ...as if there was a gun pointed at me, I reflexively dodged away from the calculator.<br /> <br /> --Hi-high!<br /> <br /> Isn't this 10 times the price of the clothes sold at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniqlo UNIQLO]!?<br /> <br /> I'll really use all my money and become homeless. If I pay for this.<br /> <br /> At this kind of time, what kind of Osaka speech should I use to get a good result?<br /> <br /> Justa prank? Didn't study? Damn it, I knew I should've learned these kinds of words from Muto, who was originally from Kobe.<br /> <br /> As if drawing my gun, my hands trembling, my fingers reached for my wallet--at that moment.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> Looking just like an ojou-sama, Reki moved her lips, delicately coated with lip gloss, making a sound.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Whoosh* With that, Reki's gaze, which had been appraising herself, moved--I followed it.<br /> <br /> "Popular! From 15:00 today Chaton B and Chaton Cafe's joint event <br /> <br /> ☆ Chaton Call ☆<br /> <br /> As the winner's reward, the price of everything that is bought today at Chaton B is halved!"<br /> <br /> That was written on a small blackboard with colored chalk.<br /> <br /> Glancing at my watch, it was just 14:55.<br /> <br /> Looking up at the onee-san, I saw that she had an expression which conveyed: "Ya realized it, huh?"<br /> <br /> I see. Aiming for this event--were the boy and girl customers that were buying clothes at "Chaton B" and chatting at "Chaton Cafe".<br /> <br /> "Reki, come. Drink some tea as well."<br /> <br /> A little uneasy about the scent of the foundation, wafting this way in Reki's wake as she walked towards me, I, not knowing the contents, went to "Chaton Call", determined to take part.<br /> <br /> This joint event--would be our first mission together.<br /> <br /> These are pitiable words, but I'll have to do this for real.<br /> <br /> Because, whether or not we become homeless, is down to this.<br /> <br /> <br /> According to the assistant's explanation, Chaton Call was this store's unique event, a competition to see how many of the cats walking around Chaton Cafe could be called to one's table.<br /> <br /> The time limit is one minute. If you stand up from your seat, you are disqualified, and touching the cats with your hands is forbidden too.<br /> <br /> The prerequisite for participation is: the people involved have to be a couple, but since things had come to this, I had no choice but to sacrifice everything to win this.<br /> <br /> I was embarrassed to the point where I wanted to die, however, we could use the fact that, for some reason, we were mistaken as lovers, meeting the prerequisites.<br /> <br /> "Participating couple name: Kinji - Reki"...My hand, shaking uncontrollably, wrote our names on the blackboard.<br /> <br /> Now, the money I had had been slightly decreased by the tea that Reki had drunk, and it had fallen below the price of the clothes that had been shown to us earlier.<br /> <br /> Since things had come to this, I had to gift Reki with these clothes. Not winning, or running away with the clothes, was not an option.<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, didn't something like this happen at the ramen shop in Odaiba?<br /> <br /> It seems that Reki was born under the star for putting my wallet in danger. Please make that star go supernova.<br /> <br /> (But...calling cats and keeping them, huh...)<br /> <br /> This was something that I hadn't even considered practicing for, a mission that was completely out of my expectations.<br /> <br /> Honestly, we have no chance of winning.<br /> <br /> Because, for some unknown reason, I don't get along well with animals. Ever since I was a child. What do I do?<br /> <br /> "So, have ya made ya preparations? Alright, start!"<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that I was so nervous, the onee-san, over at the cafe, made her announcement, the noise entering the mic amplified by the speakers.<br /> <br /> The groups of couples inside the shop started going, "Here kitty, here kitty," making whistling noises, starting to call the cats towards them.<br /> <br /> But, cats are extremely cautious creatures.<br /> <br /> Just wandering around inside the shop, they weren't going to suddenly get close to people they hadn't seen before.<br /> <br /> "He-here."<br /> <br /> I gestured at a cat whose eyes I had met--but, with a purr, it looked the other away.<br /> <br /> Damn it. The shop knew this, which is why they had this event, right? Since the cats aren't familiar with anybody, everybody will be disqualified, as written on the blackboard.<br /> <br /> "I-I have to think of something..."<br /> <br /> From in front of me, who was becoming agitated, Reki, sitting up straight in front of her untouched tea, which had gotten cold,<br /> <br /> "I do not really understand, but is it fine if I gather all the cats?"<br /> <br /> She asked, as if it had nothing to do with her.<br /> <br /> "That's right. But, it's not easy. It seems like these cats have been trained to not respond no matter how much the customers call them."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I told her softly, and Reki went silent for moment--not even looking in the direction of the cats, *Bch*<br /> <br /> ...She closed her eyes for a long moment, and that unchanged expressionless face--<br /> <br /> "Nyan."<br /> <br /> She said.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> ...Ny...<br /> <br /> ..."Nyan"...did she say...?<br /> <br /> I didn't hear incorrectly. She definitely said it.<br /> <br /> She had just uttered something that was capable of entering the best three of, 'words most unlikely to come out of Reki's mouth'. Overwhelmingly rare.<br /> <br /> I mean...Having said "Nyan", was she trying to imitate a cat's purr? She doesn't sound like one at all.<br /> <br /> With just the same monotone as ever, all she said was, "Nyan".<br /> <br /> Before, in Ueno, the imitation that Aria had done was better. That too was amazingly horrible, but an imitation as bad as this makes me unable to even say that it's an imitation.<br /> <br /> As my heart shattered into pieces, just about to concede defeat...<br /> <br /> --*Tense*--<br /> <br /> All the cats in the store raised their heads in unison.<br /> <br /> "...!?"<br /> <br /> Looking around, each one of the cats was looking at this table--rather, looking at Reki. <br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap*...*Tap Tap*...<br /> <br /> "Wha...?"<br /> <br /> "Eh...!?"<br /> <br /> The clothing store's onee-san and the cafe's onee-san made sounds of disbelief.<br /> <br /> I was sitting there, dazed, and under my table--<br /> <br /> The cats...had gathered there without exception...!<br /> <br /> "Re-Reki, you..."<br /> <br /> "This is fine, right?"<br /> <br /> By Reki's feet, who had just said that...White, black, spotted, striped.<br /> <br /> The cats were gathered there, as if believers listening to a preacher.<br /> <br /> Now...now that I think about it, Reki...had done something similar to this in the first semester. She had spoken to the grey wolf, which was completely hostile towards us, immediately taming it. Right now, that wolf was Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Somehow, Reki seems to be a inexplicable girl that is able to undergo communication with animals. Although such a thing isn't possible for humans.<br /> <br /> The "Nyan" from earlier was...<br /> <br /> ...definitely a signal to the cats, the contents being: "Come here. If you don't, horrible things will happen."<br /> <br /> No, seeing as how obedient the cats were, it was probably a strong message, something like: "If you don't come, I will whip you into the ground. I will set Haimaki on you."<br /> <br /> "Cha-Chaton Call--The winners are the couple, Kinji and Reki!"<br /> <br /> Co-couple, you said?<br /> <br /> Please, I beg of you the cafe's onee-san, don't use that kind of speakers to say that in such a loud voice.<br /> <br /> I didn't tell you this, but this is because we're just pretending to be a couple.<br /> <br /> "From now onwards, please continue to get along well and love each other! We'll be supporting ya!"<br /> <br /> Please...please stop.<br /> <br /> The onee-san from Chaton B said, "Us sisters here will work hard!", and in full view of the other customers, she brazenly gave me the cash coupon for a 50% discount.<br /> <br /> With this, you can spread the words of what a nice atmosphere this shop has. You really have the soul of a businessman.<br /> <br /> Rather, were you sisters?<br /> <br /> "Alright, victory kiss! Kiss!"<br /> <br /> The onee-san's in Chaton Cafe were saying that, as if venting their feelings.<br /> <br /> The customers started chanting, "Kiss! Kiss!", a kiss call.<br /> <br /> ...I'm sorry. That's not happening.<br /> <br /> "We-well, we did it, somehow."<br /> <br /> As I reached for my wallet with a sense of relief--<br /> <br /> "--Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> Not even flashing a courteous smile in the midst of everybody's applause, Reki--*Click*, suddenly stood up.<br /> <br /> "?"<br /> <br /> "Please stand."<br /> <br /> What? I stood up, and--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Squeeze*<br /> <br /> Reki, from a distance I could not dodge, as if dancing, embraced me around the waist.<br /> <br /> "He-hey...!"<br /> <br /> Reki's hand, completely unnoticeable from looking at it--was strong.<br /> <br /> With some sort of intention, she restricted me close to herself.<br /> <br /> Seeing Reki finally bring her lips up to my cheek, the store erupted with cheers.<br /> <br /> And, looking as if she was kissing me to the surrounding people, Reki--voicelessly, whispered by my ear,<br /> <br /> "Somebody is following us."<br /> <br /> --What?<br /> <br /> "Please do not move your gaze unnaturally. I do not know who it is, but I am afraid that it is an S-rank professional. At the start, he showed no signs of aggression, but now, he is openly radiating hostility. From outside the store--near the entrance, he is observing this place."<br /> <br /> "Wh-when did this start...?"<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san, did you leave the store just now?"<br /> <br /> "Ah, yeah."<br /> <br /> Just now, taking advantage of the time that Reki was sealed inside the changing room...<br /> <br /> I went outside, buying some things from the open-air stalls.<br /> <br /> "--I think it was from that point onwards. After I had worn these clothes and strode out of the changing room, I could feel that gaze. After we arrived at this city, I felt that somebody was following us for a moment--but after that, I thought that they had retreated."<br /> <br /> There's somebody following us...?<br /> <br /> Who is it? Why are they following us?<br /> <br /> Acting calm, I returned to my seat, and as if nothing had happened, I started twirling the spoon sitting next to my coffee.<br /> <br /> I had learned about this in Inquesta. For the sake of preventing your gaze or actions from being noticed by the enemy, you have to, like this...use something like a mirror to check your surroundings.<br /> <br /> And on the curved surface of the spoon, I successfully caught the reflection of the entrance--<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> At that time, a breeze had just blown past, making that rouge skirt...<br /> <br /> I just made out part of a twin-tail.<br /> <br /> A pink one.<br /> <br /> (--Aria?)<br /> <br /> Reflexively turning back out of shock--<br /> <br /> -standing at the entrance of the shop, looking in discreetly, Aria's gaze met mine.<br /> <br /> --*Da!*<br /> <br /> Seeing Reki and I together, her expression, for some reason, looked as if the world had ended, Aria twisted around violently, running away.<br /> <br /> At that instant, for a reason unbeknownst to even me, I immediately stood up!<br /> <br /> Impulsively dashing out of the store.<br /> <br /> "--Aria, wait!"<br /> <br /> On this boulevard, crowded with teenagers, seemingly hard to run through, I quickly caught up to Aria.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>"~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"</nowiki><br /> <br /> Trying to shake off my hand viciously, Aria was in a state of agitation where she couldn't even say a word.<br /> <br /> What. Why are you so mad?<br /> <br /> "I-it's fine for you! Because I haven't said it to you clearly! But, Reki--Reki, I definitely told! That girl, kn-knew full well! Reki! Reki--I won't forgive you! Reki, you...Reki, you!"<br /> <br /> In an agitated state, Aria was in a mode where I could not understand a word she was saying.<br /> <br /> Her twin tails in a tangle, she directed a constant stream of abuse at Reki, who wasn't here--<br /> <br /> "You too--let go of me! I'm busy! Just that, before going to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kure Kure], I came to Osaka Butei High to get some equipment that I had left here! Because, Muto Goki and Riko are waiting for me at Kure!"<br /> <br /> Kure...Hiroshima? And, Riko and Muto? What's with that. Does it have something to do with Kanae-san's trial?<br /> <br /> Towards me, who was just about to ask that, Aria--<br /> <br /> "I'm busy!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Thud!* A fist collided into the space between my eyebrows.<br /> <br /> "As a couple with Reki!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Kch!*</nowiki> She swept me off my feet.<br /> <br /> "I hope you're happy!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Thud!*<br /> <br /> Stepping on my face, which had been brought to the floor in an instant, she vanished into the crowd.<br /> <br /> "Y-you...What was that!"<br /> <br /> At that moment, Haimaki caught up with me, who had shouted that.<br /> <br /> Is the reason that Aria left with such haste because she noticed him?<br /> <br /> No, not only Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Because, I had also vaguely felt--Reki, from some unknown location, was staring this way.<br /> <br /> And, she was using the scope of her Dragunov.<br /> <br /> Once again, Aria had been pushed away by that killing intent.<br /> <br /> Aah. Caravan I, despite the fact that this was an activity where we're supposed to make teams...the relationship between Aria and Reki, as well as I, was getting worse and worse.<br /> <br /> --It had already reached a point where reconciliation was impossible.<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter2|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter4}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=160617 User:Just4fun 2012-06-08T12:06:14Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 6<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 2<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 11 (No errors so far..)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Chapter2&diff=160491 Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter2 2012-06-07T07:41:38Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==2nd Ammo: Water Tossing==<br /> <br /> September 1--<br /> <br /> During the opening ceremony on the first day of the second semester, the Japanese students of Butei High will respect international tradition, wearing an imitation uniform of the first Butei High in the world, Butei High - Rome, the completely black uniform which is called, 'Diviza Nero'.<br /> <br /> The students, dressed completely in black, sat up straight on the folding chairs, in a phalanx-like formation.<br /> <br /> This scene was almost like the assembly of a miniature army division, or perhaps a Yakuza funeral.<br /> <br /> The curtain, full of patched up bullet-holes, opened left and right, and on the stage, the principal, Midorimatsu, was standing in the center, at the lectern, giving a speech about the international co-operation between Butei.<br /> <br /> He said something about public safety continuing to worsen, but Japan was still a safe country, so as such, Tokyo Butei High will be accepting exchange students for the sake of the students' growth in a tense situation.<br /> <br /> ...Hey. Please don't make the situation in the school any more tense.<br /> <br /> It was probably because of Butei High's new policy, but sitting in one corner of the room were students from Hong Kong Butei High.<br /> <br /> There were not only high school students, but there seemed to be middle school students as well...even somebody like an elementary school student. As expected of foreigners.<br /> <br /> (But, it might not be too long before the era comes where Japan, like America, will legally issue firearm licenses to 5 year old children.)<br /> <br /> Having not slept much in Reki's room last night, I thought of those things, stifling a yawn.<br /> <br /> It is common practice that one cannot be absent from the opening ceremony of the second semester. However, delinquents like Riko, or busy students like Aria still neglect it. So, all those that sit here are the good students, the slackers, or those failing students, who like me, came so their credits would not drop.<br /> <br /> And Reki...after she had accompanied me to school, because she was performing in the ceremony after the opening ceremony--using a pistol or sniper rifle as a replacement for the marching band's batons--she went to the preparation room of the auditorium. <br /> <br /> As such, I am able to do this, enjoying my temporary freedom.<br /> <br /> But, as long as I am within a 2 kilometer radius of that Dragunov, I am still in the palm of Reki's hand.<br /> <br /> And, Haimaki was idly crouching by my feet, and once in a while, he would, with an expression which said: "If you dare run, I'll report it to my master," look up at me. Damn it.<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but glare angrily at the Haimaki by my feet...<br /> <br /> "Tohyama-kun, is it alright if I sit next to you?"<br /> <br /> "Yo, Kinji. Looks like you aren't getting held back a year after all." <br /> <br /> Two male students moved to the seats by my side, in unison. The good student Shiranui and the slacker Muto.<br /> <br /> The handsome Shiranui was already cheerful, even though it was the first day of the second semester, and Muto was still wearing an expression of yearning for the summer holidays, stubble building up on his chin. The contrast between you two is amazingly strong.<br /> <br /> "Kinji, I heard a rumor. Yesterday, you ran into some shooting spree, broke the glass off my four-wheel drive, forcing me to track down my insurance company..."<br /> <br /> Ah? The car that I hid in yesterday was Muto's?<br /> <br /> Well...I'll just pretend that I don't know what he's talking about for now. After all, the person who actually broke the glass was Reki.<br /> <br /> Also, I still haven't paid Muto back for breaking his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Gyro Gyro Canopy] while we were arguing.<br /> <br /> "--Besides that small matter...Tohyama-kun. Another scandal has been raised because of your relationship with a girl, you know?"<br /> <br /> Radiating normal Butei behavior with the mention of a shooting spree as, 'that small matter', Shiranui interrupted from the other side.<br /> <br /> He was chuckling as if he had run into something amusing. This guy definitely thinks that since it has nothing to do with him, he can just spectate from the side.<br /> <br /> "Are you serious!? Damn it! Why!? Why is it always only Kinji!?"<br /> <br /> "Don't shout so loud, Muto. It's the opening ceremony right now. Anyways, Shiranui, how did you know?"<br /> <br /> "'Know' is inaccurate, rather, I deduced this. As I was doing early sword-training in Assault--Kanzaki-san was throwing a huge tantrum. So, I thought that it might have something to do with Tohyama-kun."<br /> <br /> Kanzaki...Aria-san was throwing a huge tantrum?<br /> <br /> Just thinking about it makes me shiver.<br /> <br /> Incidentally, morning practice would refer to some specific subject practice in a normal school, but in Butei High, it refers to morning battle training.<br /> <br /> "Once again, it's become a pretty popular topic. It's said that--This morning, Tohyama-kun and Snipe's Reki-san came out of the girl's dormitory together when they were going to school."<br /> <br /> While saying this, Shiranui, as if trying to prove the existence of the relationship between Reki and I, stroked Haimaki's back.<br /> <br /> "--This time it's Reki!? Ah-, but, I can understand that. A dark boy and a wordless girl fit each other, after all. But, Kinji, you've taken action against somebody dangerous again. Reki has a lot of secret fans. You might get caught in a multi-directional crossfire one day, you know? You sure are unlucky, Kinji."<br /> <br /> Agreed.<br /> <br /> Now, not only am I being observed by Reki, but the number of guns pointed at me are increasing...<br /> <br /> Unable to explain the situation to Muto, who was laughing and patting my back from behind, I...dipped in my head in despair.<br /> <br /> "...There's another popular topic going around, because Kanzaki-san and Reki-san get along well. It's said that, after Kanzaki-san finished throwing a tantrum, she was very depressed about losing both her friend and lover."<br /> <br /> What...is that supposed to mean?<br /> <br /> Are you saying that, Reki = Friend, and I = Lover?<br /> <br /> "Hey. Aria and I aren--"<br /> <br /> "There's a lot of this kind of trouble around this season. After all, 'Caravan I' is about to arrive."<br /> <br /> I had seen it many times, but as I was trying to defend myself, Shiranui's overly brilliant smile cut me short.<br /> <br /> --Caravan I.<br /> <br /> Now that he mentions it, it's true that it's about to arrive.<br /> <br /> In Butei High, sophomores have two training trips. The first one is 'Caravan I'.<br /> <br /> From the name, it might appear to be a normal school trip, but in truth, it is an activity for the sake of making the final corrections in the teams formed between students.<br /> <br /> This is because...when Butei High students reach their second year, they have to form and register themselves as 2~8 man teams before the end of September.<br /> <br /> An unexpectedly important result of this team system is that, the registered teams will in turn, be registered in the IADA[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:guidelines].<br /> <br /> Normally, Butei will move in those teams as units, fulfilling the activity. Even if they split up later due to their own goals, the mutual co-operation in that team takes precedence over entire organizational relationship--this is also laid down in International Butei Law.<br /> <br /> "It's popular, because there are a lot of cases where the formation of a team is affected by boy-girl relationships. Because Tohyama-kun was unable to solve his personal matters."<br /> <br /> "About that, I've pretty much decided who I'm going to team up with. We're going to take members from both Logi and Amdo, forming a logistics unit. There are girls too, you know. It's Hiraga Aya though, so there's nothing to get excited about."<br /> <br /> There are no firm criteria, but normally, teams will be either assault teams, logistics teams, communications teams, or mixed teams etc., completely different types and fields. As a result, different teams will work together.<br /> <br /> Using an army analogy, it would be like the image of sections coming together to form a platoon.<br /> <br /> Therefore, this isn't something like normal high school groups, where getting along well is the focus, but rather, a team formed with tactics and strategy taken into account.<br /> <br /> To sum it up in a sentence...team formation is something that requires a lot of thinking.<br /> <br /> Especially for me, who doesn't have many friends, and is now engaged to Reki, this is a massive undertaking. Just thinking about it gives me a headache..<br /> <br /> "Tohyama-kun is going to form an assault team, right? Or maybe a reconnaissance team?"<br /> <br /> "I haven't decided on anything yet. I'm busy enough earning credits, so I have to postpone it for now."<br /> <br /> "Ahh, that's a problem. Tohyama-kun, the next time you wear this, what are you going to do?"<br /> <br /> Said Shiranui, pointing to my black tie. The next time I wear this? He's probably talking about the team photo at team registration.<br /> <br /> During team registration, according to the rules, the team members have to have a photograph taken of them...and they have to wear this bulletproof uniform - black while taking the photo. It's rumored that this is for the sake of preventing offenders from being able to recognize which Butei High the students come from.