“Stop it. Kogane hates what you’re doing”
At the rear building of the school, I, Utsurogi Kyosuke, shouted without hesistation.
By chance, I was pa.s.sing by this way. PE Cla.s.s was finished so I was on my way to return the tools back to the school’s physical education storehouse and on my way there I saw my cla.s.smate being dragged over somewhere. It was Kogane Yos.h.i.+ki, who was being dragged to the rear of the school.
It was approximately after the time I entered high school and was a 1st year student. Speaking of my friend or rather childhood friend, Akira was the only one as we have yet to form the group in the cla.s.s.
Since the beginning, the delinquents in the cla.s.s had set their eyes on Kogane.
Short and slender, constantly having bed hair and wearing black rimmed gla.s.ses. Even at the best of times, his appearance was always that of a vague dissatisfaction of something, in addition to his natural loudmouth.
After the opening ceremony and at the cla.s.s self-introduction, Kogane loudly declared his favorite anime and favorite female character. Naturally, the cla.s.s froze and from there on, Kogane became an existence that was completely ignored.
It’s naturally understandable as to why the delinquents were able to easily hara.s.s Kogane.
As I shouted in a firm voice, Kogane face showed confusion as he was wondering what was going on. Exactly at that moment, he had been taking his anime character wallet out. Inside were stacks of 10,000¥ he was going to hand over.
“I said, Kogane hates that”
Once again, I clearly informed.
The delinquents at that moment was flabbergasted, but immediately grinned as they swapped targets to me. I began imitating Bruce Lee and took a Jeet Kune Do stance, accepting the challenge before me as the delinquents surrounded me. But I was outnumbered in my first match.
Just like that, I was jumped on.
As they pulled on my uniform, they took out my wallet and cellphone. At that time as they were entering into my phone’s registry, a voice resounded.
“Over here teacher! Hurry!!”
Someone called for the teacher. The delinquents clicked their tongues and started running away. I grabbed one of the delinquents’ legs and sent a glare at him to which he responded by clicking his tongue and throwing my wallet and phone.
The delinquents escaped. However, it was not a teacher who approached, rather my childhood friend.
“Kyosuke!”
Akira called out
“Seriously, I’d thought you’d never do this, but again! You’re really…….!”
“Ahaha, my bad Akira. Thanks for the help”
“Well whatever. This is a loan for sure Kyosuke.“
Akira was the one who faked the call about the teacher coming. I smiled bitterly as my entire body was in pain.
“Those delinquents, still surviving in j.a.pan…….”
“That’s why I told you to stay higher than average as you can in high school”
“If you only went, then it’d be fine right…..”
Kogane watched as Akira and I sat down against the wall at the rear building. His facial expression is still one that is frightened.
How to ease this nervousness?
Thinking so, I stood up and saw Kogane clutching his wallet. It’s an anime character wallet. Light blue hair and it’s a pretty woman. The wallet probably has been used so much, as the design became unstuck and there were traces of fixing it many times.
“Is that DraFan’s Aina?”
As I asked, Kogane face sparkled Paaaa
“Y, Yes! Yes it is! Dragon Fantasy Online! You, do you know if it! I really like it!”
“I—is that soo……Ah, etto. I’m Utsurogi Kyosuke. This here is Hino Akira.”
Akira sighed lightly and gave a slight nod to Kogane.
“Utsurogi and Hino! Do you know of it too Hino!? DraFan is really interesting!”
“I know only a bit about it. I’m not that knowledgeable though”
Akira said as he slapped his shoulders. Looks like Kogane didn’t mind seeing that.
“Is that right? I have the original work and blu-ray at my house, so I can lend it to you! Hey Utsurogi, who is it that you like?”
“E, eeeh? I, I, etto…….The protagonist, maybe…..”
“Kirihito! Good choice! When did you like Kirihito!? He’s different from the game, isn’t he! I also think…….”
I looked at Akira as I smiled bitterly. Akira sighed once again. At any rate, from the rear building of the school, there were students who were looking down from the window. Adding to Kogane’s loudmouth, he could be heard as he began his otaku speech.
Well, I also like games and anime. I particularly love children’s book, though I don’t hate light novels too. If I were to think about it, this was the beginning of our high school life and pa.s.sing time with a guy like Kogane wouldn’t be so bad. That was the first thought that came to my mind.
The following days, Kogane talked with us as if it was natural. The cla.s.s had excluded Kogane. He exchanged conversation with Akira and myself just as if we had been close. Belonging to our group, the time of malicious ostracism and being targeted no longer appeared.
Blessed with superior grades and looks, the teachers favored him along with the other female students in different cla.s.s. Entering the ‘fine’ Akira’s group, the delinquents no longer directly bullied Kogane. Help is help I guess.
