Editing Kämpfer:Volume 2 Chapter 3

== Chapter 3 ==

== A Peaceful Lull and a Startling Rumor ==

Yesterday passed peacefully after that. I was happy with the peace. Besides being a girl, I was able to finish class without any pressure. Outside of class, everyone's curiosity was focused on me, but thankfully, no one asked any difficult questions. Perhaps Sakura Kaede's "Shizuku asked me to look after Natsuru-san" strategy worked. Although our homeroom teacher bluntly asked for more drink money at the class meeting before going home, I pretended not to hear.

Regarding maintaining my female form, I don't know when I'll return, but at least I maintain it until I go to sleep, only to revert back to my male form upon waking. I asked the Seppuku Tiger about this.

"Once I'm relieved of stress or excitement, I can easily return to my original form," it said. So that's how it is.

"Don't doze off during class. You might even transform back in the middle of the class."

"But the transformation won't end until I go to sleep. Is that because I'm slowly accumulating experience?"

"I don't know, but it's true you're faster than the average Kämpfer."

It didn't seem like this guy knew the details, or maybe he knew and just didn't want to tell me.

The Seppuku Tiger scratched its eye patch with its short front paw.

"By the way, that girl wasn't here today?"

"What?"

"Is her name Kondou Mikoto? The energetic one."

"That's true."

It would bother me if she came every day, but it wouldn't bother me if she didn't. But she was so excited about coming to "wake me up," it felt a little lonely.

I had no choice but to eat breakfast alone. Yesterday we had such a luxurious meal, but today it's just bread and jam, and Japanese tea made with tea bags. What a hollow breakfast.

On my way to school alone, I couldn't help but think: once I'm used to having a big meal right out of the blue, I'll feel like something's missing. It's only been a one-time experience, but just the thought of it makes me want to have hot rice every morning... It doesn't have to be made by Kondou Mikoto, just having it makes me happy.

Personally, I'd definitely want Sakura Kaede to make it for me. If that were the case, I'd probably die of joy. No, even if I died after just one bite, I'd be happy.

But first, I'd have to invite her to my house, and the chances of that happening are practically zero. If it were a woman, I might have a chance, but that's a complicated matter. I'd really like to know if there's a good way.

By the time I was thinking this, I'd already arrived at Seitetsu Academy. Once I entered the classroom, all those thoughts vanished.

My classmates were enthusiastically reading a folded flyer. I added that I was in Class 4, Grade 2.

I nudged Higashida.

"Hey, what's that? What are you all looking at?"

Higashida, also intently studying, looked up impatiently.

"Why are you so slow?"

"My alarm clock is broken and I can't find a replacement. What happened?"

"You didn't get this?"

He was reading the school newspaper, which looked like it had something like "Special 

Edition" written in large letters.

"What's wrong with that?"

"Just read it yourself."

I took a look and nearly fell to the ground in shock.

The text read, "Mysterious Returning Girls' Club Student: Yuri Mystery."
[[File:23752.jpg|thumb|Natsuru (male form) looks on in horror as his class reads the scandalous "Special Edition" of the Girls' Newspaper.]]
I nearly fainted, but I fought back the urge to read. The news item was about "Second-year Girls' Club student N.S." While beautiful, she wasn't interested in boys. "She doesn't hate boys, does she? Our newspaper's surprise interview team is trying to interview her." "I smell a hint of yuri," and the explanation was carefully included: "Yuri is a type of love between women."

This report is full of lies. "N.S made a blushing, blatant confession," I could tolerate, but it also included "because she doesn't want to regret being born a woman"? "She freezes at the sight of cute girls," "She kept making advances on other patients and nurses while hospitalized," and other nonsense. The word "homosexual" only appeared once, but it made it sound as if she had no interest in boys at all. Besides, I never said any of those things.

"The girls who returned to school this time are truly extraordinary."

Even Higashida couldn't help but be shocked.

"These kinds of things happen in all-girls schools, but this is the first time I've seen such a blatant and bold confession. It must take a lot of courage to say it out loud. It's quite impressive for a news agency to cover such a story."

"...This is the girls' newspaper, right? Why does everyone have it?"

"Someone randomly distributed it at the school gates. The teacher disappeared as soon as they noticed. Most people read photocopied copies. Getting the original is a treasure."

I looked at the newspaper again. It even had a photo of me as a girl. The eyes are covered with black squares. When was this film taken?

"Even though you can't see the eyes, she's pretty."

Higashida said, looking impressed, his voice lowered.

"Hey, Natsuru, I know the girl above."

"..."

The idiot, thinking he was a spy from some foreign country, spoke in a low voice.

"Didn't I tell you I saw a girl chasing a delinquent boy? It's this girl."

"Yeah—..."

"But I didn't expect she was a lesbian. No wonder she ignored me when I talked to her."

Higashida looked very unwilling. "Stupid, the idea of a girl accepting your advances is unbelievable."

Anyway, let's put this guy aside for now. This is a big deal for me. I think every boy and girl in school has seen this. I've become the most negative person in the world. At this rate, there's no way I can transform into Kämpfer. If I transform into a girl, I'll probably be surrounded immediately.

It's okay if I don't have to transform into Kämpfer. I'm happy and relaxed, but it would be troublesome if I transform randomly. Being caught up in such a mess, I wonder if my ancestor was actually a serial killer or something.

My classmates were already engaged in a heated discussion about the "mysterious Yuri transfer student." I feigned disinterest and listened, only to find they were even concluding, "One day, she'll devour all the girls in the girls' club." Ugh.

This couldn't go on. I checked the clock and saw there was still some time before class, so I tossed my bag on my desk.

"Senou, where are you going?"

"Library."

When did you become so serious? I ignored Higashida's words and sprinted down the hallway.



== Seeking Help and an Ominous Warning ==

Why do I always run to the library? Because I have no other companions, so this is my only option. The only person I can rely on is my Kämpfer partner, Akane.

But Akane wasn't here today.

I tried asking the seemingly inconspicuous first-year student sitting at the counter.

"She's not here today."

"Huh... isn't she supposed to be on duty?"

"Yeah, it's Akane's class, but she's off today."

"Did she come to school?"

"I don't know about that," the girl who answered me said, "I have a class later, so I have to leave first," and left.

I was left there, bewildered. It was terrible that I couldn't contact my only companion. My current situation was quite precarious, and it would be even more unsettling if I had no one to talk to.

My heart sank when someone suddenly patted me from behind.

"Natsuru—"

Behind me was Kondou Mikoto.

"Why are you looking so sullen? It's not good for your health. Cheer up."

"Something happened."

"You look really bad. Do you have a cold?"

"No."

She looked worried, but it wasn't a cold; I was just mentally exhausted.

