Kämpfer:Volume 9.5 Chapter 1

Volume 9.5 Chapter 1  

    Chapter 1  

    As everyone knows, although I, Natsuru Senou, am a high school student, I live alone. My

father was transferred to a faraway place, and my mother, who is still very loving at heart,

also followed him. Occasionally, they'd call me, but instead of expres sing concern, they'd

often say things like, "Do whatever you like." While it's still better than a bad relationship, it's

not something you should tell your children.  

    Living alone is fun, but problems do arise. My bank account still has a balance on the

electricity bill, and my food expenses come from my parents' remittances. I get pocket

money from time to time, and after deducting the food expenses, I have enough for my own

spending. Lately, eating curry a lot has slightly increased that amount.  

    The real problem is that even if I maximize my pocket money, it's quickly gone after a short

outing. I don't know what my parents think, but aside from the amount they don't allow me

to spend recklessly, I never receive any extra money. While I think i t's the right thing to do,

they should also be concerned that I'll need to buy medicine from the pharmacy and give me

more. So  

    , I only carry a very small amount of cash, and even though the second semester has only

just begun, I'm already running low.  

    One day, I was in the second -year, fourth -grade classroom at Seitetsu Academy. I took a

deep breath as I checked my wallet.  

    "Gone."  

    My wallet had long since been completely empty. While not completely empty, it barely

held a hundred and sixty yen. That's the starting price for a subway fare. I'd probably be

considered a "poverty -stricken idiot with only this much money," but this i s the reality of

living alone. When things get this bad, there's no one to rely on, and I don't even have

siblings or anything like that.  

    I looked at my wallet again, and it was the same no matter how many times I looked at it.

I'd been in this predicament since going to Gunma and the theme park during summer

vacation, so it's no wonder my wallet was so light.  

    At times like this, I can feel the insecurity in my life. Living without money is like bungee

jumping without a lifeline.  

    Now, being a woman exacerbates this anxiety. I forgot to mention that I'm also known as a

Kämpfer, a being who exists for battle, and when I transform, I become a woman. Normally,

I'd just assume I could remain a man, but I'm enrolled in the women's di vision, so not

attending isn't an option.  

    As a man, the dangers of being a woman are incredibly frustrating. Being a man doesn't

mean I can't do anything about it. If I stayed in the boys' club, I'd be able to survive no matter

what.  

    "What should I do..." "  

    Not even being able to buy juice is really too cruel." Technically, I can still afford it, but

after buying it, I only have a tiny bit of money left. I really don't want to face that daunting

amount.  

    I actually tried to borrow money from Akane Mishima. But during lunch break, she was in

the library instead of in the classroom. As a library committee member, I just need to do my

job appropriately, but she loves books so much that she's particularly enthusiastic.  

    "Oh, what's wrong?"  

    I looked up. There was the class president. She was a talented girl from Class 4, Grade 2 of

the girls' club, and she was also a bit of a scheming woman. It seems she was chosen simply

because "she looks good with glasses," but as if that's in line with her nature, she's doing her

job very well. There's a long -standing rumor that she devised a plan to generate huge profits

during the cultural festival. This is a nightmare for me.  

    I wasn't about to answer her, but she pressed on.  

    "Anything's bothering you, okay?"  

    "No, nothing..."  

    I replied evasively. A little fib is perfect at a time like this, because I'd know what else to do.  

    "No, no, I just saw Natsuru -san worried about something."  

    Another voice came from behind the monitor. It was the vice -monitor. This girl wasn't very

tall, but she acted like an older man. Not "uncle," but "uncle." She usually sang "Kawachi's

Uncle Song" at karaoke just to be funny. Could that even be consider ed a girl's signature

song?  

    "Is there something bothering you? I know that smell."  

    How could she know? A woman like a greedy wolf.  

    Anyway, I shook my head .  

    "Nothing..."  

    "Oh, looks like you're right,"  

    the vice -monitor's eyes gleamed with a strange glint .  

    "Is there something wrong? A problem, right? We can talk  

    about it." What kind of intuition was this? It hit the spot.  

    Talking to them here wouldn't be a serious matter. I knew it. Not only did the vice -monitor

act and talk like an older man, but her actions were just as disgusting.  

    "Come on, come on, tell me."  

    "No..." I refused, never admitting it. "There's nothing wrong, so..."  

    "Just because you claim there's no problem doesn't mean there isn't one."  

    The third girl who spoke was the class accountant. She was the quickest -witted person in

the class and the one who never stopped talking about money. She also kept a calculator

with her when she walked, but it seemed like this was already her third cal culator. What kind

of student would use a calculator to the point of breaking it?  

    "I've already deduced the conclusion," the accountant said, emitting a terrible smell.

"Senou -san is having financial difficulties, or what's called a debt."  

    "Eh..."  

    "Oh my, you're right." The vice -class monitor smiled with satisfaction. The accountant

continued,  

    "Senou -san went to many places during the summer vacation. Gunma Theme Park. They're

all expensive places. And if she's sighing because the break is over, there's only one answer."  

    "…………"  

    It hit the nail on the head, and I couldn't even make a sound.  

    "Well, actually, I only witnessed Senou -san peeking into her wallet."  

    What? You're so surprised. But the truth won't change. Exposing my weakness in front of

these three people puts me in the same position as someone whose child is being held

hostage.  

    "You're out of money, aren't you?" the monitor said, adjusting the frame of his glasses. "In

that case, I have a great plan."  

    "No."  

    "Oh, why?"  

    "Because it definitely won't turn out well."  

    This was a very real feeling. The previous time I was made a maid and worked as a laborer

at the monitor's sister's house, it was a truly devastating situation.  

    "It'll be okay this time."  

    What does "it'll be okay this time" mean? Trying to reassure someone without even telling

them the details is just a pyramid scheme. I've read about it in books.  

    "Natsuru, you're out of money, right? In that case, I'll offer you a way to make money."  

    "...You just want me to be a maid, right?"  

    "Not a maid, and my sister was perfectly happy back then."  

    It's different, but we can't be careless.  

    The monitor pulled out his student handbook, a memo tucked inside.  

    "How about a well -paying job?"  

    "...As expected, it's about entertaining guests." He  

    refused to do anything like making tea as a maid.  

    "Not a maid or waitress, just a regular part -time job."  

    The monitor glanced back at the notepad several times.  

