Chapter 3

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The next day. Heat. Heat since morning. The temperature is said to be higher than in previous years.

And the weather girl said casually, “You could get sunburned today, you know?”

I would like you to also consider the students who have outdoor physical education.

That day I went to the women’s section, which I hadn’t visited in a long time. Every now and then, it’s necessary

go.

However, entering through the women’s section door was a mistake, which resulted in a situation

complicated.

—Oh, Natsuru-sama is here!

—Kyaahh!

To the right of the door to the girls’ section was the “Natsuru-sama’s Sisters Club” and to the left

The “Senou Observers Club” was waiting for me. As I had been traveling directly

From switching from the men’s to the women’s section recently, I had completely forgotten about the existence

type of unofficial extracurricular activities.

Surrounded by a group of girls in school uniforms on both sides, I was reduced to a jumbled mess in a

instant.

—Wait… a moment…

My resistance was as weak as a hermit crab fighting against the waves.

—Natsuru-sama, we missed you so much because we haven’t seen you!

—Please, let’s take a picture together!

—What underwear are you wearing today!?

Someone was shouting unnecessary things.

I heard later that, since I hadn’t been going in and out of the school gates for a

At that time, the deification of the girl Natsuru was extreme. Apparently, the yuri theory that had been spread

The newspaper club was very much alive, they were saying things like: “She’s being hired as a partner of

“A wealthy woman’s night out” and “She’s going to a distant girls’ school and bothering the students “Female.” There were even those who said, “Using her hidden abilities, she is fighting enemies

that threaten their own lives.” It’s terrifying not being able to categorically state that it’s all false.

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—Natsuru-chan, make a sister pact with me.

—You can touch my butt!

—I will serve you for life, so suck my blood!

Why do I have to do something similar to Sugawara Bunta and Umemiya Tatsuo in the movie “Battles Without “Honor and Humanity”? Finding holiness in blood is a bad habit of girls.

I managed to escape from that place that looks like a washing machine about to dehydrate and ran towards the

I’m a second-degree Kämpfer, so I’m faster than normal people. Although I also That’s why she caught the attention of the women’s athletics team.

I finally arrived and quickly changed my shoes, feeling relieved. After so long, my body barely…

resist.

I entered the classroom before the first class. For some reason, there was sudden applause.

—Welcome, Senou-san.

-How long!

What is all this fake welcome?

The president, who was applauding enthusiastically, came to greet me at the door.

—Since we hadn’t seen you recently, everyone was eagerly awaiting your return.

-Oh really?

—We were betting on when you’d get to school, what class you’d be in. Today I had high odds

since the morning.

So that was the reason. In the back of the hall, the treasurer is paying out the winning tickets.

The vice president is striking a victorious pose.

—Thanks to Natsuru-tan, I’ve earned some money. Thank you.

—Senou-san, will you join the next bet? It’s about how many times the tutor will be late this month.

I will abstain.

Amid the exaggerated cheers, I sat down in my seat. Akane stealthily approached.

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—Ah, th-that… Natsuru-san… Do you remember what happened today…?

—We’re after school, right?

—Yes… what a relief.

A wave of relief washed over me. Don’t they trust me that much?

—Ah… it’s the first time we’ve been alone… so I’m nervous…

—Perhaps it would be better to invite someone else, wouldn’t it?

Higashida or Hanzawa… could invite Sakura-san if it’s about female presence.

But she quickly shook her head.

—N-No, it’s okay, just Natsuru-san and me. Just the two of us… I’ll do my best…

I don’t know what she was supposed to be doing, but she was full of determination to make an effort.

—So, please, Natsuru-san… just… just you, please…

-… Yeah.

That said, here’s the thing.

Akane felt relieved and lowered her head. In the classroom, the topic of gambling was still popular, although They often invited me, but I always refused. These games of chance aren’t my strong suit, and doubting someth The treasurer being involved is normal.

Then the teacher arrived. I concentrated much more in class than when I was in the boys’ section.

After school, I walked to the meeting place. It was Sakura-san’s house, where we used to meet.

But Shizuku wasn’t there today.

I transformed back into a man, though I didn’t care. Although I tried to be punctual, Akane was already there.

There. He smiled when he saw me and greeted me.

Did I make you wait?

—Not really…

Akane seemed nervous.

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—You’re alone, aren’t you?

-Yeah…

I shouldn’t overreact. I hope he doesn’t take me to a meeting of some new cult.

