Kämpfer Vol 1 Chapter 4
Chapter 4
The weather was clear and sunny. Id call the color of the sky Pecan . Not from the nuts, but from the beautiful blue color of the box of a brand of cigarettes that Higashida buys. Id buy the brand just to gaze at the color, but I dont smoke.
I was idly waiting in front of the Metro station, just before 10:00, right on time. I was in girl-form. Personally, Id rather be dating as a man, but it couldnt be helped. Today, its complicated. Perhaps my situation will stay complicated for my lifetime.
Akane was beside me, in her usual form. She was in fierce-dog mode first because I still couldnt transform myself. However, she returned to normal immediately after.
Naturally I protested, but Akane refused saying "because..." while nearly crying.
"Why?"
"...so Sakura-san and Natsuru-san can be alone."
"Huh?"
"Because its... when I change everything I say is vulgar, everything irritates me, the whole world is at fault. I cant help but quarrel, even with you..."
"But if Akane-chan isnt transformed I could change back to being a man at any time."
"Then even Sakura-san will want to shoot you."
That would be troublesome. She couldnt be persuaded and remained in her original form. I buried my head in my hands.
"If I change back in the middle of my date with Sakura-san, its too terrible to imagine."
"Sounds like a good time to pray," said the irritating Harakiri-tora.
"G.o.d may grant the prayer, but I doubt the moderator would care."
I deeply regret bringing her out, but she pleaded to get out of the boring room.
"Dont you have a way to extend the transformation, a drug or something?"
"Like I said before, the only way is to gain experience."
"Added together I have about a day of experience."
"Thats just,..." she shook her head indicating it wasnt good. c.r.a.p!
"Just try it when you need it. If it doesnt work, the worst that can happen is you get a hole through your head." That came from Seppuku-kuro-usagi. Akane brought her along because it had complained so noisily.
"Youll get it eventually if you keep trying, theres no predicting it. Thats all Harakiri-tora was saying."
"Just keep to positive thinking. If anything happens run and hide."
Thats easy to say.
Keeping my mind focused on not transforming may not be enough. Plus its rude to be preoccupied while dating, positive thinking aside. Akane was slouching and silent. She had Seppuku-kuro-usagi in one arm and Harakiri-tora in the other. Like a doll collector.
"Its OK," I gave up, "Ill date Sakura-san the way things are."
"Im sorry..."
"Akane-chan, you need to hide somewhere."
She replied, "yes..." in a low voice. As she left the stuffed animals said "keep praying for favor," and "even if you fail you can still laugh about it."
Then I was alone. The sunlight was shining and I watched herds of people exiting the station. Wondering how many of them were in a situation like mine; none I bet. Do high school boys that become girls when they wake up in the morning acc.u.mulate in large numbers? However, there may be Kämpfer in the crowds. Although not likely, I was told that there is a tendency for Kämpfer to appear near others. Its bound to happen before too long. After all, Akane and I were already the target of one enemy.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
I was back to reality. Sakura-san was smiling in front of me. She looks good in her uniform, but a short skirt and a short sleeve top suit her very well; she was lovely.
"Im sorry, were you bored?"
I shook my head. I could think later, now wasnt spare time.
"I worried about what clothes to wear. But I couldnt be late for my first date with Natsuru-san."
Its understandable; I also fretted about what to wear.
Sakura-san was looking at the clothes I was wearing.
"Ive only seen you in your uniform, you always look cool, even in plain clothes."
I was wearing denim jeans with a wide belt over a thin shirt. On my neck I wore a silver necklace. They were my own clothes, mens clothes. No women live at my house, so theres no womens clothes. I didnt have time to go buy anything, so I did what I could. The shirt was tight around my chest and my a.s.s barely fit in the jeans. I borrowed the necklace from Akane, she said it was needed.
I had to plan for an outfit that wouldnt be a problem if I transformed. A sailor suit uniform would be very odd to wear on a date. There was no way to tell when or where I would need to transform, or what would happen to my clothes when I did. If I become naked, it would be very hard to slip away in j.a.pan. Akane was carrying a spare clothes just in case. Oh, what a thrilling idea for a first date.