    "I'm sorting out the warehouse at an acquaintance's place."  

    "Huh?"  

    It was a decent, unpretentious job, and I was a bit bewildered.  

    "Actually, I have a relative who runs a company." Is  

    that okay? If you need help, you've got plenty.  

    "The warehouse is overstocked, and I need to sort it out, but I don't have anyone to help."  

    "That's it?"  

    "Yes, it's pretty easy, isn't it?"  

    So, taking on clients is pretty easy, too. I thought I'd definitely be thrown into a cabaret

club this time, but now I'm not discouraged. Although I hadn't originally decided to do part -

time jobs, I was still surprised.  

    "Goods...?"  

    "Just some leftover inventory and sorting incoming goods."  

    "Look for people in part -time job magazines..."  

    "If you know someone working with you, you don't have to worry about crossing the line."

He

    must be worried about the goods being stolen. It's not bad to just follow her instructions.  

    What should I do? The monitor asked, and the part -time job pay is 10,000 yen a day. For

someone like me with very little money, it's quite attractive. Getting 10,000 yen with just

these requirements is already quite rare. And you're not earning it as a  woman.  

    "It's not bad if you do it," the squad leader said. She could say anything, but there wasn't a

hint of responsibility in her words.  

    "Yeah, that's the kind of work you do when you're broke. And our job description won't be

wrong," the accountant said. The line itself was deeply flawed, but I doubt the job would

actually turn out that way. After much  

    hesitation, I finally nodded and agreed,  

    "I'll do it..."  

    "Don't worry," the squad leader said. "I was wondering what I'd do if you refused."  

    "Why?"  

    "I've introduced it to other girls, but they all backed off after hearing the job description.

Now I don't know where to stand..."  

    "Huh?"  

    "No, nothing." "  

    That would be great if nothing happened. Why did you hear such bad things? "  

    Even though it was lunchtime, I was the only one around me who was strangely quiet. The

squad leader remained silent, the accountant wasn't talkative to begin with, and the vice -

squad leader was smiling all the time. A sense of unease in my chest began  to lift its crooked

neck. I couldn't help but ask.  

    "Um..."  

    Just then, a voice came from behind me.  

    "Natsuru -san..."  

    Turning around, it was Akane Mishima. It seemed her work as a library committee member

was over.  

    She was wearing glasses, as usual; she loved books after all. While there wasn't necessarily

a connection, it was clear that girls with glasses loved books.  

    Glasses = books —perhaps it was a sign. Akane Mishima also loved books and other things.

So, she must have loved the library and done a lot of library committee work.  

    But that was her pre -transformation self. After becoming Kämpfer, she became a troll, as if

the whole world was against her. It was unbelievable.  

    Never mind, it wasn't a big deal. Akane Mishima's expression was devoid of any anxiety or

doubt.  

    "What's going on?"  

    "No, nothing..."  

    "No one's talking..."  

    I had no choice but to explain,  

    "It's about the part -time job..."  

    "Hmm..."  

    "Selling Natsuru -san's body."  

    It wasn't selling, it was simply providing labor for a fair reward. Marx and Engels would be

furious.  

    "It's a job we introduced," the squad leader said. "Since Natsuru is out of money, is Akane

Mishima coming too?"  

    "Eh..." She glanced at me furtively. "But as for me, it's a bit strenuous..."  

    So, if I transform into a Kämpfer, I can exert several times the physical strength of an

ordinary person, so when I work, I can just transform into my form and it will be fine.  

    Oh no? What should I do in that case? If I take the job as a woman, won't I have to work in

a woman's body? I didn't think of such a simple thing. Even I feel so stupid.  

    "You will have to move some goods, but it's not a very difficult job." The squad leader said.

"Since it's a job for girls, do you have to do it?"  

    "Eh... um..."  

    Akane Mishima looked at me, wondering what she wanted to do.  

    Not getting an answer, she sighed. "No... forget it."  

    "Okay then, Natsuru -san, come to this place this Sunday and gather at nine in the

morning."  

    The monitor handed me a note with instructions and a phone number written on it.  

    I agreed and took it. Akane Mishima looked somewhat disappointed.  

    "Akane Mishima wants to be invited by Natsuru -san,"  

    she seemed to say something else, but coincidentally, the ringtone rang, and I heard

nothing.  

    That morning, my eyes were wide open at 7:00 AM. Although I'm usually a sleepyhead, I

can't be late for anything involving money. It's not uncommon for me to leave a bad

impression.  

    I grabbed my breakfast (curry), quickly changed, and headed out. I couldn't get to my

destination without taking the subway. I had to follow the instructions on the note. It  

    was a bit frustrating, having to go to work as a woman. The monitor had probably already

contacted them, and if I suddenly showed up as a man, they'd be surprised. The problem

was, transforming into a woman seemed non -negotiable. It seemed like it only  allowed

people I knew, which wasn't a good development. Since I was originally a man, I felt a bit

awkward.  

    I rode the subway's starting ticket all the way to my destination, a warehouse street near

the port.  

    The sight of several massive, triangular -roofed warehouses lined up side by side was truly

spectacular, some constructed of solid concrete. The cargo entrance was also quite solid, so

it must be a cold storage facility.  

    I followed the address written on a note, but it was hard to tell the buildings apart because

they all looked the same.  

    I was almost exhausted from walking, and just as I was about to call to ask, I found it.  

    A metal sign on the building read "Tanakayama Industry." Why is it Tanakayama on a

relative's company? The team leader's name doesn't seem to be the same.  

    I peeked into the modular building next to the warehouse, said, "Excuse me for bothering

you," and explained my situation. A middle -aged woman, presumably a clerk, said, "Part -

time workers, this way," and led the way.  

    She led me to the large warehouse next door. The ceiling was surprisingly high, and the

temperature was the same as outside. Even in this stuffy, stagnant place, there wouldn't be

much air circulation.  

    The person waiting was a young woman.  

    "Are you Senou? I heard about you from that girl."  

    "Yes, please advise."  

    The extra attention made me feel uneasy. The atmosphere was very similar to the one I

had with the class monitor's sister before. Young businessmen all have the same style.  

    "The job description was explained, didn't you hear it?"  

    "It's just sorting."  

    "Yes, we have a bit too much inventory right now, so I need to sort it out. It's not hard

work, don't worry. We'll use a forklift if necessary."  

