Infinite Stratos - Volume 5, page 5
After making this conclusion, Utsuho-san lifted her finger and spoke up,
"Let me give you a piece of advice first. You'll be messed around by her no matter how you defend yourself or try to prevent it. Remember to save your energy."
"I-I see..."
I did feel that, but what she said made me confirm it.
Since Utsuho-sempai, who's older than Tatenashi-san by one year said this, she should be right.
"I'll eat as much as I can then."
"Very good. But that's if you can swallow the food."
What's with these ominous words? I'll be messed around by Tatenashi-san like that...
It suddenly feels cold.
"Goodbye then."
"Ah, yes, goodbye."
After saying goodbye to Utsuho-san, I again headed back to my room.
◆
*GACHUNK!* I dragged my tired body and opened my room's door.
"Welcome back. Do you want dinner, a bath, or... do, you, want, me?"
--*BAM!* I closed the door and spent a second to analyze the situation.
"Erm..."
Right now, I'm standing in front of my own room's door at the first-year's dorm.
I checked that the nametag on the room has the word Orimura...well, I'm not mistaken. I didn't mistake it.
(Was that a dream or illusion? Anyway, Tatenashi-san can't possibly wear a naked apron[5B 1] and wait for me in real life. Hahaha.)
Thinking about this, I opened the door again.
"Welcome back. Do you want me? Do you want me? Or do, you, want, me?"
"THERE'S NO OPTION I CAN CHOOSE!"
"There is, but only one."
Standing in my room and waiting for me is Tatenashi-san in the naked apron.
WHA-WHAT IS THIS PERSON THINKING!?
"I intend to stay here from today onwards."
"Wha...?"
"Yeah~ I can brag to everyone! Only two girls managed to live in the same room as Ichika-kun before me. I'll become your third woman then."
"No, wait...huh? Isn't this the first year dorm?"
That's not the main problem. Unfortunately, my mind couldn't work well as it's in a mess.
"That's the power of the Student Council President."
Gua! Using that trump card all of a sudden!
What's wrong with this person? Or rather, is the Student Council alright?
"Ichika-kun's reaction is so kawaii~"[5B 2]
Tatenashi-san stared at me happily as she casually opened her fan. There's the words 'Everything is strange'—no, YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S STRANGE!
"ANY-ANYWAY! PLEASE WEAR SOME CLOTHES, CLOTHES!"
I couldn't look at the weirdly dressed sempai as I looked aside while saying. She seemed to find it really funny as she laughed before turning behind—WAAHHH!!
"JYAN♪! There's a swimsuit underneath it~"
"..."
"Fuu, are you disappointed?"
"HOW-HOW CAN I BE!"
...
I don't think I would be disappointed.
"Oh my. That's just a little revenge since I couldn't catch onto the summer wave."
Who are you taking revenge on?
(Speaking of which, even though she's wearing a swimsuit, it's a rather daring bikini...no, NO NO!)
I continued to shake my head, looking like I want to shake off the desire that would enslave me the moment I see her.
"Aha. You're blushing, aren't you?"
"Uu..."
Tatenashi-san looked like she wanted to show herself in the swimsuit as she stuck her butt out, looking really radiant.
I felt embarrassed as she got me, and since I'm really embarrassed about seeing a pretty girl in a swimsuit right in front of me, I do know that I'm blushing for sure.
(That's true, but you didn't have to explain it like that...)
After being pointed at, my face became even redder. I seriously thought through if there's any way to shake Tatenashi-san out of the room.
But after thinking for a few seconds, I saw that she already set up all her stuff, and sank my head heavily.
(She didn't just put full cardboard boxes; she already took out her luggage...)
It seems that it's useless to say anything.
"Haaa..."
I sighed deeply, feeling so dejected I wonder if my soul was long gone.
◆
"..."
Houki quickly walked through the corridor of the first year dorm.
She was holding onto a bag, and smiling a bit at times.
The results of cooking the first time this month were good.
Expecting the response Ichika would give once he ate this masterpiece of hers, Houki couldn't help but naturally move faster.
(Because that guy always liked to eat this.)
