Kämpfer:Volume 7 Chapter 1

Volume 7, Chapter 1  

    I, Natsuru, have been having a headache lately.  

    It's not a migraine; I'm generally healthy and don't take many days off from school. I used

to get the mumps quite often as a kid, but it's just a normal part of life. I sleep soundly at

night, though I can't get up in the morning, but that's just how it is for high school students.  

    The headaches have a different cause. I'm a combatant, like Kämpfer, and I can transform

into a woman. I'm completely baffled, but somehow I seem to be trying to defeat the enemy.

I don't understand what he expects of an ordinary high school student, b ut that's what I've

been told. That's what disaster means.  

    While it's one contributing factor to my headaches, it's not the primary one. Of course, I

also have a body that blames others, but my recent headaches are due to something else.  

    Not combat, but, shall I say, something more personal.  

    Wait, uh... what should I do? Let's start with Kämpfer, because that's something I'm really

worried about.  

    I'm a blue Kämpfer, as defined by the Oath Bracelet on my right wrist. Because it glows

blue, it's called a Blue Kämpfer. Just to add, the Oath Bracelet can't be removed, which is

inconvenient when washing my face. It's incredibly troublesome.  

    Besides blue, there's also red. Blue and red are enemies. I can accept that; traffic lights are

blue and red.  

    These two factions are fighting... that's how it should be, but then another Kämpfer group

appears. White, the symbol of pure innocence, makes me feel a bit sleazy to say that.  

    This white group is against me, or more accurately, me and many other Kämpfers. It seems

I have to face off against the white faction. What a hassle! Why would such an event be

thrust into my otherwise ordinary life?  

    In short, I have to fight against the white faction, the meaning is the same. I thought it was

just a simple clash between blue and red, but now it's taking an unexpected turn.  

    So, let's call this my biggest worry. If I had to compare it to the global warming effect, I'd

say it's on a smaller scale.  

    I have another small worry. It's "small" simply because it's happening right next to me. Its

severity simply can't be described as anything like the global warming effect.  

    Honestly, every time I think about this, my hands shake, like the symptoms of alcohol

poisoning. A darkness with no escape seems to descend uncontrollably and envelop me. It's

already a disease, right? Where's the doctor?  

    No, wait, take a deep breath, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Overdoing it is like overdosing

on oxygen.  

    I need to maintain composure now, or my heart will give out and I'll be transported to that

other world. I don't want to die before I'm old enough to drink.  

    Okay, I've calmed down. Now I can calmly handle a power outage or a nearby fire.

Although, if a serial killer breaks into my house with a chainsaw, I probably won't be able to

handle it.  

    So, why am I panicking? There are several reasons. I don't want to think about it, but I'll

have to face it.  

    First of all, the white Kämpfer attacked us. It wasn't the blue or the red, but it seemed like

they were targeting us. What a troublesome group.  

    But let's put that aside for now. While this is a serious matter, I'm most worried about

other pressing issues.  

    It's about my relationships, not that I'm bullied at school or anything. The guys at Seitetsu

Academy I attend, while hilariously passionate, are pretty laid -back, so I've never had any

issues like that.  

    That's not important. To be frank, it's about me and the girls around me.  

    ...No, no, no, that might sound incredibly enviable, but please don't be embarrassed and

listen to me. It's actually quite extraordinary.  

    I think it's common knowledge that I like Sakura Kaede. She's an angel, a goddess, a

woman who embodies all the male ideal. Not just me, but the entire school's admiration.  

    If I'm worried about Sakura Kaede, I'll worry as much as I can. Isn't there a Rodin

sculpture? I'd be willing to stay up all night imitating that pose.  

    But that's not a big deal. It's the other girls that bother me.  

    First of all, it's Kondou Mikoto. My childhood sweetheart, a ruins buster. She's been

causing trouble in the Middle East and Central and South America since she was a kid. If she

heard this, she'd be furious, but no matter how you think about it, it's the same. A female

Indiana Jones.  

    This guy suddenly started talking about sexiness, like she's sexy and handsome. It doesn't

matter, anyway, she's interested in sex and erotica. Are they really healthy girls...?  

    Two more questions remain. Shizuku Sangou and Mishima Akane. This is the source of my

troubles.  

    Especially the student council president. Shizuku is a cancer. Calling her a cancer will get

her fanatical fans, the "Shizuku Sangou Scolding Club," beaten up, but other than that, I can't

think of anything else.  

    This happened a while ago. Shizuku took me out, saying it was a date.  

    Logically speaking, that's impossible. Shizuku is known for being incorruptible, or even

aloof. I've never heard of any rumors about her with boys. There are definitely boys who

secretly covet her, but they're all too afraid to make a move. Incidentall y, while I do find her

beautiful, I can't feel anything deeper. It's like when you look at a piece of art and exclaim,

"Oh!"  

    Would you believe a woman like that asking me out on a date? My classmate, Higashida,

said, "The president couldn't possibly care about you," and I completely agree. It's annoying

to share this guy's opinion, but I totally thought we were going to defe at White Kämpfer.

That's generally the case, right? If there's another reason, I'd really like to hear it. And that

woman actually said it was a date.  

