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Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 3 A-Part

2014-07-22T00:52:16Z

TeKuma:

==Chapter 3 A-Part - Life and Mind==

■Search Results for "date":
* a particular day on the calendar.
* an agreed upon time for opposite genders to meet up.
* the word "date" originally meant the day of the month but gradually took on the meaning of "a man and a woman agreeing on a time, then meeting up at that time."
* a man and a woman making a promise to go out without interference from others.

Hence, Shiinamachi-senpai and I were strolling along the seashore on a date.

I don't quite understand either how this happened. After a convoluted process, that was how the situation developed--

"Jirou-kun, what's with you?"

Shiinamachi-senpai's attire was probably what one would call a white shoulder-less one-piece dress. The skirt's hem was decorated with many layers of frills and she looked like angel to me. The white straw hat was also an excellent match for her dress and made her look like a sheltered classy young lady.

Anyway, I felt very happy to be able to go on a date with Senpai.

"Nothing much, I'm just feeling so elated to be on a date with you, Senpai."

Senpai in casual clothing and even exposing her shoulders an collarbone, I really didn't know how to get along with her.

Of course, I knew that I could just treat her the usual way, but I really couldn't remember how I usually got along with Senpai.

"Fufu, actually… I feel a little nervous too."

Senpai seemed a little shy, her cheeks getting red… That's absolutely unfair.

"I'm nervous too."

"Yes, I can see that. Your glasses look like they're about to mist over."

"Eh?"

I frantically took down my glasses and vigorously rubbed the mist off the lenses.

"Should be fine now."

"Oh I'm sorry, I was just joking with you…"

To think it was just a joke… And I even failed to respond normally to Senpai's joke, clearly I'm really far too nervous.

"But it's great that I got a chance to see you without your glasses, Jirou-kun."

"Ooh…"

Senpai looked up cheerfully at me. The heat rising from my body seemed to make my glasses mist up again.

Right now, the feeling I have is… There was one sun hanging high in the sky, and there also seemed to be another sun down below.

"But someone should be targeting you currently, Shiinamachi-senpai, is it really okay for us to be strolling outside?"

"Hmm… Well…"

Senpai made a troubled look then said:

"The story mentioned that certain things might happen tonight, so perhaps trying to get targeted might be our goal."

"Certain things? That sounds quite ambiguous, you know?"

"The 'stories' of the Nightkin are often cryptic in content. The basic content of the stories mostly consist of vague explanations. For example, they might mention 'a certain incident might be encountered in the future', 'on a certain day, certain things might happen' etc, and most of the endings aren't very clear."

So the Nightkin's stories were really ambiguous. When I first heard the term "story", I was thinking there would be more detailed content recorded in them…

"However, the majority is… How should I say it…? In my story, it seems that there are many dangerous parts so that's why Shiki says I need vassals who can contribute in powerful ways. But because… I'm almost unable to interact with boys, so…"

Born in a family of killers, I was forced to learn all sorts of professional skills. Combined with the fact that I had feelings for Senpai, that's probably why Shiki recommended me to her.

"So, why are you able to interact with me?"

"…I don't know either. Somehow it feels like there's a nostalgic smell coming from you, Jirou-kun."

I couldn't help but bring my hand to my nose to sniff.

"Fufu, I don't mean that kind of smell. I'm referring to a certain kind of atmosphere. For some reason, whenever I'm with you, Jirou-kun, I get a reassuring feeling."

"I-In that case, I'm very glad about that."

"Yes, I feel very glad too!"

Seeing Senpai's reassured smile, I really felt thankful that I was able to exude this kind of aura.

"I understand. Since the story says something will happen, is there any related information mentioned?"

"Let me think… The story uses Nightkin language so I can only try my best to express the linguistic feeling. Translated directly, it feels like the event mentioned is something like 'the story's real beginning is a path that gradually becomes clear amidst the gap between life and death'."

…I see. That definitely was cryptic. I recalled how I wasn't able to understand the full meaning of foreign books when reading in English.

"The story is roughly composed by forms resembling poetry. So that's why I wanted to say, since it mentions 'real beginning', then probably… It means that certain events will happen."

"You're right, that sentence really does give a feeling like something's gonna happen."

Rather than ambiguous, it would be better to call the story a guessing game. It was impossible to know what was actually going to happen.

"When you invited me, Senpai, what was in the story?"

"Oh, hmm, umm… It was something like 'The arrival of death, the joy of rebirth, the bonds of involvement'."

…Even after the event had happened already, I still found the story's contents rather difficult to understand.

'The arrival of death' probably hinted at Senpai's death. 'The joy of rebirth' represented… What did it actually mean? 'The bonds of involvement' referred to my becoming Senpai's vassal, so I'm quite happy about that.

"A Nightkin's story is so hard to understand. Is every day's story like that?"

"No. It's only recorded in this format if it's a special day."

In other words, life every single day was ambiguous and cryptic? Or it meant that no matter how the story's possessor spent their days, it was impossible to evade the content mentioned by the story? The more I thought about it, the harder it felt to understand.

"Today is a rare chance so that's why we're going out on a date. I'd like to investigate what does 'gap between life and death' actually refer to."

Senpai's suggestion was unexpectedly proactive, surprising me a little.

Although Senpai was being targeted for sure, she did not run away but decided to confront things head on instead.

The enemy was someone who had killed Senpai and me using advanced skills.

Not only that, Senpai also knew that the enemy seemed to have some kind of Gift.

My power was quite plain, simply "not going to die" but if used flexibly, I should be able to use it to accomplish many things.

In the worst case, I can at least serve as Senpai's shield.

Thinking that, I decided at the same time to observe the situation carefully in this area.

This national route followed the long coastline. It was currently summer so there were many cars passing through. Traffic congestion could even be seen up ahead. Beyond the railings was a vast seashore, lively as ever. People were making noise on the beach while the beach restaurant was totally packed.

There were no tall buildings on the other side of the sea so there was no need to worry about someone sniping Senpai from there. But if someone made a move on Senpai then mixed into the crowd, it would be very difficult to search for them.

…I suddenly realized that Shiinamachi-senpai was looking up, staring intently at me.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to say that your eyes suddenly looked so serious."

"Oh…"

Crap. I was too preoccupied with thinking about the killer's actions that I accidentally allowed my thoughts to show on my face. I can't believe I'm doing something so insensitive when given the rare chance to have a stroll with Senpai.

"Sorry, was my face scary just now?"

"No, I found it very cool."

What!?

This prompted a "everything is okay" feeling in me. Senpai is such a tease! Oh, so my face actually looked very cool? In that case, I shouldn't mind that much. But upon further thought, it also meant that I don't look that cool ordinarily? Well true, I think my face has quite some way to go before it can be considered that of a pretty boy's.

"Fufu, Jirou-kun, you really do think seriously about everything, don't you?"

"Part of it is because I'm not too used to thinking over things in a half-assed manner…"

I used to lead a life without any emotions. Even now, I'm still often lost about whether my behaviour could be counted as normal.

Although my sister had thoroughly instructed me on all sorts of common sense knowledge of normal people and there shouldn't be too big of a problem, whenever I encounter exceptional people and situations like Shiinamachi-senpai, I couldn't help but feel a bit confused.

I know that the current "me" was actually cultivated only recently. So when interacting with people, I'm always trying hard to feel my way around. As long as the situation permitted, I hope to be able to face everyone with a sincere attitude. I probably think that because I hope to really treasure the current "me" who can act like a normal person.

"But I don't want to talk about such a scary topic right now."

"Meaning that…"

"Jirou-kun, let's have a normal date!"

This sentence was repeated from what Senpai said to me last night.

Hearing this sentence alone was enough to make my heart pound uncontrollably. That also made me feel quite troubled.

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Let's rewind back to last night.

After Shiki drugged me, I apparently feel into a coma.

By the time I recovered consciousness, it was already midnight.

"…?"

I had just noticed a sweet fragrance when a soft and tender sensation came from my lips.

"…Hmm…?"

My head still felt hazy as I struggled to open my eyes, only to find Shiinamachi-senpai's face right in front of me.

"!?"

"Oh Jirou-kun, you've woken up?"

Sitting on the bedside, Senpai smiled gently and covered her lips slightly shyly.

This action, this fragrance, that sensation just now.

Could… Could Senpai really have done ''that'' to me just now…?

"E-Excuse me, Senpai? My lips just now…"

"Fufu, try and take a guess. Because you looked so full of openings just now."

Senpai's mischievous behaviour and giggling expression made my heart race instantly.

If things really turned out as I thought and Senpai had actually kissed me, then how could I just lie here casually? But if Senpai only played a small prank and used something such as her fingers to imitate lips, then I…

…No matter what, it was still nice.

In other words, no matter what Senpai did to me, I still felt happy. That's the conclusion.

"You startled me. If possible, I'd like you to do it again, Senpai…"

"No, no way. Since you're already awake, I can't do that kind of thing to you while you're conscious."

Senpai's cheeks went bright red.

From the way things looked, my guess might be right after all.

Okay, I'll assumed that it really was Senpai's kiss just now and savor the happy feeling in my mind carefully.

But anyway, let's put that aside for now.

"Uh…?"

The place I woke up seemed to be the same as where I had fallen unconscious, the computer lab's management room.

I scanned for Shiki but she didn't seem to be present.

"Oh, Shiki-san is currently in my room. I think she's probably taking a bath."

"Really?"

"You're very concerned about Shiki-san?"

Of course, she suddenly drugged me and put me in coma, how could I not feel concerned? And before falling unconscious, I saw that terrifying golden eye. A normal girl couldn't possibly give off that kind of pressure and terrifying aura.

But what Senpai just said about "concern" felt like it wasn't referring to that.

"In terms of suspiciousness, I am very concerned about her, but if I had to comment about her as a girl…"

No wait. Shiinamachi-senpai was Shiki's friend after all. If I said I wasn't concerned about her at all, wouldn't it make Senpai feel angry or sad?

For example…

'Jirou-kun, I can't believe you're saying such things about my friend. That's so cold of you. Hmph!'

In the past, my little sister asked me to comment on her friend. I simply answered 'I think she's kind of cute but I don't feel anything towards her. I think she'll grow up to be quite a beauty' but my sister inexplicably scowled at me. I can't let Senpai react with the same thoughts as my sister back then.

My sister tirelessly reminded me again and again: women's thoughts are very complicated.

"I think that there are cute parts to her personality, but in terms of level…"

"Hmm?"

"Personally, the one I'm most concerned about is still you, Shiinamachi-senpai."

"Hmm… I-Is that so…?"

Why are you here? What have I gotten myself swept up into? In that sense, Senpai was definitely the one I'm most concerned about right now.

'Seeing Senpai's face getting redder and redder, in that sense, I am really concerned about Senpai!'--I really wanted to say that, but the situation and mood hadn't really reached that point, so I endured it for now.

"But what exactly happened?"

I was totally lost.

Although Shiinmachi-senpai looked just as cute as usual even in a dark room, apart from that, I totally had no grasp on the situation.

"I think it's most likely one of Shiki-san's experiments?"

"Experiment?"

"Yes, a death experiment."

Being raised from childhood as a professional killer, I had no right to say anything, but this kind of experiment really was too dangerous!

"What you mean is…"

"Shiki-san had you drink a drug, Jirou-san, trying to test out the extent you can resurrect. It's probably that kind of experiment."

Undoubtedly, it was very dangerous.

"That's totally murder!"

"Yes. But Shiki-san said that she only put you fully in a state of suspended animation."

"…Oh really? Hmm… okay."

I couldn't help but groan.

The "killer" mentality in my brain was working subconsciously so I couldn't help but think 'if death didn't happen, it's a failure' but I decided to forget these things for now and think like an ordinary school boy.

…I fainted, hence this could be construed as assault, how about that? No, I couldn't find any abnormal signs on my body so this probably wouldn't be very convincing.

Immortality was quite inconvenient in situations like these. At this rate, I felt that Shiki could indifferently say "because I feel deeply interested" any time then perform experiments on me as if was the most natural thing.

"No, this isn't good at al. I must complain to her properly!"

That's right. Even if I'll just end up feeling compelled to forgive her, I must let her know that some things were unacceptable.

"Yes, I think it's a good a idea but isn't it time for you to go home?"

Yeah, that's right. It should be late night already, if I don't go home, my sister will be worried.

"Umm… What time is it now?"

"Midnight just happened to pass."

I guess the excuse "a bit of a night excursion" should still work at this time.

If my sister came home at this hind of hour, I'd definitely not forgive her. As soon as our positions were switched, I feel that it's okay as a boy… That's right, that's the kind of feeling I have.

However, I totally hadn't called my sister and that's truly bad. But ultimately, if my sister said to me "I thought you ran into danger" and I answered "actually I died", my sister will probably think there were something wrong with my brain instead of worrying about me.

I decided to tell my sister honestly that I was actually staying late at school.

"Well then, hmm… I guess I'd better get home."

"Yes, I think it's a good idea too."

Shiinamachi-senpai smiled and expressed agreement.

"Senpai, tonight… You'll be fine, right?"

Senpai didn't quite seem to understand my question for a moment.

She blinked her eyes before saying:

"Fufu, it'll be fine. Or rather, as long as I stay in school, I'll be safe all the time."

Hearing the word "safe", I recalled what Senpai had said about a safe day previous.

Senpai, you got killed on your safe day… I couldn't help but think that.

"Oh, today really will be fine, so…"

"…So? But last night actually wasn't fine… Was it?"

I couldn't help but seek confirmation. Senpai went bright red and nodded at me.

…There was clearly something wrong with that day yet Senpai told me it was a safe day and not to worry.

Upon further thought, I found this conversation quite adult in flavour, doesn't it feel that way?

"No, that day was truly a safe day."

Ever time I heard Senpai say those words in that calm tone of voice, I couldn't help but feel my heart pounding uncontrollably.

Breath out, calm down, Jirou, calm down.

"That night, I didn't check carefully before opening the door because I knew you were coming. Normally speaking, as long as I don't open the door to that room, no one can enter my room at all."

"No one can enter your room at all…?"

"Yes, even if they try to use a Gift. Even if they try to teleport, they still can't get inside. My room is protected using a special technique. Simply stated, there's a barrier."

I see. That night, Senpai accidentally let the culprit in because she thought it was me, in the end leading to her murder.

Actually, that meant that I had indirectly caused Senpai to come to harm. As soon as I thought that, I couldn't help but feel quite regretful.

"Fufu… Seeing you worry about me, Jirou-kun, I really feel happy. It'll be hard to say goodbye if we keep staying here so let me see you off to the school entrance."

"Oh okay, after all, it's not far from the clock tower."

The school's back door led to a mixed forest. Having Senpai see me off at that small metal gate should be fine.

At the same time, I was thinking: After all, Shiki was apparently in Senpai's room in the clock tower…

Next, I suddenly felt that everything was very suspicious.

"Oh right, Shiki could be the culprit."

I told Senpai about Kuhou's conjecture.

"Really?"

"Yes. I was discussing the case with Fujisato and Kuhou. Kuhou was participating quite a lot… She thinks that there are three suspects, Senpai, me and Shiki."

"I see. Speaking of which, I guess we didn't suspect ourselves."

Shiinamachi-senpai pondered as she looked up.

Then she nodded.

"Shiki-san is my vassal so I think she should be fine…"

Indeed, after all, Shiki was her knight and vassal so there shouldn't be a problem. I'd like to believe that too.

Nevertheless, something much more frightening must be hidden behind that golden eye of hers.

"If Shiki-san wanted to kill me, she should be able to do it any time without choosing a safe day on purpose."

"After listening to you, Senpai, I guess that makes sense…"

Senpai was definitely right.

For example, if Shiki did not intend to make a move after gaining Senpai's full trust, then there was no need for her to pick Senpai's "safe day" to murder her. Although it was also possible that she could have performed a death experiment on Senpai like how she tested my body's abilities, in that case, everything would have been simply a criminal act for personal enjoyment and causing trouble for the sake of trouble.

Also, if it really was her, I think she would have stepped up to say "actually, I'm the culprit" when Senpai and I resurrected.

"Oh, by the way."

"Hmm?"

"Didn't you say before that if you died, Senpai, I'll die as well?"

If I remembered right, it was after the first time I died and resurrected…

'You're right. If I were to die again, you would lose your life as well.'

I think she said that to me back when I was lying on her lap.

"Oh, that's right! Because your immortality is linked to my life, Jirou-kun."

"Linked with… Senpai, what does that mean?"

"Yes, actually, strictly speaking, you're not actually immortal. If I were to die, then you'll die as well."

So that's the situation? In that case, my responsibilities were truly heavy.

In other words, I must protect Senpai's life securely.

It really felt like being a knight and made me feel a little proud.

"What about Shiki? Will she die as a result of your death, Senpai?"

"Hmm, that doesn't apply to other vassals."

Speaking of which, Shiki was the possibly the culprit who murdered Senpai.

If like me, killing Senpai would be equivalent to suicide for her, then all that would become impossible.

"Well, Jirou-kun…"

Stopping there, Senpai suddenly looked like she wanted to say something but felt hesitant.

With blushing cheeks, she secretly glanced at me with shy eyes.

"Basically, how should I put this? …On dangerous days… I hope you'll stay by my side the whole time… W-Will you?"

On dangerous days, staying by her side.

Sigh, Jirou, could your heart stop beating madly every time you hear certain keywords, come on!?

"Of course there's no problem. Even if my life was not tied to yours, Senpai, I still hope to protect you, Senpai."

I clenched my fist hard and vowed to Senpai.

"Yes… Thank you>"

Senpai placed her hand on my fist, showing a calm smile.

Her slightly cool hand made me feel very comfortable.

"But, staying by my side the whole time… Hmm… That feels so embarrassing."

"Actually, I feel embarrassed too."

I made an embarrassed smile at the demure Senpai.

"Oh right, Jirou-kun."

Next, Senpai seemed to recall something, her eyes widening until they were round.

"You don't have summer supplementary lessons tomorrow, right? Jirou-kun, let's have a normal date!"

That was the sudden proposal she offered me.

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Then that was how things developed to the current situation.

"Fufu."

Shiinamachi-senpai seemed quite happy just to be strolling, making me feel quite relieved because I was originally racking my brain, worrying about what conversation topics were appropriate for a date.

Just looking at Senpai's face from the side, I felt very satisfied already.

It was hard to believe that she was a Nightkin and that someone even wanted to kill her. If possible, I really hoped she could live a carefree life, away from all such conflict.

Then at that instant--

I sensed an unusual presence so I swiftly swept Senpai off her feet and into my arms.

"Kyah!? J-J-J-J-J-Jirou-kun!?"

"Don't speak, Senpai."

I knew what the presence I had just sensed.

Back when my mother was doing the "from this moment on, I will really kill you, so do everything you can to detect the presence and evade my attack" training, that was the kind of feeling I got from my mother's gaze.

However, where exactly was it coming from…? I searched desperately with my eyes.

"Sorry!"

I pushed Senpai down on the roadside and put up my index finger, making a hush gesture.

"Mmm… Mkay."

Senpai swallowed the scream she was about to make and desperately covered her mouth, trying to suppress the urge to scream.

The sound of wind slicing flew past our previous location.

Then a flying knife embedded itself into the ground ahead of where we had hit the ground.

"!"

I could feel Senpai gasp.

Faced with this obvious attack, I immediately got up on my knees to shield Senpai.

Where did the attack come from? Ordinary people were walking past us, all of them showing frightened looks at our sudden action. Cars were driving along the road. These people looked like they had not noticed that Shiinamachi-senpai and I had been attacked. Even if there was a knife stuck in the ground, it probably wouldn't occur to them that someone had thrown it to kill us.

Furthermore, the same went for "my current self".

At this rate, affected by excessive information in the surroundings, I will become unable to narrow down who I should be wary off. Not only must I ''protect Shiinamachi-senpai'' but I also had to prevent the culprit from attack ordinary bystanders and definitely could not let pedestrians notice that a small battle was taking place here. With all these preconditions plus the added requirement of making appropriate decisions on the spot, this was too difficult for me with a normal high school boy's mind and rich set of emotions.

…If this continued, Senpai and I would get caught up in the enemy's manipulations.

If that was the case, what if I used the power sealed in my right shoulder? That should be enough to handle things, right?

I touched my right shoulder lightly with my left hand and found that it was giving off heat right now.

'When using the power sealed inside the scar, you must have the resolve to abandon everything. This "everything" means "all things". Once you use that ability, the power of a killer's clan will surely enable you to resolve the difficulty at hand. But the final result will be that you might lose everything, so no one can decide whether it is the right decision. You must grow up as quickly as possible to become a person who can make that decision.'

I recalled my mother's words and corrected my thinking just now. Now was not yet the time to abandon everything. What I ought to do was focus and carefully protect what's before me.

I picked up the knife embedded in the sidewalk and entered a combat ready stance. Taking off my glasses, I closed both eyes to focus my concentration. I had only one precondition to getting out of this difficult situation--

''Protect Shiinamachi-senpai''.

This point also pertained to whether other people would get hurt, hence…

Inside that dark space… I felt some kind of stinging object in the corner of my consciousness.

"Eat this!"

While opening both eyes, I threw the knife towards where my consciousness was feeling the stinging pain.

On the other side of the road, thirty meters from here, was a dark civilian dwelling. The house was separated from my current location by a clearing and the road. Using just the naked eye, it was impossible to tell if there was anyone inside that house. The enemy must have hidden either by beside the wall or inside the house. From that position, it was very hard to throw a knife using ordinary methods towards us, so it was possible that the enemy was using some kind of firing device or possessed some kind of special technique.

Clang.

The sound of hard objects colliding was heard from the clearing between me and the hourse.

The knife I threw had flown roughly ten meters, striking the attacker's knife in midair, the two knives falling to the ground and making that noise after colliding.

In the past, I always failed to strike down my mother's knives and many times, the knives even stabbed into my body. But this time, the speed of the enemy's knife was inferior to my mother's, hence--I succeeded.

"Eh, just now…"

Senpai asked with a face full of worry.

I originally thought the enemy would attack again, but--

The killing intent directed towards us suddenly vanished as though nothing had happened in the first place.

Then I heard a commotion in the surroundings.

Although I really wanted to head over to that house to confirm the situation, I couldn't leave Senpai alone unattended. After all, that could very well be what the enemy wanted.

I decided to observe for now… Soon after, I decided that things had probably become safe.

I put on my vanity glasses again.

"Phew… Senpai, are you okay?"

Senpai still kept her hands on her mouth. Staring with wide-open eyes, she looked up at me.

"Oh it's fine now, you can talk."

Saying that, I extended a hand to Senpai.

I gripped her hand firmly and pulled her up.

"J-Jirou-kun, you're so amazing!"

"Huh?"

"I already heard Shiki-san mention before, but you really are very amazing! When you threw that knife, I felt my heart beating so fast!"

Wow, hearing Senpai say that makes me so happy!

Not only that, I looked around… and found many people around us, some of them looking with an expression of disbelief at us while walking by. Others were simply sitting in their cars.

One could hardly blame them. Suddenly on the street, I had embraced Senpai and pushed her to the ground then picked up something and thrown it pretentiously. Those people most likely thought they had chanced upon some kind of weird performance.

"Wah~~ Jirou-kun, you were so great… Ehehe!"

Senpai swooned almost as though she were a fan who had met her idol.

Because Senpai always seemed so detached from reality, I felt quite surprised to see her acting this way.

But Senpai was really cute this way too. Hence, all of it was justice.

"It does scare me to be targeted… But Jirou-kun, your actions are even more astounding to me. Thank you so much!"

"Oh, i-it's nothing. I'm glad you're okay, Senpai."

"Yes! I'm fine!"

Senpai expressed her safety to me in a lively manner.

A layer of warmth seemed to suddenly appear in the eyes of the pedestrians and car passengers watching us.

Yeah, it's true. From others' point of view, we probably looked like an idiot couple sitting on the roadside.

The term "idiot couple" sounded a bit outdated. Next time, I'd better ask my sister to see if there's a more fashionable way of calling couples who engage in public displays of affection.

"I've heard that the two of you are currently having a date that shouldn't be taking place, so I came on purpose to have a look."

"Huh!?"

Hearing a voice, Senpai and I both looked back in surprise at the same time. Standing there was Shiki with her head tilted in puzzlement.

Even in such sweltering weather, she was still wearing a lab coat over her uniform with her hands buried in her pockets as usual. She must be hot, dressed like that… But there was not a single sweat drop on Shiki'face.

"Y-Yeah…"

I couldn't help but answer and got up together with Senpai.

Shiki stared at us through her bangs while saying:

"There are two throwing knives dropped on the clearing over there. I have already picked them up just now."

Having said that, she extended her hand out from her pocket, presenting two knives held in her hand. One was the knife I had thrown after picking up while the other was an identical knife that had struck the knife I threw back. Both knives showed cracks apparently caused by the impact.

"Did you throw the knives?"

"No. Regrettably, I don't possess that level of physical ability and skill."

Shiki immediately returned the two knives to her pocket and swiftly brought her face up close.

I felt that the blue eye was flashing with a certain light.

"Monjirou, you are definitely worthy as the one I selected. Despite not having a Gift in this area, you not only evaded the assassin's knife but was even able to counterattack. What amazing skills."

"You saw it?"

"No problem. I have been watching all along ever since the two of you started your date."

I totally had no idea where there was a problem in the first place but her explanation definitely made me feel quite embarrassed.

"The assassin doesn't seem to be in that empty house anymore. Did the perpetrator use a Gift? Or like you, it was purely superb skills? I have yet to deduce the answer to these questions. Sorry."

"Oh, most of that doesn't matter…"

So Shiki was observing the situation all along and even gathering information for us?

Although I felt that Shiki was a girl I couldn't lower my guard against, she was quite reliable indeed.

Just as such feelings sprouted in my heart, I suddenly remembered that she had just drugged me last night.

"By the way, what did you put in my drink yesterday?"

"I later tried out that can of Avocado Spark. That taste was certainly quite stimulating for the taste buds."

"Yeah, it really is…"

Think thinking about it made me feel like the disgusting taste was surging form the back of my throat.

Feeling that indescribable odor reaching my nose, I instantly felt drained of strength.

"Uh, no, that's not the question I've asking!"

"You're asking about the drug? I am deeply sorry about what happened."

Shiki bowed deeply to apologize to me.

How unexpected. I never expected her to apologize so honestly.

"O-Oh."

It made me unable to complain further.

"As Kaguya's guardian together with Monjirou, I have decided to perform further tests to confirm the extent of Monjirou's immortality. Stabbed and drugged to death have been verified, so I must next test out death by strangling, bludgeoning, grinding, crushing, incinerating, cursing, beheading, dehydrating, annihilating…"

"Hold on hold on hold on hold on hold on!"

Hearing Shiki say a series of extremely dangerous words, I immediately stopped her frantically.

"What?"

"That's going way overboard! It sounds like you intend to try everything out on me for real!"

"Jirou's hearing confirmed to be normal. Very good."

"Good my ass! You can't be serious in wanting to test everything on me once?"

"Jirou's ability to grasp the situation confirmed to be excellent. Congratulations."

"Congratulations like hell! What's there to congratulate about!? Shiki!"

No good. This girl looked like she was serious.

"Also, I can't believe you even want to annihilate me."

"I really want to know what would result if you were annihilated together with your physical form. I intend to test it through an explosion."

"No no, I'll surely die!"

"If you die, the experiment ends."

"No matter what, absolutely no!"

"Then may I ask what extent is okay with you?"

"No extent is fine! Anyway, killing is wrong!"

"It's totally unconvincing to hear that coming from you."

I was a professional killer and immortal as well. Indeed, it was not very convincing.

"Uh… W-Well, I haven't actually killed anyone, I should have the right to say that!"

"I see. So that's the case?"

Resting a finger on the side of her lip while looking down, Shiki seemed to be pondering something.

"So, how about a double kill?"

"That's a baseball term! You mean double play!"

"You and Kaguya already encountered it."

The culprit first killed Shiinamachi-senpai then killed me, thus achieving a double kill. I see.

"Perhaps you think your lame joke works well this time, but you're totally wrong!"

"How regrettable. Lame puns are hard to understand."

I couldn't help but feel plunged into annoyance.

Watching me arguing with Shiki, Shiinamachi-senpai seemed to have concluded we were performing some kind of comedy routine, bursting out with a chuckle on the side.

"Shiki-san, Jirou-kun, you two are such great friends."

"No, but if possible, I hope you can help me out here, Senpai."

"Fufu."

Senpai partially closed her eyes and smiled at me. Seeing that, I was unable to say anything more.

Yes, Senpai really was a woman who could easily get away with crimes!

"--Oh, however…"

"Hmm?"

"Back in the bathroom, you already got seduced to death by Kaguya, right?"

"That counts as a cause of death too?"

"I believe that joke was not bad."

"Shiki-san, y-you're so annoying…"

Going red in the cheeks, Senpai finally spoke to restrain Shiki.

I see, so once the sexual harassment involves Senpai, Senpai will speak out against it?

"Sigh, in that sense, Senpai truly has my life and death under her control."

"I see, that's quite well said."

"So annoying, even Jirou-kun is joing in to make fun of me!"

Senpai turned her face away a little displeased. I couldn't help but smile quietly at the sight of that.

If possible, I really hoped Senpai could continue living peacefully like this, serving as the girl who soothed my heart and soul.

On the other hand, it was quite fun for us to be chatting as a trio.

Same for the day when the murder happened. Perhaps it was all thanks to Shiki's brand of behavior, doing and saying whatever she wanted.

However, I really wished from the bottom of my heart that she won't try killing me again.

"I'll let you know later… The conditions for Jirou-kun's resurrection. Is that okay, Shiki-san?"

"Yes. In that case, those tests and experiments won't be necessary."

