Chapter 4

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Although I’m a high school student and I have a cell phone, it’s proving to be a problem. I bought an outdated o It was sold at a discounted price in a discount store, so its usability isn’t the best. Also, the battery life is…

It downloads quickly and starts beeping warnings if it’s not constantly charging. When I get angry and

I left it lying there, finally turned it on and, after about ten minutes, it started displaying a message that said: “There’s no battery. Change it, you poor thing.” As a result, the frequency of use decreased significantly. This The device is useless compared to a cordless phone.

That’s why I usually leave it off. Of course, I don’t carry it with me. Since there’s no point in…

“Mobile.” It had become a decoration in the room.

Well, I decided to check on the situation and turned on my phone after a long time, right on the

The moment I received a call. Wow, it had been so long since I’d heard the booming laughter of the Duo of the Hobby, my ringtone!

The name Akane Mishima appeared on the LCD screen. That’s strange. I had given her my number, but

Then I immediately started turning my phone off. Thanks to that, I never answered her call and a

Once he said to me, “Natsuru-san, why are you always somewhere with no cell service when I call?” I’m sorry, it’s the fault of the poor battery and the girl at the second-hand shop who scammed me.

I left the charger plugged in and pressed the call button. A wired call.

-Hello?

—Natsuru-san!

It was Akane’s voice. But it was incredibly loud. She usually spoke in a barely audible whisper. No

He seemed to be in rabid dog mode. Why was he like that?

—Wh-What’s wrong?

—I heard about Mikoto-san!

What? Was he lying again?

—D-Did you go on a date with the president…?

-No no…

—Mikoto-san said you had a date.

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If it were Mikoto, she’d say so. In fact, even Shizuku would say so. Am I the only one denying it? Why is it so co

today?

Shizuku tricked me, and we played at the park, visiting the aquarium. I thought it was part of her plan to entice m

to the enemy Kämpfer, but apparently it was a ritual called the “date rite.” Personally, I was determined to

They kept it a secret, like a strange nightmare from recent years, but did Akane already know?

—Why… is this so…?

—I don’t know why, but I don’t really understand it either.

—Natsuru-san, are you okay with this?

It’s not good, but… Yes.

I didn’t have a good time after that either. I escaped from Shizuku’s evil clutches, who was trying to kill me, and I wandered through the city turned into night. In an attempt to heal my wounded heart, I put money in

a machine at the arcade, but as soon as I played it, the machine broke down. When I called the

Personally, I ended up getting into a fight with a completely irrelevant drunk. In desperation, I gave him some of I went to a fortune teller on the street to read my palm. After murmuring, “Ah,” she fell silent.

When I demanded my money back, she said, “That’s right, I can’t accept this,” and handed the money back with Picturesque. Once the world considers you an enemy, ordinary citizens like me can’t do anything

a lot about it.

—Natsuru, are you okay with the president?

—I’m telling you it’s not right.

—I thought it was just Sakura-san…

Don’t say things like that to Mikoto. Akane doesn’t seem to have any sympathy for Sakura-san and often shows

hostility towards her, but he doesn’t seem to have any sympathy for Shizuku either.

It’s understandable, or rather, I agree. I don’t like her either. In fact, I hate her. That woman is…

He’s a demon. They should do a special report on him on NHK news.

That person is treating me like a pack horse, dragging me around and not doing anything.

Something good. He even dared to steal a kiss. I haven’t told anyone how shocked I was.

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I kept it deep in my heart, but if I had a little more courage, I would have already run to

the law office.

—Natsuru-san…?

Oh no, I’ve left her alone!

—Oh, sorry.

—Do you care about me even a little bit?

—I’m sorry, I’m sorry. That’s not how it is.

—How cruel you are.

I can clearly imagine her eyes filling with tears on the other end of the phone. That girl, who didn’t It has transformed; it seems more fragile than a dragonfly.

—You know, I was thinking…

—Are you thinking about the president…?

That’s the truth, but if I say it out loud, it will get more complicated.

—No, no, I meant something like an apology…

-Apologies…?

-Yeah…

—What kind of apology?

Her tone of voice changed, filled with anticipation.