    No matter how you think about it, it's fake. While there wasn't actually an enemy attack,

and we ended up visiting the aquarium and eating a lunchbox made by Shizuku, it wasn't a

date. Absolutely not, and I say it's not.  

    But someone actually believed it: Akane. She called me, practically in tears, and berated

me. What was going on? What had I done?  

    But she pointed a gun at me in the library and made me swear a curse word with dire

consequences. This is a long and tedious story, and I'll get to it sooner or later, so for now,

let's leave it at that.  

    After all this, if you ask what I'm trying to say, it's that I'm just unlucky with women.  

    So, wanting to vent this unreasonable pressure, I went to complain to Shizuku.  

    Then the culprit said after hearing what I said.  

    "So,"  

    she was sitting at the table in the small and exquisite president's office, writing something.

I saw a lot of small numbers arranged, probably a budget or something, it doesn't matter.  

    "What do you want me to do?"  

    Shizuku has a pair of very beautiful eyes, like a transparent lake. There are also many M

men who openly say "I want to be looked at by those eyes all day long."  

    "What do you mean, it's all your fault."  

    "Is that so?"  

    "It's all because of you, president, you said it was a date or something, Kondou Mikoto got

angry and Akane started crying..."  

    "Because it was just a date, there's nothing I can do about it."  

    I can't help it. You tricked me out, saying you were taking me to fight the enemy, Kämpfer...

huh? That doesn't seem to be the case. You said it was a date from the beginning.  

    "Face it,"  

    Shizuku said.  

    "Natsuru -san and I are on a date."  

    Uwaaaaaaa.  

    You liar—it's so sad that you can't say that.  

    It was my first date in my teenage years. In kindergarten, Kondou Mikoto used to drag me

around, but that wasn't a date. At most, we just walked across the street.  

    This woman also took my first kiss. She's a rapist, a criminal. Are you even human if you

took my first date? It's terrible, even more despicable than the cannibal doctor in "The

Silence of the Lambs."  

    "You had a great time that day."  

    "..."

    "Natsuru -san seemed to enjoy it too. I was happy."  

    Which signs and how should they be interpreted to lead to this?  

    Is Shizuku enjoying my suffering? A normal guy would have had a heart attack from sheer

joy, but I want to give my purity to Sakura Kaede. The person is completely different.  

    "Not many people get to eat my cooking."  

    "That's right..."  

    "When's the next time?"  

    "What?"  

    "A date?"  

    That again.  

    If I blurt it out now, Kondou Mikoto will sniff something out, and Akane will hear it, and

she'll be scolded over the phone. There's no such high -stakes date, stock trading?  

    Anyway, I decided to warn Shizuku.  

    "Now's not the time for a date, is it?"  

    "Don't you think it feels like high school?"  

    "It's not a question of feelings or not. The president and I... are just normal."  

    "Oh!"  

    She looked surprised.  

    "We kissed like that."  

    Yes, yes, we did kiss... Wait, what do you mean by "like that"?  

    Shizuku was calm. Hey, don't keep me in suspense and then go silent.  

    "We were talking about kissing..."  

    "We're doing it here?"  

    "Isn't this a school?"  

    There's no law against it, but this is a school, the student council office. I wonder what kind

of a commotion it would cause if it got caught.  

    "As long as Natsuru -san and I don't tell anyone, no one will know."  

    "That's not the point!"  

    "You want to spread it? If you don't mind it becoming a rumor, then it's fine."  

    "No...!"  

    "Hey, Natsuru, let's kiss?"  

    Shizuku said, smiling and coquettishly.  

    I was speechless for a moment. I had never expected to hear such sweet nothings from

her. She's more suited to a smooth, robotic voice like a newscaster. I couldn't help but think

she was so cute, which was terrible.  

    If I didn't say something, she'd be playing me around again. While I'm no match for them

with my words, I can still get away with it. Uh... well...  

    "Well, um, President?"  

    "Call me Shizuku."  

    "Compared to that, what about the enemy Kämpfers? Those white ones."  

    "Are you still misunderstanding?"  

    "No, they're right here at school, both first and second year."  

    The white Kämpfers are also students at Seitetsu Academy, and in the women's division.

It's said that Kämpfers tend to be attracted to each other, so this is partly coincidence and

partly destiny.  

    "Yeah."  

    "It's better to fight them."  

    Shizuku's expression changed slightly. To those unfamiliar with her, it would seem no

different than usual, but having been around her so often lately, I've finally gotten to the

point where I can see the difference.  

    "I understand you're worried,"  

    Shizuku said.  

    "But forget it now. Let them be. It'll be fine."  

    That's what she said.  

    Indeed, after that fight at the Italian restaurant, the white ones didn't make any moves.

And thanks to them, I'm even dating Shizuku.  

    "They're also planning to wait for their chance to strike. Maybe the moderators are telling

them not to make any moves yet."  

    "That's an opportunity,"  

    I leaned forward.  

    "If we strike first, we might win."  

    "That's not a good idea."  

    "Why? Wouldn't it be better to settle the outcome sooner rather than later?"  