"I'd like to know myself as well."

I was quite surprised to learn that there were conditions capable of killing me, at the same time, it meant that if those conditions were not met, I was immortal. It was a strange feeling, knowing that I had become someone that was difficult to kill.

Suddenly, I noticed that Shiki, who was the most interested in those death conditions, seemed to be staring at me.

Lately, I found my self more and more able to sense her gaze behind her bangs.

"Monjirou, were you originally thinking of using 'something' just now?"

Her tone was indifferent as always, but there was a certain kind of cold emotion in her voice.

"…Inside my right shoulder's scar is a forbidden power."

"Its use is limited?"

"Yeah."

Shiki couldn’t possibly be satisfied with just this explanation but she did not pry any further.

Perhaps it was because Shiinamachi-senpai made a worried and uneasy face again.

If possible, I really didn't want to tell Senpai that I possessed a power "that might cause me to lose everything."

"Understood. Okay, let's go."

Saying that, Shiki swiftly started walking.

"Hmm? To where?"

"A place where dates must go."

Shiki pointed at a small island. It was a sightseeing island with a bridge connected to the land where we were, allowing us to walk directly to the island. Over there were all sorts of shops, viewing platforms, caves, an excellent spot for dates.

"Great, then let's go there now!"

Shiinamachi-senpai seemed quite enthusiastic and I nodded.

However, the assassin seemed to have observed our movements before attacking with the throwing knives.

Since the enemy had showed killing intent, of course he or she meant to kill us. If that really was the case, I found it quite incredible that he or she would do it in broad daylight. To be honest, unless the knives struck extremely precisely, it was very difficult to kill using throwing knives in one hit. More precisely, it was only possible to take the target's life by piercing the throat, the head or the heart. Apart from attacking the throat, it was very hard to achieve "precision".

Regarding the heart, I've already explained to Shiki and Senpai before. The heart itself was a mass of muscle and needed substantial force to successfully pierce. As for the head was covered by the skull which had a curved shape. Even attacking with bullets, deflection was possible and difficult to cause fatal wounds from a distance. Hence, when killing, the throat should be aimed… But the throat was a small target and required a certain level of skill. In other words, even if the enemy was a highly skilled killer, assassination using throwing knives was still unlikely to succeed.

I think the enemy was only trying to test my abilities.

I looked over at the house just now.

"Jirou-kun, hurry up."

Shiinamachi-senpai had apparently calmed down from the fear of getting ambushed. I saw her waving at me from a distance not too far away.

"Okay, I'll be right there."

I hastily ran forward, meanwhile feeling even more sure that someone was currently targeting us.

This fact further heightened my internal vigilance.

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

Walking along the long bridge, reaching the island--

"Oh my, isn't that…"

I looked in the direction Shiki pointed and found Fujisato and Kuhou standing in front of the souvenir shop opposite the parking lot.

Although we just had lunch together yesterday, it was quite a rare sight to see the two of them together. Fujisato was my classmate but did not join the library monitors or any clubs. Kuhou was a member of the library monitors and also part of the kendo club, but we were in different year groups. In other words, although both girls were having lunch with me yesterday, it still felt quite unexpected for me to see them going out as close friends.

They also seemed to notice us. The two girls instantly showed an incredulous expression.

"Hey! Monjirou, I'd never expect you to be out on a date with two girls at once!"

Fujisato pointed at me, surprise written all over her face.

"Oh dear, Senpai really isn't to be underestimated."

Kuhou added as well. Arms crossed before her chest, she was smiling.

"Hello. What a rare combination to see you two together!"

Fujisato was wearing clothes very similar to what you'd find in fashion magazines, all of her attire consisted of this year's summer fashion. In contrast, Kuhou was wearing well-fitting clothing suited to her own whims, the very image of her personality. Having two almost completely opposite people together actually gave off a feeling of a good match. I couldn't help but feel a bit touched to be able to admire the view of them out of school clothing.

"Yes, we just happened to meet by chance in the streets. Oh right, I never expected you guys to appear as well. That's even more surprising to me?"

"Perhaps so-called fate does bring people together. I'm very happy to run into you."

If all this could be attributed to fate, of course it was worth celebrating. However, the attack just now made me suspicious whether this was all coincidental. But considering the time the attack took place, it seemed as though these two girls who were already here might be innocent.

"Shiinamachi-senpai, hello!"

"Senpai, hello again after seeing you yesterday."

"Oh, hello to you two. I'm very happy to be running into you here too."

Hearing Senpai's answer, the two girls then turned their gazes to Shiki. I was just about to offer assistance in introductions when I noticed Shiki stepping forward on her own.

"Nice to meet you. I am Yatono Shiki, Kaguya's servant and Monjirou's slave."

Although I had expected something nonsensical from her, Shiki's self-introduction turned out to be way too nonsensical.

"Ehhhhhhhh!? M-Monjirou!?"

"Hmm… Servant and slave, what a crazy position!"

Compared to Fujisato's shock, Kuhou seemed to be murmuring away in deep thought… I had expected these reactions already.

Humans were naturally capable of facing situations calmly as long as they were able to predict future events. Shiki would make a weird self-introduction, Fujisato would jump in fright, Kuhou would remain composed as always. I had already prepared myself psychologically, hence it was only natural to think there wasn't a problem.

Suddenly stabbed to death, suddenly turned immortal, suddenly having someone offer to scrub my back… After experiencing all kinds of situations, perhaps I had already learned how to face most happenings calmly.

"Well then, let us all get along."

"You're not going to deny it!?"

Fujisato's perfect criticism made me feel quite gratified. If possible, I really hoped that Fujisato could become good friends with Shiki, thereby relieving me of the responsibility of acting as the straight man.

"I feel quite troubled that neither of you denied it. Hence, I will express denial: all that was a joke just now."

"Phew… I was wondering when did Monjirou transform from this serious glasses-wearing type to a fiendish glasses-wearing type… I was scared for a moment there…"

Fujisato pressed her hand on the chest area of her loose garment, breathing a sigh of relief. Although I was very curious on what fiendish glasses-wearing meant, I decided to continue observing the situation.

Because looking at the two girls, Shiinamachi-senpai seemed to be thinking about something.

These two girls were still suspects. It was possible for either of them to have killed me or Shiinamachi-senpai, and to think they were able to chat with us and joke around so calmly… I really didn't want to believe that!

Precisely because of that, I would be much more relieved if they could be cleared of suspicions. I found myself feeling like one of the detective novel protagonists who wanted to believe in heroines and friends.

But in that kind of story, those people often turned out to be the culprit so I absolutely could not be careless.

"Are you three on a date?"

"It would be nice if it were a date."

I made a troubled smiled while Senpai giggled.

"Yes, I invited both of them on a date. They are both my good friends so I hoped they could become good friends with each other too."

"I see."

Fujisato giggled and stared at me. I could clearly feel her sending a message of "that's lovely, nishishi" to me. Sigh, yeah, it's lovely, okay?

"Then what about you, Fujisato and Kuhou? What were you doing just now?"

I started to check their alibi. Senpai and I had been attacked roughly ten minutes earlier. If they had arrived here prior to that, then things would be fine.

"My hobby here is feeding cats. Whenever I have a day off from summer supplementary lessons or work at the store, I'll most likely come here by bike!"

Fujisato pointed at the parking lot where many cats were scattered about, hanging around.

Speaking of which, there were really a ton of cats on this island, perhaps because there were fishmongers here. And the only road led to the parking lot, which meant it was less likely for them to get hit by cars. This was indeed quite a suitable place for cats to live.

"I live nearby, so I just happened to be on a walk before my training."

Kuhou pointed to the bridge's opposite shore and told us that. There was a tall building in the direction where she was pointing. That was probably Kuhou's home.

"You've been here how long?"

"I just got here, yeah? I was just saying to Nagi 'fancy meeting you here' when you three popped up!"

"Yes. Adding to that, I was crossing the bridge when Fujisato-senpai happened to pass by me."

"Wow, that really happened? Sorry, I didn't notice at all!"

"You were riding your bike so casually, Senpai, it didn't sit well with me to call out to you."

Judging from the bridge's length, walking to cross it would take roughly five minutes or so. Walking from the location of the attack to the bridge would also take five minutes roughly. No matter what, if they hurried, both of them could still make it in time.

However, why would the culprit deliberately rush here after ambushing us from that kind of spot?

I couldn't feel anything suspicious from their explanations and it really seemed like they had appeared here by coincidence. However, Shiinamachi-senpai made a look as though she was thinking about something again.

Then she clapped her hands loudly together and said:

"Oh right, Fujisato-san and Kuhou-san, would you happen to be free tonight? If it's agreeable with you, would you like to come to my room for a chat?"

That was--no mistake about it.

One of Shiinamachi-senpai's famous invitations--The Night Gatherings.

"Wow, I'm so happy! I've always wanted to go inside the legendary clock tower! I'm free today so it's totally fine!"

Fujisato seemed quite happy and I saw her nodding many times.

"I am also free after self-directed training today. The kendo hall is at school so may I come to your room directly after training, Senpai?"

Kuhou had participated in one of these gatherings before, so she agreed readily this time as well.

"With Shiki-san as well, let's all have a fun time together!"

"We will!"

"Yes, I understand."

Fujisato and Kuhou both looked happy and I couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief.

They had both agreed readily to Senpai's invitation. Based on that point, they really didn't seem like culprits.

Of course, it was a bit unreasonable for me to suspect them just based on the fact of this ''coincidental encounter''. In that sense, Shiki was actually a possible culprit too.

I looked at Shiki and found her staring at Fujisato and Kuhou the whole time.

Although I was unsure what kind of gaze those eyes under her bangs were showing, I noticed that her hands, buried in her lab coat pockets, were currently moving slightly.

"Shiki-san, is that okay?"

"Yes. I intend to make a show of my smart pajamas at tonight's pajamas party."

"S-Smart?"

"They're transparent."

"H-How can that be acceptable?"

Going red in the cheeks, Fujisato secretly glanced at me.

If I had honestly said 'I won't feel particularly happy even if I saw Shiki in transparent pajamas', I think the girls were going to scorn me.

In that case, my only chose was to…

"You must wear them!"

"Affirmative."

"N-No way, you can't go 'affirmative', right!?"

Fujisato's vigorous retort made me feel incredibly refreshed.

"Perhaps you two will have to take the trouble to bring pajamas too. Just normal pajamas will do."

Shiki's reminder elicited a troubled look on Kuhou's face.

"Hmm… I usually sleep in tracksuits or t-shirts and shorts, so I don't think I have decent looking pajamas."

She was wearing a tracksuit indeed last time. Compared to the other people's spectacular pajamas, only Kuhou and I were attending in tracksuits. I guess that was probably one reason why we got along so well.

"Well… I can lend my pajamas to you. Kuhou-san, I have a feeling that the soft and frilly kind of pajamas will definitely suit you very well."

Hearing Senpai's suggestion, I couldn't help but imagine Kuhou dressed in a soft and frilly pink pajamas.

…Hmm, indeed, it might suit her unexpectedly well.

"It'll definitely suit Kuhou!"

"R-Really? I've never worn soft and frilly pajamas before, so please go easy on me, both of you, Senpai…"

Hearing the girls chat happily about pajamas, I couldn't help but wonder: should I also prepare similar clothing for myself?

But then I immediately thought: these girls probably won't find male pajamas very interesting even if they saw them, right?

Shiki quickly walked over to my side and said in a barely audible voice that only I could hear:

"If these two are the culprits, then tonight will be the climax of the case."

…What was she talking about?

In other words… If the culprit was one of them, then Shiinamachi-senpai was going to expose this fact… So Senpai invited them only because she was carrying such intentions?

Still in the dark, Fujisato and Kuhou continued chatting happily with Senpai.

I couldn't help but think: I can't believe Senpai is doing this kind of deceptive behavior…

But if one of them really was the culprit then we were actually the ones being deceived.

--However, even if that was the case…

I still couldn't accept it. I felt compelled to clench my right fist.

"If you believe them, then watch tonight's proceedings clearly and carefully. If both of them are innocent, then I won't suspect them anymore."

…Well said.

Everything was for clearing up suspicions.

After understanding that, with a heavy heart, I watched the three girls who were currently laughing together in harmony.

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| Back to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume_1_Chapter 2 B-Part|Chapter 2 B-Part]]
| Return to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 3 B-Part|Chapter 3 B-Part]]
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Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 3 A-Part

2014-07-22T00:44:48Z

TeKuma:

==Chapter 3 A-Part - Life and Mind==

■Search Results for "date":
* a particular day on the calendar.
* an agreed upon time for opposite genders to meet up.
* the word "date" originally meant the day of the month but gradually took on the meaning of "a man and a woman agreeing on a time, then meeting up at that time."
* a man and a woman making a promise to go out without interference from others.

Hence, Shiinamachi-senpai and I were strolling along the seashore on a date.

I don't quite understand either how this happened. After a convoluted process, that was how the situation developed--

"Jirou-kun, what's with you?"

Shiinamachi-senpai's attire was probably what one would call a white shoulder-less one-piece dress. The skirt's hem was decorated with many layers of frills and she looked like angel to me. The white straw hat was also an excellent match for her dress and made her look like a sheltered classy young lady.

Anyway, I felt very happy to be able to go on a date with Senpai.

"Nothing much, I'm just feeling so elated to be on a date with you, Senpai."

Senpai in casual clothing and even exposing her shoulders an collarbone, I really didn't know how to get along with her.

Of course, I knew that I could just treat her the usual way, but I really couldn't remember how I usually got along with Senpai.

"Fufu, actually… I feel a little nervous too."

Senpai seemed a little shy, her cheeks getting red… That's absolutely unfair.

"I'm nervous too."

"Yes, I can see that. Your glasses look like they're about to mist over."

"Eh?"

I frantically took down my glasses and vigorously rubbed the mist off the lenses.

"Should be fine now."

"Oh I'm sorry, I was just joking with you…"

To think it was just a joke… And I even failed to respond normally to Senpai's joke, clearly I'm really far too nervous.

"But it's great that I got a chance to see you without your glasses, Jirou-kun."

"Ooh…"

Senpai looked up cheerfully at me. The heat rising from my body seemed to make my glasses mist up again.

Right now, the feeling I have is… There was one sun hanging high in the sky, and there also seemed to be another sun down below.

"But someone should be targeting you currently, Shiinamachi-senpai, is it really okay for us to be strolling outside?"

"Hmm… Well…"

Senpai made a troubled look then said:

"The story mentioned that certain things might happen tonight, so perhaps trying to get targeted might be our goal."

"Certain things? That sounds quite ambiguous, you know?"

"The 'stories' of the Nightkin are often cryptic in content. The basic content of the stories mostly consist of vague explanations. For example, they might mention 'a certain incident might be encountered in the future', 'on a certain day, certain things might happen' etc, and most of the endings aren't very clear."

So the Nightkin's stories were really ambiguous. When I first heard the term "story", I was thinking there would be more detailed content recorded in them…

"However, the majority is… How should I say it…? In my story, it seems that there are many dangerous parts so that's why Shiki says I need vassals who can contribute in powerful ways. But because… I'm almost unable to interact with boys, so…"

Born in a family of killers, I was forced to learn all sorts of professional skills. Combined with the fact that I had feelings for Senpai, that's probably why Shiki recommended me to her.

"So, why are you able to interact with me?"

"…I don't know either. Somehow it feels like there's a nostalgic smell coming from you, Jirou-kun."

I couldn't help but bring my hand to my nose to sniff.

"Fufu, I don't mean that kind of smell. I'm referring to a certain kind of atmosphere. For some reason, whenever I'm with you, Jirou-kun, I get a reassuring feeling."

"I-In that case, I'm very glad about that."

"Yes, I feel very glad too!"

Seeing Senpai's reassured smile, I really felt thankful that I was able to exude this kind of aura.

"I understand. Since the story says something will happen, is there any related information mentioned?"

"Let me think… The story uses Nightkin language so I can only try my best to express the linguistic feeling. Translated directly, it feels like the event mentioned is something like 'the story's real beginning is a path that gradually becomes clear amidst the gap between life and death'."

…I see. That definitely was cryptic. I recalled how I wasn't able to understand the full meaning of foreign books when reading in English.

"The story is roughly composed by forms resembling poetry. So that's why I wanted to say, since it mentions 'real beginning', then probably… It means that certain events will happen."

"You're right, that sentence really does give a feeling like something's gonna happen."

Rather than ambiguous, it would be better to call the story a guessing game. It was impossible to know what was actually going to happen.

"When you invited me, Senpai, what was in the story?"

"Oh, hmm, umm… It was something like 'The arrival of death, the joy of rebirth, the bonds of involvement'."

…Even after the event had happened already, I still found the story's contents rather difficult to understand.

'The arrival of death' probably hinted at Senpai's death. 'The joy of rebirth' represented… What did it actually mean? 'The bonds of involvement' referred to my becoming Senpai's vassal, so I'm quite happy about that.

"A Nightkin's story is so hard to understand. Is every day's story like that?"

"No. It's only recorded in this format if it's a special day."

In other words, life every single day was ambiguous and cryptic? Or it meant that no matter how the story's possessor spent their days, it was impossible to evade the content mentioned by the story? The more I thought about it, the harder it felt to understand.

"Today is a rare chance so that's why we're going out on a date. I'd like to investigate what does 'gap between life and death' actually refer to."

Senpai's suggestion was unexpectedly proactive, surprising me a little.

Although Senpai was being targeted for sure, she did not run away but decided to confront things head on instead.

The enemy was someone who had killed Senpai and me using advanced skills.

Not only that, Senpai also knew that the enemy seemed to have some kind of Gift.

My power was quite plain, simply "not going to die" but if used flexibly, I should be able to use it to accomplish many things.

In the worst case, I can at least serve as Senpai's shield.

Thinking that, I decided at the same time to observe the situation carefully in this area.

This national route followed the long coastline. It was currently summer so there were many cars passing through. Traffic congestion could even be seen up ahead. Beyond the railings was a vast seashore, lively as ever. People were making noise on the beach while the beach restaurant was totally packed.

There were no tall buildings on the other side of the sea so there was no need to worry about someone sniping Senpai from there. But if someone made a move on Senpai then mixed into the crowd, it would be very difficult to search for them.

…I suddenly realized that Shiinamachi-senpai was looking up, staring intently at me.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to say that your eyes suddenly looked so serious."

"Oh…"

Crap. I was too preoccupied with thinking about the killer's actions that I accidentally allowed my thoughts to show on my face. I can't believe I'm doing something so insensitive when given the rare chance to have a stroll with Senpai.

"Sorry, was my face scary just now?"

"No, I found it very cool."

What!?

This prompted a "everything is okay" feeling in me. Senpai is such a tease! Oh, so my face actually looked very cool? In that case, I shouldn't mind that much. But upon further thought, it also meant that I don't look that cool ordinarily? Well true, I think my face has quite some way to go before it can be considered that of a pretty boy's.

"Fufu, Jirou-kun, you really do think seriously about everything, don't you?"

"Part of it is because I'm not too used to thinking over things in a half-assed manner…"

I used to lead a life without any emotions. Even now, I'm still often lost about whether my behaviour could be counted as normal.

Although my sister had thoroughly instructed me on all sorts of common sense knowledge of normal people and there shouldn't be too big of a problem, whenever I encounter exceptional people and situations like Shiinamachi-senpai, I couldn't help but feel a bit confused.

I know that the current "me" was actually cultivated only recently. So when interacting with people, I'm always trying hard to feel my way around. As long as the situation permitted, I hope to be able to face everyone with a sincere attitude. I probably think that because I hope to really treasure the current "me" who can act like a normal person.

"But I don't want to talk about such a scary topic right now."

"Meaning that…"

"Jirou-kun, let's have a normal date!"

This sentence was repeated from what Senpai said to me last night.

Hearing this sentence alone was enough to make my heart pound uncontrollably. That also made me feel quite troubled.

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

Let's rewind back to last night.

After Shiki drugged me, I apparently fell into a coma.

By the time I recovered consciousness, it was already midnight.

"…?"

I had just noticed a sweet fragrance when a soft and tender sensation came from my lips.

"…Hmm…?"

My head still felt hazy as I struggled to open my eyes, only to find Shiinamachi-senpai's face right in front of me.

"!?"

"Oh Jirou-kun, you've woken up?"

Sitting on the bedside, Senpai smiled gently and covered her lips slightly shyly.

This action, this fragrance, that sensation just now.

Could… Could Senpai really have done ''that'' to me just now…?

"E-Excuse me, Senpai? My lips just now…"

"Fufu, try and take a guess. Because you looked so full of openings just now."

Senpai's mischievous behaviour and giggling expression made my heart race instantly.

If things really turned out as I thought and Senpai had actually kissed me, then how could I just lie here casually? But if Senpai only played a small prank and used something such as her fingers to imitate lips, then I…

…No matter what, it was still nice.

In other words, no matter what Senpai did to me, I still felt happy. That's the conclusion.

"You startled me. If possible, I'd like you to do it again, Senpai…"

"No, no way. Since you're already awake, I can't do that kind of thing to you while you're conscious."

Senpai's cheeks went bright red.

From the way things looked, my guess might be right after all.

Okay, I'll assumed that it really was Senpai's kiss just now and savor the happy feeling in my mind carefully.

But anyway, let's put that aside for now.

"Uh…?"

The place I woke up seemed to be the same as where I had fallen unconscious, the computer lab's management room.

I scanned for Shiki but she didn't seem to be present.

"Oh, Shiki-san is currently in my room. I think she's probably taking a bath."

"Really?"

"You're very concerned about Shiki-san?"

Of course, she suddenly drugged me and put me in coma, how could I not feel concerned? And before falling unconscious, I saw that terrifying golden eye. A normal girl couldn't possibly give off that kind of pressure and terrifying aura.

But what Senpai just said about "concern" felt like it wasn't referring to that.

"In terms of suspiciousness, I am very concerned about her, but if I had to comment about her as a girl…"

No wait. Shiinamachi-senpai was Shiki's friend after all. If I said I wasn't concerned about her at all, wouldn't it make Senpai feel angry or sad?

For example…

'Jirou-kun, I can't believe you're saying such things about my friend. That's so cold of you. Hmph!'

In the past, my little sister asked me to comment on her friend. I simply answered 'I think she's kind of cute but I don't feel anything towards her. I think she'll grow up to be quite a beauty' but my sister inexplicably scowled at me. I can't let Senpai react with the same thoughts as my sister back then.

My sister tirelessly reminded me again and again: women's thoughts are very complicated.

"I think that there are cute parts to her personality, but in terms of level…"

"Hmm?"

"Personally, the one I'm most concerned about is still you, Shiinamachi-senpai."

"Hmm… I-Is that so…?"

Why are you here? What have I gotten myself swept up into? In that sense, Senpai was definitely the one I'm most concerned about right now.

'Seeing Senpai's face getting redder and redder, in that sense, I am really concerned about Senpai!'--I really wanted to say that, but the situation and mood hadn't really reached that point, so I endured it for now.

"But what exactly happened?"

I was totally lost.

Although Shiinmachi-senpai looked just as cute as usual even in a dark room, apart from that, I totally had no grasp on the situation.

"I think it's most likely one of Shiki-san's experiments?"

"Experiment?"

"Yes, a death experiment."

Being raised from childhood as a professional killer, I had no right to say anything, but this kind of experiment really was too dangerous!

"What you mean is…"

"Shiki-san had you drink a drug, Jirou-san, trying to test out the extent you can resurrect. It's probably that kind of experiment."

Undoubtedly, it was very dangerous.

"That's totally murder!"

"Yes. But Shiki-san said that she only put you fully in a state of suspended animation."

"…Oh really? Hmm… okay."

I couldn't help but groan.

The "killer" mentality in my brain was working subconsciously so I couldn't help but think 'if death didn't happen, it's a failure' but I decided to forget these things for now and think like an ordinary school boy.

…I fainted, hence this could be construed as assault, how about that? No, I couldn't find any abnormal signs on my body so this probably wouldn't be very convincing.

Immortality was quite inconvenient in situations like these. At this rate, I felt that Shiki could indifferently say "because I feel deeply interested" any time then perform experiments on me as if was the most natural thing.

"No, this isn't good at al. I must complain to her properly!"

That's right. Even if I'll just end up feeling compelled to forgive her, I must let her know that some things were unacceptable.

"Yes, I think it's a good a idea but isn't it time for you to go home?"

Yeah, that's right. It should be late night already, if I don't go home, my sister will be worried.

"Umm… What time is it now?"

"Midnight just happened to pass."

I guess the excuse "a bit of a night excursion" should still work at this time.

If my sister came home at this hind of hour, I'd definitely not forgive her. As soon as our positions were switched, I feel that it's okay as a boy… That's right, that's the kind of feeling I have.

However, I totally hadn't called my sister and that's truly bad. But ultimately, if my sister said to me "I thought you ran into danger" and I answered "actually I died", my sister will probably think there were something wrong with my brain instead of worrying about me.

I decided to tell my sister honestly that I was actually staying late at school.

"Well then, hmm… I guess I'd better get home."

"Yes, I think it's a good idea too."

Shiinamachi-senpai smiled and expressed agreement.

"Senpai, tonight… You'll be fine, right?"

Senpai didn't quite seem to understand my question for a moment.

She blinked her eyes before saying:

"Fufu, it'll be fine. Or rather, as long as I stay in school, I'll be safe all the time."

Hearing the word "safe", I recalled what Senpai had said about a safe day previous.

Senpai, you got killed on your safe day… I couldn't help but think that.

"Oh, today really will be fine, so…"

"…So? But last night actually wasn't fine… Was it?"

I couldn't help but seek confirmation. Senpai went bright red and nodded at me.

…There was clearly something wrong with that day yet Senpai told me it was a safe day and not to worry.

Upon further thought, I found this conversation quite adult in flavour, doesn't it feel that way?

"No, that day was truly a safe day."

Ever time I heard Senpai say those words in that calm tone of voice, I couldn't help but feel my heart pounding uncontrollably.

Breath out, calm down, Jirou, calm down.

"That night, I didn't check carefully before opening the door because I knew you were coming. Normally speaking, as long as I don't open the door to that room, no one can enter my room at all."

"No one can enter your room at all…?"

"Yes, even if they try to use a Gift. Even if they try to teleport, they still can't get inside. My room is protected using a special technique. Simply stated, there's a barrier."

I see. That night, Senpai accidentally let the culprit in because she thought it was me, in the end leading to her murder.

Actually, that meant that I had indirectly caused Senpai to come to harm. As soon as I thought that, I couldn't help but feel quite regretful.

"Fufu… Seeing you worry about me, Jirou-kun, I really feel happy. It'll be hard to say goodbye if we keep staying here so let me see you off to the school entrance."

"Oh okay, after all, it's not far from the clock tower."

The school's back door led to a mixed forest. Having Senpai see me off at that small metal gate should be fine.

At the same time, I was thinking: After all, Shiki was apparently in Senpai's room in the clock tower…

Next, I suddenly felt that everything was very suspicious.

"Oh right, Shiki could be the culprit."

I told Senpai about Kuhou's conjecture.

"Really?"

"Yes. I was discussing the case with Fujisato and Kuhou. Kuhou was participating quite a lot… She thinks that there are three suspects, Senpai, me and Shiki."

"I see. Speaking of which, I guess we didn't suspect ourselves."

Shiinamachi-senpai pondered as she looked up.

Then she nodded.

"Shiki-san is my vassal so I think she should be fine…"

Indeed, after all, Shiki was her knight and vassal so there shouldn't be a problem. I'd like to believe that too.

Nevertheless, something much more frightening must be hidden behind that golden eye of hers.

"If Shiki-san wanted to kill me, she should be able to do it any time without choosing a safe day on purpose."

"After listening to you, Senpai, I guess that makes sense…"

Senpai was definitely right.

For example, if Shiki did not intend to make a move after gaining Senpai's full trust, then there was no need for her to pick Senpai's "safe day" to murder her. Although it was also possible that she could have performed a death experiment on Senpai like how she tested my body's abilities, in that case, everything would have been simply a criminal act for personal enjoyment and causing trouble for the sake of trouble.

Also, if it really was her, I think she would have stepped up to say "actually, I'm the culprit" when Senpai and I resurrected.

"Oh, by the way."

"Hmm?"

"Didn't you say before that if you died, Senpai, I'll die as well?

If I remembered right, it was after the first time I died and resurrected…

'You're right. If I were to die again, you would lose your life as well.'

I think she said that to me back when I was lying on her lap.

"Oh, that's right! Because your immortality is linked to my life, Jirou-kun."

"Linked with… Senpai, what does that mean?"

"Yes, actually, strictly speaking, you're not actually immortal. If I were to die, then you'll die as well."

So that's the situation? In that case, my responsibilities were truly heavy.

In other words, I must protect Senpai's life securely.

It really felt like being a knight and made me feel a little proud.

"What about Shiki? Will she die as a result of your death, Senpai?"

"Hmm, that doesn't apply to other vassals."

Speaking of which, Shiki was the possibly the culprit who murdered Senpai.

If like me, killing Senpai would be equivalent to suicide for her, then all that would become impossible.

"Well, Jirou-kun…"

Stopping there, Senpai suddenly looked like she wanted to say something but felt hesitant.

With blushing cheeks, she secretly glanced at me with shy eyes.

"Basically, how should I put this? …On dangerous days… I hope you'll stay by my side the whole time… W-Will you?"

On dangerous days, staying by her side.

Sigh, Jirou, could your heart stop beating madly every time you hear certain keywords, come on!?

"Of course there's no problem. Even if my life was not tied to yours, Senpai, I still hope to protect you, Senpai."

I clenched my fist hard and vowed to Senpai.

"Yes… Thank you>"

Senpai placed her hand on my fist, showing a calm smile.