—Okay… I’d prefer to be alone and not be bothered…

—Nothing to do with religion, right?

-No…

I had worried too much or thought the obvious. Akane has no interest in either religion or politics.

We decided to go to the public library first.

The library here is enormous, perhaps because it’s a municipal one. The reading room is huge, the bookshelves They’re enormous, the ceiling is huge, it’s something like that. Apparently, during the economic bubble, a large

budget, so they decided to remodel the old building, with the aim of increasing its size

such as its ease of use.

—It’s wonderful, isn’t it?

Along the way, Akane explained with shining eyes.

—It is much better to make many installations accessible to everyone than art objects that we do not understan —Is this your first time here?

—No. I’ve come many times.

But she added shyly that it was the first time she had come with a man.

The library was brick-colored. It was certainly large. It even had a parking lot—how unusual!

We passed through a double automatic door. An air-conditioned lobby greeted us.

The building had high ceilings and was impressive. However, the minimalism of the sound suggests a design

and solid construction. There’s no point in a library being noisy. The circulation desk was luxurious,

much larger than that of the Seitetsu Academy.

“Let’s go to the second floor,” Akane said, tugging at my shirt sleeve.

—Wait, what are we doing in the library?

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—Well, we’re going to replace the books in the school library. We’re researching the classification and

The necessary organization. We’re going to organize them according to the Dewey Decimal Classification. We

decide whether to use the Dewey Decimal Classification to buy books in English.

-Yeah…

—The library has unique features, but like the one at Seitetsu Academy, it is being rebuilt

Starting from scratch, I think we need a role model. Instead of leaving everything up to the librarians, We decided that the Library Committee members would also help. That’s why I volunteered as

responsible for this library.

-I see…

It was a string of words, like secret codes. Even though they told me it was an explanation of the design. from a nuclear power plant, I probably would have believed it.

But wow, Akane was very talkative. Usually, she spoke in a low voice with her head down, but now almost She seemed like a rigid board, talking rapidly without stopping. It was obvious that she loved books.

It must be the complete opposite of someone like me, who says things like “books are scary because they have “letters.” As she continued talking, she tugged on my sleeve once more.

We went up to the second floor via the stairs. This building has four floors.

—Will you be taking photos to use as a model?

—No, we’ll do it through notes.

Haah, what a hard job.

Akane immediately began browsing the nearby shelves. She quickly forgot about me and immersed herself in… The mountain of books. I thought about saying something, but she was so engrossed that I decided to leave it a Then I realized I no longer had any role to play. There was no point in being here doing nothing.

Nothing. What did I come here to do?

Several large tables were placed in a row along the window ledge. I sat down at one of them. There were

Some exam candidates, focused and writing in pencil. Very serious, very good. I’m sure I’m one of them.

I’ll be like this next year too.

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What would I like to do next year?

However, I am now a modest, top-level Kämpfer. I don’t know if modest is the right term. It’s not Big deal, right?

Well, transitioning from male to female is quite an interesting experience. I’m not talking about

It’s not cross-dressing, but a real transformation. It’s incredible that they consider me beautiful.

But I’m worried about whether I should continue with this. I feel compelled to fight and I let myself be carried aw Next year I have to take exams. Is it right for me to keep immersing myself in this world of battles?

If I were Shizuku, I wouldn’t worry so much. She’s perfect, even in her studies. She has the intelligence to aspiring to the University of Tokyo. Isn’t it possible to balance being a student applying to Exams and a Kämpfer? It’s like being versatile in football terms… or not?

Will the day come when I say goodbye to my feminine side? I was thinking about that vaguely. Then, suddenly, There was a bang and I snapped back to reality.

For some reason, a book had fallen at my feet. Where had I been walking from?

-Sorry.

As I bent down to pick it up, another hand reached out from another direction and took the book.

The owner was a woman. She seemed young but not that young, more or less my age, although it was hard to

her exact age. She had a different kind of maturity than Shizuku. She was the type of a novice salaryman in her

first year of work, as an OL (office worker).

Are you hurt?

-No.

I answered him. He hadn’t hit me anywhere.

—I’m sorry. I was distracted.

She bowed her head. She was being too polite. There was no need to go that far.

—It’s nothing, really.

—No, no, it would be a problem if something happened.

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She smiled slightly.

—Of course, Senou Natsuru is a famous person.