What did I do? I spoke without thinking; I don’t even know why I’m apologizing. If I should apologize, I should

It’s Shizuku, not me. Yes, Shizuku. I’ll call Shizuku’s house and she’ll apologize appropriately. If it’s a The capable president of the council should be able to do something like that.

Akane remains silent, waiting for my words. I have to say something.

-Know…

-Yeah.

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—What if I give you my set of recordings from the midnight radio program “Ijuin Hikaru no Shinya”

no Bakajikara13″ edition of the two thousand years?

It’s a masterpiece of late-night radio. A unique piece recorded manually in the middle of the night. Isn’t it?

Does the cassette format have its charm?

However, it was clear that Akane was disappointed.

—Uhm, hello?

—…

—Is there anything you don’t like?

—…

—There isn’t a cassette player at Akane’s house, maybe?

That was possible. In my house, if the current one breaks, there would be no way to fix it. It would have to happ

quickly to a mini-disk or a hard drive.

—Hey, Akane.

—… That’s enough.

The call dropped. I silently shook my cell phone a few times.

It won’t connect. Something must have upset her. The cause, in the end, was the radio. Not understanding such A woman’s heart, I really don’t understand it.

—That’s right, it’s annoying.

I wasn’t the one who said it. It was the stuffed animal on the table.

It was a tiger with an eye patch, smiling as it exposed its entrails.

This series was the strangest in the world, called “Visceral Animals.” The manufacturer expected a huge succes But it left them with a large surplus. It was even said that they had plans for a theme park, from the The president, even the aliens were controlling him.

Incidentally, this tiger was called “Harakiritora”. Because it’s a puppet, it can talk.

I stared at him.

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—Were you listening?

—I only heard about Natsuru-san.

—How do you know?

—More than knowing, it’s imagining. The person I’m speaking to is Akane-san, right?

That’s right. Despite being a plush toy, it’s splendid.

—It was all because of what Natsuru-san said that we ended up like this.

—That’s right. Although I don’t understand the reason.

—But that’s Akane-san’s fault too, isn’t it?

-Oh really?

—It’s a mistake to expect Natsuru-san to understand a woman’s heart.

He laughs loudly. Wow, what condescension for an unsold product.

Well, I have to admit I don’t understand women’s feelings. Not just Akane, but Shizuku too.

And Mikoto too, they’re all the same, there’s nothing as complicated in the world as that. The system of Exams, despite all the criticism, still exist because they are much easier than the heart of a

woman. I only understand Sakura-san, I like her, despite her being a woman.

—Shouldn’t you apologize in some way?

—When I tried to do it, they cut me off.

—That’s true. So why don’t you try expressing your own feelings clearly?

—What?

—I think it’s because Natsuru-san is indecisive by nature and also incredibly insensitive. What if Do you take the initiative?

—What are you talking about? Don’t decide for yourself that I’m insensitive.

On the other hand, I’m always doing my best for Sakura-san. I’m going to cast every line I can.

I can. I’m trying to fish, you know?

Harakiritora now smiles in amazement.

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—Ah, I see. So it’s not that you’re insensitive, it’s just that you don’t see what’s going on around you. Hahaha.

—I always get caught up in that.

—If you get offended by everything, maybe you’re still okay.

Damn it. Her words make no sense.

What on earth does it mean to be insensitive or not to see what’s around me? I admit that sometimes I don’t rea Compared to Higashida, I’m pretty good at that.

I completely understand that I need to do something for Akane. It’s just that I haven’t come up with a strategy ye

specifically.

I was about to say it, but Harakiritora suddenly stopped. Ah, did he fall asleep? Even if he is a plushie, sometim He needs his hours of sleep.

Anyway, I’ll think about how to support her later. I muttered that as I unplugged my useless cell phone from the plug.

■

My recent school life has been filled with homework. That’s not a metaphor or a literary expression; it really hits Stacks of homework. It seems like a warm gift from the teachers to Senou Natsuru, who’s been absent.

A lot. In short, it’s something like “better than remedial classes”.

I also received a lot of homework today. But this is only for the boys’ section; the girls don’t have any.

Having to deal with this. Probably thanks to the tutor who likes the game and makes the classes a drag.

I’m glad I’m not motivated.

Anyway, I have to do my homework for the men’s section. I felt overwhelmed holding the thick ones.

Printouts. What should I do?