Her slightly cool hand made me feel very comfortable.

"But, staying by my side the whole time… Hmm… That feels so embarrassing."

"Actually, I feel embarrassed too."

I made an embarrassed smile at the demure Senpai.

"Oh right, Jirou-kun."

Next, Senpai seemed to recall something, her eyes widening until they were round.

"You don't have summer supplementary lessons tomorrow, right? Jirou-kun, let's have a normal date!"

That was the sudden proposal she offered me.

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Then that was how things developed to the current situation.

"Fufu."

Shiinamachi-senpai seemed quite happy just to be strolling, making me feel quite relieved because I was originally racking my brain, worrying about what conversation topics were appropriate for a date.

Just looking at Senpai's face from the side, I felt very satisfied already.

It was hard to believe that she was a Nightkin and that someone even wanted to kill her. If possible, I really hoped she could live a carefree life, away from all such conflict.

Then at that instant--

I sensed an unusual presence so I swiftly swept Senpai off her feet and into my arms.

"Kyah!? J-J-J-J-J-Jirou-kun!?"

"Don't speak, Senpai."

I knew what the presence I had just sensed.

Back when my mother was doing the "from this moment on, I will really kill you, so do everything you can to detect the presence and evade my attack" training, that was the kind of feeling I got from my mother's gaze.

However, where exactly was it coming from…? I searched desperately with my eyes.

"Sorry!"

I pushed Senpai down on the roadside and put up my index finger, making a hush gesture.

"Mmm… Mkay."

Senpai swallowed the scream she was about to make and desperately covered her mouth, trying to suppress the urge to scream.

The sound of wind slicing flew past our previous location.

Then a flying knife embedded itself into the ground ahead of where we had hit the ground.

"!"

I could feel Senpai gasp.

Faced with this obvious attack, I immediately got up on my knees to shield Senpai.

Where did the attack come from? Ordinary people were walking past us, all of them showing frightened looks at our sudden action. Cars were driving along the road. These people looked like they had not noticed that Shiinamachi-senpai and I had been attacked. Even if there was a knife stuck in the ground, it probably wouldn't occur to them that someone had thrown it to kill us.

Furthermore, the same went for "my current self".

At this rate, affected by excessive information in the surroundings, I will become unable to narrow down who I should be wary off. Not only must I ''protect Shiinamachi-senpai'' but I also had to prevent the culprit from attack ordinary bystanders and definitely could not let pedestrians notice that a small battle was taking place here. With all these preconditions plus the added requirement of making appropriate decisions on the spot, this was too difficult for me with a normal high school boy's mind and rich set of emotions.

…If this continued, Senpai and I would get caught up in the enemy's manipulations.

If that was the case, what if I used the power sealed in my right shoulder? That should be enough to handle things, right?

I touched my right shoulder lightly with my left hand and found that it was giving off heat right now.

'When using the power sealed inside the scar, you must have the resolve to abandon everything. This "everything" means "all things". Once you use that ability, the power of a killer's clan will surely enable you to resolve the difficulty at hand. But the final result will be that you might lose everything, so no one can decide whether it is the right decision. You must grow up as quickly as possible to become a person who can make that decision.'

I recalled my mother's words and corrected my thinking just now. Now was not yet the time to abandon everything. What I ought to do was focus and carefully protect what's before me.

I picked up the knife embedded in the sidewalk and entered a combat ready stance. Taking off my glasses, I closed both eyes to focus my concentration. I had only one precondition to getting out of this difficult situation--

''Protect Shiinamachi-senpai''.

This point also pertained to whether other people would get hurt, hence…

Inside that dark space… I felt some kind of stinging object in the corner of my consciousness.

"Eat this!"

While opening both eyes, I threw the knife towards where my consciousness was feeling the stinging pain.

On the other side of the road, thirty meters from here, was a dark civilian dwelling. The house was separated from my current location by a clearing and the road. Using just the naked eye, it was impossible to tell if there was anyone inside that house. The enemy must have hidden either by beside the wall or inside the house. From that position, it was very hard to throw a knife using ordinary methods towards us, so it was possible that the enemy was using some kind of firing device or possessed some kind of special technique.

Clang.

The sound of hard objects colliding was heard from the clearing between me and the hourse.

The knife I threw had flown roughly ten meters, striking the attacker's knife in midair, the two knives falling to the ground and making that noise after colliding.

In the past, I always failed to strike down my mother's knives and many times, the knives even stabbed into my body. But this time, the speed of the enemy's knife was inferior to my mother's, hence--I succeeded.

"Eh, just now…"

Senpai asked with a face full of worry.

I originally thought the enemy would attack again, but--

The killing intent directed towards us suddenly vanished as though nothing had happened in the first place.

Then I heard a commotion in the surroundings.

Although I really wanted to head over to that house to confirm the situation, I couldn't leave Senpai alone unattended. After all, that could very well be what the enemy wanted.

I decided to observe for now… Soon after, I decided that things had probably become safe.

I put on my vanity glasses again.

"Phew… Senpai, are you okay?"

Senpai still kept her hands on her mouth. Staring with wide-open eyes, she looked up at me.

"Oh it's fine now, you can talk."

Saying that, I extended a hand to Senpai.

I gripped her hand firmly and pulled her up.

"J-Jirou-kun, you're so amazing!"

"Huh?"

"I already heard Shiki-san mention before, but you really are very amazing! When you threw that knife, I felt my heart beating so fast!"

Wow, hearing Senpai say that makes me so happy!

Not only that, I looked around… and found many people around us, some of them looking with an expression of disbelief at us while walking by. Others were simply sitting in their cars.

One could hardly blame them. Suddenly on the street, I had embraced Senpai and pushed her to the ground then picked up something and thrown it pretentiously. Those people most likely thought they had chanced upon some kind of weird performance.

"Wah~~ Jirou-kun, you were so great… Ehehe!"

Senpai swooned almost as though she were a fan who had met her idol.

Because Senpai always seemed so detached from reality, I felt quite surprised to see her acting this way.

But Senpai was really cute this way too. Hence, all of it was justice.

"It does scare me to be targeted… But Jirou-kun, your actions are even more astounding to me. Thank you so much!"

"Oh, i-it's nothing. I'm glad you're okay, Senpai."

"Yes! I'm fine!"

Senpai expressed her safety to me in a lively manner.

A layer of warmth seemed to suddenly appear in the eyes of the pedestrians and car passengers watching us.

Yeah, it's true. From others' point of view, we probably looked like an idiot couple sitting on the roadside.

The term "idiot couple" sounded a bit outdated. Next time, I'd better ask my sister to see if there's a more fashionable way of calling couples who engage in public displays of affection.

"I've heard that the two of you are currently having a date that shouldn't be taking place, so I came on purpose to have a look."

"Huh!?"

Hearing a voice, Senpai and I both looked back in surprise at the same time. Standing there was Shiki with her head tilted in puzzlement.

Even in such sweltering weather, she was still wearing a lab coat over her uniform with her hands buried in her pockets as usual. She must be hot, dressed like that… But there was not a single sweat drop on Shiki'face.

"Y-Yeah…"

I couldn't help but answer and got up together with Senpai.

Shiki stared at us through her bangs while saying:

"There are two throwing knives dropped on the clearing over there. I have already picked them up just now."

Having said that, she extended her hand out from her pocket, presenting two knives held in her hand. One was the knife I had thrown after picking up while the other was an identical knife that had struck the knife I threw back. Both knives showed cracks apparently caused by the impact.

"Did you throw the knives?"

"No. Regrettably, I don't possess that level of physical ability and skill."

Shiki immediately returned the two knives to her pocket and swiftly brought her face up close.

I felt that the blue eye was flashing with a certain light.

"Monjirou, you are definitely worthy as the one I selected. Despite not having a Gift in this area, you not only evaded the assassin's knife but was even able to counterattack. What amazing skills."

"You saw it?"

"No problem. I have been watching all along ever since the two of you started your date."

I totally had no idea where there was a problem in the first place but her explanation definitely made me feel quite embarrassed.

"The assassin doesn't seem to be in that empty house anymore. Did the perpetrator use a Gift? Or like you, it was purely superb skills? I have yet to deduce the answer to these questions. Sorry."

"Oh, most of that doesn't matter…"

So Shiki was observing the situation all along and even gathering information for us?

Although I felt that Shiki was a girl I couldn't lower my guard against, she was quite reliable indeed.

Just as such feelings sprouted in my heart, I suddenly remembered that she had just drugged me last night.

"By the way, what did you put in my drink yesterday?"

"I later tried out that can of Avocado Spark. That taste was certainly quite stimulating for the taste buds."

"Yeah, it really is…"

Think thinking about it made me feel like the disgusting taste was surging form the back of my throat.

Feeling that indescribable odor reaching my nose, I instantly felt drained of strength.

"Uh, no, that's not the question I've asking!"

"You're asking about the drug? I am deeply sorry about what happened."

Shiki bowed deeply to apologize to me.

How unexpected. I never expected her to apologize so honestly.

"O-Oh."

It made me unable to complain further.

"As Kaguya's guardian together with Monjirou, I have decided to perform further tests to confirm the extent of Monjirou's immortality. Stabbed and drugged to death have been verified, so I must next test out death by strangling, bludgeoning, grinding, crushing, incinerating, cursing, beheading, dehydrating, annihilating…"

"Hold on hold on hold on hold on hold on!"

Hearing Shiki say a series of extremely dangerous words, I immediately stopped her frantically.

"What?"

"That's going way overboard! It sounds like you intend to try everything out on me for real!"

"Jirou's hearing confirmed to be normal. Very good."

"Good my ass! You can't be serious in wanting to test everything on me once?"

"Jirou's ability to grasp the situation confirmed to be excellent. Congratulations."

"Congratulations like hell! What's there to congratulate about!? Shiki!"

No good. This girl looked like she was serious.

"Also, I can't believe you even want to annihilate me."

"I really want to know what would result if you were annihilated together with your physical form. I intend to test it through an explosion."

"No no, I'll surely die!"

"If you die, the experiment ends."

"No matter what, absolutely no!"

"Then may I ask what extent is okay with you?"

"No extent is fine! Anyway, killing is wrong!"

"It's totally unconvincing to hear that coming from you."

I was a professional killer and immortal as well. Indeed, it was not very convincing.

"Uh… W-Well, I haven't actually killed anyone, I should have the right to say that!"

"I see. So that's the case?"

Resting a finger on the side of her lip while looking down, Shiki seemed to be pondering something.

"So, how about a double kill?"

"That's a baseball term! You mean double play!"

"You and Kaguya already encountered it."

The culprit first killed Shiinamachi-senpai then killed me, thus achieving a double kill. I see.

"Perhaps you think your lame joke works well this time, but you're totally wrong!"

"How regrettable. Lame puns are hard to understand."

I couldn't help but feel plunged into annoyance.

Watching me arguing with Shiki, Shiinamachi-senpai seemed to have concluded we were performing some kind of comedy routine, bursting out with a chuckle on the side.

"Shiki-san, Jirou-kun, you two are such great friends."

"No, but if possible, I hope you can help me out here, Senpai."

"Fufu."

Senpai partially closed her eyes and smiled at me. Seeing that, I was unable to say anything more.

Yes, Senpai really was a woman who could easily get away with crimes!

"--Oh, however…"

"Hmm?"

"Back in the bathroom, you already got seduced to death by Kaguya, right?"

"That counts as a cause of death too?"

"I believe that joke was not bad."

"Shiki-san, y-you're so annoying…"

Going red in the cheeks, Senpai finally spoke to restrain Shiki.

I see, so once the sexual harassment involves Senpai, Senpai will speak out against it?

"Sigh, in that sense, Senpai truly has my life and death under her control."

"I see, that's quite well said."

"So annoying, even Jirou-kun is joing in to make fun of me!"

Senpai turned her face away a little displeased. I couldn't help but smile quietly at the sight of that.

If possible, I really hoped Senpai could continue living peacefully like this, serving as the girl who soothed my heart and soul.

On the other hand, it was quite fun for us to be chatting as a trio.

Same for the day when the murder happened. Perhaps it was all thanks to Shiki's brand of behavior, doing and saying whatever she wanted.

However, I really wished from the bottom of my heart that she won't try killing me again.

"I'll let you know later… The conditions for Jirou-kun's resurrection. Is that okay, Shiki-san?"

"Yes. In that case, those tests and experiments won't be necessary."

"I'd like to know myself as well."

I was quite surprised to learn that there were conditions capable of killing me, at the same time, it meant that if those conditions were not met, I was immortal. It was a strange feeling, knowing that I had become someone that was difficult to kill.

Suddenly, I noticed that Shiki, who was the most interested in those death conditions, seemed to be staring at me.

Lately, I found my self more and more able to sense her gaze behind her bangs.

"Monjirou, were you originally thinking of using 'something' just now?"

Her tone was indifferent as always, but there was a certain kind of cold emotion in her voice.

"…Inside my right shoulder's scar is a forbidden power."

"Its use is limited?"

"Yeah."

Shiki couldn’t possibly be satisfied with just this explanation but she did not pry any further.

Perhaps it was because Shiinamachi-senpai made a worried and uneasy face again.

If possible, I really didn't want to tell Senpai that I possessed a power "that might cause me to lose everything."

"Understood. Okay, let's go."

Saying that, Shiki swiftly started walking.

"Hmm? To where?"

"A place where dates must go."

Shiki pointed at a small island. It was a sightseeing island with a bridge connected to the land where we were, allowing us to walk directly to the island. Over there were all sorts of shops, viewing platforms, caves, an excellent spot for dates.

"Great, then let's go there now!"

Shiinamachi-senpai seemed quite enthusiastic and I nodded.

However, the assassin seemed to have observed our movements before attacking with the throwing knives.

Since the enemy had showed killing intent, of course he or she meant to kill us. If that really was the case, I found it quite incredible that he or she would do it in broad daylight. To be honest, unless the knives struck extremely precisely, it was very difficult to kill using throwing knives in one hit. More precisely, it was only possible to take the target's life by piercing the throat, the head or the heart. Apart from attacking the throat, it was very hard to achieve "precision".

Regarding the heart, I've already explained to Shiki and Senpai before. The heart itself was a mass of muscle and needed substantial force to successfully pierce. As for the head was covered by the skull which had a curved shape. Even attacking with bullets, deflection was possible and difficult to cause fatal wounds from a distance. Hence, when killing, the throat should be aimed… But the throat was a small target and required a certain level of skill. In other words, even if the enemy was a highly skilled killer, assassination using throwing knives was still unlikely to succeed.

I think the enemy was only trying to test my abilities.

I looked over at the house just now.

"Jirou-kun, hurry up."

Shiinamachi-senpai had apparently calmed down from the fear of getting ambushed. I saw her waving at me from a distance not too far away.

"Okay, I'll be right there."

I hastily ran forward, meanwhile feeling even more sure that someone was currently targeting us.

This fact further heightened my internal vigilance.

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Walking along the long bridge, reaching the island--

"Oh my, isn't that…"

I looked in the direction Shiki pointed and found Fujisato and Kuhou standing in front of the souvenir shop opposite the parking lot.

Although we just had lunch together yesterday, it was quite a rare sight to see the two of them together. Fujisato was my classmate but did not join the library monitors or any clubs. Kuhou was a member of the library monitors and also part of the kendo club, but we were in different year groups. In other words, although both girls were having lunch with me yesterday, it still felt quite unexpected for me to see them going out as close friends.

They also seemed to notice us. The two girls instantly showed an incredulous expression.

"Hey! Monjirou, I'd never expect you to be out on a date with two girls at once!"

Fujisato pointed at me, surprise written all over her face.

"Oh dear, Senpai really isn't to be underestimated."

Kuhou added as well. Arms crossed before her chest, she was smiling.

"Hello. What a rare combination to see you two together!"

Fujisato was wearing clothes very similar to what you'd find in fashion magazines, all of her attire consisted of this year's summer fashion. In contrast, Kuhou was wearing well-fitting clothing suited to her own whims, the very image of her personality. Having two almost completely opposite people together actually gave off a feeling of a good match. I couldn't help but feel a bit touched to be able to admire the view of them out of school clothing.

"Yes, we just happened to meet by chance in the streets. Oh right, I never expected you guys to appear as well. That's even more surprising to me?"

"Perhaps so-called fate does bring people together. I'm very happy to run into you."

If all this could be attributed to fate, of course it was worth celebrating. However, the attack just now made me suspicious whether this was all coincidental. But considering the time the attack took place, it seemed as though these two girls who were already here might be innocent.

"Shiinamachi-senpai, hello!"

"Senpai, hello again after seeing you yesterday."

"Oh, hello to you two. I'm very happy to be running into you here too."

Hearing Senpai's answer, the two girls then turned their gazes to Shiki. I was just about to offer assistance in introductions when I noticed Shiki stepping forward on her own.

"Nice to meet you. I am Yatono Shiki, Kaguya's servant and Monjirou's slave."

Although I had expected something nonsensical from her, Shiki's self-introduction turned out to be way too nonsensical.

"Ehhhhhhhh!? M-Monjirou!?"

"Hmm… Servant and slave, what a crazy position!"

Compared to Fujisato's shock, Kuhou seemed to be murmuring away in deep thought… I had expected these reactions already.

Humans were naturally capable of facing situations calmly as long as they were able to predict future events. Shiki would make a weird self-introduction, Fujisato would jump in fright, Kuhou would remain composed as always. I had already prepared myself psychologically, hence it was only natural to think there wasn't a problem.

Suddenly stabbed to death, suddenly turned immortal, suddenly having someone offer to scrub my back… After experiencing all kinds of situations, perhaps I had already learned how to face most happenings calmly.

"Well then, let us all get along."

"You're not going to deny it!?"

Fujisato's perfect criticism made me feel quite gratified. If possible, I really hoped that Fujisato could become good friends with Shiki, thereby relieving me of the responsibility of acting as the straight man.

"I feel quite troubled that neither of you denied it. Hence, I will express denial: all that was a joke just now."

"Phew… I was wondering when did Monjirou transform from this serious glasses-wearing type to a fiendish glasses-wearing type… I was scared for a moment there…"

Fujisato pressed her hand on the chest area of her loose garment, breathing a sigh of relief. Although I was very curious on what fiendish glasses-wearing meant, I decided to continue observing the situation.

Because looking at the two girls, Shiinamachi-senpai seemed to be thinking about something.

These two girls were still suspects. It was possible for either of them to have killed me or Shiinamachi-senpai, and to think they were able to chat with us and joke around so calmly… I really didn't want to believe that!

Precisely because of that, I would be much more relieved if they could be cleared of suspicions. I found myself feeling like one of the detective novel protagonists who wanted to believe in heroines and friends.

But in that kind of story, those people often turned out to be the culprit so I absolutely could not be careless.

"Are you three on a date?"

"It would be nice if it were a date."

I made a troubled smiled while Senpai giggled.

"Yes, I invited both of them on a date. They are both my good friends so I hoped they could become good friends with each other too."

"I see."

Fujisato giggled and stared at me. I could clearly feel her sending a message of "that's lovely, nishishi" to me. Sigh, yeah, it's lovely, okay?

"Then what about you, Fujisato and Kuhou? What were you doing just now?"

I started to check their alibi. Senpai and I had been attacked roughly ten minutes earlier. If they had arrived here prior to that, then things would be fine.

"My hobby here is feeding cats. Whenever I have a day off from summer supplementary lessons or work at the store, I'll most likely come here by bike!"

Fujisato pointed at the parking lot where many cats were scattered about, hanging around.

Speaking of which, there were really a ton of cats on this island, perhaps because there were fishmongers here. And the only road led to the parking lot, which meant it was less likely for them to get hit by cars. This was indeed quite a suitable place for cats to live.

"I live nearby, so I just happened to be on a walk before my training."

Kuhou pointed to the bridge's opposite shore and told us that. There was a tall building in the direction where she was pointing. That was probably Kuhou's home.

"You've been here how long?"

"I just got here, yeah? I was just saying to Nagi 'fancy meeting you here' when you three popped up!"

"Yes. Adding to that, I was crossing the bridge when Fujisato-senpai happened to pass by me."

"Wow, that really happened? Sorry, I didn't notice at all!"

"You were riding your bike so casually, Senpai, it didn't sit well with me to call out to you."

Judging from the bridge's length, walking to cross it would take roughly five minutes or so. Walking from the location of the attack to the bridge would also take five minutes roughly. No matter what, if they hurried, both of them could still make it in time.

However, why would the culprit deliberately rush here after ambushing us from that kind of spot?

I couldn't feel anything suspicious from their explanations and it really seemed like they had appeared here by coincidence. However, Shiinamachi-senpai made a look as though she was thinking about something again.

Then she clapped her hands loudly together and said:

"Oh right, Fujisato-san and Kuhou-san, would you happen to be free tonight? If it's agreeable with you, would you like to come to my room for a chat?"

That was--no mistake about it.

One of Shiinamachi-senpai's famous invitations--The Night Gatherings.

"Wow, I'm so happy! I've always wanted to go inside the legendary clock tower! I'm free today so it's totally fine!"

Fujisato seemed quite happy and I saw her nodding many times.

"I am also free after self-directed training today. The kendo hall is at school so may I come to your room directly after training, Senpai?"

Kuhou had participated in one of these gatherings before, so she agreed readily this time as well.

"With Shiki-san as well, let's all have a fun time together!"

"We will!"

"Yes, I understand."

Fujisato and Kuhou both looked happy and I couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief.

They had both agreed readily to Senpai's invitation. Based on that point, they really didn't seem like culprits.

Of course, it was a bit unreasonable for me to suspect them just based on the fact of this ''coincidental encounter''. In that sense, Shiki was actually a possible culprit too.

I looked at Shiki and found her staring at Fujisato and Kuhou the whole time.

Although I was unsure what kind of gaze those eyes under her bangs were showing, I noticed that her hands, buried in her lab coat pockets, were currently moving slightly.

"Shiki-san, is that okay?"

"Yes. I intend to make a show of my smart pajamas at tonight's pajamas party."

"S-Smart?"

"They're transparent."

"H-How can that be acceptable?"

Going red in the cheeks, Fujisato secretly glanced at me.

If I had honestly said 'I won't feel particularly happy even if I saw Shiki in transparent pajamas', I think the girls were going to scorn me.

In that case, my only chose was to…

"You must wear them!"

"Affirmative."

"N-No way, you can't go 'affirmative', right!?"

Fujisato's vigorous retort made me feel incredibly refreshed.

"Perhaps you two will have to take the trouble to bring pajamas too. Just normal pajamas will do."

Shiki's reminder elicited a troubled look on Kuhou's face.

"Hmm… I usually sleep in tracksuits or t-shirts and shorts, so I don't think I have decent looking pajamas."

She was wearing a tracksuit indeed last time. Compared to the other people's spectacular pajamas, only Kuhou and I were attending in tracksuits. I guess that was probably one reason why we got along so well.

"Well… I can lend my pajamas to you. Kuhou-san, I have a feeling that the soft and frilly kind of pajamas will definitely suit you very well."

Hearing Senpai's suggestion, I couldn't help but imagine Kuhou dressed in a soft and frilly pink pajamas.

…Hmm, indeed, it might suit her unexpectedly well.

"It'll definitely suit Kuhou!"

"R-Really? I've never worn soft and frilly pajamas before, so please go easy on me, both of you, Senpai…"

Hearing the girls chat happily about pajamas, I couldn't help but wonder: should I also prepare similar clothing for myself?

But then I immediately thought: these girls probably won't find male pajamas very interesting even if they saw them, right?

Shiki quickly walked over to my side and said in a barely audible voice that only I could hear:

"If these two are the culprits, then tonight will be the climax of the case."

…What was she talking about?

In other words… If the culprit was one of them, then Shiinamachi-senpai was going to expose this fact… So Senpai invited them only because she was carrying such intentions?

Still in the dark, Fujisato and Kuhou continued chatting happily with Senpai.

I couldn't help but think: I can't believe Senpai is doing this kind of deceptive behavior…

But if one of them really was the culprit then we were actually the ones being deceived.

--However, even if that was the case…

I still couldn't accept it. I felt compelled to clench my right fist.

"If you believe them, then watch tonight's proceedings clearly and carefully. If both of them are innocent, then I won't suspect them anymore."

…Well said.

Everything was for clearing up suspicions.

After understanding that, with a heavy heart, I watched the three girls who were currently laughing together in harmony.

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| Forward to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 3 B-Part|Chapter 3 B-Part]]
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Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 2 B-Part

2014-07-21T23:10:20Z

TeKuma:

==Chapter 2 B-Part - Murder and Gift==

■Search Results for "gift":
* An outstanding talent. A unique and distinctive power. Excellent talent.
* 0 search results.
* Someone possessing a special ability that is beyond human.

"Seriously, Kuhou, do you have some kind of gift… a special ability perhaps?"

Next, let's fast forward back to the next day after the incident.

After finishing summer supplementary lesson in the morning with Fujisato, it was the lunch break so we went to the student cafeteria to have lunch. The cafeteria was more deserted than usual today and Kuhou was already waiting there for us.

I said hi and after a brief chat--

I instantly asked upfront.

"Oh I see, then let's discuss it for a bit."

After answering that, Kuhou made a "hmm…" sound and entered deep thought.

Sitting next to her, Fujisato was smiling cheerfully. She most likely thought that this was a continuation of the eighth grade syndrome conversation. If that were actually the case, I would feel much better.

"Yeah. Also, did you use that ability last night to kill other people effortlessly without hindrance?"

"Indeed, last night… I don't have an alibi."

Kuhou admitted very readily… No wait, she was simply following the discussion I had opened up.

"But Monjirou-senpai, what evidence is there to prove that I did it?"

Originally eating her chicken and egg rice bowl with great enjoyment, she pursed her lips to make a fearless smile with chopsticks raised.

That smile suited her face far too well. Everything matched the proper airs of my underclassman's warrior style.

"Wow, Nagi, you really look so authentic!"

"Kendo is a type of martial arts that places great emphasis on form. Putting on airs like a swordsman is necessary to intimidate the opponent, thereby obtaining powerful strength. It is necessary to challenge the opponent while maintaining thoughts of 'I am a swordsman with outstanding ability, I will kill the enemy'."

"Ehehe, I see! I've always thought that kendo required keeping your mind free of random thoughts then attacking with a mighty shout."

"Of course, that's one method, but… Oh well, no matter what, victory is decided by instantaneous exchanges. Hence… I was thinking, if I actually possessed one of those gifts or superpowers mentioned by Senpai, it'd be so much easier."

"Kuhou, this is totally unexpected. So this kind of underhanded idea has crossed your mind too?"

"Senpai, I don't think there's anything underhanded about gifts and abilities. If you possess that kind of power since birth, or you acquired it through hard work and training, then it counts as part of the possessor's special characteristics. How should I put this? It's like having sharp eyesight, keen hearing, good looks or a strong body… etc. The possessor is supposed to produce an excellent performance in areas where these abilities can be used in the first place."

I see. That point of view is quite honest and upfront.

I've always disliked applying the killing skills I've trained since early childhood to martial arts or sports, which was why I studied my ass off, finally becoming a library monitor. But in Kuhou's view, the right way would be to make good use of abilities that had been cultivated in the process of growing up.

"So, Senpai, what kind of gift do you think I possess? If possible, I wish to be like Fujisato-senpai, to have a cute face and charm like an idol. If that could come true, I'd surely feel very happy."

"Eh? I-I don't have that kind of ability, okay!?"

Fujisato frantically waved her hands. That motion was definitely too cute. I see. For her to be able to perform this action naturally without calculation beforehand, this would count as a talent akin to a gift, right?

"Let me see… How about hovering in midair, for example?"

Possessing such an ability would allow the culprit to go up and down the stairs silently.

"Using an ability to hover in midair to kill people… If it was a murder in a locked room mystery, then this ability can be used with footprints to provide misdirection… or something like that?"

"If you can fly, then isn't it better to just take the victim to a high altitude then drop them? The deceased would have fallen to their death from the air where there was nothing! …This kind of situation would pose even more of a headache for detectives, right?"

"Wow, your idea is so vicious, Fujisato-senpai, who could have guessed from the way you look?"

"I-It's very vicious?"

Putting aside the content of their conversation, watching these two girls smiling at each other, I felt that this was truly a relaxing lunch break… However, I still decided to keep these two of my friends on the suspect list for now.

Last night, Shiki had said to me:

'Monjirou, could you try and think, is there anyone you know who were still out and about last night?'

At the time, the ones who surfaced in my mind were Fujisato working at the convenience store and Kuhou who had just left school.

Hence, I immediately listed both of them as suspects, however--

"Suppose I didn't have the ability to hover in midair but some other gift, what kind of gift would I have?"

Kuhou seemed quite engaged in the subject I brought up, how unexpected.

Like me, she was also one of the library monitors and also knew about Shiinamachi-senpai's room upstairs, and even had a key as well. In that sense, she was the most likely suspect, however… To think that she would get so into this topic of conversation, I really can't understand if she really knows what I'm talking about or if she's actually just an airhead?

"I think Nagi seems to have a way to do all kinds of things!"

Indeed, the warrior's aura exuded from her made me feel that it wouldn't be surprising if she had learned killing techniques. She gave off that impression even more than me.

"Hmm… For example, Kuhou could have been trained to prevent herself from making any sound when walking… Something like that?"

For a professional killer and master of martial arts, eliminating the sound of one's footsteps was a very important skill. If you ask me which question was the real one, I'd have to say this was the true answer that I wanted to find out. Since she is a highly accomplished expert in kendo, I naturally suspected if she was able to climb those stairs without making a sound.

"Does that count as a gift? Well true, if a gift can refer to a special skill acquired through training, describing it that way might be right. Kendo practitioners like me must use our legs, so there's always some sound from friction."