"That's good... You should keep yourself warm when you sleep. I heard the colds that are prevalent this year are hard to cure."

"Don't worry about me. Why did you come to the library?"

"What... I thought I'd see you here."

"Looking for me? What do you want?"

"Here."

Kondou Mikoto took my hand. This guy can casually hold or touch anyone, even if they're boys. I'm used to it, so it's okay, but it's not nice to do that to other innocent boys.

I was taken to a secluded area of the library.

"I'm asking you, have you seen the special edition of the Girls' Newspaper?"

"Yeah, it's just a photocopy."

That's what's been bothering me.

Kondou Mikoto smiled boldly.

"That was Masumi Nishino's doing, but I was the one who instigated her."

"So it was you!"

Because of the situation, I was only slightly surprised. I'd known Masumi Nishino was the culprit, but I hadn't expected someone else to pull the strings.

"Yes, because I wanted to test that mysterious female student."

"Why would you do something like that?"

"Don't you find it strange?"

Kondou Mikoto said forcefully.

"She'd been on sick leave, and now she's suddenly back, and her name is also Natsuru. Aren't you shocked?"

She had a point. If I'd changed my stance today, I'd be terrified. Even if I hadn't, I'm still shocked as the person involved.

"And did you know that person's last name is also Senou, exactly like yours."

"How did you know her last name?"

"Everyone in Class 2, Grade 4 is talking about it. A girl who looks like the class president."

It was that person.

It seemed like everyone in the girls' division knew my last name, and it was only a matter of time before it spread back to the boys' division.

My stomach started aching again. Ever since I became Kämpfer, I've been getting more and more headaches, stomachaches, and other physical ailments. Now, even my back seems to be aching.

Kondou Mikoto looked at me in surprise, pressing my stomach with a pained expression.

"...Hey, aren't you scared?"

"What?"

"There's a female version of Natsuru, with the same name and surname as you. Why can you act so nonchalant?"

That's true. It would be unnatural not to be scared at a time like this.

"Wow—that kind of person actually exists. It's terrifying."

"...What do you mean?"

"I'm scared."

"That's ridiculous."

"You were the one who told me there was a girl named Natsuru, and now that we even have the same surname, of course I'm scared."

"That's true..."

She seemed displeased. Hmm, this girl's instincts are really sharp. If I act badly, she might notice. I better end this conversation quickly.

"If it's all right, I'm going to go back."

"I have something else to do."

Kondou Mikoto's face suddenly moved closer to me.

"You saw that report about the women's version of Natsuru, Yuri, and her doubts."

"...It seems so."

"Although Masumi Nishino wrote about her doubts, I don't know if that's actually the case."

No, that's just a rumor.

"I heard Masumi Nishino keep harping on those topics during the interview. I heard she wasn't just targeting the nurses and patients at the hospital, she was even targeting the nearby female university students, and she seemed quite proud of it."

"..."

No, no, what female university students? I'm not that diligent. That last time wasn't really an interview, more like coercion. The truth wasn't even reported.

But I can't express my opinion. Not being able to tell the truth is truly painful.

"It's not just Yuri, she's a lesbian. I must expose that woman's true colors."

"...What true colors? She's not a criminal. It's just a personal interest."

"There should be a limit. I can't stand it if she's targeting everyone around her."

"What's the problem?"

"This is about the chastity and reputation of the female students at Seitetsu Academy."

"That Natsuru has her own reputation to protect, right?"

As I spoke, I wondered why I had to defend myself in this way. It was so embarrassing. I have no interest in homosexuality at all, but being accused of something I didn't even know existed was enough, and I had to defend myself so frantically. It was truly baffling.

"That's true. If she wants to hide it, that's fine, but now that the news agency has reported it, rumors will start to spread around here. Then, rumors about it being a yuri school or a lesbian school might start circulating privately."

"But maybe she's just an ordinary girl, and that report was just a lie."

Hearing what I said, Kondou Mikoto crossed her arms over her chest.

"That's true. Although I was the one who instigated Masumi Nishino to do this, I didn't expect the report to be so exaggerated."

"That's right. She must be an ordinary girl who likes boys, that's for sure."

Although that was strange,

"Whatever the case, we won't know the truth unless we investigate."

"It's better to leave this to the student council or the discipline committee."

"Those guys won't do anything. We students have to investigate it ourselves,"

Kondou Mikoto asserted confidently. Although this guy sometimes helps with some of the theft, she's very righteous in this matter.

"And I'm really upset that there's a girl with the same name as you, and she's such a beauty."

"Why?"

Kondou Mikoto glared at me for a moment, making a "wuu..." sound like a puppy.



== Infiltration and Battle ==

The physics teacher was a rather neurotic man. Not only did he keep noticing me, he also kept muttering, "If you slack off all day, you'll grow up to be a useless adult interested only in alcohol and games." Who were you talking about?

During an important class, I was utterly sleepy. I was probably talking about Newton or New Zealand when I finally collapsed. I even dreamed of running around the campus at dawn. I later learned that more than half the class had also fallen into a deep sleep. The chain reaction that can be triggered by just one person falling asleep is a hallmark of our Class 4. It seems I'm the key figure this time.

As expected, the topic of heated discussion after class was the "mysterious female student causing such a stir on campus."

The rumors had gotten out of hand. Boys and girls alike love gossip. Besides being a rather exaggerated lesbian, I was even accused of "eating even elementary school students," and even a female teacher, "being slept with her," and "being hospitalized was just a cover-up. She even enrolled at the Takarazuka Music School, enjoying a life of luxury." Who on earth could have come up with these rumors?

Of course, the number one idiot, Higashida, was the center of the conversation.

"I knew this girl before the news came out," he boasted. There are people like that in the world, whether it's music, comics, or anime, who thrive on being a step ahead of the others.

Higashida looked at me and waved.

"Hey, Natsuru, come join us."

"No thanks,"

I said, shaking my head. Why did I have to listen to rumors about myself, all of which were false?

"Don't say that. You're the special advisor to the Beauty Research Club. You should absorb more information."

When did I get that title?

"So we called you over. We're discussing that girl's private life. It's said that her skills in bed have ten beautiful girls willingly captivated and serving her. That's our conclusion."

What a rotten conclusion.

I reluctantly joined in. Rumors can escalate so quickly. If it gets this far, I think I'll become the most famous homosexual in Japanese history.

"Great! Now that the special advisor is joining us, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"What are you talking about?"

Higashida said, looking serious.

"Didn't I tell you before that I tried to take a picture of the mysterious female student, but failed?"

"I guess so."

As someone involved, I knew about this, but I continued to play dumb.

"That's it. Regarding that mysterious beautiful girl, I'm determined to take a picture of her. If I can, the status of the Beauty Research Club within the underground community will rise again."