-Hey!?

Does this girl know who I am?

A shiver ran through my body. But she showed no signs of nervousness; rather, she seemed

calm and with a mature attitude.

—Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Ryoka Yamakawa.

He bowed.

—I am a second-year student at Seitetsu Academy.

—Ah… I see.

That answer just came to me without thinking. We go to the same school… wait, Yamakawa?

I remembered. This girl participated in the beauty pageant, right? She sang anime songs on stage. The theme song of an anime where girls in short sailor uniforms acted. Like Detective Midori in Kochikame.

So, I said.

—That’s Ueda-san, isn’t it? I did magic. I’m in class 2-5 of the girls’ section.

Ah, I see. I’m sorry for the confusion.

—I knew who you were too, Senou-san.

Really? But am I really that famous?

—You’re famous. When you mention Senou-san from class 2-4 of the girls’ section, both the girls and The boys get excited.

I was going to reply, “I see,” but I was surprised. How does this girl know I’m in the women’s section? second year!?

—I am also a Kämpfer.

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Ryoka’s right hand glows faintly. She’s holding something. Oh, it’s a machine gun! It’s identical to the Uzi17 manufactured in Israel.

When the muzzle of the cannon is pointed at me for a moment, it disappears immediately.

—Please, remain calm.

—…How do you expect me to stay calm?

“I have no intention of shooting here. A library isn’t that kind of place, is it? It seems so, too.”

There are people who fight.

It’s quite ironic. It seems she’s aware of what’s been happening at school, considering

my reaction when he recognized me.

—Then please don’t show me that kind of thing.

—I thought that if I didn’t show it to you, you wouldn’t believe me.

—I believe you.

Thanks to that, I was able to recognize that you’re a Kämpfer. But does the fact that you drew a weapon mean t

Transformed now? Now that I think about it, she looked more her age on stage. No She looked like a businesswoman, just like she does now.

—Could you be my enemy…?

-Yes that’s how it is.

—And you… are you a red?

I glance at his right arm. However, it’s hidden under a long sleeve, and I can’t see what color it is. bracelet that should be there.

—I am not.

-Hey?

Ryoka has a mysterious look in her eyes. By the way, I’m trying to confirm the bracelet of I swore without looking at his face, but I can’t make it out. It should be glowing a little since it’s

transformed.

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She should know where my gaze is going, but she’s not showing it. Hmm, is she deliberately hiding it?

—Senou-san. I suppose you heard it from Sayaka-chan, have you made a decision yet?

—About changing sides?

-Yeah.

It sounds like he’s explaining a new product to sell. He’s committed, but something

carefree.

—It would be a great help if Senou-san came.

—That girl mentioned it too. What does that mean?

—There is a shortage of personnel in this industry.

—Is that the real reason?

—Partially. With Senou-san, the staff shortage would be solved. After all… it would be easier to fight. against President Shizuku and Mishima-san.

A math problem? Because the numbers change in two directions.

—That’s why we’re putting so much effort into recruiting.

—As a precaution. Meticulously, quite.

“Sayaka-chan said she wanted to see your ability! She was impressed by your rare magical power.”

Really? Besides me, no one else has seen it. I thought this Chakraman18-type ability wasn’t popular.

“If Kondou-san were on our side, we wouldn’t have to go to so much trouble. But President Shizuku…” She beat us. We’ve noticed Senou-san. What do you think?

What do I think? There’s no reason to side with Shizuku, but there’s no reason to side with the other one either. Is there an option for a former Kämpfer to live peacefully as an ordinary citizen? Why do women Do Kämpfer resort to violence?

—Won’t you come to our side?

—…

—We have beautiful girls. Many of them have participated in beauty pageants. You know?

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On that occasion, Sakura-san was distributing visceral animal plushies. If that made her

Kämpfer, then, should be a group of beautiful girls. But, how strange, if we’re talking about beauty, it’s

Shizuku. She’s one of the two… no, three great star beauties. Even Akane and Mikoto are pretty…

Attractive, so it doesn’t matter if you choose based on looks. Ryoka doesn’t seem particularly irritated. Will there Did you anticipate my reaction?

—There is also a special guest.

-Hey…?

—Senou-san will surely be delighted. That’s a guarantee.

What’s up with that? Are they trying to lure me in like that? Some kind of staged sales tactic?

-Hey…

—Natsuru-san.

A voice from the side. It was Akane.