    "It'll give them a chance."  

    The student council president remained calm, so it seemed I was the only one excited.  

    "Is that so?"  

    "Even if we fight and win here, a new Kämpfer will emerge, repeating the same mistakes.

The more tired we are, the more disadvantaged we are."  

    "...I see."  

    "So timing is crucial. We need to win in one go."  

    Hmm... As expected of Shizuku, she's thought this through. I don't have that kind of three -

dimensional, forward -thinking ability. While calmness is a factor, it's also a perfect blend of

experience and intuition. If we're not talking about dating, I ca n still respect her.  

    "This is really troublesome."  

    "The key is whether you can see through the situation at this time."  

    "It's too difficult for a sophomore in high school."  

    "I'm only a junior in high school."  

    You are special.  

    "If we want to win, we should be more cautious."  

    "Oh... Hey, am I your partner?"  

    Isn't this strange if you think about it carefully? We are different colors.  

    "Yes."  

    Her tone seemed to say, "Why ask such a seemingly obvious question?"  

    "This would also benefit Natsuru -san."  

    "I'm thinking Shiro's side wouldn't be bad either."  

    "Stay with me."  

    I felt like there were layers to this, but I'd better not complain.  

    "So, just keep it as it is?"  

    "Yes, that means we can go on dates whenever we want."  

    "No, no, no, even about that..."  

    She refused to let me change the subject, and I felt Shizuku was very determined. In her

hands, my movements were probably as slow as a snail.  

    I decided to flee the student council office, just in case we made any strange promises.  

    "That's it for now. Call me when you're ready to fight Shiro."  

    "What about a date?"  

    "I can't hear you,"  

    I said, deliberately plugging my ears and turning to leave.  

    "Natsuru -san,"  

    Shizuku's voice rang out.  

    "I really hate giving up something I've set my sights on, and the desire is strong."  

    "..."

    "Remember this."  

    The words pierced my back. Wow, so scary, I felt like I was being torn apart by sharpened

fangs.  

    I left the student council office, closing the door quietly so as not to upset Shizuku.  

    But, well, Shizuku's words weighed heavily on my heart. From the third day on, I'd been

furious at what she'd said. I'm such a wimp, only getting angry when she's not around.  

    I'd yell at my heart's content at home, even though my parents weren't around. It might

bother the neighbors, but it's just one time, so it's not a big deal.  

    "This is awful!"  

    I screamed, then grabbed the cushion rolling across the tatami and started beating it. It

was a horrible disaster for the cushion, but it wasn't a human.  

    "Kondou Mikoto, you idiot! Shizuku, you idiot! Akane... you might be smart, but stop it!"  

    I punched the cushion with lightning speed (self -proclaimed). If this were Earth after

nuclear war, I'd be the heir to the Fist of the North Star.  

    "I want to live a more peaceful and prosperous youth!"  

    "Ahaha, that's impossible."  

    There was laughter.  

    It was the doll on the table. A disgusting thing with an eyepatch over one eye, its guts

hanging out. A Seppuku Tiger from the Entrails Animals series.  

    I've explained several times that the so -called "Entrails Animals" is a series of dolls based

on the capitalist principle of "taking a gamble with a novelty product, and if it wins, the

company won't laugh anymore." I wonder if the designer was drunk, but this product has a

devastating concept: all animals die in horrific ways. The products are disgusting from

beginning to end. It's said that even claimants don't dare approach their company building.  

    And this doll can talk. It doesn't have any vocal system, but it understands human

language. And this guy is the culprit who turned me into Kämpfer.  

    The Seppuku Tiger is still laughing.  

    "Ahahahahaha"  

    "You're so noisy, what a joke."  

    "Natsuru, you've been talking to yourself more lately."  

    I've noticed that myself. My mumbling has increased in proportion to the disaster that's

befalling me. A while ago, while shopping at a convenience store, I remembered what

Shizuku did to me and couldn't help but let out a "Woooa..."  

    "None of your business is mine."  

    "That's true, but I'm still a messenger."  

    Seppuku Tiger was a proxy for the existence of the Moderator. It was it that made me

Kämpfer. I don't know what a Moderator is.  

    "So what if you're a Messenger? I don't have the mental energy to listen to your

nonsense."  

    "In short, it's about you being invited on a date by the President and being complained

about by Miss Akane."  

    "How did you know?"  

    I haven't told it.  

    "So you've been talking to yourself a lot lately. You've been mumbling all that time, but you

can still see the outlines when you connect the dots,"  

    Seppuku Tiger said. Hmm, I see. I guess I need to be more careful next time.  

    "Well, really. You're on a date with the President, so why not be happy?"  

    "It wasn't a date, it was just a coincidence."  

    "No, there are. I experienced it myself."  

    "Natsuru, you're really not going to admit it."  

    "..."

    You idiot. Using the voice of Shizuku, you're bringing up all sorts of things.  

    Even without him telling me, I'm starting to wonder if Shizuku was aiming for a date from

the start. Pretending to date to lure the enemy, that's basically a date.  

    After carefully considering all the possibilities (which wasn't really anything), and then

moving my graying brain around a bit, the word "YUEHUI" surfaced like a nuclear submarine.  