Normally, in these cases it’s better to learn from someone who is a better student than you are. But There’s no one suitable to turn to. In the men’s section, Higashida is just like me. Hanzawa is a bit…

Worse. The others are more or less the same.

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So, what about the girls’ section? The exceptionally bright one is Shizuku. She got in with perfect scores. in all subjects. Always first in the regular exams. It seems she also excelled in the test.

He recently won a national championship, ranking among the top three. Why is he in Seitetsu?

But I found it difficult to face Shizuku. Because, you know, that’s why.

For the same reason, it’s complicated with Akane too. After what happened on the phone, I want to clarify.

Things, really. Their grades should be much higher than mine.

The class president, the vice president, and the treasurer are all wondering what my grades are.

Then there’s Mikoto. But that girl is a natural genius, and she also says hidden things like “the testing area” “It’s where the burnt remains after the textbook is burned.” It’s difficult for a mere mortal to understand. like me.

At this point, there’s only one person left. Yes, it’s Sakura-san.

I couldn’t help but smile. I’m going to learn from Sakura-san. That person is also exceptionally intelligent. He consistently ranks among the top ten in his class. It’s an unparalleled pleasure to be taught by someone so t Teach. It wouldn’t be worth putting it this way. I’m so happy!

There are many boys who have their sights set on Sakura-san, but this is where she took the lead. Probably He won’t accept strangers asking for help, but we’ve been classmates since high school, so we

we know.

Of course, at this point, it’s just speculation. It’s a futile hope.

But I know exactly how to meet Sakura-san. I don’t need to transform into a girl to do it. whatever is necessary.

After school, I headed straight for a particular place.

The destination was the municipal library. That enormous building. Upon passing through the double glass door In the lobby, I was greeted by a comfortable atmosphere and a large, tidy loan counter.

It turns out that Sakura-san visits this library about twice a month. She looks through the fashion magazines to to stay up-to-date. Despite her appearance, she is more methodical and prudent than one might expect.

This information is not widely known. I obtained it through Higashida, with whom I am involved. at the Beauty Research Club. They told me it was expensive, but I’m a special advisor there.

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Beyond the lobby, there were sofas and magazines stacked at the back. I approached, full of enthusiasm.

And about Sakura-san… Ah.

-Demons…

I murmured. He wasn’t there. He said he always came in his uniform, but Higashida, that guy, maybe gave

incorrect information.

Well, maybe I’m just running late. I decided to take it easy and sat down on the sofa. I picked up a newspaper. which was nearby. I wouldn’t normally read it, but given the location, I thought it would be a good idea.

Complicated words dancing on poor quality paper.

—Well, at the financial council meeting, oil prices go up. The strategy of the Russian mafia and

its growing influence in the Lower House. The EU’s response to environmental problems and the impact on The futures market, due to dependence on biofuels and the increasing environmental burden…

I don’t understand at all.

It’s like they’re asking me to translate Arabic. It’s wrong to tell me I understand it. To begin with, the Words aren’t my thing. I’m sure someone can read it well. Impressive.

Giving up all hope, I check the sports section. Players to watch in the J-League. I understand that.

I prefer this.

Looking at the picture of a player like a bear from Vegalta Sendai14, my field of vision darkened.

—…Natsuru-san?

I thought it was Sakura-san, but I was wrong.

A girl with glasses is wearing the uniform of the female section. It was Akane.

Akane and I moved to the second floor. We could have stayed downstairs too, but oh well.

As we were moving, I asked, “Didn’t you see Sakura-san?” There was a concrete response.

—… Yes, I saw her.

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—Huh? Where is it?

—She’s gone now… today is the launch day of Jump.

—Huh?

Hey, she went to buy a boys’ manga magazine! I already heard that Kaede likes Jump.

I found out a little late.

—Hmm, well, there’s nothing to be done about it. Why are you in the library, Akane-chan?

After saying it, I thought it was a silly question. This girl is on the library committee and she loves it. the books.

—It’s because of my work on the library committee. Also… I wanted to read several books.

I see. Like a bee drawn to the nectar of flowers, book lovers are absorbed by the Libraries and bookstores. From what I heard, Akane’s library card number at this library She’s quite young. How many years has she been using it?

—And Natsuru-san…?

—I thought about studying.