"Eliminating the sound of footsteps… This skill sounds so plain."

Both girls' opinions were very reasonable. As for hearing Fujisato rate this skill as "so plain", it really made me, someone who had learned this skill through dedicated hard work, feel a little lamenting.

"However, Senpai's choice of words makes me feel like you're indirectly trying to identify the culprit in a murder case."

Kuhou narrowed her slender and clear eyes, the corner of her lips curling up.

I felt like I was being seen right through.

"Actually, that's totally correct. Last night, Shiinamachi-senpai was murdered."

"Eh? I just met her in the library?"

Yes. Because even though she was killed, she still managed to survive.

"I met Senpai this morning too. Senpai was still laid back as always."

So Kuhou saw Senpai too? Then if the culprit was one of these two girls, then she would already know that last night's murder ended in failure.

But the culprit would already know they had failed to kill me as soon as they met me. Suppose the culprit deliberately concealed the shock in their heart and talked to me as though nothing had happened, then all I can say was that these two girls' acting skills are too good.

Perhaps this was a perfect example of what my sister said about 'every woman is an actress and talented at telling lies.'

"I get it. Senpai was chatting with Shiinamachi-senpai last night about this… like studying detective novels? Or something like mental puzzles? It's true, that clock tower does seem like a suitable place to use for this kind of subject."

What an excellent underclassman, smart and quick on the uptake, she immediately interpreted the meaning behind my words from different angles.

"Exactly. Something similar to a game, we're going to figure out who Senpai's murderer is."

I knew that this method was very dangerous but in reality, something even more dangerous had already happened so I had no choice but to do this.

"Eh, yesterday… Monjirou, you went to Shiinamachi-senpai's room last night?"

Fujisato's cheeks went red. The direction of her deductions seems to be a bit different.

No, actually, this was how a normal high schooler was supposed to react.

"Shiinamachi-senpai would regularly hold stayover parties. Monjirou-senpai and I have taken part together in the past, but Senpai was the only boy there that time. He was all alone in a corner and looked very lonely."

"It's very embarrassing for a boy to be holding a pajamas party with a group of girls!"

I commented on that gathering last time, causing Fujisato to giggle and smile.

"That's natural, Monjirou. It's to be expected since you're such a serious person after all. In that kind of situation, you can act a bit shameless towards the girls and hassle them, you know?"

"Yeah… But I didn't have the chance back then."

Thinking back, the girls were all chatting so excitedly together, I totally had no way of inserting myself into their conversation topics and was at a total loss what to do. Later on, Kuhou finally couldn't stand to watch and came over to chat with me about martial arts for a while.

I was lucky to have Kuhou taking care of me back then. And now, to think I was suspecting her, that might be kind of rude.

"Apart from Shiinmachi-senpai, who else was there last night?"

After all, Senpai and I were a mixed-gender pair at the height of puberty. Normal people wouldn't think that we'd be alone together.

"There was an underclassman, a first year called Yatono Shiki…"

"Eh? Yatono-san went as well?"

Fujisato reacted to the name.

"What's the matter? Is she your friend?"

"No, but I've always felt that Yatono-san… probably doesn't have many friends. She feels like a solitary scientist. But she does have many fans!"

Solitary. Fans.

Shiki, I never knew that you could be the source of such rumors and even had fans!

Her type of detachment from the mundane world and mysterious airs definitely would attract certain types of fans.

"Then the three of you started playing a detective game? I see."

This really sounded like something Kuhou would say. If she really were the culprit then her ability to play dumb was truly extraordinary.

Precisely because she always looked like a girl whose actions and internal thoughts were consistent and upfront, I would find it very difficult to believe if she said she was actually a terrifying killer or was fine with killing Shiinamachi-senpai and me.

In terms of skills and ability, she should be able to do it. However, she was pretty good friends with me and Shiinamchi-senpai. To be more precise, I really didn't want to believe that she would do something like that.

"What did you chat about? Are you trying to verify how Shiinamachi-senpai was killed?"

"Yeah… Pretty much. Next, everything I say will be just hypothetical, okay? So…"

I recounted the facts from last night in a manner like telling a fictional story.

I took a deep breath briefly then pushed my vanity glasses.

"Let me think…"

Omitting the bathroom event, I then told Kuhou and Fujisato everything I had seen and heard last night in a storytelling manner with as much detail as possible.

I explained the circumstances encountered as well as Shiinamachi-senpai's death then brought up my own death.

Then I told them how Senpai, Shiki and I tried to deduce the culprit's thinking and actions.

Of course, I didn't mention that Shiinamachi-senpai was a Nightkin nor the fact that Shiki belonged to a certain organization. Last time when I said I was a killer, Fujisato had already expressed her view in a smiling, dismissing manner.

"So, do you two want to join in on this deductive game?"

"It really does seem impossible without possessing some special ability. So that's why you brought up flying and eliminating the sound of footsteps just now, Senpai?"

"Oh~ So while I was working, you guys were discussing something so interesting! I really want to join in too!"

Actually, if Fujisato saw that scene, I'm guessing she'll most likely faint.

After all, when Shiki arrived at the scene, the room was actually still in the state of a crime scene.

"So with that, the most suspicious… Oh I see. Senpai met me in front of the school last night, so naturally, I'm the most likely suspect. I finally understand what you're trying to say, Senpai."

"Eh, Nagi and Monjirou… You met each other last night…?"

Fujisato's cheeks turned red again. It looked like her mind was always filled with thoughts about romance.

"On my way to the school, I happened to run into Kuhou was about to go home."

"Regrettably, Monjirou-senpai and I don't have any special relationship."

So Kuhou felt that regretful about that? I couldn't help but feel a bit happy.

Although our friendship wasn't particularly deep, I've always felt happy interacting with her. After all, during that lonely pajamas party, she took initiative to chat and accompany me.

"Okay, then let's organize the facts of the whole event. Very clearly, I am the most suspicious person. Not only do I possess a key to the library monitors' office, but I am also well-versed in martial arts and possess a bladed instrument of a certain weight. I am also quite short which matches the 'figure' Shiinamachi-senpai witnessed. The timeframe of meeting Monjirou-senpai by chance also overlaps with the timing of the events."

Kuhou openly admitted that she was the prime suspect.

"As for Fujisato-senpai, there's totally no grounds for suspicion. When the crime happened, Fujisato-senpai was working at the convenience store and this can be checked just by asking the store manager. If Fujisato-senpai did it, then it's only possible through deceptions like having an identical twin."

"Twins huh… That might be kind of fun it were true! After all, I'm an only child…"

Even if Fujisato really had a twin, it was very unlikely for her to be the killer. Besides, there's still the footsteps issue.

"But if I'm the real culprit as the prime suspect, in that case… That'd be way too lame."

"Right. In detective novels, if the prime suspect turns out to be the culprit, it'll feel too boring."

Just based on considerations of fun, then the two of them were right. Fujisato and I both agreed with Kuhou.

Not only that. Even if Kuhou followed me closely after seeing me, then the sounds of the key opening the lock and the wooden staircase still presented problems.

Of course, these details only presented difficulties under the prior assumption that ''the culprit committed the crime using ordinary means''. If the culprit had used a special power, then all bets were off for physical phenomena. The gifts received by the vassals of Nightkin were apparently divided into many different types, which was why it was possible to have rather special powers like immortality.

"If the story revolves around Monjirou-senpai, then what other characters appear?"

"Oh, hmm, pretty much that's it."

This was a game established under the assumption of "hypothetically" hence Kuhou seemed to be treating it purely as a thinking game, immersing herself into this discussion topic.

On the other hand, Fujisato was a good listener no matter what the topic so she too had happily accepted the story.

If I hadn't gotten stabbed to death for real, perhaps I'd enjoy the conversation even more than them.

"Monjirou-senpai, according to commonly seen methods of misdirection, the most suspicious person should be the character who died in the beginning. In other words, Shiinamachi-senpai, right?"

"Oh, I've heard of that one too! Someone who is thought to have died first often turns out to be the culprit, right? This setup is pretty famous!"

Like Fujisato, I knew that this type of setup often appeared in detective novels.

Because the first victim's identity was unknown, who they were could only be guessed from their clothing but everything turns out to be different from what everyone thought. If that's the case, the initially discovered dead person must disguise themselves as another character then proceed to act separately from the other characters.

But this incident was different. When I rushed onto the scene, Shiinamachi-senpai was the deceased and in the end, she also survived. Just as she said, "if today weren't a safe day, it would've been dangerous."

In other words, although Senpai did not die, in fact she really did encounter an incident sufficient to cause death.

"I think that Monjirou-senpai's should be suspected more."

"Hmm? Me?"

"Oh I get it! You're referring to stories where the protagonist is the culprit, right!?"

"Yes. If the mystery is narrated from first person, then the reader needs to pay extra attention. As the protagonist, 'he' can arbitrarily fabricate what he saw, heard and felt. Deceptions like 'this is what really happened at the time' or something like that."

Indeed, in the story, I'm very suspicious too and could be the killer.

I was both able to open the door to the building's entrance and had accepted Shiinamachi-senpai's invitation.

Then I took out a sword to stab her in the chest.

All actions after that were faked.

But based on pre-established reality, this was totally impossible. After I was stabbed to death, Shiinamachi-senpai had apparently… turned me immortal and resurrected me. If I really were the culprit, it would be impossible explain what actually happened during that blank period in my consciousness.

"After you, the most suspicious person should be that 'Shiki-san'."

Kuhou had probably prepared this answer from the start? Hence she was ranking each character in terms of suspiciousness.

"She is the only character in the story who has knowledge on everyone's movements. For example, when killing Shiinamachi-senpai, she should have a key to open the door if she normally frequents Senpai's room. Also, if she already knew that Monjirou-senpai was going to visit Shiinamachi-senpai's room, she could easily hide somewhere in the room, like in the washroom for example. After seeing Senpai in a panic from discovering Shiinamachi-senpai's corpse, all she had to do was kill Senpai from behind. Then she could leisurely stroll down the stairs and return to the computer lab, then visit Shiinamachi-senpai's room again, thus legitimately becoming the person who discovers the dead victims."

After listening to Kuhou's idea, it really seemed like Shiki was the most suspicious person in the incident.

Indeed. The culprit had no need to hide behind the clock's faceplate to wait for my appearance at all.

If Shiki knew I was coming and had decided beforehand that I must be killed, all she needed to do was wait inside the room. Even with a ton of blood splashed over her from the victims, she didn't need to care at all. After all, she always used Senpai's bathroom anyway, so surely she must have a change of clothes prepared there already.

"Does Shiki-san match the figure Shiinamachi-senpai saw? Is Shiki-san tall?"

"No, she's quite short, actually."

I see… Hmm, thanks to treating it as a thinking game, otherwise, we totally could not possibly know that the deceased Shiinamachi-senpai had seen a "petite figure". The dead tell no tales was supposed to be the case. Having become corpses, the testimony of Shiinamachi-senpai and me were totally meaningless under normal conditions.

It's just that on this occasion, Shiinamachi-senpai happened to survive and I was fortunately resurrected.

Hence, that was how the current situation arose.

"Anyway, if the number one suspect is me, then I'll say that 'Shiki-san' is the real culprit. Monjirou-senpai, does this hypothesis work?"

Kuhou smiled cheerfully while offering her conclusion to the game.

Indeed, her hypothesis was feasible, so…

All I could do was feel impressed and nod, expressing agreement.

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

As a result, after summer supplementary lessons finished, I made my way to the computer lab.

If what Shiinamachi-senpai said was correct, Shiki should be staying in the computer lab caretaker's room.

Students could only enter that caretaker's room from inside the computer lab.

Not only that, normally, only teachers were allowed into the caretaker's room. Apparently, even members of the computer club weren't allowed inside either. Based on this fact, Shiki must possess quite astounding authority to be able to stay in the caretaker's room all day long.

"Excuse me for the intrusion."

I knocked and opened the door to the computer lab. Originally staring at the computer screens, the computer club members immediately turned their gazes towards me, like looking at something rare. I really wasn't used to being the center of so many people's attention.

To keep calm under everyone's gaze, I swiftly pushed up my vanity glasses.

"Could someone call Shiki for me?"

As soon as I explained my purpose here, the door in the depths of the room opened.

"Monjirou, I've been waiting a long time for you. Please come in."

Shiki poked her face out and waved to me.

"Let's do improper things together."

Shuffle shuffle!

The boys in the computer all stood up and stared at me with terrifying eyes.

"Shiki, could you give me a break? People will misunderstand if you put it like that."

"Based on my deductions, this method of seduction can elicit goodwill from all males. Anyway, please enter my room."

Shiki swiftly withdrew her face back inside, hence I had no choice but to enter the computer lab reluctantly.

Next, while feeling everyone's glares on me concretely, I passed by the lectern in front and walked to the caretaker's room's door in the depths of the room. Shiki was waiting for me there.

"This is my first time allowing a boy into the room."

Glare!

I could feel even stronger gazes.

I see. Possessing professional killing skills, I understood. These people were even more serious than I thought.

They truly wanted to murder me with their gazes. Shiki really did have a lot of fans after all.

In that sense… I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. I, too, harboured feelings of admiration for Senpai in the same student organization, so I understood how they felt as fans of Shiki.

"Sorry, Shiki and I don't have that kind of relationship."

I tried to say that to them whereas Shiki pouted slightly. Perhaps she wanted to protest. But right now, it was more important to clear up everyone's misunderstanding.

"So, Monjirou, hurry inside. Let's do some 'good things' in the room."

If I left her alone, Shiki was surely going to keep saying redundant things.

"Yes yes yes, got it. I'm coming in. Please have mercy on me."

Hence, I frantically escaped into the caretaker's room.

This management room was quite cool inside and very dark as well. A large device was placed near the entrance, probably what people call the base unit. That machine was giving off robotic fan noises that resounded throughout the room. Apart from that, there were documents, bookshelves and a desk. This room really looked like it was equipped with the functions of a management room.

But unlike Shiinamachi-senpai's room, this did not look like it was Shiki's personal bedroom.

"Over here, please."

In the far end of the room, there was an independent space delineated by a long curtain. Shiki was waving at me from there. That was probably Shiki's personal space. It felt like a separate room had been forcibly split off from the room.

"I've heard that boys would always search for a girl's intimate apparel when entering her room. I give you permission to do that."

"Sorry, I don't have that kind of special fetish, so I won't get excited about underwear that's worn-out from laundry and not being worn on the body."

After all, I've got a sister back home and sometimes our clothes get hung out to dry at the same time. My sister feels a little embarrassed to some extent but I don't particularly mind so my sister didn't raise any objections.

"I see. Then I will update my notes."

"I've heard that some people get extremely excited after knowing that an article of clothing had been worn by a certain person. I think this might be the difference of imagination."

"You are right. Then I will update my information as: Monjirou is only interested in underwear that's being worn on the body."

"Perhaps."

"Thank you for the lesson."

I think I'm getting gradually used to her indifferent tone of voice. While thinking that, I walked over to the other side of the heavy curtain.

Little did I expect that this was the true data center.

A large number of computer screens were executing some kind of unknown program while a number of giant boxes were producing intense fan noises. Most astounding of all, there were three keyboards set up here respectively on the front, right and left sides. Every keyboard differed in shape and looked like they each had their own uses. Even the mouse on the side was studded with large number of buttons.

Behind the chair was a simple one-person bed. Hanging on the back wall was a set of school uniform and four lab coats. In this dark, personal space, apart from sleeping, all activities could be accomplished from just the seat. It really felt like a computer expert's exclusive zone.

"Are you amazed?"

"It feels like a super hacker's room."

"But actually, all I need is this device."

Shiki took out a slightly large smartphone from the front pocket of her uniform.

"So… These computers are for sending data to the smartphone, or for processing certain data for the smartphone?"

"Nope."

"What do you mean?"

"All these decorations in the room were prepared for appearances only."

This felt like an environment where amazing programmers or day traders might work! I never expected that it was just set up for appearances.

"This room's setup started with form and appearance. After acquiring it all, I discovered that it's all unnecessary."

"Sigh, perhaps you're right…"

In this world, even if you downsize things that you originally considered essential, in the end, you can still complete the task somehow.

"So, Monjirou, could you lie on the bed?"

The mattress was memory foam while there was a thick comforter and towel blanket on top as part of the bedding. Everything was a clean blue color without exception, giving a cold impression. In my private imagination, I thought a girl's bed should be softer instead.

"Excuse me."

That being said, as soon as I recalled that this was the bed Shiki usually slept in, I couldn't help but feel my heart rate rise a little.

"I know that you find this bed a bit narrow and not that suited for pinning down a girl to have your way with her. But don't let that worry you. Please directly act out the desires in your heart."

"I'd prefer not to hear that from a girl."

"True. Then I will take care not to hurry you before the fact from now on."

I really got the impression that this girl loved provoking others in this area way too much.

But upon a closer look, I could see faint pinkness surfacing on her face.

Perhaps she was actually unexpectedly embarrassed.

"As for drinks, which would you like? There's coffee, black tea, oolong tea and Avocado Spark."

"What's that Avo… whatever?"

"You dare to choose it? What a brave man you are."

I can't believe she thought that I already decided on that drink.

Shiki opened a small fridge next to a base unit and took out a green can.

Avocado Spark!

The can itself was printed with a vigorous logo and an illustration evocative of an avocado. The splashing pattern was especially memorable. Just like that, Shiki handed me this beverage of indeterminate taste.

Hmm, at least from first impressions, this was probably a carbonated soft drink.

"Please do share your thoughts after drinking it."

"You've never tried it?"

"Nope, because this seems like a seasonal product. So, please enjoy."

Thus, I was forced to drink it without a choice.

In that case, no helping it. I pulled the ring and brought my lips to the can.

A smell similar to leaves, difficult to describe, rushed into my nasal cavity. At the very least, I concluded that I probably wouldn't want to drink this kind of beverage if I was looking for a refreshing feeling.

I took a small sip. Hmm~ How should I describe it? It seemed a bit sweet and sour at the same time, a bit slimy and a little fizzy. I was stuck in a strange feeling of "do avocadoes taste like this?"

"…What a weird taste…"

"Just as I predicted."

Where the heck did she get her hands on such a strange drink? As expected, avocadoes were not suited for making into drinks, they're more tasty in salads or eaten with a hamburger. This canned drink made me confirm this fact once again.

"So, how did proper business go?"

I think she was asking about the results from my conversation with Fujisato and Kuhou, so I sat up straight.

Holding that can of Avocado Spark in my hands, I mentally organized the information I had heard earlier. Although I didn't want to drink more of this beverage, I didn't want to throw it away immediately.

"I asked them honestly all kinds of questions. It felt like both of them are innocent. Especially Fujisato, she has an alibi and her responses were especially natural, so I don't think she's related to this case at all."

I really can't believe that I was saying the words "has an alibi."

Then another thought popped up: this really did feel like playing a detective game.

"What about Kuhou Nagi?"

"She participated in the whole conversation with great enthusiasm. In that sense, if she really is the culprit, then she's way too proactive. Not only that, she even helped me organize the facts."

After doing so much hypothesizing, I'd really jump in fright if she turned around and say 'but actually, I'm the culprit.' Hence, I also believed that she seemed to be innocent.

"So that's her attitude. I get it."

Shiki kept nodding.

Her bangs covered both her eyes so I couldn't read her face at all. So what exactly was Shiki thinking? What did she think of the entire affair? I had no idea at all.

"Any other clues?"

"Lemme think…"

I felt a bit troubled, unsure whether I should report this to Shiki.

I gathered information as carefully as I could, but as an expert information-gatherer, Shiki probably understood more than me, so I decided to disclose everything to her without reservation.

"According to Kuhou, she thinks you're the most suspicious."

"Indeed that is true."

Shiki's voice seemed to be giving off a slightly delighted sense of excitement.

"After hearing her say that, I found it logical too. Indeed, if you're the culprit, Shiki, then even without using a gift, I think you still seem to be able to do all of it."

"True."

She was accepting the idea extremely calmly, causing me to think 'could it really be her…"?

But this was most likely Shiki's characteristic messing with others.

I totally had no idea who was right. Under such conditions, I once again concluded that I wasn't cut out to be a detective.

I really hoped that Shiki could take the detective's role, but unfortunately, the most suited person was also the most suspicious person at the moment.

And the one who pointed that out was also the prime suspect as well.

Should I believe in Shiki or Kuhou…? That's what the situation now felt like.

"In other words, no matter who the culprit, as long as they possess a Gift, then it would make it more likely for them to be able to achieve the crime committed."

Shiki raised a finger and began to give her opinion.

"If the culprit didn't use a Gift to achieve their goal, then I am the prime suspect. In hindsight, this is a most natural conclusion, isn't that right?"

"According to Kuhou, that's how it is. Oh my, I'd feel so much happier if the culprit turns out to be a totally unrelated third person…"

"Why?"

"Because I want to get along with everyone peacefully!"

I voiced my feelings honestly, causing Shiki's mouth to open slightly in an O-shape.

Was what I said that weird?

I believe that it should be very logical…

"Monjirou, you are really an amusing person. After talking to you, I've concluded that I was right in deciding to take an interest in you. Introducing you to Kaguya was definitely worth it."

Seeing Shiki acting in a way I've never seen before, I really didn't understand why she would introduce me to Shiinmachi-senpai.

"Until a few years ago, you were simply brought up with the goal of becoming a killing machine. But right now, you have become this plain and ordinary… four-eyed boy with 'an average high schooler's perspective'. It's because you're that kind of person that…"

To think she knew that much about my background… It really impressed upon me: she possesses a "special power."

"Because you are that kind of person, that's why I found you very 'amusing' and developed an interest in you."

"…Shiki…?"

Just at this moment--

I suddenly felt my vision go seemingly dark, bit by bit, and the world before my eyes growing distorted.

"I'd really like to know, how far you can go, ultimately."

The world began to spin nonstop.

Shiki also seemed to have noticed my abnormal state. She shoved my lightly.

Instantly, unable to resist, I fell back on the bed.

What the heck… What's going on?

"Yes, I really would like to test out everything about you."

Next, Shiki laid herself on my body. Having lost all my strength, I totally unable to resist.

Lying on my immobile body, Shiki examined my face from close range.

At this moment, I saw it.

Her other eye was shining with golden light.

Possessing one blue and one golden eye, Shiki smiled faintly.

I could feel a sense of beauty contrary to reality, so beautiful that it made one shudder. I felt myself shivering from the bottom of my heart--Was this what people called terror?

"Monjirou."

Shiki touched my face with her ice-cold hands.

Thanks to that icy feeling, I was barely able to retain my consciousness.

The can of Avocado Spark fell on the ground with a clong. Even in my hazy consciousness, I finally realized--

I was drugged.

In other words, some kind of drug had been mixed into that weird juice.

"According to my judgment, Kaguya has accepted you with equally favorable impressions. I find that most agreeable."

Shiki's face was getting closer and closer to me.

That shining golden eye kept approaching me.

That color and luster made me recall a certain kind of entity transcending human intelligence.

Inside there was even a kind of magical power, enough to ensnare human hearts.

Compared to my past, this girl was even more terrifying.

Just looking at that eye, it made my body instinctively reach this kind of conclusion.

Precisely because of that, this girl normally kept that eye covered. If one kept staring into that golden eye, it felt like one's soul would be taken in the end, even to the point of no return.

Although my consciousness was slipping away gradually, I still had to ask in confirmation:

"Shiki, are… you… the culprit…?"

I spoke in fragments, unable to say the entire question normally. Also, I could no longer maintain my remaining consciousness.

"Sakuradamon Jirou, go to sleep like this."

Then Shiki urged me with an unprecedentedly sweet voice.

--In that manner, I totally lost consciousness.

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| Back to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume_1_Chapter 2 A-Part|Chapter 2 A-Part]]
| Return to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 3 A-Part|Chapter 3 A-Part]]
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</noinclude>

Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 1 B-Part

2014-07-18T05:31:34Z

TeKuma:

==Chapter 1 B-Part - Thanatos and Immortal==

■Search Results for "immortal":
*Meaning will not die. Can also refer to a body that can resist all sorts of illnesses, pain, injuries and attacks.
*Carries the meaning of relentless perseverance no matter what setbacks are encountered. Also refers to people with this characteristic.
*A state where one will not die regardless of any kind of bludgeoning or slicing attack.
*Impervious to pain, neither getting hurt nor dying.
*Refers to a person who has obtained an immortal body.

In my hazy state, I dreamt that I was drifting in the darkness.

This kind of dream was very common whenever one started dreaming while in a totally exhausted state. In other words, I was currently sleeping very deeply in all likelihood.

Just at this moment, unintentionally--I seemed to hear my mother's voice coming from somewhere.

Hence, my awareness focused itself on the voice of my mother who had left me a long time ago.

'Jirou, you must live on.'

These words--These were the final words my mother said to me before she disappeared.

'Your future life will surely be a difficult road to travel. As your mother, I have already taught you all the skills and ways of thinking I can teach. Here on, no matter what you must do, no matter how much you will bloody your hands, even if you have to make others or yourself shed blood or tears, you must live on properly. Jirou, this is your destiny.'

My mother had said these words to me with aloofness. The next morning, she disappeared without trace, as though she had never existed at all to begin with. The only things she left behind were a stamp and a bank account containing a giant sum of money.

Back then, I had yet to understand the concept of loneliness.

But now, I was finally able to understand how painful a separation it was.

As I am now, perhaps I would be able to speak out asking my mother not to go.

Ultimately... I definitely learned from my mother all sorts of things that no ordinary mother would teach a child.

Even so, I still remained greatly grateful to my mother.

That was why my chest felt so empty, as though a huge hole had been gouged from it.

Or perhaps because of that--I was feeling pain in my heart.

'Slowly, you will understand what is heartache. Once you understand that, absolutely do not forget that feeling. It will become a valuable experience for you, the most important emotion. As a result, you must embrace that emotion and continue striving to survive amidst the pain and suffering. Do you understand? No matter how great the pain and suffering your body or soul feels, you must live on.'

I was definitely able to endure the body's pain.

However, I had never experienced the feeling known as heartache.

No, perhaps the separation with my mother itself had already made me experience heartache already.

Was that why I was feeling such pain in my chest...?

--No, it's not like that. This pain coming from my heart was not the feeling of heartache.

At this moment, floating in the darkness, I was starting to see a large amount of red droplets.

That was--fresh blood. A great volume of blood was surging out from my chest.

At this rate, I was going to die. My mother clearly asked me to live on properly but my life was quickly reaching an end.

However... That's right, I felt quite satisfied with my death.

That's why my mother said those words, probably to scold me for harboring such thoughts.

...Mother, I'm sorry.

But I really feel that this is fine.

Because, to think I can actually... Die while embracing the feelings a human ought to have.

At the time, knowing that I could die together with her, I really felt very happy.

So--

'This sort of thing is neither here nor there. You must live on properly. Hurry up and open your eyes.'

That was what my mother said to me.

Somehow in my memories, my mother's tone of voice seemed quite gruff.

Oh right, my mother's personality really seems to be like that.

'Also in the future--a destiny akin to despair yet filled with happiness is waiting for you.'

My mother's voice was making my consciousness gradually awaken.

In other words, I still had not...

Then the originally dark space instantly filled with silver brightness like moonlight.

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

I opened my eyes to see the lower edge of a bosom that was boldly stretching the clothing's fabric.

"Good morning, Jirou-kun."

"...Huh?"

I felt the warmth of a hand's touch on my hair. Only after a while did I realize that someone was currently stroking my head. Beyond the voluptuous bosom, I could see Senpai's face with a gentle smile.

Was everything a dream? While thinking that, I shifted my gaze slightly to the side. The pool of blood earlier was no longer visible on the floor and my body didn't look like it was bleeding.

But when I looked up at Senpai's face, I immediately noticed blood stains on her face and hands. Moonlight was streaming in through the window, illuminating her, producing an extremely surreal scene.

"Oh, this is your blood, Jirou-kun, so don't worry about me."

...No, even after hearing her say that, I was still worried.

In other words, I was definitely killed by someone but my wounds were not that serious. Not only that, even Senpai was able to survive miraculously as well... Is that what happened?

Or perhaps, I've actually entered the afterlife? The dead bodies of Senpai and me were still collapsed on the side while she and I had perhaps turned into ghosts at this moment.

Oh well, it's fine even if that's true. In that case, Senpai would be able to continue displaying her smiling face. This fact alone was enough to make everything perfect.

Just as I was thinking that, Senpai spoke up:

"If today weren't a safe day, dying on the spot would have been likely."

She said something incomprehensible.

"...Huh?"

I couldn't help but leak a weird noise from my lips, surprising even myself. What I understood about the keyword "safe day" was totally impossible to connect with Senpai's meaning.

"Oh, how should I put this...? It is quite difficult to explain indeed..."

Senpai was making a troubled look. She first looked up, then to the side, then to the back.

She looked like she was trying hard to find a suitable manner of explanation, then she said:

"Tonight's situation is very coincidental and special, which is why I happened to not die. Then... Putting it this way, perhaps you might find it difficult to understand, but I am truly sorry, I accidentally made you immortal."
[[image:Shiinasenpai v1 039.png|thumb]]

Hmm.

I totally can't understand what Senpai was talking about.

But I currently have a need to show my outstanding comprehension abilities.

Shiinamachi-senpai was not an articulate person to begin with. Instead, she was the type who would listen quietly to other people chatting while she smiled and enjoyed her tea.

That's why I must show that I have already understood her, so as to help her continue.

That's right, lemme think... What Senpai just said--

*If today weren't a safe day, dying on the spot would have been likely.
*Because today's situation was special, Senpai did not die.
*I have currently become immortal.

Very good, totally incomprehensible.

"So it's kind of like vampires?"

