Infinite Stratos - Volume 3, page 5
There were ten IS in Germany, and this unit had three, which proved that they were the strongest squad.
The unit's seal was the 'Hare with an eyepatch'. With Laura as the leader, all the members had nanomachines inserted into their eye to improve IS computation. Though Laura's eyepatch was a function control, right now, all the members wore eyepatches to protect their eyes and for the pride of the unit.
"What are you doing!? You're late by 37 seconds!! Hurry up!!"
Growling angrily was the assistant commander, Clarissa Harfouch, 22 years old, the oldest in the squad. With so many members who were in their teenage years, she was a 'reliable big sis' who was strict and yet could involve everyone appropriately.
Her IS suit [Schwarzer Zweig] received a private channel signal from what amounted to a distress call.
"--Roger that. This is Lieutenant Clarissa Harfouch."
"It-It's me..."
Normally speaking, one has to report the name and rank, but as the other person's voice was wavering ridiculously, Clarissa inadvertently let out a stunned look.
"Commander Bodewig, have you encountered any difficulties?"
"Ah, ahh...there's-there's a major problem now..."
Listening to the tone of the speaker from the other side, Clarissa felt that things weren't that simple, and immediately used hand gestures to order 'end of training, emergency gathering'.
"--Do I need to bring the squad over?"
"No, no need, there's no need for the squad. It's, it's not military, anyway..."
"What is that?"
"Clarissa, well. Do-Do-Do I, look, cute...or not?"
...
"What?"
Clarissa's voice, which was rhythmically flat, just raised by half an octave. Facing the unknown sudden situation, the originally intense tone became what seemed to be dumbfounding words to them.
"I-Ichi-Ichika, he-he seemed to have said that, so..."
Hearing this, Clarissa immediately remembered.
"Ohh, so it's Instructor Orimura's younger brother. Commander seems to have feelings for that guy."
"Uu, well...wha-what should I do, Clarissa? What should I do in this situation?"
"Well...let's understand the situation. Did he say that to you directly?"
"No, that's not it, I think he wouldn't expect me to be here..."
"--That's great."
"Is-Is that so?"
"Yes, praising someone when she's not around, that's definitely not a lie."
"I-I see...!"
Laura's voice, which was wavering up till now, seemed to bloom like a flower after hearing Clarissa's words.
On a side note, Clarissa had been chatting with her using the private channel and using a pen to pass the message to the other members at the same time.
There's hope for the Commander and her crush.
"OOOHHHHH~!!!!" More than 10 girls cried out.
--On a side note, Laura had a lot of interpersonal relationship problems with this squad, but after the VT incident last month, she started discussing with Clarissa that 'I have someone I like', and all walls vanished.
If there's a need to describe the situation--
"WHAAAT!! THAT-THAT COMMANDER, LIKES, A...A GUY!!!?"
"I THOUGHT SHE REALLY LIKED INSTRUCTOR ORIMURA...!"
"Yeah, yeah, I thought so as well. But, well, that commander, I'm talking about her now. She actually asked 'What should I do to a-attract a-a guy...?'!"
"""KYAAAHHHH!!!"""
"So I seriously taught her! I told her that there's a culture of 'taking the person you like as your bride' in Japan!"
"AS EXPECTED OF THE VICE-COMMANDER! SHE'S REALLY FAMILIAR WITH JAPAN!"
"Of course, I didn't just read Japanese Shoujo manga just to put a front or because of curiosity!"
"SO-SO COOL...!"
"I LOVE THIS COOL VICE-COMMANDER!"
"BUT I LIKE THE CUTE COMMANDER EVEN MORE!"
"THAT'S RIGHT! ME TOO!! AHH, WHY COULDN'T WE LINK WITH HER WHEN SHE WAS IN THE COUNTRY!?"
"I REMEMBER THAT THEY COOK RED RICE IN JAPAN AT THIS TIME!"[3A 11]
"I guess so? It probably means that the blood is thicker than what, or something like that."
"AS EXPECTED OF JAPAN, IT'S REALLY EXCITING!!"
"IT'S WORTHY OF ADMIRATION!!"
