Kämpfer:Volume 12 Chapter 2

Volume 12, Chapter 2  

    Sakura Kaede looked incredibly surprised. We were the same way.  

    [Uh, you all, why are you here in a place like this?]  

    She looked like her usual self. It was hard to believe she'd been threatening Shizuku just

now with her current attitude. If this was all acting, she'd definitely become a very capable

actress.  

    Her eyes lit up as she turned to me.  

    [Ah, Natsuru -san, you're here too.]  

    Oh, right. This was the first time Sakura Kaede had seen me here as a woman. Her

expression told me she'd been waiting a long time.  

    Then, her normal expression returned.  

    [Uh, who are these people over here?]  

    I didn't understand what she was referring to for a moment, but I soon caught on. She was

talking about Akane and Mikoto. True, they'd never met like this before. But she'd seen

Akane in Bulldog mode a few times before, probably just seeing her but not  knowing her

name.  

    But how could I explain it to her? I couldn't tell her we were having a heated fight just now.  

    [Uh, uh, them. 】

    【Hmm?"]  

    She asked me with an angelic look.  

    【Um.】

    【Sakura Kaede, wait. 】

    The one who came to my aid was Shizuku. She had already sheathed her sword. This

woman's transformation was essentially unchanged, so even if she maintained her Kämpfer

stance, it wouldn't look out of place.  

    【What's wrong?"]  

    【Okay, forget it 】

    Shizuku walked towards Sakura Kaede and glanced at me. What's wrong? What's the point

of this action?  

    Just as I was thinking this, Shizuku suddenly swung her knife at the back of Sakura Kaede's

neck.  

    【Ah—— !】

    That was a blow with the force of a Kämpfer. It's not something an ordinary person could

match. Sakura Kaede truly lost consciousness this time and fell down.  

    【Hey, what did you do?"]  

    I said to Shizuku, but she remained unmoved.  

    【Cancel the transformation. 】

    【Why?"]  

    【It's not just Natsuru, but Akane and Mikoto as well. Sakura Kaede probably doesn't

remember anything from before. "It'll be troublesome if she sees us transformed into

Kämpfer." "  

    Oh, I see." So we undo the transformation. The room suddenly filled with light.  

    We returned to our normal selves, but there was an inexplicable strange feeling inside us.

After all, being in a place like this, it's normal to feel this way."  

    Shizuku twirled her hands around. Probably to stretch her shoulders. I know this guy has

symptoms of shoulder stiffness.  

    "Well, I, what should we do?"  

    Akane whispered softly.  

    "If possible, I want to get out of here as soon as possible. This place is too scary."  

    She spoke incoherently. Because there's a hole in the ceiling, the brightness has been

reduced by half, and there are wax figures in the surrounding tanks. It's already a bit scary. To

Akane in glasses mode, this place must have been like a haunted house.  

    Shizuku spoke softly.  

    "Well, staying here forever isn't a solution."  

    "What should we do about Sakura Kaede?" "  

    That's what I said."  

    "Take her away."  

    "First, let me move?" "  

    Let me do it, too."  

    "No, I'll do it."  

    I said it anyway. I felt like I wouldn't be a man if I refused. If Shizuku could even anticipate

this, she's quite resourceful.  

    I carried the unconscious Sakura Kaede on my back. This has happened before.  

    I felt a heavy weight on my back. Wow —Sakura Kaede's breasts, I wasn't really happy

about.  

    What the hell is going on?  

    I've become a man again, but now I feel like I'm not carrying the girl I love, but rather like

I'm just doing some moving work. It's completely different from back then. Has Sakura Kaede

become just another girl, not someone I admire? Is she chasing me?  

    "Let's go."  

    Mikoto opened the door. The lock had already been unlocked.  

    Inside was a small, deserted room. Is it a storage room? It only contained emergency food

and some cardboard boxes.  

    Since the floor was paved, I knew we were back in our old house. There was another door

across from here.  

    Mikoto went over to unlock the door, flinging it open in a flash.  

    "Oh, oh,"  

    she said, a sound like an exclamation. I leaned out to see what was going on. It was coming

from the hallway.  

    "Here, that's where Sakura Kaede said her parents' room was."  

    Mikoto said. "I see, so the pool isn't the only entrance. The white Kämpfer's must be

coming in and out from here. "  

    Suddenly, I remembered.  

    "Ah, what happened to Higashida Ryouka?!"  

    "Uh, she's still down there."  

    Beneath her lip, I forgot all about her. We just left Higashida Ryouka down there.  

    "We have to pick her up."  

    It sounds weird to say "pick someone up," but we can't just leave her down there. I think

we should at least tie her up and lock her up. Besides, she was shot, and I'd feel bad letting

her die like that.  

    "I'll carry her up,"  

    Shizuku said.  

    "Natsuru, carry Sakura Kaede up first. I'll catch up with you in a bit." "Okay  

    ." 】

    【Wait.】

    Shizuku called out to me as I was about to take a step.  

    【What's wrong? Sakura -kun is quite heavy. 】

    【Would you please be the leader while I'm gone? 】

    For a moment I thought it was a joke.  

    【Huh? What do you want me to be? 】

    "I said I'll leave it to you later."  

    "Forget student council president, I've never even been class monitor."  

    "You'll be fine. Look, I did it, didn't I?"  

    She gently stroked my face.  

    "You're a man, right?"  

    She said this and left.  

    It's true that I'm a man. Even though I'll become a woman after transforming into Kämpfer,

I still think of myself as a man. But asking me to do it for that reason is a little confusing, but

since Shizuku said so, maybe I really can do it.  

    Thinking of this, I shook my head slightly. I had to get rid of the anxiety. I'd made up my

mind not to lose. If winning required a leader, then I had no choice but to do it.  

    We moved Sakura Kaede upstairs.  

    First, we had to find a place for her to lie down, but we didn't know where. We initially

thought of putting her in the meeting room, but when we checked, we found the window

was broken, letting the night wind in. Just  

    as I was wondering what had happened, Akane said sheepishly, "That was me." She broke

it open and jumped into the pool below, right? I see.  

    There was no other choice, so I had to move Sakura Kaede to her own room. Her room was

on the first floor, so she had to go downstairs. If that was too much trouble, forget it.  

    Her room wasn't locked. But even if it was, Mikoto could have opened it. It only had a bed

and a small table, making it feel strangely deserted. There weren't many animal products in

it.

    I put Sakura Kaede on the bed. Oh no. What should I do next?  

    [That's me.]  

    Akane raised her hand slightly.  