    I'm Kämpfer, so even if it requires hard work, I'm not afraid. How such a large space could

be built with human labor is hard to imagine. It's not the construction site of the pyramids, is

it?

    "Hey, what kind of goods are those?"  

    "It's right there  

    ," the woman pointed. There were so many things piled up inside that it was impossible to

tell what they were from here.  

    "Senou and another person took on this sorting job."  

    "Oh, anyone else?" It seemed like there was no one else here today except me.  

    "Yes, I should be here soon."  

    Then, outside, there was the sound of hurried running, followed by a heavy fall.  

    The door opened.  

    "S-sorry, I'm late, really..."  

    The other person was practically in tears. It was none other than Akane Mishima, and I was

startled.  

    "Akane Mishima... Akane Mishima..."  

    "Yes... I'm here."  

    "Didn't you say you wouldn't work part -time?"  

    "That was originally the plan... but I wanted to be alone with Natsuru, so..."  

    She said this, enduring the pain in her body. I don't think being with just me and her is fun.

What an incredible girl.  

    "You're Mishima, right?"  

    the woman confirmed, and Akane Mishima nodded.  

    "Yes."  

    "Are you injured? Should we call a doctor?"  

    "No... not really, so there's no need."  

    There were scrapes near my knee, but if it wasn't broken, it would be fine.  

    The woman seemed relieved. It would be very troublesome to come here to work and get

injured.  

    "Everyone's here, please come this way."  

    We were led to a mountain of merchandise. Our mouths dropped open as we took in the

sight, speechless. What the heck was this? This amount was probably more than anything I'd

ever seen before.  

    Akane Mishima was just as bewildered as I was.  

    "I forgot to mention, our company recycles toys," the woman explained. "Department

stores and shopping malls wholesale toys, so there's bound to be some leftovers. There's a

lot of stuff here, and it's a real hassle to deal with."  

    "…………"  

    "Only half of it's sold, so it's like it's just sitting here. While that's a flaw in my opinion, we

can't let it take up space anyway."  

    "…………"  

    "Even though there's a lot of variety, they're all handmade by the same manufacturer.

Amazing  

    , isn't it?" "Um..." I finally managed to utter a word. "All of this?"  

    "Yes," the woman nodded dramatically. "All of it is animal entrails."  

    Before us lay a mountain of stuffed animal entrails.  

    Even after a while, Akane Mishima and I couldn't recover from the overwhelming shock.  

    I'm curious about this. The so -called "viscera animals" are these perverted products

produced by toy manufacturers. Because they're quite scary, they're considered sacrificial

goods, something only those in the know know about. The scariest part is the  design

concept. They all have the "viscera exposed" theme. While they're made of ordinary, cute

animals, they're all rendered as corpses. No matter how smart they are, they probably

wouldn't have the same idea as the manufacturer's president. These things  are still being

produced.  

    While horror items are generally incredibly popular, these don't seem to have that kind of

appeal. No one wants to collect them, and online auctions keep them incredibly low. The

product displays and presentations, even at the request of the manufactur er to elicit tears,

are a sad reminder of the product.  

    Compared to happiness, this thing has truly succeeded in bringing tragedy to others, no

less abominable than chemical weapons. It's said that in the same industry, not mentioning

animal offal is considered etiquette. Powerful companies truly are unstop pable.  

    I picked up the product at hand. Hmm, the smell is awful. It might be a giraffe with its head

severed, but it's hard to believe it's anything other than damaged merchandise.  

    "Please sort this out," the woman said, forcing herself to avoid looking at the pile of dolls.

"Don't worry if you can't finish it today. I'm just giving you a goal."  

    "But...but how exactly do you want to sort it out?" Akane Mishima demanded. "For books,

we can use the library classification system, but..."  

    "After all, it's impossible to be so -called appropriate, but please separate the items that

can be sold from those that can't."  

    Ugh, I was speechless. I guess Akane Mishima felt the same way.  

    "That...we don't know, because we're not experts in this area."  

    "Oh, but that kid said you two know a lot about animal offal products."  

    What's going on? The squad leader said something nonsensical again. Incidentally, if I were

to say I know a lot, I'd say it's quite detailed. After all, we have our own viscera dolls.  

    It's not that I have any particular fondness for them, but they were given to us by Kaede

Sakura, so I can't bear to throw them away. Also, since these guys claim to be messengers,

I'm really troubled as to what to do with them. This has been mentioned  before, so I'll omit

the details here.  

    Besides these things, I do know about merchandise other than dolls. Since Kaede Sakura is

a collector, I've really tried to find something to talk about with her. This kind of effort

returning in this way is probably karma.  

    "I heard that many students at Star Iron Academy have viscera, and since there aren't any

takers for this part -time job, I asked them to recruit."  

    This is probably because Kaede Sakura distributes them indiscriminately, so the ownership

rate is naturally quite high.  

    "It seems everyone turned them down, but I heard someone did take them, so I'm

relieved."  

    If I'd known that was the case, I'd probably have refused too. After all, these are animal

viscera, and viscera are the kind you eat at a barbecue restaurant, not something you'd find

appealing.  

    "Please put the ones that can still be sold over there." She pointed in the direction of a

large storage bin. "Those that can't be sold... there's nothing we can do about them, so just

leave them there,"  

    I asked. "Are you going to get rid of them?"  

    "Still hesitating. I'll be cursed if I just throw them away."  

    This feeling is understandable, and I think most Japanese people would understand.  

    "If we just leave it like this, the situation will stay the same, it won't get any better."  

    The truth is clear. While there were some errors in management judgment, there was

nothing we could do about it.  

    "Then I'll take care of it," the woman said, leaving the warehouse.  

    It was just Akane Mishima and I, and before us lay a mountain of animal offal.  

    "Uh... Akane Mishima, calm down?"  

    "No... not that calm. Just thinking about all this makes my head spin..." "  

    Is that so..."  

    It was probably because of her dislike for the existence of offal. The employee, brought

into the office by a female employee at a certain company, suffered from constant headaches

and dizziness. It might be just an urban legend, but I'm afraid this is  a place where people

tend to believe it easily.  

    "But... just sitting there won't do any good, let's get started."  

    "Yes..."  

    We reluctantly tackled the mountain of animal entrails.  