    But I couldn't accept it. Shizuku is a mastermind. She's a high school girl, but she has the

looks of a businesswoman and a surprisingly sharp mind. A woman like that wouldn't ask me

out on a date, right?  

    "...But I think it's the president's plan."  

    "Oh? What plan?"  

    "Uh... Date me, and then..."  

    "And then what?"  

    "..."

    I had no idea. Shizuku's words would probably be something like conquering the universe,

or rather, more conservatively, conquering the world. But how could dating me possibly be

related to conquering the world?  

    "But the president has feelings for me, that's impossible."  

    "I think so too,"  

    the Seppuku Tiger shook its massive head back and forth.  

    "But, as the saying goes, everyone has their own preferences."  

    This doll, as always, said things that irritated others. If it was Sakura Kaede instead of

Shizuku, I might have made strange noises and cut it into pieces with a blade.  

    "I don't want her to like me."  

    "That's fine, she's a beautiful woman."  

    "I'm a man who doesn't judge women by appearance."  

    "It's not about looks, isn't it? You've also changed your attitude based on her composure.

Choosing based on whether she's scary or not is too..."  

    "What do you care? I just like gentle and dignified women. Women who make me feel

comfortable when I talk to them. I only have feelings for Sakura Kaede."  

    "I don't think Sakura Kaede wants your feelings."  

    You're really outspoken.  

    But what you said isn't entirely wrong, which really irritates me. Sakura Kaede keeps her

distance from all boys, including me. Although she treats them all equally and gently, that

certain distance is absolutely unbridgeable.  

    There are exceptions, though. Her attitude towards me, now a Kämpfer woman, is

completely different. I won't think about that now. If I were to worry about even that, my

brain would overheat.  

    "I'll be dating Sakura Kaede sooner or later, so it doesn't matter..."  

    "How dare you have such a shameless thought."  

    "Listen to me, hypothetically, what if the president wants to date me?"  

    "Hypothetically?"  

    "Shut up. But I can't date the president to date Sakura Kaede."  

    "..."

    "That would be dishonest to Sakura Kaede."  

    Even if the target is that robot girl, I have to consider this carefully. It would be very rude.

Sakura Kaede (probably) likes honest boys. I have to be more careful with my words and

actions in daily life.  

    Seppuku Tiger made a sound that sounded neither speechless nor helpless.  

    "Amazing. I don't know if it's your reserve or your thick skin, but I'm surprised."  

    "Hey, you think I'm an idiot."  

    "But this assumes you're dating Sakura Kaede."  

    "Of course, everyone has the right to dream."  

    "Dreams only happen when you're asleep?"  

    You think that's a brilliant point, you say?  

    But after being retorted like that, I was speechless. I'm not good at speaking to begin with.

Kondou Mikoto is good at this kind of improvisation and should be able to say something

more appropriate, but I'm just an ordinary high school student.  

    "Let's put the dream aside for now. What are you going to do about the president?"  

    "Yeah,"  

    I sat on the ground, arms crossed, thinking. Of course, a solution wouldn't immediately

spring to mind.  

    "...If I ignore her, can I pretend this never happened?"  

    "Who knows?"  

    "By the way, is she trying to get between me and Sakura Kaede?"  

    "That's the outcome."  

    "She's the student council president, and you have a terrible personality."  

    "You're just as insensitive, Natsuru."  

    "Did she take the wrong medicine?"  

    "She probably wants you to take it, too."  

    "...Hey, do you hate me?"  

    She's just a doll, why are you so sarcastic? That's a bad personality, definitely not like my

owner (me). Because I have an honest and pure heart.  

    "I don't hate you."  

    "If it's not hate, then it's hatred."  

    "No, no, but I have my own perspective. I'm a doll."  

    He becomes a toy at the right moment.  

    But this guy is exactly what he did. He turned me into a Kämpfer and claimed to be a

messenger, just spying on me. I haven't been fighting much lately, so is it okay for him?  

    "Well, the president's actions always surprise me, that's for sure."  

    "So that's what's going on."  

    "So, is Red Kämpfer really Blue's enemy?"  

    "Who knows? Red and Blue teaming up isn't logical in the first place."  

    Hearing that, a question popped into my mind.  

    "Hey, are you okay?"  

    "What are you talking about?"  

    "You said this situation isn't logical, didn't you? The president took the initiative to have

Red and Blue team up, and then White showed up. Isn't that terrible?"  

    Seppuku Tiger scratched his eyepatch with his short front paw.  

    "That's what I mean."  

    "So steady."  

    I'd told him about White Kämpfer's appearance before, but his reaction was the same.  

    "It's not like the Moderator will contact me or do this or that."  

    "Aren't you sending a report?"  

    "I didn't, but somehow, they're probably looking into my mind."  

    "Like a psychic... Hey, I still haven't figured out where the Moderator is."  

    "Who knows?"  

    It tilted its massive head.  

    "I don't know. Maybe they're not from this world."  

    "Is they dead?"  

    "No, they're from another dimension or something."  