    [Can you change clothes? My clothes are half -dry.]  

    [I'd like to, too.]  

    Mikoto said the same thing. We jumped in the pool, so our clothes got soaked. They're

almost dry now, but they're still a little uncomfortable.  

    [Yeah, okay. Akane, Mikoto, both of you go change.]  

    [Thank you, Natsuru. What about you?]  

    [I'll talk to you later. I need to watch over Sakura Kaede now.] I  

    didn't know what to say, but I couldn't leave her here alone.  

    Akane and Mikoto said they'd be back soon and left Sakura Kaede's room. After that, it was

just Sakura Kaede and I alone.  

    I found a chair and sat down beside the bed. Sakura Kaede lay there motionless.  

    It was impossible to tell if she was dead or alive. Her chest was still rising and falling

slightly, so she was still alive. Her sleeping posture (?) was still angelic.  

    That's right. This person is an angel. I've known her since junior high. She always had a

smile on her face, was friendly to everyone, and was widely admired. I was shocked to learn

she was friends with that scheming president, but her charm remained uncha nged. It's  

    also true that Sakura Kaede was behind all of this. I'm not trying to confirm it, but it's true.  

    Why did she do this? Was Sakura Kaede being manipulated by someone? Or was it her

own will?  

    I can only ask her once she wakes up. What I'm thinking is just imagination at best. I might

be a little bit of a jerk myself, but I'm really slow at this. Even when I watch mystery dramas, I

can't guess who the culprit is.  

    In times like this, we should quickly ask the girls, especially Shizuku, for help. That woman's

insanely smart. She must be one of the best student council presidents in the country.  

    But she's not here right now. That woman is so slow. Hurry and bring her up here.  

    [Hmm.]  

    I startled. Sakura Kaede made a sound.  

    [Name.]  

    [What?]  

    I replied unintentionally, though I didn't think she could hear.  

    I put my ear close to Sakura Kaede's face. Is she awake? What did she just say?  

    [Natsuru -san.]  

    It's my name. I've heard girls unconsciously say the name of someone they like.  

    What I thought just now was all a lie, but she was referring to me when she said Natsuru.

What's going on?  

    [What?]  

    [Me-me.]  

    What? I held my breath.  

    "I've been here, to this house, since I was little."  

    Sakura Kaede's voice was soft, and if I wasn't concentrating, I couldn't hear what she was

saying.  

    "Back then, this place seemed so huge to me. I explored the house every day. Not only at

home, but also at that person's house, looking everywhere."  

    Then  

    I discovered a basement. It was connected to a tunnel that extended far down. Although

the adults told me not to wander around, I wanted to see where it led, so I kept going down.  

    I swallowed. Sakura Kaede was talking about her childhood. Now she was talking about

how she discovered the underground facility.  

    "And then, after I discovered it, there..."  

    Suddenly, Sakura Kaede opened her eyes. I flinched in fear. I looked at her timidly.  

    "Sakura Kaede?"  

    I felt my consciousness being sucked into those eyes!  

    She suddenly stood up. Halfway up, to be exact. My face was so close to hers that I almost

bumped into her.  

    "S-Sakura Kaede!" ? ]  

    She grabbed my shoulder so hard that her fingertips dug into the flesh.  

    [It hurts.]  

    [It's not me, me, no, that's not me. But I can't tell them apart anymore!]  

    [It hurts, Sakura Kaede -san.]  

    [Why would I tell Natsuru -san and Shizuku -chan!]  

    Sakura Kaede continued. Her eyes were open, but I couldn't tell if she was looking at me.

Then she started shaking all over.  

    [It's not me.]  

    [Sakura Kaede.]  

    [It's not me!]  

    I resisted, trying to pull her hand away. It really hurt.  

    "If it's not you, then who is it?"  

    I said, and she immediately stared at me intently.  

    "Who do you think it is? Natsuru -san."  

    Her hands left my shoulders and slid behind my neck, then Sakura Kaede leaned her face

close to mine and kissed me on the lips.  

    "Woo --!"

    "Hmm --hmm."  

    Oh my. I'm kissing Sakura Kaede. I'm finally touching someone I love, but for some reason,

I don't feel any excitement at all. It's not nice to say this, but I feel like a slug is crawling

inside, making me feel sick.  

    "S--Sakura Kaede."  

    "Hmm --."

    Her eyes were smiling. But there wasn't a hint of gentleness in them. Only a look of near -

madness could be seen. She seemed to be enjoying sucking my lips.  

    Suddenly, a roar, almost a wail, came from behind.  

    "Ah--!"

    "Hey --, you two --!!"

    The first was from Akane, the second from Mikoto. I knew that without even seeing.  

    Mikoto ran over and forcibly pulled Sakura Kaede and me apart.  

    [What did you do while we weren't looking!?]  

    [No, I.]  

    [What do you mean by "I"? You two beasts in heat!" I  

    can't believe there are people in this world who would use the word "beast." What did she

think of me?  

    No, now isn't the time to be thinking about that. I fell flat on my face, and Sakura Kaede

stood up on the bed.  

    [Hmmmm.]  

    Sakura Kaede licked her lips. Should I call that alluring or terrifying?  

    [Thanks for the treat. But, it's really boring.]  

    [What!? You're still talking about this after you've already kissed Natsuru!]  

    Mikoto scolded. That's right. I'll be hurt.  

    [You have to do that to regain consciousness!?]  

    [It was just by the way. I saw that Shizuku -chan was really into him, so I just had a little fun.

It's not a big deal.]  

    How rude. Do you think I'm the appetizer at a standing banquet?  

    Sakura Kaede stood on the bed, looking down at us. Though not very high, she seemed to

be looking down from a high position.  

    "Alright, now that I've regained consciousness, let me take Natsuru -san in first."  

    "Don't say such nonsense."  

    It was Mikoto who said this. Though her eyes were still red, she was very assertive.  

    "Come down from above."  

    "Come down? Does that mean it's okay for me to finish you all off?"  

    Sakura Kaede was full of confidence. And she seemed to actually be prepared to do it,

which was terrifying.  

    "That's fine. Because I don't need you. I was planning to finish you off anyway."  

    "Stop your boasting."  

    "Besides, it feels really good to look down from above."  

    "Only fools and smoke up there."  

    "Oh, you're so bold!"  

    Sakura Kaede floated lightly in the air. That's true. She should have jumped, but that's how

it looked to me.  

    Then, she landed behind me. I was about to turn around, but it was too late.  

    "Come on, Natsuru -san, let's go together."  

    She grabbed my collar. It hurt. It felt like she was holding me.  