    It was quite a lot, after all. While the quantity was certainly large, the variety was also

countless. There were pencil models and game software. From catalogs to daily necessities

like plates and cups, art sets, and even small bags for toddlers. What  

    I'm holding now is the "Entrails Animal Transformation Set," supposedly integrated with

animal entrails. Wow, could it be made with real entrails?  

    Buying so much is truly incredible. Were they forced to buy it because I didn't want

anything? It's like a lousy turtle ghost. (A kind of playing card game.)  

    Anyway, I tossed the "Entrails Animal Transformation Set" aside as unsaleable. Who would

want to transform into an entrails animal?  

    Akane Mishima, with a grim expression, sorted the merchandise. Before she transformed

into Kämpfer, her mental endurance wasn't strong, so it must have been quite difficult for

her.

    "Akane Mishima, are you okay?"  

    "Yes, I feel nauseous, but since I'm with you, Natsuru -san..."  

    Am I a hangover cure?  

    "Hold it in... I can hold it in..."  

    Akane Mishima muttered to herself, her hands never stopping. Was it some sense of

obligation?  

    I had to do it, after all, it was about money. I wanted the part -time job pay.  

    Correction: I was completely busy. Anyway  

    , it's really annoying. It's not just this warehouse; there are many places like this in Japan. It

seems they export it overseas, too. There must be many people in the world with the same

tragic experiences as us. Doesn't Japan export weapons?  

    "Who would expect something like this..."  

    Akane Mishima muttered to herself.  

    "Students at our school have it."  

    "That being said... so there are books about animal entrails in the library." "  

    Is it an illustrated guide or something?"  

    "No... it's a novel. It was made into a novel, but it seems the author got bored midway

through and only wrote one volume before it was discontinued. The postscript reads, 'I'm

traveling, please don't come looking for me. '" "."  

    The author cannot be considered guilty. He is too pitiful.  

    "Why is it in the library?"  

    "It was donated by Kaede Sakura."  

    It really cannot be thrown away. Never mind the contents, it is a donation. It must be kept

at least until Kaede Sakura graduates.  

    "This series should have expanded from dolls."  

    "Although it was originally called "THE viscera."  

    "Speaking of dolls, most girls like them, but why do they have to be made like this? There

should be a limit..."  

    "Hmm..."  

    There were already many problems, and probably all the relevant personnel, from

marketing consulting companies to retailers, were tied together.  

    It's truly bizarre that something like this can even be sold on the market. Is it the old

Japanese habit of being afraid to tell the truth?  

    "Besides Kaede Sakura,  

    are there any other people who like this?" "Well... it seems so."  

    Akane Mishima looked very surprised.  

    "Is that so?"  

    "I heard from Higashida that someone at another high school is collecting it. It's a private

school called "Rakurowa High School,"  

    I replied. Of course, I've never heard of any other collectors. It's okay if there aren't any.

The misfortune is probably limited to a certain area.  

    Akane Mishima's eyes widened.  

    "That's really strange..."  

    "She seems like a stalker."  

    Putting something in a shoebox is a crime, so if she's arrested, there's nothing to say.  

    "There are busybodies everywhere..." "  

    Though I don't know if there are other examples."  

    We talked as we began to search. This job was perfect for chatting while working, since it

was just the two of us.  

    I picked up another item, a children's toy. It was called "Animals with Internal Organs." It

says, "Let's paint these viscera beautifully." But wouldn't that be detrimental to one's moral

development?  

    There aren't just one or two books here, but whole bundles piled there. They look

incredibly beautiful thanks to the dust. Is this really a slow -moving item?  

    It's something that can't be sold, so that's fine. But where should I put these "viscera

animal drawings"? I've never seen them before.  

    ...This is fake. Actually, I've seen them before, and it was quite recently.  

    "That...there are quite a lot of them, more than Kaede Sakura's..."  

    "Maybe,"  

    I replied. Actually, I've seen these drawings in Kaede Sakura's collection room in her

apartment. They were neatly arranged inside the glass doors of a bookcase.  

    "I think it would be better if Kaede Sakura did it instead of us..."  

    "But then they'd definitely all be sold, and there wouldn't be any need to sort them out."  

    "That's true..."  

    Kaede Sakura, who has been our topic of conversation for a while now, is one of the few

viscera animal collectors in Japan. While there aren't many others, there are definitely many

who collect these kinds of things.  

    Her collection is truly astonishing. She proclaims, "I love offal!" And not only that, she's

collected practically every product related to it. She seems to find she's incredibly happy

simply being surrounded by offal. Everyone has their own preference s. It's not surprising for

ordinary people to have their hearts frightened.  

    "If Kaede Sakura saw this, she'd be beaming with joy."  

    "Maybe."  

    She's right. Hell would be better for us, but for her, it must be heaven. How could there be

a paradise in this warehouse district of the harbor?  

    If it were any other time, I'd definitely call Kaede Sakura right now and ask, "Would you like

to come see offal?" Even for her, who always refuses invitations from men, this would surely

work. She'd probably rush over in a taxi.  

    But I didn't. Of course, there was a reason.  

    "You could ask her to come, but..."  

    "Kaede Sakura is our enemy now, so..."  

    Akane Mishima said. Exactly. Kaede Sakura and we are now enemies. I hate to admit this,

but it's come to this. Of course, she could be coerced, and I could just rescue her from her

predicament and create a perfect ending. But no one supports that.  

    "But we accepted the invitation to visit Kaede Sakura's hometown."  

    It's a secret code for repairing our relationship. I think so.  

    "Couldn't it be a trap?" "  

    How could that be? How could someone so beautiful set a trap?"  

    "Precisely because she's beautiful, she sets a trap. The president does the same."  

    While the student council president might be a possibility, Kaede Sakura wouldn't do such

a thing.  

    "Kaede Sakura is dangerous, Natsuru -san. Didn't you get into danger because of her?"  

    "Did that happen?"  

    I turned away. I'm a person who forgets things I don't like.  

    "That's it."  

    For some reason, Akane Mishima's voice was high -pitched.  

    "Natsuru -san got into danger because of her. If I didn't be more careful with Kaede

Sakura..."  

    "No, how could someone as beautiful as her do that?"  

    "Just, just say that..."  

    Even after you said that, that was all I could think of. I don't intend to lag behind in my

admiration for Kaede Sakura. Being able to admire a beauty like that makes me incredibly

happy. Although, those feelings have been wavering lately.  