<br /> <br /> I remember, when we saw our senpai's team photos last year...they were all looking away from the lens on purpose, turning their heads slightly to the side or even downwards. That's probably so their appearance wasn't completely shown.<br /> <br /> Really, this is an amazingly dangerous school. Having to take so much care with just a photo.<br /> <br /> <br /> The opening ceremony finished--and on the path in front of the auditorium, the girls from class C started the parade as Little Eva's 'The Loco-Motion' was playing.<br /> <br /> On their heads were feathered military caps, their bodies clothed with extravagant uniforms. Their hands grasping their batons, the girls--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Whoosh, whoosh. Roll.*<br /> <br /> Their white, pleated miniskirts fluttering, they span their replacements for batons, assault rifles and sniper rifles, marching forward in two lines on the road, sealed off from traffic.<br /> <br /> At times, Butei High will imitate the Police Force and the Self-Defense Force, holding a music or dance concert, reason being, they wished to improve their image with the people. And according to the principal's plan, the performers would be female. Aria and Shirayuki also performed as cheerleaders at Adseard in May. <br /> <br /> But...no matter when I see it, I always hate these performances.<br /> <br /> [[File:Aria06 067.jpg|thumb]]<br /> On both sides of the road, watching the parade was the local people, as well as the media. There were also boys, holding up cameras with lenses as long as bazookas, frantically snapping pictures of the girls. You guys, you know that you're falling right into the principal's trap, right? Their appearance may be no different from cute high school girls, but the female students over here are actually dangerous people that play with real bazookas.<br /> <br /> Not being able to withhold a sigh, I--<br /> <br /> -as if trying to escape from Reki, who was twirling her Dragunov in the midst of the marching band, her face expressionless as always...I left.<br /> <br /> Behind me, Haimaki tailed me, not letting his guard down.<br /> At any rate, you. You've been suspecting me, following me ever since just now, right? You stepped on my shoes on purpose, and you even urinated over my clothes when I left the auditorium's male changing room.<br /> <br /> The bulletproof uniform - black that I was wearing in the auditorium was borrowed, so I could just throw it inside the 'return' basket and be done with it, but the uniform I'm wearing now is mine. If you dare dirty it, I will spare you no mercy.<br /> <br /> (...Reki, Haimaki, team formation...no matter which one it is, so troublesome...)<br /> <br /> And to add to my annoyance, today was the day of Butei High's horrible tradition, 'Water Tossing'<br /> <br /> Originally, 'Water Tossing' evolved from the special battle method that the principal's old school had had, "On the day of the opening ceremony, you can splash water onto anybody."<br /> <br /> Splashing each other with water may be very safe, but once this reached Butei High, the rules, for some reason, became, "as long as you're unarmed, you can fight with anybody you like," a real battle method, and it spread around the school.<br /> <br /> (Masters tolerates this activity as well. Really...)<br /> <br /> My head hurting again, I decided to head to the pharmacy at the Medica building.<br /> <br /> But, I was afraid that if I walked the main road, I would run into the danger that is 'Water Tossing', so I took a small road.<br /> <br /> As I walked out of the parade, the sound of it getting farther and farther...<br /> <br /> Fuah.<br /> <br /> Fuah.<br /> <br /> Fuaah.<br /> <br /> What...?<br /> <br /> Bubble...?<br /> <br /> Suddenly, in front of me, who was walking down the small alley, a bubble appeared.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki> Pop, Pop Pop* They popped in front of my face.<br /> <br /> "--You just died three times."<br /> <br /> Immediately after, the sound of a girl's undeveloped voice came from above my head.<br /> <br /> I raised my head to look, and one foot hooked into the gutter of the building...was a small girl.<br /> <br /> ...Who's she?<br /> <br /> "'''Japan''''s Butei High isn't very noteworthy. You're too vulnerable."<br /> <br /> The girl was wearing something reminiscent of one of the outfits of a zombie in 'Reigen Doushi'--a modified, abnormal outfit using the Qing Dynasty's imperial outfit as a basis.<br /> <br /> Added to that, her accent...she was probably one of those exchange students from Hong Kong Butei High.<br /> <br /> "...There something?"<br /> <br /> In a bad mood, I narrowed my eyes, staring at her, who was adroitly drinking something out of a gourd...<br /> <br /> "Kyuu!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Spin, Tap*<br /> <br /> The girl laughed shrilly, and she landed in the alley lightly, just like a trapeze artist.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shhh*<br /> <br /> [[File:Aria06 071.jpg|thumb]]<br /> Her black twintails, tied on the left and right, followed the movement of her body, falling down.<br /> <br /> "My, name, is Koko. Tell me your name."<br /> <br /> --Height, around 1.40 meters. She's still a kid.<br /> <br /> The corners of her eyes were streaked with red eyeshadow, making her already slanted eyes become even more obviously tilted. And she also had a cute appearance that would make a certain group of men drool in appreciation...But...<br /> <br /> For some reason...Her appearance seems familiar, as if she looks similar to somebody. Just a coincidence?<br /> <br /> "I am Tohyama Kinji."<br /> <br /> Since she had already told me her name, I returned the favor.<br /> <br /> After all, I don't wish to make anybody think that Japanese people don't have any manners.<br /> <br /> "Aiya! Aiyayayayayaya!" [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2]<br /> <br /> The girl, who had called herself Koko, shouted to the heavens exaggeratedly.<br /> <br /> What. Is there something wrong with my name?<br /> <br /> At any rate, you've been asking for trouble from the beginning.<br /> <br /> "...Hey. Why do you smell like alcohol? Children shouldn't drink."<br /> <br /> Seeing me lecture her, pointing at the gourd, Koko's eyes widened, saying,<br /> <br /> "--I'm not a child! Koko turned 14 yesterday!"<br /> <br /> Buwaa! She yelled, a strong smell of alcohol intermixed with her breath.<br /> <br /> She's probably drunk. I heard that China didn't have any age restrictions on the consumption of alcohol.<br /> <br /> But...this kind of conversation...Why is it that this feels kind of familiar?<br /> <br /> "I can't help it, I'll just have to test you a little. If you leave the princess, some painful things will happen immediately."<br /> <br /> Apparently not too familiar with Japanese, Koko said these incomprehensible things--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Whoosh, Whoosh*...As if stumbling, she fell down...before she did a flip, *Pa!*<br /> <br /> She suddenly charged towards me!<br /> <br /> --This kind of reaction--<br /> <br /> It's exactly the same as when I first met Aria! How unlucky can I be!<br /> <br /> "--!'<br /> <br /> Reflexively, I reached my hand out, and Koko's feet--twisted around my hand.<br /> <br /> Wh-what is this? This movement. It's random, as if the movement itself is drunk--<br /> <br /> It completely nullified my subconscious counterattack.<br /> <br /> Koko, like a snake, slithered around my body, *whoosh*. She got onto my back.<br /> <br /> And she brought a rope around both sides of my neck...? No, she's using both of her twin tails.<br /> <br /> "Hehe!"<br /> <br /> Laughing in my ear, Koko even twisted her two legs around my neck.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Twist...Twist!*<br /> <br /> --Ne-neck--<br /> <br /> It's being clamped. If this were Judo, it would be called a choke.<br /> <br /> (This kind of clamping technique...exists...!)<br /> <br /> The choke I mentioned earlier is an unarmed technique where, once it is tightened, it's impossible to loosen.<br /> <br /> And, this isn't an infraction of the rules. Not only her limbs, but her hair, it's an abnormally complex stance, almost like a coiled rope.<br /> <br /> This girl is an exchange student--where did she hear about 'Water Tossing'?<br /> <br /> "Hehe, how is it? You can't do anything, can you? A man that cannot do anything, is a man that nobody needs. I'm going to kill you."<br /> <br /> "Kill...me?"<br /> <br /> Breaking out into a cold sweat, I forced those words out.<br /> <br /> It may look like this, but I'm a Butei. If I got a 100 yen coin for every time I heard the word 'kill' in a threat, I'd be able to have a mansion built by now.<br /> <br /> But, this isn't just a threat!<br /> <br /> (Sh-she really wants to kill me!)<br /> <br /> --Only now did that electric feeling of true danger really run through my body.<br /> <br /> This is a problem beyond the rules of "Water Tossing".<br /> <br /> Panicked, I reached my hand towards my Beretta--but at that moment, I noticed that even my limbs were also being restricted by the girl's legs' vice-like grip.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> If one wants to initiate Aru=Kata, they have to be at striking distance.<br /> <br /> And like this, when I'm at zero-distance, drawn into grappling--arms restricted, making it impossible to resist--it's a position where guns cannot be used.<br /> <br /> It's the exact opposite as the fight with Reki, where she was out of range, unable to be touched by my bullets. This is a battle where guns have been rendered ineffective by the sheer lack of distance.<br /> <br /> (Da-dangerous...Really...!)<br /> <br /> Inside me, whose consciousness was slowly going hazy--<br /> <br /> This tight feeling, being pressed so closely against a female body, which was so much like Aria's, as well as the feeling of getting choked to death melded together, *Thump*...creating an irregular heartbeat.<br /> <br /> (Th-this is...)<br /> <br /> It's different from normal, but I'm afraid that this is...Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> And, this is the Hysteria Mode that Nii-san had told me about, the Hysteria Mode when dying.<br /> <br /> Hysteria Agonizante.<br /> <br /> (I-I've been pressured into such a place!?)<br /> <br /> But, in the last of the last, this awakening was my trump card.<br /> <br /> Counter-choke techniques started appearing clearly in my mind, which had been panicking all along.<br /> <br /> Standing out was one line of thought: Performing a wall hit on Koko, biting her hand viciously, attempting to harm her--<br /> <br /> Bad...This girl, wrong.<br /> <br /> My mind in Hysteria Mode revealed the reality that that would just make the situation more severe.<br /> <br /> This isn't a feasible method of releasing a choke.<br /> <br /> "Hihi! Shanshikeikeihou!"[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2]<br /> <br /> ...*Creak*...*Creak*...<br /> <br /> (M-my cervical vertebrae...!) <br /> <br /> My cervical vertebrae is about to be snapped!<br /> <br /> A creak rang out from my neck area, and my consciousness was becoming more and more hazy.<br /> <br /> My line of sight started to flicker on and off, my eyes couldn't see anything anymore.<br /> <br /> --The corresponding action is too late. The opponent is a girl, so it's impossible for me to choose that method.<br /> <br /> Even though I'm in Hysteria Mode, there's no way for me to do anything...!<br /> <br /> I-I'm done...!<br /> <br /> --*GRROARR!*<br /> <br /> Immediately after the roar blasted towards us, *Ba!*<br /> <br /> Koko suddenly released her hair and limbs.<br /> <br /> --*Thud*<br /> <br /> I sprawled forward, subconsciously raising my head.<br /> <br /> In front of me, Haimaki, who appeared to have just smashed Koko off me, was standing there, his hair and tail completely on end, growling softly.<br /> <br /> My neck...hadn't snapped. That was really in the nick of time. But, golden stars were still appearing in my field of vision, and I felt dizzy.<br /> <br /> --*Tap, Tap*<br /> <br /> Koko turned a flip in the air agilely, retreating to another side of the alley.<br /> <br /> "The dog that princess is raising is far more useful than you."<br /> <br /> Afterward, she made a face at me.<br /> <br /> "'''I''' am, "'''Ten-Thousand Arms'''" Koko--"The Warrior of Ten-Thousand Techniques" Kinchi, 0 points."<br /> <br /> Saying this, she waved, as if saying goodbye.<br /> <br /> "You have to study. Afterwards, I'll test you again. '''Goodbye'''."<br /> <br /> Reaching the edge of the corner...she disappeared.<br /> <br /> And I--could only gaze at that back, in a daze.<br /> <br /> What on Earth is this...that started happening yesterday.<br /> <br /> Could you please keep terrible misfortune to one day?<br /> <br /> Sniped by Reki, losing to the hands of an exchange student...Isn't that two defeats in a row?<br /> <br /> <br /> Inside Butei High, where turning swords and guns on each other is a perfectly acceptable and common thing, things like attempted murder are outright ignored, a regrettable reality.<br /> <br /> Even if I reported: "I was nearly killed by an exchange student in an alley," to a teacher, I'd definitely have: "If you lost, then go challenge them again!" shouted at me while I'm getting kicked out of their office.<br /> <br /> The Butei watchword for this is, 'Defeat from the Bottom'--It's recognized as a humilation defeat in Butei High, a defeat where one is beaten by his underclassmen.<br /> <br /> The opponent was a middle school student, and also a girl, who are weaker than men by default. Also, I lost to her unarmed, this was a humiliation deep within mere humiliation. Were I to make an analogy to Mahjong, it would be similar to the humiliation of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Mahjong_yaku#Yakuman_hands Yakuman] defeat. <br /> <br /> I don't care about my reputation within the school, but if this gets spread around to everybody, I'll just be a laughingstock.<br /> <br /> So, I kept my mouth shut, pretending that it never happened.<br /> <br /> But--<br /> <br /> (The feel of Koko's battle ability...seems to be on the same level as Aria's, if not higher...)<br /> <br /> I heard that the training that Assault Butei go through in China is wholly different from the training they go through in Japan.<br /> <br /> --Once they discover a person with some sort of special attribute, the Butei High there will initiate a special training program.<br /> <br /> If that attribute is guns, then they will train them with guns. If it's knives, then they'll be trained with knives. Nothing else. It seems that, using this method, China trained up several Butei with these differing skills.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, that girl from just now was probably trained in martial arts from a very young age, a true expert.<br /> <br /> (She's Chinese, isn't she...If it was her, that's how she'd say it, right?)<br /> <br /> I thought, looking to the side, towards Reki, who had finished the parade, changing back to her sailor uniform...<br /> <br /> Already completely released from Hysteria Mode, I was just relaxing in one of Odaiba's main streets.<br /> <br /> Why am I here, you ask. That's because, I want to get something to eat.<br /> <br /> Under continuous pressure just now and wanting to vent my frustrations by stuffing myself, I went to the school cafeteria, but upon my entrance, I was surrounded by a group of...abnormal boys.<br /> <br /> Apparently taking Reki as a Goddess and worshiping her, they started shouting things like: "Please tell me about the daily life of Reki-sama!" "Is her face cute when sleeping!?" "DIE!", all directed at me.<br /> <br /> Well, which is to say, it was the situation that Muto had warned me about this morning. Taking advantage of the rules of Water Tossing.<br /> <br /> And beside me, whose neck and limbs were being twisted in impossible directions, Reki, standing there with the Dragunov on her back, appeared to have decided not to interfere. And Haimaki used his back leg to scratch his ears, yawning loudly. Hey, you guys acting like this...I'm really going to burst into tears, you know?<br /> <br /> In the search of another place where I could eat--since the convenience store and family restaurant had been occupied by Reki's fan club, I had given up the thought of eating on Academy Island...and like this, I went all the way to Odaiba.<br /> <br /> Well..there's no classes today anyways, since it's the opening ceremony.<br /> <br /> Because of the Japanese Early Summer Phenomenon - Typhoon, the wind in the street was a little strong, but the weather was pretty good. Just strolling down the streets like this is a pretty good way of relaxing one's heart.<br /> <br /> But...<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> Even though she had been so talkative last night, Reki-sama had said nearly nothing today.<br /> <br /> And, I had a vague feeling that she didn't seem very happy. She was expressionless as ever, though, so I had no way of confirming it.<br /> <br /> As I walked and thought about this sniper girl--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Fyuu*<br /> <br /> A low breeze brushed by us--*Flutter*<br /> <br /> Reki's rouge pleated skirt flipped up in an extremely dangerous manner.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> But, Reki didn't care at all. <br /> <br /> Since she hadn't tried to resist the wind at all, the snow-white curve of her thigh--and a military-used band of velcro, as well as the bayonet tucked inside it, was exposed, for all to see.<br /> <br /> It had gone up, but it was still barely in the safe zone.<br /> <br /> "Hey. Reki...by your feet. Be careful."<br /> <br /> I pointed it out to this robot girl, who apparently, was not programmed with any embarrassment or shyness functions.<br /> <br /> Reki scanned by her feet, as if she was looking out for a landmine...<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> She raised her head, looking at me. It didn't seem like she knew what I was trying to bring to her attention.<br /> <br /> She's impossible...really, I have to think of a solution quickly.<br /> <br /> Scared that another gust of wind would blow, I--ran into Odaiba Water City.<br /> <br /> "Haimaki, sit. Wait here."<br /> <br /> Following me, Reki made Haimaki wait by the automatic doors.<br /> <br /> Hey, is it really all right if you leave a wolf in this kind of place?<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I glanced at Reki out of the corner of my eye, who was following me into the stores with quick strides.<br /> <br /> I'm enveloped in all sorts of problems, but right now, the biggest problem is the matter of Reki's Sniper Restriction.<br /> <br /> If I don't think of something to solve it, I won't be able to handle the other problems.<br /> <br /> (...'Lima Syndrome'...)<br /> <br /> The trump card of extricating myself from Reki's clutches--'Lima Syndrome'.<br /> <br /> For the sake of its success, I have to establish a good relation with Reki. But, if I want to establish a relationship, the receiving end of the relationship has to be a person. <br /> <br /> Which is to say, I have to humanize Robot Reki.<br /> <br /> But, no matter how I think about this, it's a huge difficulty in itself.<br /> <br /> I have no idea what to do.<br /> <br /> But, I have to do it.<br /> <br /> Otherwise, I'll have to spend the rest of my days together with Reki.<br /> <br /> Even if I have to make things up on the spot, I have to force the initiation of Plan: Humanizing Reki.<br /> <br /> <br /> Reaching the fifth floor, the one dedicated to restaurants and the like, I, thinking that I could eat anything, as long as I could fill myself up, asked,<br /> <br /> "Is there something you want to eat, Reki?"<br /> <br /> After all, you'll definitely answer with "I don't care."<br /> <br /> "I don't care."<br /> <br /> See?<br /> <br /> Well, I already predicted it.<br /> <br /> "Then, let's go eat ramen. The ramen sold at Shintojyou is really good."<br /> <br /> Community, companion, friends. The meaning of such is captured in the English word 'Company', which, linguistically, originally meant 'eating bread together'. Like this, eating together is an important action that aids the building of a human relationship.<br /> <br /> If all goes well, I might be able to use the meal as an opportunity over which we can reconcile, leading the solution into a new dawn of hope.<br /> <br /> So, I brought Reki--<br /> <br /> -to Odaiba's best ramen shop, the ever-crowded Shintojyou.<br /> <br /> <br /> Sitting opposite Reki at a small table, thinking of scoring some points with her, I said,<br /> <br /> "I'll treat today."<br /> <br /> And then saying to a waiter who had come forth,<br /> <br /> "I want one bowl of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_siu Char Siu] noodles. And for her, the most expensive thing on the menu."<br /> <br /> Having come here many times before, I ordered, relying on the memory embedded deep in my brain, not even needing to flip through the menu.<br /> <br /> Well, there's 3000 yen inside my wallet. I shouldn't have a problem, budget-wise.<br /> <br /> ...*Flicker*, I looked at Reki using my peripheral vision, gauging her reaction.<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> Only to see that she, like a statue, was sitting like a death row victim on the chair opposite me, completely still. Her head was facing forward, her eyes seemingly looking downwards a little...But what they were looking at was not me, but an empty void...Scary. Those eyes really look like a doll's.<br /> <br /> Anyways, can't you at least take your headphones off when we enter a restaurant?<br /> <br /> (But...Reki really doesn't fit in, in this kind of loud and busy shop. It doesn't suit well with her at all.)<br /> <br /> Even if I'm the one who brought her here.<br /> <br /> Helplessly, I rested my chin in the palm of my hand, looking out upon the sight of Tokyo Bay.<br /> <br /> Above the multitude of ships, leaving several white trails on the surface of the sparkling, blue water, were seagulls, lightly flying around Empty Island, where there's a billboard for the musical, 'The Wizard of Oz' had been constructed.<br /> <br /> This panorama, this kind of relaxation, it's so comfortable.<br /> <br /> In my mind, I thought that, if Reki were to be cast in 'The Wizard of Oz', she would definitely be the heartless tin man. Thinking of those things, which were of no importance, I drifted off into a daydream.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Completely wordless, we just sat there, waiting for the food to arrive.<br /> <br /> Whenever I teamed up with a girl in a Butei High activity--my personality is such that, I would always be this silent.<br /> <br /> Because, I have nothing to talk about with girls.<br /> <br /> (...This kind of silence is kind of tiring, though.)<br /> <br /> In light of that, while the person in front of me is a girl, she is--Reki.<br /> <br /> Because she's just sitting there, just like a tin man, I don't need to pay attention to anything.<br /> <br /> Putting it that way, Reki...for me, might be, a rare and treasured girl.<br /> <br /> But, the image of Aria, who is boyish as well, another person that I didn't need to take care even when she's around, invaded another corner of my mind.<br /> <br /> Well, it's true that conversation is a fundamental part of building a good relationship, but there's an old saying, haste makes waste. If I talk about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denpa_Onna_to_Seishun_Otoko denpa] things like Ulus or Virus or whatever, in this kind of public place, I'll just be taken for a lunatic. So, the fact that I can relax here, gazing upon the ocean and the sky, healing my scarred soul from all the trauma it had gone through, was indeed, a good thing.<br /> <br /> "--Sorry to keep you waiting!"<br /> <br /> A familiar voice jarred me, making my head slip off my hand and smash into the table.<br /> <br /> I looked up--<br /> <br /> "Fu-Fuuma!?"<br /> <br /> Lezzad freshman, Fuuma Hina.<br /> <br /> My female kouhai, wearing an apron as part of a waitress outfit, was holding a tray, delivering the ramen.<br /> <br /> This girl...I was wondering why she didn't come to the opening ceremony, but it looks like she was doing this kind of training.