Even so, I still asked a question within my realm of understanding. Senpai thought for a while before answering:

"There's no need to drink blood... But indeed, it is a bit similar to the type of monster you brought up."

What? Was Senpai actually a monster?

And I can't believe that even I have become the same type of monster as well?

While feeling surprised, I tried to find a way to accept--

...No no no.

If I were to accept this fact so easily, then surely my brain must have problems.

Although that's what I thought...

"Excuse me... Do you understand what I mean?"

Senpai made a worried look as she said that to me. I totally could not tell her honestly that "No, I don't get it at all." That would make me feel like a criminal.

"Anyway, let's just pretend for now that I already understand."

Surely Senpai would feel even more troubled if I acted in a panicking manner, refused to believe her words or even took strange actions.

I definitely did not want Senpai to feel troubled.

In that case, choosing to believe would be the only right answer. So let's do that.

"Yes... I'm so glad, it was fortunate that I chose Jirou-kun... Had I chosen someone else, surely they would be in greater panic now."

Well no, I'm actually panicking inside, you know?

If I really said that out, Senpai would surely... (omitted), so I definitely can't say it.

Men gain strength gradually through times of keeping quiet, again and again.

Even so, Senpai just said that "it was fortunate that I chose Jirou-kun."

No matter what those words meant, I really felt very happy.

"Also, Jirou-kun, I believe that my murderer is still in school and probably nearby... What do you think we should do?"

Senpai asked me a question but right this moment, I was currently lying on Senpai's lap, admiring her bust from below. I really wanted this state to persist longer.

But now was not the time to be thinking about such things.

The enemy's technique was so clean, to think I was killed effortlessly without making a sound, based on this point, even if we were to attempt a search right now, we would most likely face a futile predicament. Besides, although this time, Senpai had already died when I discovered her, next time Senpai might get murdered before my eyes, if that were to happen, I might die from the shock.

--Given such technique... Even fully prepared at maximum vigilance, there was no guarantee that--

"No, I don't want Senpai to get killed by the murderer again, so please allow me to continue lying on your lap."

I decided to voice my desires honestly and ask Senpai to pamper me.

"You're right. If I were to die again, you would lose your life as well."

"What?"

Another piece of news received.

What did her words mean? What on earth had I become?

Everything was likely secretly developing in a world that I did not understand and I had just happened to get swept up into that world. Using the remnants of comprehension in my mind, I came to this conclusion after some thinking.

'--When you are desperately backed into a hopeless corner, the most important thing to do is to get a grasp on the situation first. No matter how difficult it is to accept the circumstances, you must treat everything as preset facts and accept them. If there is someone you can ask in person to learn about the situation, then your first task is to gather as much available information as quickly as possible so as to guide yourself on further action to take.'

This was one of the lessons teaching me how to survive that my mother had left behind.

"Senpai, if possible, can you explain things with a little more detail?"

"Before that, would you like to go to the bathroom to wash off the blood stains on you?"

What?

Just as I was trying hard to figure out the situation, Senpai did as she pleased and offered her suggestion.

"I have washed up already, so there might be some blood remaining in the bathroom. Sorry about that."

And now, I was going to use the bathroom that Senpai had just used?

"Then I will gladly take up your offer."

"Okay, then... I shall lower your head onto the floor for now."

Senpai carefully covered my head with her hands then lightly set my head on the floor.

A cushion had apparently been placed on the floor beforehand and its soft texture enveloped my head. Senpai's thighs really were too comfortable as a pillow but too bad... However, seeing Senpai cherish me so much, I felt very happy as soon as I thought that.

That being said, I couldn't keep lying here, of course. If I maintained this posture and looked to the side, the view beneath Senpai's shirt would enter my eyes, in other words, I would accidentally see something I shouldn't.

I cleared my thoughts. Troubles, be gone.

To prevent myself from looking to the side, I reached out and pushed my vanity glasses.

--The glasses were also smeared with blood. Looks like I'd better hurry and wash up.

"Okay!"

I finally managed to get up and looked around me.

Senpai's room was a suite and looked very neat and tidy. The large amount of spilt blood earlier was totally not visible. Of course, none of the blood I bled could be seen either. Did Senpai wipe and clean away all the blood stains by herself?

Speaking of which, I bled so much yet unbelievably, there was a way to make me survive. Somehow it felt like the volume of bleeding would exceed what was known as debilitating blood loss--Could this be evidence of my becoming immortal?

Ignoring all this for now, I'd better do as Senpai suggested first. I must hurry and help Senpai feel reassured.

"So, Senpai, I'll be borrowing your bathroom--If there are any details in the situation you'd like to explain, tell me later, okay? For example, why did you ask me to come to your room today..."

"Yes, I will be able to explain that part to you immediately."

"Thanks."

Having said that to Senpai, I looked at the door on the deep end of the room.

That should be the door leading to the bathroom with the sink and washroom.

...Okay.

"Then I'll be off."

"Fufu. You mean you're setting off for the bathroom, isn't that right? Okay, take care!"

Senpai smiled at me... That finally took a load off my heart.

Although I had no idea at all what kind of situation I was in, as long as Senpai was still willing to smile at me, everything was okay.

Thinking such thoughts, I opened the door leading to the washroom.

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

Shower...

The bathroom that was not really cramped was filled with the fragrance of body wash and shampoo as well as warm steam.

I first tried to wash the blood stains from my body and the blood was completely scattered by the hot water. Seeing the red water flow to the drain hole, only then did I get a real sense that I really had been killed.

Even though Senpai had cleaned up the blood stains in the room, she still could not wipe away all the blood on my body. As soon as I recalled how Senpai's hands still had blood on them, I felt apologetic to Senpai. Also, she was not afraid of getting herself dirty, even letting my lie on her lap. At this moment, my heart was filled with gratitude towards her.

--That's right. Currently, to think that I was able to feel the emotions of "thankfulness" and "gratitude", this was quite a great event worth celebrating, so I decided that I must not forget these emotions and continue to strive hard to live on. Due to a certain incident, I was finally able to understand these "emotions" hence I must treasure these emotions even more... This was a lesson taught to my from past experiences.

I reached to feel my back.

The part where I should have been cut by the blade now felt smooth without any scar at all. Nevertheless, whether my memories or my body, both firmly remembered that pain and sensation. It probably was not a dream or a hallucination.

"I really was stabbed and I really resurrected, what on earth..."

Senpai had said "I made you immortal", was this true too?

No wait, what does immortal mean?

"So it means I won't die again?"

Simply pondering the meaning of this term, it seemed quite astounding. Shiinamachi-senpai had made me immortal, so that was how I was saved. Even if that really was the truth, it was still hard to believe. Even if someone were to say to me suddenly that "from now on, you won't die again", it was still very hard to say if it was actually true or not without experiencing it for real.

"However... Sigh, I guess I'll choose to believe for now."

Shiinamachi-senpai always gave off a feeling like she was detached from the mundane world, as such, she would occasionally say strange things. However, it was definite that she rarely lied. If I had to test whether I was truly immortal, that would require dying in order to know the result. I didn't really want to test it for real.

Anyway, I'd better hurry and give my body a wash.

If something really did change about my body, then I probably might discover something after washing myself clean.

While thinking that, I turned myself to the mirror, little expecting that...

"Hmm?"

I really discovered something. At my chest--on the skin just above my heart, there was a kind of red pattern.

It looked a bit like a tattoo... Or perhaps an emblem. It resembled some kind of bird mascot... As though someone had drawn a magnificent type of bird on my chest like a peacock but currently, the pattern was not very clear.

"What's going on?"

I scratched the pattern with my fingernail but nothing stuck to my fingertip. The pattern seemed to be surfacing from the flesh entirely.

I pulled and pinched as a test but apart from distorting the pattern, there were no other changes.

Currently, I guess I'll just have to accept the fact that "a certain pattern has appeared on my skin."

"Okay, I'll ask Shiinamachi-senpai later."

This was my conclusion. In the end, I still didn't understand what it was about.

My body seemed to changed in various ways. If I don't listen to Senpai's detailed explanation, I probably won't be able to imagine or deduce much on my own.

In that case, let me leave things as they are for now.

Thinking that, I started to wash my hair. First I used hot water to wet my hair then I poured shampoo on my palm... Staring at the shampoo, I thought to myself, "this is the shampoo that Shiinamachi-senpai is using" then applied it to my hair.

While lathering up my hair, I immediately found patches that were stuck together. It looked like blood had splashed onto my hair as well.

If the blood had splashed onto my head at the time, then the person stabbing me must have gotten a lot of my blood over him or her. Just as Senpai said, if we searched the school or the vicinity now, perhaps we might easily find the culprit all covered in blood. Be that as it may, the murderer was someone capable of killing me with one accurate strike of the sword. Even if we really found the murderer, the situation would still be very dangerous.

If the murderer found out that Senpai and I were actually still alive...

--Oh, that's right. The murderer might instantly turn back to finish the job.

Thinking that, I couldn't help but start worrying about Senpai so I sped up my hair washing motions.

This can't continue. I have hurry and ask Senpai about the whole story and think of a solution.

I washed the suds from my head, shut the tap for the shower head then turned towards the door. Just then--

"Excuse me... Jirou-kun."

I heard Shiinamachi-senpai's voice coming from behind the frosted glass.

"Eh? Oh, I'm almost done... I've already finished washing my hair and I'm about to get out."

Senpai was probably preparing a bath towel for me? I was casually thinking that but did not expect--

"Excuse me... May I enter?"

"Huh?"

For an instant, I completely failed to understand what Senpai was talking about.

May I enter?

I ruminated over the meaning of these words over and over again in my mind--

"Ehhhhhhhhh!?"

I couldn't help but cry out.

"Umm... I think that I should explain to you the changes your body has undergone..."

"Oh, o-okay."

I definitely hoped that Senpai could explain to me, but that should be after I finish my bath and return to the room!

"I would like to apologize to you--and to deepen our relationship... So... I was thinking I could help scrub your back or something..."

"Ehhhhhhhhh!?"

I cried out again. No wait, calm down. Sakuradamon Jirou, hurry and calm down!

Was this really okay? Am I actually in a dream? Or perhaps I died a long while ago and I'm currently somewhere in heaven, which is why everything is developing in the direction that I hoped?

Otherwise, that innocent and adorable Senpai in my heart who has absolutely no experience with males in that regard, the pure and untainted Shiinamachi-senpai, how could she make such a adult-oriented suggestion?

"Y-You refuse...?"

Assuming we are a boy and a girl with healthy minds and bodies, of course this suggestion must be refused! How should I say this? After all, the two of us haven't progressed to that kind of relationship yet, right? But if Senpai believes that developing this kind of relationship is okay, then naturally that means she really feels that way towards me.

Back then, Senpai had also told me that "today is my safe day, so please pay me a visit at my room." Judging from that angle, of course I feel very excited and elated. But as soon as I recalled Senpai's earlier explanation, I know that she had simply mistaken the meaning of that term. Precisely because of that, I feel even more strongly that the innocent and adorable... (further descriptions omitted) Senpai in my heart probably isn't conveying that level of meaning right now.

...Okay. I decided to reject Senpai's request for now and listen calmly to her first. Yes, let's do that.

"Please come in."

However, the words coming out of my mouth agreed to Senpai's request instead.

Was this perhaps the best example of "the mouth being more honest than the heart"? Or perhaps, this was a snapshot of the reality, "how could a man's heart be willing to miss out on such an excellent opportunity"?

No matter what, this was Shiinamachi-senpai we're talking about and I now have the chance to be with her together in the bathroom.

This was a special situation that was quite unlikely to happen a second time in a lifetime. Rather than unlikely, it'd be better to say it can't possibly happen again. In a lifetime, there are many opportunities that only come up once. Hence, no matter what kind of opportunity, one must never let them slip. So, Sakuradamon Jirou, it's okay, just take a good look and appreciate Senpai's naked body! Yes! Let's do it!

While trying hard to explain myself, I stared at the frosted glass.

"Then... Pardon my intrusion."

Then Senpai... She stepped into the bathroom, wrapped in a bath towel.

Pale skin, collarbone, arms, then there were the thighs, calves and ankles, not to mention the bountiful bust that easily bulged under the fabric of the bath towel. Senpai's state of half-nakedness was displayed before my eyes, so dazzling that I almost couldn't stare directly. Although I had just died once and dared not accept all this, right now, I really feel like I would have no regrets even if I had to die straight away.

"Oh, please could you not stare at me continuously... I-I will feel very embarrassed..."

So Senpai will feel embarrassed? That makes sense... Thinking that, I looked at Senpai's face... Her face was blushing red to her ears to an astounding degree. In other words, Senpai was coming with a mood of "ufufu, my dear, I shall scrub your back for you! Ufu!", instead, she was thinking "so embarrassing, but I must do my best!"

I really didn't understand what motivation could drive Senpai to be willing to go so far.

But to me, simply the fact that "the extremely embarrassed Shiinamachi-senpai was willing to scrub my back" was enough to make me feel that my life's goal had been accomplished.

My life is without regrets now. I desperately suppressed my urge to raise my fist and cheer, trying hard to squeeze out words to converse with the embarrassed Senpai.

"Uh... Senpai, you're so pretty."

Right now, I did not want to do anything along the lines of "suppressing my own true feelings." Ever since transferring into this school, I decided I must express my emotions honestly. Hence, I said what was truly on my mind.

"Ooh... T-Thank you."

Senpai averted her gaze and covered the corner of her lip lightly with her hand... This motion was absolutely awesome.

Due to the action of her arm, her massive bust changed shape, bulging even more. Only a thin layer of cloth covered the critical spot that all men desired greatly to see. Of course I wanted to see it too, but if I kept staring, Senpai would probably feel very awkward.

At this moment, I totally had no idea what to do. I was even unable to sit down.

--Mind over body. I grasped as the last vestiges of rationality remaining in my heart, focused my mind and avoided letting a man's bestial nature make me carried away in excitement.

Losing my cool, almost overwhelmed by emotion, I might very well push Shiinamachi-senpai down on the spot. Or rather, the biggest problem is that doing that under this kind of conditions, I might actually be forgiven instead.

That said, the calmer part of my brain had a different feeling.

Despite feeling very embarrassed, Senpai was still doing her best to express her apology to me. Surely this must be because Senpai felt that she needed to compensate me for inviting me over but ending up getting me killed.

...Senpai had already experienced the scary act of getting killed. I really didn't want to violate her and add more to her mental trauma.

She had had enough. I hoped that Senpai could spend the remainder of today in a relaxed manner. That was the wish in my heart.

"Hoo... Okay. I've calmed down. Senpai, sorry, I got a little too excited just now."

"Oh, don't apologize... Umm... Thank you... Yes, I feel a little shy so could you turn your back towards me?"

"Sure. Thanks for offering to do this."

Senpai had offered to scrub my back after all, so naturally, I turned my back to her. It was admittedly a shame that I couldn't continue admiring Senpai's perfect body, but now that I've calmed down, I still turned myself slowly.

"Oh..."

Senpai cried out in surprise.

"There's a scar on your right shoulder..."

"Oh, I'm sorry for startling you."

Only then did I remember that there was cross-shaped scar on the side of my right shoulder as though it had been marked with a blade. Senpai must have saw that scar suddenly and felt startled.

"It was an old wound. I had many stitches back then."

"Looks like the wound was very deep at the time..."

I could feel Senpai lightly stroking the scar with her hand and I couldn't help but shudder once.

"Oh, my apologies. Does it hurt...?"

"No, it doesn't. It just surprised me so I shuddered. It's okay now."

I simply felt a little ticklish originally but for some reason, I suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

"Okay... Sorry, I was too forward."

"Not at all. Don't say that."

Senpai seemed reassured. She exhaled lightly then touched my back.

I'll surely get way too excited if I focused my awareness excessively on this fact, so I decided to turn my gaze left and right, this resulted in...

I happened to see the mirror. The mirror apparently had anti-fog treatment and I was able to see a clear reflection of Shiinamachi-senpai behind me.

...To erase that greedy feeling in my heart, I hurriedly looked down.

"Ah... Fufu."

Senpai chuckled, slightly reassured.

She had apparently noticed that I was trying hard to suppress the urge to look at her.

To be honest, I really wanted to look, super wanted to look, wanting to look at her to the extreme.

But if it was to help Senpai feel reassured, I believe I can surely suppress the desire in my heart.

"Thank you, Jirou-kun."

This time, Shiinmachi-senpai placed her hand lightly on my back.

The feeling was a little cold and felt slightly ticklish.

"The blade stabbed... here, right?"

Senpai stroked my back, that spot was precisely opposite to my chest. That part still felt a little hot.

"Jirou-kun, sorry, it's all because I asked you to come to my room..."

"Don't say that, Senpai. I really don't mind at all. Besides, none of this feels real to me."

The intense pain at the time and the severe chill only lasted for but an instant.

At the time, I used the last of my strength to utter those last words... then lost consciousness.

That "death" experience was so brief and quick that it did not leave any resentment in my heart, naturally.

"But... I got you swept up in this incident without explaining anything beforehand... I was too impatient. I didn't explain anything to you at the start, so I'm sure right now, you are full of various questions, right?"

Indeed, Senpai didn't explain anything in detail to me today. As a result, it made me a little too excited. But at this moment, the situation is similarly quite exciting too.

"If possible, could you explain in detail to me now?"

"Very well. I only came in to explain everything to you."

Senpai's voice sounded quite calm and stable. Although this was a bathroom, it felt quite suitable for asking Senpai all kinds of questions. This was probably what people called being completely open to each other, right? Hiding nothing from each other, displaying everything with no reservation... In this sense, there was no description more apt. Of course, Senpai was actually clad in a bath towel.

"First of all... Where should I begin?"

Senpai suddenly said softly with her hand on my back.

"Then... let's start with the reason you invited me to your room today."

That's right, I was confused from the start about what was going on.

"...Yes, good idea. Perhaps you might find all this to be quite ridiculous and impossible to believe, but... I hope you won't think I'm lying and will listen to me properly."

A ridiculous and impossible to believe incident had already happened.. And everything had happened to me, so how could I possibly not believe?

"Hmm..."

But to Senpai, I'm sure it's equally incomprehensible, right?

Not only was she stabbed to death suddenly, even the one she invited, me, was killed as well. I believe she herself must be quite shocked too... For some reason, I was starting to feel like I could understand why Senpai was so calm earlier.

As a result, no matter how unbelievable Senpai's next words were, I've already decided to accept her explanation for now.

"To be honest, tonight... I originally planned to tell you my secret, Jirou-kun."

"You mean matters related to monsters... what you just told me about?"

"Indeed."

I could feel Senpai's hand on my back slightly pushing harder.

"I am actually one of the Nightkin. Members of this race will only die when predetermined events happen. There are also people who call us 'Lords'."

I remember that the word "Lord" meant something like "king" or "sovereign."

"It is said that the Nightkin are a kind of life form similar to humans, always staying out of human sight, living in the world of the night, hiding among human crowds in their daily lives. Since time immemorial, the Nightkin has survived to modern day in this manner... Also, this race is apparently almost about to go extinct."

A life form similar to humans.

Throughout the time I have spent with Senpai, I found her no different from an ordinary human at all.

Feeling embarrassed in the bathroom, worrying for me all the time, and feeling troubled when trying to explain things.

The impression she gave off was clearly like an ordinary girl's, but...

"Hence, today--Not too long ago, I was assassinated and my heart stopped for a while. However, I was able to survive because I possess more potent self-healing powers than humans."

"Umm... Even if you get stabbed, severely damaging your heart... Your self-healing powers still works?"

Too shocking. If that really were true, then the race of Nightkin won't die under any circumstances, right?

"Looks like it works. Just now was my first time getting killed, so even I myself was very surprised... Also, everything happened perfectly by chance, your... ''human blood'' coincidentally splattered on my body. Perhaps because of that, it had a positive effect."

"My blood?"

"When I feel vitality bursting forth from someone's life... If that power carries within in some kind of powerful ''thoughts and feelings'', those emotions can turn into a great power for we Nightkin to use."

Senpai spoke slightly shyly.

--Indeed, back then I was harboring powerful ''thoughts and feelings'' for Senpai. Due to that, when my fresh blood was spilt over Senpai's body, it was able to increase her self-healing powers, thereby saving her life?

But resurrecting just because of human blood splattering on oneself, that really resembled a vampire. Earlier, Senpai had said "There's no need to drink blood... But indeed, it is a bit similar to the type of monster you brought up." That was probably what she was referring to.

"So, what does the so-called safe day mean?"

Senpai had also mentioned that "If today weren't a safe day, dying on the spot would have been likely."

So... Before giving me the invitation, Senpai already knew she was not going to die.

"In fact, I already knew ahead of time that I will encounter an incident today involving death, but at the same time, I also knew that it will not entail my own death, so the meaning is equivalent to 'today is a safe day, don't worry'."

I see. So it's completely different to the kind of safe day I imagined.

I felt quite ashamed for mistakening Senpai's meaning. However, I really wished Senpai could understand how much that term would make guys blush and get excited uncontrollably... No, I guess it's more fitting of Shiinamchi-senpai's style for her to be unaware of these kinds of things.

"You knew ahead of time... That sounds something like a prophesy. Is this a power of the Nightkin?"

To be honest, I still found it hard to believe that Senpai was a life form of a different race. If Senpai were a weird girl who had a thing for this type of character background, I could still understand, but no, she's someone who never lies and never forces others to accept such pretentious ideas. As a result, I decided to accept her explanation wholly for now then analyze in detail afterwards.

"Oh no... That's not a power of the Nightkin but a special feature."

Saying that, Senpai fell silent for a while as though in a bit of a quandary.

Then apparently figuring out how to explain, she began to explain tirelessly.

"From the moment we are born, members of the Nightkin must act out their life according to a predetermined 'story', living according to the directions of the story... That's the kind of race we are."

"You must act out a story according to predetermined directions? Lemme see, that's like... a book, isn't it?"

"Yes. There exist books among us that only the Nightkin can read. Whenever one of our kind is born, a story will be selected from among them and assigned to the newborn Nightkin. Thereafter, that Nightkin must abide by the story's content and live according to its rules as well as die according to its rules. The greatest special feature is that if the event does not match the story's content, then it's almost impossible for us to die."

In other words, members of Senpai's race must follow the settings of the "story" starting from their birth and act out their life according to the story's content. If the death-causing incident does not match the timing in the story, then it's almost impossible for the Nightkin to die.

Just as indicated by the story Senpai was acting out, she did not die today. Because today was not her day to die. In other words, today was her safe day... So that's what happened, right?

I slowly began to understand the meaning of what Senpai had said previously.

"In other words... It's what people would call destiny?"

A prescribed and predetermined path. This could be called destiny, right?

"I guess this should be similar to what humans call destiny, but we are different from humans. During the period from birth until the end of their story, a Nightkin will stop aging after a certain age and will not die from any other causes of death."

In that case, this race definitely had their own unique special feature, different from vampire legends.

"My 'story' only started not too long ago. As long as I haven't finished acting out the role of the character in the story, I won't die. As a result, today is meant to be a day when 'I'll encounter an incident today involving death but won't die as a result', that is also why I was able to survive... Of course, I never expected in the beginning that the reason why I won't die... was because you would lose your life for coming here on my invitation, and that I survived because I received the powerful ''thoughts and feelings'' carried in your blood..."

Hearing Senpai mention "powerful thoughts and feelings", I felt a little embarrassed.

But in hindsight, my death ultimately helped Senpai, I'm so glad.

"In other words, whenever you're in a crisis, as long as I give my blood to you, Senpai, everything will be fine?"

I couldn't help but feel that it was a little similar to the concept of blood transfusions.

"Hmm, I don't think it has to be through blood... As long as some way is used to strengthen mental contact, it should be fine. However... A covenant of blood is indeed the most powerful method. Back then, a great volume of your blood entered my body through the wound on my chest, so..."

Saying that, Senpai exhaled lightly.

"Right now, flowing in my body is your blood that has assimilated with my own blood, Jirou-kun."

...Somehow, after hearing that, my heart fluttered for a bit.

To think that I've had mental contact with Shiinamachi-senpai, to the point of even establishing something so monumental as a covenant of blood?

My blood was currently flowing inside Senpai's body at the moment?

Hearing that, anyone would feel their heart pound uncontrollably, right?

"...C-Cough. No matter what, I think I've already understood why Senpai didn't die."

"Phew... I knew that the explanation just now must be hard to understand with common sense. At the same time, I understand that you are really willing to work hard to understand my words, Jirou-kun."

I felt a bit embarrassed that Senpai was being so considerate for me. After all, Senpai already came here on purpose to scrub my back. As a man, of course I must do everything in my power to try hard.

"Fufu. Actually, after dying and resurrecting, there was a short interlude... Basically, it took me quite a lot of effort to move you from my body where you had collapsed, Jirou-kun."

"Uwah... U-U-Umm... I'm so sorry, Senpai."

I had collapsed on Senpai's body when I died. At that moment, I was feeling quite satisfied but now it feels a bit embarrassing. However, so that was what the so-called "safe day" meant! Senpai's use of the term "safe day" turned out to be too technical, it was only natural that I would fail to understand her in the beginning.

Now I truly understood deeply that Shiinamachi-senpai really was a bit airheaded in this regard.

"Because of your help, I was able to revive... So in my panic, I decided I must save your life... Actually, I really wanted to obtain your consent first before resurrecting you... Sorry."

"No, that's no biggie at all. I'm the one who should thank you, Senpai, for surviving, being able to rise from the dead."

To be honest, I had already lost my life at that point. Even if Senpai tried to get my consent, I wouldn't have been able to answer her. The murderer's killing technique was too refined, I still think so even now.

Of course, I felt very happy that Senpai was willing to raise me from the dead.

However, I still couldn't help but find questions piling up more and more in my mind.

I guess I should be able to believe that Senpai belongs to a race called the Nightkin but I still found it hard to accept beings that could resurrect after being killed. But back then, I definitely saw with my own eyes that Shiinamachi-senpai was collpased on the floor, dead, so I had no choice but to believe that this whole affair as indeed the truth.

However, if it really were true, then how on earth did I resurrect? I am just an ordinary person without Senpai's type of regeneration ability. Simply a fracture in my leg would take me between one and three months of recuperation to heal, let alone getting stabbed through the heart... After suffering that kind of wound, logically speaking, it should have been impossible to revive me.

"The reason why you are still living right now, Jirou-kun... is because I gave one of my 'gifts' to you."

"Senpai's... gift?"

"Yes. Those who obtain this gift will become ''immortal''... Even if a blade stabs into your heart, or if the majority of your body gets blown away by an explosion, if you're forced to drink poison, you can still rise from death and recover to your original form. This is the power possessed by the gift I have given you... Apart from that, I absolutely couldn't think of any other way to resurrect you from your state of death back then."

This was absolutely absurd, totally ridiculous. To be able to resurrect someone who's already dead and even turn him immortal? Whether in the past or present, there shouldn't be any life form capable of that, right? Even gods in myths can't easily return to their original world after arriving at another world.

However, I definitely... personally experienced the process of dying and resurrection so this was something I could not refute at all.

"This is a power possessed by the Nightkin. We are able to pass along certain special powers to humans, giving the gifts we possess to people who can assist in our story. Once we pass it along, that gift will no longer exist within us, whereas the human who had obtained the gift will become the Nightkin's vassal."

Shiinamachi-senpai explained to me a little apologetically.

Vassal--Hearing this word, most people would probably think of subordinates or followers.

"Vassals are usually called 'Knights' as well. As a result, a Nightkin can continue building their story together with their vassals. A vassal can be the Nightkin's coworker, friend, knight, relative and sometimes even their lover or spouse. Through this process, the Nightkin eventually completes their life's story."

Due to the Nightkin's vassals playing this kind of role, in terms of the meaning of "night", that was why the vassals were called Nights by others; or perhaps just as Senpai mentioned earlier, vassals could play the role of a knight, protecting the Nightkin, hence they were called "Knights." I've heard Senpai mention the other names for the "Nightkin" and "vassals" but only now did I finally realize that their alternative names actually carried two different layers of meanings.

The Nightkin were like sovereigns in stories, hence they were addressed as "Lord". In addition, a Nightkin must travel along the path prescribed by the story, which can be called a "Road", which sounds similar as well.<ref>Road vs Lord: in Japanese, both "lord" and "road" are rendered as ロード in katakana.</ref>

To Senpai, I am like a companion to spend the dark nights together, hence "Nights" while at the same time, I am the knight by her side, which is a position called the "Knights".

So that's the meaning.

--Vassals could become the Nightkin's lover or spouse... This fact really made my heart pound uncontrollably.

It felt like words coming from a girl who loved to daydream.

My entire person was about to plunge into narcissism. Perhaps that was truly the wish in Senpai's heart.

If that really was the case... I feel myself getting more and more motivated.

"...Suddenly telling you these things, it must be hard for you to believe in an instant."

Senpai timidly tried to move away her hand that was on my back.

--Indeed, suddenly hearing someone say this kind of stuff would be really hard to believe. If she really asked me this moment whether I really believed everything from the bottom of my heart, I would surely say that I actually still have some doubts. On the other hand, my current situation was clearly telling me that all this was the truth beyond a doubt.

For example, as soon as I recalled... The current situation where Shiinamachi-senpai did not actually die.

Back then, I personally saw the wound on her chest from something stabbing straight through, so I definitely cannot explain how she is alive now. Furthermore, I also saw the large amount of blood flowing everywhere so it makes it even harder to explain how she didn't die.

Next... The current fact that I was not killed also fully proves this reality.

I didn't witness by my own eyes what had caused the impact behind me so I could still conclude that perhaps I wasn't stabbed; nevertheless, I did see for certain at the time that a blade tip had pierced out of my chest, this was totally irrefutable. My chest definitely bled and I certainly saw a blade's tip.