    Why did it suddenly become so sci -fi? Even if it became a Kämpfer, it felt like a sci -fi, even

nonsensical world.  

    "Won't that person in this other dimension be angry about the blue and red teaming up?"  

    "Of course they are, or else the white one wouldn't have appeared."  

    "What will your position be?"  

    "Nothing, stay the same,"  

    it said calmly.  

    "I exist to help you, Natsuru. If the white Kämpfer becomes your enemy, I'll work hard to

defeat the white forces, that's all."  

    "You talk about working hard, but what have you done so far?"  

    "Hurry, please don't expect anything from a doll."  

    It was smiling again, truly a reliable companion.  

    I know it's pointless to expect this guy. Right now, he's just someone to talk to, like a

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva who can answer questions.  

    As expected, there are still many things I need to deal with on my own. Kämpfer is a

fighter, and sooner or later, he'll have a spectacular fight with the white guy. I'm sure that's

when I'll find out.  

    Shouldn't I be prepared to go to the battlefield myself? A suicide note... forget it. Let's

prepare the key lines.  

    First, the entrance scene. Are there any cool lines? I was lost in thought.  

    "Hmm..."  

    "Um... Natsuru?"  

    Seppuku Tiger interrupted my sacred musings.  

    "Shut up, shut up."  

    "Sorry to interrupt your musings."  

    "Since you're sorry..."  

    "What are you going to do about the President?"  

    "Ah..."  

    Oh no, that's right. I was originally fretting about how to face Shizuku, but somehow the

topic changed.  

    It wasn't just Shizuku, Akane, and Kondou Mikoto had to be considered too. Ah —it was

starting to get a headache. And there was no solution at all.  

    "You're reminding me of something I wanted to forget."  

    "That won't work. School starts tomorrow."  

    "I'll go, or rather, please let me go. If I forget, maybe those things won't be real anymore."  

    "That's impossible. Or maybe even if you forget, they'll catch up with you. That's how

reality works."  

    I was actually being lectured by a doll. It was annoying, but it was just as it said.  

    Reality is cruel. Some might say that the troubles amidst a thousand flowers are

unrealistic, but it really is painful.  

    I switched gears and began to ponder my interpersonal relationships. Naturally, no bright

ideas emerged, and I stayed like that until midnight.  

    The next day was sunny. I often wonder if it's sunny whenever I'm feeling down. Is this a

trap set by the weather bureau?  

    A trap should be fought with a trap. I should just take a day off from school! I considered

the idea, but after comparing my attendance record so far, I gave up. Since I was supposed to

attend both the men's and women's divisions, I was already a frequ ent absentee on my

record.  

    Even so, I'm so honest. It's really hot, though. It's not an exaggeration to say it's already

summer. Speaking of summer, summer vacation is the beginning of a student's paradise.

Before that, there's the hell of final exams, like a jailer.  

    Arriving at the men's division of Seitetsu Academy, the bachelors in Class 4, second year, all

exclaimed, "It's so hot!" The heat and humidity from the men made it hard to breathe. The

windows were all open, but with no breeze, it only added to the dis comfort. If the

temperature rose another two degrees, someone would be naked and screaming.  

    "Hey, Natsuru."  

    Higashida, whose brain is always blazing with heatwaves, arrives.  

    "You're so kind of here today! It's so hot I thought you'd take the day off."  

    "So annoying!"  

    He says, but he's right, which is sad.  

    Higashida plops down in the seat in front of me.  

    "It's so hot! Where are you going on your summer vacation?"  

    "You're so anxious!"  

    I've said the same thing before. I envy you for having no worries.  

    "I haven't thought about it."  

    "You're so bored! You have so many things to do, right?"  

    "You just take photos at some idol event or go to some convention to be a hostess."  

    "You also take photos at the beach or amusement parks."  

    "Looks like you'll be caught by the police."  

    "As long as you're sincere, you'll be fine."  

    Personal privacy is certainly exaggerated, but taking photos of tourists at the beach or

amusement parks without restraint will certainly make you suspicious. Swimsuits are for

swimming, after all.  

    "So, Natsuru,"  

    the idiot's tone becomes exaggerated.  

    "This summer, our Bishoujo Research Society is planning an intensive training camp."  

    "Are you crazy?"  

    "We need to train ourselves for the beautiful girls we haven't met yet, and we'd like you to

attend as a special advisor."  

    This guy is out of his mind, and I can't help but observe Higashida's idiotic face. A Bishoujo

Research Society, and then some, but also about self -training? These seemingly unrelated

training camps are so strange. They can't even have a meal together.  

    "What's the training camp for? Hiking in the mountains?"  

    "Hey, hey, hey, are there going to be beautiful women popping out of the mountains? Are

you crazy?"  

    I don't want you to say that.  

    "Find a place to stay, then go to the beach and take pictures. We're trying to save money,

so we're planning to rent a beach cabin."  

    What kind of training camp is that?  

    But it does feel more like a Bishoujo Research Society. I thought we'd be standing under a

waterfall practicing something like "If the four elements are empty, the skirt will look

transparent."  

    "It's very ordinary."  

    "Is that so, please join us."  