"You'd better stay put..."

Higashida said, "That won't work. The Beauty Research Club has only grown this big in my generation. Anyway, I need your help."

"Why me?"

"You know someone in the girls' club, right? Like the girl in the library or Kondou Mikoto."

"I also know Sakura Kaede."

"That person is incomparable. No one will admit that you are friends with her. Anyway, I just want a picture of that girl. Can you help me contact the girls' club and ask her to let me take a few pictures?"

"You're asking me such a troublesome thing."

"Everyone will be very happy."

"Huh—..."

I frowned. What's the point of asking for a favor? As for me, I admit that I look pretty after becoming a girl, but it's too disgusting to have to take pictures. And the thought of handing the pictures to Higashida makes me feel twice as disgusted.

"I don't want to."

"Don't say that. I've been targeted by people in the school lately and I can't move around freely."

If possible, I would also like to do it myself, Higashida said so, and he looked very unwilling.

A guy like him, so interested in girls and willing to bribe them with money, would naturally be under the watchful eye of the school. If caught, he'd face suspension at best, or even repeated a grade. The student council turned a blind eye, but that was simply because Shizuku didn't take him seriously.

"Natsuru will definitely do it."

"That's ridiculous! You're forcing me."

"I'll pay you. What do you think of Sakura Kaede's photo?"

"What?"

I can't help but react when I hear Sakura Kaede. It's a bad habit of mine.

"What... When was it taken?"

"Don't look down on us, the Beauty Research Club. And it wasn't a digital camera, it was taken with a SLR. I'll give you the photo. You can develop it if you want. How's that?"

"Hmm..."

This is so annoying. It's hard for me to refuse anything involving Sakura Kaede, but I can't just agree to it in this situation. I could just ignore the consequences and do it later, but that seems too hasty.

"...That's not enough. I can't contact the girls' club with just a photo. Give me some interesting information."

I tried to make things difficult for Higashida to refuse, but he actually took the bait.

"It's nothing serious, but there seems to be a commotion in the girls' club."

"Why is it happening again? It must be like last time, a fight in the library or something."

I was also involved in that incident.

"No, it seems like there's another fight, but it's strange. Two girls are running around the school fighting."

"They're really energetic."

"And you know, there were gunshots."

"What did you say?"

I couldn't help but yell.

"Did you just say guns?"

Higashida didn't seem convinced, rather frightened by my reaction.

"If it were a fight, it's possible, but a gunfight in the girls' club is ridiculous. That's why I said it was a rumor, probably just hearsay."

"When did it happen? A long time ago?"

"This morning, maybe it's still going on now."

If that's true, it's terrible. Could it be...could it be that someone would use a gun in the girls' club? The only people I can think of are those two.

"Higashida, tell me how to break into the girls' club."

"What? I told you before, right? I can't tell you yet."

"I agree about the photo. I can also help you with Kondou Mikoto's photo."

"Really?"

"I won't lie."

I do sometimes, but I'm serious now.

Higashida was silent for a moment, considering.

"I understand. I'll teach you a method, but you have to help me get the photo of that mysterious female student."

"Leave it to me. I'll definitely take it for you."

Because it's me.

Akane's leave of absence really bothered me, and someone else heard gunshots. There's only one conclusion.

Higashida told me how to break into the women's wing: climb over the wall. There's a long, continuous wall with iron bars on top of it, separating the men's and women's wing. I could just go over there. It's usually heavily guarded, so I gave up on that plan, but there's actually a way.

"Go to the east side of the men's building and open the window leading from the second floor to the third floor landing,"

Higashida instructed.

"That window is the shortest path to the women's wing, and you can clearly see the iron bars."

"Just opening the window won't get you through."

"There's a folding ladder in the nearby utility cabinet. You can use it to climb over the wall from the window. When do you want to get in?"

"Now."

"The guards will be patrolling that way soon... in ten minutes, hurry!"

I knew it without you even telling me. Before leaving, he reminded me, "Don't forget about the photos," so I'll try to remember.

I quickly ran to the east staircase and, just as Higashida had predicted, found a ladder in the utility closet. I opened the window on the landing. So that's it! This way, we're pretty close. Even so, the underground society that figured out this method is truly impressive.

I quickly extended the ladder through the window. Since it rested directly on the iron mesh, it felt unstable, but there was nothing I could do at this point.

I carefully stepped on the creaking ladder and landed safely on the grounds of the women's wing.

Once I reached the women's wing, I realized there was no way to retrieve the ladder. It was only a matter of time before we were discovered. It looked like another way to infiltrate the women's wing would be missing. Higashida must be terribly anxious right now.

Putting that aside for now, I crouched low, careful not to be seen by the guards, and walked slowly.

I didn't hear any gunfire. It was just a rumor, so the truth was unclear. The question now was whether it was still going on.

I hid in the waist-high grass. The area between the first- and second-year girls' buildings was neatly maintained, like a park. It was supposedly built because campus life needed a place to relax. But why didn't the boys' buildings have one? A while ago, there was a broken-down bicycle right in front of the building.

I strained my ears, but there was no sound at all, let alone gunfire.

It must have been a miscommunication. Just as I was thinking that, something flew down from above.

"It hurts!"

The falling object hit me squarely, making me scream in pain. And it was pointing a gun at me.

"Stop getting in the way, idiot! You're joining in when things are so busy. I'm going to beat you to a pulp. Go to hell!"

It was Akane, transformed into Kämpfer. At the same time, my bracelet also changed, transforming into a woman's.

Akane's finger was on the trigger.
[[File:23753.jpg|thumb|Natsuru (in female form) encounters a battle-ready Akane in the bushes of the Girls' Division grounds.]]

"Wait, don't shoot."

"Ah... it's Natsuru."

Akane muttered, seeming to regret not being able to shoot.

"What are you doing?"

"That's what I was saying. I heard gunshots and came to check."

"You're really weird! Someone's chasing me."

"It's the enemy Kämpfer, right? How many are there?"

"One, using a Gewehr rifle."

"Is it the guy I fought before...?"

"Probably."

I poked my head out of the bushes, but saw no enemy anywhere.

"Akane, have you been fighting since this morning?"

"Yeah, I was attacked as soon as I arrived at school. The attack was so intense that even the guards came running. I almost called the police. After that, it was a nerve-wracking game of hide-and-seek."

"What kind of person was my opponent?"

"A short girl, I couldn't see her face."

Suddenly, there was a snap, and the leaves in front of me blew away.

"She was trying to attack us."

"She's probably just attacking randomly."

"She probably knows where we are."

Akane raised her gun.

"With two of us, there's no need to play hide-and-seek with her. Let's just take her out."

This guy really isn't suited to hiding. She must have accumulated a lot of pressure.