"ALRIGHT, EVERYONE, THAT'S IT FOR TRAINING TODAY! LET'S HEAD TO THE ARMY CANTEEN AND COOK RED RICE TOGETHER!"
"""YES! VICE-COMMANDER!!!"""
--It was that sort of feeling. As expected of girls in their teenager years (a small group of them are 20+). Everyone would argue because of trivial matters, and would patch up because of trivial matters.
"An-And then, I-I'm at, that-that place where they're selling, swimsuits now..."
"Oh, swimsuits! Oh yeah, you have a seaside school next week. What will you be wearing then, commander?"
"U, un? The school issued swimsuit--"
"ARE YOU STUPID!!"
"!"
"I remember that the IS Academy has the old-fashioned sports swimsuit, so it isn't bad, or not...guys more or less would be aroused by it. But...that's--"
"That-That's...?"
Laura forcefully swallows her saliva.
"THAT'S NOT GOING TO BREAK THROUGH THE LINE OF EROTISM!!"
"Wha...?"
"It's true that commander can't use voluptous curves to trap men, but if you give up on this opportunity, you can't progress with 'that guy you have feelings for'!"
"The-Then...what should I do?"
"Fuu, I have a secret weapon."
As even her words were burning with passion, Clarissa let out a glint in her eye.
Chapter 2: Ocean's Eleven - 11 O'Clock Sea!
"I can see the sea!"
As the bus went through the tunnel, the girls in the class shouted out.
It's the first day of the seaside school, and fortunately, today the weather's clear . The sea that's reflecting the sunlight off is rather stable, with the sea breeze gently swaying it.
"Ohh--seeing the sea sure makes me excited!"
"Uu, uu? Yeah."
On the bus, Charl's sitting beside me. But it's been like ever since we departed; I haven't heard her say much. Right now, it's the same as well. After she finished answering, she immediately focused on her hand.
"So you really like that?"
"Huh? Ah, mn, okay. Hehe."
The bracelet that Charl's wearing on the left wrist was a gift I bought for her for shopping with me. She continues to smile at that silver bracelet, sometimes pondering and letting out a laugh.
Even so, seeing her liking it so much, I'm rather sorry that I didn't get her something more expensive. Even though I chose it because she said 'Ichika, you just need to get me something you feel it suits me', is that really alright?
"Ufufufu♪"
Mn. She's in a good mood.
"Really, Charlotte-san's been in a good mood since this morning started."
On the other side of the corridor, Cecilia said that with an unhappy look.
"Mn, that's right. I'm sorry. Ehehe..."
Charl didn't even care about what Cecilia said as she continues to smile. Mn, she's in a really good mood, so much that it's scary, huh? Is she really looking forward to the seaside? I'm looking forward to it though.
"I thought both of you separated midway through yesterday. You two unexpectedly went off to buy a gift...that's so unfair."
"Ah-...oh, that, I'll get one for Cecilia next time when we have a chance, okay?"
Seems like Cecilia really wants one as well? No need to be so awkward.
"Are-Are we set?"
"Mn, but I can't buy one too expensive."
Maybe my promise made her happy for a while, as Cecilia says,
"If that happens...well, I'll forgive you."
And she let me off. But if I have to spend money frequently now, it means that I'll have to find work and earn money. I don't want to spend all my savings.
"..."
Speaking of which, unbelievably, Laura's been sitting beside Cecilia quietly. I don't know if she's feeling unwell, but she would look around in a suspicious manner.
"Are you alright? You've been like this since yesterday. What's wrong?"
"..."
"Hey, Laura? He-y!"
As I could barely get a response, I got up from my seat and peered at her face.
"!? Wha-What...what are you doing? You, you're too close! Idiot!"
"NUWAH!!"
My nose got forcefully pushed by her, causing me to make a weird sound. I don't know whether Laura's having a flu or a fever as her face is slightly blushed.
(Oh well. There's no need to worry. This person here can deal with her own, so it should be alright.)
As Laura seemed like she didn't have a problem, I turned to look at Houki, who was sitting behind Laura and said to her.
"We can swim later. Houki, you're rather good at swimming."
"Ye-Yeah. Ahh, it's because I used to go swimming often."