She seemed surprised, as expected, so I clarified to avoid misunderstandings.

—Oh, no. They gave me homework instead of tutoring. I thought about looking up the parts I don’t understand.

—…Well, in that case…

Akane murmured shyly, looking down.

-Hey?

—If you’re in trouble, I can… help you, but…

—Help me…?

As mentioned before, now.

Akane slightly avoided eye contact.

“If you’re really in trouble, I’ll help you… But I suppose someone who dates the president seems…” To be happy, so homework isn’t a big deal, right…?

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Hmm. It seems she’s still affected by the call. “It wasn’t a date with the president, I was tricked…” —A date is a date…

I’m sorry, but I want to deny this at all costs.

I’m sorry to say this, but I’m being manipulated by the leader all the time. I’m being led around.

His whim. If I don’t keep denying it, I’ll be caught like a fly in his web.

-Oh really…?

—Yes, seriously.

Why am I so desperate?

-Really…

Akane seemed relieved. Me too. Girls’ minds are really complicated.

She looked directly at me again.

—Then I’ll help you.

—Ah, there’s no need to get so upset.

To my relief, I held back. This has nothing to do with Akane, but rather with Sakura-san’s purpose.

—It would be annoying for Akane-chan, so it’s not a good idea.

—That… isn’t annoying.

He suddenly contradicts himself. It’s completely opposite to his attitude until recently. I was surprised.

—If it’s to help Natsuru-san, I’d be happy to do it.

—Not to that extent. I was thinking of asking Sakura-san.

—No, something so important cannot be left in Sakura-san’s hands.

Truly trustworthy. But I like Sakura-san better. I came to this book-filled place for that purpose.

—Well, but…

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—Oh, can’t it be me…?

—That’s not what it’s about.

—Then let me… take care of it…

-… Yes please.

Since Akane insisted so much, I ended up agreeing.

We sat in the seats on the second floor, near the window. Oh, I’ve been here before. It’s a bit different from that time.

I took the printing papers out of the bag and slammed them down on the table. Akane’s eyes were very… open.

—… There’s quite a lot, isn’t there?

—It seems the teachers liked me.

Personally, I would prefer to be ignored.

Akane quickly reviewed the papers and arranged them by subject.

—Natsuru-san, in what areas are you having difficulties?

—In all of them, I think.

—… Specifically.

—English, Language and Social Studies.

More than anything, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I struggle with almost everything. In my first year, my

I was right at average, but lately, thanks to the Kämpfer thing, my grades are declining.

—Okay, I’ll check it.

She checked quickly and efficiently.

What was strange was that, instead of making me do it first, she read it all on her own. Then I He asks, “Can you do this here?” and I answer each time.

Thinking about how strange her method was, she said, “The person teaching must understand it well,” and add

like when a private tutor prepares in advance what he is going to teach.”

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—Hee! It’s clear you have experience.

“That’s because I tutored my cousin in high school,” he explained. Being a high school tutor for a student The second year of high school is quite impressive.

After confirming it herself, she hands me the printed sheets and says, “Okay, please do this. I have

I’ve marked the important points with a circle.”

I followed his instructions. I took a pencil and solved the problems. I was surprised. The response speed was Faster than usual. When writing texts in English, it’s easy to understand, but I can also translate. Akane’s circles flowed smoothly. The same with ancient texts. As for the history of Japan, as it is a The memorization aspect doesn’t work the same way, but it was very effective.

It might be rude to say this, but it was a hidden talent.

For a moment, I stopped my hand and looked at Akane in astonishment. Ah, people hide many surprises. Altho

In a rude way, I thought he simply liked books and didn’t apply that to anything else. But having A special skill like this. Perhaps she has a future as a teacher at a prep academy?

They often say things to me like, “I thought you were more serious,” or “I thought you were a serious person wh “I could pretend not to be serious,” or “when they say you’re serious it stresses me out, but I thought you were o

pass,” or “I was walking the dog and I kicked a ball that rolled down and broke a window.”

I went to apologize to an unknown house, and it turned out there was a gas leak about to explode, and the own

“The house thanked me.” The last part is long, but it has no content.

—This marks the end of the checkup…

She handed me the last printed sheet.