—I’m sorry… I made you wait…

She seemed happy, perhaps because she was surrounded by books. Her notebook was full of notes.

—Were you bored? I’m almost finished…

—Akane-chan, wait a moment.

I said as I turned around. But there was nobody there.

-Hey…

-What’s happening?

Akane is bowing her head.

—Didn’t you see the person who was here a moment ago?

Was there anyone…?

She seems intrigued.

Hmm, it disappeared in an instant? That was fast. It literally vanished before my eyes. It certainly wasn’t a

hallucination.

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—…Was it a woman?

—Yes, a woman.

—She was probably beautiful…

Akane looks a little sad. Well, she was indeed pretty, being a Miss contestant.

—Is she someone you know?

Well, actually, I had just met her recently.

-Not quite.

—Don’t you enjoy being in the library with me…?

—That’s not what it’s about.

What the hell were you misunderstanding?! Even though I was scared, I mentioned Ryoka Yamakawa, the seco

year, to Akane.

—Do you know Ryoka Yamakawa from class 2-5 of the girls’ section?

—Yes, only in name. She participated in Miss.

Oh, wow, really? There must be a catch. But why does Ryoka want me to switch sides and seem to want

Separate from Shizuku? I don’t understand. And, above all, why me?

—Natsuru-san… What’s wrong? You seem different…

—Ah… I’m sorry.

—I’m going outside.

Are you okay now?

—Yes. The next stop will be the bookstore.

This time, Akane grabbed only my pinky finger and pulled on it.

When I came out, it was dark. It seems I was in the library for quite a while.

Akane turned around to go back the way she came. She must be heading back to the station.

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-Here.

I was directed to a chain bookstore that was a little way from the station. I’d walked past it earlier, but I’d never been in before. I usually get my manga and magazines sorted at the convenience store.

Although Akane seemed a little melancholic a moment ago, now she showed no trace of that

She seemed more excited than anything else. It must be because we came to the bookstore. She really likes th

the books.

This place has three floors. The magazine section is on the first floor. I only took a quick look, but there’s a A pile of unknown magazines. Although quantity differs from convenience, what about the other side of Does production actually profit from all of this?

Akane comes upstairs. She seems to have a book in mind; she doesn’t even speak to me. She’s in a hurry.

I run to catch up with her. We reach the paperback section on the second floor.

Once again, Akane heads straight to one of the shelves, without hesitating at all. She’s checking the

spines of paperback books. When I join her, I see that the title is written in katakana. It appears to be a

science fiction book, since it’s a translation. For someone like me, who once tried to watch “2001: A Space Ody “Odyssey” and failed at the part where the monkeys wave a bone, is alien material to read.

She took a book from the shelf and began to read it.

—Akane-chan, will you buy it for school?

—…

—Akane-chan?

It’s not working. There’s no response at all. She’s engrossed in her reading, behind her glasses. Perhaps Is this a scene that intrigues you? It’s not okay to read in the store.

It seems it was just to confirm. She returned it and picked up another book.

I decided not to say anything more. It’s obvious there won’t be a response. She exudes the unique aura of a lov Books, with his feet firmly planted on the ground. In some ways, he looks like a spiritual seeker.

I decided to slowly back away. She obviously didn’t notice. She was too engrossed in the book in front of her.

Well, his serious demeanor is quite modest… no, actually, it’s cute.

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Okay, what should I do? I headed upstairs, which is supposedly the manga section, but they had Transparent covers to prevent reading while standing up. Have they figured me out?

I had no choice but to go downstairs and outside. Akane should be able to continue reading.

He’ll probably come after me if he thinks I’m gone.

I went out through the automatic door. And suddenly I came face to face with a familiar face.

—Ah, Natsuru!

The loud and clear voice undoubtedly belonged to Mikoto.

—Why are you here?

—That should be my line.

Mikoto wasn’t the only one there. Shizuku was with her. Wow.

—Look, we played with Ueda-chan the other day.

Mikoto said.

—And now we’re on our way back. I met with the president.

—Perfect, tell me what happened.

I decided to show great interest.

—Okay. I was about to go into a family restaurant. Let’s go together.

-Hey…?

—What’s up? It’s almost lunchtime, so it’s fine, right? I’m not going to cook today either.

-It’s not that…

The automatic door of the bookstore opened. A girl came out.

Akane seemed ashamed of her behavior. She was holding a blue plastic bag from the bookstore.