That was Kogane, a loudmouth, unable to read the mood and knowing lots of interesting animes and game. From the beginning, Akira and I also excluded and ostracized him, but he was the type of person who seemed to not consider the agony of previous times. Kogane pa.s.sed his time enjoying high school, always engrossed in bringing his games and animes in blu-ray disc and talking about this or that.
That was our time as a 1st year students.
“………Haa!”
“Ahh, you’re awake”
As I awoke, I found myself in the dining hall. Showing signs of life, there were several students here. I thought I was unable to freely use my body, but it seems like Gofunkawahara was in the middle of piecing my bones together with the utmost efforts. Seems like I broke into pieces.
The others include Rin, Akira, Ok.u.mura, Sak.u.ma and finally Akai. Tears hanged in the corner of Sak.u.ma’s eyes, while Akai had been comforting her. She was not interested in me and began tending to her nails again.
That was when I finally remembered.
I’m certain that I struck Kogane.
My fist had certainly landed on his face. Though it seems like not enough power was put into it. However, being suddenly attacked, he stumbled and flopped to the floor. Sak.u.ma being released, she ran behind me.
Simultaneously, that was the start of the gong for the fight. Was.h.i.+o and Hakuba, along with Roper, had attacked from all sides leaving me in pieces in just one moment. Like that horned rabbit who was tackled and became in pieces, it can’t be helped that I’ll end up the same. With my intention in interrupting what was going on, somehow the situation came to be where Akai immediately came running along.
“That’s amazing!— Akai-san”
Rin read my mind as I looked stared blankly.
“With just one glare to Kogane’s group and standing to protect Sacchan, everyone became silent”
“That’s so? Akai, thanks”
“I came here to rescue Sachi only—“
Akai responded in the usual queen like manner as she gazed at her nails.
“But, well, you also went to save Sachi so I should be giving you my thanks”
“Ah, aa… Nothing happened to Sak.u.ma right?”
“Nothing happened. Though not like I was able to immediately see it, but”
The Queen’s word was like thorns. Sak.u.ma trembled Furu Furu as she held herself.
No wonder. Handling such experience. Its natural that she would receive a shock as she was originally a docile girl. Along with that point, Rin exposed her rage as she was worried about the same Sak.u.ma in the past as she is in the present.
“Seriously, I’d thought you’d never do this, but again! You’re really…….!”
While Akira was floating Fuyo Fuyo, he a.s.sumed his usual habits of abuse. It was the same as that dream, when we were 1st year students. He was using the same remarks as before, so I burst into laughter.
Nah, that’s right. It’s a dream.
That dream was a recollection of when I first met Kogane by chance. Since then, Akira and I had hung out with Kogane. That was when the cla.s.s alienation began in the 1st year. When we became 2nd year students, the atmosphere was alleviated just a bit. But I might have not minded it.
Kogane’s was a good guy. He was just caught up in the moment a little but
still, he’s supposed to be a good guy.
“Kyosuke,”
Akira coldly called me out.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking of right now but I’ll say it one more time. Kogane, that guy has been like that from the beginning.”
Seeing Akira’s fleeting glace, Akai asked Rin『Why is Hino worried about Utsurogi this much? 』. To which Rin replied 『You see, Hino-kun’s a h.o.m.o for sure! 』. Its not like that. Its different, but now was not the time to deny such allegations.
Akira’s words.
Kogane, from the beginning he was that kind of guy. Is that true?
“Sure he was a good person in spirit. I admit that. He acknowledged both you and I as his friend and occasionally would spend time with us. But, he’s a loudmouth, violent and brazenly making a.s.sumptions, egotistic and being very conceited even in the old days. Did you not notice it before?”
“Akira……Do you often slander your friends like that…..”
“You should already know I’m that kind of guy right. How many times do I have to point you out in being a fool? You’re too softhearted”
Queen Akai was shocked as she said 『I understand now, that’s definitely h.o.m.o』.
I said that’s not right!
Akira’s words repeated many times in my head.
Kogane Yos.h.i.+ki, from the beginning he was that kind of guy. Loudmouthed, shameless, violent a.s.sumptions. Sure, he may be that.
Egotistic and vehemently conceited. Sure, he may be that.
Finally, given powers and being pampered, its possible that Kogane could have reached the point in becoming arrogant as it sufficiently suits him.
Is that really so,
Is that really so,
That is really it?
I recalled Kogane’s words
―――Utsurogi and Hino has since called me a pipsquak and geek. After all, Utsurogi’s the one who look down on me right?
―――It’s cause Utsurogi is weak
―――That’s because it’s our job as we’re strong
Why have I not realized it before?