—They’re just basic things, so it shouldn’t be difficult. If you still don’t understand something, please ask me.

—Th-Thank you.

For some reason, I’m swaying. Wow, Akane shines so brightly.

She smiles brightly. It must be nice to be helpful to others. It’s a wonderful thing. She’s a person

wonderful, even better than Sakura-san.

I tried to concentrate on the paper. I suddenly looked up and said,

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—Akane-chan, you don’t need to accompany me or anything like that.

-Hey…?

—I think you have things to do.

—Yes, I have them… But if I can help you, Natsuru-san…

—It would be a nuisance if I were to get in your way…

—Don’t worry. Rather, I hope I’m not being a bother to you…

—No, on the contrary. You’re helping me. You’re not a bother at all.

Everything is going smoothly, all thanks to her. I’m truly grateful.

Akane thought for a moment.

—Can I bring a book?

—Huh? Sure, go ahead.

—So as not to be in the way, I’ll be reading and waiting.

As quickly as he said it, he walked towards the bookshelf.

He returned in an instant, holding a hardcover book. Perhaps he had already decided.

He placed it on the table and immediately immersed himself in his reading.

Time passed while I organized the papers, glancing sideways at Akane.

The book I was reading seemed related to history. I’m not sure, but maybe it was about history. Some title? about the Habsburg family in the 18th century. The name Habsburg sounds familiar; could it be a brand of

sweets?

That thing next to it is a book on Greek mythology. Do you like history and mythology? Yes, I do.

I remember reading science fiction. If so, I probably also read mystery novels. In short, do you…

Will anyone like anything printed?

Even so, he has an impressive concentration. It seems he’s completely forgotten about me, he just keeps going He reads the letters tirelessly. Even though it’s so detailed without drawings or anything, will he be able to abso He’ll probably get used to it.

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Not only her, the book lovers are amazing. Even in class 2-4 of the boys’ section, too.

There’s one guy like that, who’s always reading something during recess. He says he finishes a whole book bef

to return home, which is incredible. Besides, according to him, it’s not like he reads fast or anything like that. Th Do they have so much magical power?

Only Akane’s fingers tirelessly turn the pages. Doing so, she truly seems innocent.

literary girl, and you can’t believe she’s the same person as the sharp-tongued, fierce woman.

It’s probably a coincidence. She lifts her head from the book and our eyes meet.

—Ah…

Her face quickly turns red.

—I-Was what I was doing… strange?

—No, not really.

—I thought that, by staring at me, maybe I was doing something strange.

—No, not at all. I was surprised by your dedication, that’s all.

—Ah… this was the book I wanted to read.

Akane smiled sheepishly, as if making an excuse.

“It’s a bit expensive, so I can’t buy it. In times like these, libraries are really useful.” —You only read those kinds of books, Akane-chan?

—Not too much. At home I read science fiction, mystery, and fantasy too.

—Eer, that’s not what I mean.

—I don’t really like horror… It scares me.

—No, I meant fashion magazines and things like that.

-Hey…?

Suddenly, Akane felt uneasy. Was that such a surprising question?

—I don’t think that kind of thing is cheap either. It seems Sakura-san reads them.

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—Um… I don’t usually read… that kind of thing…

He shrank back even more. Hmm… Was that a tricky question?

—It’s not that I’m not interested… it’s just that I don’t understand. My colleagues on the committee also told me.. I’m so lacking in femininity in this library… But since I don’t feel like getting dressed up either…

Although Akane is modest, and glasses suit her well, if she put in a little effort she should be able to improve qu In a way, it’s a shame.

—Is it better if I read them?

—I don’t know, I’m not interested in them.

It’s a bit contradictory to bring up the topic and then back out, but I don’t have any interest in it either.

Fashion. Jeans are enough for me.

She lowered her voice even more.

—But Natsuru-san… Sakura-san does read them…

—Yes, it seems so.

—Haah…

She looked downcast. Why? Why is it so influential that Sakura-san reads fashion magazines?

Even when she goes to buy Jump magazine?

—Is it necessary to do it this way?

—No, I think you’re fine the way you are.

—But Natsuru-san, you only ever talk about Sakura-san…

—Yes, it seems so.

That can’t be helped. My mind is constantly on Sakura-san. The exclusive computer of Sakura-san runs on a program exclusive to Sakura-san. It may not be the most efficient, but for

I am enough.