    "I won't let you succeed!"  

    Mikoto shouted. Then, the Bracelet of Promise began to glow, transforming into a Kämpfer.

Did it not? She just kicked Sakura Kaede away.  

    Mikoto's figure, a flying kick with her right foot, caught my eye. Sakura Kaede, probably not

expecting her to do that, lost her balance and fell to the ground.  

    Mikoto immediately straddled her.  

    "Got her! Beneath, rope, rope!"  

    "No!"  

    "A belt or a bra will do! Anything rope will do!"  

    "No!"  

    Using underwear to tie her up is a bit too much. Is she planning on making Beneath take

off? I'm still here."  

    Sakura Kaede, beneath Mikoto, glared at her. He tried to jump. Normally, she wouldn't

have been able to do it, but now she could.  

    Mikoto held her breath. I know she's nervous. But that's all.  

    [Ouch.]  

    Sakura Kaede had lost consciousness again. Mikoto  

    let out a long sigh.  

    [Hmm, I was shocked.]  

    [That's scary.]  

    I said this without realizing it. Even I was overly nervous.  

    [What's scary?]  

    Mikoto stared at me.  

    [What? You're so lustful.] [No,  

    I'm not  

    .] [Didn't you look so happy when you were kissing Sakura Kaede? Not bad, you popular

guy.]  

    [I told you it wasn't like that!]  

    [What's that?]  

    I saw that Mikoto seemed even angrier. Just like I said earlier, [Let's just forget about this

until it's over.] I've made up my mind on this.  

    Mikoto got off Sakura Kaede, and then Akane walked over and looked at her face carefully.  

    [She seems to have fainted.] "  

    She looks like she's asleep,"  

    I said. To say she fainted seemed a bit too peaceful.  

    "Does her personality change when she's asleep?"  

    "I don't know. But she was talking nonsense just now."  

    "What did she say?"  

    I told Akane and Mikoto what Sakura Kaede had just said. I can't remember everything, so

I've omitted some of it.  

    They both wore distressed expressions.  

    "Don't you need us?"  

    "Sakura Kaede -san, is that the kind of person you are?"  

    Akane and Mikoto were unhappy that they weren't being taken seriously.  

    "Because none of this was done by the normal Sakura Kaede,"  

    I said. "This is all the work of Sakura Kaede's terrifying alter ego.  

    " "But that could also be her intention."  

    "If that's the675 case, then it's troublesome,"  

    Akane said, her heart pounding with worry.  

    We resumed observing Sakura Kaede. She showed no signs of getting up or making a

scene. However, beads of sweat were beading on her forehead and neck.  

    "So much sweat ,"  

    Akane whispered. "Perhaps it's the effects of the nightmare and sleep talking she had just

had.  

    " "Do you have a towel?" "  

    I don't think there are any in this room. Maybe there are in other rooms,"  

    Mikoto replied. Even though we've changed clothes, we can't use them to wipe her face.  

    "Then, Mikoto, you."  

    "Natsuru, go get it."  

    Mikoto suddenly interrupted me.  

    "Hey. As a man, I'm just like a thief rummaging through someone else's house."  

    "A woman would be the same, too. And if I leave you here, you might do something lewd

with Sakura Kaede again."  

    "Who would?"  

    "You just did it. " "  

    That wasn't my will." It doesn't make sense. It's a fact, indisputable. But that kiss was so

dull.  

    "Natsuru, go get it. Wouldn't it be nice to change your clothes while you're at it?"  

    "I see." "  

    That's exactly what I should do. I'm starting to get tired of these half -dry clothes." I left the

room, and Akane said, "I'll go too." So Mikoto was left alone in the room watching over

Sakura Kaede.  

    "I'm going to change in my room. Akane, can you go get a towel?"  

    "Then I'll help you change."  

    "No need."  

    Why did you go to such lengths? This isn't something you should leave to someone else

and do nothing about.  

    I thought Akane was joking, but she seemed incredibly serious.  

    "Well, I have something to tell you."  

    "Can I say it now?"  

    "Yes."  

    Since he'd said that, there was nothing I could do. Akane and I walked to the room where I

kept my luggage.  

    Although I didn't bring many clothes, I did have some spare clothes, as I was prepared for

things that might get dirty and need changing.  

    "I need to change, Akane, turn away."  

    "I don't mind."  

    "I do mind." "  

    That's the other way around," I thought, turning my back to Akane.  

    I quickly stripped off my clothes. Anyway, regardless of my top, I needed to change my

bottom quickly.  

    "Um, I, have something to say."  

    Akane whispered. "  

    Oh, what do you want to say?"  

    "I want to talk about my transformation."  

    She paused.  

    "Natsuru, what do you think of her?"  

    "Huh?"  

    I stopped changing. What's that question?  

    "I asked, what do you think of me after my transformation?"  

    "You asked me what I think."  

    "Natsuru, you almost did something dirty with me after my transformation."  

    I was so startled that I dropped the shirt I was about to put on. Not only that, I jumped.  

    "Akane, you know that!?" "  

    Of course."  

    She replied softly. Even though we were facing each other, I felt like she was angry.  

    "You're not talking to me, but to me after my transformation." "  

    No, you're both the same person, right? That's why you remember that." " That  

    's right. But I'm a little different from my transformed self,"  

    Akane said. Speaking of which, the fierce dog Akane said something similar.  

    "I use the same body before and after my transformation, that's natural. That's good,

though."  

    Akane stopped talking there. This girl is always like this.  

    "She's starting to become a little different. I'm a little strange after my transformation."  

    "How strange?" I have a  

    violent personality, but how should I put it? I think she's always been very open -minded. I

think she probably knew she'd disappear one day. After all, it would be strange if I were still a

Kämpfer when I became an old woman. Yeah  

    . I never thought about it. I'm still in high school, but I'm definitely getting older.  

    So even if she's rude, I didn't really care. We used to have no issues with each other, but

things are changing now. Now that I've transformed, I don't want to go back to my old self.

She wants to stay that way forever.     It might seem strange for her to  say that, but she's

become obsessed with being with you, Natsuru. However, that wasn't the case until she

came here.  

    This     is called nostalgia? That     's right.     Akane replied. I've heard the same thing from

the fierce dog Akane before. That was when we were about to go down the wrong path in

the underground.     It wasn't like that when we talked in the cafe bef ore coming here. She

told me, "Just remember me." But now she says she still has feelings for him.     Why does

she have feelings for him?  

    "I think she likes you, Natsuru."  

    She paused, then continued.  

    "Me too."  