    "I don't know how to use a camera."  

    "You are highly regarded, and there's a strong consensus among the first years that 'we

should follow Natsuru -san's example.' Do you want to betray that expectation?"  

    What the hell, what have I done? It's just telling them some information about the girls'

club, giving them feedback on the photo album, and going to the class president's house...

that's quite a lot.  

    "That's it."  

    "I'm not going."  

    "If you don't come, many people will cry."  

    Let them cry.  

    Higashida is still talking about asking me to join or something, but I ignored him. My brain

is going to go crazy if I keep talking to him.  

    I didn't listen to him from the middle, but he kept talking to himself. He really is like an

otaku.  

    "Oh, right, I remember."  

    The change in his tone caught my attention.  

    "What are you doing?"  

    "A girl from the girls' club just came to see you."  

    "Is Sakura Kaede finally going to confess her feelings to me?"  

    "Is that all you know? No, it's the one who came last time, uh, what's her name..."  

    Higashida closed his eyes and pondered.  

    "The girl with no special features."  

    "Kondou Mikoto?"  

    "Kondou Mikoto has special features, right? Let me take a picture of her next time... Who

was that, oh? I'm known as the database of beautiful girls at Seitetsu Academy, but I actually

forgot her name..."  

    "She seems rather unremarkable."  

    "That's a lot like you... I remember you were on the library committee... I remember,

Mishima Akane!"  

    Oh~ Akane. She was indeed very plain before her transformation. Anything's fine, but why

does the thought of "similar to me" make me think of her?  

    "She asked me why?"  

    "I don't know, but after I told her you weren't here, she told me she was in the library. She

seemed very happy."  

    "What do you mean by happy?"  

    "Who knows, maybe she's happy without you."  

    This guy is so mean.  

    Since I've been called, I have to go. Speaking of which, is she happy because she ate

Gingerbread for breakfast?  

    After class, I went to the library.  

    I've explained several times that at Seitetsu Academy, where socializing is like a shelter and

gender relations are strictly regulated, the library is the only area open to both sexes. I

wonder if that's why many students use the library for accommodat ion. I'll also mention that

Akane came to the men's division to exploit her position as a library committee member.  

    If we're going to strictly regulate interactions between boys and girls, why not also control

the library? —this wild idea seems to have been suggested, but past student council

presidents and some conscientious individuals have stopped us. Shizuku is probably on the

students' side, too.  

    At the counter, Akane,  

    "Natsuru -san,"  

    saw me and her expression brightened. Strange, was my hair style strange today?  

    "Please wait, I'll be right there."  

    Not long after, she was right there.  

    We found a seat at the end of the library that wasn't too noticeable and sat down across

from each other.  

    Just as Higashida had said, she was beaming, not unnaturally. It looked like she'd eaten

some shroom mushrooms. Did she win the lottery? I'm so envious.  

    "Natsuru -san, are your studies going well?"  

    she asked. After that date or something, she'd been helping me with a pile of homework at

a nearby library.  

    "Hmm... not bad,"  

    I replied vaguely. I'm sure everyone knows this: when asked for a number and can't think

of a specific number, we often just say "zero." Of course, I haven't studied since then.  

    "You can't do that. Even if it's just a little bit, sticking with it every day is the most

important thing,"  

    she reminded me, smiling. She always seemed in a particularly good mood.  

    "Exams are coming up soon."  

    "I'm so depressed."  

    "You'll be fine, Natsuru -san. Come on."  

    "Come on," is a taboo phrase for those feeling down, though I wasn't feeling down.  

    "Also, after the exam..."  

    She suddenly started to quiver. "What's wrong? Is it itchy somewhere?" My back itches all

the time, and I always try really hard to stop it. I really don't want anyone to see me pushing

my back up and down against the pillar.  

    "Do you want to go somewhere?"  

    "Huh?"  

    I couldn't help but ask. What did you say?  

    "Go play. I'll have a lot of free time, so I was thinking, maybe we can go somewhere..."  

    She could, but Akane was a bit inexplicably lively.  

    Higashida didn't need to tell me Akane was truly a very simple girl. It's embarrassing to say,

but if I were to categorize her, that's how she is. And she gets upset or frustrated over the

smallest things. Especially when facing a formidable opponent l ike Shizuku, she'll remain

submerged, unable to surface, seemingly balancing weights on her hands and feet.

Crouching in the corner suits her perfectly.  

    While her transformation makes her resemble a steam locomotive, she's usually known for

her introversion. Even in the girls' club, I sometimes can't seem to tell where she is.  

    But what's wrong this time? I can't help but ask.  

    "What's wrong this time?"  

    "Because it's a rare vacation."  

    "That's true, but is it with me?"  

    Akane pouted slightly at my words.  

    "Natsuru -san, aren't you dating the president?"  

    "I told you it wasn't a date..."  

    Even I was half -convinced, and naturally, Akane ignored me.  

    "So, it's my turn this time,"  

    Akane said, blushing.  

    "And... Natsuru -san... didn't you say... I'm your type..."  

    I think I said something like that.  

    Of course, my ideal type is Sakura Kaede, reigning supreme with an impenetrable fortress.