"Shall we go?" Sakura-san said.
I never asked where are we going? I wonder if she would have told me.
She already had tickets. I glanced back nonchalantly and saw Akane with a stuffed toy in each arm, battling with an automated ticket machine. She had to set Harakiri-tora down to gain the upper hand.
We pa.s.sed through the ticket gate and went to the platform.
Akane was still struggling to get through the automatic gate while holding the two stuffed animals. She had to set one down again. I was wondering how I could hold up the train from leaving, but when I looked at the smile on Sakura-sans face all I could think of was my future happiness. Id be even happier if I wasnt a girl though.
"Im so happy..."
I looked at her, what a coincidence.
"...being together, you know?" Her cheeks were red with embarra.s.sment.
"Ive been looking forward to having fun today. Im thrilled to be on a date with Natsuru-san."
I couldnt help but look around to see if people would react to two girls dating. The train pulled in, and it was very crowded. After waiting for the train to empty we boarded. The train was half empty then, so we were able to get good seats.
"Where...?" I started to ask.
"...if you dont mind, I thought wed see a movie."
Movie, that sounded good.
"Ive been looking forward to it, but its just a screening. Unless youre not interested."
I agreed. Recently Id only seen a few movies, Hollywood or Studio Ghibli, and those were video rentals. Its not that I dislike theaters, but I rarely think of going. After a short time it was time to get off the train. We got off a few blocks from the center of Tokyo. The area was being redeveloped and a new cineplex had just been built.
Sakura-san tugged my arm, "this is it."
There was a big sign A Poets Love. A romance film, perfectly suited for a date. Sakura-san purchased the tickets. It felt odd to have her pay and she must have seen it on my face.
She said, "...since I invited you."
She handed the tickets to the woman behind the velvet ropes and we walked in. We went past the entrance for A Poets Love.
Huh?
The door we walked towards had a large sign Entrails Animals - The b.l.o.o.d.y Prison Gates.
"Entrails Animals became a movie! Ive been looking forward to it and knew I had to bring Natsuru-san. Its early, but lets go in."
She led me by the hand into the theater. The room was almost empty. The film was so poorly promoted that even free tickets may not bring people in. We sat in the middle of the front row. Akane came in and sat towards the back. Even with her there it made five customers, no more than could be counted on one hand.
Sakura-san showed me a pamphlet she had purchased. The main sales pitch was Resuscitating CPR for the unpopular Entrails Animals series. At least one vendor appeared to have been deceived to think the series was coming back.
By the time the previews started there were enough people to need a full two hands to count. The story was a mess; a detective story with the Entrails Animals descending upon the Edo period and removing the villains internal organs to set things right, sort of. But about halfway through the movie that story changed into an alien-armored-tank-monster possessed by an evil soul... if I could understand what I was seeing. Sakura-san, however, was engrossed, staring at the screen.
"Its interesting."
I couldnt quite agree though, did I miss something?
On screen the Entrails Animal Fighter Plane was battling the monster which, naturally, was flying about the castles of the Edo period while trailing its intestines.
"Well... a little."
"...it is. Very few people understand the fun of Entrails Animals. Im glad Natsuru-san is enjoying it."
Enjoyment might come when the movie is done. By the end of the movie it had become a story where the Edo town is rescued through a game of volleyball. The enemy was a group of surgeons trying to place the entrails back into their respective abdomens. How can I not think the doctors are right?
Sakura-sans profile is still beautiful even in a dimly lit room. However her empathy is clearly sided with the Entrails Animals and her expression is mortified whenever a surgeons scalpel appears on screen.
Someone entered the theater, likely someone early for the next showing. On the screen the surgeon was made to suck on LSD and the characters all turned to psychedelic colors worked through with distorted CGI. Maybe this was worth the ticket.
I glanced at my arm and my heart jumped. My bracelet was glowing, a signal that I would transform soon. Too soon and acid wouldnt be needed to surprise Sakura-san. Finding herself seated next to a man when the lights turned on, shed scream for the police.