—I’m sorry, Natsuru-san. I’m sure I kept you waiting… When I’m reading a book, I tend not to notice what I’m do

that surrounds me…

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Akane’s words stopped there. She alternated her gaze between Mikoto and Shizuku as she spoke. stuck in her mouth.

—… Ah.

—Ahahahn.

Mikoto’s gaze turned stern.

—Did we interrupt your appointment?

—What nonsense, don’t get confused!

I immediately denied it. I had no intention of going on a date with anyone other than Sakura-san, and it would b He was rude to Akane. Despite that, for some reason, she looked at me and seemed annoyed as she looked do —This is just a normal matter.

—Just a normal thing between you and Akane-chan. Wow. Was rejecting my invitation also related to… this?

—You said you have something to do, right?

—This is what I have to do.

Mikoto stared intently at Akane.

—She’s saying these things, but it’s a date, right?

—…

—Your silence means “yes”.

—Don’t jump to conclusions on your own.

I intervened. Mikoto often makes very strong statements and says, “this is Middle Eastern style,” as if It was always like that in Syria, but wouldn’t the Arabs be angry if they heard that?

“It’s because Akane-chan said she wanted to look through some books at the library, so I went with her.” The responsibility for ending up soaked is as much mine as yours.

—Natsuru is saying these things, but…

—…

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—Were you planning to be alone with her?

—…

-I see…

Mikoto let out a cold and malicious smile.

—Okay, I’ll explain it to you in detail. Let’s go to a restaurant. How about a family member, Madam President?

—Yes, that sounds good.

Shizuku, who had been silent all this time, spoke in her characteristic cold tone.

—I want to listen too.

We, now a group of four, headed towards a restaurant on the other side of the station. Actually,

It wasn’t a family business, but an Italian restaurant. Despite being an independently run shop, It wasn’t so formal and expensive; it felt like a family place but more affordable. It was a place we, as

As high school students, we could go without any problem.

The tables are only twenty percent full, with students like us scattered about. At night, the

The number of people passing through here has decreased drastically, so customer flow is affected. It should

be crowded during the day.

We sat by the window and ordered randomly. I ordered fried calamari and pasta. I was so hungry.

that I couldn’t calm down without eating.

But that wasn’t a place for dinner. I felt like I was being interrogated, honestly. I didn’t understand.

Why didn’t Mikoto want to talk about Kämpfer?

—Why did you lie to go out with Akane-chan if it wasn’t a date?

—It’s not a date! It’s a library committee assignment.

—You’re not a member of the committee. You know you don’t like that kind of thing.

—It’s just to help.

—So, you used the help as an excuse to go on a date with Akane-chan. You’re the worst.

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—Why do you think that? I’m not the worst!

—I mean, you’re the best. Stop being so arrogant.

—That’s not true!

The conversation wasn’t progressing. Outside, it was already getting dark. Another day would end with a dead e

constructive.

Akane was muttering with her head down, Mikoto was in her own world. Shizuku was imposing in Silence. What’s happening at this table?

—You’ve also gone out with Ueda-san, haven’t you?

—Between girls, that’s not a date. Have you gone mad?

—So how did that happen? That’s the real question.

—… Perhaps it’s not Kämpfer after all.

Suddenly, he began to speak. Because of this, everyone pays attention to his direct words. It’s like a skill.

As a leader, right?

—Saying “an ordinary person” in general is strange, isn’t it?

—A normal girl. She just looked at me from afar.

Although Mikoto didn’t seem happy that the inquisition against me had stopped, she agreed.

“I don’t think Ueda-chan is a Kämpfer. That wasn’t there, the oath bracelet.”

She pointed to her right wrist. That’s certainly an important clue. We are transformed because It emits light. For some reason, it never comes off. I’m used to it by now.

—So, it has no relation at all?

—Hmm, something doesn’t add up, you know?

Mikoto was still murmuring.

—A waste of time, I suppose?

—That’s noisy. Don’t say “lost.” Anyway, what about your date?

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She walked ahead. She looked angry. Shizuku didn’t say anything, but she didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

—It’s not a date. You know?

I was seeking Akane’s approval, but she ignored me. Huh?

—Making people work, and what’s this about a date? Why are you having so much fun? Are you bothering me?

—Don’t be silly. Why do you worry about me so much?

—I’m a little worried. We’re childhood friends. If anything happens, tell me everything, show me.