    We both fell silent. It felt so awkward.  

    Someone as rude as her actually had feelings for me. Should I say it's unbelievable or

shocking? Whenever she sees me, she always wants to shoot me in the head, or she's

holding a Pocky, or cursing at me. A woman as explosive as her actually likes me.  

    "Natsuru, you said I'm your type, right?"  

    "Yeah."  

    "What do you think of me after my transformation?"  

    "I don't dislike it."  

    "Do you like it?"  

    "

    It's hard to answer.  

    I can't imagine hanging out or dating that mad dog. But I can imagine being dragged into a

fight with gangsters or a shootout with the police.  

    " "Well, she's kind of my type. But she's a bit mean. Well, she might be rude, but she has a

cute side, too."  

    I don't really understand it myself. If I disliked her, I wouldn't have nearly done anything

sexual with her. That's why I didn't reject her.  

    [My mind is still a mess, but if I think about it a little longer, I think I should be able to

come to a conclusion. So I hope you'll wait until then. Is it okay to say this to you now?]  

    [Yes. That's fine.]  

    Akane finally turned to me after saying this.  

    [But, I feel a little troubled.]  

    [What did you say?]  

    [No, you heard wrong. It must be.]  

    She shook her head vigorously.  

    I finally changed my clothes, but it took longer than expected. Mikoto might be angry.  

    We got towels and headed back. Just in case, we also took water and ice cubes. Akane

went back to her room and got Pocky.  

    As expected, Mikoto kept staring at us as soon as we got back.  

    [Too slow.]  

    [Sorry.]  

    I could only apologize honestly.  

    [What did you do? Something H again?]  

    [No, how is Sakura Kaede -san?]  

    [It seems like he was scared by nightmares a few times.] Mikoto  

    and I stared at Sakura Kaede's face, while Akane wiped her sweat.  

    Indeed, she seemed to be moaning something deep in her throat, like a cat or dog. But it

didn't sound cute, more like she was in pain.  

    "Is she angry?"  

    "I'm the one who wants to be angry."  

    My childhood playmate said this. Akane agreed. So did I, actually.  

    "What should we do? Just let Sakura Kaede sleep here?"  

    "That."  

    Akane's question was difficult to answer. I wanted to wake her up and ask her questions,

but that might just turn into another fight. Sakura Kaede is incredibly powerful when she

turns evil.  

    And the annoying thing is, if she's not evil, she might not know about the situation.  

    "If we wake her up and she kills us, we're all doomed."  

    "If we're defeated, we'll end up in the tank too. I don't want that."  

    Akane pressed her hand against her pocket. What happened?  

    She pulled something out. It was her phone. It looked like someone was looking for her.

She nervously opened her phone, glanced at it, and then quickly closed it.  

    [Yes, I'm sorry. It's my dad calling.]  

    So, I've decided to go to Akane's house.  

    Mikoto looked puzzled.  

    [Wait, Akane.]  

    [I'm sorry, I think it's okay to ignore it.]  

    Mikoto turned and looked at me.  

    [Let's just forget about that call. What should we do?]  

    [As for Sakura Kaede -san, the only option is to wake her up and ask her what's going on.

Maybe she even knows about Shizuku.]  

    [Why would you wake her up even if she's asleep?]  

    [Because, look at Sakura Kaede -san.]  

    I didn't say it out loud; it was like a force holding me back. But Akane and Mikoto

understood.  

    Mikoto looked at Sakura Kaede again.  

    [If she wakes up and fights us again, it'll be terrible.]  

    [Yeah.]  

    I looked up at the ceiling. What should I do? Times like this are when the student council

president should be showing her abilities. What would Shizuku do?  

    [Shizuku hasn't come back yet.]  

    [Yeah. 】

    Akane looked around anxiously.  

    【We didn't run into her. 】

    【Is she still underground? 】

    【Should we go check on her? 】

    Mikoto seemed about to rush out, but I stopped her.  

    【No, wait. It's dangerous. 】

    【Are you going to ignore her? 】

    【No, if Shizuku doesn't come back, it means something must have happened. We can't let

our guard down. 】

    That woman, who was beyond the scope of a high school student, hasn't appeared yet.

This means something must have happened. And it's a situation where we can't contact her.  

    【If we're going, let's all go together. Going alone might backfire. 】

    Mikoto agreed. Akane nodded.  

    【I understand, but what about Sakura Kaede -san?】

    【This is the complication. 】

    If everyone goes to the underground to check on the situation, it means that Sakura Kaede

will be left here alone. No one knows what will happen then.  

    After thinking about it, I said:  

    【Let's take her with us. 】

    Akane and Mikoto momentarily exchanged expressions of disgust. It couldn't be helped,

after all, we'd already moved here. I explained.  

    [You might not understand, but taking her with us is less risky. I'll carry her.]  

    [Have you carefully considered the risks?]  

    Akane asked. I nodded.  

    [I've thought about it.]  

    [I see. That's fine. Since it's your decision, Natsuru, I'll do it.]  

    The bespectacled girl replied. Mikoto seemed to agree.  

    [Since Shizuku isn't here, you'll make the decision.]  

    [Huh? Is that okay?]  

    [How could you say that yourself?]  

    So, Shizuku also told me, "You take the lead." That must be what she meant. This is  

    the second time I've carried Sakura Kaede today. She feels extra heavy, probably because

I'm in my manly form. Kämpfer's strength is even stronger now.  

    We retraced our steps. We didn't want to jump into the pool again, so we headed towards

the room we thought was Sakura Kaede's parents'. It shouldn't be locked.  

    【Shizuku—— ?"]

    Mikoto called, opening the door.  

    No answer. She might be further down. Perhaps in the room with the sinks.  

    【Let's go inside 】

    I told them. Since Shizuku wasn't here, we had no choice but to go down.  

    Mikoto was looking at the ceiling.  

    【? 】

    【What's wrong?"]  

    I asked, keeping an eye on Sakura Kaede on my back.  

    【Sorry, I thought I heard something. Also, I think I've seen this structure somewhere

before. What is it? 】

    【Let's go. 】

    【No, wait a minute."]  

    Mikoto interrupted me.  

    【Well, I still think I've seen it somewhere. I think I'm almost remembering it. 】

    【Let's go quickly 】

    I urged. Akane had already put her hand on the door leading to the basement.  

    Mikoto suddenly came to her senses.  

    【Wait a minute!  

    " The alarm beeped. Lights flashed above the door.  

    【Akane!】

    I pulled her hard, and we both fell to the ground hugging each other. Sakura Kaede was

thrown down.  