That's the beancurd-skin sushi[5B 3] that her mom taught her directly. The slightly thick beancurd is soaked and cooked until the flavor enters it, and the rice and other condiments are added to it to achieve perfect balance.
After kendo training, Ichika would often eat a lot of this superb combination that had the sensation of the flavorful soy sauce and the aftertaste of the clear vinegar rice.
(...But he really changed.)
In Houki's memory, Ichika actions were just like a kid.
And now though he had a vestige of his former self left, he gradually gave off a mature man's presence.
Basically, he gradually became the type Houki liked.
(U-Um, I should train myself to be more like a woman. I don't know what kind of woman that guy likes, because there's no downsides to being a good woman.)
Confirming these thoughts in her heart, Houki happily accepted the accelerating heartbeat within her.
(Ichika was in a mess during training today, so he would want something to motivate himself, right? Yup, yup!)
Even though she didn't forget that this could be a reason for both of them to be together, she completely forgot that the other girls might be having dinner with Ichika.
Houki quickened her already fast pace, and soon arrived in front of Ichika's door.
(Alright. Got to act calm...)
Mm um. After clearing her throat, she silently knocked on the door.
*KOK* *KOK*
"..."
(Hm? Why isn't there a reaction?)
Maybe I knocked too softly? Thinking about this, Houki knocked even louder.
"Wha-What is it? Who's that?"
"It-It's me. I brought a reward for you."
"ACK! HOUKI!?"
(What's with that 'Ack'? Saying that out of a sudden...!)
Houki was a little unhappy.
But it would be bad to break this happy time, so Houki controlled her emotions.
"Can I go in?"
"...So-Sorry, you can't."
This infuriated Houki, and she was prompted by her impulses of anger as she opened the door.
The door wouldn't open, however, as it seemed that Ichika held the door up from inside.
"...Ichika."
"So-Sorry. How about next time? Okay? I promise, next time..."
As Houki felt weird about Ichika's tense voice, a girl's voice could be heard from within.
"Ichika-kun, what are you doing? Ah, I know. You are afraid that others will find out that you're having an affair, right?"
"--!"
It was a voice she had never heard before. Facing Ichika's attitude, Houki quickly deployed one of [Akatsubaki]'s Japanese swords and sliced the door in half.
"UWAAAH!!!"
"Ichika, you bastard...!"
"WAAAHHH! HOL-HOLD ON! IT'S A MISUNDERSTANDING!"
"WHAT MISUNDERSTANDING!? STAND RIGHT THERE!"
Facing the angry Houki, Tatenashi calmly called her,
"Okay, okay, calm down. I was joking."
"..."
But the problem was her dress up. Seeing the naked apron from the front, Houki gradually raised her sword.
"ICHIKA!!!"
"WH-WHY-WHY ME? SPEAKING OF WHICH, DIDN'T SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN BEFORE!?"
Even though Ichika barely managed to dodge it, the continuous attacks forced him to the wall.
"YOU BROUGHT A GIRL BACK TO YOUR ROOM AND DID SUCH AN INDECENT ACT...DON'T YOU KNOW ANY SHAME!?"
*Swoosh!* As the sound of wind being cut could be heard, the Japanese sword was swung down.
Though Ichika was prepared to die, Tatenashi stepped in between them.
"Oh my, how straightforward you are."
*KLANG!* With a blunt sound, the blade was stopped.
Tatenashi's right arm was holding onto a huge spear.
"!"
"Sorry, but onee-san will be rather bothered if you want to let Ichika-kun be a lost soul under the sword."
Casual sounding, she didn't leave any openings in her movement.
Tatenashi spun the spear in a circle manner and blocked the Japanese sword, pressing it down under her weapon before swinging it up.
"Wha...?"
The weapon Houki was so used to wielding flew out of her hands because of the leverage, leaving her dumbfounded.
The Japanese sword that was deflected by Tatenashi flew in the air and pierced into the wall hard.
"The winner's decided, I guess?"
"Gu...!"
Like Laura before her, Houki dispelled her IS to indicate surrender.
Whether it was Houki or Ichika she was facing, the brightly smiling Tatenashi gently declared her superiority over them.