<br /> <br /> "Master, I have delivered the objects you have ordered. Please, eat well."<br /> <br /> A broad smile on her face, Fuuma, *Tap*, placed the bowl of char siu noodles in front of me.<br /> <br /> [[File:Aria06 087.jpg|thumb]]<br /> ...What is this...The char siu had been made into 卍 shapes. Were you trying to make shurikens? That was...amazingly pointless. With this, the mass became smaller.<br /> <br /> Fuuma apparently thought that she had done something wonderful, and she had an expression on her face which was begging, "Master, praise me!" With that expression, she's probably expecting me to say something like, "Ooohh, that's amazing, Fuuma. You're an excellent ninja," right?<br /> <br /> Well, I'll just ignore it.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa* In front of me, who was snapping open the chopsticks unhappily--*Thud*<br /> <br /> Fuuma placed a container of ramen onto the table. It seemed that the gravitational pull was such that Fuuma's ponytail hung in the air as it thudded to the flat surface.<br /> <br /> "What...what on Earth is this..."<br /> <br /> The ramen...was served in a pot. And that pot was so big that somebody could easily fit their head inside it.<br /> <br /> "This is what Reki-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_honorifics#Dono.2Ftono dono] ordered, the store's best, the most expensive item--Super pot ramen."<br /> <br /> "...Hey! This isn't an amount that a human being can eat! Even an elephant wouldn't be able to finish this! This shouldn't be on the menu!"<br /> <br /> "--It is. This is an order that was put on offer this month."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Flip* On the menu that Fuuma had opened...<br /> <br /> "New item - Super pot ramen! 5000 yen, *But, if it can be finished within 30 minutes, it's free!*"<br /> <br /> Clipped in between the pages was a thick piece of paper, newly written.<br /> <br /> Hey, this is 5...5000 yen!<br /> <br /> Then...Then, aren't I about to eat a meal that I can't pay for!?<br /> <br /> "Wait, today, I only brought three thousand..."<br /> <br /> Not even sparing me a glance, Fuuma--as if exposing her true personality as a ninja, she smirked, turning towards Reki,<br /> <br /> "Kukuku....As master's close friend for more than four years, I will be the one to lead the assault this time! I specially suggested these rations, which will definitely bring harmony between you two--this is only a small challenge! Then, 30 minutes, starts now! Ready, set, go!"<br /> <br /> Fuuma's ponytail, called chonmage in Japan, swished through the air, and she pressed the button on the stopwatch.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> I--turned my head towards Reki, who was nearly completely hidden by the pot.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pachin*<br /> <br /> The disposable chopsticks, she tore them apart.<br /> <br /> Yo-you're going to fight? Challenging this...this colossal enemy, Super pot ramen.<br /> <br /> And, why did I just hallucinate that a light gleamed in Reki's eyes?<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki extended the chopsticks, clipping one strand of noodles.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Chew*<br /> <br /> She bit the tip of the noodle.<br /> <br /> And, *Shuuuuuu*...*Shuuu*...<br /> <br /> She ate it.<br /> <br /> She just ate the noodles.<br /> <br /> And, *Chew*. *Shuuuu*<br /> <br /> Strand by strand, she ate without pause.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Under my fixated stare, Reki continued to use that unique method of eating to draw the noodles into her mouth.<br /> <br /> Am-amazing. There's no interval at all between one strand and the next. Was ramen something that you could eat with such small movements?<br /> <br /> Before I knew it--<br /> <br /> Reki had eaten all the noodles in the pot.<br /> <br /> In a mere 5 minutes.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Afterward--<br /> <br /> Reki, *Shuu*<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Chew*<br /> <br /> Used her chopsticks to eat a prawn, part of the side dish.<br /> <br /> And, *Shuu, Pa*<br /> <br /> She ate a quail egg.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shuu, Pa* *Shuu, Pa* *Shuu Pa*<br /> <br /> Shitake, cuttlefish, mushrooms...<br /> <br /> All the side dishes in the pot were being devoured, without so much as a break.<br /> <br /> "Wh...Wh-what...what is this...?"<br /> <br /> Fuuma looked at the stopwatch in shock. To tell the truth, it doesn't surprise me that she's stunned.<br /> <br /> Because...just as the 10 minute mark passed, Reki had...eaten all the noodles and side dishes inside that enormous pot.<br /> <br /> And while Fuuma was watching, so it's impossible for her to claim that Reki cheated.<br /> <br /> Uu...<br /> <br /> Seeing Reki seem to struggle, lifting the enormous pot....I reached out, helping her bring it off the table...<br /> <br /> Reki placed those small lips by the edge of the pot...<br /> <br /> Ku.<br /> <br /> Ku...Ku.<br /> <br /> She...She's drinking the soup...!<br /> <br /> Ku...Ku.<br /> <br /> A-are you alright? You're not going to die, right? If you don't do this, I'll have a criminal record, but your life is, ever so slightly, more important. Don't force yourself.<br /> <br /> But, ignoring my worried thoughts...<br /> <br /> The soup...was completely finished...!<br /> <br /> Reki had completely finished the enormous pot of ramen, which even a Sumo wrestler would have to undergo a siege with.<br /> <br /> "--According to my senses, as of this moment, 10 minutes and 47 seconds has passed since Fuuma-san started the stopwatch."<br /> <br /> Saying this while placing the pot back on the table, Reki's expression was as always, completely unchanged.<br /> <br /> Am...Amazing...<br /> <br /> I never knew, never would have thought that you could eat so much! No, this isn't a matter of being able to eat. Are you fostering a black hole in your stomach?<br /> <br /> "...Ah...Ahhhh...!"<br /> <br /> Her gaze flickering between the stopwatch and the pot, Fuuma screamed with a broken voice.<br /> <br /> And, *Shh* Dressed like a waitress, she flopped down on the floor, right there and then.<br /> <br /> "Th...This is a dream...This is...a nightmare...!"<br /> <br /> ...I understand, Fuuma.<br /> <br /> You are still a freshman. You haven't been desensitized to this kind of abnormal scene yet.<br /> <br /> But, as students of Butei High, it is definite that supernatural people like Vlad or Sherlock will one day, appear in front of you. At that time, you can't be surprised when those abnormal things flash to life before your eyes. Before that, you have to train yourself to get used to these paranormal sights.<br /> <br /> With that, while I was thinking those senpai-like words in my heart...<br /> <br /> I felt a wave of relief wash over me, since I would not be counted among the ranks of ex-offenders. I held onto my heart, well...more like my wallet, keeping it close.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Butei threefold punishment. Such words exist.<br /> <br /> That may be a really extreme expression, but if a Butei is caught breaking the law, he receives a heavier punishment than a normal person...using just now as an example, if I really didn't have enough money to pay the bill, I would have received threefold punishment.<br /> <br /> Having escaped punishment by a thread, I, having seen the result, used the money that would have been spent on Reki's free meal to buy fish sausages for Haimaki.<br /> <br /> I ripped off the packaging, giving them to Haimaki, who was waiting at the door obediently...Ooh. He wagged his tail furiously, gulping it down.<br /> <br /> He looks pretty happy. So, he likes eating fish sausages? That's something to take note of.<br /> <br /> Accompanying me, Reki, whose appearance, for some reason, hadn't changed at all, although she had just eaten a gigantic pot of ramen, and I boarded the light rail, returning to Academy Island. We had just stepped onto the platform when another gust of strong wind blew.<br /> <br /> Out of hand, I'll tell everybody this. As long as it is a Butei registered Butei dog, then it can ride trains, buses and other forms of public transportation. I can't be sure if the same applies for wolves, though.<br /> <br /> On the desolate platform, *Fuah*--<br /> <br /> Reki's skirt was blown upwards by the wind again, and I violently twisted my head to the side.<br /> <br /> Hey...Can't you use your hand to hold it down, or maybe just turn such that you're in a safe direction? You're a girl, you know!<br /> <br /> Because this robot girl, who had shown no signs of being humanized, was dangerous, in terms of Hysteria Mode, I made her walk in front...<br /> <br /> Reki, Haimaki, and I formed a line, with Reki in front of me, and Haimaki behind me. As we walked down the stairs, *Tap*.<br /> <br /> Reki suddenly stood still.<br /> <br /> That gaze was fixated upon something that appeared to have flickered on the platform of the stairs we were descending--the shadow of some unknown person.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Nearly colliding with Reki, I slowed down, surprised--*Thud*<br /> <br /> But, Haimaki, following me from behind, smashed into the back of my knee, forcing it to buckle violently.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, a situation of multiple collisions.<br /> <br /> "...Oh..."<br /> <br /> No way of stopping myself, I charged down the platform helplessly, as if pushing Reki, who had turned around, down.<br /> <br /> Under the force of my shove, Reki too fell down the stairs...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Thud*...My back smashed into the wall midway up the stairs.<br /> <br /> Because my face appeared to be pressed against Reki's head, I had been saved from a concussion. <br /> <br /> ...Phew.<br /> <br /> And just having letting out a sigh, taking a deep breath, I--<br /> <br /> -couldn't help but widen my eyes in shock, having deeply inhaled Reki's mint-like scent.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> Th-the position right now...<br /> <br /> I-It's too dangerous, isn't it!? This?<br /> <br /> ...I am one head taller than Reki.<br /> <br /> And as such, my face was buried in Reki's hair, without so much as a word of consent--<br /> <br /> I thrust my head away hurriedly, only to see Reki's gem-like irises gaze upon me from an extremely close distance, confirming my safety.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> And my hand--<br /> <br /> -Just now, reflexively, for the sake of preventing from falling, was grabbing her slender shoulders, as if I was embracing them.<br /> <br /> Because of this, Reki's body was leaning forward slightly...<br /> <br /> Th-this...isn't this...<br /> <br /> Exactly like an intimate couple, taking advantage of the shadows and the lack of people!?<br /> <br /> And, hadn't I pushed Reki violently just now, making it appear as if I wanted to do something...!?<br /> <br /> If it was Aria, at that moment, I would definitely be on the receiving end of a flying high-kick, hurtling back onto the platform. But, Reki was letting herself be embraced, not putting up any sort of resistance.<br /> <br /> Reki's soft, slender shoulders were completely in my grasp.<br /> <br /> That face, as beautiful as a carving, was directly in front of my eyes.<br /> <br /> And those pink lips were only a few centimeters from mine--<br /> <br /> (...Hysteria, Mode...!)<br /> <br /> That single word invading my panicked mind, I checked my blood flow, extremely agitated.<br /> <br /> It's OK...? Isn't this dangerous...!?<br /> <br /> Ah, ah...? It's alright.<br /> <br /> What a relief. I may not know why, but I hadn't transformed into Hysteria Mode.<br /> <br /> Meeting Reki's gaze, I sighed discreetly...<br /> <br /> --*Pata*<br /> <br /> Suddenly, something fell on the mid-portion of the stairs, sending out a sound.<br /> <br /> A position roughly five meters on my left.<br /> <br /> I turned my head, looking towards the source of the noise, looking down the stairs...<br /> <br /> A crepe.<br /> <br /> ...Fallen on the floor.<br /> <br /> That crepe, cream and some sort of bean stuffing--was visible from a part which was half bitten off--curled up into a peach shaped, completely white bun.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, that's a miniature peach bun, right?<br /> <br /> Peach bun crepe, huh?<br /> <br /> There really are many different types of crepes in this world.<br /> <br /> And, someone who's willing to eat something so distasteful must be someone who loves peach buns.<br /> <br /> --It must be--<br /> <br /> It must be!?<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> My heart jumping into my throat, I lightly...turned my gaze...<br /> <br /> Towards the shoe of the person who had dropped that peach bun...a slender ankle, wearing a black sock...continuing to look up....over there...<br /> <br /> "......!"<br /> <br /> Frozen in a position of walking while eating peach bun crepes, I thought that she had been petrified...Kanzaki H. Aria was there!<br /> <br /> Those big eyes were opened wide, completely fixated upon the scene where I had pushed Reki to the wall, embracing her.<br /> <br /> And Aria, apparently trying to reboot her brain, which had crashed upon seeing this 'Terrible Scene', had entered stone-mode.<br /> <br /> "......!"<br /> <br /> And, the same went for me.<br /> <br /> Why, in this kind of place--were we seen by Aria? As expected of me, guaranteed to be followed by misfortune. <br /> <br /> Aria, I, and Reki, who had been completely still the whole time.<br /> <br /> As if in a portrait, the three of us stood still, stood silent--<br /> <br /> "But, but, but...is it true that there is a JC that can match Aria in Aru=Kata?"<br /> <br /> As she spoke, the sides of her mouth were smeared with cream as she ate a strawberry crepe...Inquesta's Mine Riko mounted the stairs.<br /> <br /> And--she noticed Reki and I.<br /> <br /> "UWWOOOOOOOOMUGUMUGUOAH--!?"<br /> <br /> Her hair, fluttering on both sides of her head, flew upwards. Completely shocked.<br /> <br /> [[File:Aria06 099.jpg|thumb]]<br /> ...But, you know, you're still using both your hands to stuff what remains of the crepe in your mouth while you're in that shocked state. Right now.<br /> <br /> "We-well done, Ki-kun! Despite the fact that Rekyu is an amazingly difficult character route that can't be unlocked until your second playthrough! You're already in the midst of a fiery, passionate kiss! Zgyun! Don! Don!"<br /> <br /> Abnormally excited, Riko stuck her hands into her blouse, making what appeared to be punching movements from inside. What kind of movement is that?<br /> <br /> And also, by Rekyu, do you mean Reki? As always, you don't hesitate or feel the slightest bit of apprehension when giving someone a nickname--as I was thinking that, Riko's antics could be said to have helped, as I felt myself relax a little.<br /> <br /> As I realized that I was no longer in a frozen state, *Thud! Clank!*<br /> <br /> Shouting "Don!" and messing around, Riko twirled into Aria, their legs nearly going vertical, they fell onto the floor violently.<br /> <br /> Apparently freed from her frozen state as well, Aria, *Thud!*, jumped to her feet--<br /> <br /> --[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onigawara Onigawara!] With that kind of face, she glared this way.<br /> <br /> Sc-scary!<br /> <br /> "Ari--"<br /> <br /> "That's enough!"<br /> <br /> Uu! Baring her canines, Aria brought her arms down violently, cutting me short. She didn't give me any chance to explain.<br /> <br /> "You, yo-yo, you've said enough! I knew that Idiot Kinji was somebody like this! That's right, that's right! You, yo-you! Lo-love, you love these kinds of quiet, re-reserved, beautiful people. Ju-just like Sh-Shi-Shirayuki!"<br /> <br /> --Wh-why is she bringing up Shirayuki at a time like this!?<br /> <br /> Below me, Aria averted her gaze from my face, which was twisted up in protest--<br /> <br /> "A-and with her, yo-you, with her, with that kind of..." ....*Sniff, sniff*..."--I-I'm sorry! That's why, it's enough! Just shut up!"<br /> <br /> As if she had nothing to say, she swallowed her words, *Pa!*<br /> <br /> Glaring at me, frozen again.<br /> <br /> "Besides that--Reki!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Whoosh!*<br /> <br /> Aria bared her canines, pointing at Reki.<br /> <br /> "You..really did it, didn't you...!? I saw it on the school-net website! You, without even refusing my offer...submitted an application to have a two-man team with Kinji...!"<br /> <br /> What...?<br /> <br /> Reki...already submitted an application to be in a two-man team with me?<br /> <br /> I never heard about this beforehand...<br /> <br /> "--That's 'Team Stealing'! An infraction which should be punished with holes!"<br /> <br /> Facing the furious Aria--<br /> <br /> Reki did not respond.<br /> <br /> In Butei High, although 'Team Formation' is normally done in the latter part of September--according to the rules set down after Caravan I. However, in reality, students will form rough teams far before the actual event.<br /> <br /> But...especially for Aria and I, students who are partners, one of us registering to be a member of another team is taboo.<br /> <br /> And it appears...that that is exactly what Reki did.<br /> <br /> "I--as for the ro-romance between Kinji and Reki, that kind of thing...I do-don't care at all! It's true, it's true, I really--don't care! It's true, so...! So, I don't care about the relationship between you two! I don't care, I don't care! It's not something I care about! But--I won't forgive you for stealing my partner! I'm the one that's tuning Kinji!"<br /> <br /> Tuning?<br /> <br /> Could you please stop that way of speaking...Can't you see that Riko's eyes are sparkling again?<br /> <br /> Having been forced to shut up, I protested ineffectually, in my heart.<br /> <br /> "Aria--"<br /> <br /> Beside me, Reki said that, completely toneless. But, that voice made me feel as if she had an abnormal resolve.<br /> <br /> "--What are you to Kinji-san?"<br /> <br /> Ah...<br /> <br /> That tone...this isn't good. Things are about to get messy.<br /> <br /> I don't know why, but that sentence from just now seemed to raise an atmosphere, full of tension, as if it was a 'Declaration of War'.<br /> <br /> "Wh-wh-wh...wh, what, what, wh-what, what did you say...th-that's..!"<br /> <br /> I'm not sure if she understood Reki's words, but Aria, her hands trembilng, pointed at me.<br /> <br /> "No-nothing. That thing is just my partne--idiot!"<br /> <br /> Hey, Aria.<br /> <br /> You know, nobody could understand your overexcited words from just now. Your eyes are spinning. Well, you probably wanted to say, "That thing is an idiot," anyways.<br /> <br /> "--I am Kinji-san's fiancé."<br /> <br /> Reki answered directly.<br /> <br /> Riko immediately gasped with shock, going "Fuooahhh!" Aria seemed like she had been shot in the stomach, and with an "Uu!", she doubled over.<br /> <br /> "High...Getting engaged in high school..."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh, Shhhh*<br /> <br /> Seeming as if...she was carrying some sort of deep understanding in her eyes, Aria glanced to the side, lifting her torso.<br /> <br /> "That...is just playing pretend...!"<br /> <br /> An overwhelming feeling that she was doing her best was radiating off Aria.<br /> <br /> Even though I'm not sure what she's doing her best at.<br /> <br /> "--This is not a game. This is serious. Aria-san. I hope that you can stay away from Kinji-san from now on. After this, Kinji...will stay in my room, just like last night. He will stay with me throughout the day, and we shall sleep together at night."<br /> <br /> "Serious" "Stay in my room, just like last night" "Sleep together". Under the continuous barrage of Reki's words, Aria's expressions flickered through "Awaa!" "Stop it!" "Please stop!" one by one.<br /> <br /> Hey, Reki...Stop saying things that can be misunderstood so easily!<br /> <br /> Aria's already thinking some weird thoughts, and her face is turning all red!<br /> <br /> "I understand, Aria-san and Kinji-san trust each other."<br /> <br /> Reki continued to speak, as if she was following through with her furious assault,<br /> <br /> "--But, that is not love."<br /> <br /> "Lo, lo, lo-lo-lo-lo-lo...!?" <br /> <br /> Shouting with a voice like that of a chicken, Aria had entered a mode where she could not say the syllable, 「い」.[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2]<br /> <br /> No, it's fine if you don't say it. Don't say it.<br /> <br /> If you're going to react this way to all of Reki's denpa words, this will never end.<br /> <br /> "Lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo----Kinji!"<br /> <br /> As if forcing herself to ignore Reki's words, she glared at me with a face of a demon.<br /> <br /> "Wh-what are you going to do! Are you going to--be in a group with Reki!? Is that your plan!?"<br /> <br /> Not letting me say a word, calling me an idiot, always throwing a tantrum like a kid, I--under the accumulated pressure of Reki, Team Formation, the exchange student,<br /> <br /> -went "Hmmph," pursing my lips.<br /> <br /> No...<br /> <br /> Wrong. It's not only that. Actually...<br /> <br /> "--That kind of thing has nothing to do with you, right?"<br /> <br /> What did I say--?<br /> <br /> Something akin to pouring oil on a fire.<br /> <br /> "In the first place, I'm preparing to withdraw from Butei High next year. Teams, partners, whatever, those things don't matter to me at all. Also, once--"<br /> <br /> Kanae-san's trial is over, you're going to go back to London.<br /> <br /> But, this shouldn't be something that I should say in front of Reki and Riko.<br /> <br /> And, no matter what...<br /> <br /> I was not willing to say it.<br /> <br /> I was not willing to utter those words. Not willing to confirm the reality of Aria's approaching farewell.<br /> <br /> I did not know why, nor had I any wish to know why.<br /> <br /> "Aria. So what if I'm in a team with you? That kind of team, about to split and part their own ways, is meaningless."<br /> <br /> "Wrong! Even if they're apart, a team is a team! As long as it's registered in IADA, they can help each other without restrictions, for eternity! Even if they're scattered, the proof of their companionship will remain for all eternity--"<br /> <br /> "Whether or not that kind of thing remains, matters not the slightest to me!"<br /> <br /> I could not help but raise my voice.<br /> <br /> Aria.<br /> <br /> Since you're about to disappear from my side--<br /> <br /> I will not agree to something like 'making memories'.<br /> <br /> As such, you can return to your home country with no regrets. Tokyo and London are on opposite sides of the Earth. As such, there is no way that we will be able to help each other.<br /> <br /> You are going to disappear. From my side.<br /> <br /> Since that is the case, do not try to leave any lingering memories.<br /> <br /> "It doesn't really matter, does it? Fighting together with you was a thing of the past. Now--"<br /> <br /> Saying this, I halted my words.<br /> <br /> Because--<br /> <br /> -With heavy footsteps, as if kicking her feet into the ground, Aria walked towards me.<br /> <br /> "<nowiki>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</nowiki>"<br /> <br /> Unable to do what she wanted, I appeared to have enraged Aria until she had reached her detonation point--wordlessly, she walked towards me, preparing to resort to violence, just like a child.<br /> <br /> As I tensed my body in reflex, about to be struck by Aria...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh*--Reki came between us.<br /> <br /> <br /> --*Pa!*<br /> <br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> Aria, Riko, and I. Everybody widened their eyes in shock.<br /> <br /> Reki--<br /> <br /> -struck Aria across the face.<br /> <br /> --*Shhh*<br /> <br /> Under this sudden assault, immediately going into counter mode, Aria--<br /> <br /> -retreated, jumping backwards, bumping into Riko, who had just turned back, *Thud*.<br /> <br /> Landing on the ground heavily.<br /> <br /> "...Kinji-san. Please retreat, this place is dangerous."<br /> <br /> Reki, her tone as normal, stood in front of me.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Having had her partner stolen by Reki, who she considered her friend, and being treated like a dangerous object, Aria...lowered her hand, which had been rubbing her face--<br /> <br /> "...Nothing matters anymore..."