Hm? Why is Houki acting all weird out of a sudden? She's either unable to calm down or is fidgeting.
"We're about to reach our destination. Everyone, sit down."
The entire class immediately obeyed Chifuyu-nee's order. This leadership ability is really outstanding.
Just like Chifuyu-nee said, the bus soon reached the hotel. The 1st years of IS Academy scoot off the four buses in a chaotic manner and started to line up.
"Then, this is the Kagetsu resort. From today onwards, we're going to be in their care for 3 days, so everyone is to be more respectful and not let the staff's work increase."
"""Thanks for taking care of us!!"""
After Chifuyu-nee finished speaking, everyone said their greetings. Our Academy seems to be taken care of by this resort every year, and the lady boss-san in the Japanese clothing bows at us politely,
"Alright, please move this way. The freshmen this year seem rather energetic. That's good."
She's probably about 30+ years old, and she gives off a hardworking woman vibe. Maybe it's because her profession makes her smile often, as she doesn't look like she became the lady boss of this place at all. She sure feels young.
"Oh my, is this the rumoured...?"
Meeting my eyes coincidentally, the lady boss asked Chifuyu-nee.
"Oh, yes, as there's a male student this year, it'll be hard for you to separate the baths. I'm really sorry."
"No no no, that's not the case. He's a fine boy. Feels reliable."
"That is 'just' the feeling. Hurry up and greet her, idiot!"
My head got pressed down forcefully.
"My-My name's Orimura Ichika. Nice to meet you."
"Hohoho, how polite. I'm Kiyosu Keiko."
After the lady boss said that, she bowed politely to me again. Her action is as full of presence as before, making me, who's powerless against mature women, really nervous.
"My younger brother here's really useless. Sorry to bother you."
"Oh my, I have to say, Orimura-sensei, you're really strict with your younger brother."
"Because I'm normally cleaning up the mess for him."
No, I don't think that it's that exaggerated. But I can't deny that it's the case sometimes. Ahh...I really want to grow up and not burden Chifuyu-nee...
"Then, please head towards your rooms. There's a changing room at the annex. All students who want to go to the beach, please head there to change. If you aren't clear on where it is, you are welcome to ask the staff members."
After the girls answered 'yes--', they immediately walked into the resort. Anyway, we have to put our luggage down before doing anything else.
On a side note, it's free and easy for the entire first day, so as for meals, everyone has to go to the resort's restaurant.
"A-Ahe-Ahem--Orimu~"
Huh? This manner of calling me, it must be that Nohohon-san[3B 1], right? Looking behind me, she's the same as normal, moving towards me at a snail's pace. That sleepy look of hers is most probably real.
"Where's Orimura's room~? The room plan never indicated it. I want to play with you, so hurry up and tell me~"
As she said that, I knew the girls around me immediately pricked their ears. But what can they do even after knowing where my room is? There's nothing interesting in the room. Maybe.
"Well, I don't know. Maybe I'll sleep on the corridor?"
"Wa--, that's great~ let me sleep! Ahh--the floor's so cool~"
Since it's summer, maybe that's it...no, it's impossible.
On a side note, as it seems that I can't sleep with other girls, my room seems to be located some place else. The reason why I said 'seems' is because Yamada-sensei only told me that. She didn't tell me any specifics.
"Orimura. Here's your room. Follow me."
Oh, Chifuyu-nee's calling me. I can't keep her waiting for too long, so I just said to Nohohon-san 'Please wait a bit' and separated from her.
"Well, Orimura-sensei, where's my room?"
"Shut up and follow me."
Uu, I was suddenly forced to shut up. On a side note, this resort's rather spacious and wide. It's already amazing that this can take the entire batch of students this year. The interior decors successfully blend the interior decorations and the latest facilities. The optimized air temperature regulator's simply brilliant! Even the corridor's rather cooling, making one comfortable.
"Over here."
"Huh? This is..."
Pasted on the door is the paper with the words 'Staff room'. U-mm...?
"The initial plan was to give you a single room, but if we do that, there will be girls who will ignore the lights out timing and stay in your room."