◆
"I see. Houki-chan's really well-versed at skills and martial arts. Even your cooking's amazing!"
"No, no, it's not really that good..."
"Don't be shy...mn, this beancurd-skin sushi's really nice--. Right, Ichika-kun?"
"Ye-Yeah. It's really nice."
And then, after convincing her, Houki accepted the current situation, and Tatenashi-san changed into her uniform before tasting the beancurd-skin sushi with us.
In primary school, I often ate the sushi that Houki's mom used to make at the dojo, and the reward Houki brought over was about the same. I didn't just reminiscence it, because it's really nice.
"..."
"..."
But with Houki glaring at me, I really couldn't eat much.
It seems that she couldn't accept Tatenashi-san's existence, and her anger on me hasn't disappeared completely... is-is it my fault?
"That's strange? You two haven't eaten much. I'll help myself then."
Taking it and biting it, taking it and biting it...Tatenashi-san continued to down the remaining beancurd-skin sushi.
"Mn~ thank you for the food."
Licking her fingers, she palmed both hands together to thank Houki.
Regarding this, she's mysteriously attentive with the greetings, and Houki and I bowed back as thus.
"Okay, since Houki-chan's here, I'll explain this simply."
"You're talking...about me?"
"That's right. It's about [Akatsubaki]."
Now that she mentioned it, Houki tightened her face.
"I heard that you can't activate [Akatsubaki]'s [One-Off Ability], right?"
"That's..."
Did you say that? Houki protested at me with her eyes, and I immediately shook my head.
That's right. After that incident, Houki's [Akatsubaki] was never able to activate [Kenran Butou] successfully.
Even though she tried to do that during training, the machine didn't react at all. However, it was indicated in the data registry, so it's unknown where the problem was.
"Basically, the [One-Off Ability] needs to be activated when the pilot's mental state is in sync with the IS. Do you remember the last time you activated it?"
"I-I do. Uu..."
"If you recreate that emotion, the IS will respond to you."
"I-I see.."
For some reason, Houki shyly lowered her head...hn? What's with you? Why are you looking over?
"Let me explain. In contrast to [Byakushiki]'s 1 to 0 removal ability, [Akatsubaki] has a 1 to 100 increase ability, and it seems like it can pass the energy to others. As expected of a machine Professor Shinonono made herself. It's really outstanding."
"So...this ability can also be used on anyone other than Ichika's [Byakushiki]?"
"Well, I can't really predict that to the details. Why don't you try it out?"
"I-I see."
Houki continued to peek at me. Why's that?
(Hm? Is she worried that I would be unhappy...)
A brainwave passed me as I placed my hand on Houki's shoulder,
"Don't mind, Houki. Wouldn't it be good if others could use it too?"
"...You're right."
For some reason, Houki lowered her head. Huh? What, what's wrong?
"Oh yeah. Ichika-kun and Charlotte-chan once tried to transfer energy. I read about records on energy transfer, but I was really shocked when you two were able to do it. Normally speaking, it's difficult to transfer energy. You can't do that if your cores aren't in sync. She was able to do it so well in the midst of a real battle. That was amazing."
"Yeeah, Charl's really outstanding and smart, so she would be able to match the other person's characteristic no matter who she partners with."
"..."
*DONK!!*
"OW! WHA-WHAT ARE YOU DOING, HOUKI!?"
"Humph."
For some reason, Houki felt unhappy and kicked my leg... wha-what's with her?
"Fufu, you two have quite the delicate relationship."
"Huh?"
"...There's nothing delicate about it. Ichika's just too dumb."
"WHAT'S WITH YOU CALLING ME DUMB! CALLING ME AN IDIOT!? EVEN IF YOU'RE A CHILDHOOD FRIEND, I WON'T FOR—OWOWOWOWOW!!!"
"STOP PINCHING ME, HOUKI!"
"You're too noisy."
I got glared hard at by Houki. Uu, she really looks scary.
"Okay okay, I know you two have quite the good relationship, so let's talk about something else—erm, but before that, let's have some tea."
"Ah, please allow me."