<br /> <br /> Her eyes, hidden in the shadow of her fringe, and unsteadily...she stood up.<br /> <br /> "Reki...How coincidental. Today is the day of 'Water Tossing'. We can use unarmed combat...we can go all out--"<br /> <br /> Aria brought her arms close, assuming a fighting stance.<br /> <br /> It was full of aggressiveness, almost as if she was a tiger intimidating her prey.<br /> <br /> Sh-she really wants to fight.<br /> <br /> "Added to that, earlier, an exchange student broke the rules, and as we were passing by, she initiated Aru=Kata! In the end, there was no clear victory, and she ran away...Right now, I'm in a really bad mood...!"<br /> <br /> An exchange student able to match Aria in Aru=Kata!?<br /> <br /> "A-Aria...was that exchange student someone who called herself "The Warrior of Ten-thousand techniques"...How do I say this...someone that looked like you?"<br /> <br /> Thinking back to the time where I had nearly been killed by Koko, I asked, agitated--<br /> <br /> "Shut up! And, I'm not that small!"<br /> <br /> --Isn't that obviously a denial?<br /> <br /> Was Aria also attacked by that exchange student from Hong Kong, Koko?<br /> <br /> Then, in that light...not only is she a martial artist, but she's also an expert that can even match Aria in marksmanship?<br /> <br /> U-unbelievable. That is completely unbelievable.<br /> <br /> "--Riko, Get my back."<br /> <br /> Aria, raised her head, speaking to Riko, who was at her back.<br /> <br /> Only to see that Haimaki had circled to the other side of the platform at some point in time.<br /> <br /> He had moved to a location where he could catch the two Quadras--Aria and Riko, between Reki and himself, in a pincer-like movement. <br /> <br /> I see. The reason Riko turned back was because she had noticed him.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Grrrrrrr*...Riko, standing in front of Haimaki, who was growling like that,<br /> <br /> "--Kufufu. Riko is a kitty lover, but Riko likes dogs too, you know." <br /> <br /> Turning her head slightly, she let loose a vicious smile, full of battle fervor.<br /> <br /> Riko's unarmed combat, huh? Now that I think about it, this is the first time I had seen her fight like this--<br /> <br /> "Kufu!"<br /> <br /> Laughing happily, Riko moved into a stance, her right hand above, her left hand below.<br /> <br /> Afterwards, she bent her knees at right angles, *Thud!*<br /> <br /> Her left leg kicked out towards Haimaki, threatening him.<br /> <br /> That is--Kung Fu. That's unexpected.<br /> <br /> And what's more, it's the style most commonly seen in Hong Kong movies, Eight Trigrams Palm.<br /> <br /> This is a style that was separated into many schools, and the variations of the technique in this stance were one of many.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> And Reki was standing there, completely unafraid of Aria's intimidation.<br /> <br /> Amazing. That bravery.<br /> <br /> (But...)<br /> <br /> I frowned.<br /> <br /> Because Reki...didn't assume a stance.<br /> <br /> She was just staring straight at Aria.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa!* Facing Aria, who had pounced like a tiger-- <br /> <br /> Reki didn't resist at all--*Thud*<br /> <br /> Like a flower, carelessly plucked off its stem, she was knocked down with ease. She didn't even defend herself.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Groar!*</nowiki><br /> <br /> As if trying to help Reki, Haimaki bounded over--but his tail was caught by Riko.<br /> <br /> "Ahaha! Rekyu! Riko will be taking this child! Riko will take this fur!"[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_2] <br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Bch!* Sweeping Haimaki off his back legs with a leg sweep, Riko--<br /> <br /> -Haimaki, turning to look at her, swung his front paw, tracing an arc in the air towards her *Bch!*<br /> <br /> Swinging her right hand in a huge circle, she deflected the paw, forcing him to sprawl out onto the ground.<br /> <br /> And, *Thud!* Jumping onto his back, she completely sealed off his movements.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> On the other side, sitting down on Reki, who was lying face-up, Aria--<br /> <br /> -her eyes widened, she was staring down at Reki, who hadn't resisted...No, couldn't resist would be more accurate.<br /> <br /> I too was shocked.<br /> <br /> (...Reki can't fight unarmed...!?)<br /> <br /> It's not that Reki 'had no stance'.<br /> <br /> She 'did not know' what a stance was.<br /> <br /> In the first place, as a sniper, she's an expert at ranged warfare.<br /> <br /> There's no chance that she would intentionally move close to the enemy.<br /> <br /> So, unarmed combat isn't a mandatory class in Snipe, and Reki's movements completely exposed the fact that she was a complete amateur.<br /> <br /> "Aria, stop it! You're just picking on the weak!"<br /> <br /> I shouted.<br /> <br /> But, Aria's fist, raised high up in the air, turned towards Reki, who had been knocked down as easily as a normal high school student...was not put down.<br /> <br /> As if trying to contain her own rage, which was threatening to overflow, she gritted her teeth.<br /> <br /> "<nowiki>~~~~~~~~~</nowiki>!"<br /> <br /> She couldn't bring herself to let the blow fall. Reki was too weak. No, that was not the only reason. Aria doesn't wish to hit Reki. Because, she has always recognized Reki as her friend.<br /> <br /> Aria--different from me, who intentionally tries to stay aloof and away from society--cannot make friends.<br /> <br /> That may be because of her maverick-like personality, but it's also because her strength is too amazing, making it hard for the students around her to keep up.<br /> <br /> And only Reki--although her special study is different--could fit her.<br /> <br /> During the bus-jacking in April, she had helped too, and when Aria left home because of the fight about Shirayuki, the person she went to was Reki as well.<br /> <br /> So, she couldn't bring herself to hit Reki--<br /> <br /> --*Shh!*<br /> <br /> At that moment, Aria suddenly bent backwards, dodging a flash of silver. Leaping backwards and turning a flip, she distanced herself from Reki.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh...*<br /> <br /> From Aria's twin-tails, which had just been grazed by a bayonet--<br /> <br /> One strand, two strands of hair, just cut, floated into the air.<br /> <br /> "...Reki...Hey...!"<br /> <br /> Reki had drawn the bayonet hidden beneath her skirt.<br /> <br /> On the day of Water Tossing, unarmed combat is the only thing that is allowed with no holds barred...!<br /> <br /> ".....!"<br /> <br /> Reki brushed the Dragunov off her shoulder, *Shhh--Click!*<br /> <br /> Like a parade baton, she rolled the gun around, affixing the bayonet onto it.<br /> <br /> Reki lowered her stance, wielding the Dragunov, which has been assembled in an instant.<br /> <br /> That stance--it's an ancient bayonet technique, but it's quite effective.<br /> <br /> It's probably about twice the power of just now.<br /> <br /> "Reki...!"<br /> <br /> Seeing Reki, who was ignoring Water Tossing's rules, Aria hesitated, undecided on whether she too should draw her blades--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap*--!<br /> <br /> Taking advantage of that momentary opening, Reki charged towards Aria, *Kch!*<br /> <br /> She feinted at Aria's thigh, forcing Aria to dodge backwards--<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kch! Kch Kch!*<br /> <br /> With terrifying grace, the bayonet slashed towards Aria without pause. The targets were, wrist, abdomen, inner thigh. It did not deviate from this pattern, and the blade, as if drawn by an inexorable gravity, continued to pierce towards Aria's vitals.<br /> <br /> Aria was relying on her prodigious reflexes and athletic ability, evading the bayonet's assault--but in the end, she had been chased to the wall.<br /> <br /> "--!"<br /> <br /> And, Aria's neck as her target--Reki performed the sharpest stab yet!<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kcch!!*<br /> <br /> Aria dodged the blade, her neck a hair's breadth from the blade.<br /> <br /> And the bayonet continued, brushing past Aria's head, burying itself deep into the wall.<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> This blow made Aria widen her camellia eyes in shock.<br /> <br /> I too had lost all ability to speak.<br /> <br /> Sealing Haimaki's movements, Riko had also opened her mouth wide, dazed, just like a manga character.<br /> <br /> Th-that was--really filled with killing intent.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Zcch* Drawing the bayonet out of the wall, *Shhh*, spinning the Dragunov and retreating a few steps, Reki--just as fast as she had closed in, she retreated.--And once again, she assumed that stance.<br /> <br /> The edge of that blade was still pointing directly at Aria's neck.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh* Just as Reki took a step, charging forward--<br /> <br /> "Reki! Stop!"<br /> <br /> Finally able to take this opportunity to speak, I shouted.<br /> <br /> And...*Pa*<br /> <br /> Reki became still, just like a robot, which had the cancel button on its remote pressed.<br /> <br /> Afterward...*Spin*<br /> <br /> Twirling the Dragunov wordlessly--her gaze still on Aria, she shouldered the rifle.<br /> <br /> "Reki..."<br /> <br /> Aria--<br /> <br /> Attacked like this by Reki, who she had thought of as a friend--<br /> <br /> "You...you..."<br /> <br /> ...Tears appeared in her eyes.<br /> <br /> "I'm cutting all ties with you! Severing them! I will never--forgive you again! I never want to see your face again!"<br /> <br /> Facing Reki, who was still silent, still staring at herself, Aria shouted before running away. Riko followed her.<br /> <br /> So, just Reki and I, as well as Haimaki, were left at the station.<br /> <br /> I...dragged Reki along, who was like a robot that had been switched off, ever since I issued the order to stop. With quick steps, I went to one of the corners of Academy Island--The artificial island's border.<br /> <br /> We arrived at the seaside, completely devoid of life, surrounded on all sides by safety nets.<br /> <br /> Here...I wanted to teach Reki something.<br /> <br /> Because, those extreme actions from just now had exceeded anything my humanization plan could have possibly taken care of.<br /> <br /> Reki sat upright at the edge of the sea, not looking in my direction.<br /> <br /> Just, how do I put this...it looks like she's calm again.<br /> <br /> I could feel a sense of calm radiating off her even as she battled, so saying that she's calmed down is a little strange.<br /> <br /> "...Reki."<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Earlier, you wanted to kill Aria."<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> She answered me directly.<br /> <br /> No resistance.<br /> <br /> "Yes...you say. Why?"<br /> <br /> "--The 'wind' ordered me to do so. It said that Kinji-san and Aria-san could not stay close."<br /> <br /> ...Wind.<br /> <br /> That again.<br /> <br /> This girl...she said the same thing on the night that she placed Sniper Restriction upon me. It was all because of the 'wind's' orders.<br /> <br /> "What is this 'wind'? Could it be that that's what you're listening to with your headphones? Before, you said that you were listening to the sound of the wind."<br /> <br /> "--Incorrect. This is just a recording of the wind of my birthplace.."<br /> <br /> "Wind of your birthplace?...?"<br /> <br /> "For the sake of keeping my soul in contact with the wind, I listen to it."<br /> <br /> ...This is becoming increasingly incomprehensible.<br /> <br /> "Then, is it somebody speaking to you over the phone?"<br /> <br /> "Incorrect."<br /> <br /> "Then, how do you receive the orders of the wind?"<br /> <br /> "The wind's words are projected directly into my head. From my faraway birthplace--"<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> ......<br /> <br /> Uh...<br /> <br /> I don't want to speak ill of anybody...<br /> <br /> But, no matter how I look at it, Reki has a social disorder--<br /> <br /> In other words, she has the disease which is 'delusion'.<br /> <br /> This is something I learned in Inquesta, 'I have received a prophecy from God', or 'Aliens ordered me to do this through electric waves'. Those kinds of delusions. What Reki has right now is very similar to such a thing.<br /> <br /> But, I had also learned that one could not deny those things outright.<br /> <br /> Because, the people in question trust those delusions with all their heart.<br /> <br /> And...I am not a doctor.<br /> <br /> Attempting to find a solution is futile.<br /> <br /> First, let's leave this topic, and I'll deliver those words I want to speak to her concisely.<br /> <br /> "Um...that. Saying this kind of thing is a little...But, don't kill people."<br /> <br /> "Why?"<br /> <br /> Wh...<br /> <br /> Why, you ask?<br /> <br /> "Why? Things that cannot be done just cannot be done. Don't kill."<br /> <br /> "Is that an order?"<br /> <br /> "It is. That is what is decided in Butei Law."<br /> <br /> "I understand. Then, I will not kill."<br /> <br /> Why is it that...<br /> <br /> Why is it that I feel that the words I'm hearing mean that she has killed before. <br /> <br /> Well, I won't delve into that. It's a scary thought.<br /> <br /> (But...)<br /> <br /> Calming down, I thought about it. I thought about Lima Syndrome, which I was using against this delusional, robot girl--<br /> <br /> --Can I really do it?<br /> <br /> If I have to do it like this, all by myself...it doesn't seem as if that will ever come to pass.<br /> <br /> Then, I have to find people to help.<br /> <br /> Thinking about this, I--<br /> <br /> -glanced at Reki, who was hugging her knees to herself and watching the seagulls, out of the corner of my eye. I sighed.<br /> <br /> <br /> And...that fight from just now...<br /> <br /> Reki may be in the wrong, but Aria isn't right either.<br /> <br /> She didn't even listen to our side of the story.<br /> <br /> Relying on the pieces of the puzzle that she gathered from seeing the situation, she put them together herself, and formulated a misunderstanding.<br /> <br /> That really completely exposes her weak point.<br /> <br /> Her instincts when fighting with the enemy are amazingly acute--but she has the bad habit of always reaching an incorrect conclusion, and acting upon that flawed basis when I'm involved.<br /> <br /> Originally, after leaning on each other throughout the many battles with I-U, the slight feeling I had that she was a good person...disappeared.<br /> <br /> Aria is a haughty, arbitrary, violent girl, after all.<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter1|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter3}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria&diff=160371 Hidan no Aria 2012-06-06T09:41:20Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Volume 8 - Tornado High */</p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Hidan no Aria_Volume_1_Cover.jpg|286px|thumb|Volume 1 Cover.]]<br /> Project page for Hidan no Aria. Enjoy the visit.<br /> <br /> The ''Hidan no Aria'' series is also available in the following languages:<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Versión_Española~|Español (Spanish)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_(Version_française)|Français (French)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Russian_Version~|Русский (Russian)]]<br /> *[[Hidan_no_Aria_~Deutsche_Version~|Deutsch (German)]]<br /> <br /> (Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)<br /> ----<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Story Synopsis ==<br /> <br /> Tokyo Butei High School--- A special school where armed detectives, also known as "Butei", are brought up. Tohyama Kinji is a sophomore student who has a unique body that activates a "super mode" when it is stimulated by "something". He tries to hide it from others in order to live a peaceful life, but trouble comes to find him when he becomes the victim of a bombing incident, where he meets the Butei High "Assault" department elite, Aria H. Kanzaki.<br /> <br /> == Translation ==<br /> <br /> ===[[Hidan no Aria:Registration_Page|Registration]]===<br /> <br /> Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.<br /> <br /> '''Translators are asked to [[Hidan no Aria:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''<br /> <br /> ===Format Standards===<br /> '''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''<br /> *[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br /> *[[Hidan no Aria:guidelines|Hidan no Aria Format/Style Guideline]]<br /> <br /> ==Updates==<br /> *24 March 2011 - Volume 3 completed.<br /> *2 April 2011 - Volume 1 completed.<br /> *8 April 2011 - Volume 2 completed.<br /> *19 April 2011 - Volume 4 completed.<br /> *24 April 2011 - First Arc -The Prologue (Overture)- completed.<br /> *27 April 2011 - Jeanne declared as the translators' knight.<br /> *1 May 2011 - Volume 5 completed.<br /> *22 May 2011 - Volume 6 completed.<br /> *14 September 2011 - Volume 7 completed.<br /> <br /> ==Terminologies==<br /> All terminologies, character informations, and other informations regarding this series are hosted on [http://hidannoaria.wikia.com/wiki/Hidan_no_Aria_Wiki this wikia].<br /> <br /> ==The <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aria_the_Scarlet_Ammo ''Hidan no Aria''] series by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/赤松中学 Akamatsu Chuugaku]</span>==<br /> Visit [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=4322 this thread] for any information, comments and error reports on the PDFs.<br /> <br /> === Volume 1 - Aria the Scarlet Ammo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume1|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?tjag4k5krf0oolw PDF])===<br /> <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Prologue|Reload]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter1|1st Ammo - La bambina da l'ARIA]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Kanzaki H. Aria]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Assault]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Behind the Fringe]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Holmes]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Last Ammo|Last Ammo - La bambina da l'ARIA]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 2 - Blazing Diamond Dust ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume2|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?9fhtib6idhn2bww PDF])===<br /> <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Armed Shrine-Maiden]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Edge Catching]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Caged Bird]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Man-made Beach]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Diamond Dust]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - Who Performed the Last Move?]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume2_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 3 - Honey Trap ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume3|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?snnrnl6vqpabblc PDF])===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Quadras Under the Moon]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - High Butei Riko]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Wolf and Reki]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Infiltration]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Chapter5|5th Ammo - 296 Meters Above Ground Billiards]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - You Stole my Precious Thing]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume3_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 4 - Fall of the Scarlet Ammo ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume4|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?6uext9vylzbwwxg PDF])===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Invisible Bullet]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Emergency Mission -Quest Boost-]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Summer Festival]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Infighting -Falling Out-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Golden Pavillion -Abu Simbel-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Last_Ammo|Last Ammo - Awakening of the Scarlet Ammo]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!!]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume4_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 5 - Overture's Fine ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume5|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?jy29tpox85rga8k PDF])===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter1|Pierce 1 - The Man Beyond Space and Time]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter2|Pierce 2 - Overture's Fine]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter3|Reload 1 - Konayuki, Shirayuki's sister]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter4|Reload 2 - Marseille Roulette]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Chapter5|Reload 3 - Goodbye Aria]] <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Hello Reki]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume5_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 6 - Killing Range 2051 ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume6|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?qv612g6z9q2t07p PDF])===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Manhunt]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Water Tossing]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Caravan I -Field Trip-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Flash Cannon]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Reki]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume6_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 7 - Waltz of Wind and Fire -Castling Turn- ([[Hidan no Aria:Volume7|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?szcatic6gz3tved PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?bmdf9780qwt2t3w PDF for e-Reader]) ===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Case E8]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - HURRY UP]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - The Third Quadra]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Team Baskerville]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The War Meeting -Bandire-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume7_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 8 - Tornado High ===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Night of Chaos -Turbulent-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Cosplay Cafeteria -Ristorante Mask-]] (35/82) (43%)<br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Silver-White ICBM<br /> ::*4th Ammo - 350m Altitude Tornado<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Epilogue|Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The Spiral Sky Tree -Tornado High-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume8_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 9 - Spark Out ===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9 Chapter1|1st Ammo - Spark Witch -Dracula Hilda-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter2|2nd Ammo - Magnificent Riko -Fii Bucuros Riko-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter3|3rd Ammo - Secret Rehabilitation -Boy Meets Girl-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter4|4th Ammo - Cultural Festival Day 1 -Carnaval Via-]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume9_Chapter5|5th Ammo - Cultural Festival Day 2 -Carnaval Finale-]]<br /> ::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!! The G Bloodlines<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume9_Translator's Notes|Translation Notes and References]]<br /> <br /> === Volume 10 - Arcanum Duo ===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan_no_Aria:Volume10_Chapter1|1st Ammo - Descent of the Hawk]]<br /> ::*2nd Ammo - Deen Conference<br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Secret of the Deep Blue<br /> ::*4th Ammo - Three Roads of Immorality<br /> ::*5th Ammo - Surprise Rose<br /> ::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!! Impromptu Sisters<br /> ::*Translation Notes and References<br /> <br /> === Volume 11 - Collateral Bros ===<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume11_1st Ammo|1st Ammo - Lumberjack -Night of Revenge-]]<br /> ::*2nd Ammo - Sports Festival -La Lissa- <br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Farewell, G-4th -The End of G-4th- <br /> ::*4th Ammo - The G Bloodlines -Collateral Bros-<br /> ::*Epilogue - Go for the Next!!!