I looked back to where Akane was seated. I beckoned to her excitedly, but she didnt notice. She was staring at the screen. Oh my G.o.d, shes also a fan of Entrails Animals; at a time like this! The bracelet was flashing faster, this was no joke. Just as I prepared to run the blinking stopped. I hurriedly checked my body and I was still a girl. I never went back to being a man.
I was relieved, out of the woods, but why? Harakiri-tora told me I wasnt experienced enough to control it myself.
I leaned back in my chair and relax. The movie came to its climatic point and children yelled Our Heroes, the Entrails Animals! There had been no children in the movie, even for a second, until then.
Whats up with that?
After the movie Sakura-san and I went outside. She said, "It was really interesting. It held me in suspense!"
You could say that. The cattle mutilation scene where the Entrails Animals exchanged internal organs while screaming was certainly interesting. The images were disturbing enough I had started to sweat. Soon I was sweating trying to unravel the mystery of why I hadnt transformed. If I didnt have the skill to stop it... I couldnt let my guard down.
"Are you hungry?" Sakura-san pressed her stomach. "There is a famous pasta shop. Lets go."
The Italian restaurant had a green sign over the door. I had never heard of it, so it probably wasnt a restaurant chain. Even though it was lunchtime there were few customers and we were able to be seated immediately. The waiter asked our order and Sakura-san chose the shiitake and cod roe spaghetti. I picked a pasta soup.
Akane came in and also ordered. She still had the stuffed toys. The waiter gave her a strange look, but didnt say anything.
"It was fun," Sakura-san said. "Being on a date with Natsuru-san is like a dream come true. I have never..." she looked down and her cheeks flushed brightly. Apparently she didnt have any dating experience either. It seems we both do now... if you can call this a date. The ordered food came and we ate in silence for a while.
I finished first.
"I think... that..." she stopped to take another bite, "Natsuru-san is... interested in men...?"
I denied it by slowly shaking my head, after all Im not gay.
"Really? Im glad..." Sakura-san clearly showed relief, "...from the first time I saw Natsuru-san... That first time, Ill never forget. Last night I dreamt that..."
Without looking up she clearly said, "Would you continue dating me?"
My face was stuck looking like the Toei Animation logo[1]. It finally came; I had gotten a love confession from Sakura-san. Is there anyone more fortunate in the world? However, why did I have to receive it while I was female?
I Looked at Sakura-san, she was motionless in antic.i.p.ation. It was as is a barrier was surrounding the table blocking all sound from the other tables. What should I do?
To start with, it was my first time a woman confessed to me. I had thought it would be like it is in games or novels. You Know, under a tree a girl says I like Natsuru-san, and I reply I like you too. I thought a real life confession would only be slightly different.
In truth when I was confessed to my face turned pure white, I couldnt think clearly, and my eyes were fixed straight ahead.
I was in the form of a woman when she said it. I was interested in a heteros.e.xual relationship with her. Do they call this a lily or lesbian relationship? Either will do. More important than that Sakura-sans entire body was bright red. She was waiting for a reply. The ball was in my court.
"That...," I reduced my voice as much as I could, "me... why?
Sakura-sans face was still lowered as she answered, "Natsuru-san is strong, silent, cool and her voice is low and husky... Ive yearned for such a person so long that it hurts."
Silent is just so my voice wont give me away. Even if I change back to a man my voice will stay the same.
"Sorry, among girls it may be strange, but I like all of Natsuru-sans virtues."
Now what? She invited me on this date. She confessed, if Im a man Id give a straight answer. But right then I wasnt a man. The answer is either yes or no like the check boxes on old questionnaire postcards, except this is a verbal answer. There is only room for yes or no.
I want to return the confession while Im a man, then the answer would be a definite yes. I had no idea when I would return to my original form, but my essence is still a man. I took a slow, deep breath. Two choices, what do I choose? Actually theres a third way, "...excuse me a minute." I stood up and walked to the bathroom. I needed time to think and clear my head.
In the corner of my eye I could see another person also walking towards the bathroom. I ignored it and almost went into the mens room. I changed direction towards the red sign[2].