“Well, whatever it is”
Akai was slightly interested and muttered while she blew Fuuuu on her nails
“When I’m not with her, Sachi will be with Harui or Hebitsuka from now on. There won’t be any perverted bugs coming near her anymore”
“Aah, don’t forget about Tsurugi. She’s also worried about Sak.u.ma”
“Tsurugi…..I’m not good with her”
Tsurugi was a stubborn public moral committee member. Having the worst affinity with the free willed cla.s.s queen.
And yet they reluctantly acknowledge the cooperation as Akai would accept anything that would be befitting for Sak.u.ma.
“Yosh, its fixed!”
The silent Gofunkawahara who was working on the 3D puzzle shouted and slapped my head. There was no parts leftover and not even 1 millimeter of a gap was found, flawlessly a.s.sembled. I began flexing my hand, confirming the sense of touch.
“Thanks Gof.u.kawahara”
“Its fine. Ah, today we finished gathering the remaining parts of the armor and tomorrow I’ll finish a.s.sembling it and will bringing it over.
Gofunkawahara cheerfully spoke as he waved his hand and left the room. Ok.u.mura also chased after him.
“ah—ah, what’s going to happen to cla.s.s now—“
Rin muttered as Gofunkawahara and Ok.u.mura waved.
“There’s the absence of the perfect leader…Kogane too, though he’s popular, it doesn’t seem like he’s trying to put the cla.s.s in order”
“Kogane gathered all the friendly student and formed one large group. Ourselves, Gofunkawahara and Ok.u.mura and Inugami-like students, probably had the same thought that we would not to affiliate ourselves with any faction”
Hearing Rin, Akira gave his a.n.a.lysis, coming to the same agreement.
Kogane, even now, his public morale is not depreciating, but I also agreed. Kogane is no leader. There’s no more chatting if he is or is not capable, in the first place he should have never been a cla.s.s leader. He’s only a leader in the eyes of his large faction.
Having been silent until now, Sak.u.ma sent a fleeting look to Akai.
“Asuka-chan…..? Asuka-chan can put things to order, right?”
That is possible and if it were put into practice, it would have been the first realistic thought. She was the only person whose glare would be effective against Kogane. If she was in the top, Kogane’s faction would eventually stabilize. However, she shook her head.
“I’m not that kind of character. Sachi should know that best”
“Un…….”
W, Well, that’s exactly like Akai. She’s not that kind of character
“I have an idea”
As I started speaking, everyone looked in my direction in sync.
Though my idea is closer to a 〝conviction〟 or 〝entrusting belief〟.
Goubayas.h.i.+ asked me the day before he left and I relayed my answer. For that reason, Goubayas.h.i.+ was relieved and felt it was safe to leave the base. Since then, I’ve been constantly thinking of a method to put my ideas into action.
“What is it, what is it!? What kind of idea!? I wanna know!”
Pyon Pyon as Rin pranced.
“At any rate, it won’t be good, right Kyosuke?”
Akira’s coldly declared
Akai and Sak.u.ma leaned in. On one hand, they were listless but on the other hand their interest was growing, so they leaned their ears in.
If it’s everyone’s whose here, there won’t be a problem if I say it. Each and every words were filled with seriousness, as I spoke my idea.
“For that reason I requested the need for armor from Gofunkawahara. Himemizu, Akira, lend me your powers”
“Stream!”
As we shouted, that signaled in us synchronizing and the fist was prepared. In that next moment, both of our breaths overlapped.
“”Bloww!””
The gauntlet in defiance of its weight, made our fist literally shot out in a straight line. Stream Blow was a name of an attack, as the large rock standing in front of us was pulverized into pieces.
“Iyossha—! That was strong! We’re strong!”
From the gap of the armor, the blue body entered and exited Pyoko Pykowith Rin in great delight.
We’re currently working on our new special training. Gof.u.kawahara brought the full plated mail, so we practiced for its use in real time combat. The entire armor contained a black l.u.s.ter and did not looked like it was found laying in the abandoned underground cemetery. When Rin and I wore it, it was exactly like we became a Black Knight.
There was two reason for this armor
1st is for reducing Rin’s burden. If in combat and wearing the armor, for the sake of increasing the power of the punches and kicks, she was in constant charge of controlling the density and ma.s.s as she couldn’t help not fighting. However, with a strong exoskeleton from the start, she would be able to concentrate completely on the muscles movements.
The 2nd reason was to benefit our concealed shape. Rin, myself and Akira too, our ability to fuse is what we wanted to prepare to keep at an utmost secret. That was Akira’s will and I plan to respect that as much as possible. And yet, for the sake of putting my personal 〝idea〟 into practice, it was essential that we practice our battle actions. For that reason, the armor could serve as a buffer zone.