    A metal plate dropped from the ceiling, blocking the door. This system is probably the

same as the emergency isolation door used in disaster prevention. The difference is that this

door drops from above and is embedded in the floor.  

    Mikoto grabbed the metal plate and strained a few times, but finally shook her head.  

    "It's blocked. This structure is the same as the one in the Turkish catacombs. I was

wondering where I'd seen it before."  

    Mikoto said unwillingly. The path to the underground is blocked.  

    "If that happens, I won't be able to see Shizuku for a while."  

    I was suddenly startled and quickly looked at Sakura Kaede. But she still had her eyes

closed, lying unconscious. She probably hadn't spoken a word.  

    I knocked on the door.  

    "Wow, this door is really thick."  

    Even if I knocked, it only made a muffled sound. There should be some space on the other

side, but there was no sound, so the door must be very thick. If that's the case, it seems that

my magic will have a hard time dissolving it.  

    "Mikoto, can your knife cut through it?"  

    "Probably not. You'll see when you see it."  

    She immediately denied it. I thought so too.  

    That leaves us with nowhere to go. Not really.  

    "Let's go the pool path."  

    I said, helping Sakura Kaede up.  

    "Going that way will take you underground."  

    "Wait a minute. I'll check."  

    Before I could stop her, she ran out. I was just worried about what to do if she disappeared

again, when she came back.  

    She shook her head.  

    "No, we can't get in."  

    "Why?"  

    "Even though there's no water, there's a grille there."  

    "Isn't there something to control that thing?"  

    "Yes, but it seems broken. It doesn't move at all."  

    Did the white Kämpfer destroy it? Mikoto looked sorry.  

    We're locked in. No. We're locked out." When we were underground, all we could think

about was getting back to the surface as quickly as possible, but now we're frustrated that

we can't get down there. What a dramatic change of heart.  

    It's all because our student council president hasn't returned.  

    [President, what's wrong with her now?]  

    Akane whispered.  

    [She gets angry if you don't call her by her name, huh?]  

    I said. And when she gets angry, she's terrifying.  

    [That's true.]  

    [But even if you call her by her name, there's no one to be with.]  

    [You mean you'd feel relieved if I were around?]  

    [You're really unstable.] [But Shizuku might feel uneasy without anyone around.]  

    [But I find it hard to imagine.]  

    That's true. I don't know if Shizuku likes solitude, but I think she can survive alone. I think

she could even walk through a pitch -black mountain road safely.  

    [There's no point worrying about her. She'll be fine.]  

    [But why didn't she come back? I think she must have gotten into some trouble.] Akane  

    whispered.  

    I couldn't refute her. That all -knowing, omnipotent woman had said, "I'll catch up shortly."

And then there was no news. I wasn't particularly worried about her, but something was

definitely wrong.  

    Mikoto tilted her head.  

    [Her name is Higashida Ryouka, right? Was that woman killed?]  

    [Is she that easy to kill?]  

    [That's right.]  

    That's all you want to say to yourself.  

    [Hmm.]  

    Suddenly, a groaning sound comes. I quickly look around.  

    [It's Sakura Kaede -san.]  

    I look over there, and see Beneath Sakura Kaede. Even though I just threw her to the

ground, she's still not fully awake.  

    [Is she awake?]  

    [No. But she seems awake.]  

    This is bad. If it were the normal Sakura Kaede, she'd definitely be terrified by the sight of

this door. If it were the evil Sakura Kaede, maybe poison gas would be released from the

ceiling.  

    [Move her away. She can't stay here. And...]  

    [And what?]  

    [Maybe asking her will tell you about Shizuku.]  

    I answered Mikoto's question.  

    It's still my job to move Sakura Kaede. I feel like I've been doing this kind of thing forever.

I'm just a part -time mover after all.  

    Just like before, I carried Sakura Kaede back to her room and laid her on the bed.  

    [Hmm.]  

    Sakura Kaede moaned. She wasn't trying to say anything, just letting out air.  

    [Is she getting up?]  

    Mikoto asked.  

    [I don't know.]  

    I didn't put my face close to her, but looked down at her from above. Well, it would be bad

if she did that to me again.  

    Sakura Kaede's face moved slightly.  

    [Hmm, hmm, hmm.]  

    She exhaled a few times. For some reason, her face flushed.  

    [I think she looks erotic like that.]  

    Mikoto agreed.  

    [Yeah, I think she looks erotic too.]  

    My childhood friend said this and gave me a sideways look.  

    [Natsuru, don't get all excited.] [I  

    'm not.]  

    [Who knows you. Didn't you just do something while we were gone?]  

    [That was an accident!]  

    [Really?]  

    She didn't believe me. This guy has always been dismissive of my words, even saying things

like, "Only believe half of what Natsuru says." You only believe half of what you say, right?

Who would believe a kindergarten kid who says, "I can multiply a hundred yuan by ten

thousand times in six months?"  

    "You, just believe me a little bit."  

    "You've been talking about Sakura Kaede -san all the time. Wasn't that the first thing you

said when I called you from Kyrgyzstan? I thought Natsuru was going crazy."  

    "Yeah, that's not wrong."  

    I was vague about the rest of the sentence. Back then, Sakura Kaede was like an angel to

me, and I worshipped her from the bottom of my heart. You'd be right to think I was like a

follower of a new religion.  

    But now, that feeling has faded. To say it's faded is a bit of an exaggeration, but I simply

don't have the same strong faith I once had. It's because I saw Sakura Kaede's dark side, after

all.

    "Don't dwell on my past." "  

    Anything's fine, but don't look at other women. Make your decision."  

    Then, Mikoto's eyes suddenly grew serious.  

    "Everyone's waiting for you, don't get used to it.  

    "

    I didn't ask her, "Waiting for what?"  

    Then, Sakura Kaede moaned a few more times. We weren't worried because it was just a

dream, but sometimes she'd act like she was in real pain, startling us.  

    "It felt like she was struggling."  

    That's what Akane said. That's right. Sakura Kaede has two completely opposite

personalities, so it feels a bit redundant.  

    Her eyelashes twitched. Then, Mikoto  

    spoke. "Shouldn't we transform now? Maybe she'll wake up as Dark Sakura Kaede again

this time."  

    Dark Sakura Kaede, that's a powerful name. I think it suits her, but it's also terrifying.  

    "If she's the old Sakura Kaede, it would be too much trouble to explain to her. This will do."  

    I found the same excuse I used when I told Shizuku, "Let's untransform."  

    It's a bit jarring for me to say, but it's correct. Immediately, Sakura Kaede opened her eyes.  