Who would do something so upsetting? Are you my mother?

—So, where did you go on the date? Don’t tell me you went to an amusement park to have fun. No

It’s fair.

—We went to the library.

—Stop lying already. This isn’t a quote, it’s academic research.

—That’s why it’s the library committee’s job, that’s why we’re in the library. We haven’t gone anywhere else. place.

—Seriously? What kind of date is that?

—It’s not a date.

I stood firm. I have no intention of dating any woman other than Sakura-san.

Next to me, Akane has been murmuring for some time: “Although I think it would be nice to have those kinds of But it’s too serious to be a joke. I’ll have to talk to her later.

—I don’t care that Senou-kun doesn’t want to tell the truth.

That was Shizuku’s doing. I’m telling you, I’m not lying.

—What were you doing in the library?

—Anyway, weren’t you doing obscene things with Akane-chan?

Mikoto scoffs. What are we supposed to be doing in such a peaceful place?

—I was investigating.

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—That’s something Mishima-san would do, and you, Senou-kun?

—Umm, I was sitting and staring.

—Was there anyone else with you? Don’t mention Mishima-san, okay?

Oh. How does she know…? Wait.

Finally, I realized it was a tactic unique to Shizuku. When she’s pressuring you, she uses that strategy to

to unsettle you and make you confess. He’d probably be excellent at poker, but I’m not going to fall for his tricks

again.

—I-… It was just me.

—Oh, I see.

—The president doesn’t know what she means, but I was in the library the whole time. I had nothing to do.

So I slept.

-I see.

Shizuku wasn’t looking at me. Instead, she was looking at Akane.

Akane shrank back. If it were the rabid dog version, it would have attacked him already, but since it was weak, i

can escape.

—Mishima-san, was Senou-kun alone?

—Um… well, when I saw him, he was alone, but…

Weakly, she replied.

—It seems he was with a woman… a beautiful acquaintance…

—Hey, wait.

I quickly interrupted.

—What do you mean by “beautiful”? Well, I was in the beauty pageant, so I was beautiful, but not She was actually an acquaintance.

Suddenly I realized it and I shut up. Everyone was staring at me.

—Uh, that…

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—Natsuru.

Mikoto looked at me with disdain.

—Hey, you! You have so many female friends and it’s still not enough for you? How much bigger a harem do yo

around you?

—It’s a misunderstanding. Seriously, I didn’t know her.

—Really? What kind of girl was she?

—Ryoka Yamakawa… ah…

—Do you know her?!

Oh noooo. I said something unnecessary. I cursed my own stupidity. Once again, Mikoto’s hand was reaching t my throat.

—Who is this Yamakawa to you?

“The beauty pageant girl,” Shizuku said calmly.

“She’s not a Kämpfer,” I could only nod.

—Enemy Kämpfer…?

—Why were you silent!?

Akane muttered, provoking Mikoto’s fury. Speak up already. Prince Shotoku* (known for his

legendary ability to understand and communicate with many people at the same time, which is mentioned

(in the famous story that he could hear and understand the words of ten people at the same time.) no I had problems with ten people, but I can’t handle two.

—Listen. It’s not like I was hiding it!

—You were hiding it! What, did your enemies do something to you? Seduce you?

“That’s not it. They always say strange things. I hesitated to tell everyone.”

—What was that about?

—Erm…

—It’s to join their group, right?

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Someone said right next to me.

There was a girl next to the table. A slim, healthy girl. She was looking down at us with amusement.

I knew what this girl looked like, but Shizuku said it before anyone else.

—Minagawa Hitomi-san, right?

Yes, it was Minagawa, a third-year student. I knew her from when she participated in the beauty pageant.

—Are you a Kämpfer too?

—You have a good eye.

Hitomi’s face had barely changed. Instead, her hair had been dyed an extreme green.

Without realizing it, there were no customers left in the store, just us and her.

—Will you be bringing Senou-kun to your group?

—Yes. I came to pick it up.

—Hey! I didn’t answer anything.

—I don’t need it. I don’t need an answer.

It’s like the conversation is already over. They’re not considering my situation at all.

Shizuku’s eyes narrow.

—What are you implying? That Senou-kun is clearly the one and not us?

—As expected from the president. You explain things quickly.

Hitomi says nothing more and instead extends both her arms forward.

The palms of his hands glow white. A bad feeling washes over me in an instant. This isn’t Well.