In other words, putting aside whether I am dead or alive... At least I can be certain of one fact: a long blade had stabbed me in the back, penetrating and exiting from my chest.

Then I lost consciousness. Even if that attack had not caused a fatal wound, surely I would have died from excessive blood loss eventually.

--Based on past experience, I was very clear on this point.

Summing up, Shiinamachi-senpai and I were murdered.

This was the truth... And after that, right now, we are truly alive. This was also the undeniable truth.

--Hence, Shiinamachi-senpai was speaking the truth.

Based on the current situation, it should be fine to treat all this as reality. Even if stuff like the Nightkin explanation and the part about powers possessed by vassals was a lie, for me at this particular point in time, it didn't matter at all. After all, I cannot explain the whole thing using the common sense logic in my mind, so taking a skeptical stance was pointless.

In that case, it would be better to believe Shiinamachi-senpai fully.

That's all I could do for now.

"I believe. I believe in what you told me, Shiinamachi-senpai."

"Eh... Jirou-kun...?"

"Of course I'm very surprised and I find certain parts very hard to understand. For example, there's the fact that Senpai isn't human, Senpai possesses certain powers, Senpai gave me one of those powers... I really have trouble understanding these parts."

"Yes... You have a point..."

"However, I believe you, Senpai. How should I put this? ...Senpai, for the sake of explaining everything, you were still willing to do your best and enter the bathroom despite clearly feeling very embarrassed, putting your utmost effort to explain to me. Furthermore, you still told me all that even knowing I might not believe you. That's why I believe you, Senpai."

"...Jirou-kun..."

Senpai's voice sounded a bit shaky.

"That's why, Senpai, please rest assured. I don't want you to be worried."

That's right. No matter what situation I'm in, no matter what the truth actually is, to me, the most important thing is whether Senpai feels reassured.

To me currently, this was the most important thing.

All I cared about was whether Shiinamachi-senpai was able to smile as before.

That's right, that alone was enough.

"...Jirou-kun, you're really so kind."

After saying those words, just like that, Senpai... hugged me, pressing tightly against my back.

The extremely concrete feeling coming from my back, through the fabric, I could even feel that bulging body part getting squeezed and compressed.

"S-S-S-S-Senpai!?"

"The reason why I invited you was because... I felt that you are a very kind person."

Hearing these words, the sense of upheaval in my heart swiftly calmed down.

--My kindness is actually all an act.

Even when placed in this kind of situation, calm thoughts still existed in a certain part of my mind. I was still able to get a clear grasp of the situation, even to the point of choosing what words and sentences to respond.

However, as long as it helped Shiinamachi-senpai feel reassured, even feigned calmness was fine.

"The reason why invited you over was to ask you... ask you to accept this power for my sake, and ask you to assist in my story. It's just that the sequence got changed a little..."

...I see.

I guessed that Senpai's original intention was to call me to her room, then explain to me what she had just told me... Then give me her request and ask me to make a decision.

What she wanted to ask me was "please accept the power of immortality and help construct my story."

It's just that an unexpected incident occurred, in the end causing her to have no choice but to first decide to raise me from the dead.

This matter was surely eating away at Senpai's heart. She probably felt quite guilty. Because of that, she endured her feelings of embarrassment to come to the bathroom to explain everything to me.

"Senpai, even if this incident hadn't happened, I still would've accepted your request."

I really hoped Senpai could feel assured so I told her my feelings honestly.

In fact, I was originally harboring feelings of "no matter what Senpai's wish is, I will gladly accept it" which is why I came here tonight.

Of course, I do feel a little disappointed since things happened completely different from what I imagined.

However, I really feel extremely proud that Senpai was willing to choose someone like me.

"Jirou-san, I am truly grateful to you..."

Senpai murmured as though a great load was lifted off her shoulders, her voice mixed with a sigh of relief.

Warm breath reached the back of my shoulder, I couldn't help but shudder once.

"...For some reason, I've always felt that you probably would accept... Somehow, as long as I asked, you would surely agree to help me... Sorry, I can't believe I was having such selfish thoughts."

...Looks like my feelings of admiration for Senpai had already been exposed.

Sigh, in that case, a conclusion definitely could be reached soon.

"Oh, by the way, after receiving my power, a pattern resembling an emblem should have appeared somewhere on your body."

"Oh yeah, it happens to be near my chest."

In order to show Senpai the pattern on my chest, I was just about to puff out my chest, just at that moment--

"Kyah!"

Senpai made a panicking sound.

At the same time, the bath towel originally in contact with me fluttered to the floor!

"......Uh!"

I immediately closed my eyes! But in fact, I really wanted to look, super wanted to look, desperately wanted to look.

But if I did that, surely Senpai would feel very troubled. So--I must endure!

"Eh? Oh... Fufu. Jirou-kun, it's okay."

--It's okay?

"But Senpai... Umm..."

"...Just to be safe, I'm wearing a swimsuit underneath."

I opened my eyes slightly... Through the mirror, I saw Shiinamachi-senpai clutching the bath towel with an embarrassed look on her face. Worn on her pale skin was a strapless red swimsuit.

"I was thinking of going out with the library monitors next time to have fun at the pool... So I bought a swimsuit beforehand."

"I... see."

But seeing Shiinamachi-senpai standing there on the spot, clutching the bath towel with an embarrassed look while dressed in a swimsuit, that sight was too stimulating for me indeed.

I couldn't help but feel troubled what I should do next, then--

"Kaguya, have you two progressed to the kind of relationship where you can take baths together?"

I heard a girl's voice that I had never heard before. It felt very lifeless and monotone. Hearing that voice, I almost jumped straight up in surprise. I frantically turned my head and found a girl peering into the bathroom. She was dressed in school uniform with a lab coat on top of her uniform. Her hair was extremely long.

"Eh, ah, umm..."

"Okay--Situation understood. I predict that the two of you will now enter the sex scene. Please go ahead."

"Eh? W-What sex scene!? W-What do you mean by 'please go ahead'!?"

"I have already seen it, so please don't mind me."

"O-Of course I mind! S-Sorry, Jirou-kun, I have to leave the bathroom first!"

Shiinamachi-senpai looked very nervous and agitated. Then she left the bathroom like a gust of wind.

While running away, Senpai's little swimsuit-clad butt really was too adorable--I couldn't help but think that.

O-Oh right. Who was this girl who had suddenly appeared?

"Kaguya escaped confirmed-By the wyay, Monjirou."

"Eh, ah, you're addressing me?"

A girl I've never met suddenly called me by my nickname, greatly surprising me.

"Are you really okay like that?"

"What?"

The girl swiftly pointed at me. Where she pointed was my--naked lower body.

"--Sorry."

I frantically turned my back to the girl.

"No problem."

"N-No problem?"

"Absolutely none."

Absolutely no problem...?

The girl, who had one eye obscured by her bangs, simply maintained her aloof attitude all along.

However, why did she keep staring at me, all the way until I had put on my clothes?

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

"Nice to meet you. In terms of names to my knowledge, I am called Yatono Shiki. Currently belonging to class 1-B. Please address me with familiarity from now on as Shiki or Shiki-tan."

She wants me to address her with familiarity? But I can't feel the slightest familiarity or warmth from her tone of voice and attitude!

"Then, Shiki-san..."

"Please address me as Shiki or Shiki-chwan and remember to use a more familiar tone of voice."

"...Shiki."

"Very good, your turn to introduce yourself."

Seeing me suffer so much for a manner of address, Shiinamachi-senpai couldn't help but laugh secretly to herself on the side.

"Shiki, I'm in class 2-A and like Senpai, I'm a library monitor as well. My name is Sakuradamon Jirou."

"I know that already, Monjirou."

Because she kept using my nickname, I kept getting the feeling that she had no idea what my real name was, but I decided to refrain from retorting about that. Perhaps this might make her act more friendly to me? Hopefully...

"I am Shiinamachi Kaguya. I believe the two of you already know that."

"Yes, Kaguya, I know that already. From now on, the three of us are friends."

The three of us were sitting on seat cushions around a table in Senpai's room, introducing ourselves in turn. Shiki had a lace-like decoration coiled around her hair. She was also wearing a large lab coat that was too big for her with both hands still stuck in the pockets while she was sitting. From appearance, she was truly quite a distinctive girl.

"So, Monjirou, have you had enough lovey-dovey intimacy with Shiinamachi Kaguya already?"

Shiki spoke with a very indifferent attitude, her tone of voice as flat as an automated speech system. However, the content of her words were quite crass.

"W-We weren't acting lovey-dovey..."

Shiiinamachi-senpai's face went all red immediately.

"Well then, I should describe the two as inseparable then?"

"We're not!"

Shiinamachi-senpai swiftly denied. How rare to hear her talk in such a loud voice. Immediately, she also seemed to realize she was shouting uncharacteristically loud and hastily covered her face in her hands.

"On the other hand, Monjirou was showing a 'totally seduced' look on his face."

"To be honest, that is the truth."

"Jirou-kun, you're so annoying..."

Senpai's gaze carried a sliver of reprimand but it felt unexpectedly comfortable. Teasing Shiinamachi-senpai really was too fun. I must pay more attention and try not to make it a habit.

"Kaguya red-faced confirmed. Condition normal, congratulations."

"Shiki-san, y-you're really so a-annoying..."

"What I mean is that your body's condition is normal, as well as that your cheeks are red."

Shiki turned her face towards me. I wasn't sure if she was staring at me because her bangs were covering her face, but it felt like she was hoping I'd give a comment about her lame pun<ref>In kabuki, red-faced (赤面 / sekimen) is used to refer to the villain.</ref> just now. Very well.

"That's really da bomb."
[[image:Shiinasenpai v1 068.png|thumb]]

I deliberately used outdated slang to praise her and even made a thumbs-up. Shiki proceeded to do a thumbs-up and nodded.

I see. Perhaps I do know how to get closer to her.

But who the heck was this girl?

There was this indifferent air about her that made it difficult to get along with her but at the same time, she seemed like quite the joker. From appearance down to her words and behavior, her entire person was full of mystery.

"By the way, brother."

"Are you addressing me?"

"So our intimacy has not progressed to brother-sister levels? Then I have misspoken."

"Oh, that's not what I meant."

But it's true that our relationship isn't that close.

"It's fine even if you don't force a brother-sister type of intimacy with me on purpose..."

"Sure, darling."

"That's way too much of a jump. Could you just call me by name normally?"

"Very well, Monjirou."

She still insisted on calling me by my nickname. Perhaps she really treated my nickname as my real name. At this moment, I decided to give up on feeling bothered by it.

"Yes, Shiki, what's up?"

"How much information have you obtained from Kaguya about the current situation?"

Shiki cocked her head slightly, revealing a bit of her right eye. It was a very clear blue eye. Although her name sounded Japanese, perhaps she was actually a mixed child.

"How much... What's a good way of putting it...?"

"For example, three sizes?"

"How could I ask her something like that?"

"By my deductions, she probably will accept this kind of question from you."

I couldn't help but look at Shiinamachi-senpai with anticipation.

"I-I'm not going to answer!"

Completely flustered, Shiinamachi-senpai's presence was truly too soothing for the heart.

However... Judging from the words of this girl named Shiki, she seemed to know about the whole story already.

With her bangs covering an eye, it was almost impossible to read her face... Perhaps this was also deliberate on her part.

"...Monjirou, do you have any questions? Have you acknowledged me as your target for lust?"

"No, I'm sorry, it's very hard for me to feel that way towards someone I'm meeting for the first time."

"Really? Then I should learn more from Kaguya and take care to increase my potential as a woman."

What the heck was potential as a woman? This term seemed quite out of date. However, if it was interpreted as "honing feminine charms" then it's true that learning from Senpai as a role model would be right.

"So, Shiki, what's your relationship with Senpai?"

"Physical relationship."

"Pfft!"

I couldn't help but spurt out air. Too dangerous. If I happened to be drinking, it would have been a mess.

"S-Shiki-san!?"

Senpai looked so frantic that she was almost about to burst into tears.

"It's already past midnight so it just happened to be perfect for a joke suited to late night hours."

"That's really bad for the heart."

I couldn't help it... I almost started to imagine Senpai and Shiki in this and that kind of scene.

"Right now, this very moment, we have already concluded that there is no problem even if Monjirou's heart stopped. But this fact hasn't been verified yet, so I hope you'll assist in experiments involving stopping the heart."

"...I'm very sorry. I don't agree with conducting this experiment."

"Is that... so...?"

Shiki seemed quite disappointed.

...Hmm?

In other words, Shiki already knew about me resurrecting because Senpai saved me? And she also knew that I had become immortal now?

"So, Monjirou, I will make a deal with you. If you agree with the experiment, I will provide my own body to you. How do you feel about that?"

"...What?"

"Shiki-san, no, not allowed!"

Shiinamachi-senpai called out with a face filled with panic to stop her but I was stunned on the spot, unable to understand Shiki's meaning.

Seeing Senpai so flustered, in other words... It was definitely that meaning, right?

"Is this another late night joke?"

"I don't deny it. It is a subject that I find relatively more interesting."

"...I-I see..."

"Yes."

"No means no!"

Senpai stared at me with reprimanding eyes, making me feel a slight sense of chill.

Sigh, that's right. She's only a girl I just met, how could I possibly accept her body? And those terms of exchange, for me to cooperate with the experiment to see if my heart will stop, I absolutely can't do that.

"Ahem. So, Shiki, why did you come to Shiinamachi-senpai's room at this time?"

"That's what you're curious about?"

What else do you think I'm curious about?

"I was thinking I might have a chance to catch a glimpse of your lovey-dovey moments, so I waited a while before coming here. However, I never expected the two of you to progress to the intimacy of taking a bath together on the first night."

"T-That's because! I-It's not like that... Ugh!"

"Is there any inaccuracy or deviation in my assessment?"

"Hmm... Uh..."

Seeing Shiinamachi-senpai tongue-tied in nervousness, I really wanted to take her home directly for a good loving.

"Actually, I didn't do anything."

"Roger that. I have understood that Monjirou is a 'useless man'."

"Goof!"

This comment struck viciously at my heart, making but double over in pain.

"Wah, Jirou-kun..."

"Senpai, i-it's okay..."

Indeed, under those circumstances, to think that I totally failed to do anything in that sense, perhaps I really can be considered a "useless man". However, I never expected this much psychological damage I'd feel from having a girl point this out to my face.

"Shiki-san is the same as you, both vassals to help and assist in my story. In other words, I have likewise passed on one of my gifts to Shiki-san."

"Yes, I have received the gift known as Satori. Here on, my job is to assist Kaguya for the rest of my life."

Satori.

If I remembered right, this was the name of a mind-reading monster dwelling somewhere deep in the mountains.

Since Senpai was able to pass to me a powerful gift of resurrection, then the Satori gift received by this Shiki girl probably was a power that shouldn't be underestimated, right?

Indeed-She seemed to be able to ''read other people's thoughts'' directly.

Let me test by thinking things in my mind. Oh right--I should give them those two puddings I bought earlier, right? Or should I just take them home...

While pondering this dilemma, I stared at Shiki.

Okay, will she be able to read my thoughts or not...?

"I see."

Looking into my eyes, Shiki nodded with a calm face.

She does have the power to ''read minds''!?

"I can feel your burning gaze. You are suggesting that I pay upfront the reward for the heart-stopping experiment first, aren't you?"

"The hell I am!?"

"Eh, Jirou-kun, I can't believe you were thinking that just now...?"

"Senpai, I wasn't! Because she said her power was called Satori, I was thinking she could read minds!"

"Oh... I see, that's what's going on. Phew..."

Senpai placed her hand on her chest in relief.

"I see. I understand now. My Satori power is not mind reading, please relax."

"I see."

"Hence, feel free to use Kaguya or me for fantasizing."

"What did you say!?"

"Of course, I am referring to the kind of fantasizing you do late at night."

I can't believe she can say such outrageous things nonchalantly...

"?"

Shiinamachi-senpai had apparently not caught on to her meaning. In that case, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

However, this Shiki girl will keep saying things nonchalantly with a sexual harassment flavor if she's left alone.

I must be more careful to avoid falling into her traps...

"Like me, Shiki is a Nightkin's vassal... Right?"

"Yes. At least as far as I can recall, I have only passed a gift to Shiki alone before tonight, no one else."

"As far as you can recall?"

I stared in puzzlement at Senpai and Shiki.

"Kaguya lost her memory."

"What?"

I stared intently at Senpai's face.

"Actually... I can only remember things that happened in the past three years. Although I know that I am one of the Nightkin and also have common knowledge on life skills, I have almost no recollection on what I've done in the past..."

"Really...?"

Senpai's usual attitude towards life was too natural, so I've always thought... It was the calm and composed mindset of someone who had lived a long life.

"Oh, but I still remember how to live, how days ought to be spent in school, and the content of my story... etc. It feels like I've only lost a certain portion of my memories."

"We can speculate that this is the result of a type of memory-sealing special ability. Kaguya also cannot remember who else she has passed gifts to other than myself. Nightkin typically possess five gifts but when Kaguya was about to pass Satori to me, she only had two gifts left, one of them being the immortality you now possess."

"Then counting from that, Senpai only has one gift left?"

"Yes. If I pass my final gift to someone, I will become no different from an ordinary person."

The corners of Shiinamachi-senpai's lips showed a faint smile.

How should I say this? I felt deeply that Senpai must have lived through such a tough life in the past.

Even so, for her still to be able to show such a gentle smile, she really was a very strong person.

Yes, it's decided, I must fulfill my role properly as Senpai's vassal.

I vowed secretly in the bottom of my heart.

"Senpai, I will surely do my best."

"Oh Jirou-kun..."

Senpai blushed, her eyes tearful.

I was really happy to make Senpai so touched. Since Senpai had chosen me as her vassal, then I must assist her to complete her story properly. I sincerely hoped that.

"I see. Now it looks like the two of you are about to enter the sex scene."

"There's none of that, okay!?"

However, Shiki, a vassal like me, remained unfazed, her speech still full of sexual harassment.

It really was a little exasperating that a young girl would have this kind of hobby.

"So... Shiki, why did you come running here in the middle of the night?"

"I usually borrow Kaguya's bathroom at a fixed time at night."

"Hmm? So you live near the school?"

"I live in the school. The computer lab caretaker's room is the personal room exclusive to me."

Students were only allowed into the computer lab during IT class, so I never noticed there was a caretaker's room... I carefully searched my memories and there seemed to be a door behind the lectern at the front of the computer lab.

But she definitely said just now... She lives there. After all, Shiinamachi-senpai also lives in this kind of place, so I decided to alter my way of thinking. Perhaps Shiki is living there for some sort of special reaosn.

"Shiinamachi-senpai, may I ask..."

While thinking about how I should pose the question, I looked at Senpai. Only now did I realize that Senpai was looking alternately at Shiki and me, showing a "oh right, I just remembered" kind of expression.

"Jirou-kun, it was Shiki-san who suggested me to choose you."

"Eh?"

"Perhaps you might find this a shocking truth, but Kaguya is not lying. Ever since you entered this school, I've been deeply interested in you. As a result, I am also very familiar with ''various things'' about you."

She particularly emphasized those words, making me almost react to them. I hastily pushed my glasses.

''Various things''. This term gave me a kind of bad feeling.

"For example, people's pet name for you is Monjirou."

"Eh? Oh, okay, so you mean that? Uh, I did feel kinda weird when you addressed me with that on our first meeting..."

"This moniker is reportedly quite popular with the students."<ref>"popular"(好評) and "moniker"(呼称) sound similar in Japanese.</ref>

I was getting confused by her again. Stared at by her blue eye whose corner was slightly downward drooping, I found it difficult to refute her.

The example given just now was perhaps by chance a conclusion obtained by combining "popular with the students" and "moniker" so this mystery was totally pointless and I decided to respond to her coldly.

"Of course, it's okay if you want to call me that."

After all, Fujisato and Kuhou called me that as well. An extra person wouldn't matter.

Just like that, I totally underestimated her.

"Apart from that, I have also acquired full information on your past and family bloodline."

This sentence that she threw out casually caused my view to go dark.

--After that, I placed my hand on my vanity glasses in order to flick the switch in my consciousness.

These glasses worked as a tool of the mind to control my consciousness. Whenever my mind was shaken, I would push my glasses again. Then, if I wanted to make my consciousness sharper, keener and more focused, I would take off my glasses.

Just now, this Shiki fellow said she knew about my past and family bloodline.

In other words, she already what kind of environment I was raised in and what kind of training I've undergone, and she knew that I have walked through a path of utterly inhumane education.

In that case--

I couldn't help but move my left hand.

"Faint killing intent confirmed. Please relax. I only investigated and corroborated ''these facts'' purely for Kaguya's sake. It's part of my job."

She clearly sensed my killing intent yet she still kept her hands planted in the pockets of her lab coat. This really concerned me... But since she was Shiinamachi-senpai's vassal, then there was nothing weird about her being in charge of gathering information.

But she said that she had become interested in me ever since the first day of school. Shiki had been observing my every move from the beginning but conversely, I knew nothing about Shiki at all.

In other words, she was a person who was capable of lurking in the shadows to investigate all sorts of information.

"Your skills, innate disposition, behavior... as well as current attitude. Based on the aforementioned characteristics, I judged you to be the safest person for Kaguya."

Her tone of voice remained robotic and it made me hesitate on how far I should trust her.

"Oh, Jirou-kun... Umm, how should I say this...? Actually, I've always felt that you're very reliable, you know? Then, basically... Shiki-san has been taking care of me for a long time, helping me with many things..."

Slightly incoherently, Senpai tried to smooth things over between Shiki and me.

Senpai was probably trying to clarify to me: If I really had to discern between friend and foe, Shiki was definitely on my side.

That being said, I still couldn't believe what Shiki said so easily. Even if Shiinamachi-senpai considered Shiki her comrade, but Shiki did investigate me in secret without my knowledge after all so it's only natural that I'd feel wary towards her. If she knew my family background as well, then most likely, even my family might run into danger.

"I have already understood that you are very guarded. Currently, I am thinking about what means to help lower your wariness..."

Shiki looked down and seemed to be thinking deeply. That caused her bangs to nearly cover her entire face.

"I got it. Monjirou, please rape me."

"What what what!?"

Too unexpected, I couldn't help but cry out in surprise.

"As long as you violate me, pouring your desires into me, disciplining me to make me your slave, that way you should be able to trust me."

"I'm not going to do that, okay!?"

"J-Jirou-kun...?"

"I won't, absolutely not! Even faced with Shiinamachi-senpai who I admire, I won't do a single thing that crosses the line, okay!? How could someone like me do that kind of thing to a girl I just met for the first time!?"

That's right, I am a "useless man" after all!

No, at least allow me to call myself a "gentleman" or a "person who respected women"!

"So, the next time this happens, please do make your move to try it."

"Make my move to try what!?"

I couldn't help but raise my voice and retort.

Shiki tilted her head and stared straight back at me with her blue eye.

"In other words, I have prepared myself to be violated by you any time."

"What kind of preparation is that...? Sigh, very well, I get it, I'll believe you for now."

"Then as evidence of my trust in you..."

Shiki began to remove her lab coat.

"Wait wait, you don't need to do this, don't take off your clothes!"

"Really...?"

Why did she look so disappointed?

In any case, let's leave it at that.

To be honest, given the current circumstances which were impossible to grasp, taking reckless action would be too dangerous. Especially when facing Shiki, I was already acting many steps behind her. Plus the fact that I was even killed not too long ago, it would be best to abandon the delusion that I could seize initiative right now.

In order to calm myself, I swiftly pushed my vanity glasses up instead of taking it off.

'First of all, you must accept the current situation then think of countermeasures. If you start off in a disadvantaged position, then you must get everything back to zero then slowly try to gain the upperhand.'

I recalled the advice from the mother who had already left me.

"Monjirou changing thought patterns confirmed. Monjirou possesses quite an excellent innate disposition."

"Oh... But it's because you possess this kind of characteristic, Jirou-kun, that's why I wanted to request your help."

Hearing Senpai say that, my feelings were quite conflicted.

The truth was that I was studying hard because I didn't want people to think I had that kind of characteristic. In order to erase my past, I've worked hard to make myself live an exceedingly ordinary school life, trying to enjoy myself in it.

Since the secret was already exposed, then there was nothing to do about it.

Shiinamachi-senpai was not human but a Nightkin.

Shiki was a the lab coat-wearing girl who lived in school, also a vassal at the same time.

And I had a family background that was unmentionable to outsiders.

For such a bizarre trio to gather together, it would not be surprising if anything happened.

"So, yes... Since you have calmed down... Let's cut to the chase, shall we?"

Shiinamachi-senpai clapped once, prompting Shiki and I to nod in response.

It was finally time to broach the main subject.

Why did Shiinamachi-senpai get murdered?

And why did I get stabbed to death as well?

Who exactly was the perpetrator... And what was the motive?

"First of all... Jirou-kun has already become my companion, so if you're willing, umm... I wish to hear about your love life in the past."

...

"What?"

"I also wish to confirm with you, what went through your mind when you heard Kaguya say the words "safe day"? Just to be safe, may I confirm the contents of your bag?"

"No way, that'll really bother me!"

"Based on the information at my fingertips, speculating according to the thought processes in Jirou's mind currently and the delusional imagination of a high school boy's, inside the bag should be..."

"Ugh...!"

I never expected ''that'' to put me in such an awkward predicament. No, things are not like that!

"Say! We still haven't discussed why Shiinamachi-senpai and I were murdered or brought up anything about the perpetrator!"

"Hmm... Those issues are naturally quite important, but let's discuss them later, okay? Jirou-kun, is that okay with you..."

"I also second discussing those issues later."

Leaving the real stuff to discuss last!?

"No, you two, umm..."

"Eh, umm... Jirou-kun, no way... You're unwilling to talk...?"

Shiinamachi-senpai's curiosity was written all over her face.

What on earth was this? Did the Nightkin have different values compared to humans?

However, if I think about it in a positive manner, this Nightkin here before my eyes chose me as her vassal, which meant that perhaps to a certain degree, she wished to understand more of what I was thinking.

"My love life is totally not interesting at all..."

"Nothing of that sort. Jirou-kun, you're a very interesting person!"

Should I be happy that Senpai has that kind of impression of me? Well, she's surely saying that to me out of kindness, so I really ought to be happy.

"Yes. Since I recommended you to become Kaguya's vassal, that means you possess the ordinary characteristics of high school boys."

I feel that these words carried no kindness to speak of... Was I imagining things?

...When the heck were we going to enter the main subject of discussion?

The night was grower later. First of all--I guess I must disclose my shameful past. I've never had any experience going out with a girl, not even the slightest bit popular with girls at all.

Tohoho...

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>
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| Back to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 1 A-Part|Chapter 1 A-Part]]
| Return to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 2 A-Part|Chapter 2 A-Part]]
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</noinclude>

Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 1 B-Part

2014-07-18T05:23:39Z

TeKuma:

==Chapter 1 B-Part - Thanatos and Immortal==

■Search Results for "immortal":
*Meaning will not die. Can also refer to a body that can resist all sorts of illnesses, pain, injuries and attacks.
*Carries the meaning of relentless perseverance no matter what setbacks are encountered. Also refers to people with this characteristic.
*A state where one will not die regardless of any kind of bludgeoning or slicing attack.
*Impervious to pain, neither getting hurt nor dying.
*Refers to a person who has obtained an immortal body.

In my hazy state, I dreamt that I was drifting in the darkness.

This kind of dream was very common whenever one started dreaming while in a totally exhausted state. In other words, I was currently sleeping very deeply in all likelihood.

Just at this moment, unintentionally--I seemed to hear my mother's voice coming from somewhere.

Hence, my awareness focused itself on the voice of my mother who had left me a long time ago.

'Jirou, you must live on.'

These words--These were the final words my mother said to me before she disappeared.

'Your future life will surely be a difficult road to travel. As your mother, I have already taught you all the skills and ways of thinking I can teach. Here on, no matter what you must do, no matter how much you will bloody your hands, even if you have to make others or yourself shed blood or tears, you must live on properly. Jirou, this is your destiny.'

My mother had said these words to me with aloofness. The next morning, she disappeared without trace, as though she had never existed at all to begin with. The only things she left behind were a stamp and a bank account containing a giant sum of money.

Back then, I had yet to understand the concept of loneliness.

But now, I was finally able to understand how painful a separation it was.

As I am now, perhaps I would be able to speak out asking my mother not to go.

Ultimately... I definitely learned from my mother all sorts of things that no ordinary mother would teach a child.

Even so, I still remained greatly grateful to my mother.

That was why my chest felt so empty, as though a huge hole had been gouged from it.

Or perhaps because of that--I was feeling pain in my heart.

'Slowly, you will understand what is heartache. Once you understand that, absolutely do not forget that feeling. It will become a valuable experience for you, the most important emotion. As a result, you must embrace that emotion and continue striving to survive amidst the pain and suffering. Do you understand? No matter how great the pain and suffering your body or soul feels, you must live on.'

I was definitely able to endure the body's pain.

However, I had never experienced the feeling known as heartache.

No, perhaps the separation with my mother itself had already made me experience heartache already.

Was that why I was feeling such pain in my chest...?

--No, it's not like that. This pain coming from my heart was not the feeling of heartache.

At this moment, floating in the darkness, I was starting to see a large amount of red droplets.

That was--fresh blood. A great volume of blood was surging out from my chest.

At this rate, I was going to die. My mother clearly asked me to live on properly but my life was quickly reaching an end.

However... That's right, I felt quite satisfied with my death.

That's why my mother said those words, probably to scold me for harboring such thoughts.

...Mother, I'm sorry.

But I really feel that this is fine.

Because, to think I can actually... Die while embracing the feelings a human ought to have.