<br /> ::*Translation Notes and References<br /> <br /> === Volume 12 - Halfwolf in a Snowfall - Fall Oblige === <br /> ::*[[Hidan no Aria:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br /> ::*1st Ammo - Let It Vanish <br /> ::*2nd Ammo - Kinji, the Mediocre Person <br /> ::*3rd Ammo - Moe Motiduki <br /> ::*4th Ammo - Kikuyo Kagataka <br /> ::*5th Ammo - Enlightening Emptiness <br /> <br /> ==Project Staff==<br /> <br /> *Project Administrator: [[User:onizuka-gto|Onizuka-GTO]]<br /> *Project Supervisor: [[User:Nera Sleith|Nera Sleith]]<br /> <br /> ===Translators===<br /> '''ACTIVE'''<br /> <br /> '''INACTIVE'''<br /> <br /> :* [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] (Chinese trans.)<br /> <br /> :* [[User:Othao|Othao]]<br /> <br /> :* [[User:YoakeNoHikari|YoakeNoHikari]]<br /> <br /> :* [[User:Nera Sleith|Nera Sleith]]<br /> <br /> '''A.W.O.L'''<br /> <br /> :* [[User:Spadey|Spadey]]<br /> <br /> '''M.I.A.'''<br /> <br /> :* [[User:Seoulfighter|Seoulfighter]]<br /> <br /> '''K.I.A.'''<br /> <br /> :* [[User:Ken FF|Ken FF]]<br /> <br /> '''Retired'''<br /> <br /> ===Editors===<br /> :*[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]]<br /> :*[[User:EnigmaticRepose|EnigmaticRepose]]<br /> :*[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]]<br /> :*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]<br /> :*[[User:Zeker|Zeker]]<br /> :*[[User:Lofthouse|Lofthouse]]<br /> :*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]<br /> <br /> == Series Overview ==<br /> * Volume 1 - "Hidan no Aria I Aria the Scarlet Ammo" / 第一巻: 緋弾のアリア　(Published　August 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8401-2401-0)<br /> * Volume 2 - "Hidan no Aria II Blazing Diamond Dust" / 第二巻: 緋弾のアリアⅡ　燃える銀氷 (Published December 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8401-2600-7)<br /> * Volume 3 - "Hidan no Aria III Honey Trap" / 第三巻: 緋弾のアリアⅢ 蜂蜜色の罠 (Published March 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-2720-2)<br /> * Volume 4 - "Hidan no Aria IV Fall of the Scarlet Ammo" / 第四巻: 緋弾のアリアⅣ 堕ちた緋弾 (Published August 21, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-2873-5)<br /> * Volume 5 - "Hidan no Aria V Overture's Fine" / 第五巻: 緋弾のアリアV 序曲の終止線 (Published December 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8401-3126-1)<br /> * Volume 6 - "Hidan no Aria VI Killing Range 2051" / 第六巻: 緋弾のアリアVI 絶対半径2051 (Published April 23, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3281-7) <br /> * Volume 7 - "Hidan no Aria VII Castling Turn" / 第七巻: 緋弾のアリアVII 火と風の円舞 (Published August 21, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3486-6)<br /> * Volume 8 - "Hidan no Aria VIII Tornado High" / 第八巻: 緋弾のアリアVIII 螺旋の天空樹 (Published December 25, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8401-3678-5)<br /> * Volume 9 - "Hidan no Aria IX Spark Out" / 第九巻: 緋弾のアリアIX 蒼き閃光 (Published March 25, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3859-8)<br /> * Volume 10 - "Hidan no Aria X Arcanum Duo" / 第十巻: 緋弾のアリアX 禁忌の双極 (Published July 25, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3969-4)<br /> * Volume 11 - "Hidan no Aria XI Collateral Bros" / 第十一巻: 緋弾のアリアXI Ｇの血族 (Published December 22, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-4331-8)<br /> * Volume 12 - "Hidan no Aria XII Halfwolf in a Snowfall - Fall Oblige" / 第十二巻: 緋弾のアリアXII 狼狗に降る雪 -フォル・オブリージュ- (Published May 25, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4579-4)<br /> <br /> [[Category:MF Bunko J]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=160185 User:Just4fun 2012-06-05T10:54:34Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 6<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 1<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 11 (No errors so far..)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Chapter1&diff=160184 Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter1 2012-06-05T10:53:47Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==1st Ammo: Manhunt==<br /> <br /> --The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragunov_sniper_rifle Dragunov] Sniper Rifle<br /> <br /> A slender body design, with a great aesthetic design.<br /> <br /> It is very light, and it far surpasses other sniper rifles.<br /> <br /> Also, its durability and reliability are not bad, and it is one of the world-class sniper rifles.<br /> <br /> "Wa, wait. Wait a moment."<br /> <br /> The Dragunov sniper rifle is entirely different than the sniper rifles which only have shooting as an advantage.<br /> <br /> In a hostile environment it won't receive damage, it can continuously shoot through the semi-automatic function, and also, on the peak, there's a bayonet, making it usable as a pike......it's a terrifying 'warzone' sniper rifle.<br /> <br /> "Why are you unhappy......Reki!"<br /> <br /> That muzzle, for now, was pointing directly at me.<br /> <br /> The one holding the rifle was the Snipe division's genius, Reki.<br /> <br /> She is someone who has the potential of a genius, the S-ranked butei in the same grade as me.<br /> <br /> "——You and Aria, cannot be together." <br /> <br /> Her voice completely toneless, Reki replied the same way as before.<br /> <br /> Behind her, there was a bit of Tokyo's chilly night view, with tonight's moonlight blooming with radiance.<br /> <br /> I was stirred up by the sight of that scene with a feeling of uneasiness......<br /> <br /> "United......is what?"<br /> <br /> After she spoke those weird words, I was slightly blushing. <br /> <br /> Just then, Aria and me——<br /> <br /> After cleaning the Inquesta building, we were on this roof. Under the sunset. Just two of us.<br /> <br /> Looking like this, maybe it looked like a scene of a pair of intimate man and woman who loves each other.<br /> <br /> But, why did Reki, who seemed to have seen us two do that kind of thing, draw her gun!?<br /> <br /> "Don't......don't say rubbish. The relationship between Aria and me isn't that kind. It should be just the opposite, just then we were <br /> saying......that, from now on......we will be separated. Us two."　<br /> <br /> "Were you talking about breaking up?"<br /> <br /> "What, what do you mean by 'breaking up'?"<br /> <br /> "If it's like this, then it is even better. Because Kinji-san, can be my husband without being bothered."<br /> <br /> That, that point.<br /> <br /> Only that point.<br /> <br /> The weirdest thing would be that point.<br /> <br /> After chasing Aria away from here, Reki is now pointing her rifle at me......<br /> <br /> ''(And actually, proposed to me!)''<br /> <br /> "Reki, you, why are you talking about 'marriage'......!"<br /> <br /> Also, from the beginning, I have the disease that is called Hysteria Mode in my body. I must live far away from women. <br /> <br /> That you, actually say 'marriage'. What the heck is that!<br /> <br /> "——If it's like this, Kinji-san can become 'Ulus'."<br /> <br /> "Ulus......?"<br /> <br /> "It means 'family'" (T/L note: Ulus is in Mongolian.)<br /> <br /> Family......family member?<br /> <br /> Impossible. This is becoming harder and harder to understand.<br /> <br /> I'm just about to cry.<br /> <br /> "Well, that...after marriage, the man and woman become family. ......But I already have my brother, it's more than enough for me. If you want to have someone you can call family, you can find some other person to take care of you. What do you think?"  <br /> <br /> I said that, trying to evade it.<br /> <br /> " 'The wind says, that it's you' "<br /> <br /> Reki, said that with her previous hard tone.<br /> <br /> " 'The wind says, that it can only be you' "<br /> <br /> ——That tone, seemed to have an inexplicably strong confidence.<br /> <br /> Her pupils, which looked like lenses, were glaring at me as if she wanted to pierce through me with that gaze. <br /> <br /> It is really transparent, the sniper rifle's scope.<br /> <br /> ''(......What the heck is that......!)''<br /> <br /> This Reki, is different from the usual Reki.<br /> <br /> This girl's nickname is 'Robot Reki'. She's always a wordless, emotionless, expressionless girl. But despite that, the Reki as of now, is making me feel some inexplicable intensity, as if I am her target.<br /> <br /> ——As if, she has received some kind of order.<br /> <br /> "Lis-listen to me. Reki."<br /> <br /> I wanted to move my body out of her shooting line, and stepped back a bit as if it was nothing.<br /> <br /> "Your actions are far too contradictory. Since you want me to be part of the family, why are you pointing your gun at me? Put that down, and let's talk about this calmly. Alright?"<br /> <br /> "Denied. Men and women should not talk to each other--"<br /> <br /> And doing the opposite of my suggestion, Reki shifted the gun with the slightest movement possible, pointing it at me while saying:<br /> <br /> "--but steal each other."<br /> <br /> Men and women should steal each other.<br /> <br /> So, that's how Reki views boy-girl relationships. Well, if one had to talk about whether it was right or not, one couldn't say that it's completely wrong.<br /> <br /> But, you, isn't that a ''really'' wrong way of looking at things?<br /> <br /> Performing a Tsukommi on Reki in my heart, in my line of sight...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*Whoosh*</nowiki><br /> <br /> A leaf-brown cloth rode the wind, fluttering down.<br /> <br /> Fluttering precisely within my reach, it was the jacket that I had taken off earlier for the sake of cleaning.<br /> <br /> I looked up at the direction that it had flown from--and there, standing on the air-conditioning unit precisely one level above the ground, a beast was looking down at me.<br /> <br /> That jacket appeared to be something that it had carried in its mouth all the way from the Inquesta classroom.<br /> <br /> ''(Haimaki...!)''<br /> <br /> That was the silver-white wolf that Reki was taking care of, Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Not understanding why he would be holding my uniform...<br /> <br /> I caught it, and a little agitated, I put my hands through its sleeves.<br /> <br /> Butei High's uniform--The jacket and pants are made out of the bulletproof fiber, TNK.<br /> <br /> It's useless against the armor-piercing rounds that Reki was holding earlier, but wearing it is a little reassuring.<br /> <br /> After all, the bullets that are stored in that magazine may not all be pierce rounds.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> "...What?"<br /> <br /> "I too, do not wish to immediately make Kinji-san marry me."<br /> <br /> Naturally.<br /> <br /> "As such--I think that I will give you seven minutes grace."<br /> <br /> Just seven!?<br /> <br /> "From now on, I will attack you seven times. If you are able to escape being hit for more than one minute, I will retract my proposal."<br /> <br /> This is like...explaining the rules of a game.<br /> <br /> A cold sweat breaking out, I looked down at my watch.<br /> <br /> "You can run where-ever you like. But, I'll warn you first. My 'Killing Range' is 2051 meters." <br /> <br /> --Killing range.<br /> <br /> The farthest range at which a hit is a certainty...The people in Snipe have different names for it, but Butei call it "Killing Range".<br /> <br /> Which is to say, that is the distance at which snipers will definitely take out the enemy--<br /> <br /> "In short, no matter where you run to inside this 2051 meter radius, my rifle will be able to hit you. Because, this rifle will never betray me--"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kch* Looking at Reki, who had straightened her gun again, at last...<br /> <br /> I too, strengthened my resolve.<br /> <br /> --I get it, I get it.<br /> <br /> It looks like no matter what, you're not willing to talk with me, Reki.<br /> <br /> Then, as you wish, I will play this game with you.<br /> <br /> The normal me would definitely be unwilling to listen to these words.<br /> <br /> I don't know when Reki figured out how to make me change...But the me as of now has entered Hysteria Mode, where I will listen to anything that girls say, because...<br /> <br /> Without heat or passion, but all the more stimulating because of it--Earlier, Reki's kiss.<br /> <br /> "Then, please marry me before the seventh bullet."<br /> <br /> But...Why 'seven'?<br /> <br /> I didn't have enough time to even voice that question--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Thud!*<br /> <br /> "!?"<br /> <br /> Leaping off the air-conditioning unit, the silver-wolf Haimaki flew over my head!<br /> <br /> I saw that--probably something that Reki had made him wear--on his back, thick metal plating, just like armor, was protecting it. This is...I no longer have the chance to use the paralyzing bullet technique to graze his back, like I did to his brother. <br /> <br /> "--Uu!"<br /> <br /> I, standing at the edge of the Inquesta Building, where the emergency stairs were, was smashed into by Haimaki, pouncing through the air.<br /> <br /> Colliding with me like that, I fell onto the rusty steps.<br /> <br /> As if pulling out its prey's organs, Haimaki ripped my cellphone out of my pocket, and just as that happened--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Chnk!*<br /> <br /> --The Dragunov's gunshot!<br /> <br /> ''(Armor-piercing bullet--!)''<br /> <br /> I was in Hysteria Mode, but the blood froze in my veins.<br /> <br /> I thought I was hit...but there was no pain. I was not injured.<br /> <br /> As I felt a wave of relief wash over me, *Gchhng!*<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> Lumped together like a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dango Dango], Haimaki and I tumbled over together. We struck the handrail of the stairs, breaking it, sending us falling into thin-air.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Don!*<br /> <br /> Haimaki jumped off me, using me as a step, returning to the stairs.<br /> <br /> Quickly deploying the cable in my belt, I, like the Spiderman in the movies, lowered myself down to the emergency stairs a few floors below.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Feeling a strange sensation, I glanced towards my left wrist, and my bulletproof uniform--<br /> <br /> One of the buttons on the cuff was missing.<br /> <br /> I could understand from the tiny piece of broken metal that was left on the sleeve. Just before, Reki had shot it off. The button.<br /> <br /> Reki...Hasn't changed. She's still as impressive as usual.<br /> <br /> As I was rolling around with Haimaki, she managed to shoot such that she only hit the tiny button of my cuffs.<br /> <br /> ''<br /> (But, why did she shoot that kind of thing...?)''<br /> <br /> <br /> As I frowned, by my ear, *Kccccchhhhh*--<br /> <br /> As its paws trod upon the steel stairs, I heard the sound of its footsteps fast approaching.<br /> <br /> Haimaki was rushing down the stairs.<br /> <br /> I stretched out the Beretta in my hand...before I stopped.<br /> <br /> Haimaki's bulletproof armor. That should be the tactical body armor that police dogs or Butei dogs wear.<br /> <br /> My 9mm bullet would be completely useless. Even if I used all my bullets, the best I'd be able to do is delay him.<br /> <br /> With no other choice, I could only spin around, rushing down the stairs, just ahead of Haimaki.<br /> <br /> --Haimaki.<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, I had spent some time chasing you around on a motorcycle in the middle of spring. That's when you were still under Vlad's control. But now...it's your turn to chase me. This is divine retribution, isn't it?<br /> <br /> <br /> Having landed on the ground, I--<br /> <br /> ''(If another bullet comes, I'll defend using Billiard Shot--)''<br /> <br /> -thought that for a moment, before I realized that It was impossible.<br /> <br /> A prerequisite of Billiard Shot is the ability to see the stance of the enemy, and deduce the trajectory of the bullet. I have to link the timing of my shot with the timing of her shot, a technique that only has one chance of success.<br /> <br /> And facing a sniper whom I can't see, it's impossible for me to predict when she will open fire--I can't use it.<br /> <br /> Feeling Haimaki's breath from behind my back, I sprinted forward with all my might, nothing else I could do. Under the strange looks of pedestrians that passed by occasionally, I went under the monorail tracks, jumping the guardrail to enter the commercial district, ignoring the traffic lights--<br /> <br /> And using the anti-sniper tactics that I had learned in Assault, I twisted aside at one of the crossroads, entering a tiny alley.<br /> <br /> Bullets cannot curve, and as such, sniper rifles can only hit enemies that are directly in their line of fire. As long as I hide in this kind of angular place, I definitely won't be hit.<br /> <br /> "Haa, haa, haa..."<br /> <br /> I leaned my back against the wall of the building, glancing at my watch.<br /> <br /> It's just about to reach one minute after the first shot. According to the rules that Reki set down, this should be my victory.<br /> <br /> I thought this, turning my head towards the entrance of the alley to see whether Haimaki had caught up with me--<br /> <br /> --*Giin!*<br /> <br /> Suddenly, sparks burst forth from the pole of the traffic light by the side of the road.<br /> <br /> "!?"<br /> <br /> The next instant, *Bch!*, a feeling of numbness ran up my wrist.<br /> <br /> ''(I-I was hit...!?)''<br /> <br /> I looked to my left wrist in panic--and again, I saw that yet another button on the cuffs of my sleeve had been ripped off by a bullet.<br /> <br /> Reki. You--<br /> <br /> -hit the pole of the traffic light, and you still managed to make the bullet ricochet and hit my wrist!<br /> <br /> L-Snipe.<br /> <br /> Like the concept of the V-shape bullet trajectory that my own Billiard Shot draws in the air, this is a sniping technique that allows the bullet to reach an enemy around an angle, a shot that draws an L in the air.<br /> <br /> I went "Tch", and I ran deeper into alley, which continued to wind--*Gng! Gng!* The sound of ricocheting bullets resounded twice behind me, and this time, the feeling of numbness ran up my right wrist.<br /> <br /> --L-L Snipe...! <br /> <br /> The bullet hit the pole of the traffic light before it ricocheted off a roadside garbage-can, chasing me all the way up the street!<br /> <br /> ''(I-is that even possible...!?)''<br /> <br /> While I continued to go "Tch", I ran through the automatic door of a select shop.<br /> <br /> This is in an alley which has two corners, and what's more, this is a shop. Added to this, in front of this shop, there's nothing like a postbox or power-line pole to ricochet off.<br /> <br /> (This place is definitely...safe!)<br /> <br /> Quite unpopular, this shop was filled with mannequins of girls, but there was not a customer in sight.<br /> <br /> --*Zccchh!*<br /> <br /> I saw Haimaki, hurtling in front of the store like a hurricane...and the store attendant, seeing him, retreated into a corner of the shop.<br /> <br /> Just right. I'm sorry, but I'm just going to hide here for now.<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Drawing my gun and pointing towards the open door, I--couldn't help but frown.<br /> <br /> Haimaki was not entering the store.<br /> <br /> He had stopped in front of the automatic door such that it would not close, and he lowered his head, stretching his front paws out, crouching down.<br /> <br /> ''(...!)''<br /> <br /> I reacted violently, but it was already too late.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Gin!*--*Gin!*--the bullet, having come here all the way through the alley, also--*Giiin!*<br /> <br /> Ricocheted off the metal plating on Haimaki's back, facing this way--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Bcch!* It tore past my right sleeve in a heartbeat.<br /> <br /> "--Uwoah!"<br /> <br /> My wrist having been grazed by a bullet, I fell towards the feet of the mannequins.<br /> <br /> I looked at my hand, sprawled out across the floor--and from my right wrist, one more button had disappeared from the cuffs.<br /> <br /> My mind in Hysteria Mode told me what exactly that meant.<br /> <br /> If you add the first and second button on the chest of my uniform and the 2 cuff buttons on each of my wrists---together, there are six buttons.<br /> <br /> And Reki has been shooting them one by one.<br /> <br /> --Reki's words echoed in my mind.<br /> <br /> "Then, please marry me before the seventh bullet."<br /> <br /> If all six of my buttons go missing, and I still haven't replied with "YES"--<br /> <br /> The seventh shot--where are you going to shoot, Reki.<br /> <br /> Could it be that, you are trying to kill...me!<br /> <br /> "...Fuck...!"<br /> <br /> Reki can see me. Reki can shoot me.<br /> <br /> But despite that, I cannot see her. I cannot shoot her back.<br /> <br /> ''(This is a sniper...!)''<br /> <br /> A battle between pistols and snipers is like a battle between a sword and a gun. If both sides are far apart from each other, the pistol's bullet will have no way of reaching the sniper. Even if it's the me in Hysteria Mode, that fact doesn't change.<br /> <br /> Kneeling on one knee and looking up, I...in an instant, all the mannequins looked like Reki.<br /> <br /> This terrifying feeling. I'm going to go mad. My consciousness was about to be pressured into reaching its limit.<br /> <br /> The me as of right now is being run down by a silver wolf, and I am but prey that cannot evade the bullets of the hunter.<br /> <br /> Yes...This is as Reki called it, a 'hunt'.<br /> <br /> --Isn't this just a...'Manhunt'!!<br /> <br /> <br /> I used all the bullets in my Beretta to chase Haimaki away, and Hysteria Mode, sending interrupted thoughts into my mind, had thought of a place where I could hide.<br /> <br /> I don't know why, but...<br /> <br /> The Hysteria Mode this time, triggered by Reki, went away extremely fast.<br /> <br /> ''(If 'the exterior of an obstacle' doesn't work, then if I enter the 'hollow interior of an obstacle'...!)''<br /> <br /> Perhaps, I might have a chance.<br /> <br /> Thinking that way, I ran, throwing my body about, piercing through the alleys, returning to the entrance of the campus. Hopping the fence, I ran into the Logi's garage. Rushing towards what appeared to be a very sturdy four-wheel drive, I used the multi-purpose tool in my Butei Handbook to open the door.<br /> <br /> Butei cars are completely armored. Even if the enemy uses armor-piercing bullets, it's still able to withstand the attack.<br /> <br /> As long as I hide here, there shouldn't be a problem--<br /> <br /> But, as I had just entered and closed the door.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa!*<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> Cracks, running outwards like a spiderweb, appeared on the window of the car. That was Reki's shot!<br /> <br /> But, the bullet didn't pierce it. It only damaged the bulletproof glass, ricocheting off.<br /> <br /> A-as it should.<br /> <br /> ''(My...victory!)''<br /> <br /> But, as I rubbed my hands, slick with cold sweat, I froze.<br /> <br /> --*Pa!*<br /> <br /> --*Pa!*<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa! Pa! Pa!*<br /> <br /> The sniping...continued without pause.<br /> <br /> And, they were all concentrated on one singular point on the glass, not straying by even a millimeter.<br /> <br /> Reki, like hammering a nail into a plank--Finally--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kch!*<br /> <br /> Shot through the bulletproof glass!<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Bch!* And, on my uniform--the second button on my chest was ripped off, spinning into the air.<br /> <br /> My mind...thought back to Reki's other words.<br /> <br /> "That's why, you should know that there are people who can easily destroy your existences through other means."<br /> <br /> She was completely correct. If what Reki was aiming for was not a button...but my head, then even the me in Hysteria Mode would have had my brains blown out.