I think we learned in history class that "born to be kings," so Sakura Kaede is "the ideal type."  

    But if I had to pinpoint a type besides Sakura Kaede, I'd be clueless. That's where Akane's

answer comes from. Well, maybe it's the type I like.  

    "Hmm... that's what I say."  

    "So... I can invite you too..."  

    Does that make sense?  

    Blushing, she lowered her head and said,  

    "I-I'm ahead of both the president and Kondou Mikoto now... I guess..."  

    I have no idea what you mean by ahead. I think Akane is Akane.  

    It's just a fun trip, so I don't mind. It's not like I'm plotting something like Shizuku, so from

that perspective, it's pretty easy. That time I went to the aquarium with Shizuku, my

shoulders were so tense.  

    "Uh... where should we go then?"  

    "Hey, can we?!"  

    Hey, hey, hey, this is the library, aren't you being too loud?  

    "What's the yes or no? Didn't you invite me, Akane?"  

    "Even so..."  

    "Then I'm not going?"  

    "No, I can't not go!"  

    Akane said tearfully. Oh? Slowly returning to my old self.  

    "N-Natsuru -kun said that I'm your type, so please don't reject me...!"  

    What kind of excuse is that? Is that really the case?  

    "Well, then I won't reject you."  

    "Thank... Thank you."  

    She looked like she was genuinely relieved. What a busy girl.  

    "So where do you want to go?"  

    "Well... this is what I mean,"  

    she said hesitantly.  

    "I... bought a swimsuit..."  

    "Oh~"  

    I agreed. Girls really love spending money on things like this. I wouldn't buy anything

unless I had to.  

    Akane's cheeks puffed up a little.  

    "...a swimsuit."  

    "Yeah."  

    "Aren't you happy?"  

    "Swimsuit... where are we going?"  

    It's not like we're going to hold a parasol on the track. That's what racing models do.  

    For some reason, Akane's mood started to darken.  

    "The beach, or the pool."  

    "The beach?"  

    Higashida also suggested going to the beach. Isn't that popular now?  

    Thinking of this, I suddenly realized that I was the weirdo. Going to the beach in the

summer is a given. If someone says I'm going skiing, I'm right. Except for trips to the

Southern Hemisphere.  

    "The beach"  

    "Let's go swimming together"  

    Well, that's fine too. It's not like I can't swim. When I was a kid, I once drowned in a small

river in the countryside and drifted with the current. My parents say I was dazed after being

rescued. It seems my brain shut down suddenly after the inciden t. It hasn't become a

trauma.  

    "Uh... then when?"  

    I said this when I felt a sharp blow on my back.  

    "Yeah~ Natsuru!"  

    The owner of such a single -celled sound, I knew it was Kondou Mikoto without even

turning around.  

    "Hey, why are you hiding from me?"  

    Her voice was as loud as ever, completely oblivious to the fact that this was a library.  

    "I'm not hiding from you, am I?"  

    "You and Akane, you're definitely hiding from me."  

    Don't make such a statement.  

    What's wrong with you two being in the library? Sure, there are some dishonest boys and

girls, but Akane and I are definitely not like that.  

    Thinking of this, I looked at Akane. For some reason, she was looking away and acting coy.  

    "Hey, cheer up!"  

    I turned around and said to Kondou Mikoto.  

    "What's wrong?"  

    "What? Of course."  

    She seemed smug, even though her attitude was always like that.  

    "What are you planning on doing after your exams?"  

    "I'm planning on being happy."  

    "Fuck you! I'm asking if you're planning on going to Africa to mine diamonds, the Middle

East to drill for oil, or Siberia to mine for uranium."  

    "None of those?"  

    "That's what miners do, right? I'm a high school student."  

    Kondou Mikoto nodded.  

    "So you have a lot of free time then?"  

    "Basically."  

    "Okay, then go play with me."  

    "Huh?"  

    Hey, you too. Is going out and about all the rage this summer? Are there any fashion

magazines featuring it?  

    Kondou Mikoto's brows furrowed.  

    "Why do you sound so reluctant?"  

    "Not really."  

    "Didn't we go on a long trip together when we were little?"  

    That was back in kindergarten, right? And back then, I didn't want to go, so you forced me

to hide in the truck bed, didn't you? I was so scared I was about to cry, but you were giggling.

I almost died of despair on the highway.  

    "You're not a kid anymore."  

    "Then go play with me."  

    What's going on? You're probably just thinking about "playing." You'll probably make up

the reasons later.  

    "Going out..."  

    "So why do you sound so reluctant?"  

    "Not reluctant, it's like this."  

    I was about to say that someone had asked me out before you, but Akane suddenly said,  

    "Um, um, Natsuru -san said he doesn't want to go out."  

    "Huh?"  

    Kondou Mikoto made a strange sound. Akane's sudden words probably startled her.  

    "Natsuru -san said he wants to stay home after the exams... He's been fighting all the time

since becoming a Kämpfer, and he's tired."  

    "You're so happy, how could you be tired?"  

    I think you're the only one enjoying this.  

    Why did Akane say that? I have no intention of staying home at all.  