At the time, knowing that I could die together with her, I really felt very happy.

So--

'This sort of thing is neither here nor there. You must live on properly. Hurry up and open your eyes.'

That was what my mother said to me.

Somehow in my memories, my mother's tone of voice seemed quite gruff.

Oh right, my mother's personality really seems to be like that.

'Also in the future--a destiny akin to despair yet filled with happiness is waiting for you.'

My mother's voice was making my consciousness gradually awaken.

In other words, I still had not...

Then the originally dark space instantly filled with silver brightness like moonlight.

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

I opened my eyes to see the lower edge of a bosom that was boldly stretching the clothing's fabric.

"Good morning, Jirou-kun."

"...Huh?"

I felt the warmth of a hand's touch on my hair. Only after a while did I realize that someone was currently stroking my head. Beyond the voluptuous bosom, I could see Senpai's face with a gentle smile.

Was everything a dream? While thinking that, I shifted my gaze slightly to the side. The pool of blood earlier was no longer visible on the floor and my body didn't look like it was bleeding.

But when I looked up at Senpai's face, I immediately noticed blood stains on her face and hands. Moonlight was streaming in through the window, illuminating her, producing an extremely surreal scene.

"Oh, this is your blood, Jirou-kun, so don't worry about me."

...No, even after hearing her say that, I was still worried.

In other words, I was definitely killed by someone but my wounds were not that serious. Not only that, even Senpai was able to survive miraculously as well... Is that what happened?

Or perhaps, I've actually entered the afterlife? The dead bodies of Senpai and me were still collapsed on the side while she and I had perhaps turned into ghosts at this moment.

Oh well, it's fine even if that's true. In that case, Senpai would be able to continue displaying her smiling face. This fact alone was enough to make everything perfect.

Just as I was thinking that, Senpai spoke up:

"If today weren't a safe day, dying on the spot would have been likely."

She said something incomprehensible.

"...Huh?"

I couldn't help but leak a weird noise from my lips, surprising even myself. What I understood about the keyword "safe day" was totally impossible to connect with Senpai's meaning.

"Oh, how should I put this...? It is quite difficult to explain indeed..."

Senpai was making a troubled look. She first looked up, then to the side, then to the back.

She looked like she was trying hard to find a suitable manner of explanation, then she said:

"Tonight's situation is very coincidental and special, which is why I happened to not die. Then... Putting it this way, perhaps you might find it difficult to understand, but I am truly sorry, I accidentally made you immortal."
[[image:Shiinasenpai v1 039.png|thumb]]

Hmm.

I totally can't understand what Senpai was talking about.

But I currently have a need to show my outstanding comprehension abilities.

Shiinamachi-senpai was not an articulate person to begin with. Instead, she was the type who would listen quietly to other people chatting while she smiled and enjoyed her tea.

That's why I must show that I have already understood her, so as to help her continue.

That's right, lemme think... What Senpai just said--

*If today weren't a safe day, dying on the spot would have been likely.
*Because today's situation was special, Senpai did not die.
*I have currently become immortal.

Very good, totally incomprehensible.

"So it's kind of like vampires?"

Even so, I still asked a question within my realm of understanding. Senpai thought for a while before answering:

"There's no need to drink blood... But indeed, it is a bit similar to the type of monster you brought up."

What? Was Senpai actually a monster?

And I can't believe that even I have become the same type of monster as well?

While feeling surprised, I tried to find a way to accept--

...No no no.

If I were to accept this fact so easily, then surely my brain must have problems.

Although that's what I thought...

"Excuse me... Do you understand what I mean?"

Senpai made a worried look as she said that to me. I totally could not tell her honestly that "No, I don't get it at all." That would make me feel like a criminal.

"Anyway, let's just pretend for now that I already understand."

Surely Senpai would feel even more troubled if I acted in a panicking manner, refused to believe her words or even took strange actions.

I definitely did not want Senpai to feel troubled.

In that case, choosing to believe would be the only right answer. So let's do that.

"Yes... I'm so glad, it was fortunate that I chose Jirou-kun... Had I chosen someone else, surely they would be in greater panic now."

Well no, I'm actually panicking inside, you know?

If I really said that out, Senpai would surely... (omitted), so I definitely can't say it.

Men gain strength gradually through times of keeping quiet, again and again.

Even so, Senpai just said that "it was fortunate that I chose Jirou-kun."

No matter what those words meant, I really felt very happy.

"Also, Jirou-kun, I believe that my murderer is still in school and probably nearby... What do you think we should do?"

Senpai asked me a question but right this moment, I was currently lying on Senpai's lap, admiring her bust from below. I really wanted this state to persist longer.

But now was not the time to be thinking about such things.

The enemy's technique was so clean, to think I was killed effortlessly without making a sound, based on this point, even if we were to attempt a search right now, we would most likely face a futile predicament. Besides, although this time, Senpai had already died when I discovered her, next time Senpai might get murdered before my eyes, if that were to happen, I might die from the shock.

--Given such technique... Even fully prepared at maximum vigilance, there was no guarantee that--

"No, I don't want Senpai to get killed by the murderer again, so please allow me to continue lying on your lap."

I decided to voice my desires honestly and ask Senpai to pamper me.

"You're right. If I were to die again, you would lose your life as well."

"What?"

Another piece of news received.

What did her words mean? What on earth had I become?

Everything was likely secretly developing in a world that I did not understand and I had just happened to get swept up into that world. Using the remnants of comprehension in my mind, I came to this conclusion after some thinking.

'--When you are desperately backed into a hopeless corner, the most important thing to do is to get a grasp on the situation first. No matter how difficult it is to accept the circumstances, you must treat everything as preset facts and accept them. If there is someone you can ask in person to learn about the situation, then your first task is to gather as much available information as quickly as possible so as to guide yourself on further action to take.'

This was one of the lessons teaching me how to survive that my mother had left behind.

"Senpai, if possible, can you explain things with a little more detail?"

"Before that, would you like to go to the bathroom to wash off the blood stains on you?"

What?

Just as I was trying hard to figure out the situation, Senpai did as she pleased and offered her suggestion.

"I have washed up already, so there might be some blood remaining in the bathroom. Sorry about that."

And now, I was going to use the bathroom that Senpai had just used?

"Then I will gladly take up your offer."

"Okay, then... I shall lower your head onto the floor for now."

Senpai carefully covered my head with her hands then lightly set my head on the floor.

A cushion had apparently been placed on the floor beforehand and its soft texture enveloped my head. Senpai's thighs really were too comfortable as a pillow but too bad... However, seeing Senpai cherish me so much, I felt very happy as soon as I thought that.

That being said, I couldn't keep lying here, of course. If I maintained this posture and looked to the side, the view beneath Senpai's shirt would enter my eyes, in other words, I would accidentally see something I shouldn't.

I cleared my thoughts. Troubles, be gone.

To prevent myself from looking to the side, I reached out and pushed my vanity glasses.

--The glasses were also smeared with blood. Looks like I'd better hurry and wash up.

"Okay!"

I finally managed to get up and looked around me.

Senpai's room was a suite and looked very neat and tidy. The large amount of spilt blood earlier was totally not visible. Of course, none of the blood I bled could be seen either. Did Senpai wipe and clean away all the blood stains by herself?

Speaking of which, I bled so much yet unbelievably, there was a way to make me survive. Somehow it felt like the volume of bleeding would exceed what was known as debilitating blood loss--Could this be evidence of my becoming immortal?

Ignoring all this for now, I'd better do as Senpai suggested first. I must hurry and help Senpai feel reassured.

"So, Senpai, I'll be borrowing your bathroom--If there are any details in the situation you'd like to explain, tell me later, okay? For example, why did you ask me to come to your room today..."

"Yes, I will be able to explain that part to you immediately."

"Thanks."

Having said that to Senpai, I looked at the door on the deep end of the room.

That should be the door leading to the bathroom with the sink and washroom.

...Okay.

"Then I'll be off."

"Fufu. You mean you're setting off for the bathroom, isn't that right? Okay, take care!"

Senpai smiled at me... That finally took a load off my heart.

Although I had no idea at all what kind of situation I was in, as long as Senpai was still willing to smile at me, everything was okay.

Thinking such thoughts, I opened the door leading to the washroom.

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Shower...

The bathroom that was not really cramped was filled with the fragrance of body wash and shampoo as well as warm steam.

I first tried to wash the blood stains from my body and the blood was completely scattered by the hot water. Seeing the red water flow to the drain hole, only then did I get a real sense that I really had been killed.

Even though Senpai had cleaned up the blood stains in the room, she still could not wipe away all the blood on my body. As soon as I recalled how Senpai's hands still had blood on them, I felt apologetic to Senpai. Also, she was not afraid of getting herself dirty, even letting my lie on her lap. At this moment, my heart was filled with gratitude towards her.

--That's right. Currently, to think that I was able to feel the emotions of "thankfulness" and "gratitude", this was quite a great event worth celebrating, so I decided that I must not forget these emotions and continue to strive hard to live on. Due to a certain incident, I was finally able to understand these "emotions" hence I must treasure these emotions even more... This was a lesson taught to my from past experiences.

I reached to feel my back.

The part where I should have been cut by the blade now felt smooth without any scar at all. Nevertheless, whether my memories or my body, both firmly remembered that pain and sensation. It probably was not a dream or a hallucination.

"I really was stabbed and I really resurrected, what on earth..."

Senpai had said "I made you immortal", was this true too?

No wait, what does immortal mean?

"So it means I won't die again?"

Simply pondering the meaning of this term, it seemed quite astounding. Shiinamachi-senpai had made me immortal, so that was how I was saved. Even if that really was the truth, it was still hard to believe. Even if someone were to say to me suddenly that "from now on, you won't die again", it was still very hard to say if it was actually true or not without experiencing it for real.

"However... Sigh, I guess I'll choose to believe for now."

Shiinamachi-senpai always gave off a feeling like she was detached from the mundane world, as such, she would occasionally say strange things. However, it was definite that she rarely lied. If I had to test whether I was truly immortal, that would require dying in order to know the result. I didn't really want to test it for real.

Anyway, I'd better hurry and give my body a wash.

If something really did change about my body, then I probably might discover something after washing myself clean.

While thinking that, I turned myself to the mirror, little expecting that...

"Hmm?"

I really discovered something. At my chest--on the skin just above my heart, there was a kind of red pattern.

It looked a bit like a tattoo... Or perhaps an emblem. It resembled some kind of bird mascot... As though someone had drawn a magnificent type of bird on my chest like a peacock but currently, the pattern was not very clear.

"What's going on?"

I scratched the pattern with my fingernail but nothing stuck to my fingertip. The pattern seemed to be surfacing from the flesh entirely.

I pulled and pinched as a test but apart from distorting the pattern, there were no other changes.

Currently, I guess I'll just have to accept the fact that "a certain pattern has appeared on my skin."

"Okay, I'll ask Shiinamachi-senpai later."

This was my conclusion. In the end, I still didn't understand what it was about.

My body seemed to changed in various ways. If I don't listen to Senpai's detailed explanation, I probably won't be able to imagine or deduce much on my own.

In that case, let me leave things as they are for now.

Thinking that, I started to wash my hair. First I used hot water to wet my hair then I poured shampoo on my palm... Staring at the shampoo, I thought to myself, "this is the shampoo that Shiinamachi-senpai is using" then applied it to my hair.

While lathering up my hair, I immediately found patches that were stuck together. It looked like blood had splashed onto my hair as well.

If the blood had splashed onto my head at the time, then the person stabbing me must have gotten a lot of my blood over him or her. Just as Senpai said, if we searched the school or the vicinity now, perhaps we might easily find the culprit all covered in blood. Be that as it may, the murderer was someone capable of killing me with one accurate strike of the sword. Even if we really found the murderer, the situation would still be very dangerous.

If the murderer found out that Senpai and I were actually still alive...

--Oh, that's right. The murderer might instantly turn back to finish the job.

Thinking that, I couldn't help but start worrying about Senpai so I sped up my hair washing motions.

This can't continue. I have hurry and ask Senpai about the whole story and think of a solution.

I washed the suds from my head, shut the tap for the shower head then turned towards the door. Just then--

"Excuse me... Jirou-kun."

I heard Shiinamachi-senpai's voice coming from behind the frosted glass.

"Eh? Oh, I'm almost done... I've already finished washing my hair and I'm about to get out."

Senpai was probably preparing a bath towel for me? I was casually thinking that but did not expect--

"Excuse me... May I enter?"

"Huh?"

For an instant, I completely failed to understand what Senpai was talking about.

May I enter?

I ruminated over the meaning of these words over and over again in my mind--

"Ehhhhhhhhh!?"

I couldn't help but cry out.

"Umm... I think that I should explain to you the changes your body has undergone..."

"Oh, o-okay."

I definitely hoped that Senpai could explain to me, but that should be after I finish my bath and return to the room!

"I would like to apologize to you--and to deepen our relationship... So... I was thinking I could help scrub your back or something..."

"Ehhhhhhhhh!?"

I cried out again. No wait, calm down. Sakuradamon Jirou, hurry and calm down!

Was this really okay? Am I actually in a dream? Or perhaps I died a long while ago and I'm currently somewhere in heaven, which is why everything is developing in the direction that I hoped?

Otherwise, that innocent and adorable Senpai in my heart who has absolutely no experience with males in that regard, the pure and untainted Shiinamachi-senpai, how could she make such a adult-oriented suggestion?

"Y-You refuse...?"

Assuming we are a boy and a girl with healthy minds and bodies, of course this suggestion must be refused! How should I say this? After all, the two of us haven't progressed to that kind of relationship yet, right? But if Senpai believes that developing this kind of relationship is okay, then naturally that means she really feels that way towards me.

Back then, Senpai had also told me that "today is my safe day, so please pay me a visit at my room." Judging from that angle, of course I feel very excited and elated. But as soon as I recalled Senpai's earlier explanation, I know that she had simply mistaken the meaning of that term. Precisely because of that, I feel even more strongly that the innocent and adorable... (further descriptions omitted) Senpai in my heart probably isn't conveying that level of meaning right now.

...Okay. I decided to reject Senpai's request for now and listen calmly to her first. Yes, let's do that.

"Please come in."

However, the words coming out of my mouth agreed to Senpai's request instead.

Was this perhaps the best example of "the mouth being more honest than the heart"? Or perhaps, this was a snapshot of the reality, "how could a man's heart be willing to miss out on such an excellent opportunity"?

No matter what, this was Shiinamachi-senpai we're talking about and I now have the chance to be with her together in the bathroom.

This was a special situation that was quite unlikely to happen a second time in a lifetime. Rather than unlikely, it'd be better to say it can't possibly happen again. In a lifetime, there are many opportunities that only come up once. Hence, no matter what kind of opportunity, one must never let them slip. So, Sakuradamon Jirou, it's okay, just take a good look and appreciate Senpai's naked body! Yes! Let's do it!

While trying hard to explain myself, I stared at the frosted glass.

"Then... Pardon my intrusion."

Then Senpai... She stepped into the bathroom, wrapped in a bath towel.

Pale skin, collarbone, arms, then there were the thighs, calves and ankles, not to mention the bountiful bust that easily bulged under the fabric of the bath towel. Senpai's state of half-nakedness was displayed before my eyes, so dazzling that I almost couldn't stare directly. Although I had just died once and dared not accept all this, right now, I really feel like I would have no regrets even if I had to die straight away.

"Oh, please could you not stare at me continuously... I-I will feel very embarrassed..."

So Senpai will feel embarrassed? That makes sense... Thinking that, I looked at Senpai's face... Her face was blushing red to her ears to an astounding degree. In other words, Senpai was coming with a mood of "ufufu, my dear, I shall scrub your back for you! Ufu!", instead, she was thinking "so embarrassing, but I must do my best!"

I really didn't understand what motivation could drive Senpai to be willing to go so far.

But to me, simply the fact that "the extremely embarrassed Shiinamachi-senpai was willing to scrub my back" was enough to make me feel that my life's goal had been accomplished.

My life is without regrets now. I desperately suppressed my urge to raise my fist and cheer, trying hard to squeeze out words to converse with the embarrassed Senpai.

"Uh... Senpai, you're so pretty."

Right now, I did not want to do anything along the lines of "suppressing my own true feelings." Ever since transferring into this school, I decided I must express my emotions honestly. Hence, I said what was truly on my mind.

"Ooh... T-Thank you."

Senpai averted her gaze and covered the corner of her lip lightly with her hand... This motion was absolutely awesome.

Due to the action of her arm, her massive bust changed shape, bulging even more. Only a thin layer of cloth covered the critical spot that all men desired greatly to see. Of course I wanted to see it too, but if I kept staring, Senpai would probably feel very awkward.

At this moment, I totally had no idea what to do. I was even unable to sit down.

--Mind over body. I grasped as the last vestiges of rationality remaining in my heart, focused my mind and avoided letting a man's bestial nature make me carried away in excitement.

Losing my cool, almost overwhelmed by emotion, I might very well push Shiinamachi-senpai down on the spot. Or rather, the biggest problem is that doing that under this kind of conditions, I might actually be forgiven instead.

That said, the calmer part of my brain had a different feeling.

Despite feeling very embarrassed, Senpai was still doing her best to express her apology to me. Surely this must be because Senpai felt that she needed to compensate me for inviting me over but ending up getting me killed.

...Senpai had already experienced the scary act of getting killed. I really didn't want to violate her and add more to her mental trauma.

She had had enough. I hoped that Senpai could spend the remainder of today in a relaxed manner. That was the wish in my heart.

"Hoo... Okay. I've calmed down. Senpai, sorry, I got a little too excited just now."

"Oh, don't apologize... Umm... Thank you... Yes, I feel a little shy so could you turn your back towards me?"

"Sure. Thanks for offering to do this."

Senpai had offered to scrub my back after all, so naturally, I turned my back to her. It was admittedly a shame that I couldn't continue admiring Senpai's perfect body, but now that I've calmed down, I still turned myself slowly.

"Oh..."

Senpai cried out in surprise.

"There's a scar on your right shoulder..."

"Oh, I'm sorry for startling you."

Only then did I remember that there was cross-shaped scar on the side of my right shoulder as though it had been marked with a blade. Senpai must have saw that scar suddenly and felt startled.

"It was an old wound. I had many stitches back then."

"Looks like the wound was very deep at the time..."

I could feel Senpai lightly stroking the scar with her hand and I couldn't help but shudder once.

"Oh, my apologies. Does it hurt...?"

"No, it doesn't. It just surprised me so I shuddered. It's okay now."

I simply felt a little ticklish originally but for some reason, I suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

"Okay... Sorry, I was too forward."

"Not at all. Don't say that."

Senpai seemed reassured. She exhaled lightly then touched my back.

I'll surely get way too excited if I focused my awareness excessively on this fact, so I decided to turn my gaze left and right, this resulted in...

I happened to see the mirror. The mirror apparently had anti-fog treatment and I was able to see a clear reflection of Shiinamachi-senpai behind me.

...To erase that greedy feeling in my heart, I hurriedly looked down.

"Ah... Fufu."

Senpai chuckled, slightly reassured.

She had apparently noticed that I was trying hard to suppress the urge to look at her.

To be honest, I really wanted to look, super wanted to look, wanting to look at her to the extreme.

But if it was to help Senpai feel reassured, I believe I can surely suppress the desire in my heart.

"Thank you, Jirou-kun."

This time, Shiinmachi-senpai placed her hand lightly on my back.

The feeling was a little cold and felt slightly ticklish.

"The blade stabbed... here, right?"

Senpai stroked my back, that spot was precisely opposite to my chest. That part still felt a little hot.

"Jirou-kun, sorry, it's all because I asked you to come to my room..."

"Don't say that, Senpai. I really don't mind at all. Besides, none of this feels real to me."

The intense pain at the time and the severe chill only lasted for but an instant.

At the time, I used the last of my strength to utter those last words... then lost consciousness.

That "death" experience was so brief and quick that it did not leave any resentment in my heart, naturally.

"But... I got you swept up in this incident without explaining anything beforehand... I was too impatient. I didn't explain anything to you at the start, so I'm sure right now, you are full of various questions, right?"

Indeed, Senpai didn't explain anything in detail to me today. As a result, it made me a little too excited. But at this moment, the situation is similarly quite exciting too.

"If possible, could you explain in detail to me now?"

"Very well. I only came in to explain everything to you."

Senpai's voice sounded quite calm and stable. Although this was a bathroom, it felt quite suitable for asking Senpai all kinds of questions. This was probably what people called being completely open to each other, right? Hiding nothing from each other, displaying everything with no reservation... In this sense, there was no description more apt. Of course, Senpai was actually clad in a bath towel.

"First of all... Where should I begin?"

Senpai suddenly said softly with her hand on my back.

"Then... let's start with the reason you invited me to your room today."

That's right, I was confused from the start about what was going on.

"...Yes, good idea. Perhaps you might find all this to be quite ridiculous and impossible to believe, but... I hope you won't think I'm lying and will listen to me properly."

A ridiculous and impossible to believe incident had already happened.. And everything had happened to me, so how could I possibly not believe?

"Hmm..."

But to Senpai, I'm sure it's equally incomprehensible, right?

Not only was she stabbed to death suddenly, even the one she invited, me, was killed as well. I believe she herself must be quite shocked too... For some reason, I was starting to feel like I could understand why Senpai was so calm earlier.

As a result, no matter how unbelievable Senpai's next words were, I've already decided to accept her explanation for now.

"To be honest, tonight... I originally planned to tell you my secret, Jirou-kun."

"You mean matters related to monsters... what you just told me about?"

"Indeed."

I could feel Senpai's hand on my back slightly pushing harder.

"I am actually one of the Nightkin. Members of this race will only die when predetermined events happen. There are also people who call us 'Lords'."

I remember that the word "Lord" meant something like "king" or "sovereign."

"It is said that the Nightkin are a kind of life form similar to humans, always staying out of human sight, living in the world of the night, hiding among human crowds in their daily lives. Since time immemorial, the Nightkin has survived to modern day in this manner... Also, this race is apparently almost about to go extinct."

A life form similar to humans.

Throughout the time I have spent with Senpai, I found her no different from an ordinary human at all.

Feeling embarrassed in the bathroom, worrying for me all the time, and feeling troubled when trying to explain things.

The impression she gave off was clearly like an ordinary girl's, but...

"Hence, today--Not too long ago, I was assassinated and my heart stopped for a while. However, I was able to survive because I possess more potent self-healing powers than humans."

"Umm... Even if you get stabbed, severely damaging your heart... Your self-healing powers still works?"

Too shocking. If that really were true, then the race of Nightkin won't die under any circumstances, right?

"Looks like it works. Just now was my first time getting killed, so even I myself was very surprised... Also, everything happened perfectly by chance, your... ''human blood'' coincidentally splattered on my body. Perhaps because of that, it had a positive effect."

"My blood?"

"When I feel vitality bursting forth from someone's life... If that power carries within in some kind of powerful ''thoughts and feelings'', those emotions can turn into a great power for we Nightkin to use."

Senpai spoke slightly shyly.

--Indeed, back then I was harboring powerful ''thoughts and feelings'' for Senpai. Due to that, when my fresh blood was spilt over Senpai's body, it was able to increase her self-healing powers, thereby saving her life?

But resurrecting just because of human blood splattering on oneself, that really resembled a vampire. Earlier, Senpai had said "There's no need to drink blood... But indeed, it is a bit similar to the type of monster you brought up." That was probably what she was referring to.

"So, what does the so-called safe day mean?"

Senpai had also mentioned that "If today weren't a safe day, dying on the spot would have been likely."

So... Before giving me the invitation, Senpai already knew she was not going to die.

"In fact, I already knew ahead of time that I will encounter an incident today involving death, but at the same time, I also knew that it will not entail my own death, so the meaning is equivalent to 'today is a safe day, don't worry'."

I see. So it's completely different to the kind of safe day I imagined.

I felt quite ashamed for mistakening Senpai's meaning. However, I really wished Senpai could understand how much that term would make guys blush and get excited uncontrollably... No, I guess it's more fitting of Shiinamchi-senpai's style for her to be unaware of these kinds of things.

"You knew ahead of time... That sounds something like a prophesy. Is this a power of the Nightkin?"

To be honest, I still found it hard to believe that Senpai was a life form of a different race. If Senpai were a weird girl who had a thing for this type of character background, I could still understand, but no, she's someone who never lies and never forces others to accept such pretentious ideas. As a result, I decided to accept her explanation wholly for now then analyze in detail afterwards.

"Oh no... That's not a power of the Nightkin but a special feature."

Saying that, Senpai fell silent for a while as though in a bit of a quandary.

Then apparently figuring out how to explain, she began to explain tirelessly.

"From the moment we are born, members of the Nightkin must act out their life according to a predetermined 'story', living according to the directions of the story... That's the kind of race we are."

"You must act out a story according to predetermined directions? Lemme see, that's like... a book, isn't it?"

"Yes. There exist books among us that only the Nightkin can read. Whenever one of our kind is born, a story will be selected from among them and assigned to the newborn Nightkin. Thereafter, that Nightkin must abide by the story's content and live according to its rules as well as die according to its rules. The greatest special feature is that if the event does not match the story's content, then it's almost impossible for us to die."

In other words, members of Senpai's race must follow the settings of the "story" starting from their birth and act out their life according to the story's content. If the death-causing incident does not match the timing in the story, then it's almost impossible for the Nightkin to die.

Just as indicated by the story Senpai was acting out, she did not die today. Because today was not her day to die. In other words, today was her safe day... So that's what happened, right?

I slowly began to understand the meaning of what Senpai had said previously.

"In other words... It's what people would call destiny?"

A prescribed and predetermined path. This could be called destiny, right?

"I guess this should be similar to what humans call destiny, but we are different from humans. During the period from birth until the end of their story, a Nightkin will stop aging after a certain age and will not die from any other causes of death."

In that case, this race definitely had their own unique special feature, different from vampire legends.

"My 'story' only started not too long ago. As long as I haven't finished acting out the role of the character in the story, I won't die. As a result, today is meant to be a day when 'I'll encounter an incident today involving death but won't die as a result', that is also why I was able to survive... Of course, I never expected in the beginning that the reason why I won't die... was because you would lose your life for coming here on my invitation, and that I survived because I received the powerful ''thoughts and feelings'' carried in your blood..."

Hearing Senpai mention "powerful thoughts and feelings", I felt a little embarrassed.

But in hindsight, my death ultimately helped Senpai, I'm so glad.

"In other words, whenever you're in a crisis, as long as I give my blood to you, Senpai, everything will be fine?"

I couldn't help but feel that it was a little similar to the concept of blood transfusions.

"Hmm, I don't think it has to be through blood... As long as some way is used to strengthen mental contact, it should be fine. However... A covenant of blood is indeed the most powerful method. Back then, a great volume of your blood entered my body through the wound on my chest, so..."

Saying that, Senpai exhaled lightly.

"Right now, flowing in my body is your blood that has assimilated with my own blood, Jirou-kun."

...Somehow, after hearing that, my heart fluttered for a bit.

To think that I've had mental contact with Shiinamachi-senpai, to the point of even establishing something so monumental as a covenant of blood?

My blood was currently flowing inside Senpai's body at the moment?

Hearing that, anyone would feel their heart pound uncontrollably, right?

"...C-Cough. No matter what, I think I've already understood why Senpai didn't die."

"Phew... I knew that the explanation just now must be hard to understand with common sense. At the same time, I understand that you are really willing to work hard to understand my words, Jirou-kun."

I felt a bit embarrassed that Senpai was being so considerate for me. After all, Senpai already came here on purpose to scrub my back. As a man, of course I must do everything in my power to try hard.

"Fufu. Actually, after dying and resurrecting, there was a short interlude... Basically, it took me quite a lot of effort to move you from my body where you had collapsed, Jirou-kun."

"Uwah... U-U-Umm... I'm so sorry, Senpai."

I had collapsed on Senpai's body when I died. At that moment, I was feeling quite satisfied but now it feels a bit embarrassing. However, so that was what the so-called "safe day" meant! Senpai's use of the term "safe day" turned out to be too technical, it was only natural that I would fail to understand her in the beginning.

Now I truly understood deeply that Shiinamachi-senpai really was a bit airheaded in this regard.

"Because of your help, I was able to revive... So in my panic, I decided I must save your life... Actually, I really wanted to obtain your consent first before resurrecting you... Sorry."

"No, that's no biggie at all. I'm the one who should thank you, Senpai, for surviving, being able to rise from the dead."

To be honest, I had already lost my life at that point. Even if Senpai tried to get my consent, I wouldn't have been able to answer her. The murderer's killing technique was too refined, I still think so even now.

Of course, I felt very happy that Senpai was willing to raise me from the dead.

However, I still couldn't help but find questions piling up more and more in my mind.

I guess I should be able to believe that Senpai belongs to a race called the Nightkin but I still found it hard to accept beings that could resurrect after being killed. But back then, I definitely saw with my own eyes that Shiinamachi-senpai was collpased on the floor, dead, so I had no choice but to believe that this whole affair as indeed the truth.

However, if it really were true, then how on earth did I resurrect? I am just an ordinary person without Senpai's type of regeneration ability. Simply a fracture in my leg would take me between one and three months of recuperation to heal, let alone getting stabbed through the heart... After suffering that kind of wound, logically speaking, it should have been impossible to revive me.

"The reason why you are still living right now, Jirou-kun... is because I gave one of my 'gifts' to you."

"Senpai's... gift?"

"Yes. Those who obtain this gift will become ''immortal''... Even if a blade stabs into your heart, or if the majority of your body gets blown away by an explosion, if you're forced to drink poison, you can still rise from death and recover to your original form. This is the power possessed by the gift I have given you... Apart from that, I absolutely couldn't think of any other way to resurrect you from your state of death back then."