Inside the womens restroom was a beautiful washstand. The room seemed unusually clean and pure when compared to the typical mens bathroom. It was an alien territory to me. Since Ive never seen the mens room here it may also be clean, but it just felt like a different world.
The door slowly opened and Akane came in with a stuffed animal in each arm.
"Akane-chan..." I started without any prelude, "she confessed, what am I going to do?"
It was the stuffed animal in her left hand that answered, "Ahahahaha, so clueless. Hey Natsuru, Ill tell you what you can do."
Seppuku-kuro-usagi is so much fun, I think everyone needs one.
"Like what, more positive thinking?"
"Those are great soothing words! Did they help?"
Its no use, I had to ignore the rabbit and ask Akane.
"Dont you think its better in this situation to give her a proper answer?"
"As for that... probably... I think so?" Akanes answer came with decreasing confidence.
"A yes is more delightful?"
"... a no , makes someone very sad..."
That was such a girly response, but a man would feel the same. Its hard to have love denied. However, I want the response that solves all the issues. Most importantly I dont want to hurt Sakura-san, but for that I would have to date her in the form of a woman. She may never become chummy with me as a man... Each of us are insects, and one is about to be squished.
"Theres no such thing as a perfect solution, hahaha!" said Harakiri-tora. "To gain you must sacrifice. To get such a beautiful girl is it such a high price to pay?"
Easy choice for you. To be preached at by a stuffed toy; the same stuffed toy that turned me into a girl. "Thats a good question."
"What?"
"Ill change back to a man and tell her Natsuru the woman went on ahead..." at the moment it seemed like a great solution. But I grabbed Harakiri-toras head and said, "its because of you I may hurt Sakura-san, this unnatural situation you put me in."
"Dont you have another choice?"
I was too angry at the stuffed toy, such an opinionated fellow.
"Its okay..." I rinsed my face in the sink, "lets go back to the seat."
"Youre not... giving her an answer...?" Akane asked.
"No, Ill just delay some more as best I can."
It had to be postponed, I was too indecisive, no wonder Im not popular with girls. I came out of the bathroom and there were even fewer customers than when I had entered. Sakura-san was no longer at our table instead...
"Welcome back. Took you long enough."
Student council president, Shizuku, was calmly smiling.
I was confused, I was only gone for a moment, is it the wrong table. No, where Sakura-san had been sitting moments ago there was Shizuku.
"Please take a seat. Lets talk."
The pasta dishes were gone and only gla.s.ses of water remained. I sat down.
"Looks like you were finished, was the food good?"
Shizukus hair was black but was glowing brightly somehow. A stuffed animal was on the table in front of her. Was it an Entrails Animal?
"I have business with you Mr. Senou Natsuru."
I was shocked again, how could she know me while Im in a girls form? Her pupils were shining and flickering, she obviously could perceive my true character clearly.
"Dont be surprised. Ive know who you were and what youve been doing from the start. Ive had my eye on you."
I felt a chill down my spine, how much did she really know? She slowly rolled her sleeve up her right arm. I could see the same bracelet as mine, only glowing red.
"I am also Kämpfer, your enemy."
My body moved on its own. I kicked my chair over and flipped onto my belly on the floor. The Kämpfer within me reacted automatically.
"Dont be hasty," Shizuku said. I stopped mid-way onto my feet. "Im not here to fight, unless necessary. It would have been easier in the cinema."
"You followed...?"
"You should thank me. You would have changed back to your original form if I werent there."
I must have been careless. She was there and I didnt notice at all. Childhood friends used to call me oblivious. She motioned me to sit and I did.
"Join us," she said to Akane who came up behind me.
I was reminded of the meeting in the film lab clubroom earlier, just a bit bloodier.
"I got Kaede to leave since I dont think she would understand our conversation."
"Says the student council president..."
"Im fine with Shizuku. "
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I didnt hesitate to change the tone of the conversation, "Shizuku-san, are you against us?"
"As I said, Im an enemy Kämpfer. As you can tell by my red bracelet."
"...who attacked us at the library?"
