Infinite Stratos - Volume 8, page 1
Chapter 1: But Weirdness Happens Daily — Strange Days Again
"So?"
"..."
After school, at the open air area of the canteen, Kanzashi was facing the fuming Rin.
Without any explanation, she had been brought here and then was treated like this. As the "shy" personality of hers was being clearly exposed, she trembled while cringing.
(Why... am I experiencing a situation like this...)
By the way, Rin was not the only one present. Houki, Cecilia, Charlotte and Laura, these familiar faces, were also around.
If a certain person were to join them, all of the first-year personal-IS pilots would be gathered here. Seven people in total, which also meant seven IS machines. A number that only a handful of militaristic countries can barely compare themselves to.
"Err, Rin, could you calm down? You are scaring Kanzashi-san."
Charlotte stood up and expressed her gentle nature to comfort everybody.
"Stop it, Charlotte. I'm already holding back the desire of resorting to torture and truth serum right now."
Crossing her arms and standing up, the angry Laura shot down Charlotte's words.
Even so, she was acting a lot gentler than how she would usually act, which was by using her bayonet.
"Don't say that, Laura. Here, Kanzashi-san, have some orange juice. You must be thirsty, right?"
"..."
Kanzashi looked up at Charlotte timidly. Seeing this, Charlotte revealed a kind smile.
(Well... This person doesn't seem to be bad...)
She thought, as she began drinking the orange juice.
On her second mouthful, Charlotte, maintaining her gentle smile, asked:
"Keep going. So what exactly is going on?"
Smile~★
"...?"
Not understanding the question, Kanzashi returned a clumsy smile while tilting her head.
At the same time, Cecilia and Houki stood up, outraged.
"I-I-I am saying! W-Wi-With Ichika that! "
"I-I-In a relationship?!"
"——!?"
To be suddenly asked such a question, Kanzashi blinked in surprise and then gasped. After a while, her face turned red.
"M-Me and Ichika... are not like that..."
"Ichika?"
Rin repeated in surprise.
(What's wrong with this person, suddenly calling him by his first name. Doesn't it seem too intimate? ... Wait, come to think of it, am I not the same? ... Well, it's not such a big deal... Yeah.)
Boiling a second prior, then returning back to calm the next second.
Then, as the five people, boiling again, stared at Kanzashi, the latter could not help but continue to shrink.
"Thi-This... is... aah... though I do not bear such thoughts... in short, it is like this..."
The usually soft-voiced Kanzashi, under the pressure of the five people in front of her, had her voice become even softer.
Her last few words could not be heard. But seeing her lowering face, which became red, while fiddling with her fingers, everyone confirmed something.
——"Aah, another rival, huh?"
"..."
Kanzashi, like a frightened little animal, curled up.
The five, now aware that Kanzashi was not actually in a relationship with Ichika and seeing her in such a pitiful state, frantically tried to change the topic.
"Ah, um. Sarashiki... -san?"
"Kanzashi... Please just call me Kanzashi..."
Houki asked in a state of panic while Kanzashi replied in the same state as well.
"Th-Then, just call us by our names as well. It's fine, right?"
"Ah, uun..."
Facing the outspoken Rin, Kanzashi replied in a slightly louder tone.
"Bu-But, thinking back, to suddenly bring you here was a little bit rude."
"I'm just, just a little shocked..."
Faced with an unnatural smile from Cecilia, Kanzashi, also feeling sorry for making them worry, responded with an awkward smile.
"Ah——, um, do you want another cup of juice?"
"No, no need..."
As Charlotte handed over the menu, Kanzashi gently waved her hand to decline.
"Sa-Say. Since we are all first-years, why don't we all have some combat training together?"
"Ah, um. Thank you..."
Holding her arms, Laura sat back down. Her strong yet gentle voice made Kanzashi nod twice.
"Ahh..."
By coincidence, all six of them let out a sigh of relief.
All six individuals thus carried a slightly shocked expression, releasing it only after a brief moment.
"This is kinda strange, isn't it?"
Charlotte said this at the perfect timing, reaching her hand out to Kanzashi.
"From today onwards, I'll be in your care."
"Ye-Yes... I'll be in your care..."
Seeing those two shake hands, the rest nodded in agreement.
Thus, a problem that weighed the heart was solved and a new competitor and companion was born.
◇
"Huu... huu..."
Ichika, even as the morning sun started shining into his room, was still silently sleeping.
In his room, a trespasser with her presence perfectly hidden was also present.
"..."
This person was none other than Laura Bodewig.
Even though this was not the first time she committed the crime of trespassing, this definitely was the first time she challenged to enter in her black cat-eared pajamas.
Due to this challenge, she was also in high spirits.
(Calm down, calm down... Act just like the usual, just like in training...!)
Repeating these words in her heart, Laura slowly entered into the sleeping Ichika's blanket.
"Biii——. Intruder. Intruder."
Suddenly, an electronic voice sounded.
"Wha? What——? This is?!"
*Bang! * Expanding like a balloon, the blanket pushed Laura down.
"Uh, uuuu..."