    "So, so... Natsuru -san... can't go out with Kondou -san... probably..."  

    The ending was vague, but I could still understand what she meant. It seemed like my

going out was restricted by others.  

    "Really?"  

    "It's true... I guess..."  

    "Oh~"  

    Kondou Mikoto gave me a sidelong glance.  

    "What? You don't want to go out and play with me so you stay home?"  

    "How did it come to this?"  

    "That's the only way I understand it."  

    "Hey, hey, hey, after I finish my exams..."  

    I was about to explain but was interrupted by Akane,  

    "Stay home, right...!"  

    Both Kondou Mikoto and I focused our eyes on her. Akane wavered for a moment, but

continued,  

    "Because Natsuru -san is planning to stay home, Kondou Mikoto -san... well... better give

up..."  

    "What do you mean give up..."  

    "Ah, the bell rang, it's time to go back to the classroom. I'll say goodbye first..."  

    Akane said that and then realized that the bell had indeed rung and I had to go back to the

classroom too.  

    Akane hurried away and I stood up as well.  

    "Wait a minute, Natsuru -san, is what Akane said true?"  

    "It's not really true."  

    "What do you mean?"  

    "Well, we'll talk about it later."  

    After answering like that, I also started to walk towards the boys' school building. Anyway, I

gave an ambiguous answer first, just to check my statement with Akane.  

    There was no special reason.  

    Kondou Mikoto put her hands on her hips. It was really suspicious that the two of them

suddenly walked away from me. If she still didn't suspect it at this time, then this person

must have Peruvian alpine plants growing on her head.  

    Class had indeed started, and she had to go back. She thought: I'll question him later, so

she was about to leave the library.  

    "Looks very leisurely."  

    "Suddenly there was a voice,"  

    said Shizuku, the student council president, who was walking down the stairs. Kondou

Mikoto said.  

    "President, you are the one who is going to be late for class, right?"  

    "We can make it now,"  

    said Shizuku. This woman who was like a precision machine said so, so it must be true.  

    Kondou Mikoto walked towards the first -year girls' school building, and for some reason

she was with Shizuku, going in the same direction.  

    Shizuku looked ahead and said,  

    "It's rare to see Kondou Mikoto -san in the library."  

    "Really?"  

    "What happened?"  

    "Nothing, it's just..."  

    At this point, Kondou Mikoto covered her mouth. This was clearly Shizuku's trick. She must

have sensed something. The student council president next to her wouldn't make any

unnecessary moves, and returning to the classroom together wasn't a coincidenc e. She must

have planned it after seeing me on the stairs.  

    "Can you please stop being silent? I don't have time."  

    "...What are you trying to do with me?"  

    "Not using me, just asking."  

    "...Natsuru is in the library."  

    Kondou Mikoto readily gave up her silence. Even if she insisted on not speaking, she would

still be questioned after school.  

    "Is he alone?"  

    "Akane is here too."  

    "Two of us. That's a bit..."  

    "Yeah...I think so too. Anyway, I want to meet Natsuru because I want to ask him out after

his exams."  

    "Oh, are you trying to jump the gun?"  

    "What do you mean by jumping the gun... President, aren't you going on a date with

Natsuru?"  

    Kondou Mikoto suddenly remembered and raised her voice.  

    Shizuku's expression remained unchanged, the same as usual.  

    "Yeah, what's wrong?"  

    "Well... well, it wasn't Natsuru, it was Akane who answered, saying Natsuru didn't want to

go out."  

    Since class was about to start, Kondou Mikoto spoke succinctly.  

    Shizuku, the type who could draw inferences from one instance, immediately grasped the

situation.  

    "Where are they planning to go?"  

    "I see, Akane, you're such a fool!"  

    Kondou Mikoto exclaimed indignantly.  

    "Why are they hiding it? Do they really want them to be together?"  

    "It wasn't Natsuru -san, it must have been Mishima Akane who invited them."  

    "Hmmmm, she's quite proactive."  

    "That's really annoying,"  

    Kondou Mikoto thought. "That's really annoying," she thought. "Annoying" didn't sound

like something Shizuku would say. Unlike her judgmental nature, Shizuku would also show

her feelings.  

    "Are you going to stop it?"  

    "No,"  

    she denied readily.  

    "Hey—then will you let them go on a date!?"  

    "Would Kondou Mikoto -san be okay with that?"  

    "How could that be? It really annoys me that you're hiding this and that from me."  

    "Yes."  

    Why did she seem so indifferent? She had no idea if she was truly jealous. Was the

emotion she showed just now an illusion?  

    "Ah, when are they going to go?"  

    "We'll know if we investigate."  

    "How?"  

    Although she asked that, since it was Shizuku, it should be easy for her to find the clues.  

    "Are you still going to stop it?"  

    "I said I wouldn't, but... by the way, there are coincidences."  

    "Yes, there are."  

    "It's possible that this 'coincidence' happens on a specific date."  

    That wouldn't be a coincidence. Kondou Mikoto was about to say this, but Shizuku ignored

her. She walked straight towards the third -grade school building.  

Translator's Notes

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

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