    [Ah.]  

    She rolled her glassy eyes. I didn't sense any murderous intent or malice from her.  

    [Is this my room?]  

    Then she turned her head towards us.  

    [Natsuru -san.]  

    She wasn't the dark Sakura Kaede from last time. She was now the persona she'd suddenly

transformed into in the underground facility.  

    She started to sit up. At that moment, I said,  

    [Are you okay?]  

    [Yeah. What happened to me?]  

    To put it simply, Shizuku knocked you unconscious. Then you woke up once and got

knocked to the ground again. But I couldn't tell her that.  

    [Uh—. Maybe you're not feeling well. Are you anemic?]  

    [I see. But I'm not anemic.] That's right  

    . I was just saying that.  

    Sakura Kaede glanced inside the room, and when her eyes met Akane and Mikoto's, she

immediately lowered her head and said to them, "I'm so sorry for causing you any trouble.

】Looking at her well -mannered appearance, she's completely different from her dark

personality.  

    【Where's that little Shizuku? 】

    She looked incredulous. As expected, it seems she doesn't remember fighting us at all.  

    But how should I answer her? I don't know where she's gone now. And I still want to find

out from Sakura Kaede what's going on underground.  

    "Uh, that."  

    "She's not here right now."  

    Akane answered for my panicked response.  

    "She's busy with something. Isn't she the student council president? She called from

school and was just talking."  

    "Yeah, but Shizuku just said recently that she finally had some free time."  

    "Really?"  

    "Yeah. I've been helping out with the student council, so I heard her say that. That's why

Shizuku stayed at my place." "  

    But the president is always busy." "That  

    's strange. She shouldn't be that busy." She  

    didn't mean any harm. She probably wasn't asking to embarrass us, but simply out of

curiosity. But it felt like we were being questioned.  

    "Where is Shizuku now?"  

    "Uh uh."  

    Akane panicked. Her attitude was now just like mine.  

    "H-Probably downstairs." "  

    Is that so? Then I'll go get her."  

    Sakura Kaede was about to get up from the bed, and Akane and I went over to stop her. "  

    No, no, Sakura Kaede -san, you just woke up." "That  

    's right. If anything were hurt."  

    "But I think my condition must have troubled Shizuku -chan. I should at least apologize to

her."  

    How polite! In my old self, I would have proposed immediately. But now, her behavior just

makes me panic.  

    "No, that." "  

    Forcibly stopping her would be illogical. There's no excuse. What should I do?"  

    "Oh, by the way, Sakura Kaede -san."  

    Mikoto interrupted.  

    "I've recently developed a huge interest in Entrails Animals. Could you tell me about your

collection?"  

    I thought it was just a casual remark, but Sakura Kaede smiled.  

    "No problem, sure."  

    I patted my chest. "  

    Thanks, Mikoto."  

    Akane -san whispered a thank you.  

    (Thank you.)  

    (What the hell are you two doing?)  

    (I can't help it. I don't know how to handle this situation.)  

    (Have some courage? I've acted like this a few times with hunters in West Africa. We

almost got into trouble because of the language barrier.)  

    [But, there aren't many viscera here.]  

    Sakura Kaede suddenly said this. Mikoto was startled.  

    [What?]  

    [Haven't I told you before? Most of my viscera are in the collection room in the apartment.

I can explain it to you, but I think it'll be more exciting with Shizuku -chan explaining it.]  

    Sakura Kaede got out of bed.  

    [I'll go get her.]  

    [No, that's a bit...]  

    Just when I thought there was no other way but to kneel down and beg her, Sakura Kaede

fell onto the bed with a thud.  

    [I should have done this from the beginning.]  

    The fierce dog Akane said, brandishing a pistol.  

    Only a short while later, Sakura Kaede woke up again. To be frank, it would be troublesome

if she stayed sleeping here forever.  

    This time, Sakura Kaede woke up, only sitting up halfway.  

    [Hey, where is this place?]  

    [Sakura Kaede -san, you've been sleeping here all this time.]  

    I tried my best to put on a serious face and told her,  

    "I definitely haven't woken up many times, nor have I been knocked unconscious.

Seriously."  

    [I think we talked about Shizuku -chan.]  

    [No.]  

    [But.]  

    [You're so annoying with all that whining. I said no, it's no!]  

    Of course, I didn't say that. It was Akane -sound, barking like a dog and acting as aggressive

as a dog.  

    Although Mikoto and I told her to undo her transformation, she just kept saying, "Just stay

like this."  

    [You'll definitely be thrown into a panic, so it's better for me to be here.]  

    [You're the one, starting a fight as soon as you show up.]  

    [That was me before I transformed. If you keep talking nonsense like that, I'll kill you!]  

    I couldn't do anything about it after she said that. Now she's pointing her gun at me and

saying hello.  

    Now, the fierce dog Akane and the usual Sakura Kaede are face to face.  

    Sakura Kaede gets up and blinks.  

    "Uh, who's this?"  

    "What? You don't know me? I'm Miyu."  

    "She's someone Akane knows."  

    I quickly cover Akane's mouth, as she's about to reveal her identity.  

    "I called her because she's also in the area. Maybe, um, you've met before."  

    The two have met a few times before, but neither has introduced themselves or

exchanged greetings. This seems like their first meeting.  

    "Yes. My name is Sakura Kaede."  

    "Hmph."  

    Sakura Kaede nodded softly. Akane hummed and that was it. Their attitudes are so

different.  

    The fierce dog Akane pulled a Pocky from the box and began to chew it with a "crunch,

crunch" sound. Sakura Kaede looks apologetic.  

    "I'm sorry, since you're a guest, I should have prepared tea for you."  

    "Mikoto just made it."  

    I say. It would be troublesome if she were to think of Shizuku again.  

    [Then I'll go prepare some snacks.]  

    [I'm eating snacks right now. Let's not talk about this anymore. We have something to ask

you.]  

    Akane suddenly brought up this matter.  

    [Hmm? What do you want to ask?]  

    "Where's Shizuku?"  

    "What did you say?"  

    Sakura Kaede was surprised. But that's understandable.  

    "That nasty student council president. That bastard went underground and never came

back. And just when we were about to go down to look for her, the entrance was sealed.

You're the only one who knows the details. Tell me."  

    Akane rattled off the words in a single breath. Her voice was hoarse and her tongue rolled,

making her sound quite rude. No one would believe she was the same person as the

bespectacled librarian. As  

    expected, Sakura Kaede was completely bewildered.  

    "That—."

    "Tell me. You must know."  