Even though she tried to push it away, the expanding force was just too great and thus made pushing it away impossible.
Moreover, with both her hands pressed down by it, she had no way of drawing out her knife.
"Why, why you..."
To be able to set such a trap, among the people Laura knew, there was only one person who could do it.
"Ah hahaha, you fell for it Laura-chan!"
Laughter came from the shower room.
"Sa-Sarashiki Tatenashi..."
"That's right! I am Sarashiki Tatenashi! IS Academy student council president and also the strongest——"
Ichika's groans of pain overwhelmed Tatenashi's voice at this point,
"I'm saying, if you don't do something soon, I think I'm going to die..."
""Ah.""
*Bang! *
This sound rang throughout the whole first year dormitory.
◇
"Ah, that was horrible..."
Still rubbing my hurting head, I changed into my gym clothes in the locker room.
There was a physical check-up scheduled later.
"..."
Here, a problem arose.
That is, why was I chosen as an assistant for the check-up?
WHY-AM-I the assistant for all things the physical check-up!!
"Huhuhu."
Aah, a certain demonic student council president suddenly came into mind.
(Because, if you think about it, 「physical」 would definitely mean a certain 「three sizes」, right? How could you even allow such a thing, IS Academy!)
Thinking this, I sat alone in a certain classroom waiting.
At this time——,
"Ah, I'm so sorry Orimura-kun. I was sorting out the documents and lost track of time."
"Eh!? Yamada-sensei!?"
As she said this, Yamada-sensei entered the classroom.
"Ah! So Yamada-sensei is in charge of measurements right!? Thank goodness, at least this academy still has some conscience left."
"Yes. I will work hard recording!"
"... Eh?"
"Yup! I'm only responsible for recording! "
Wh-Wh-Wh...?
"JUST WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS ACADEMY THINKIIIIIIIIING!?"
My plea seemed all so useless just as a group of girls entered the classroom noisily.
"Ah, Orimura-kun!"
"Oh, so it's really Orimura-kun who is taking measurements?"
"Eeeeeeh, so it's like this!? I might have eaten a little too much last night!"
"YAHOO, Orimura~. Hehe~, Tatenashi-chan's big surprise is a total success~"
I've never felt a greater urge to blow that person sky high than now.
"Okay, everyone please be quiet~. We're now going to take measurements for the IS suits, so please do not wear any unnecessary clothing ok~? "
Yamada-sensei happily announced to everyone. But to me, this was no different to a death sentence.
"Gym clothes must be taken off, please be in your undergarments only, ok~?"
Yes, I'm dead. I'm so dead.
"Ah, everyone will enter that cubicle one at a time. Follow the order of undress, measure and redress. All will be done in there. Thus there will be no worries of being seen in underwear by anyone~."
"Yamada-sensei, won't you be able to see them!?"
Orimura Ichika shouted in rage, renewing his determination to get away from this atrocious situation.
After all, Orimura Ichika
And also a guy who has spent almost all of his days playing around with other boys only. Making him all the more sensitive to the bodies of women even when compared to the average guy.
——«Run! Ichika»[1], Dazai-sensei, you are the best. It would be my great honour to meet you at heaven.
"You see, I'll just be behind this curtain. All Orimura needs to do is say out the measurements."
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?"
I was no longer in a state of rage or indignation, but had begun to slightly lose it.
"What's all the commotion about..."
"This voice is, Chifuyu-nee——Ah!"
"It's Orimura-sensei!"
My neck endured the great feeling of a hand chop. Ah, what a great feeling. About at a 32 degree angle.
"You brat, are you still not happy even after getting this kind of job?"
"No, there is obviously something wrong here! I was set up!"
"Really... Are those the words a guy should say?"
"Ugh...!"
"Why can't you just say「I'll do it and show you!」 or the like?"
——OK, Chifuyu-nee!
"Fine! I'll really do it and show youuuuuu!"
The beast in my heart awakened!
"Is that so? Then good luck! "
"Eh? Eh? Huh?"
"Didn't you just say you will do it?"
"Ah..."
Being stared down by that gaze, no words escaped my mouth. Can I no longer escape this fate of being under the scythe of the reaper?
"Don't looked so despaired. Come on, why don't you use this to cover your eyes."
"——Ooh."
To be given such an amazing thing! As expected of Chifuyu-nee!
"I'll leave first then."
Watching Chifuyu-nee as she left, I saluted to her.
Thank you Chifuyu-nee! No, thank you Orimura-sensei!
(Now then, let's use it to cover my eyes...)
——Eh?
"Isn't? Isn't this half-transparentttttt!?"
I could hear Chifuyu-nee's laughter clearly in the corridor.
W-What's with all these people!
"Index number 1, Aikawa Sayaka, it's my turn!"
"Wa-Wait-Wait a sec!"
"Eeh~, so slow."
Walking into the measuring area, Aikawa Sayaka-san was clearly only wearing her undergarments: bra and panties.
(That-That's right! It will be fine if I just do it with my eyes closed! Use the mind's eye! The inner third eye!)
I closed my eyes tightly and picked up the measuring tape.