<br /> <br /> Jeanne, Vlad, Patra--<br /> <br /> Even Sherlock I could beat when I was in this mode--Hysteria Mode!<br /> <br /> Fuck! Ahh, I've understood! I understand it very well! You're stronger than me!<br /> <br /> So, please stop it! Reki!<br /> <br /> <br /> On my uniform, only one button was left.<br /> <br /> I ran out of the four-wheel vehicle, which already had a broken window, and I used the last resort.<br /> <br /> Understanding that running away had no meaning, I no longer ran to extend the distance.<br /> <br /> (More like, I'm doing the opposite...!)<br /> <br /> Just before Hysteria Mode had disappeared, the last place to run had flashed into the forefront of my mind--my starting point, Inquesta.<br /> <br /> The building that Reki was on.<br /> <br /> If she's still on that rooftop, then it's impossible for her to shoot downwards. Absolutely.<br /> <br /> Even if she rushes down the stairs, preparing to shoot within the classroom, she will definitely take too much time, and I will win.<br /> <br /> I sprinted into the building with all my might, running into the classroom that Aria and I had had a competition to clean this evening. I didn't turn on the light.<br /> <br /> I glanced at my watch--It had been 50 seconds since the last shot.<br /> <br /> 10 seconds left. 9, 8, 7...<br /> <br /> Alright. At the last of the last, I made a comeback. Thanks to the inverse logic due to the circumstances.<br /> <br /> As I heaved a sigh of relief--<br /> <br /> "!"<br /> <br /> Her hair and skirt fluttering, Reki--<br /> <br /> --*Bang*--!<br /> <br /> Falling down in what amounted to a standing position, she shot me through the window!<br /> <br /> That bullet, fired from point blank range, shattered the glass. And inexorably, it continued towards me, who couldn't help but flinch backwards. Towards the first button on the chest of my uniform.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kin!*<br /> <br /> It was blown away...!<br /> <br /> (I'm done...!)<br /> <br /> Apparently having affixed her cable to the roof, Reki, *Shhh*...used a miniature automated reel to ascend up the cable and entered the classroom through the window. Standing in front of me, who was still in a state of shock.<br /> <br /> [[Image:Aria06 031.jpg|thumb|right]]<br /> Afterward, she raised that face, which looked like it belonged to the CG of a game character, drawn with painstaking care...<br /> <br /> And like a robot, she raised the Dragunov towards me.<br /> <br /> Pointing at the chest of my uniform, which was wide open--pointing it at my completely defenseless, vulnerable, heart.<br /> <br /> "--I-I surrender. I understand. Don't fire."<br /> <br /> Reki really is a girl whom I cannot understand.<br /> <br /> So, she might really kill me with the seventh bullet.<br /> <br /> Because before this, when we had fought with Patra, she had shot the opponent in the head as if it were perfectly natural.<br /> <br /> "Whether it's marriage or something else, I will agree. Don't fire."<br /> <br /> My last thread of hope, Hysteria Mode, having been released, I could only raise my hands in defeat.<br /> <br /> And in front of me, who was in this position...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Kch.* Reki leaned the Dragunov against a desk by her side.<br /> <br /> "--Then, Kinji-san. From now onwards, I am yours. I have translated the following edict into modern Japanese...If you don't understand, then please forgive me."<br /> <br /> And with that, taking off her headphones, striding in my front of me--<br /> <br /> In the empty nighttime classroom, she knelt.<br /> <br /> Behind her...the moon, particularly enormous tonight, scattered its rays through the shattered window.<br /> <br /> "From this moment onward, I am for Kinji-san to use. The strength of my gun is yours, use it as you will. My body has become but one of your possessions, use it as you will."<br /> <br /> ...He-hey...<br /> <br /> "A bride does everything her lord wishes. I vow that my bullets will seek vengeance upon all those nearby who wish to harm my lord. I will eradicate them, not leaving a trace."<br /> <br /> Wh...What did you say?<br /> <br /> Just now, you set your wolf on me, and you shot at me...<br /> <br /> But despite that, now, "my body has become but one of your possessions"?<br /> <br /> "One of Ulus is all, and all of Ulus is one. From this moment onwards, us 47 girls of Ulus, no matter when, for eternity, will become your strength."<br /> <br /> As if reciting certain requirements, she added this last sentence, in front of me, who was still stunned--<br /> <br /> Standing up lightly, she wore her headphones again, and she picked up the Dragunov, shouldering it.<br /> <br /> "... ..."<br /> <br /> She was completely still. She just stood there like that. And that expressionless gaze was fixated upon the empty air in front of her.<br /> <br /> This is probably...the normal Reki. I can already feel the lack of killing intent.<br /> <br /> I may not know why, but that hunter form she was in just now, appears to have stopped.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Standing there in a daze, just like Reki, I felt a chill trickle up my spine...Using my mind in normal mode, I organized this sequence of events, which didn't seem to have fully registered in my mind.<br /> <br /> Just now, that 'Manhunt' was probably an exhibition of Reki's power.<br /> <br /> --If you run, I will kill you.<br /> <br /> That message had been deeply engraved into my mind.<br /> <br /> And just after that, she announced that she would marry me.<br /> <br /> --I am yours.<br /> <br /> These 2 messages were completely contradictory, but without a doubt, she had conveyed such to me in reality.<br /> <br /> (...)<br /> <br /> I scratched my head, trying to ascertain the situation around me.<br /> <br /> I've been captured by a sniper. If I run, I will be sniped. The Butei phrase for such situations is, 'Sniper Restriction'.<br /> <br /> It conveys the situation of being trapped in the opponent's Killing Range--an invisible cage.<br /> <br /> Following the rules that I had learned in Assault about being restricted by an enemy...I should pretend to surrender, not resisting, no matter what may come my way. Submit and obey the opponent's every order. <br /> <br /> And, later, take the chance to escape, or call for support.<br /> <br /> Well...right now, Reki probably won't interrogate me or kill me like a Yakuza or terrorist. So, the first movement that is laid down--'Surrender', should be the correct step to take.<br /> <br /> But, although I waved a white flag--<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> -I had no idea of what to do afterward.<br /> <br /> Reki seemed to have entered standby, and she didn't move at all.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I tested the waters, taking one step, two steps back...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap Tap*<br /> <br /> Uu. She followed.<br /> <br /> I turned my back, leaving the classroom...*Tap Tap Tap Tap* She continued to follow, at my back.<br /> <br /> ...So hateful. This is like the incarnation of a ghost, haunting my back.<br /> <br /> Thinking that, I quickened my steps, wanting to descend the stairs--<br /> <br /> Appearing to notice this, Reki, *Shh*,<br /> <br /> Grabbed my sleeve.<br /> <br /> "...What is it."<br /> <br /> "Please don't leave me."<br /> <br /> "Why?"<br /> <br /> "I cannot let the enemy attack you."<br /> <br /> The enemy, she says. Who would want to attack me?<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, she said this before she started to attack me. Something like, "the enemies from now on," <br /> <br /> ...Wasn't that about you?<br /> <br /> But, if I just resist her, things will get ugly, right? If I push Reki's switch, and she becomes weird again, she might just deliver the seventh bullet a little late, directly to my head this time.<br /> <br /> "So...what are you going to do, Reki? From now on?"<br /> <br /> "I will obey you. I will carry out any orders you give."<br /> <br /> "...Get away from me."<br /> <br /> "I cannot do such a thing."<br /> <br /> What is this. Despite the fact that you just said you will carry out any orders I give.<br /> <br /> With that, I looked back, an unsatisfied expression on my face.<br /> <br /> "Then...raise one leg."<br /> <br /> I copied the old movie that I had seen on TV, 'Terminator 2', and I tried saying something horrible.<br /> <br /> And--*Shh*<br /> <br /> On top of the stairs, Reki raised her right knee a little, standing there on one leg, just like a flamingo.<br /> <br /> Hmmm...well, looks like she really will do anything I say.<br /> <br /> ...Alright. I've thought of something good.<br /> <br /> "A little more up."<br /> <br /> This could be my chance to escape.<br /> <br /> I--will push Reki. I'll just pretend it's payback for the blow from before.<br /> <br /> If she rolls down the stairs like that, I can steal the Dragunov before running away.<br /> <br /> Diagonally above me, who had been putting this together in my mind, Reki raised her small, deer-like leg.<br /> <br /> But, her center of gravity didn't change at all. That's amazing, that sense of balance feels like that of a gymnast.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shhh*....*Shhhh*...<br /> <br /> That snow white knee continued to raise up, continuing to reach towards the ceiling...<br /> <br /> And her thigh, nearly horizontal now, brought her skirt along with it...<br /> <br /> "...!"<br /> <br /> Ah...Hey...<br /> <br /> Th-the scene before my eyes is about to get da-dangerous!<br /> <br /> "A-alright, alright! You can bring it down now!"<br /> <br /> Turning my face around, I gave her an order, panicked.<br /> <br /> --<nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap*<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuah* Reki brought her leg down, and her skirt returned to normal.<br /> <br /> "?"<br /> <br /> Seeing me so panicked, Reki twisted her head by one centimeter.<br /> <br /> Hey, is there a need to go "?" If you had raised it more, I'd be able to see under your short skirt. If you're a girl, then be a little more embarrassed, a little more unwilling, alright?<br /> <br /> Really--Reki really is a robot girl.<br /> <br /> Now, have I been forced to take something I don't want at all, a remote control?<br /> <br /> A defective remote control, one with a missing switch: 'Go far away'.<br /> <br /> Me.<br /> <br /> Reki, behind me.<br /> <br /> Haimaki, behind Reki.<br /> <br /> We walked through the nighttime street in a row, just like RPG characters...I was thinking.<br /> <br /> To be honest, I was extremely, extremely angry. I wanted to return home and sleep as fast as possible.<br /> <br /> But, at this time, if I were to bring Reki back to my own room--earlier, having misunderstood the relationship between Reki and I, Aria...Meeting up with her would be very awkward.<br /> <br /> And, Shirayuki as well. She said that she was going to stay at the Meiji Shrine tonight...But, my misfortune has been proven again and again, so with that in mind, I followed the steps in my head: "I will return home before the agreed time!" → "Some pests have attached themselves to Kin-chan! Pests should be exterminated!" With that, there's the possibility that Dormitory War III will break out again.<br /> <br /> As for Muto or Shiranui's place...that won't do either. As long as Reki continues to follow me, those places won't do at all.<br /> <br /> With no other options, I told Reki this.<br /> <br /> But, Reki didn't take it seriously at all, and she said:<br /> <br /> "Then come to my room."<br /> <br /> And at that moment, I finally noticed...I had already been pressured into a position where I had no choice but to do that.<br /> <br /> <br /> (The girl's dormitory...how hateful...)<br /> <br /> Stealthily, making sure that the teacher on duty didn't notice me, I walked into the 2nd girl's dormitory. Reki and Haimaki's steps were completely silent, but the same couldn't be said for me. Hey, Reki, how is it that you have such a perfect gait? You may have said "come to my room," so calmly, but isn't it obvious that if I'm noticed, things will get ugly?<br /> <br /> Continuously complaining in my heart, I arrived at Reki's room...<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Inside, was the same terrifying desolateness, without a trace of life.<br /> <br /> The room, illuminated by a single lightbulb, had no furniture at all. Actually, why doesn't the wall even have a clock on it? It's amazing that you're able to live in this kind of sickening atmosphere.<br /> <br /> It may have been the second time I had come here, but I still felt a vague feeling that I was intruding.<br /> <br /> "... ..."<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, even though it looks like this, this room still belongs to a single girl.<br /> <br /> And from now on, I am going to live with Reki here, just a boy and a girl.<br /> <br /> This...in terms of Hysteria Mode, is a huge pinch.<br /> <br /> Because, if I go into Hysteria Mode, and spend a night with Reki, who has a personality like that of a hostess, doing something that I can't take back...<br /> <br /> ...I might really have to take responsibility. I might have no choice but to marry her. That really is a deathtrap. Also, the person in question won't resist at all.<br /> <br /> (I have to stay alert...)<br /> <br /> I couldn't help but twist my gaze away from Reki, who was bending down, removing her shoes on the bare concrete...couldn't help but twist my gaze away from the nape of her neck, slightly exposed...so white that I could hardly tell the difference between her skin and the uniform. <br /> <br /> Never having applied any makeup or cosmetics, Reki has never received a lot of attention, but in truth...<br /> <br /> She is a breathtakingly beautiful girl.<br /> <br /> In truth, her face as it is, is far more beautiful than a model's face, completely covered with makeup.<br /> <br /> That expressionless face makes people feel that she is hard to approach...but, just as Reki's secret fanclub believes, she is amazingly cute.<br /> <br /> "--Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> "Hmm? Ah, um, what?"<br /> <br /> Thinking about that, my voice a little agitated, I couldn't help but twist my head around to look at Reki, who had suddenly raised her head, looking my way.<br /> <br /> Th-this expressionless gaze, looking upwards--Damn it, it's cute. It's like the gaze of a puppy.<br /> <br /> "The keycard to this place. Please use it as you like."<br /> <br /> Reki's slender, white finger...It was hard to believe that just few a moments ago, it had been pulling the trigger to a sniper rifle--passed the ID card to me.<br /> <br /> (I don't want it! But, if I say something like that, her sniper rifle will spit fire again, right...)<br /> <br /> With no other choice, I reached out, but my fingers...and Reki's soft, gentle fingers.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Shh*<br /> <br /> For an instant. They touched. As if linking with each other.<br /> <br /> --*Dogun*<br /> <br /> My heartbeat, a strange sound.<br /> <br /> For some reason, this seems to be the sound between 'Dokin' and 'Giku. It's pretty talented. My heart, that is.[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Hidan_no_Aria:Volume6_Translator%27s_Notes#Chapter_1]<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Ahh...Damn it. I can't speak. Against girls...I am weak. No matter how much time may pass, no matter which girl it may be.<br /> <br /> <br /> Reki strode into one of the interior rooms from the entrance. Inside, was the only piece of furniture--On the table, were various tools, which looked like metal brushes and anvils. Those tools were used for maintaining guns.<br /> <br /> Having been standing in the living room in a daze, I didn't really want to stay inside the desolate living room...and so, I also walked into the other room, which was like a workroom.<br /> <br /> "...Sorry for interrupting."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki didn't look at me. She was sitting up straight on the chair, preparing to maintain her sniper rifle.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Click Click Chck Chck*<br /> <br /> The gun was dismantled under Reki's practiced movements, turning into a mass of components, laid out piece by piece onto the table.<br /> <br /> There was nothing like a manual or handbook by her side.<br /> <br /> It appears that each component and function of the Dragunov, down to the smallest screw, was completely memorized by her.<br /> <br /> Her technique able to match any Amdo teacher, perfectly maintaining the Dragunov, Reki--<br /> <br /> -*Kch*, pointed the reassembled rifle at the wall, checking it.<br /> <br /> Almost like a swordsman who had just been given a katana.<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san. I'm sorry, but starting now--please stop breathing for a while."<br /> <br /> "...Breathing? What?"<br /> <br /> "There is a chance that the water particles in your breath might stick to the bullet and affect it, somehow."<br /> <br /> Finished talking, Reki pulled open a drawer and took a vinyl-sealed ziploc bag from out of it. From within it, she took out a 7.62×54mmR--a sniper round.<br /> <br /> (...Breathing, she says. She really has some mental problems...)<br /> <br /> But still, I lowered my breathing, staring at Reki as she worked.<br /> <br /> Looking closely, there was a scale on the table. That was an instrument to precisely measure how much gunpowder to use in each bullet.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, sealed inside the case that Reki had just taken out, were bullets, all of them made by Reki herself. She certainly pays a lot of attention to fine detail.<br /> <br /> As for me, I always go to buy the pistol bullets that are resold by the army. Not even that, I always aim for the cheap ones.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Wearing gloves, Reki placed one bullet, two bullets on the table, in a neat row.<br /> <br /> After she had finished laying them all out, *Shh*, she stared at the 20 bullets, spread apart... <br /> <br /> Her eyes, seeming like scanners, gazed upon the bullets, flowing from left to right in a meticulous order, unblinking....<br /> <br /> She only picked one bullet up.<br /> <br /> Continuing to scan the bullet from every angle, Reki made me feel as if she needed no instruments to measure anything. Rather, with just her eyes and fingertips, she could sense every microgram of fault, feel every nanogram of error.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki slotted the bullet, which appeared to have passed her test, into the magazine, and the remaining 19 bullets...*Clatter Clatter*. She threw them all into the rubbish bin by her feet. Once again, she took out another case, which probably held 20 bullets as well.<br /> <br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> "Misfire protection. I will only use the best bullet from the 20."<br /> <br /> "...Don't be so wasteful. This is an eco-era, after all. And as for misfires, when they happen, they happen. There's no stopping it."<br /> <br /> "Until now, that has not happened to me once."<br /> <br /> Apparently having a lot of pride when it comes to matters involving guns, Reki answered me, the box clasped between her hands.<br /> <br /> "That...I realize that maintenance is important. But, there will be times where guns, as well as tools, don't respond to our commands. The ability to adapt to such a situation, and overcome it is what it means to be a Butei."<br /> <br /> "This gun will not fail me."<br /> <br /> Reki returned those words, her tone slightly firmer, slightly louder, those cute lips tightly closed--<br /> <br /> Her gaze returned to the desk, and she continued selecting the bullets.<br /> <br /> It's true that...if one does such a thing, the probability of a misfire happening will become zero.<br /> <br /> (But--this way of doing things, she won't even let one drop fall from her cup.) <br /> <br /> With just one battle, she completely dismantles her gun, maintaining it, protecting against any malfunctions.<br /> <br /> All her bullets are made meticulously, and even after that, they undergo a strict selection phase to prevent any chance of misfiring.<br /> <br /> Reki's attitude, obsessive to this level, leaves no room for error.<br /> <br /> It may be that I, not wanting to be killed, decided to surrender first, looking for a chance to run...<br /> <br /> But, looking at this scene, her meticulousness is such that, there will be no 'chance to run'.<br /> <br /> (At any rate, were I to escape to any corner of Academy Island...as long as I am within two kilometers of Reki, I will be sniped...)<br /> <br /> It looks like my plan to run was meaningless.<br /> <br /> Since that's the way things are--The only thing I can do is, convince Reki to stop attacking me.<br /> <br /> But, how do I do that?<br /> <br /> I leaned against the wall, my mind whirring into gear, thinking of how I could regain my freedom.<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, I might have seen something in the appendix of one of the Assault textbooks--<br /> <br /> When being used as a hostage, when the opponent has no weaknesses, when it's impossible to run...as the last resort, there's still the method, called: 'Lima Syndrome'.<br /> <br /> Lima Syndrome is a situation where after a period of time, the offenders will begin sympathizing with the hostages and in the end decide to end the conflict of their own free will. It is named thus because of just such a situation that happened in 1996, when a large-scale kidnapping incident occurred in the Japanese embassy of Lima, Peru. <br /> <br /> (But, will that method work? On this robot girl?)<br /> <br /> Thinking about those things, I--<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Click*<br /> <br /> -heard the sound of Reki inserting the magazine, completely loaded with handpicked bullets, into the Dragunov. A noise so ominous, filled with despair.<br /> <br /> <br /> After finishing the maintenance of her gun, Reki...*Tap Tap*<br /> <br /> Strode into the living room.<br /> <br /> As she walked, her clothes rustled, and in a flowing movement, she pulled her scarf, part of the school uniform, off.<br /> <br /> ...What's she doing now?<br /> <br /> Not understanding, I gazed upon her back...<br /> <br /> Inside a small side room, upon closer investigation, there was what appeared to be a miniature washing machine. Inside it, Reki took off her headphones...<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Rustle* Her hands grasped the hem of her shirt.<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Rustle*<br /> <br /> "--!?"<br /> <br /> Sh-she pulled it up with one movement!<br /> <br /> "--Wait! Wait! Why are you taking off your clothes!?"<br /> <br /> Reki's exposed back, shining like a pearl, made me panic.<br /> <br /> "Bathing."<br /> <br /> "Do-don't turn around!"<br /> <br /> "--The stains on one's body will affect one's health. Conversely, my health will affect the accuracy of my sniping and as such, I must constantly cleanse myself."<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Zcch* She pulled her zipper down. *Fyuu*<br /> <br /> A-and without a moment's hesitation, sh-she even took her skirt off.<br /> <br /> Panicked, I twisted around, my back facing Reki, who had no qualms whatsoever about exposing her unadorned, white undergarments.<br /> <br /> "Th-that's not what I'm talking about, I-I saw it all, you know!"<br /> <br /> "I care not."<br /> <br /> "I care!"<br /> <br /> "--Haimaki, come here."<br /> <br /> Reki didn't appear to understand the reason for my resistance--*Kch, Shhhhh, Fyuu*<br /> <br /> -once again, the noise of rustling clothes reached my ears.<br /> <br /> And the source of that noise--I had no wish of thinking about.<br /> <br /> How dangerous is this girl?<br /> <br /> I knew that she had no emotions, but I didn't expect that it would even extend to things like this.<br /> <br /> Why is it that, in front of me...you can remove your clothes so calmly!<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Tap Tap Tap Tap* Haimaki passed by my side, and the sound of the shower door closing reached my ears...*Shhh*...the sound of a shower really started.<br /> <br /> And my eyes, just like the shower, gushing water now, were watering. Damn it. What a horrible day.<br /> <br /> <br /> --'Lima Syndrome'<br /> <br /> Taking some time to establish a relationship with Reki, and afterward, convince her into letting me go.