"Where is the enemy?"

"We'll find out once we get out!"

Akane rushed out. If she made too much noise, the school would notice, but she seemed completely unconcerned, firing without hesitation.

The enemy finally appeared, in front of and to the right of Akane. So, it was a petite girl, the one I'd fought before.

The girl held a massive gun, a sight completely out of place for her petite frame, the all-black muzzle pointed at me.

"What?"

It wasn't aimed at Akane, but at me. The bullet grazed me beautifully.

"Are you serious?" I extended my wrist, concentrated my strength in my fingertips, and unleashed a Zauber magic spell. Purple flames morphed into blocks and flew towards the enemy.

The enemy was enveloped in flames... well, not quite. Before that, they'd been flung to the ground, taking advantage of the momentum and charging towards me.

"Nats..."

A small face loomed, gun in hand, charging at me.

Just as I was about to fall, I managed to catch my footing, but ended up tumbling to the ground, the muzzle of her gun pressed against my heart.

She didn't attack me, so I pressed the tip of my right hand against her neck.

"..."

The girl's features were unassuming and small, but her eyes were piercing.

"Are you Natsuru?"

her voice was sharp.

"So what?"

"I don't have time to fight you. Don't come and ruin my fun. You're such an eyesore."

"An eyesore... what?"

"This is my final warning. Stay out of my sight."

The girl pulled the trigger.

"Natsuru!"

Gunshots rang out from the other side, and Akane began firing wildly.

"Tsk!"

the girl muttered, using me as a stepping stone to fly through the bushes, then ran away without a backward glance.

In a flash, she disappeared.

"Ah—that guy actually got away,"

Akane complained, her target, of course, being me.

"Can't you pull yourself together? That bastard should have been killed right then and there. You're not falling in love with her just because I spared your life?"

"What nonsense! She said she didn't have time to fight us."

"What are you talking about? Did she really say that?"

"Yeah, she seems very busy,"

Akane raged. She hated being looked down upon.

"What a joke! Forget about Natsuru, but she's so bold to talk to me like that! I'll beat her to a pulp next time!"

Eh...did I let it go?

Anyway, it seems she let me off the hook. I've only been a Kämpfer for a short time, so I'm still not very good at fighting. If I really fought, I probably wouldn't be able to beat her. Damn it.

Why she let me off, though, I don't know. If it were the student council president's ally, they'd probably be even more ruthless and persevere to the end, even though that look in her eyes was anything but ordinary.

"You're so useless!"

a voice came from the other direction. It wasn't Akane, but it was as clear and sharp as ice.

Standing there was Student Council President Shizuku.

"You...!"

Akane's gun was already in position, and Shizuku used her Schwert to counterattack.

"I saw your fight. It was just amateurish. Looks like you need to put in a little more effort."

"It was Natsuru who struck, okay? Not me."

"Hey, isn't it a partner's responsibility to defend Natsuru-san?"

"Damn it..."

Anyone could clearly see that Akane was furious, but she didn't fire. She just muttered a few words and angrily left.

"Senou-san."

Shizuku turned towards me.

"Why do you think I gave you a Girls' Club student ID? If you don't make good use of it."

"Huh?" I couldn't help but reply. "What do you mean by make good use of it?"

"It means literally. You should understand Japanese, right?"

"No, that Kämpfer bracelet just now was red. She must be the president's companion. You told me to make good use of it. Are you asking me to defeat her?"

"Yes."

"Is it okay for your companion to be defeated by us?"

"I can't say that."

Shizuku sheathed her dagger. In an instant, her long hair shone, and she transformed from a Kämpfer back to her normal form.

"It's still class time, it's not too late to go back to the classroom, go ahead."

"How can I go back in this state?"

"I'm not talking about the boys' section, I'm talking about the girls' section."

You're saying that again, are you really going to turn me into a woman?

"Girls are boring if there's nothing to attract their attention."

Shizuku said this without a smile.

She must think it's none of her business to say that. So, it seems I can't not give Higashida the photo. I thought about it before entering the girls' second-year class, fourth. That guy definitely won't forget about the girls' photo. Every time we see him, he keeps nagging me. I guess I need to come up with something.



== Unwanted Celebrity Status ==

After apologizing for being late and entering the classroom, the Japanese history teacher simply told me to sit down and didn't press the issue further.

Akane was already seated; she seemed to have arrived even earlier than me.

I pulled my textbook, notes, and writing supplies from my bag (I'd always left it on the table, since I didn't know when I'd become a woman).

As I was getting ready, I felt an itch all over my body. The entire class was focused on me, the legendary yuri student. Having been fighting until now, I should be very sensitive to murderous intent, but this gaze was more than just uncomfortable... This is all Masumi Nishino's fault. I'll resent women for the rest of my life.

The Japanese history teacher kept on rambling, completely incomprehensible. His movements were as stiff as a robot's. Was he powered by clockwork?

"...You seem troubled,"

a voice called from right behind me. Even without turning around, I knew the female anchor's voice was definitely the class monitor.

"The legendary Senou-san is truly the center of attention."

"..."

"Are you happy about this?"

I didn't know how to answer, so I chose the safest answer.

"...During class."

"It's okay if I'm hard of hearing, teacher, but you'd better be careful."

"...What?"

"Natsuru-san has been targeted."

I thought to myself, "I've just been attacked," but it didn't seem like that was what she was referring to.

"That's right, those reports are out. You've become the girls' club's toy... no, a celebrity. You have nowhere to escape, hehe."

The voice came from behind me, right. It was the vice-class monitor. Wasn't she sitting near me?

"Girls at Seitetsu Academy thrive on gossip. Senou-san has been the hottest topic of the year lately. So amazing, so amazing."

"What I'm saying is, if you want to escape this disaster, you need a sacred pot that would make even demons flee barefoot."

The person trying to sell me something was the accountant. Wasn't her seat right in the front? How could I hear what she said?

Of course, I didn't want to buy a sacred pot. I also didn't want to be swayed by the class president and vice-president. Although I really wanted to find a way to clarify after that news came out, at least let me get through class safely. I hate studying so much. Life is just so weird.

"It's no use pretending you didn't hear it."

"That's right, everyone's waiting for Senou-san."

"If you don't want a pot, you can look at the hanging scroll."

I said I didn't want one.

Just as the class monitor and vice-monitor had said, my situation was exactly as it was. I'd soon understand the profound impact this would have on me.

The next class was Chinese, originally meant to be with our female teacher.

I went outside to kill time, but unexpectedly, I caused a commotion like welcoming a soldier back from the battlefield.

"Ah—Senou-san!"

"So handsome —!"

"Hold me —!"