"Th-Then, here we go."
"Ok~."
Squish.
"——Huh?"
"Hyah!? O-Orimura-kun, what are you doing all of a sudden!?"
"Eh, ah. No, this is——"
Squish squish.
A soft full feeling slowly spread throughout my hand.
"..."
Squish squish squish.
"I-I said, don't... aah~!"
——Ah, I'm dead meat.
"Ichika!!!! Why youuu!!!!!"
Said Houki.
"Ichika-san, what are you doing!?"
Said Cecilia.
"Ichika you pervert! Unbelievable!"
Said Char.
"——Ichika, get ready to die."
Said Laura.
Here they come! What's the action!?
Fight
Kill
Defend
Escape
→4. Escape!
"I'm getting—— out of hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!"
*Ichika dead sound effect*
"Ooh, for Ichika to have died in such a pitiful way."
You-You are!?
"Dai*** Osamu."
Eeh!?
"Just kidding."
——Ah, it's like this.
"But, to be thrown into such a state of panic just because you see a little girl in her undies is truly humiliating. You are a real failure as a「man」."
Ah. You definitely aren't Dai***-sensei after all——
"Ichika... Ichika, please wake up..."
Who's calling me...
"C'mon, get up! Wake up, Ichika!!"
"——Ha!?"
*Thwack!* Just as I was about to get up, I received a straight punch to the face.
"W-What are you doing, Rin!?"
"Don't ask me! You're the only one who needs their body measurements done! Just how much longer do you plan on sleeping?"
Rin exposed with a suddenly angry expression.
Say, isn't this the nurse's office?
"I said, hurry and take of your clothes! I-I'll personally help take your measurements!"
"Ah... Ok."
Not knowing if it's due to the fact I was still in a daze after just waking up, I followed Rin's instructions and began taking off my clothes.
"I-Idiot! There's no need to take off the bottom!"
"Ah, right."
Well, of course.
"Really, just what are you doing, you... hurry and raise your hands!"
"'Kay..."
Before me, Rin was dressed in IS Academy gym clothes: a.k. a bloomers.
The soft yet elegant curves of her body were clearly evident, reminiscent of a cat, and gave off the feeling of a healthy beauty.
Moderately tight thighs, showing off a sense liveliness, quite a real feast for the eyes.
"Let's see, what a broad chest... Hey, Ichika!"
"Eh?"
"Y-Your face is all red and your nose is bleeding! Wait and let me check your temperature!"
"Sure..."
What the, I feel weird.
My body... is not...
Moving as...
I want it to...
*Collapse*
"Hey, what happened! Hey, Ichika! Wake up!"
◇
"Like I said, just leave watchout to me!"
"Why should Houki be the one!"
"Rin-san, you have no right to say that! Did you not had your turn back at the nurse's office? Please pass this chance to others!"
"Can everyone keep it down a little...!"
"No, I will never pass my bride to anyone!"
... ugh.
"Ugh..."
I forced a little sound.
"Oh, Ichika! Have you come to?"
"Hey, are you ok?!"
"Ichika-san! Are you really alright?!"
"Are, are you okay, Ichika?"
"Should I help replenish liquids first or nutrients?"
Chattering...
"So noisy..."
I said, sliding off the bed.
"Really, you guys! Don't disturb me as I take care of Ichika! Please get out!"
"What?! Houki, you should be the one getting out!"
"Both of you quiet down!"
"I say, let's first help lift Ichika back onto the bed!"
"Looking after an injured bride is a husband's job! Leave it to me!"
The dispute continued to intensify.
In my hazy consciousness, I heard the sound of the door opening.
——zhi da da da.
"You guys——"
Pa.
"Really——"
Pa, pa.
"Enough is enough!"
Pa, pa.
"Get out. ——Kanzashi-chan, please lift Ichika's legs for me."
Ah... it's Tatenashi-san and Kanzashi...
"..."
It seems everybody's head was hit by that folding fan of hers, seeing how they all had some look of dissatisfaction and remained silent.
"Since it already came to this, please stop trying to do anything silly to make it worse, okay?"
"""Ok..."""
"Since you understand, please leave immediately."
The five, with their enthusiasm deflated, left the room one after another.
My memory became a little vague after this, but it seems that Tatenashi-san and Kanzashi continued to look after me after returning me onto the bed.
Tatenashi helped me replenish my liquids and fed me food while Kanzashi placed a wet towel on my forehead.
"This..."
Trying to say something, I struggled to sit up.
"Don't force yourself up. Get some rest."
"Yes... That, it's about those guys..."
"Hmm?"
"How should I say this... please don't scold them too severely... even though they don't get along at times, they're still good people..."
At this very point, I wanted to make sure that there was no misunderstandings.
"... Haa."
With a face that said "I just can't believe you," Tatenashi-san sighed.
"——Is what he said, you five in the hallway."
Creaking sounds could be heard as the door shook slightly.
"Nee-san... why not let them in..."
"You're right. They should have fully reflected on their actions by now."
Just as Tatenashi-san said this, the five entered the room.