—Perhaps you won’t have a chance…

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I don’t understand exactly what she means. Is she trying to take Sakura-san’s position among the Big Three?

Beauties of Seitetsu? That’s probably crazy.

—Akane-chan, don’t you like Sakura-san?

—It’s not that I don’t like him…

—If you want, I can show you the good things about Sakura-san.

This is something I’ve been considering. It seems that Akane and Sakura-san don’t get along; they clash with ea Akane seems to be deeply on guard, a real antipathy. As a Sakura-san fan, I can’t… to stay out of it!

—You know, Akane-chan, first since Sakura-san’s first year of middle school…

-Alright…

—Uh, is that okay? I think you’d like Sakura-san if you asked her. It’s a thank you for helping me with the

studies.

-There’s no need…

Hmm. Seeing that girl looking a bit depressed, it seems difficult to pressure her. But when she rejects my attem Sakura-san must be feeling bad somehow.

Akane remained silent for a while, her mouth pursed.

—Natsuru-san…

-What’s happening?

Finally, when I thought I wanted to hear about Sakura-san, it was slightly different.

—Is Sakura-san really that good?

She says similar things to Shizuku.

—I don’t understand your tastes…

—If you don’t like Sakura-san, most of the boys in the section will be in bad taste.

—Since Natsuru-san likes it, it doesn’t have to be Sakura-san.

Where did this suddenly come from?

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—It’s not as you say.

—You really are. It’s unfair!

—It’s not unfair… I hardly know any girls.

First of all, if he were popular, he wouldn’t be in a position as a special advisor to the Research Club

of Beauties. He would be bullied by boys like Higashida and would end up being criticized. Besides, he didn’t There is no law that says you have to be popular.

—So you’re not that involved with girls…?

—Related? Is there anyone?

—Like the president and Kondou-san.

—There are only two people.

—Two people are already too many! And if we add the girls close to Natsuru-san, there are a lot of them…! No, no, that sounds strange. Rather, there are many “girls who are interested in me, a guy,” but I don’t think tha That’s what being popular is. It’s more like a natural disaster.

—I don’t stand a chance… Although both the president and Kondou-san are beautiful…

—Aren’t you worried about something strange?

—It’s not strange…

Hmm, I don’t quite understand. I thought she was talking about Sakura-san, and then she suddenly mentioned m He started talking about being popular. Did he read too much and get a brain meltdown? “It would be nice to be popular with a lot of people. I’ve never dated a man…” —It happens to me too.

—Being popular with both men and women…

I would also prefer to avoid the latter.

—Are you going for anything?

—Of course not.

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It seems he’s falling into negative thoughts. Isn’t that a sign of danger?

Akane stares intently at me.

—So, Natsuru-san, what kind of people do you like?

—Of course, Sakura-san.

—Except for Sakura-san. Generally speaking, what kind of people or preferences…?

—Hmm…

The conversation is taking an unexpected turn, but there’s no going back now. I’m putting my mind to work furth

from my studies.

—Not too serious, but a little rough around the edges too. Her height is just right, and her face isn’t too… relevant… The character isn’t that… I would reject rudeness…

Wait, when I think about it, it seems I don’t have any preferences. Rather than having a wide range of options, I simply don’t have a clear preference.

Wow, this is complicated. Obviously I like beautiful and pretty women, but I don’t really like them.

It matters that much. Rather, I tend to lean towards a positive atmosphere and attitude. Because it’s better to be

with someone who is fun to be with.

Even if it’s not fun, as long as there’s some tension, it’s fine. And when you get to this point,

Biologically speaking, perhaps any woman would be suitable. It’s a blunt idea; in the end, I suppose that Fitting in perfectly like a plug is more reassuring.

My looks as a woman are quite good, but I’d be an absolute pervert if I felt desire for myself. myself. I’m not a narcissist or anything like that.

Hmm, except for Sakura-san, huh? If I had to choose precisely…

—A girl like Akane-chan, perhaps?

-Hey…?

In the next instant, a flash passed by.

I was surprised when I looked ahead. Where Akane had been sitting, there was now a ferocious hyena-woman.

In an instant, he became a Kämpfer.