This was absolutely absurd, totally ridiculous. To be able to resurrect someone who's already dead and even turn him immortal? Whether in the past or present, there shouldn't be any life form capable of that, right? Even gods in myths can't easily return to their original world after arriving at another world.

However, I definitely... personally experienced the process of dying and resurrection so this was something I could not refute at all.

"This is a power possessed by the Nightkin. We are able to pass along certain special powers to humans, giving the gifts we possess to people who can assist in our story. Once we pass it along, that gift will no longer exist within us, whereas the human who had obtained the gift will become the Nightkin's vassal."

Shiinamachi-senpai explained to me a little apologetically.

Vassal--Hearing this word, most people would probably think of subordinates or followers.

"Vassals are usually called 'Knights' as well. As a result, a Nightkin can continue building their story together with their vassals. A vassal can be the Nightkin's coworker, friend, knight, relative and sometimes even their lover or spouse. Through this process, the Nightkin eventually completes their life's story."

Due to the Nightkin's vassals playing this kind of role, in terms of the meaning of "night", that was why the vassals were called Nights by others; or perhaps just as Senpai mentioned earlier, vassals could play the role of a knight, protecting the Nightkin, hence they were called "Knights." I've heard Senpai mention the other names for the "Nightkin" and "vassals" but only now did I finally realize that their alternative names actually carried two different layers of meanings.

The Nightkin were like sovereigns in stories, hence they were addressed as "Lord". In addition, a Nightkin must travel along the path prescribed by the story, which can be called a "Road", which sounds similar as well.<ref>Road vs Lord: in Japanese, both "lord" and "road" are rendered as ロード in katakana.</ref>

To Senpai, I am like a companion to spend the dark nights together, hence "Nights" while at the same time, I am the knight by her side, which is a position called the "Knights".

So that's the meaning.

--Vassals could become the Nightkin's lover or spouse... This fact really made my heart pound uncontrollably.

It felt like words coming from a girl who loved to daydream.

My entire person was about to plunge into narcissism. Perhaps that was truly the wish in Senpai's heart.

If that really was the case... I feel myself getting more and more motivated.

"...Suddenly telling you these things, it must be hard for you to believe in an instant."

Senpai timidly tried to move away her hand that was on my back.

--Indeed, suddenly hearing someone say this kind of stuff would be really hard to believe. If she really asked me this moment whether I really believed everything from the bottom of my heart, I would surely say that I actually still have some doubts. On the other hand, my current situation was clearly telling me that all this was the truth beyond a doubt.

For example, as soon as I recalled... The current situation where Shiinamachi-senpai did not actually die.

Back then, I personally saw the wound on her chest from something stabbing straight through, so I definitely cannot explain how she is alive now. Furthermore, I also saw the large amount of blood flowing everywhere so it makes it even harder to explain how she didn't die.

Next... The current fact that I was not killed also fully proves this reality.

I didn't witness by my own eyes what had caused the impact behind me so I could still conclude that perhaps I wasn't stabbed; nevertheless, I did see for certain at the time that a blade tip had pierced out of my chest, this was totally irrefutable. My chest definitely bled and I certainly saw a blade's tip.

In other words, putting aside whether I am dead or alive... At least I can be certain of one fact: a long blade had stabbed me in the back, penetrating and exiting from my chest.

Then I lost consciousness. Even if that attack had not caused a fatal wound, surely I would have died from excessive blood loss eventually.

--Based on past experience, I was very clear on this point.

Summing up, Shiinamachi-senpai and I were murdered.

This was the truth... And after that, right now, we are truly alive. This was also the undeniable truth.

--Hence, Shiinamachi-senpai was speaking the truth.

Based on the current situation, it should be fine to treat all this as reality. Even if stuff like the Nightkin explanation and the part about powers possessed by vassals was a lie, for me at this particular point in time, it didn't matter at all. After all, I cannot explain the whole thing using the common sense logic in my mind, so taking a skeptical stance was pointless.

In that case, it would be better to believe Shiinamachi-senpai fully.

That's all I could do for now.

"I believe. I believe in what you told me, Shiinamachi-senpai."

"Eh... Jirou-kun...?"

"Of course I'm very surprised and I find certain parts very hard to understand. For example, there's the fact that Senpai isn't human, Senpai possesses certain powers, Senpai gave me one of those powers... I really have trouble understanding these parts."

"Yes... You have a point..."

"However, I believe you, Senpai. How should I put this? ...Senpai, for the sake of explaining everything, you were still willing to do your best and enter the bathroom despite clearly feeling very embarrassed, putting your utmost effort to explain to me. Furthermore, you still told me all that even knowing I might not believe you. That's why I believe you, Senpai."

"...Jirou-kun..."

Senpai's voice sounded a bit shaky.

"That's why, Senpai, please rest assured. I don't want you to be worried."

That's right. No matter what situation I'm in, no matter what the truth actually is, to me, the most important thing is whether Senpai feels reassured.

To me currently, this was the most important thing.

All I cared about was whether Shiinamachi-senpai was able to smile as before.

That's right, that alone was enough.

"...Jirou-kun, you're really so kind."

After saying those words, just like that, Senpai... hugged me, pressing tightly against my back.

The extremely concrete feeling coming from my back, through the fabric, I could even feel that bulging body part getting squeezed and compressed.

"S-S-S-S-Senpai!?"

"The reason why I invited you was because... I felt that you are a very kind person."

Hearing these words, the sense of upheaval in my heart swiftly calmed down.

--My kindness is actually all an act.

Even when placed in this kind of situation, calm thoughts still existed in a certain part of my mind. I was still able to get a clear grasp of the situation, even to the point of choosing what words and sentences to respond.

However, as long as it helped Shiinamachi-senpai feel reassured, even feigned calmness was fine.

"The reason why invited you over was to ask you... ask you to accept this power for my sake, and ask you to assist in my story. It's just that the sequence got changed a little..."

...I see.

I guessed that Senpai's original intention was to call me to her room, then explain to me what she had just told me... Then give me her request and ask me to make a decision.

What she wanted to ask me was "please accept the power of immortality and help construct my story."

It's just that an unexpected incident occurred, in the end causing her to have no choice but to first decide to raise me from the dead.

This matter was surely eating away at Senpai's heart. She probably felt quite guilty. Because of that, she endured her feelings of embarrassment to come to the bathroom to explain everything to me.

"Senpai, even if this incident hadn't happened, I still would've accepted your request."

I really hoped Senpai could feel assured so I told her my feelings honestly.

In fact, I was originally harboring feelings of "no matter what Senpai's wish is, I will gladly accept it" which is why I came here tonight.

Of course, I do feel a little disappointed since things happened completely different from what I imagined.

However, I really feel extremely proud that Senpai was willing to choose someone like me.

"Jirou-san, I am truly grateful to you..."

Senpai murmured as though a great load was lifted off her shoulders, her voice mixed with a sigh of relief.

Warm breath reached the back of my shoulder, I couldn't help but shudder once.

"...For some reason, I've always felt that you probably would accept... Somehow, as long as I asked, you would surely agree to help me... Sorry, I can't believe I was having such selfish thoughts."

...Looks like my feelings of admiration for Senpai had already been exposed.

Sigh, in that case, a conclusion definitely could be reached soon.

"Oh, by the way, after receiving my power, a pattern resembling an emblem should have appeared somewhere on your body."

"Oh yeah, it happens to be near my chest."

In order to show Senpai the pattern on my chest, I was just about to puff out my chest, just at that moment--

"Kyah!"

Senpai made a panicking sound.

At the same time, the bath towel originally in contact with me fluttered to the floor!

"......Uh!"

I immediately closed my eyes! But in fact, I really wanted to look, super wanted to look, desperately wanted to look.

But if I did that, surely Senpai would feel very troubled. So--I must endure!

"Eh? Oh... Fufu. Jirou-kun, it's okay."

--It's okay?

"But Senpai... Umm..."

"...Just to be safe, I'm wearing a swimsuit underneath."

I opened my eyes slightly... Through the mirror, I saw Shiinamachi-senpai clutching the bath towel with an embarrassed look on her face. Worn on her pale skin was a strapless red swimsuit.

"I was thinking of going out with the library monitors next time to have fun at the pool... So I bought a swimsuit beforehand."

"I... see."

But seeing Shiinamachi-senpai standing there on the spot, clutching the bath towel with an embarrassed look while dressed in a swimsuit, that sight was too stimulating for me indeed.

I couldn't help but feel troubled what I should do next, then--

"Kaguya, have you two progressed to the kind of relationship where you can take baths together?"

I heard a girl's voice that I had never heard before. It felt very lifeless and monotone. Hearing that voice, I almost jumped straight up in surprise. I frantically turned my head and found a girl peering into the bathroom. She was dressed in school uniform with a lab coat on top of her uniform. Her hair was extremely long.

"Eh, ah, umm..."

"Okay--Situation understood. I predict that the two of you will now enter the sex scene. Please go ahead."

"Eh? W-What sex scene!? W-What do you mean by 'please go ahead'!?"

"I have already seen it, so please don't mind me."

"O-Of course I mind! S-Sorry, Jirou-kun, I have to leave the bathroom first!"

Shiinamachi-senpai looked very nervous and agitated. Then she left the bathroom like a gust of wind.

While running away, Senpai's little swimsuit-clad butt really was too adorable--I couldn't help but think that.

O-Oh right. Who was this girl who had suddenly appeared?

"Kaguya escaped confirmed-By the wyay, Monjirou."

"Eh, ah, you're addressing me?"

A girl I've never met suddenly called me by my nickname, greatly surprising me.

"Are you really okay like that?"

"What?"

The girl swiftly pointed at me. Where she pointed was my--naked lower body.

"--Sorry."

I frantically turned my back to the girl.

"No problem."

"N-No problem?"

"Absolutely none."

Absolutely no problem...?

The girl, who had one eye obscured by her bangs, simply maintained her aloof attitude all along.

However, why did she keep staring at me, all the way until I had put on my clothes?

<center>■ ■ ■ ■ ■</center>

"Nice to meet you. In terms of names to my knowledge, I am called Yatono Shiki. Currently belonging to class 1-B. Please address me with familiarity from now on as Shiki or Shiki-tan."

She wants me to address her with familiarity? But I can't feel the slightest familiarity or warmth from her tone of voice and attitude!

"Then, Shiki-san..."

"Please address me as Shiki or Shiki-chwan and remember to use a more familiar tone of voice."

"...Shiki."

"Very good, your turn to introduce yourself."

Seeing me suffer so much for a manner of address, Shiinamachi-senpai couldn't help but laugh secretly to herself on the side.

"Shiki, I'm in class 2-A and like Senpai, I'm a library monitor as well. My name is Sakuradamon Jirou."

"I know that already, Monjirou."

Because she kept using my nickname, I kept getting the feeling that she had no idea what my real name was, but I decided to refrain from retorting about that. Perhaps this might make her act more friendly to me? Hopefully...

"I am Shiinamachi Kaguya. I believe the two of you already know that."

"Yes, Kaguya, I know that already. From now on, the three of us are friends."

The three of us were sitting on seat cushions around a table in Senpai's room, introducing ourselves in turn. Shiki had a lace-like decoration coiled around her hair. She was also wearing a large lab coat that was too big for her with both hands still stuck in the pockets while she was sitting. From appearance, she was truly quite a distinctive girl.

"So, Monjirou, have you had enough lovey-dovey intimacy with Shiinamachi Kaguya already?"

Shiki spoke with a very indifferent attitude, her tone of voice as flat as an automated speech system. However, the content of her words were quite crass.

"W-We weren't acting lovey-dovey..."

Shiiinamachi-senpai's face went all red immediately.

"Well then, I should describe the two as inseparable then?"

"We're not!"

Shiinamachi-senpai swiftly denied. How rare to hear her talk in such a loud voice. Immediately, she also seemed to realize she was shouting uncharacteristically loud and hastily covered her face in her hands.

"On the other hand, Monjirou was showing a 'totally seduced' look on his face."

"To be honest, that is the truth."

"Jirou-kun, you're so annoying..."

Senpai's gaze carried a sliver of reprimand but it felt unexpectedly comfortable. Teasing Shiinamachi-senpai really was too fun. I must pay more attention and try not to make it a habit.

"Kaguya red-faced confirmed. Condition normal, congratulations."

"Shiki-san, y-you're really so a-annoying..."

"What I mean is that your body's condition is normal, as well as that your cheeks are red."

Shiki turned her face towards me. I wasn't sure if she was staring at me because her bangs were covering her face, but it felt like she was hoping I'd give a comment about her lame pun<ref>In kabuki, red-faced (赤面 / sekimen) is used to refer to the villain.</ref> just now. Very well.

"That's really da bomb."
[[image:Shiinasenpai v1 068.png|thumb]]

I deliberately used outdated slang to praise her and even made a thumbs-up. Shiki proceeded to do a thumbs-up and nodded.

I see. Perhaps I do know how to get closer to her.

But who the heck was this girl?

There was this indifferent air about her that made it difficult to get along with her but at the same time, she seemed like quite the joker. From appearance down to her words and behavior, her entire person was full of mystery.

"By the way, brother."

"Are you addressing me?"

"So our intimacy has not progressed to brother-sister levels? Then I have misspoken."

"Oh, that's not what I meant."

But it's true that our relationship isn't that close.

"It's fine even if you don't force a brother-sister type of intimacy with me on purpose..."

"Sure, darling."

"That's way too much of a jump. Could you just call me by name normally?"

"Very well, Monjirou."

She still insisted on calling me by my nickname. Perhaps she really treated my nickname as my real name. At this moment, I decided to give up on feeling bothered by it.

"Yes, Shiki, what's up?"

"How much information have you obtained from Kaguya about the current situation?"

Shiki cocked her head slightly, revealing a bit of her right eye. It was a very clear blue eye. Although her name sounded Japanese, perhaps she was actually a mixed child.

"How much... What's a good way of putting it...?"

"For example, three sizes?"

"How could I ask her something like that?"

"By my deductions, she probably will accept this kind of question from you."

I couldn't help but look at Shiinamachi-senpai with anticipation.

"I-I'm not going to answer!"

Completely flustered, Shiinamachi-senpai's presence was truly too soothing for the heart.

However... Judging from the words of this girl named Shiki, she seemed to know about the whole story already.

With her bangs covering an eye, it was almost impossible to read her face... Perhaps this was also deliberate on her part.

"...Monjirou, do you have any questions? Have you acknowledged me as your target for lust?"

"No, I'm sorry, it's very hard for me to feel that way towards someone I'm meeting for the first time."

"Really? Then I should learn more from Kaguya and take care to increase my potential as a woman."

What the heck was potential as a woman? This term seemed quite out of date. However, if it was interpreted as "honing feminine charms" then it's true that learning from Senpai as a role model would be right.

"So, Shiki, what's your relationship with Senpai?"

"Physical relationship."

"Pfft!"

I couldn't help but spurt out air. Too dangerous. If I happened to be drinking, it would have been a mess.

"S-Shiki-san!?"

Senpai looked so frantic that she was almost about to burst into tears.

"It's already past midnight so it just happened to be perfect for a joke suited to late night hours."

"That's really bad for the heart."

I couldn't help it... I almost started to imagine Senpai and Shiki in this and that kind of scene.

"Right now, this very moment, we have already concluded that there is no problem even if Monjirou's heart stopped. But this fact hasn't been verified yet, so I hope you'll assist in experiments involving stopping the heart."

"...I'm very sorry. I don't agree with conducting this experiment."

"Is that... so...?"

Shiki seemed quite disappointed.

...Hmm?

In other words, Shiki already knew about me resurrecting because Senpai saved me? And she also knew that I had become immortal now?

"So, Monjirou, I will make a deal with you. If you agree with the experiment, I will provide my own body to you. How do you feel about that?"

"...What?"

"Shiki-san, no, not allowed!"

Shiinamachi-senpai called out with a face filled with panic to stop her but I was stunned on the spot, unable to understand Shiki's meaning.

Seeing Senpai so flustered, in other words... It was definitely that meaning, right?

"Is this another late night joke?"

"I don't deny it. It is a subject that I find relatively more interesting."

"...I-I see..."

"Yes."

"No means no!"

Senpai stared at me with reprimanding eyes, making me feel a slight sense of chill.

Sigh, that's right. She's only a girl I just met, how could I possibly accept her body? And those terms of exchange, for me to cooperate with the experiment to see if my heart will stop, I absolutely can't do that.

"Ahem. So, Shiki, why did you come to Shiinamachi-senpai's room at this time?"

"That's what you're curious about?"

What else do you think I'm curious about?

"I was thinking I might have a chance to catch a glimpse of your lovey-dovey moments, so I waited a while before coming here. However, I never expected the two of you to progress to the intimacy of taking a bath together on the first night."

"T-That's because! I-It's not like that... Ugh!"

"Is there any inaccuracy or deviation in my assessment?"

"Hmm... Uh..."

Seeing Shiinamachi-senpai tongue-tied in nervousness, I really wanted to take her home directly for a good loving.

"Actually, I didn't do anything."

"Roger that. I have understood that Monjirou is a 'useless man'."

"Goof!"

This comment struck viciously at my heart, making but double over in pain.

"Wah, Jirou-kun..."

"Senpai, i-it's okay..."

Indeed, under those circumstances, to think that I totally failed to do anything in that sense, perhaps I really can be considered a "useless man". However, I never expected this much psychological damage I'd feel from having a girl point this out to my face.

"Shiki-san is the same as you, both vassals to help and assist in my story. In other words, I have likewise passed on one of my gifts to Shiki-san."

"Yes, I have received the gift known as Satori. Here on, my job is to assist Kaguya for the rest of my life."

Satori.

If I remembered right, this was the name of a mind-reading monster dwelling somewhere deep in the mountains.

Since Senpai was able to pass to me a powerful gift of resurrection, then the Satori gift received by this Shiki girl probably was a power that shouldn't be underestimated, right?

Indeed-She seemed to be able to ''read other people's thoughts'' directly.

Let me test by thinking things in my mind. Oh right--I should give them those two puddings I bought earlier, right? Or should I just take them home...

While pondering this dilemma, I stared at Shiki.

Okay, will she be able to read my thoughts or not...?

"I see."

Looking into my eyes, Shiki nodded with a calm face.

She does have the power to ''read minds''!?

"I can feel your burning gaze. You are suggesting that I pay upfront the reward for the heart-stopping experiment first, aren't you?"

"The hell I am!?"

"Eh, Jirou-kun, I can't believe you were thinking that just now...?"

"Senpai, I wasn't! Because she said her power was called Satori, I was thinking she could read minds!"

"Oh... I see, that's what's going on. Phew..."

Senpai placed her hand on her chest in relief.

"I see. I understand now. My Satori power is not mind reading, please relax."

"I see."

"Hence, feel free to use Kaguya or me for fantasizing."

"What did you say!?"

"Of course, I am referring to the kind of fantasizing you do late at night."

I can't believe she can say such outrageous things nonchalantly...

"?"

Shiinamachi-senpai had apparently not caught on to her meaning. In that case, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

However, this Shiki girl will keep saying things nonchalantly with a sexual harassment flavor if she's left alone.

I must be more careful to avoid falling into her traps...

"Like me, Shiki is a Nightkin's vassal... Right?"

"Yes. At least as far as I can recall, I have only passed a gift to Shiki alone before tonight, no one else."

"As far as you can recall?"

I stared in puzzlement at Senpai and Shiki.

"Kaguya lost her memory."

"What?"

I stared intently at Senpai's face.

"Actually... I can only remember things that happened in the past three years. Although I know that I am one of the Nightkin and also have common knowledge on life skills, I have almost no recollection on what I've done in the past..."

"Really...?"

Senpai's usual attitude towards life was too natural, so I've always thought... It was the calm and composed mindset of someone who had lived a long life.

"Oh, but I still remember how to live, how days ought to be spent in school, and the content of my story... etc. It feels like I've only lost a certain portion of my memories."

"We can speculate that this is the result of a type of memory-sealing special ability. Kaguya also cannot remember who else she has passed gifts to other than myself. Nightkin typically possess five gifts but when Kaguya was about to pass Satori to me, she only had two gifts left, one of them being the immortality you now possess."

"Then counting from that, Senpai only has one gift left?"

"Yes. If I pass my final gift to someone, I will become no different from an ordinary person."

The corners of Shiinamachi-senpai's lips showed a faint smile.

How should I say this? I felt deeply that Senpai must have lived through such a tough life in the past.

Even so, for her still to be able to show such a gentle smile, she really was a very strong person.

Yes, it's decided, I must fulfill my role properly as Senpai's vassal.

I vowed secretly in the bottom of my heart.

"Senpai, I will surely do my best."

"Oh Jirou-kun..."

Senpai blushed, her eyes tearful.

I was really happy to make Senpai so touched. Since Senpai had chosen me as her vassal, then I must assist her to complete her story properly. I sincerely hoped that.

"I see. Now it looks like the two of you are about to enter the sex scene."

"There's none of that, okay!?"

However, Shiki, a vassal like me, remained unfazed, her speech still full of sexual harassment.

It really was a little exasperating that a young girl would have this kind of hobby.

"So... Shiki, why did you come running here in the middle of the night?"

"I usually borrow Kaguya's bathroom at a fixed time at night."

"Hmm? So you live near the school?"

"I live in the school. The computer lab caretaker's room is the personal room exclusive to me."

Students were only allowed into the computer lab during IT class, so I never noticed there was a caretaker's room... I carefully searched my memories and there seemed to be a door behind the lectern at the front of the computer lab.

But she definitely said just now... She lives there. After all, Shiinamachi-senpai also lives in this kind of place, so I decided to alter my way of thinking. Perhaps Shiki is living there for some sort of special reaosn.

"Shiinamachi-senpai, may I ask..."

While thinking about how I should pose the question, I looked at Senpai. Only now did I realize that Senpai was looking alternately at Shiki and me, showing a "oh right, I just remembered" kind of expression.

"Jirou-kun, it was Shiki-san who suggested me to choose you."

"Eh?"

"Perhaps you might find this a shocking truth, but Kaguya is not lying. Ever since you entered this school, I've been deeply interested in you. As a result, I am also very familiar with ''various things'' about you."

She particularly emphasized those words, making me almost react to them. I hastily pushed my glasses.

''Various things''. This term gave me a kind of bad feeling.

"For example, people's pet name for you is Monjirou."

"Eh? Oh, okay, so you mean that? Uh, I did feel kinda weird when you addressed me with that on our first meeting..."

"This moniker is reportedly quite popular with the students."<ref>"popular"(好評) and "moniker"(呼称) sound similar in Japanese.</ref>

I was getting confused by her again. Stared at by her blue eye whose corner was slightly downward drooping, I found it difficult to refute her.

The example given just now was perhaps by chance a conclusion obtained by combining "popular with the students" and "moniker" so this mystery was totally pointless and I decided to respond to her coldly.

"Of course, it's okay if you want to call me that."

After all, Fujisato and Kuhou called me that as well. An extra person wouldn't matter.

Just like that, I totally underestimated her.

"Apart from that, I have also acquired full information on your past and family bloodline."

This sentence that she threw out casually caused my view to go dark.

--After that, I placed my hand on my vanity glasses in order to flick the switch in my consciousness.

These glasses worked as a tool of the mind to control my consciousness. Whenever my mind was shaken, I would push my glasses again. Then, if I wanted to make my consciousness sharper, keener and more focused, I would take off my glasses.

Just now, this Shiki fellow said she knew about my past and family bloodline.

In other words, she already what kind of environment I was raised in and what kind of training I've undergone, and she knew that I have walked through a path of utterly inhumane education.

In that case--

I couldn't help but move my left hand.

"Faint killing intent confirmed. Please relax. I only investigated and corroborated ''these facts'' purely for Kaguya's sake. It's part of my job."

She clearly sensed my killing intent yet she still kept her hands planted in the pockets of her lab coat. This really concerned me... But since she was Shiinamachi-senpai's vassal, then there was nothing weird about her being in charge of gathering information.

But she said that she had become interested in me ever since the first day of school. Shiki had been observing my every move from the beginning but conversely, I knew nothing about Shiki at all.

In other words, she was a person who was capable of lurking in the shadows to investigate all sorts of information.

"Your skills, innate disposition, behavior... as well as current attitude. Based on the aforementioned characteristics, I judged you to be the safest person for Kaguya."

Her tone of voice remained robotic and it made me hesitate on how far I should trust her.

"Oh, Jirou-kun... Umm, how should I say this...? Actually, I've always felt that you're very reliable, you know? Then, basically... Shiki-san has been taking care of me for a long time, helping me with many things..."

Slightly incoherently, Senpai tried to smooth things over between Shiki and me.

Senpai was probably trying to clarify to me: If I really had to discern between friend and foe, Shiki was definitely on my side.

That being said, I still couldn't believe what Shiki said so easily. Even if Shiinamachi-senpai considered Shiki her comrade, but Shiki did investigate me in secret without my knowledge after all so it's only natural that I'd feel wary towards her. If she knew my family background as well, then most likely, even my family might run into danger.

"I have already understood that you are very guarded. Currently, I am thinking about what means to help lower your wariness..."

Shiki looked down and seemed to be thinking deeply. That caused her bangs to nearly cover her entire face.

"I got it. Monjirou, please rape me."

"What what what!?"

Too unexpected, I couldn't help but cry out in surprise.

"As long as you violate me, pouring your desires into me, disciplining me to make me your slave, that way you should be able to trust me."

"I'm not going to do that, okay!?"

"J-Jirou-kun...?"

"I won't, absolutely not! Even faced with Shiinamachi-senpai who I admire, I won't do a single thing that crosses the line, okay!? How could someone like me do that kind of thing to a girl I just met for the first time!?"

That's right, I am a "useless man" after all!

No, at least allow me to call myself a "gentleman" or a "person who respected women"!

"So, the next time this happens, please do make your move to try it."

"Make my move to try what!?"

I couldn't help but raise my voice and retort.

Shiki tilted her head and stared straight back at me with her blue eye.

"In other words, I have prepared myself to be violated by you any time."

"What kind of preparation is that...? Sigh, very well, I get it, I'll believe you for now."

"Then as evidence of my trust in you..."

Shiki began to remove her lab coat.

"Wait wait, you don't need to do this, don't take off your clothes!"

"Really...?"

Why did she look so disappointed?

In any case, let's leave it at that.

To be honest, given the current circumstances which were impossible to grasp, taking reckless action would be too dangerous. Especially when facing Shiki, I was already acting many steps behind her. Plus the fact that I was even killed not too long ago, it would be best to abandon the delusion that I could seize initiative right now.

In order to calm myself, I swiftly pushed my vanity glasses up instead of taking it off.

'First of all, you must accept the current situation then think of countermeasures. If you start off in a disadvantaged position, then you must get everything back to zero the slowly try to gain the upperhand.'

I recalled the advice from the mother who had already left me.

"Monjirou changing thought patterns confirmed. Monjirou possesses quite an excellent innate disposition."

"Oh... But it's because you possess this kind of characteristic, Jirou-kun, that's why I wanted to request your help."

Hearing Senpai say that, my feelings were quite conflicted.

The truth was that I was studying hard because I didn't want people to think I had that kind of characteristic. In order to erase my past, I've worked hard to make myself live an exceedingly ordinary school life, trying to enjoy myself in it.

Since the secret was already exposed, then there was nothing to do about it.

Shiinamachi-senpai was not human but a Nightkin.

Shiki was a the lab coat-wearing girl who lived in school, also a vassal at the same time.

And I had a family background that was unmentionable to outsiders.

For such a bizarre trio to gather together, it would not be surprising if anything happened.

"So, yes... Since you have calmed down... Let's cut to the chase, shall we?"

Shiinamachi-senpai clapped once, prompting Shiki and I to nod in response.

It was finally time to broach the main subject.

Why did Shiinamachi-senpai get murdered?

And why did I get stabbed to death as well?

Who exactly was the perpetrator... And what was the motive?

"First of all... Jirou-kun has already become my companion, so if you're willing, umm... I wish to hear about your love life in the past."

...

"What?"

"I also wish to confirm with you, what went through your mind when you heard Kaguya say the words "safe day"? Just to be safe, may I confirm the contents of your bag?"

"No way, that'll really bother me!"

"Based on the information at my fingertips, speculating according to the thought processes in Jirou's mind currently and the delusional imagination of a high school boy's, inside the bag should be..."

"Ugh...!"

I never expected ''that'' to put me in such an awkward predicament. No, things are not like that!

"Say! We still haven't discussed why Shiinamachi-senpai and I were murdered or brought up anything about the perpetrator!"

"Hmm... Those issues are naturally quite important, but let's discuss them later, okay? Jirou-kun, is that okay with you..."

"I also second discussing those issues later."

Leaving the real stuff to discuss last!?

"No, you two, umm..."

"Eh, umm... Jirou-kun, no way... You're unwilling to talk...?"

Shiinamachi-senpai's curiosity was written all over her face.

What on earth was this? Did the Nightkin have different values compared to humans?

However, if I think about it in a positive manner, this Nightkin here before my eyes chose me as her vassal, which meant that perhaps to a certain degree, she wished to understand more of what I was thinking.

"My love life is totally not interesting at all..."

"Nothing of that sort. Jirou-kun, you're a very interesting person!"

Should I be happy that Senpai has that kind of impression of me? Well, she's surely saying that to me out of kindness, so I really ought to be happy.

"Yes. Since I recommended you to become Kaguya's vassal, that means you possess the ordinary characteristics of high school boys."

I feel that these words carried no kindness to speak of... Was I imagining things?

...When the heck were we going to enter the main subject of discussion?

The night was grower later. First of all--I guess I must disclose my shameful past. I've never had any experience going out with a girl, not even the slightest bit popular with girls at all.

Tohoho...

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==Translator's Notes and References==
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