*Haiz*. Chifuyu-nee sighed, and continued,
"So in the end, you'll be rooming with me. That way, the girls won't approach you that easily."
"Well...I guess?"
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But even if that's the case, I don't think there's anyone brave enough to barge into the demon's lair for someone like me, right?
"Let's make this clear first. I'm a teacher, don't forget that."
"Yes, Orimura-sensei."
"That's good."
Thus, she allowed me to enter the room. It's a twin person's room, but the room itself is rather spacious. The wall is a shoji door[3B 2], and the scenery from here is beautiful. The entire sea's right in front of me. As the room's facing East, I can definitely see a beautiful sunrise.
"Oohh, amazing--"
Besides that, the bathroom is isolated from the room, and even the sink has its own room. The luxurious bathtub is so big that this guy here can extend his legs out.
"The large bath can be used, but you must use it according to timing. The plan was to separate guys from girls, but since it involves all the students in this batch, it will be too weird if everyone's to feel uncomfortable because of you. Thus, you can only use it at certain times. If you want to take a bath during the middle of the night or in the morning, do it in the room."
"Got it."
Even though there's only the two of us, Chifuyu-nee's still fulfilling her duty. That's exactly how she works. Had she not mentioned it before, I would have called her 'Chifuyu-nee' already.
"Alright, it's free and easy today. We've put down our luggage as well. You can do whatever you want."
"Huh? What about you, Orimura-sensei?"
"I still need to contact and check with the other teachers. There's a lot of things to deal with. However, well--"
Ahem. Chifuyu-nee clears her throat.
"Anyway, I intend to swim. Besides, a certain little brother specially chose a swimsuit for me."
"I see."
Though I answered briefly like Chifuyu-nee, it made my heart beat a little faster, *doki* *doki*. I'm happy that she would wear the swimsuit I chose for her. Speaking of which, how many years has it been since I last saw Chifuyu-nee in a swimsuit? Uu...
*Knock knock*. My thoughts got interrupted by the knocking on the door.
"Excuse me, Orimura-sensei. Can I bother you for a while?"
That voice definitely belongs to Yamada-sensei.
"Sure, please enter."
On hearing Chifuyu-nee's answer, Yamada-sensei opened the door, and met my eyes as I'm standing opposite the door.
"WAH! ORIMURA-KUN!"
"Huh, you don't have to be that shocked..."
It seems that she came here to deal with teaching stuff, as Yamada-sensei seemed like she was looking through some documents as she entered, and then lifted her head up and saw me.
"So-Sorry! I forgot that Orimura-kun's sleeping in Orimura-sensei's room!"
"Yamada-sensei, I thought that was your idea, right?"
"Ye-Yes. That's right! Yes! I'm sorry!"
Being on the receiving end of Chifuyu-nee's sharp glare, Yamada-sensei looks like she got bitten by a snake.
"Alright, Orimura, we're going to work. You can go wherever you want, so enjoy yourself."
"Yes, I'll head to the beach as soon as possible."
"Don't play too much though."
After seriously replying to Chifuyu-nee's reminder, I left the room and pulled out my trunks, towel and change of underwear from the light backpack amongst my luggage.
Alright, let's go to the sea!
◇
"..."
"..."
On the way to the changing room, Houki and I met coincidentally. This is nothing. The problem is the mysterious scene in front of us.
There are bunny ears sticking out from the ground. On a side note, I'm not talking about living bunny ears here, but 'rabbit ears' that bunny girls would wear. It's just that these bunny ears are white.
And there's even a 'Please pull' piece of paper stuck on it.
"Huh, is this--"
"I don't know, don't ask me. It has nothing to do with me."
Houki immediately denied it before I could even finish asking her. This means--yup, I'm correct.
Her talents are limitless, the genius amongst geniuses, the woman who self-proclaimed to have 35 hours a day, the developer of IS, and Houki's older sister. It's definitely Shinonono Tabane-san alright.
"Huh...I'm pulling, is that alright?"
"Do whatever you want. It doesn't involve me."
After saying that, Houki immediately left. Uu, it seems that her relationship with Tabane-san's is somewhat hard to repair.
Being left alone, I had no choice but to pull that pair of bunny ears.