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—Hey, Natsuru, is that true!?

Idiot, you’re shouting! This is a library. But she doesn’t care.

-It’s true!?

—Why did you suddenly transform!?

—Shut up, it doesn’t matter! Is it true or not!?

He reached out with his left hand and grabbed my shirt. “Hey, that hurts!”

She shook me violently. My head was being shaken. Ugh, I feel dizzy. My brain is spinning. turning into cream cheese.

—I’m not lying…

—I don’t really trust what you’re saying. Why do you like me? Hey!

—Actually, no…

—Before I transform, I don’t care. Explain your reason. Otherwise, I’ll give you a lead bullet like

gift.

A gun appeared. The black barrel pressed against my forehead. Why is this woman trying to solve things? with violence in this way?

I extended both hands forward to try to calm Akane down.

-Peaceful…

—What did you say? Do you think I’m a dog? Do you want me killed?

It really is like a dog. It understands human language and then it’s just like a dog in every other way. But if If I say something like that, I’ll really get killed, so I have to suppress it deep in my heart.

—Okay, okay. Wait…

—Say it.

—I’ll tell you.

—Okay, tell me about it.

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—There’s no reason… you know?

The fierce woman’s gaze sharpened like never before.

—It sounds like you’re asking to die. I’ll grant your wish.

—Don’t shoot! There’s no reason to have an interest rate. If you omit what I don’t like, it becomes Akane.

—Don’t get defensive. Sometimes in anime they say, “There will be a second season!” and then

disappears completely.

—Don’t compare them. Really… Don’t.

Actually, it’s not a lie. Sakura-san is the best, but with anyone other than her, somehow…

That’s how it ends. Because isn’t that her personality? If I were with her, it would feel like she was sucking me d Bodily fluids. Mikoto is a bit noisy. Masumi is there too, but it’s impossible to see her as someone

of interest. The president, the vice president, and the treasurer are three people I would prefer to keep.

The other side of the mountain. So, guess what? Only Akane remains. She smiled triumphantly.

—I see, I see, good topic, mate. This news is better than the Evangelion movies. I’d like to tell you about it.

President Mikoto.

—You, saying unnecessary things…

—Relax. Even I know I won’t do anything stupid. These things are for special occasions.

TRUE?

I have no idea. And could it be that I said something irreparable? Why is Akane so happy?

—Okay, then, would you take an oath?

-Hey?

What does it mean to take an oath? What do you plan to do?

—Oath to the gods…?

—Useless. Are you a follower of someone?

—No, I believe funerals are conducted according to Buddhist traditions.

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—No problem for me either. I’m not swearing by Christ, Allah, or Buddha. Much less by the Freemasons. I am taking this oath for her.

She placed the gun barrel in my mouth.

—This is my most prized weapon. Swear that what you said before wasn’t a lie.

—What kind of ceremony is this?

—The Pistol Ceremony. Now, say it.

I had never heard of that ceremony.

But Akane’s eyes are serious. It’s strange for a rabid dog like her to be serious, but whatever.

It’s serious. Seriousness and madness get tangled up like detergent in a washing machine. I realized that clearl They said if I resisted, they’d kill me. This isn’t a threat, is it?

There’s no other option. I ended up swearing out loud that my preference is Akane.

—So I swear on that.

-Really.

—Are you a priest?

“It doesn’t matter if I’m a priest or a pastor. If you tell a lie, this won’t be the end of it.”

The Government-like pistol trembles.

—Hey, stop. It’s true.

-Good.

Like a thief who has succeeded in a bank robbery and obtained a lot of money, the dog woman He grins furiously as he raises the cannon and slowly brings it to his lips.

And give a kiss.

—This is perfect. I heard you clearly.

What a strange situation! Almost like a threat. Is he related to the Shotgun Couple? Also, When it comes to Akane, she only shows a cute smile in moments like these.

—Today is a great day, don’t you think? It’s the best.

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-Oh really?

I don’t quite understand. Although I’ve finished my task, I’m being forced to make a promise under duress.

A gun. I can’t see Sakura-san.

Thinking about it, my life has been strange lately. They made me imitate a maids’ café for the sister of the Class president Mikoto made curry again and I pretended to be her; also, Shizuku dragged me through

everywhere and said it was a date.