    "Akane Mishima, do you think Kaede Sakura is beautiful?"  

    "Though... I do..." "Isn't that  

    better?"  

    "Not at all... Natsuru -san, you're always talking about Kaede Sakura..."  

    "Because it's my life value."  

    "I guess you could change your life value to something else."  

    "For example?"  

    "Hmm... like me..."  

    Her face flushed to her ears. If I were to make Akane Mishima my life value, what would I

do? Help me sort the books?  

    Thinking about it, she was also puzzled. She took the trouble to accompany me to the

warehouse to sort out the animal entrails.  

    Sorting out something so appetizing requires immense mental fortitude. I'm not exactly

strong, but since I'm a Kämpfer, I'm holding up. Normally, I would have fainted.  

    Akane Mishima blushed and remained silent, forcing me to concentrate on my work.  

    What's the next product? It's "organ curry." It's clearly a food, so why is it in a place like

this? It says something like, "Enriched with beef offal, good for your health." It seems like a

mistake, but otherwise, packaging it seems a bit difficult.  

    Put it somewhere else. If it's past its expiration date, it's best to throw it away, since it's

food after all.  

    Next up. "Gut Animal Colored Pencils." This is a set of 12 colored pencils. If that were all, it

wouldn't be a big deal, but there aren't any regular colors in it. They're all just colors like

rotting intestines or mold.  

    This one won't sell either. Next up. "Gut Animal's Mysterious Class." At first glance, it looks

like a glass, but when you pour a drink into it, a pattern of a raccoon cat with its entrails

exposed appears. I know this one. It scared a child into a men tal breakdown, and it later led

to a lawsuit. This one won't sell either, with claims looming.  

    Next up. "Gut Animal Kaleidoscope." You know this one without even having to see it: if

you look into the tube, a fantastical scene of animal entrails unfolds before your eyes.

Indeed, it's quite fantastical to be able to see entrails like that. The on ly way to save yourself

is to look away and return to reality.  

    This one won't sell. It's placed at your feet. What's this time? "Real Gut Animal Alarm

Clock." I remember Kaede Sakura's family had one too. It's an alarm clock with a dial

embedded in a red panda's belly. It looks ordinary at first glance, but at the  set time, the dial

opens to reveal its slimy innards. Since it doesn't make any noise, it's completely useless as a

wake -up call. Rather, its stench is its defining characteristic. Kaede Sakura says, "This is a

groundbreaking creation," but even a pigeon clock would coo twice to alert people.  

    Still, it's really hard to find anything decent. While it shouldn't exist, I never imagined it

would be this outrageous. I should really salute their planning skills for being able to produce

so many of these things. That's not the point.  

    I looked up from the pile of terrifying merchandise.  

    "Akane Mishima, how's things going over there?"  

    "Yeah... I don't think any of that will sell..."  

    That's true. Any normal person would think so.  

    "What kind of things are there?"  

    "There are pillows, seat covers, and things like that... chair cushions and things like that."  

    "I feel like Kaede Sakura has some of those, too."  

    "Hmm... even bath towels and shampoo bottles."  

    "Shampoo bottles?"  

    "It's in the shape of a fox. I think if you press the head, the shampoo comes out of its

stomach, and the exposed intestines probably act as a conduit... Would you mind explaining

it in more detail?"  

    "No, that's fine."  

    I'd already lost faith in this world.  

    After that, we continued sorting. There were too many, and somehow there were so many

different kinds. Maybe they thought making more would sell more? I guess everyone who

bought them died. But now I'm the one dying.  

    I picked up the "organ animal calendar." It was an annoying amount. I took a quick look; it

was from five years ago. Calendars are supposed to expire after a certain year, but to keep

making something that can't even sell takes a lot of heart. Are they  trying to avoid feeling

empty?  

    Akane Mishima sorted the DVDs to my right. Wow, this is the legendary OVA, right? There

are several anime about visceral animals, but this one, "Space Visceral," is famous for its

visceral spaceships flying between the stars. It's so sinister that it s eems no anime magazines

have featured it. And since the staff apparently all fled mid -run, the latter half is filled with

zoo documentaries.  

    Akane Mishima staggered up a mountain of DVDs (like a staircase).  

    "Are you okay...?"  

    "It's okay... Ah!"  

    Just then, her foot slipped and she was about to fall.  

    I rushed over.  

    "Ahhhhhh!"  

    She fell right above me.  

    I reached out slightly and caught her neatly.  

    Her tendons were about to break; even for a girl, a fall from above is a heavy one.

Normally, I wouldn't have been able to catch her properly, but now I'm Kämpfer.  

    "Thank you, thank you..."  

    Her face flushed. Was she shy?  

    "Are you hurt?"  

    "No..."  

    As I'd known before, Akane Mishima seemed like a rather confused girl, the type who'd

often hold up a ballpoint pen and ask, "Where's my pen?" while searching for it. She'd even

frantically exclaim, "All the kitchen utensils are disappearing," while ho lding a kettle in her

right hand and a pot in her left. Even for a satire, this was too extreme.  

    At least she wasn't hurt. She climbed down from my arms.  

    "I'm sorry..." she  

    cringed again.  

    "But, but, Natsuru -san, your body is so soft... You scared me."  

    What was she talking about  

    ? "Is it because I'm a woman now?"  

    "I-I didn't feel that way when I was Kämpfer. Because I had a bad mouth, my body was

probably stiff too."  

    "Is that so?"  

    I couldn't let Akane Mishima in her bulldog mode hear this; she'd definitely punch me in

the face.  

    "But I still hope to be saved by a male, Natsuru -san..."  

    Akane Mishima glanced up at me.  

    "But I think it's because I'm a Kämpfer now that I can save you. If I were a man, I'd

probably have you falling to the ground."  

    "No, that's not the case. I was thinking that if a male like Natsuru could hold you... that

wouldn't be bad..."  

    "That's why it's dangerous."  

    Kämpfer has strength many times greater than that of an ordinary person. Even if it's just a

hypothetical, safety should be prioritized.  

    For some reason, Akane Mishima sagged like a forgotten flower. This girl sometimes gets

like this. I don't know what to say to comfort her.  

    My thoughts swirled around in my stomach, while she sat there listlessly.  

    "Natsuru -san must be thinking... it would be nice if it was the president..."  

    "What...?"  