About half the girls in the classroom came over, while the rest watched from the side. Upon closer inspection, I realized that most of the girls in my class were just observing from a distance. Those who approached me were strangers. The looks from my classmates weren't of envy or surprise, but rather of calculating thoughts.

Just as before, I was about to be groped again when someone clapped their hands to stop the impending commotion.

"Okay—everyone, that's enough."

"Senou-san is the shared property of our class four."

"If you want to touch her, the minimum price is one thousand yen."

The class monitor, vice-monitor, and the accountant were all speaking. I didn't expect them to treat me like a money-making tool so quickly. What does shared property mean?

What on earth is the homeroom teacher doing, letting this happen? She'd walked in at some point, sat down at the table, and started reading a video game guide. This is outrageous! This is a complete waste of education. I'll tell you off.

"Natsuru-san, please sit over here."

"That seat over there is empty."

"Please sit, please sit."

What do you mean by empty? That's my seat, so I'll take it.

Those three people skillfully arranged the gathered girls into a row. While I admire their skill, what exactly do they want to do to me?

"Each person can talk to Senou-san for thirty seconds."

"Friendship rates are free, but handshakes are extra."

"Before you go, remember to buy a painting that's good for your sore shoulders."

What the hell is going on?

I was filled with questions, but the homeroom monitor whispered in my ear.

"Don't worry, this is a way to save you from the commotion."

"...You mean sitting here?"

"The girls in school all like you. If we don't do this, there will be a big commotion."

"That's okay..."

"This is what we decided at the class meeting. In order to save Senou-san, our whole class will do our best to help you."

"...Why do we have to charge money..."

"Ah, the first customer?"

Hey! You actually let me get away with it.

The "first customer" she was talking about was a first-year girl who looked very introverted. Her voice seemed even softer than Akane's, really like an ant.

"Well...that...Senou-san."

"Yes."

"Here...can you please accept it!"

She took out a small box with a bow. Is it a gift?

While I was still lost in thought, the vice-class monitor accepted it on my behalf.

"Thank you so much! Senou-san will definitely write back to thank you, don't worry."

The girl lowered her head, seemingly delighted.

"...What do you mean by return gift...?"

"It's just that if you don't return the favor properly, the girl will be very sad."

I knew that, but there was no need to be so exaggerated.

"Next,"

the monitor called.

This time, it was a tall, bespectacled girl, a third-year student, who exuded an intellectual air.

"Natsuru-san..."

She addressed me by name even though it was our first meeting.

"Would you like to become sisters?"

What?

"I'll be the older sister, you the younger sister. Let's swear before the gods and exchange contracts. I won't bind you, and even after graduation, we'll always be..."

She said, moving closer to me. The vice-class monitor next to her immediately took action.

"Time's up —for individual contracts, there's an additional fee. Come back next time you have the chance."

The monitor called "next" without hesitation. Their teamwork left me stunned.

Another first-year student, with deep-set eyes and a nose, and fair skin —her type should be popular with boys.

But the girl suddenly lowered her head at me.

"Senou-san, please be my older sister!"

Is she a younger sister this time? What's going on at this school?

"I fell in love with you at first sight. I'd do anything for you. I want to be with you forever. Please!"

Such devotion! Is this considered pure love? Even apart from the fact that I was petrified, I still couldn't utter a word.

"Please take a look at this! My feelings are written all over it!"

She handed me the letter, sealed with a heart-shaped sticker. Why not text? Maybe she didn't know my phone number.

Before the vice-class monitor could say anything, the girl bolted. I just sat there with the letter.

"Please put it over here."

The monitor placed the letter in the cardboard box at her feet. I was shocked to see how many letters I had accumulated without realizing it.

After that, the crowds continued to pour in, one after another, practically like a bowl of soba noodles. The line of girls stretched as long as a Disneyland ride. "Please be my friend" was considered polite, but there were also "Please hug me," "Please tell me I love you," and even "Please scold me and bully me." You'll probably have to ask your boyfriend to serve you this kind of thing from now on.

The class ended in a commotion without even getting to the point of learning. Is that really okay?

"Thank you for your hard work. Here you go,"

the class monitor handed me a plastic bottle of tea. The accountant was busy typing away on her calculator.

"Wow, the sales are incredible!"

"Everyone, use this money to have fun!"

the vice-class monitor shouted, and the atmosphere in the class suddenly heated up.

I looked at the pile of letters and gifts piled up on the table and suddenly felt irritated. Am I supposed to handle all of this by myself? Luckily, they were all from girls. Not having any from boys was a blessing in disguise.

"Next up is the photo session,"

the class monitor checked, flipping through the handbook. When did you become my agent?

"After that, it's fan interaction time. We've prepared a tea party."

"...Why?"

"That's how we do it in Class 4."

Glancing closely at the classmates cheering over their earnings, I finally understood everything.

"...Um, isn't Sakura Kaede coming over...?"

"You mean Sakura Kaede?"

the class monitor glanced at the handbook.

"...No, how could those two beautiful women of Seitetsu Academy, be lesbians?"

That wasn't necessarily true, but if not, there was no way I could help it. I'd have thought she'd be the first to show up.

"Then let's start the photo session,"

the vice-class monitor said, holding a digital camera —an expensive-looking SLR.

"Just sit there. A simple outfit should fetch a good price."

"...Where are you selling it to?"

"Our customers are mostly women, and the rumors about the mysterious beautiful girl seem to be getting more and more popular among the boys."

I knew that well.

The vice-class monitor, with the constant sound of manually rewinding film, took pictures non-stop. Not only of me sitting at my desk, but also of me standing at the blackboard and gazing out the window. Although one asked, "Can you lift your skirt a little?" I flatly refused.

The photo session ended quickly.

The vice-class monitor and the class monitor immediately began discussing how to sell it. They might have connections to the underground society. The accountant was busy counting the money, while I sat there doing nothing.

"Well."

"Senou-san, get some rest. You'll probably be even busier later."

"Those pictures just now..."

"What's wrong?"

the class monitor walked towards me.

"Senou Natsuru from the men's club."

"A boy with the same name as you?"

"Can you give him a photo too..."

I couldn't leave Higashida out as a thank-you gift, so this was perfect. I didn't ask her to give it to him directly because I was worried he'd get it and then pretend he didn't get it, which would be troublesome.

"Sure, is that your friend?"

"I guess so..."

It's the same person.

It was obvious, but I couldn't explain it in detail. The vice-class monitor's eyes gleamed strangely, and she promised me she would help pass it on.


== A Tense Lunch and Emotional Fallout ==
[[File:23754.jpg|thumb|Natsuru get assaulted by several girls at lunch. ]]
Lunch break.