And to top it all off, why, after confessing my tastes, do I have to make a promise with a gun? Huh?

Ignoring my feelings, Akane closed one eye with a calm expression.

—A good day is a good day.

You really look like you’re straight out of the Wild West with that attitude.

Then, seriously,

—Don’t break your promise.

He said it in a terrifying voice.

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It’s in Tsukiji. On my wife’s computer, Hatsune Miku is singing. Kagamine Rin is there too.

Len. Meiko is there. And Miriam too. Kaito isn’t there. They’re all singing together with SONAR, amazing. Oh, it That Miriam is Miriam Stockley! Unbelievable!

I’m sending you my new book. This time I’ve changed things up a bit, and it’s a collection of short stories. It’s mo There are no battles. Instead, human relationships develop more.

It’s been over a year since I started the Kämpfer series! This is already the sixth volume. It seems I’m

progressing too quickly. Throughout the series, I’ve considered ending it several times, but thanks to the

Thanks to your support, readers, I’ve kept going. In the future, both the battles and the romance and the

Natsuru’s solitary thoughts will intensify. Look forward to it!

I recently saw a quick poll and it seems that the popularity of the council president is…

Student, Sangou Shizuku, is rapidly gaining popularity. It seems that the end of the third volume has

It’s made a big impact, and it’s getting a lot of votes. Now that I think about it, maybe it’s a little early in the third

I had enough space for that, but once I started writing, I couldn’t stop and it ended up like that. It’s true that whe It’s popular, one puts in more effort, which has also happened in this volume. This text has too many

pronouns, right?

The flip side (dark side) of popularity are female Natsuru and the fierce Akane. Natsuru, as the protagonist,

She attracts attention even in her female form. And as for Akane, she is (in a sense) the heroine of

This novel. Although I feel like Natsuru is like a heroine, in a way that’s also okay, I think that

Even so, Akane is the heroine. The impression Akane gives before and after the transformation is like two differ

people in one. Recently, even before the transformation, he’s giving his best. The

The touching effort to approach Natsuru while she is crying also resonates in the hearts of

Readers? After the transformation, everything remains the same.

Well, I’m just making a casual announcement. Regarding Kämpfer, it will actually be adapted into a manga. Sta The issue, which goes on sale February 27th in Media Factory’s monthly magazine Comic Alive, will begin

serialization. They showed me the preliminary design and it captures the features very well, so it has

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It’s become very interesting. The moment Harakiritora suddenly starts talking is also…

Great. Since this novel has transformation and combat scenes, even though it sounds like

While the author is self-indulgent, I believe it is a work very well suited to visual media. For the

Original author, it’s truly satisfying that things are now visible to everyone. Kämpfer

It has finally arrived in the world of manga! This is all thanks in large part to the readers who continue Buying the books. I hope for your continued support for both the manga and the novel.

December 2007

Toshihiko Tsukiji

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1

Famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, from whose platform it is said that taking a leap symbolizes a great resolve 2

Literally, “if you want to reach the general, shoot the horse first,” but the character mistakes it for another anima

a touch of humor.

3

A percussion instrument, similar to a xylophone, but with a deeper, more resonant sound. It is composed of a se

of tuned wooden bars, which are struck with mallets to produce sounds. Beneath the bars are tubes called

resonators, which amplify the sound.

4

Famous American illusionist, known for his impressive magic tricks and grand illusions.

• Type of black tea originating from the mountainous region of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India.
• Snacks or accompaniments served with tea.

7

It was a confrontation in 1972 between the police and a radical group that barricaded itself in a mountain lodge 8 A deity from the Cthulhu mythos created by August Derleth, a colleague of HP Lovecraft.

9

It was the official secret police of Nazi Germany, founded in 1933. It was known for its extreme ruthlessness an

repression against anyone considered a threat to the Nazi regime.

10. A species of penguin that inhabits the coasts of Peru and Chile in South America. They are named after the Humboldt, a cold current in the Pacific Ocean that provides ideal conditions for their survival.

• Food prepared and packaged in a box, commonly used in Japan for lunches.
• English term, means intimate partner.
• It is a Japanese radio program of humor and talk hosted by comedian Ijuin Hikaru, which has been popular f

comical and relaxed style.

• Professional football team from the city of Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.