    "Um... if it was her, holding her..."  

    "You mean that president, right?"  

    "Yes..."  

    "That's impossible."  

    The president we're talking about is Shizuku, the student council president of Seitetsu

Academy. She's a superstar high school student who's incredibly capable, trusted by both

teachers and students.  

    She's also a stunning beauty. Even in casual clothes, she looks like a movie star or a model.

She has many men who admire her. (Seeing her) Of course, my nerves immediately tensed,

thinking, "Could that be some new type of biological weapon?" Her beaut y isn't what I'm

attracted to; it only disgusts me.  

    But I seem to be the only one who thinks so. But now, Akane Mishima is doubting me.

Who said I've given the same explanation so many times?  

    "Even if you say no... it's hard to believe..."  

    Even with you saying that, I can't help it.  

    "Because, didn't the president tell you, 'I like you?'?"  

    "..."

    Ah, why did you remind me of this? I've been targeted by that cold woman. I don't know

what she's been telling me, but now she's desperately trying to seduce me. When I first

enrolled, I never imagined I'd have this kind of connection with the student council

president.  

    Before that, Shizuku told me, "I like you." Incidentally, my childhood friend, Kondou

Mikoto, did the same. Since it's generally a personal choice whether to treat this as a

confession or an arrest, I really wanted to answer, "No." It's impossible for a superstar like

Shizuku and I to be lovers. Has anyone  

    ever said that to me? Beneath her eyes, a look of resentment.  

    "Thinking about the president again..."  

    "No...that's not right."  

    My guess was wrong, but it was close.  

    Tears welled up in Akane Mishima's eyes. Why was she crying?  

    "I, I confessed to you, Natsuru..."  

    "Really?"  

    "Yes...I've always done it...it's just that you didn't notice, Natsuru..."  

    I was completely baffled. And it's no use telling a woman like me.  

    My libido decreases when I become a woman, especially lately. It's not completely gone,

but it's noticeably lower than when I was a man. It's also related to love; it feels like

something from some distant world. Of course, it's okay to keep saying it to Kaede Sakura,

but it's just habit.  

    Anyway, even telling a woman like me would only cause more trouble.  

    "Even if you told me you confessed..."  

    "That's too much. I was trying so hard..."  

    "Is that so...?"  

    "Yes..."  

    Wow, I'm feeling down again for no apparent reason. Is this really my fault?  

    Anyway, I said to her, "Don't be so down."  

    "You don't have to be so down... It's not a big deal."  

    "Why are you talking like it's someone else's business..."  

    "Because I'm Kämpfer now, right..."  

    "Natsuru -san stayed over at the president's house and went on a trip with Kondou Mikoto.

Aren't you always doing that? But you didn't go anywhere with me..."  

    "Didn't you go to the festival?"  

    "Someone was messing with it... "  

    "Didn't you go to the water park too? "  

    "Someone was messing with it there too..."  

    Yeah, that's true. I can't quite remember what Akane Mishima and I did back then.

Thinking about it, there seemed to be Shizuku and Kondou Mikoto as well. We couldn't be

alone together from the beginning, but that didn't seem to have anything to do wit h this.  

    "I'm sorry, I was wrong,"  

    I said to her.  

    "I always feel like it's my fault."  

    "I always feel like..."  

    "Because it's a little hard to explain..."  

    If I'd told her the truth, she'd probably have a look of despair on her face.  

    "I've been wondering if Natsuru -san is a bit of an overreacting person..."  

    "That's a really inappropriate assessment."  

    "Because..."  

    Why?  

    I didn't say anything. I felt like the moment I opened my mouth, the situation would only

escalate. I could still read the atmosphere. It was the same in elementary school, too; the

moment I spoke, the conversation would become silent.  

    Akane Mishima thought for a moment and said,  

    "Um, um, can you stay with me for a while later..."  

    "Huh?" "     Shopping  

    ..."

    "Shopping..."  

    "Oh, no, a date. It has to be just the two of us this time,"  

    Akane Mishima quickly corrected herself. "Isn't a date just shopping?"     "That being said,

since I want to go out with Natsuru -san, a date is more appropriate. Yes, a date,"     she said,

as if to herself. For some reason, she seemed desperate.     " Sure,"     I promised.     "Ah... is

that okay?"     "Yeah."     "Natsuru -san, you haven't dated anyone besides the president and

Kondou Mikoto, have you?"     "No."     Or rather, dating Shizuku is impossible. There's no

record of me dating Shizuku in my memoirs. Such a nightmare hasn't happened yet, and it

won't happen again.     "Then next time... tomorrow's a holiday, right?"     "Yes."     Tomorrow

is a holiday.     "Tomorrow, then. Go on a date with me tomorrow."     "I know."     "You must

come. You must,"     Akane Mishima pleaded several times. I nodded each time.     Originally, I

should have refused her out of lack of money, but I'd get some salary today anyway. Ten

thousand yen should be enough to get me through the month.     After agreeing on a  

meeting time, Akane Mishima beamed.     "Ahaha, I'm definitely going to be able to date

Natsuru -san this time."     "You're probably too excited."     "Because I'm so happy."     She

looked genuinely happy. Because I'm a woman now, as expected, I can't re ally feel anything.  

    "Well, let's finish this job quickly,"  

    she suddenly became enthusiastic. We began to pack up these extremely daunting goods

one by one. Is motivation really something that can make people so motivated?  

    This is my job, too, so I can't fall behind. Although I wasn't trying to compete,  

    the two of us worked for the time being.  

    Akane Mishima was sorting out four -frame comics about visceral animals (apparently,

because they were so unrealistic, readers couldn't react) and picture albums (basically

albums of corpses). I was sorting out some stationery -related items,  

    like visceral animal themes, visceral animal ballpoint pens, and visceral animal belts (these

belts are designed with viscera as the straps). After I finished, I opened the warehouse

window.  

    "Is it going well?"  

    it was the female employer.  

    "Yeah, not bad,"  

    I replied vaguely. It would be better to bring some comforting gifts at this time.  

    She shifted her gaze to the mountain of goods.  

    "I know you're having a hard time."  

    "Really?"  

    "Because I've thought about doing it myself. But the guy in charge is either absent without

reason or telling me he's not feeling well. Nothing good ever comes of it."  

    It's like something out of a horror show. Wouldn't it be better to pray for blessings to ward

off evil?  