After the photo session, fans gathered again, and I was already wobbling. The gifts and letters had more than doubled. The class monitor said, "There's also a tea party," but I refused out of fear of exhaustion, and they decided to let me go to eat.

It wasn't just me. It was lunchtime at school, a chance to relax and have a long break —what student wouldn't love? The girls' department at Seitetsu Academy has a cafeteria, and quite a lot of girls eat there. The boys' department also has one, but the popular dishes are always hotly contested. I've even seen fights almost break out over the pork chop pot.

The girls' department isn't as aggressive, but the boys are still hot-blooded creatures after all.

I bought a meal ticket for the A set meal today. I hadn't wanted to eat here, but I couldn't buy bread anyway, and eating in the classroom felt like I was being used as a money-making tool.

I waited in line at the food counter, and the girl in front of me nodded. She was so polite.

The girl's cheeks flushed slightly as she asked,

"Excuse me...are you Senou Natsuru-san?"

"Um..."

"C-Can I have dinner with you?"

I was about to ask why when someone interrupted.

"Ah—Makie actually snuck out!"

"You actually wanted to eat with Senou-san!"

"So cunning!"

These people seemed to be her classmates, grumbling back and forth, about sneaking out and being so cunning. What are you talking about?

"Senou-san, can I have dinner with you too?"

"I want to!"

"The tea party was canceled, so you have to make it up to us here!"

I was already confused. Every girl was insisting, "I want to, I want to," and I felt like I was surrounded by a group of debt collectors. The crowd gradually gathered, squeezing me so hard that I couldn't move forward. What was going to happen to my A-grade set meal?

"Look, Senou-san! Who told you to leave us without permission?"

"I told you you were the center of attention."

"Are you going to buy a Buddha statue?"

Three people from Class 4 approached from a distance, laughing happily, seemingly with no intention of saving me.

I finally pushed through the swarm of women and handed over my meal ticket, but was immediately pulled back into the crowd of girls.

"Senou-sama! Look over here!"

"I want to see too!"

"Let me touch it!"

I thought someone just called me sama. What's going on?

"Excuse me, let me pass! Ouch!"

I felt a strange sensation on my chest, and I jumped. Who? Who touched my breasts?

"Great—I touched Senou-san's breasts!"

The girl named Makie cheered triumphantly. I wanted to say something, but whether out of shyness or fear, I couldn't say a word.

"Okay—I want to touch it, too!"

"I want it, I want it!"

Everyone gathered around me, converging on my breasts like pigeons at a feed. I admit I'm a little embarrassed, but my breasts are really big. Every time I become a girl, I feel a heavy burden, but I never expected they would attract so much attention.

"Yeah! I touched it!"

"Now it's my turn!"

I'm not a statue in a shrine, praying for healing. Even if I touch you, it won't heal you.

My breasts are literally being crushed, but I've given up resisting, hoping this will all be over soon.

"Please stop doing this,"

said Sakura Kaede, the person I like.

"Senou-san just returned to school after being sick. Please stop harassing her."

Sakura Kaede shooed the gathered girls away. As expected of one of the two beauties at Seitetsu Academy, perhaps because of her inherent superstar qualities, the little sparrows all obeyed her.

"Senou-san, your meal is ready."

"Ah, thank you..."

I took my A-set meal from the scrawny old woman's hands.

"I'm having the school set meal today, too. Do you want to join us?"

Sakura Kaede said cheerfully. If I were a man, I'd have readily agreed, but this situation is a bit awkward.

"No, I... ah no, I..."

"Don't say that. Shizuku-chan also said she wants to eat with you."

I turned in surprise and found Shizuku sitting at a table in the corner of the school cafeteria.

"Please sit here,"

the student council president's words sounded fake.

Sakura Kaede, Shizuku, and I sat at the same table. The other girls didn't dare approach us, only observing us from afar. I even heard someone talking about the "Three Beauties of Seitetsu." Three?

"With Senou-san joining us, it's gone from two to three,"

Shizuku said.

"I think you're pretty, too."

"Yeah, just as pretty as Shizuku-chan. I'm so envious of you."

If I were to say, she'd be prettier than Sakura Kaede, but she doesn't seem to think so at all. Modesty is one of her strengths.

"Ah, Natsuru-san and Shizuku-chan are meeting for the first time, right? This is our school's student council president, Shizuku."

"Please advise me."

"...Hello."

This con-woman-like president is so infuriating. She knows me, yet she's playing dumb over there without a word.

"Senou-san took a leave of absence, right? I heard about it from the teacher."

"Did you know, Shizuku-chan?"

"But today is our first time meeting."

Liar. Swindler. Swindler.

"I've seen her before,"

Sakura Kaede said, gloating like a child.

"I see."

"Yeah, we went to a movie together."

Uh, I was about to pick up the salad from my set meal, but I kept biting my chopsticks.

"You two are so close."

"Yeah, we're really close."

Sakura Kaede seemed very happy, but Shizuku had kidnapped her during the movie. Luckily, she didn't seem to remember. Does the president, who's been playing dumb over there, have any conscience?

"I want to see a movie too."

"It's really good."

"But it has to be the Entrails Animals movie, right? Kaede, you have a weird interest."

"That's not the case. Natsuru-san said the movie was great too."

She asked for my agreement. I moved my neck and nodded like a robot. I couldn't really put the "weird interest" in my head, but Shizuku was very direct about that.

"Did you guys go out for dinner after the movie?"

"Shizuku, you know everything. We had pasta."

"That seemed like a lot of fun. I envy you guys."

The scary thing was, Shizuku kidnapped Sakura Kaede to that pasta shop.

"Are you having fun, Senou-san?"

Shizuku turned to me.

"..."

"Have you forgotten how to talk?"

What are you talking about?

My anger slowly rose. Perhaps sensing the strange atmosphere, Sakura Kaede said, "I'll get some tea..." and left her seat.

"You better cooperate with me," Shizuku whispered.

"You've lost your mind, you're always talking about dangerous topics. It's not good at all."

"Kaede's topics always revolve around you. You're really popular."

"I'm the girl who's popular."

"I'm so envious of you that I almost sighed."

Let alone sighing, I doubt you're even breathing.

Shizuku moved her chopsticks nonchalantly. "You're eating pork cutlet. It doesn't fit your image at all."

"What's your purpose?"

"Oh, what do you mean?"

"Why are you having dinner with me?"

"Because Kaede said she wanted to have dinner with you."

"Are you the kind of person who would do something like this just because they're friendly?"

"What does it matter?"

This guy was definitely just saying it casually. Because she had a poker face, you couldn't tell what she was thinking, but she was definitely plotting something. This woman was truly someone who could not be taken lightly.

"Calm down. I'm not going to do anything to you right now. I'm not going to attack you, you understand?"