"I did."
As soon as the words came out I felt a thirst for blood on my right side. Akanes body had changed instantly and the vicious dog woman was there. My transformation takes time, this was faster than the blink of an eye.
"d.i.c.kwad, what are ya trying to pull? If ya wanna fight Ay can bury ya here." Akane shook her arm and a pistol appeared.
"Think da brains in this d.i.c.kwads head are as red as er bracelet? Ill tell ya in a second." As she pulled back the hammer on her pistol.
Reserve isnt in Akanes vocabulary. Even in a restaurant she wouldnt hold back. She held a deep grudge regarding the library incident.
Shizuku didnt seem to care though, "such a violent person, gives a bad name to Kämpfer."
"Say dat again..."
Under the table something was sparkling.
It was a large dagger, a dirk. The dirk was on a chain aiming at Akanes abdomen.
"My sword or your gun, which do you think is faster?"
Shizuku glanced at me. Another dirk had been aimed at me for a while.
"Natsuru-san is the odd one."
Since it was obvious to her that I didnt want to fight, I was thankful for her withdrawing her sword. At least that was my hope. Nevertheless she kept the dirk aimed where it was and began to talk.
"Ive been wanting to talk. This looked like a good place to avoid a fight."
"You can meet us anytime at school." Akane words were tinged with hate.
"In order to meet you would transform. There are already three people at the school who observed you and are still looking for you."
I retorted, "the president hasnt transformed."
"I have," she said as she raised her long hair. The inner side looked like liquid silver, constantly changing.
"Transformations come in a variety of types and strengths. s.e.x changes, character changes, or subtle changes such as mine."
Although I hadnt known about that, she made it sound very natural.
"Kämpfer have a tendency to congregate in an area... you probably knew this. Therefore, it shouldnt be surprising that I appeared before you."
"We were suddenly attacked yesterday. To me it seems normal to be surprised."
"Its been two years since I became Kämpfer. You showing up was a surprise."
That was news. In this industry she is very much my senior, how common that is I wouldnt know.
Akane was bored, "get to the point, I just got here and its already painful."
"I also have other errands."
"Then say it faster. Theres so much c.r.a.p going in my ears my eyeb.a.l.l.s are starting to rot."
"What common people, they are so unrefined," said a shrill voice coming from the stuffed toy on the table in front of Shizuku.
Belonging to Shizuku, Kanden-yamaneko, an electrocuted wildcat, was obviously struck by lightning. The tufts of hair were formed into points and of course the entrails were exposed in the style of the series.
"The impoliteness committed in front of Shizuku-sama is surprising. You could finish it quickly with your swords."
"Look, in spite of the Nana Mizuki[3] voice, Im bored rotten as well," said Seppuku-kuro-usagi in Akanes arm.
Come to think of it, the black rabbit sounded like a sharp-tongued version of Yukari Tamura[4].
"Ohoho! what a disrespectful way to speak. Shizuku-sama is effective at dealing with dirty mouths."
"Normally defective stuffed toys are thrown in the incinerator."
"If you dont have constructive input, be quiet," Shizuku quickly grabbed Kanden-yamaneko by her neck, I moved backward slightly.
"Sorry, the rude speaking cat was a gift from Kaede."
"I wonder... are plush toy gifts from Sakura-san all moderator agents?"
"Lets get back on topic." Shizuku easily dodged my question.
"The subject is that we are Kämpfer," the student council president slowly began.
"Kämpfer exist to fight, no matter how each feels. Divided into two groups to form allies and enemies. I dont know why we fight, do you?"
I shook my head. Harakiri-tora never told me even though Id asked several times.
"I dont know either."
She firmly pressed her finger against Kanden-yamanekos head. "Even if I ask this little one nicely, she never answers."
"Like Shizuku-sama, I dont know why," the stuffed animal said.
"Were Kämpfer already, what does it matter?" Akane just shook her hand abruptly.
"So, what are you fighting for?"
"Whats ta understand? Grab my gun, find enemy, shoot, end of story."
Her aggressive principles were scary. Conflicts in every corner of the world must start with people like her. Her original form is so faint of heart though, completely different.