    "So... this is a weird thing to say, but I've called a few people to help. Let     's do this

together. "  

    "That's great, but where are they?" "  

    Here."  

    The new workers stood behind the woman. There were three of them. They waved

together.     "Looks like they're working intimately."     "Yeah, Natsuru -san, are you flirting?"     

"If you want to keep it a secret, pay me hush money."     The monitor and  the others said the

same thing no matter where they were. I pondered blankly.     This trio is always together,

even here. It's doubtful they grew up together, but I heard they first met at this school.

They're still so close, it's a perfect example of bi rds of a feather flocking together.     The

monitor and the others were fighting with the merchandise of animal offal, while we

watched with interest.     "What a surreal scene!"     "Natsuru -san and little Akane Mishima,

buried in the merchandise, are rea lly interesting."     "Though it doesn't seem like they're

making any money."     Akane Mishima and I descended from the mountain of merchandise.     

"Class leader, you're working part -time too..."     "Yeah, I ended up helping out after all."     

"Why not  go somewhere else..."     I grumbled. Being polite to these three was pointless.     

"That's not okay. Masumi Nishino said she wants to work part -time, so we have to work

together,"     the class leader said something strange.     "I don't understand your  logic at

all..."     "Because I think something's going to happen,"     she gave an unsettling answer.     In

short, she thinks there's going to be trouble. Because I'm surrounded by trouble, it's an easy

path to take, but do you really enjoy other people 's troubles that much?     And today, it's just

Akane Mishima and I; Shizuku and Kondou Mikoto aren't here. We're a stable group. Akane

Mishima is pretty gentle, unless she turns into a Kämpfer.     I was told to start working again

with those three.     " Oh, are you done?"     "We have to work, so you class leaders..."     

"Natsuru -san is the one who calls the shots here, right?"     I have more experience doing this

job than them. Even if it's only for a few minutes.     Those three seemed determined to g et

the job done, and they started tackling the mountain of merchandise.     "Oh, that visceral

animal eraser set. That's rare, isn't it     ?" "Hey, Natsuru -san, are you selling the drowned

pufferfish card?"     "I've never seen that deck of cards at an au ction."     It's a rare item

indeed. By the way, the cards are "visceral animal playing cards" played with family during

the New Year. They're covered in messages like "If dogs could walk, they'd be shot."

"Salmonella in pigs." Playing with that during New  Year's would definitely make you crazy.

Kaede Sakura probably has this at home too, right?     "I might make a profit selling it, but it's

honestly hard to find a buyer."     Even the     accountant was at a loss. "Kaede Sakura would

buy it..."     "She h as them all, right?"     They knew everything.     These three were incredibly

skilled at their jobs. But since they couldn't tell if they looked salable, they separated them

based on their condition. They also separated items with damage but valuable due to their

age. Ultimately, I'd leave it to them to determine.     But I wasn't entirely sure, so I tried to

guess what Kaede Sakura would do. It seemed like a rather irresponsible approach.     After

all, if anyone else were to handle the internal organs of an animal, things would definitely be

a bit awkward, but these three took it all in stride. They even exch anged a few words from

time to time. They seemed fine. It was like they were encouraging each other on a snowy

mountain.     "By the way, Natsuru -san,"     the class monitor said.     "How's your relationship

with the president going lately?"     Hearing t his, the vice -class monitor and the accountant

were even more shocked than I was.     "What are you talking about..."     "It's about time we

made some progress     ." "Why should we make some progress..."     "Because, aren't

Natsuru -san and the president  the new couple at Seitetsu Academy?"     I looked as if I'd

been misunderstood, but the rumors were true. Rumors have been circulating lately about

whether Shizuku and I are dating.     The reason was that we were walking together, arm in

arm. This was es sentially Shizuku's plot, and I wanted to forget it, but the world (actually, the

school) misinterpreted it and spread it widely.  

    I really hope they'll think about this. These are me and Shizuku, the women. Clearly, we're

not a couple. But since two of the "Three Beauties of Star Tetsu" are in this relationship, it's

already quite a big deal.  

    And with the news department's Masumi Nishino even publishing a special edition, it's so

widespread that I can't intervene. If I have to express my personal feelings, it's this: I want to

cry. That's all. And I've been labeled, surprisingly, the "idiot  who got dumped after weeks of

rumors of dating the president." And with some solid rumors like "Actually, the male,

Natsuru, is still dating the president," it's a mess. The relationship chart is filled with black

arrows.  

    The squad leader pressed on.  

    "So, what's going on?"  

    "So, why...?"  

    "Natsuru -san, it's not good to play dumb,"  

    the vice -squad leader pressed on.  

    "Lesbian lovers are rare. Rumors are rampant in the men's division, too."  

    "I hope the rumors die..."  

    "I think fanning the flames is more fun."  

    I didn't find it funny at all.  

    Don't look at me like this; my female self is just a temporary one. Should I be thankful that

I'm not involved with my male self? No. Because I hate Shizuku being my partner, so I'll just

ignore it.  

    "According to statistics,"  

    the accountant said, pulling out a notepad.  

    "During the time when the rumors of Senou -san and the president's relationship were

circulating, the number of people buying the school newspaper increased by 1.5 times.

People from nearby schools also read it, and some even paid a higher price. For th e sake of

the future, shouldn't Senou -san give her all she can to help?"  

    Why should I be the one worrying about their future? I obviously don't read the campus

newspaper at all.  

    It doesn't matter what, you guys paid for that newspaper, right? I can't believe anyone

would buy it.  

    "Okay, please be honest here."  

    "Why..."  

    "You sold it to the news department under the guise of getting information from Senou -

san. Masumi Nishino will definitely pay a high price."  

    "That's outrageous..."  

    "Senou -san also got a share."  

    "We got 90%, and Natsuru -san got 10%,"  

    the vice -class monitor said. Why am I so few?  

    The three of them gradually approached me. They didn't actually come closer, but their

pressure made me feel that way.  

    Just like that, their desires were fully revealed.  

    "Please tell me, what happened between you and the president?"  

    "Did you do it? Did you do it?"  

    "Even 20% of our Yasunase -san would be fine."  

    What nonsense were they all saying?  

    I stood up from my despair. While there was no reason for this to become a crisis, the

situation was not optimistic. Did I make the wrong choice by attending this school? I can't

just choose it because it's close.  