That was true. Although they had met several times since the last battle, she had never shown any interest in fighting. Instead, it was always Akane who pointed the gun at her.

"So what's your motive?"

"Didn't I tell you I wouldn't tell you?"

"I don't like your attitude."

"Well, just think of it as me supporting Kaede's relationship."

"Stop kidding!"

"Kaede isn't just popular with boys, she's also very popular with girls. If you're too careless, you might end up being abandoned by her."

That's true. Even I'm so popular among girls, so with Sakura Kaede's level, she must be popular with both boys and girls.

Shizuku's lips twitched slightly, almost as if she were smiling.

"It's not just Sakura Kaede, the class stuff is giving me a headache too."

"Everyone in your class seems a little weird."

I admit that. If the boys' second-year class four is a group of lazy idiots, then the girls' second-year class four is a bunch of misers controlled by bad ideas. Either way, they're terrible.

"I heard from the class four monitor that they took a lot of photos, right?"

"..."

"That's for the money."

"I also heard they hope to give the photos to someone in the boys' class."

Did the monitor even tell her that?

"Why are you asking such a thing?"

"You'll know soon."

Sakura Kaede returned, a paper cup on a tray.

"How about Japanese tea?"

"Kaede, Senou-san seems to have a sore throat and can't speak very well."

"I see."

Sakura Kaede seemed relieved.

"Then please have some tea..."

"Thank you."

I reached for the paper cup.

The meaningless conversation continued for a while, and I could only listen obediently. Sakura Kaede was relieved to know that Shizuku and I were on good terms. In fact, our relationship was not good, but it was just not easy to show at this time.

"By the way, Senou-san, you're really popular."

"...?"

"I saw the newspaper's special edition, too."

"What..."

I was so careless. Shizuku, this girl, was bringing up such a topic that it was not relevant. She was even more evil-minded than the Seppuku Black Rabbit.

Before I could answer, Sakura Kaede said.

"That's not true, Shizuku-chan, that must be a lie."

"Really?"

"Yes, Natsuru-san is not... such a sentimental person. That report is completely fabricated."

Although she said it with certainty, her tone seemed a little hesitant when she mentioned "sentimental."

"Natsuru-san is very loyal."

This is true. I am only loyal to Sakura Kaede, but I am a boy.

Sakura Kaede looked at me as if asking for my consent. I had no choice but to nod slightly.

She smiled and said,

"Look, Shizuku-san."

"Oh my."

Shizuku's face was filled with surprise, but that expression was just acting.

"You're serious about love, aren't you?"

Of course I am. I'm not someone like you who would sleep with a machine.

The news about "sleeping with a machine" was published in the newsletter of the underground club "Shizuku-sama Scolded Club." It wasn't meant to be a bad word about her, but rather, it was something that made them tremble with excitement. Higashida showed me the newsletter, and it was filled with things only a masochist could imagine, things that would make you doubt your own eyes. It almost made my head spin. There really are all kinds of interests in this world.

"I've come to admire you, Senou-san."

So what do you think of me now?

"A beautiful person like you who's not at all casual is a good thing for morale."

"...Thank you."

"You have someone you like, right?"

"...Yes."

"That's great. I wonder what type of guy you like?"

It wasn't a man, but the person next to you. As I thought about it, I suddenly realized something.

Sakura Kaede was looking at me with surprise. "Oh, right, I'm a woman now, so logically, the person I like should be a man."

But Sakura Kaede fell in love with me, a woman. So, wasn't what I just said the same as dumping her?

Sakura Kaede's face darkened, turning into a look of despair. "Wait, wait, I don't like men, but how should I explain this?"

"It's from the boys' club, right?"

Shizuku added, nonchalantly, adding a fatal blow.

"I'm so envious of the guy Senou-san likes. Tell me who it is next time."

Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it. Not only did she give me a fatal blow, but she also threw me into the river. What should I do? Did they turn me into a woman just to make me feel this despair?

I couldn't bear to look Sakura Kaede in the face anymore. I could tell what she was like just by the atmosphere and the untouched lunch on the table.

"Then I'll take my leave."

Shizuku stood up. She'd finished her meal without me noticing; it looked like quite a bit, all gone into her slender frame.

"I had a great time today. Let's eat together again sometime."

"..."

It was terrible for me. How could I be happy?

Shizuku turned back just as she was about to leave.

"Oh, by the way, is that first-year student Kondou who's back in school someone you know?"

I remained silent for a moment, not answering her.

"...Never mind, it doesn't matter anyway. She seems like a pretty good girl."

With these profound words, the student council president walked out of the cafeteria.

Only Sakura Kaede and I remained.

The cafeteria, which should have been bustling with activity, was strangely quiet at this moment.

This situation was incredibly awkward. Sakura Kaede's head (presumably) was tilted downwards, while I stared at the tray in the school cafeteria, almost tearing a hole through it. I desperately needed a way out of this situation, but nothing came to mind. I wished the tray could create a hole deep underground so I could escape straight to Argentina.

Finally,

"...I'm going back..."

With those whispers, Sakura Kaede left, and I remained frozen in place.



== Aftermath and New Alliances ==

[[File:Kämpfer V2C3 Akane visits Natsuru.jpg|thumb|Akane visits Natsuru at home, looking concerned while holding the Seppuku Black Rabbit.]]

For the next few days, I didn't go to the girls' club, only traveling back and forth between my home and the boys' club. The photo finally arrived, and when I gave it to Higashida, he was overjoyed. He's such a carefree guy.

Compared to that, this situation was far more complicated. Sakura Kaede was demanding an answer from me, and because of Shizuku, she felt hopeless. I was being targeted by Masumi Nishino and Kondou Mikoto, and I had to be wary of a mysterious enemy. Add to that Yuri's suspicions. It was all targeting a girl like me, which was really lonely. But it was also true that I was practically going crazy.

I was just thinking of letting out a rant, but when I told Seppuku Tiger about it, he just burst out laughing.

"Hahahahaha, your situation is several times worse than before."

"I know that even if you don't tell me."

"Where do you want to start?"

"No one, I guess. If I had to, I'd probably start with the enemy."

There was nothing else to do; just defeating her would be enough, and I'd feel much more relaxed.

"That's true, but leaving it alone for other things would be frustrating."

"Yeah."

I'd know that even if the doll hadn't mentioned it. It seems that the Entrails Animals have a new series called "The Twelve Spiny Mouse Brothers." These brightly colored mice, pierced from head to toe by stakes, are adorning toy stores. One day, they'll probably be pulled down because they're disgusting. I wonder if Sakura Kaede will buy one.

Just then, the doorbell rang. A visitor. Lately, Kondou Mikoto has been coming in without a word, so someone so polite is a novelty.

"I'm here."