<br /> <br /> That was my last hope of getting out of here.<br /> <br /> (But...) <br /> <br /> Relationships can only be formed between people.<br /> <br /> But, facing the inhuman Reki, there doesn't seem to be any chance of success.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, my plan has to start with educating Reki about human emotions.<br /> <br /> And that--is a long, perhaps endless, path. But, if I don't act, there will be no way for me to leave this Sniper Restriction. So, I have to adopt an indomitable mindset and find a way to carry out, 'Reki's humanization'...<br /> <br /> <nowiki>After I too, had borrowed her shower--</nowiki><br /> <br /> -My head resting on Haimaki's back, lying on the ground, I pondered my plan in secret.<br /> <br /> Before, his fur wet, looking like a dog, Haimaki shook himself violently on the balcony, throwing the water off and returning to normal. His fur was soft, and very comfortable.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I twisted my head to the side, and Reki, wearing a sailor uniform, was sitting upright against the wall. It appears that she has several uniforms, and she wears them alternatively.<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> Before, when I found out about it, I was extremely surprised, because Reki sleeps upright.<br /> <br /> Some say that, during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengoku_period Sengoku period], some warriors, for the sake of being able to react immediately to the enemy's surprise attacks, had the habit of clutching their swords while they slept. And in modern times, Reki still does that. Even while she sleeps, she does not show any weaknesses. <br /> <br /> (Well...but, as a girl, you're full of weaknesses.)<br /> <br /> ...Wearing that kind of short skirt, sitting like that, on your knees.<br /> <br /> I can understand that, if one sits like that while holding a sniper rifle, that stance is very stable...but, could you tell me where my eyes are supposed to look?<br /> <br /> As a result of your present, for the sake of not seeing anything...unnecessary, I chose a very uncomfortable sleeping position. Well, I may say that, but no matter where I lie, it will be cold, bare concrete.<br /> <br /> "...It's time for lights out. May I switch off the lights?"<br /> <br /> Hearing her words, I glanced at my watch, it was just 9:00, not 1 second more, or less. It's no wonder there are no clocks here, her body clock is as accurate as a robot's.<br /> <br /> "It's fine. There's nothing to do in this empty place, anyways."<br /> <br /> I responded, almost complaining.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa*<br /> <br /> Reki used the muzzle of the Dragunov to push the switch of the light behind her, switching off the light. But, the Tokyo streetlights, by the sea, were shining in a little, and as such, it wasn't very dark.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Silently, Reki closed those eyes, which were like gems, floating in the midst of the darkness.<br /> <br /> That gave me the feeling of a robot switching itself off, quieting down...But, she's still breathing. That chest, which could not be said to be well-developed, no matter how one looked at it, was rising and falling, in time with her breaths.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> Reki's sleeping face, appearing in the midst of the faint light--<br /> <br /> Such a terrifying enemy...has such an unparalleled beauty. Such that it makes me feel a little lost, a little confused.<br /> <br /> More appropriately, this is some sort of allure, right? That face, so neat, seemed to be like a doll...fashioned from some sort of crystal, crafted lovingly by a famous artisan.<br /> <br /> <nowiki>*</nowiki>Fyuu*<br /> <br /> An aroma, reminiscent of plant-scented shampoo, wafted over, in the wake of the wind. Reki's hair, damp from her shower, under the night breeze, coming in through the partially opened window, was slowly returning to its natural smoothness.<br /> <br /> "...Are you asleep yet?"<br /> <br /> "...Not yet."<br /> <br /> Once again, Reki opened her closed eyes, looking this way.<br /> <br /> It was only a vague feeling, but I felt that Reki was also thinking deeply, waiting for sleep to come. If it's now, I feel that I'll be able to converse with her calmly.<br /> <br /> Thinking that way, I,<br /> <br /> "Asking when things have come to this is a little late...but why did you take someone like me?"<br /> <br /> I came straight out with the question that I had wanted to ask from the start.<br /> <br /> "The 'wind' ordered me to do so."<br /> <br /> "Wind...? What's that? Is it someone's codename?"<br /> <br /> "Not a person. The wind is the wind."<br /> <br /> Wind...?<br /> <br /> Are you talking about the wind that's blowing around outside right now?<br /> <br /> That's merely the flow of gas, a natural phenomenon. How could something like that give anybody an order?<br /> <br /> "Then, what is the wind?"<br /> <br /> "The wind is the wind."<br /> <br /> ...Unnn...<br /> <br /> It looks like continuing to ask along this line of thought is a waste of time. There's a feeling that we'll back and forth: "What's that?" "That's the wind," for all eternity.<br /> <br /> --Let's ask about something else to start up a conversation.<br /> <br /> "...You said, 'order'? Then, this proposal, mm...is like an arranged marriage, and is not of your own free will?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> ...Hey, hey...<br /> <br /> I couldn't stop my face from twitching.<br /> <br /> "...Will you obey that...wind, no matter what it says? I don't understand, even if the wind makes you marry someone like me...you don't care?"<br /> <br /> I asked blankly. Reki--<br /> <br /> "--I am a single bullet. A bullet has no heart. Therefore, it does not think--"<br /> <br /> She used the mantra-like words that she always said when firing, to respond.<br /> <br /> --It does not think.<br /> <br /> Which is to say, as long as the wind wills it so, you will, just like a bullet, always fly out in response to the pull of the trigger, and devotedly obey?<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I...had no way of asking anything about the restriction anymore.<br /> <br /> Because, I had already realized that, no matter what I asked, it would be useless.<br /> <br /> It isn't possible for Reki's thoughts to suddenly change. Because, she never had her own thoughts to begin with.<br /> <br /> This may seem like a rhetoric, but in principle, it is impossible to make 'nothingness' undergo 'change'.<br /> <br /> Heaving a sigh at this conversation, completely meaningless, I--<br /> <br /> "Then...since we're playing house, what should I do?"<br /> <br /> I asked about something else I was worried about.<br /> <br /> Is it fine if I just laze around, playing the part of a useless husband?<br /> <br /> "I don't know."<br /> <br /> ...You don't know, you say. You didn't think about this at all, did you?<br /> <br /> "But, Kinji-san and I are no longer children, physically."<br /> <br /> Reki brushed off her headphones lightly, continuing tonelessly,<br /> <br /> "While living together, just leave the rest to your natural instincts--that's what the wind told me."<br /> <br /> "Natural instincts...?" <br /> <br /> "Yes. The wind said, we would naturally have children."<br /> <br /> Children...<br /> <br /> "Children!?"<br /> <br /> Children!<br /> <br /> My head slipped off Haimaki's back, the back of my skull violently colliding with the concrete floor.<br /> <br /> Fr-from marriage, this topic turned to children.<br /> <br /> ...Which is to say, th-that kind of thing!<br /> <br /> That's impossible for me! Absolutely impossible! From the beginning, as for girls, I--<br /> <br /> -wanted to refuse, but Reki probably already knows about my Hysteria Mode. Which means, having already exposed my arousal from Reki's kiss, I have no right to say anything.<br /> <br /> "Just, I don't know what I should do...so, I'll leave everything to Kinji-san. Kinji-san appears to be quite familiar with this, and wives should give everything to their husbands, as well."<br /> <br /> Reki's calm voice made me sit up violently.<br /> <br /> "Yo-you said that, "Kinji-san appears to be familiar with this,"...What is that supposed to mean?"<br /> <br /> "Kinji-san is liked by many girls, so I believe that you are very familiar with the relationships between men and women." <br /> <br /> "I-I'm not familiar at all. If I had to use an adjective, it would be 'slow'. Because, I am somebody that always avoids girls. I think you know this too, but it's for the sake of not activating the sickness that is Hysteria Mode."<br /> <br /> I said, as if venting my feelings, and I lay back down on Haimaki's stomach.<br /> <br /> "Anyways, even if the one in a million chance that a girl likes me occurs...then, they'd just like the me in Hysteria Mode. The normal me is just a useless, uninteresting high schooler."<br /> <br /> "--Wrong."<br /> <br /> Reki directly refuted my words.<br /> <br /> "Outside of HSS...of Hysteria Mode, you hide a different, amazing power."<br /> <br /> "...?"<br /> <br /> Outside of...Hysteria Mode?<br /> <br /> This is the first time I had ever heard someone say this.<br /> <br /> "--One of them being, your submerged charisma. Such things are hard for one to notice about oneself."<br /> <br /> "Submerged...?"<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it...Before, Tsuduri-sensei also said something like this.<br /> <br /> She said that I have "a sort of charisma".<br /> <br /> "That is the characteristic of a leader. The characteristic of a general."<br /> <br /> ...General?<br /> <br /> She's talking about generals.<br /> <br /> "When you were fighting with I-U, you activated a certain core ability, gathering numerous allies about you--even your enemies were swayed under your influence, becoming your companions. And this, is unquestionably the growth of your unique charisma. After all, once an excellent general appears, warriors will naturally gather around him."<br /> <br /> "...Hey..."<br /> <br /> I shook my head.<br /> <br /> "Even in Hysteria Mode, I am weaker than you. My abilities, as compared to Nii-san and father is such that I feel shame over my inexperience. How could I have that kind of charisma?"<br /> <br /> "A general does not need unparalleled intelligence, or power. That is something that each warrior should have. And, I'm not stating this in relation to Hysteria Mode, but stating this in relation to that particular part of Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I turned around, my back facing Reki.<br /> <br /> Reki's personality...is such that she will not lie.<br /> <br /> So, that probably isn't flattery, but her true beliefs.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I...<br /> <br /> Without even looking at a mirror, I know that my cheeks are slightly red.<br /> <br /> I may not know why...but, I'm abnormally embarrassed.<br /> <br /> I feel that...having that kind of direct affirmation of something inside me that isn't Hysteria Mode, is too much. But, this is something that I have never heard before, throughout my entire life.<br /> <br /> I had no idea of how I should react.<br /> <br /> "Also, just now, Kinji-san said, you are 'weaker than me'--But, I know that if Kinji-san were serious, you would be stronger. You are still conserving, locking away, your true power."<br /> <br /> "--Don't say any more."<br /> <br /> My voice, a little deeper, halted Reki.<br /> <br /> Reki wasn't wrong...that battle from just now...<br /> <br /> If I had wanted to, I wouldn't have needed to run away.<br /> <br /> If my heart could accept killing somebody...<br /> <br /> I could have eradicated Reki and Haimaki. I could have wiped them out.<br /> <br /> "...I don't wish to use that kind of power, and I will never use it again. Using my full strength against you, what will it achieve?"<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> "Guns, swords, whichever one is stronger--is meaningless for me. I'll take this opportunity to explain this to you, next year, I will drop out of this school and transfer to a normal high school. So? What do you think? That is how I truly feel. Unexpected, isn't it?"<br /> <br /> "No--If you do that, I will drop out of Butei High as well, and follow you to a normal high school."<br /> <br /> Reki's answer could not help but make me twist around.<br /> <br /> This...was the first time I had seen such a reaction.<br /> <br /> Despite the fact that, as long as they heard me say such a thing, Aria's, even Shirayuki's expression would freeze.<br /> <br /> "--A person's personality is not reliant upon which school they go to. No matter which school you go to, Kinji-san will be Kinji-san."<br /> <br /> Still sitting upright, Reki, just as always, was looking down at the floor, and she asked,<br /> <br /> "Is there something that Kinji-san wants to do, going to a normal high school?"<br /> <br /> Hearing Reki's counter-question, I was a little tongue-tied.<br /> <br /> "...This..I'll think about it after I transfer."<br /> <br /> "I see."<br /> <br /> Reki's tone, seeming to carry a hint of the question, "that's not how it really is, right?" made me feel as if I was being led--<br /> <br /> "Probably...there might be something."<br /> <br /> The words casually slipped out of my mouth, retracting my previous statement, meant to disguise my true intention.<br /> <br /> "But...that is just a dream, hidden in my heart. In reality...I've never worked for it at all. So now, I can just drag myself through my Butei High days. As if just hanging in the air, suspended by a string."<br /> <br /> I understood very clearly that this wouldn't do. But, even with that, my heart...knew that the school I was attending now had no way of allowing me to take that very first step.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> As if knowing my thoughts, as if understanding me, Reki...didn't say anything.<br /> <br /> (Reki...)<br /> <br /> To be honest, I...never thought that I'd be able to talk to her about this.<br /> <br /> Reflecting on this in my heart, I glanced towards the side of Reki's face.<br /> <br /> Reki has never showed any care for others. No matter who she faces, she will never form any reassuring expressions, never any promising smiles.<br /> <br /> As a result, she has no friends. If I had to name one, Aria would be the only one she could call friend.<br /> <br /> And I--<br /> <br /> -had never thought that I would tell Reki my true feelings.<br /> <br /> The me in Butei High would never speak my mind to anybody. That is because, there is nobody in this place that would be able to talk about this kind of thing with me.<br /> <br /> Thinking about this, my feelings, full of rejection against Reki just a moment ago...<br /> <br /> Seemed to have flipped slightly.<br /> <br /> Flipped--which is to say, I felt a certain closeness.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> I'm not sure whether she felt the same as I, but Reki, who seemed to be only moving her eyes, looked directly into mine.<br /> <br /> "..."<br /> <br /> That wordless stare, Reki's gaze...<br /> <br /> Slowly...<br /> <br /> I may be wrong, but it felt as if she was waiting for some sort of order.<br /> <br /> (...Order...)<br /> <br /> Now that I think about it, just now...I acquired an invisible remote to this person in front of me, Reki.<br /> <br /> --Acquired that remote, which had only one missing button: 'Go far away.'<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> But, as opposed to that, there was a button which said, 'Come here'.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> ...No, no. I can't...!<br /> <br /> Because I had relaxed a little, I had thought of it for an instant.<br /> <br /> A little embarrassed, I turned my head a little, but those light-pink colored lips, opened in the midst of that shining porcelain-like skin, flashed into my eyes.<br /> <br /> (...Just now, those lips suddenly...touched mine...)<br /> <br /> Reki's lips--<br /> <br /> Apparently reacting to my gaze, she shifted, perhaps a millimeter.<br /> <br /> Suddenly feeling as if my thoughts had been seen, I became a little agitated.<br /> <br /> ...This isn't good.<br /> <br /> I had only noticed it now, but Reki, whether it be in terms of strength, or in terms of Hysteria Mode...she was the strongest enemy I had faced so far.<br /> <br /> To put it briefly, I had already understood that she was someone so beautiful, someone whom the more you looked at her, the more beautiful she seemed--<br /> <br /> And, although I don't wish to admit it, but she definitely has...as compared to Aria, Shirayuki, Riko...a completely different allure.<br /> <br /> "We...we should sleep. The opening ceremony for the 2nd semester is tomorrow. I don't want to be late on the first day of school."<br /> <br /> I said, turning my head towards the ceiling. I used Haimaki's tail as a eyeshade, covering my eyes with it.<br /> <br /> The moment that I had seen Reki's face before I turned my eyes away, it was expressionless, the same as ever, but--<br /> <br /> For some reason, I had a slight feeling...<br /> <br /> That that face was filled with an immeasurable sorrow.<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{Hidan no Aria Nav|prev=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Illustrations|next=Hidan no Aria:Volume6 Chapter2}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=IS:VolumeSS3_Chapter2&diff=159491 IS:VolumeSS3 Chapter2 2012-06-02T09:04:58Z

<p>Just4fun: </p> <hr /> <div>==Chapter 2: Cecilia's Chapter--Noblesse Oblige==<br /> <br /> In the middle of summer, Ichika was walking alone under the hot and intense summer sun.<br /> <br /> “Un, I finally managed to get to the street in front of the station, and I already planned to go out with Kazuma and Dan.”<br /> <br /> Muttering to himself that he failed so badly, Ichika continued to walk on aimlessly.<br /> <br /> (Mn, what do I do now…it’s a rare chance to go to the game parlor, isn’t it? Guess not. It seems that I spent a lot of money on some unimportant stuff…)<br /> <br /> A thorough explanation behind this scenario would have to involve the girls around Ichika.<br /> <br /> Houki, Cecilia, Rin, Charlotte and Laura. As he went out to play with these five girls, his high school funds vanished in a puff of smoke.<br /> <br /> (But really, other than Houki, everyone’s a representative cadet. It can’t be helped that the government’s giving money.)<br /> <br /> Ichika may have let the girls treat for the first time, but he would politely decline if it was twice or more.<br /> <br /> It was because Ichika would pay like this that those five girls developed feelings for him that would not fade.<br /> <br /> (Hn…?)<br /> <br /> Suddenly, someone ran over from the other side.<br /> <br /> Even in the middle of the street that was crowded with people walking around, that figure stood out amongst them.<br /> <br /> The bright blond hair extended to below her waist, glittering under the sunlight.<br /> <br /> And as she walked over, that swaying posture dazzled under the sun as much as ever.<br /> <br /> She was wearing a super high-class summer dress, and the high quality lace immediately attracted attention.<br /> <br /> It just so happened that Ichika knew this eye-catching person.<br /> <br /> “Cecilia!?”<br /> <br /> “I, Ichika-san!?”<br /> <br /> Most likely, she came running in from somewhere, since she was breathing so hard.<br /> <br /> Cecilia first checked on her surroundings, and then found a photo booth beside a convenience shop.<br /> <br /> “Ichika-san, over there!”<br /> <br /> “Eh? Uwah!? O, oi! Why are you dragging me!?”<br /> <br /> “Hurry!”<br /> <br /> Cecilia aggressively showed her personality, and Ichika was dragged together into the cramped space.<br /> <br /> “…”<br /> <br /> “Erm…”<br /> <br /> Ichika found himself side by side with Cecilia in that narrow space, and the close distance made his heart race.<br /> <br /> (Uu... That’s really a nice smell…is, is that perfume?)<br /> <br /> Ichika started to lose himself to the high-class perfume that gave a slight aroma, and the humidity in the cramped space made Ichika start to sweat like crazy.<br /> <br /> “Ce, Cecilia, what’s wrong? Who’s chasing you?”<br /> <br /> “Eh, ehh…well, a group of men dressed in black…”<br /> <br /> “That’s really an interesting development. Just like a movie.”<br /> <br /> Ichika joked around to hide his awkwardness of them being stuck together.<br /> <br /> But he shut up on seeing Cecilia’s gloomy expression.<br /> <br /> (Uu…can’t stand it. Really…)<br /> <br /> <center><span style="font-size: 150%;">◇</span></center><br /> <br /> (Fuu…seems like we got away.)<br /> <br /> Cecilia pat her chest a few times, and turned around to check the current situation.<br /> <br /> (I, I just followed through the momentum…ahh, but, but, being alone with Ichika-san in such a tight space.)<br /> <br /> On realizing this, she blushed. It was not because of the summer heat that her body temperature to rose, but her forehead started to sweat too.<br /> <br /> (I, I’m not reeking of sweat, right…? I feel that the perfume should be enough…)<br /> <br /> A maiden in love would be afraid of letting the man she likes smell her sweat, and she would feel like dying if that happened.<br /> <br /> (I want to avoid that no matter what!)<br /> <br /> But even so, they were packed inside the narrow space of the photo booth. Right now, there was no space for both of them to even cross their legs. The smell, the body temperature, the breathing, they could feel them all.<br /> <br /> (What do I do now?)<br /> <br /> DOKI DOKI! The chest cried loudly as the body temperature and heart rate went up critically.<br /> <br /> “I, I say, Cecilia.”<br /> <br /> --DOKI!?<br /> <br /> “Wha, what is it?”<br /> <br /> She subconsciously answered without thinking.<br /> <br /> Perhaps finding it too embarrassing, Cecilia used her hand to cover her mouth. <br /> <br /> “Well—I guess. Should, shouldn’t we get out?”<br /> <br /> “Eh, tha, that…”<br /> <br /> “Well, it’s really hot…”<br /> <br /> “Yo, you’re right…”<br /> <br /> Though her feelings as a girl were playing with her as she didn’t want to go out.<br /> <br /> But Cecilia, who suddenly backed away, rolled her eyes around at other direction and muttered.<br /> <br /> “Is, is it because of the smell…?”<br /> <br /> “Smell?”<br /> <br /> Though she was just muttering, they were close together in an intimate position. Cecilia’s words were heard by Ichika, and because of that, she blushed so thoroughly that even her ears went red.<br /> <br /> “No, never mind. I do worry about the smell though…”<br /> <br /> “U…”<br /> <br /> “Is that perfume? It sure smells nice.”<br /> <br /> “It, it’s nice!?”<br /> <br /> “Eh, ah, yeah.”<br /> <br /> “So, I see!”<br /> <br /> The next moment, Cecilia’s face brightened.<br /> <br /> And then, she started chatting away.<br /> <br /> “I’m using the L'Ireal number 15 perfume today! Fufu, as expected of Ichika-san, you have quite the good taste.”<br /> <br /> Once her mood got better, Cecilia started regaining that confident master mood.<br /> <br /> But in such a close distance, they got swallowed by the hot breath.<br /> <br /> And Ichika blushed about this as he pulled Cecilia’s hand...<br /> <br /> “Let’s get out, Cecilia.”<br /> <br /> “Ah, okay.”<br /> <br /> Cecilia nodded on instinct as she was shocked.<br /> <br /> Her head went blank as her hand was held, and she and Ichika went outside the photo booth.<br /> <br /> “Well, Cecilia. Who was chasing after you?”<br /> <br /> “Erm…”<br /> <br /> Cecilia stuttered, unable to say it out.<br /> <br /> Seeing her like that, Ichika felt that it was better not to dwelve too deep into it.<br /> <br /> “Mn, well. It’s not that I need to understand, but where should we hide—”<br /> <br /> Ichika continued to stare at Cecilia.<br /> <br /> That serious look scared Cecilia.<br /> <br /> (Do, do I look weird somewhere…? Do, don’t tell me that my hair got messy when I ran away…?)<br /> <br /> “Your outfit.”<br /> <br /> “Eh?”<br /> <br /> “It’s too eye-catching. See, everyone’s looking at you. They’re probably thinking ‘what sort of ojou-sama is that’.”<br /> <br /> On hearing these words, Cecilia looked at her clothing. <br /> <br /> Though her attire of the summer dress didn’t feel out of place, the quality, the design, they all looked really high class.<br /> <br /> Not to mention, it would be worth more than 1 million yen.<br /> <br /> “You just need to change clothes.”