Rin’s burden reduced allowed for destructive power to increase and defense improving too. Besides that, our appearance looks stylish because of the armor, but there are faults.
After all is said and done, Rin’s greatest trait is her flexibility and it would be sacrificed to some extent. The armor has gaps and slits and from there, Rin’ can extend a portion of her body to attack but that has its limits too. This includes our jump, as we are no longer able to rearrange the limbs for a reverse jointed legs since the armor is connected.
Putting it all together, this armor increases power and defense, but in exchange for that it lowers the flexibility and on the spot movements. This was an extremely easy to understand power-up item that we obtained.
“That’s nice……”
Sak.u.ma muttered as she viewed.
“I also want to combine……”
“Sachi, did you want more trauma like Kogane?”
Next to Sak.u.ma was Akai, who’s cleaning her nails.
“I, I didn’t meant it like that but…..Etto, eeetttoooo…….”
“Kyosuke has the special effect in which his power amplifies with his fusing partner. If she always stick by his side, its possible that Sak.u.ma also wants to receive a favor from him, right?”
“E, eeeeh!? Love affair!? Sticking with!?”
Akira calmly a.n.a.lyzed while Sak.u.ma’s face became bright red.
“But, that is That right? Isn’t Utsurogi just bones? My clothes would absolutely tear as it hangs onto his ribs and other parts”
“That’s true. Of course you’ll be injured as you stay that close”
“A, aauuuu…..”
Akira and Akai were both calm as a combination attack was received by Sak.u.ma, who sat back down.
Well, what are the two beauties duo in a place like this? There’s no deep profound meaning behind it. Sak.u.ma can no longer see Kogane face to face and we were going to practice our special training outside. As she suggested that she wanted to observe, there was no reason to refuse so she was given permission to do so. Akai became her escort.
Nonetheless, the long awaited arrival came. Though she did help with the special training, she mostly oversaw over me.
“Please Akai—!”
“N—“
Akai looked over here and as if it was natural, she used her sharp tipped finger to slash at her index finger. She then points the index finger in my direction and as the blood dripped to the ground, it acc.u.mulated into a big ma.s.s. In a flash, Akai’s blood gave birth to her crimson soldiers.
Vampire Corps. Akira named her ability as that since Akai could, out of fas.h.i.+on, slay everything with almost a single stroke of her finger.
The Vampire Corps took stance and charged towards the Black Knight.
“”UOOOOOORIIIAaaaaaaa!””
The Black Knight jumped lightly as the vanguard soldier was practically asking for a spinning back kick. Pachuun as the soldier was annihilated like a balloon bursting. After landing, there was no gap created as we followed up with two uppercuts. The opened right hand burun was swung and from the intentionally opened gauntlet slit, a blue whip lashed. The whip struck all the blood soldiers and as it continued Byurururururu it made it way back to the Black Knight’s gauntlet.
The Vampire Corps battle ability had been intentionally lowered. However, their nimble reaction speed was still there. Having a large quant.i.ty of enemies as partners and learning how to respond and pulverize our enemy, that was our training method.
With the blood soldiers slowly diminis.h.i.+ng, the last one was practically big and strong looking.
“Kyosuke! Himemizu! Grand Spike!”
As Akira called out, the Black Knight leapt backward to create a fixed distance between their opponents. Shortening the distance, the blood soldier held its large sword to attack.
“Graaaannnndddeeee!!”
The fist drawn back like a bow being pulled to its limit, Rin and I got ready to counter attack. Victory or defeat was decided at this moment. At my signal, our breathing lined up.
“SPPPiiiikkkeeeeeeeee!!”
Aiming at the blood soldier stomach, a strong straight punch exploded forward.
However, it did not just end with the fist striking the stomach alone.
A beat later and from the gauntlet that sinked in, blue thorns simultaneously protrude out. The blood soldier was literally spiked and skewered and with the last one crushed, we completed our training.
“That is….Grand Spike……!!!”
Sak.u.ma called out in an encouraging voice.
“That’s so”
Akai replied in amazement.
One way or another, wearing the armor and practicing our battle abilities looks like its going well. If it comes to that, we can move on to the next stage. The next special practice for sure could be called a disgusting creature. I proposed the idea and Akira theorized that it may be possible to do so, and now it became a new tactic.
Though it’s possible that it’ll be dangerous, Akira finally agreed to do so. Its better to do it now rather than being in battle and doing it without practice.
Of course Akira named the new tactic.
“Alright then, next time lets do 《Trinity Full-Cross》!”
“That’s so……”
Akai spits out her words by muttering again.
Author’s note:
What the heck is Trinity FullCross!? Next time it will focus slightly on Sacchan! Enjoy!