I jump with all my might. Not only me, but Shizuku, Akane, and Mikoto also scatter simultaneously.

I jump back and transform into Kämpfer. At the same time, the light bullets emitted by Hitomi…

They crash directly into the glass, exploding spectacularly.

—Wh-…!

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Shards of shattered glass fly towards me, so I cover myself with my arm.

—You’ve caused property damage! I’ll call the police!

—Don’t worry. This is Dad’s business.

So that’s why the customers suddenly disappeared. I’m sure the… have left too. kitchen cooks.

Hitomi was using magic. It’s the first time I’ve seen it, apart from me. More than fire, she seemed to be casting

something like light bullets.

It was quite spectacular.

It was glowing like a disco ball in the club and hurtling towards me. It made hardly any explosive noise.

But he was probably controlling it on purpose. If you looked directly at him, his eyes would blink.

—Don’t go too far!

It’s Akane’s voice. She’s in furious dog mode.

—Is this a slot machine shop? You’re making it blink over and over again!

Gunshots. Akane hides under the table and aims at Hitomi. She misses.

—You have a sharp tongue! As the moderator said.

—Are you a lackey of that bastard?! Perfect, prepare to die!

Fire again. Hitomi uses the light projectiles as a shield. Unusual use.

Akane gets up and turns the table over to use it as a shield. I do the same.

Hitomi stood in the center of the shop, poised but not arrogant. We were surrounding her in a semicircle.

A sharp sound; a chained dagger flies toward Hitomi. Projectiles deflect it, but the president…

Pick it up quickly.

—It’s brave of you to show up alone.

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The student council president says.

—Is it the week to show your face to Senou-kun?

Hitomi is faking it. Why me?

—Did you come to look for Senou-kun…?

—That’s right. The president will have to resign herself to it.

Both are third-year students at Seitetsu Academy. They might know each other. Shizuku is famous, and Hitomi

sports magazines.

—Stay calm.

—Are you planning to face four of them alone? Did you mistake bravery for recklessness?

-Not so much.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the store.

I looked back through the broken window. There were silhouettes outside.

Three girls. Ryoka Yamakawa, Sayaka Nakao, and the little girl who attacked Sakura-san’s house. The latter.

The girl looked similar, but not as much as Makie Ueda.

Shizuku took a quick look outside.

—Are they your classmates?

—We’ve all gathered here. Doesn’t that look good?

—I cannot agree with your tastes.

—I want to ask something, isn’t that girl Makie Ueda?

—Yes, that’s Rika, Ueda-chan’s sister. Ueda-chan received a visceral animal plushie, but she gave it to her sister.

-I see…

Shizuku prepared herself with a dagger.

—We can’t let them leave peacefully.

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—Of course. At least let’s leave Senou-kun here.

Me again? This is all so weird. Am I some kind of prize?

—Not so fast, weird girl.

Akane screamed. This woman is always screaming.

“It’s in bad taste to bring that idiot here. If you want to fish for men, do it somewhere else. There are plenty.”

handsome men out there.

—Well, I’m not interested in the boy Senou-kun.

That sentence was also quite depressing.

“I need the girl, Senou-kun. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in her at all, Mishima-san.” -What are you saying!

Akane fired. Hitomi expanded the light bullets and turned them into a giant membrane.

When the bullet hit its target, the membrane burst. Light filled the tent. At that moment, Hitomi was

view escaping from the store.

—Get out!

Shizuku screamed.

—It’s dangerous to stay here!

I did as she said. Both Akane and Mikoto, as well as me, escaped outside through the back door. and the broken windows respectively. The collapse of the Italian restaurant occurred just after our

escape.

Although I say collapse, only the interior decoration collapsed and the exterior remained intact, but even so

It was difficult. If something like that fell on your head, you’d get quite a fright. Dodging the glass debris and I reached the corner of the adjacent building. There was no sign of other people; everyone had

disappeared. Having become easy prey for the enemy, it would be convenient if not only we, but also They were separated and scattered.

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I crouched down to avoid being noticed. Then, someone was crawling towards me.

—Who’s there…?

But before I could say anything, they pointed a gun at me.

—I found you, Natsuru.

Good evening, Mrs. Wild Dog. It’s good to see you as energetic as ever. Akane’s eyes were burning.

Like blazing flames, I could almost hear the crackling. With the tip of the gun under my chin, she said: —This miserable individual. You allied yourself with those women, didn’t you?