"So, my reasons are simple, what about you?"
The question was back to me. I thought for a while. Why did I fight even though I hadnt been told the reason? I couldnt think of a reason not to stop. Shizuku had made me consider my options.
"Just like your little one - I dont know why I fight," I also poked the wildcat, but not as hard.
" enormous power is given when fighting as Kämpfer! Im not stupid enough to swallow that line. The moderator must know the reason."
"Yeah... what is the reason?"
"Its important to find out why Kämpfer exist and why we have to fight. As the student council president, I will pursue the answer."
As expected of Shizuku, her pa.s.sion for the truth of Kämpfer is much stronger than I thought. Fighting without reason doesnt make sense, its worse than being a Roman gladiator. At least when they were stripped and given a sword they knew it was for entertainment, at least it was a reason they could understand.
"During the last two years have you fought other Kämpfer?"
"Many opponents and they always lost."
That was a frank answer, but something felt weird.
"If I continue to fight I think I will find the reason. If I continue to win Ill catch the eye of the moderator. Once that happens Ill understand everything."
"..."
Shizukus face as she spoke somehow reminded me of a philosopher. The student council president also had a continual sadness about her. It gave an impression she was much older than her high school aged appearance. It was one reason she was revered by older boys and m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.ts. Well, not me, Im devoted to Sakura-san.
Suddenly she smiled, "so, lets decide where to fight."
I was surprised, Akane just snickered, "jus name a place an lets go."
"Hold on, wait a minute," I said. "Just now we were talking about not having a reason to fight."
"I just said I would continue to fight."
"Dont you enjoy a challenge? Akane and I just recently became Kämpfer, were still amateurs. Are we suitable challenges for Shizuku-san?"
"Its me against both you and Akane-san. Thats enough challenge for me."
"Aym fine with a handicap if she wants to give one. Dont complain Natsuru."
The vicious dog was a happy woman, even if she may be killed. Me, not so much. The president just wanted to impress the moderator. I just wanted to figure out the mystery of the reasoning behind Kämpfer, but that would be hard to do if Im dead.
"You dont want to fight?"
"Well..."
"What about Kaede? Shes safe in my care, for now."
Sakura-san was kidnapped!? The student council president took the woman who I was dating just a few minutes ago? Shizuku was not showing any signs of remorse. "The girl you long for will never return to her house if you dont agree."
"The student council president... is a kidnapper?"
"Strong wording, but yes."
"Arent Sakura-san and Shizuku-san friends?"
"So, a stuffed animal is also her important friend, and my head still hurts where she poked me."
Huh, that didnt look painful at all.
"I did it because I didnt think youd fight me otherwise. Ill release her after we fight. Dont worry about it, as long as you dont back out." Shizuku was prepared.
I had to play along, "...the time and place?"
"Two nights from now. You name the place."
"Well... theres a park near here, that will be fine."
"Were you planning on taking Kaede there on your next date?"
"Since its a large park it will be fine at night even if were loud."
"Its good for an honor student to be considerate of society." She stood up. Even her casual gestures were graceful.
"Two nights from now, Im looking forward to it. The bill for your meal has been paid." She left calmly.
As she turned Akane spit out, "see ya, miss high and mighty!"
The date, or to be accurate, the disaster of a date was finished. I went home with Akane, and two Entrails Animals of course. The stuffed toys nagged me worse than Shizuku had.
"What an outrageous woman."
"Ya just gotta apologize. Get on ya knees an beg."
Why apologize?
Shizuku wants to fight; an apologys meaningless. She would just call me a coward and fight anyway. With our limited combat experience was there any chance wed survive.
"Not likely," I unintentionally replied out loud. Frankly, we didnt stand a chance.
"Whatever, Ay just dont want er to win." Akanes voice was m.u.f.fled.
On our way back we bought a box of Glico Pocky. She mouthed it with an att.i.tude of a cigarette. It didnt seem to be calming her down any.
"Yeah, and we cant save Sakura-san unless we win."
"Ay bet we can win, relax."