I walked out of the entrance, and the person standing there was Akane. She was looking down as usual, holding a Seppuku Black Rabbit in her arms.

"Well... well... I have something to say."

"Ah, come in."

I took her to my room. I had been here several times before, and Akane seemed to be used to it.

"Hey, Kirito, how are you?"

"How's yours, Kirito?"

After entering the room, Kirito and Kirito greeted each other warmly. There might be something about exposing all your internal organs that only friends know.

Akane also brought a snack with her.

"This... is just a little thing..."

"Don't be so polite, what's wrong?"

"Well... there's something at school..."

As expected, it must be that.

"Ah, you mean the newspaper..."

"..."

"That report is completely fake. Look, isn't Masumi Nishino from the news agency? They did an interview, but it's all fabricated..."

"Yeah, I know that,"

Akane bluntly interrupted me.

"What I'm talking about is the girls who read the report. It caused quite a stir..."

"I thought so."

"The girls in my class even started selling things. Every time after class, all the girls in the grade would crowd over to our side. It was ridiculous..."

It was ten times more exciting than a rock concert.

"Even though we've said several times that she's not here today, everyone's still so excited, saying you're hiding her..."

Actually, it wasn't wrong. It wasn't that I was hiding her. It was just that I was in the boys' department.

"Did it bother you?"

"It was really terrible..."

"What about the girls in class?"

"The girls in Class 4 are very strong. Even when Natsuru-san isn't around, they're all very lively together. They even started selling photos."

According to Akane, the center of the conversation was the class president, the vice-president was stirring things up, and the accountant was selling irrelevant amulets nearby. Sure enough,

according to her, the girls who were paying attention to me were divided into two groups.

One group actively sought to establish a relationship with me. They were the ones who constantly flocked to me in the classroom and the school cafeteria, trying to get physical with me and sign sisterhood agreements (what the heck is that?). They were very active in everything they did. Touching my breasts and hair was a given for them. It seemed like there were plenty of would-be stalkers out there.

The other group cautiously observed me from afar. While they were deeply interested in yuri female students, they had no desire to delve into this world, content simply to observe from afar. The biggest difference between them and the former was that while they presented no direct threat to me, since they had never spoken to me, once they began fantasizing, they could not stop. Most of the perverted rumors about me came from this group of girls.

Speaking of underground clubs, the "Sisterhood with Natsuru-sama" and the "Senou Observation Friendship Club" immediately popped up. Incidentally, Class 2, Grade 4 isn't affiliated with any of these organizations. Their only interest now is in exploiting me for profit, making them arguably the worst of the bunch.

Beneath her apprehension, she looked restless.

"And you know, usually everyone goes back to their classrooms when the bell rings, but... yesterday there was someone who refused to go back no matter what."

"Who is it?"

"Sakura Kaede..."

"Huh?"

Sakura Kaede was here too. I didn't expect her to come see me after being so badly injured by Shizuku earlier.

I don't know how she pulled herself together again, but it was so wonderful. My heart felt instantly cleansed. Even though I wasn't the one who hurt her, she'd risen from that inexplicable situation that was, I don't know, hell on earth. In other words, she'd been resurrected. Yes, resurrected, or even reincarnated if you want.

"I was caught by Sakura Kaede... well..."

"...she asked me to let her meet you."

"That's it..."

Akane said, looking apologetic.

Now things were getting really complicated. I tried to explain it this old-fashioned way. Simply put, it was getting really complicated. I was thinking about trying not to transform for a while, but now it seems...

I should still meet her. I want to see Sakura Kaede, who has stood up again. Let's put the confession aside for now.

"But... Sakura Kaede didn't want to see Natsuru-san..."

"What?"

"Ah... sorry, not the female Natsuru, she wanted to see the male Natsuru."

That doesn't bother me at all. What's wrong?

"Well... there's some strange rumors going around about a female Natsuru..."

"I already know about Lily's suspicions."

"It's not that..."

Akane seemed hesitant to tell me. Was it about Sakura Kaede again?

Suddenly, someone ran up the stairs. She was the only one who could have opened the locked door without permission.

The door swung open with a bang.

"Natsuru!"

Kondou Mikoto rushed in.

"You're back after all... Oh, little Akane's here too."

"Hello..."

Akane lowered her head timidly.

"What are you guys doing?"

"I have something to say..."

"Are you and Natsuru close enough to hang out in his room?"

"Yeah, sort of..."

Kondou Mikoto looked unconvinced, looking from Akane to me. I couldn't tell from her expression what she was thinking, but it must be something unimportant or crazy.

"Ah, never mind. Compared to that, Natsuru hasn't been to school in the past few days."

Since Akane didn't say anything, I had to answer.

"I know."

"There was such a commotion in the girls' section today, I think she's hiding. What a smart girl!"

I didn't mean to belittle myself, but that wasn't the case.

"So what?"

"Didn't I ask you guys before to uncover the true identity of the female Natsuru? I need your help."

"There's nothing we can do if she doesn't come to school."

"She will definitely come. If she takes another leave of absence, she won't have enough credits. She will definitely come to school."

This girl's lines are full of confidence. It's terrifying to be able to trust her intuition so much. I heard that even if she gets lost in the desert, she can use this feeling to determine "this" direction, and she actually got it right. This woman is like a carrier pigeon.

"I want to follow the female Natsuru and investigate some things about her."

"You're really enthusiastic. I guess a guy like you can't help much."

"We're short-staffed, so you have to come too. Akane, you too."

"I...I want one too..."

Akane pointed at herself, looking surprised.

"Masumi Nishino told me she's probably your friend, right? Didn't you go shopping together last time?"

"Were we really friends? We've only met a few times..."

So, it seems there was a question of whether or not to buy clothes, and Masumi Nishino was there at the time.

"Do you know where the girl named Natsuru lives?"

"I don't know..."

"What else? Her interests, or her family?"

Akane shook her head, and so did I.

"Well...don't you all really want to know? Besides the yuri suspicions, there are some other strange rumors about the mysterious female student, and I want to confirm them myself."

"...well..."

Akane kept glancing at me. I tried my best not to meet her gaze, feigning composure. It would be bad if Kondou Mikoto saw me. Akane looked over.

"It's decided."

Kondou Mikoto made her conclusion even though nothing had been decided.

"Let's investigate the Natsuru girl's case together, the three of us. Let's get it out in the open."

She seemed quite motivated. To her, the female version of me must be no different than a desert relic or a new species of insect. Perhaps she considers me on the same level.

Having given up, I asked her.

"When do we start?"

"Tomorrow morning,"

Kondou Mikoto replied.

"Meet at this house."

The result was like drawing a bad fortune for me.

==Translator's Notes==
This chapter was translated from the Chinese translation of the original Japanese text.
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