    I was uneasy, and the class monitors watching me seemed to think they were right. The

pressure intensified.  

    At this moment.  

    "Please, please stop."  

    A small but clear voice came.  

    "Please don't do such a rude thing to Natsuru -san."  

    It was Akane Mishima. She seemed to be tidying up far to the side, and now she stood up

and looked over. Had she ever butted into other people's conversations before?  

    The class monitor adjusted her glasses.  

    "Excessive, what do you mean?"  

    "Aren't you bullying Natsuru -san?"  

    "We're just gathering material."  

    "That's not gathering material at all."  

    "It's for the entertainment of the whole school and a little income."  

    "It's purely for the money, I guess."  

    "Because everyone wants to know what's become of Natsuru -san and the president, and

so does Masumi Nishino."  

    Akane Mishima glanced at me and shook her head vigorously.  

    "While I don't deny wanting to know, there shouldn't be anything between Natsuru -san

and the president." "  

    Should, huh?"  

    "Definitely not."  

    "Why would you know this without your classmates?"  

    the class monitor calmly pointed out Akane Mishima's flaws. This person has a sharp mind.

In some subjects, her grades are even as good as Shizuku's. The vice -class monitor and the

accountant also looked at Akane Mishima with interest. As a key figure,  Akane Mishima knew

she was being watched and panicked.  

    "Because, I, I'm good friends with Natsuru -san..."  

    "I know that, but I don't think I know her private life."  

    "No, that's not true..."  

    "So what do you know about her?" "  

    Well, that... um... like Natsuru -san's favorite TV shows... her family situation... her habits,"  

    Akane Mishima stammered. Hey, wait a minute. Why do you know so much about me?

More importantly, Akane Mishima spilled the beans. This was a trap set by the class monitor

and the others. "That's all there is to it,"     the accountant said. Akane Mishi ma was at a loss  

    for words .     "Hmm."     "If she's hooking up with someone else, then it would be valuable.

Do you know anything?"     "Hmm, that..."     Akane Mishima was holding back. Hey, stop it,

don't say anything unnecessary.     "With... with me..."     "With  you?"     "On a date with me!"     

she said loudly.     "Natsuru -san is going on a date with me. We just made the appointment.

He's done with the president anymore."     I was stunned. Telling these people like human

loudspeakers, okay?     But the class monitor and the others weren't that surprised. Oh my?     

"That's surprising,"     the class monitor said. But she didn't seem surprised.     "I know that

Akane Mishima and Natsuru -san are close."     "That's why you went on a date..."     "With a

female N atsuru?"  

    "Ah!"  

    At the same time, I noticed it too. Yes, to these three people, it was me, the woman, who

had made the appointment with Akane Mishima. Because I'm a woman now.  

    "I know the president has feelings for Natsuru -san, and that's a slightly dangerous trait, but

is Akane Mishima the same? That's unexpected."  

    "I, I, I, I..."  

    "A date, huh? When?"  

    "Tomorrow..."  

    Akane Mishima's heart sank completely.  

    I wanted to sink too. Ah, I've said something unnecessary again. I don't know what to do

with this mess of interpersonal relationships. There's no way to unravel it. The Wheel of

Wisdom isn't a Wheel of Wisdom, is it? It's an iron circle.  

    "Finally, Natsuru -san's fangs have bitten Akane Mishima."  

    "Even I'm captivated."  

    "Wow, Natsuru -san, that demonic nature is so strong."  

    More nonsense. Well, indeed, if I were a bystander, this might have been quite fascinating.  

    "I see, you're going on a date tomorrow, right?"  

    the class monitor said.  

    "How valuable is this information?"  

    A sinister cloud rose within me. It was black.  

    "And what then..."  

    "News is valuable from the moment it appears."  

    "How can you... stop..."  

    I pleaded without even thinking. What are these guys thinking?  

    "It's you, Natsuru -san, who should stop. Aren't you ashamed of assaulting girls like this?"  

    "That's right, Natsuru -san, there must be some hurt girls too."  

    "The victims should form an organization and collect dues."  

    More of that frivolous talk. Or rather, I really admire your brains for dwelling on such

things.  

    I no longer have the energy to get angry.  

    "Are you going to... do something to stop it..."  

    "We won't do anything like that. We'll just spread rumors,"  

    the monitor said with an inexplicably excited tone.  

    "We're not going to stop you. At best, we'll just create a little breeze and waves."  

    Could they have mistaken the tsunami for something?  

    The monitor turned his left hand over and glanced at his watch.  

    "It's almost time."  

    Huh? Already there? I checked, and sure enough, it was already evening.  

    Time to get off work. We'd wasted all this time on such nonsense.  

    "We need to go home now,"  

    the squad leader told us.  

    "We have to decide who to sell the information to, so we can't have dinner with you."  

    "I didn't say I was going with you..."  

    "See you at school then."  

    "Just leaving the work alone?"  

    My work had barely made any progress thanks to these three people's nonsense. Wouldn't

I get paid?  

    "We're done."  

    "No."  

    "There."  

    I looked over, and the once messy mountain of animal offal had been neatly tidied. It was

unbelievable, but it looked fine. All I had to do was check it out later.  

    "It's better to talk and do it, since it's just part -time work."  

    Damn, there was no way to argue. Why were these guys so capable? Multitasking is

generally impossible, right?  

    "Then we'll be leaving first."  

    "Natsuru -san, bye -bye!"  

    "We're going to get our paychecks."  

    The class monitor and the others disappeared in a flash.  

    Only Akane Mishima and I remained, bewildered. There were also unsold animal offal

products. I was in charge of checking.  

    "Natsuru -san..."  

    Akane Mishima began.  

    "Yes, I'm sorry, I said something I shouldn't have..."  

    Akane Mishima looked apologetic.  

    "When it comes to things like Natsuru -san, I lose my composure... I'm really sorry."  

    She lowered her head several times. After she apologized like that, I couldn't be angry

anymore.  

    "Never mind, it can't be helped."  

    "Thank you."  

    Akane Mishima seemed relieved. Even though I wasn't feeling too good,  

    "If there's anything I can do, no matter what, please tell me..."  

    "Then how about canceling tomorrow's date?"  

    I held out a glimmer of hope, but she said firmly.  

    "No. We already had a date."  

    This girl, only at times like these, would become tough.  

Translator's Notes

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

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