"We need a plan if were going to win."
"Heh. Just keep er hands busy."
Not sure how that would help. Shizuku gave us until the day after tomorrow as a grace period. We had to use the time for better plans.
"Akane..."
"Yeah?"
"The student council presidents weapons, how do they work?"
"Two dirks an a chain between em so she can pull em back fast."
"Is there a weakness?"
"One pull an those blades return to er even when theyre out of view."
"But if theyre not in her hand she cant wield them against close combat, right?"
"The speed that those blades were returning to er at the library was unbelievable. Shizukus quick."
"fsck...," I was growling, rolling on the floor knowing I was doomed to be skewered by Shizuku in the fight. Mom and Dad, sorry, but your sons life will be unexpectedly short.
"Hey, think about it. Who sez we gotta attack from the front?" Akane said. "If ya attack from the front, keep her busy, Ay can attack from behind."
That may actually work, "she does have two dirks. Keeping both busy may not be easy."
Without eyes on the back of her head it would work.
"Just attack, dont think. Ya wont have time ta think."
Acting without thinking, thats how pyramid schemes work. I continued to flail my arms and legs. I was still a girl, not that it mattered at this point, as I rolled around my skirt was clinging to my thighs. Creepy, annoying thing, I bet a man invented it.
"I had a thought," Harakiri-tora started to say.
"Great, so a stuffed toy has an idea."
"Natsuru-san only fights to save Kaede-san."
"Yeah..."
"I wonder where Kaede-san is being kept."
"I have no idea. Check with Tonma[5], Im sure the president is a master at it."
"Then, well have to help the idiot search."
"If we search well confront Shizuku."
"The president wont be there continuously, that would be pointless, only Kaede-san. Take it from me, I was a hostage ten thousand years ago."
Seppuku-kuro-usagi roars with laughter, "what a sucker; never learns, never learns."
"I dont want to be constantly fighting! d.a.m.n discontinued toys!"
"I never said to fight all the time. Being smart doesnt mean being a coward."
That made sense and I was being stupid, I decided to keep silent. That idea was a lot better than trying to distract Shizuku from the front. It was more likely to help Sakura-san. Any reason to avoid a sword fight was good for me. We would be acting tomorrow instead of the day after tomorrow. Hopefully Shizuku wont keep a close watch.
"Alright then, where do we start looking for Sakura-san?"
Harakiri-tora posed, "well, to find a human, use human ingenuity."
"How to solve a puzzle of the original secret keeper? The president is very secretive, right? I bet even at home she doesnt tell her parents anything."
Shizuku was so private that a mystery to solve and hobby of the boys section at the school was to determine her height and weight and her three-sizes. Even when boys approached her to ask they were cut in half with a response of show respect for yourself before showing interest in others. No information was ever sussed from her. There was a school newsletter column dedicated to visual measurements and guesses of her numbers.
"Its a good plan, right?" Seppuku-kuro-usagi was agreeing with Harakiri-tora, it was stuffed toy cooperation.
"Manage somehow. Watch Shizuku and see what she does."
"Maybe even find a weakness in the president."
"Stuffed toys are nothing if not persistent, more than you humans."
"Lets see if youll burn," while exploring my pocket I found the lighter I put there earlier.
"...wait a minute," Akane said unexpectedly.
"Harakiri-toras idea may just work."
"What have you been drinking?"
Although all shed been consuming was Pocky.
"I just had a good idea," Akanes expression was like a mafioso who just thought of a great way to increase his profits.
Notes
Jump up↑ Toei Animation Logo - http://www.toei-anim.com/images/toei_logo.jpg
Jump up↑ Restrooms in j.a.pan typically use red signs for women and blue for men
Jump up↑ Nana Mizuki - popular j.a.panese singer-songwriter and voice actress: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Mizuki
Jump up↑ Yukari Tamura - popular j.a.panese singer-songwriter and voice actress: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukari_Tamura
Jump up↑ Legend of Hero Tonma - a game about a fireball throwing hero searching for a kidnaped princess (that situation sounds familiar somehow...): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_Hero_Tonma