—That doesn’t make sense. You know that too, don’t you?

“I don’t give a damn! Becoming a traitor is the most despicable thing. I’ll fill you with holes here.” I’ll make you disappear down a sewer.

—Please stop.

I hastily pulled my chin away from the gun barrel. An instant later, the shot rang out and the The bullet flew into the night sky. Hey, you shot! This girl is serious, so it’s scary.

—What would happen if I died!?

—It’s just a fuss. It’s more exciting than the premiere of an Evangelion sequel.

—The analogy is complicated to understand.

—In short, it means you should die!

A flash of light appeared in the corner of my eye. Right in front of me was Akane; a sickle with a chain was flyin

—Whoa!?

—Huh!?

The scythe turned halfway around and retreated into the darkness of the night. In its place, a little girl appeared Rika, Makie Ueda’s sister.

—I found you!

He looked really happy. He seems to enjoy seeing blood.

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—It’s been a hundred years since we last saw each other here. Get ready.

—Prepare for what, brat?

Akane stopped my execution, pointing her weapon at Rika.

—Little girl, put the toy away. I won’t show any mercy. I hate children, red lights, and math.

Early mornings, remedial classes, and anime with poorly made animation.

—I also hate girls like dogs.

—Don’t call me a dog. Die!

He fired the gun. It wasn’t a single shot, but an impressive burst. Tongues of fire spread. from the canyon like snake tongues.

—Wow!

Rika spun the chained scythe to block the bullets. Although it seemed she couldn’t dodge them all, she He threw himself to the ground, rolling to escape danger.

“Hey, Natsuru, don’t just stand there! Kill that brat!”

This girl has no qualms about killing people. Terrifying.

Of course I intended to attack. I concentrate power in the palm of my hand. If he dies, I won’t sleep.

Okay, so I limit the power a bit and produce fire.

A fireball flies towards Rika, who is lying on the ground. It hits and explodes.

—Kyaahn!

Rika continues rolling. Then she hits her head on a trash can outside an Italian restaurant. Her face Lindo writhes in pain.

-Hurts!

—Ahaha. You serve perfectly well.

You really are evil, Akane. While Rika has tears in the corners of her eyes, you laugh out loud.

A woman who lives in a place far removed from compassion.

—No matter how much you take it, there’s no way. I’d rather you die soon.

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—Do you really think I’m going to fall for it that easily?

—I don’t think so. Compared to you, the people who endure the sun at Comiket are much more resilient.

They’re on another level.

—What are you saying?! I’m not alone in this.

Just then, from another direction, a white sheet shines and deflects the tip of Akane’s gun.

—Can you give up for now? This girl is the younger sister of a friend.

It’s Sayaka. With a cavalry sword in one hand, she steps in protectively, moving to shield them.

Rika.

—Rika-chan, you’ve been through quite a difficult situation, haven’t you?

—That dog woman is terrible. Hit her hard!

—Since it’s been put that way, I can accompany you for a while, Mishima-san?

—What, isn’t that Nakao, the library committee member?

Akane expressed surprise.

—So you were Kämpfer, huh? I thought there weren’t any library committee members that irresponsible.

—I always thought Mishima-san was too serious.

—Why are you talking like a refined woman? Have you seen “MariMite19”?

—You also have quite a foul mouth, Mishima-san. Have you ever watched yakuza movies?

also?

—… Ha, what a disgusting conversation. It seems the Kämpfers are like that.

Akane pointed her gun directly at Sayaka’s forehead.

—I accept the challenge. I don’t care if it’s one or two people, it’s all the same to me. I’m frustrated by the work o

library committee lately. I’m going to get my revenge.

Before he could say anything, Akane pulled the trigger.

—That’s barbaric.

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Dodging the bullet, Sayaka ran. She’d surely jump out before the next one was shot. shot.

I won’t allow that. Despite being a rabid dog with a sharp tongue, she’s still my partner. I’m ready.

to offer the palm of my hand to Sayaka.

At that moment, a scythe crossed in front of me.

—I will be Senou-chan’s opponent!

Rika stood up with a mischievous smile. Although it was a smile appropriate for her age, there was an air

killer.

—I don’t intend to kill you, but I will surely hurt you.

—This is not a joke…

Preparing for the attack, I face it head-on.

Akane and I faced Rika and Sayaka respectively.