<br /> <br /> “But I, I don’t have any clothes to change to now.”<br /> <br /> Hm~ Ichika folded his arms to think of a solution, and suddenly clapped his hands.<br /> <br /> “Let’s go buy some.”<br /> <br /> “Eh?”<br /> <br /> “It’s near the shopping district here. How about it?”<br /> <br /> Ah. Saying till there, Ichika suddenly panicked as he rummaged through his wallet.<br /> <br /> And his face went white after seeing the contents.<br /> <br /> “So, sorry…I’m a little shorthanded…”<br /> <br /> “No, there’s no need for that! I’ll pay for it myself! I’m Cecilia Alcott, the English cadet and head of the Alcott family, you know?”<br /> <br /> ‘’I brought my credit cards!’’ After saying that, she pulled them out. There was practically an unlimited amount of them, and she even had the unlimited black card, one of the less than 10 cards in the world.<br /> <br /> On a side note, such card could even buy mansions worth billions or theme parks. However, without either the fingerprint identification, the cornea identification, the pulse identification, the voice identification and signature identification, it couldn’t be used. It was really an amazing thing.<br /> <br /> “Well, Cecilia, I don't think there’s a shop that accepts that card.”<br /> <br /> “Eh? Why?”<br /> <br /> “We’re just going to a normal clothing shop.”<br /> <br /> “Ah, then how about this ordinary civilian card?”<br /> <br /> However, Cecilia’s so-called ‘civilian card’ was a platinum card worth 10 million yen.<br /> <br /> For some reason, Ichika felt the strength sweep off his shoulders.<br /> <br /> “Well. This card’s an ordinary credit card, so I guess you can use it.”<br /> <br /> “That’s right. Then, let’s go.”<br /> <br /> Saying that, Cecilia walked off cheerfully.<br /> <br /> Ichika sighed heavily and changed his mood as he walked beside her.<br /> <br /> <center><span style="font-size: 150%;">◇</span></center><br /> <br /> "This is the shop?”<br /> <br /> “Ah, this is the shop I was talking out. It’s popular among teenagers.”<br /> <br /> The products were said to fit teenagers, and Ichika wondered if that was bad.<br /> <br /> (So Cecilia isn’t suited to this, right? She’s still an ojou-sama at heart after all.)<br /> <br /> But, what was really unexpected was that Cecilia’s eyes glittered.<br /> <br /> “This is really refreshing! I have a lot of clothes, but I don’t have anything like this at all.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, I see. That’s good.”<br /> <br /> “Ye, yes…”<br /> <br /> Cecilia suddenly squirmed and turned her hand to Ichika, who was behind her and looking up.<br /> <br /> “If, if possible, Ichika-kun, can you choose one for me?”<br /> <br /> “Eh? Me?”<br /> <br /> “Ye, yes!”<br /> <br /> “Un, I did choose Chifuyu-nee’s clothing before… but is this really good? You’re letting me choose.”<br /> <br /> “Of, of course!”<br /> <br /> Cecilia declared this as she again emphasized it.<br /> <br /> “The, then…I hope to be dyed in the color of Ichika-san…”<br /> <br /> Her face immediately turned red as she muttered softly.<br /> <br /> Besides, it’s too embarrassing to say the truth like that, as Cecilia said that in a volume Ichika couldn’t hear.<br /> <br /> “Mn—well, leave it to me then.”<br /> <br /> “Okay!”<br /> <br /> “Please give your orders, ojou-sama.”<br /> <br /> Ichika played a little joke, and Cecilia giggled in protest.<br /> <br /> “Do, don’t~! Don’t call me ojou-sama.”<br /> <br /> “Hahaha. Sorry sorry.”<br /> <br /> “…It’d be great if Ichika-san was my personal subordinate…”<br /> <br /> “Hm?”<br /> <br /> “No, nothing at all! Nothing at all!”<br /> <br /> Cecilia rubbed her hands together. Though her face was dyed like a cherry blossom, she’s showing a really happy look.<br /> <br /> --15 minutes later.<br /> <br /> “I, I’m done.”<br /> <br /> On hearing Cecilia’s voice from the changing room, Ichika, who was sitting on the sofa opposite, inadvertently stood up.<br /> <br /> “Do the sizes match?”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine…ahem. Can you help me check this out?”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I’m good when you're ready.”<br /> <br /> “Then.”<br /> <br /> Shyaa. The screen was pulled aside.<br /> <br /> Cecilia appeared and put her hands on her hip, displaying herself like a model.<br /> <br /> Like what Ichika thought out, she was dressed in a sky-blue tears shirt to go with the black ¾ pants. She’s wearing a casket hat, and she had a pair of really suitable sunglasses on her.<br /> <br /> “How’s this? My casual outfit.”<br /> <br /> “Un. It’s quite good. Really suits you.”<br /> <br /> “Well, of course it suits me. O, other than that, shouldn’t you compliment me with something?”<br /> <br /> “Eh?”<br /> <br /> “Like…c,cute…?”<br /> <br /> Completely different from that confident look she expected, Cecilia uttered shyly, and it was so soft Ichika couldn’t hear it.<br /> <br /> “Hm? Hm~…ohh!”<br /> <br /> Ichika clapped his hands together. Readying her pose and expecting a compliment, Cecilia’s chest couldn’t help but tremble.<br /> <br /> “Your pose’s really amazing!”<br /> <br /> “I, I, Ichika-san? I, it’s not that I’m unhappy about you praising me about that, bu, but that’s too much.”<br /> <br /> “Just joking. You look cute in casual clothes, Cecilia.”<br /> <br /> “!! Re, really?”<br /> <br /> “Mn.”<br /> <br /> (Ahhh, Ichika-san, Ichika-san…!)<br /> <br /> Having been praised by Ichika for being cute or something, Cecilia’s heart inadvertently bloomed like the flowers. Of course, the flowers were roses, white roses that represent nobility. (TN: I believe white roses mean eternal love, or something like that.)<br /> <br /> Not knowing the happiness in Cecilia’s heart, Ichika reached his hand over.<br /> <br /> “There’s a step. Be careful.”<br /> <br /> “Eh, ehh. Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Ichika looked like a prince escorting a princess down a carriage, making Cecilia blush in the process.<br /> <br /> <<Orimura-sama has the natural ability to attract female gazes, right? My mistress, please be careful. Maintain your sanity and don’t be lured over.>><br /> <br /> Chelsea’s words appeared in Cecilia’s mind for a moment, but it was quickly blown off at the speed of light, so fast that a Doppler phenomenon never occurred.<br /> <br /> (Ahh. I, I’ll go down and be Ichika’s woman…)<br /> <br /> Her heart seemed to be flowing with golden honey.<br /> <br /> (If there’s a need to shoot down Ichika-san’s heart, I’ll be the one to do that personally. Sniper of the Sky, pilot of the IS [Blue Tears]—Cecilia Alcott!)<br /> <br /> As for the knight’s soul she imagined it to be and worship—well, it didn't exist.<br /> <br /> Cecilia’s heart got so sticky that she would surrender once she saw steamed sweet potato with butter. (TN: This is a little hard to explain. Steamed sweet potato is sticky, hot butter is gooey. Sticky and gooey, get it?) <br /> <br /> (Ahh, what a wonderful moment.)<br /> <br /> ‘’But it’s just ordinary casual clothing!’’ The mini-Ichika that seemed to be hidden in her heart said. Either way, Cecilia shot him down with the [Starlight MK III], and her heart again sank into the sea of happiness.<br /> <br /> Her shoulders used up the 120 seconds of endurance, and her sweat turned her face into a cherry blossom.<br /> <br /> “Then, where should we go next?”<br /> <br /> “Eh. Ehh. I just want to go wherever Ichika-san wants to go—”<br /> <br /> Before she could finish, Cecilia stopped herself and used Ichika’s body as cover.<br /> <br /> “? What’s wrong, Ce—”<br /> <br /> “Shh! Those men!”<br /> <br /> Cecilia whispered as she pointed in a direction. There were two men in black suits and shades observing their surroundings and walking around.<br /> <br /> “That was close. Cecilia, put on your shades.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay.”<br /> <br /> After saying that, she put the shades on her face. The attire created a mysterious elegance that shocked Ichika.<br /> <br /> (It’s like she’s a Hollywood star.)<br /> <br /> By the way, it’s not rare to see the representatives and cadets of a country take part in movies, dramas, singer, models, attend concerts or musicals.<br /> <br /> Not only that, it’s to be expected of a country’s ambassador to promote the fact that the country has an IS.<br /> <br /> With the crazy fanclubs all over the world, it was really common for the girls in promotions to change their nationalities. Though a few of them were girls who wanted to be the next generation of pilots, a lot more of them are males who are attracted to them. No matter the age or the situation, this seems like it won’t change at all.<br /> <br /> “Er, erm, Ichika-san?”<br /> <br /> “Ah, ahh, sorry. I was too engrossed.”<br /> <br /> “En, engrossed…!?”<br /> <br /> Cecilia’s face went red again. It seemed like her face was red throughout today.<br /> <br /> “Not good. That guy entered the shop… Cecilia.”<br /> <br /> “…Ichika-san was too engrossed in me. Ichika-san was too engrossed in me…fufu♪"<br /> <br /> “Cecilia? Oi, oi, hello?”<br /> <br /> “Ye, yes!? Wh, wha, what’s the matter?”<br /> <br /> “It’s over if you’re spotted. Stick close to me and go out.”<br /> <br /> “Stick close?”<br /> <br /> “Well, it’ll be alright if we lock each other's elbows.”<br /> <br /> “!? Lo, lock each other's elbows…!?”<br /> <br /> Having completely forgotten that she did the same to Ichika before (TN: Volume 2), Cecilia’s heart pounded, DOKI DOKI, as she kept her body close to Ichika.<br /> <br /> “Ah, erm, that…”<br /> <br /> “Shh, you’ll attract attention if you talk.”<br /> <br /> Ichika whispered to Cecilia at a close distance, and she nodded her head hard. Her face was red all over again.<br /> <br /> Gyuu. She grabbed Ichika’s arm, and her heart felt like it was going to pop out of her mouth.<br /> <br /> Though her chest felt a little sweet pain, her happiness outweighed it. Having become accustomed to this complicated taste, Cecilia and Ichika walked out of the room.<br /> <br /> Even through their clothes, she could feel those trained muscles. On realizing that, Cecilia’s heart pounded, DOKI DOKI, as she continued to walk.<br /> <br /> (If I’m hugged tightly by this elbow…)<br /> <br /> ‘’My maiden circuits would be completely wrecked.’’<br /> <br /> Thinking about this, Cecilia exhaled some hot air as she sighed.<br /> <br /> <center><span style="font-size: 150%;">◇</span></center><br /> <br /> “KYAAAHHH!!”<br /> <br /> Cecilia, who was walking with Ichika, let out a shrill cry.<br /> <br /> “Ar, are you alright?”<br /> <br /> “Bu, but…but…”<br /> <br /> In the darkness, Cecilia hugged onto Ichika’s elbow tightly.<br /> <br /> It was a dark hidden room with only two people—of course not. It was the cinema.<br /> <br /> In the end, to avoid the men in black suits and shades, Ichika and Cecilia went into the nearest cinema…<br /> <br /> “I, I’ve never been able to take such horrifying stuff.”<br /> <br /> Cecilia dragged Ichika in without checking the content of the movie.<br /> <br /> However, it was not the man-made horror movies like zombies and monsters, but a documentary that showed real life in a more gruesome manner.<br /> <br /> “Uu…”<br /> <br /> Ever since the beginning, Cecilia’s arm never left Ichika’s elbow.<br /> <br /> “If, if you’re that scared, should we go out?”<br /> <br /> “Bu, but, aren’t we not allowed to stand up when the movie’s showing?... We won’t be discovered easily if we mix into the crowd…KYAAAAAHHH!!!”<br /> <br /> Gulp~<br /> <br /> “Are you alright, Cecilia?”<br /> <br /> Ichika stroked Cecilia’s head gently.<br /> <br /> The soft touch of that hand made Cecilia sigh.<br /> <br /> “Ahh…”<br /> <br /> “Okay. It’s not scary, not scary.”<br /> <br /> “…”<br /> <br /> If it was the usual Cecilia, perhaps she would go ‘don’t do that, I’m not a child anymore’ and push the hand away, but it really felt good to be stroked by Ichika.<br /> <br /> (Ichika-san’s hand’s really gentle…)<br /> <br /> Her eyes couldn’t help but close.<br /> <br /> She sighed, giving off a radiance that a 15-year-old shouldn’t have.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> ……<br /> <br /> ………<br /> <br /> “Well—we were scared in the end.”<br /> <br /> “Tha, that’s right.”<br /> <br /> After watching the movie, Cecilia’s words became really vague, unlike the satisfied Ichika.<br /> <br /> She completely memorized the ending and content of the movie (and she didn’t feel scared anymore because of that.)<br /> <br /> “Bu, but, the following movies are rather good. Li, lik, like for example, romance or something—”<br /> <br /> “Huh? What’s that kid doing there?”<br /> <br /> “Well, are you listening?”<br /> <br /> Cecilia forcefully pinched Ichika’s arm, and this hurt more than expected as Ichika couldn’t help but cringe.<br /> <br /> “It hurts. So, sorry. But, the kid over there, is she lost?”<br /> <br /> “Eh?”<br /> <br /> After Ichika said that, Cecilia turned to look in the direction Ichika’s finger was pointing.<br /> <br /> “Uunn…uuuueehn…”<br /> <br /> Like what he said, there was a girl crying there.<br /> <br /> “…”<br /> <br /> Cecilia let go of Ichika’s arm and walked to the girl.<br /> <br /> “What’s wrong?”<br /> <br /> Cecilia’s eyes met the girls, and she pulled her handkerchief out to wipe the girl’s tears.<br /> <br /> “Un…ueeehhn…”<br /> <br /> But only the crying remained, and Cecilia couldn’t understand at all.<br /> <br /> Even so, Cecilia’s gentle look made the girl calm down gradually as she continued to wipe the tears off.<br /> <br /> “See, don’t cry. Girls can’t cry in front of others so loudly.”<br /> <br /> “Ueh…uu…gusuu…”<br /> <br /> The girl finally stopped crying, and Cecilia praised her ‘you did well’.<br /> <br /> The girl was really happy, and finally started to talk about what happened.<br /> <br /> “Pa, papa and mama are gone…”<br /> <br /> “Where did you lose them?”<br /> <br /> Ichika, who waited silently behind Cecilia, finally spoke on seeing that the girl calmed down.<br /> <br /> Nobody knew when he bought a candy stick as he held it in his hand.<br /> <br /> “Okay, you’ll feel better once you try it.”<br /> <br /> “U, un…”<br /> <br /> “Then, where did you lose papa and mama?”<br /> <br /> “The park.”<br /> <br /> “The park?”<br /> <br /> “Un…I chased after a kitty, and I ended up in a place I don’t know…ueh…”<br /> <br /> She was definitely anxious. Most likely, the girl thought of how she lost sight of her parents as her eyes teared up again.<br /> <br /> “Erm, your name?”<br /> <br /> “Yu, Yuri…” (TN: In hiragana, ゆり)<br /> <br /> “Yuri…’Zephyranthes’. That’s a nice name.”<br /> <br /> “Zephyran…?”<br /> <br /> “That’s what ‘Yuri’s called in English.” (TN: Yuri would mean 百合, Lily, and Zephyranthes is the genus of Lily.)<br /> <br /> “Fuu…”<br /> <br /> Yuri felt that it was refreshing to hear an English word she never heard before, and though puzzled, she stopped crying.<br /> <br /> Then, she started licking the candy Ichika bought for her, and then smiled.<br /> <br /> “This is really good!”<br /> <br /> “Really? Glad you like it.”<br /> <br /> “Yep!”<br /> <br /> Yuri seemed to like it a lot as she licked the candy stick like she was in dreamland.<br /> <br /> “Then, let’s find the parents. There should be a park nearby if we walk from the north exit of the train station.”<br /> <br /> Ichika pulled his phone out and downloaded the images from the internet. Since there were obvious landmarks in the park, she should be able to spot it by comparing.<br /> <br /> “Yuri-chan, does that park have this stone there?”<br /> <br /> “Nn…I think so…”<br /> <br /> “Okay, it’s the Odawara Park already. Let’s go then.”<br /> <br /> After saying that, Ichika held Yuri’s hand.<br /> <br /> “It’s not good to get lost.”<br /> <br /> “I can’t go with people I don’t know, papa and mama sa…”<br /> <br /> “Th, that’ll be really troublesome if they said that.”<br /> <br /> “Ara, he’s not someone you don’t know. Have you seen ‘Orimura Ichika’ on TV before?”<br /> <br /> “Ah. I remember seeing him on some special channel.”<br /> <br /> “On some special channel?”<br /> <br /> “Ichika-san’s famous, you know? Because ‘he’s the only male IS pilot in the world’, isn’t that right?”<br /> <br /> “Ahh! I heard of that! The ‘only one’!”<br /> <br /> Yuri, most likely, she remembered what her mother commented about on seeing the TV channel as she shouted out.<br /> <br /> “O, onii-chan. Are you an actor!?”<br /> <br /> “No, I’m not some actor.”<br /> <br /> “Bu, but, you’re the ‘only one’!”<br /> <br /> “Ah—yes.”<br /> <br /> “A, amazing! People who appeared on TV.”<br /> <br /> Perhaps Yuri was touched because of something Ichika didn’t know of, as her eyes were glittering. Most likely, the people on TV affected real life badly, and they would want to get a signature of an actor they like, or something like that.<br /> <br /> “Therefore, he’s ‘someone you know’, right?”<br /> <br /> “Un! Yes!”<br /> <br /> “Let’s go then.”<br /> <br /> Bringing Yuri, who believed them, Ichika started walking.<br /> <br /> But after a few steps, Yuri stopped.<br /> <br /> “What’s wrong?”<br /> <br /> “Un.”<br /> <br /> She pointed her finger at Cecilia, and just when Cecilia was about to have a ‘?’ above her head, Yuri spoke up.<br /> <br /> “Onee-chan, you need to hold hands with Yuri too!”<br /> <br /> “So you want to hold hands together tightly, right?”<br /> <br /> “Ahh, I see.”<br /> <br /> Still thinking of why there was a need to ‘hold hands’, Cecilia finally understood Ichika’s words.<br /> <br /> And then, she walked to the other side of Ichika—and grabbed Yuri’s right hand as the three of them walked side by side.<br /> <br /> “Wa—i♪”<br /> <br /> The trio held hands as they walked together.<br /> <br /> While walking to the park, Cecilia remembered her past.<br /> <br /> (I think, I was about 5 that time…)<br /> <br /> During the time when both parents were still around, and when both husband and wife had a good relationship.<br /> <br /> During autumn, the trio would walk on the ground of the park that was covered with fallen leaves.<br /> <br /> Like how the trio were holding hands together.<br /> <br /> (At that time…I was happy that my parents, who were busy with work, could come out to spend time…)<br /> <br /> It was simple happiness, not a trace of confusion.<br /> <br /> Thinking about that, the kind smiles of her parents were all the more colorful.<br /> <br /> --It’s just that this was the last memory she had of her parents being together.<br /> <br /> After that, both husband and wife started to have a divide growing between them, until only Cecilia was left alone.<br /> <br /> To attract her parents attention, she started learning piano, violin and other things.<br /> <br /> Whenever she had a performance, without fail, only her father or mother would show up alone.<br /> <br /> (Mom…dad…)<br /> <br /> ‘’I really want to meet them.’’<br /> <br /> Right now, as a representative candidate, she would definitely be praised by both of them.<br /> <br /> And one day, she would show that smile like how it was that day.<br /> <br /> --I want to see them. I want to see them. I want to see them.<br /> <br /> She recalled the reluctant lonely times.<br /> <br /> “Ce, Cecilia…?”<br /> <br /> “Eh…?”<br /> <br /> Unknowingly, Cecilia’s face was full of tears.<br /> <br /> “Ah, are…? That’s strange.”<br /> <br /> Her tears dripped down.<br /> <br /> The sudden change shocked Ichika, who was holding onto the handkerchief, panicking and not knowing what to do.<br /> <br /> At that moment, Yuri, who’s holding Cecilia’s hand, said to her clearly.<br /> <br /> “Onee-chan. Girls can’t cry in front of others.”<br /> <br /> “Fufu, you’re right…mn, I’m alright.”<br /> <br /> Now that the young girl pointed that out to her, Cecilia sad feelings were swept away as she used her fingers to wipe her tears.<br /> <br /> --That’s right, she was no longer "that" Cecilia.<br /> <br /> Even if she was no longer able to meet her parents again, she was not alone now.<br /> <br /> In Japan, this foreign land, she met her classmates and friends.<br /> <br /> And also, the person she likes.<br /> <br /> So, she was not alone anymore—<br /> <br /> She thought deep within her heart.<br /> <br /> Either way, if she were offensive against others, she would end up being alone. Right now, Cecilia could calmly realize this.<br /> <br /> (I’m a bad, bad child.)<br /> <br /> But, that was in the past.<br /> <br /> The lonely her who always tried to act tough no longer remained.<br /> <br /> (I like Ichika-san—)<br /> <br /> ‘’Yes, if I keep such honest thoughts.’’<br /> <br /> ‘’I’m no longer, alone.’’<br /> <br /> ‘’The world, is so wonderful.’’<br /> <br /> <center><span style="font-size: 150%;">◇</span></center><br /> <br /> At sunset in the park, looking down from the high platform onto the street, one could find Ichika and Cecilia sitting on the bench.<br /> <br /> “It’s great that we found that kid’s parents immediately.”<br /> <br /> “Yes.”<br /> <br /> Most likely, they ran around looking for their child, as the father kept thanking Ichika and Cecilia.<br /> <br /> As for the mother, she was crying non-stop because her beloved daughter’s here.<br /> <br /> Most likely, Ichika and Cecilia would never forget the way Yuri smiled and squealed when she saw her parents.<br /> <br /> “Ichika-san.”<br /> <br /> “Hm?”<br /> <br /> “Thank you very much for today.”<br /> <br /> Ichika couldn’t help but be stunned for being thanked so suddenly.<br /> <br /> “Actually, I escaped.”<br /> <br /> “Ahh, from those black suits?”<br /> <br /> “No, it’s not really like that—”<br /> <br /> Just when Cecilia was about to say something, a boom was heard.<br /> <br /> Batabatabatabatabata.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a helicopter flew overhead.<br /> <br /> And the person beside the pilot’s seat was someone Ichika met before.<br /> <br /> “Ojou-samaa~!”<br /> <br /> “Chelsea-san!?”<br /> <br /> “You’re not allowed to leave your work! And on top of that, running away as the head of the Alcott family!”<br /> <br /> Lecturing forcefully, she had a sniper rifle on her knee, but it was better to ignore it.<br /> <br /> Cecilia got up from her bench and walked to the helicopter.<br /> <br /> “Ehh, Chelsea. Right now, I won’t run away anymore.”<br /> <br /> On hearing Cecilia’s words, Chelsea heaved a sigh of relief as she patted her chest, and kept the sniper rifle on her knee.<br /> <br /> The wind from the rotor blades nearby blew the casket hat off. Cecilia held it down with her hand and waved to Ichika.<br /> <br /> “Besides, I’m Cecilia Alcott—”<br /> <br /> That face was showing an elegant smile,<br /> <br /> “A first-class lady.”<br /> <br /> [[Image:Cecilia_IS_BD3.png|thumb]]<br /> <br /> <center><span style="font-size: 150%;">◇</span></center><br /> <br /> That night—<br /> <br /> “…”<br /> <br /> Cecilia hugged the casket hat on the bed.<br /> <br /> The hat Ichika chose was really cute.<br /> <br /> “What happened today is my precious memory.”<br /> <br /> A summer date.<br /> <br /> Though the sunlight was hot, and so hot it was unbearable.<br /> <br /> “Good night, Ichika-san.”<br /> <br /> Chuu…<br /> <br /> With a kiss on the casket hat, Cecilia closed her eyes slowly.<br /> <br /> That night, what she dreamed was a girl’s secret…<br /> <br /> <noinclude><br /> {{IS Nav|prev=IS:VolumeSS3_Chapter1}}<br /> </noinclude></div>

Just4fun https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Just4fun&diff=159079 User:Just4fun 2012-05-31T11:31:29Z

<p>Just4fun: /* Currently Editing: */</p> <hr /> <div>Hey! i joined baka tsuki for editing and i also love reading light novels (especially had an anime adaptation)<br /> <br /> == Currently reading: ==<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD.<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria<br /> <br /> Zero no Tsukaima.<br /> <br /> == Next on the Line: ==<br /> <br /> Kore wa Zombie Desuka?(Teaser)<br /> <br /> == Finished reading: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS) (Disappointed bec. volume8 got cancelled because of the publisher case dunno when it will release. but they say infinite stratos is now dead.)(I really hope volume 8 will release soon!.)<br /> <br /> == Currently Editing: ==<br /> <br /> Infinite Stratos(IS): putting some captions on the illustrations<br /> <br /> Hidan No Aria: Editing Volume 5<br /> <br /> HighSchool DxD: Editing Volume 1<br /> <br /> Zero No Tsukaima: Editing Volume 11 (No errors so far..)<br /> <br /> If my edits are wrong do not hesitate to post something in my discussion: [[User Talk:Just4fun|Talk]]</div>

Just4fun