    "...."  

    Her expression was as if she was genuinely confused. It was understandable that someone

was suddenly threatening her with such words.  

    Akane -san didn't intend to let her  

    go. "You don't have to say it. But then..."  

    Akane -san suddenly pulled out her gun.  

    "That's it. I'll hit you twice with this thing."  

    The bulldog girl pressed a gun against Sakura Kaede's forehead.  

    "Ah." "  

    Tell me now. If you don't, I'll shoot. Don't try to stall for time. I've always wanted to plant

two olives in your head."  

    Akane looked genuinely delighted. She'd always loved shooting. She loved nothing more

than watching someone she hated fall to the ground, blood spurting out of them.  

    Sakura Kaede huddled up in a ball. Anyone would be terrified.  

    "Ah."  

    "What are you doing? Trying to act cute? You won't be popular if you don't get naked

these days. Stop it! Confess now!" "That  

    's scary."  

    "I'll scare you even more later!"  

    Akane kicked the bed. It shook a few times, and Sakura Kaede nearly fell off.  

    "No."  

    "Next time, I won't let you off so easily."  

    But Sakura Kaede said nothing. Or rather, she couldn't. She was huddled in a ball, terrified,

both physically and mentally.  

    Just then, Mikoto returned from downstairs with tea. She was startled by the scene and

exclaimed, "Wow!" After all, it was like suddenly seeing a scene straight out of a Tarantino

movie. (Translator: Tarantino is a transliteration, probably the name of a d irector or actor.)  

    I whispered to Akane:  

    "Hey, stop it."  

    "Why is this not entertaining at all?"  

    "It's not a question of whether it's entertaining or not. Sakura Kaede -san is scared."  

    "Women are at their best when they cry." "  

    What a weird thing." It's true that she often giggles when she sees me getting impatient,

but that's too much, regardless of gender. The word "devil" can no longer be applied to her.  

    "No, well, maybe Sakura Kaede -san doesn't know anything right now." "  

    What? Didn't you say you were here to ask this bitch?"  

    "That's true, but we don't know what her current situation will bring, so we need to be

more cautious." "Bang !  

    " Akane fired without a second thought, a large hole in the pillow. This woman actually

fired a gun.  

    Sakura Kaede was stunned, her eyes wide open.  

    "Hey, bitch, if you don't want to become like this pillow, just tell me!"  

    "Well, well, well."  

    "Don't play dumb!"  

    The Bulldog girl cocked the hammer. Her fingers trembled slightly, but it wasn't because

she was nervous. She was impatient.  

    "I'm serious. Natsuru knows best if I'm lying to you. Do you want to die with your brains

splattered or confess everything?"  

    Sakura Kaede shuddered, closing her eyes and then opening them again.  

    Her eyes held an unprecedented power.  

    "It seems you really are a very violent person."  

    Sakura Kaede's other side, the woman with a personality completely opposite to hers,

appeared.  

    "Oh, you finally showed up."  

    Akane said, as if to say that it would be troublesome if she didn't show up.  

    "If you just switch over quickly, I won't have to go through this trouble." It  

    's not that easy. If I show up once, it'll be troublesome.  

    Trouble? What do you mean by trouble? But Sakura Kaede doesn't seem to want to

answer my question, and Akane doesn't seem to want to ask either.  

    Okay, tell me. How's Shizuku now? Tell  

    me

    ! You stinky bitch!  

    I don't know.  

    Sakura Kaede shrugged.  

    Maybe something happened. I'm not underground right now, so I don't know.  

    This answer was absolutely correct, but Akane didn't believe it at all.  

    It's so annoying. Shizuku didn't come back, and the door fell down. Wasn't that all your

conspiracy?  

    You're so suspicious.  

    Don't look down on me. I may be impatient, but I'm also very perceptive.  

    Akane narrowed her eyes.  

    Why did you separate Shizuku from us? Tell me! Tell me!     Tell me!  

    Sakura     Kaede was silent for a moment, and finally she let out a soft breath.     I said,

because she had to.     So she just did what you said? "     Yes. That's why she left. It would be

difficult if she were to stay with you, Natsuru -kun     . That w oman is worth an army. She

might be wreaking havoc in the basement right now.     Who knows?"     Sakura Kaede

chuckled. She seemed quite calm. She must have some hidden trick up her sleeve.  

    Her words seemed to irritate Akane again.  

    [Stop giggling, you scumbag.] [  

    What's the matter?]  

    [Yes. If you dare to look down on me, I'll kill you!]  

    [How rude, Miyu -san, what do you want to do after you kill me?]  

    [How should I know what will happen next? I'll be happy to see you dead.]  

    [Do you think you'll stay like this forever?]  

    [What?]  

    Akane made a surprised expression.  

    [What are you talking about?]  

    [Just like I said before.]  

    [Don't joke with me.]  

    Akane moved the muzzle of her gun to signal Sakura Kaede to get off the bed.  

    Sakura Kaede got off the bed and stood up.  

    [Turn around to the back.]  

    [This.]  

    [Turn around!]  

    Akane forcibly turned her around. Then, from directly behind Sakura Kaede, she pressed

the gun against the back of her head.  

    [If you dare to do anything unnecessary, I'll blow your head off.]  

    [I won't do it.]  

    [Don't lie to me. I'm tired of hearing that. Your shoulder just moved slightly. You're trying

to trick me into wavering and deflect my gun, aren't you? You bitch, you really can't let your

guard down. ]  

    [I didn't. ]  

    [No, you did. The reason you didn't move right now is because I'm aiming at your head.

You can handle two buckshot, but your head can't.]  

    Sakura Kaede hesitated. Instead, she smiled softly.  

    [I see. Dogs can use their brains, too.]  

    [It's a shame I'm not a dog, but a human.]  

    [You're a human. Then you understand what I'm going to say, right?]  

    [Hurry up.]  

    [Let's make a deal.]  

    [What?]  

    Akane's face was filled with suspicion. I felt the same way. What else could Sakura Kaede

say at this point? Is she in a position to bargain with us? But if this were the gentle Sakura

Kaede, I would definitely lock up the bulldog girl somewhere and agree to her request.  

    [I said make a deal, didn't you hear?  

    You're stupid. I  

    'm perfectly normal.  

    Let me go.  

    What? Are you kidding me?  

    Akane jabbed the back of Sakura Kaede's head with the muzzle of her gun.  

    You chose this. Who would let you go? Listen up, bitch. I'm going to use you as leverage to

get that nasty student council president back. At least you'll have to play that role. I  

    'll have better things happen to me if you let me go.  

    You're such a jerk, you scumbag.  

    I'll let you stay the way you are.  

    I think that's a really boring idea. Actually, I have no idea what they're talking about. What

does Sakura Kaede mean by letting Akane stay the way she is?  

    In contrast, the fierce dog Akane's expression changed.  

    What?  

    I said let you stay the way you are. I'll let you stay the way you are and not let your current

personality disappear. You haven't said it yet, but that's what you crave. I can tell at a glance.  

    You're so annoying.  

    Akane is about to disappear. It's terrifying. You seem to still be reluctant to leave. Do you

really like Natsuru -san that much?  

    [Shut up!]  

    Akane's head felt like steam was about to burst.  

    [I won't be thrown off by your words. My heart is calmer than a Tibetan Buddhist monk.]  

    [Stop lying. Because, your personality is me. Hehe]  

    Sakura Kaede chuckled. Akane gritted her teeth.  

    [So, whether you disappear or stay is up to me.]  

    [Don't laugh. Even celebrities on late -night shows do things more decent than you to

please the audience.]  

    [If I had known you were so rude, I should have made your personality more delicate. I

thought it might be fun to make your personality the exact opposite of your original one, but

it's just too much trouble.]  

    [Stop talking nonsense.]  

    [Oh, don't you understand? I created your personality with just the movement of my

fingers.]  

    [Didn't I tell you to stop talking nonsense?!]  

    Akane's eyes were bloodshot.  

    She finally managed to calm down, and now she's about to pull the trigger again. She really

wants to shoot, right? But she can't because of what Sakura Kaede said. If she shoots now,

she won't be able to hear what Sakura Kaede says next.  

    And I'm also concerned about what comes next. Did Sakura Kaede create Akane's bulldog

personality? What exactly is she planning on doing with that deal?  

    "Let's make a deal, Ms. Bulldog."  

    "I've decided. Kill you."  

    "You can't do it. You won't shoot me. You want to know if the deal works out."  

    Sakura Kaede quickly turns around. Akane doesn't shoot.  

    "I'll let your personality stay. You know you'll disappear if this ends like this, right?"  

    "Ugh."  

    "So come over to me."  

    Sakura Kaede smiles. Looking at her smile, you can almost see her teeth peeking out from

the corners of her mouth.  

    "Although I originally planned to only have Shizuku -chan as my subordinate, it would be

fun if you came too." And I thought of something interesting.  

    You're annoying.  

    You can stay in this world forever. With Natsuru -san

    .

    Akane was wavering. Her normally motionless muzzle was wavering. The wavering in her

heart was reaching her fingertips.  

    What are you going to do?  

    Sakura Kaede asked, smiling.  

    My intuition told me things were bad. The situation was completely different from before.

Sakura Kaede had the mental advantage. And she was the evil one.  

    [Akane!]  

    [Shut up!]  

    The Bulldog Girl pointed her gun at me. I jumped, but she quickly turned back.  

    [Hey, bitch. You're telling the truth.]  

    [Believe it or not.]  

    [Promise?]  

    [What should I do?]  

    Sakura Kaede chuckled. I then shouted:  

    [Akane, stop it!]  

    [This is so annoying! Stop telling me what to do!]  

    [Hey, it's me!?]  

    [You too! This is between you and me!]  

    She probably didn't even realize what she was saying. She was so overwhelmed by her

worries that she couldn't think about anything else.  

    This was the worst possible situation. I channeled power into the Oath Bracelet and

transformed into a woman.  

    I transformed into Kämpfer and channeled further power into my palm.  

    [No, Natsuru -san.] Sakura - Kaede  

    also had a gun in her hand, pointed at me.  

    It's rare that Mikoto -san is worried about something, so she needs to be alone to think it

over. Mikoto -san, you too.  

    Mikoto, who had also transformed into Kämpfer, was persuaded by Sakura Kaede. Mikoto

sheathed her drawn Japanese sword. Akane -san

    gnashed her teeth several times. This would surely wear down her inner teeth. Her eyes

were bloodshot, and the hair on the back of her head looked like it was about to stand on

end.  

    "You bitch, promise me that what you just said is true!"  

    "I won't promise."  

    "What did you say?!"  

    "I won't promise, but you can trust me. Of course, only if you want to. If you can do this,

you'll be happy."  

    Sakura Kaede walked out leisurely. Akane -san didn't fire.  

    "Mikoto -san, could you please move out of there?"  

    \"

    Move out of the way."  

    Mikoto walked away from the door without a word.  

    "Honest people are good. Ugh."  

    Sakura Kaede suddenly frowned. This was a good opportunity, and Mikoto immediately

drew her sword.  

    [Good opportunity!]  

    [You underestimated me!]  

    Sakura Kaede narrowed her eyes, restraining me with a sword in one hand and a knife in

the other.  

    [It's a pity I'm still here!]  

    A glint flashed in her eyes, and she pushed the door open and walked out. Beneath her,

gun pointed at her, she followed.  

    We can't stay here forever. Sakura Kaede's pace was slow, so she didn't get very far.  

    We reached the room that was supposedly Sakura Kaede's parents' room.  

    Once inside, Sakura Kaede glanced at the corner of the ceiling. With just a single

movement, the iron door opened halfway. The entrance to the underground chamber

appeared before us.  

    [Let's go, Akane -san.]  

    [...]

    [Akane, no! Don't move!]  

    I shouted. But the bulldog girl didn't take her eyes off Sakura Kaede.  

    [Akane! Look at me!]  

    [Oh, Natsuru -san is angry. How rare!] Exactly  

    . I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. But the thought of Akane disappearing in

the blink of an eye  

    made me cry out. I couldn't lose the Mastiff Girl. These emotions surged within me.  

    But my body froze in place. Sakura Kaede's weapon was aimed at me and Mikoto. And,

with a voice that seemed to be forced from the depths of her throat, Akane said,  

    "Is that true? What you just said is true?"  

    "Uh, hehe."  

    Sakura Kaede didn't promise her. She was clearly enjoying herself. She was the most

relaxed of us.  

    A breeze blew up from underground. It felt damp. Akane's hair swayed wildly in the

breeze.  

    Sakura Kaede placed her hand on the iron portcullis.  

    "Alright, if you just come with me, you can continue to be yourself."  

    "Smelly shit!"  

    Akane followed Sakura Kaede into the underground cave.  

    "Akane!"  

    My cry seemed hollow. After they both entered, the iron portcullis closed.  

Translator's Notes

This chapter was translated from the Chinese translation of the original Japanese text.

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