"Really? Sorry to bother you then."
If I continue to stay here, it seems like Houki will be even more ferocious in her attacks, so I escaped to the simple kitchen to avoid the disaster and brewed tea.
(For some reason, Houki's mood swings seem to be very big recently...)
Boiling the water, I couldn't help but remember Houki recently.
She would occasionally show herself at the kendo club, and seemed to have gotten along well with them. She also got more friends.
She also became good friends with Rin, Charl and the rest. That's a good sign.
But right now, the important IS control isn't working too well for her. She wouldn't accept anyone's help with regards to that, so it's bothering me.
(Oh, the water has boiled.)
I put the tea leaves into the clay kettle and waited for them to open.
During this time, I heated up the guest teacups.
Seeing that both sides were done, I put them all on the tray and returned back to both of them with a slightly nervous look.
"So that's how it is! Well, how should I say it... fufu. That's really interesting."
"Isn't that right? Fufufu."
...Hm? Huh? Those two seemed to be on rather good terms now.
Did they talk about some secrets when I wasn't around? Girls are often seen to be mysterious people because of that.
"Oh, Ichika, you're late."
"That's right that's right. I got some autumn manjuu[5B 4]. I'll get them out."
Both of them were smiling happily, as if they were really happy.
(...Well, I guess Tatenashi-san can make anyone collapse, whether it's male or female.)
My mind suddenly remembered the saying that's often used to describe Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the past 'Able to grasp people's hearts'[5B 5]. And I do feel that it fits the sempai in front of me.
(But that's not a title for a girl...)
However, since it suits her, it can't be helped. If I don't use this, maybe she'll be like the 'Cheshire Cat' or 'the female Tora-san'[5B 6]...no, wait, the last description doesn't really fit her, right?
"Hey, kid, stop looking at the elderly onee-san."
*PA!* I got knocked by the autumn manjuu box.
"We-Well..."
"Hm~? Don't tell me you're thinking of saying that you didn't look?"
"...Are-Are you going on a trip?"
"Oh, he changed the topic. What do you think, Houki-chan?"
"He's not showing the attitude of a man at all."
GUA! How can there be such a continuous barrage that's forcing me into despair! My HP's immediately almost zero.
"An-Anyway! I got tea ready!"
"Fufu. Seems like you got anxious. Well."
"Just let him go."
"You're right, Houki-chan's really magnanimous."
Ahaha, ufufu, the two girls continued with their laughter. I guess sitting on a bed of needles should apply to this, right?
"As for your question, I didn't go on a trip. The people I'm familiar with at the research center said that this Japanese product called autumn manjuu's really delicious, so I bought a lot of them."
"Are you talking about the research facility?"
"Actually, it's the development lab, of my beloved machine."
"Sempai has a personal IS?"
"Of course, the strongest in IS Academy isn't just for show."
On hearing that, Houki and I trembled.
The IS that the strongest in school, Tatenashi-san uses should be really amazing. How powerful would the battle prowess be?
"Uu, I'll look at your practice condition first. Don't look at me like this. I can really teach."
"Re-Really?"
Houki responded to Tatenashi-san's words...well, I was forced to make her my tutor anyway.
"No problems. It's my job to take care of my cute kouhais."
"Is-Is that so? I'll leave myself in your care then!"
"But I need to train you two separately, you know. I won't be able to concentrate on training you together."
"Uu..."
Houki seemed to be a little resistant to that, but finally answered,
"I understand."
As expected, she managed to realize the difference in ability between her and sempai, and felt that it's better for sempai to guide her instead of just training alone.
"Oh yeah. Well... I realized it from the beginning."
After taking a sip of tea, Houki stuttered and asked,
"Doesn't this room have sempai's personal belongings...?"
"Yup, because I'm staying here for the time being."
"WHAT?"
"Let me give you a piece of advice first. You'll be messed around by her no matter how you defend yourself or try to prevent it. Remember to save your energy."
"I-I see..."
I did feel that, but what she said made me confirm it.
Since Utsuho-sempai, who's older than Tatenashi-san by one year said this, she should be right.
"I'll eat as much as I can then."
"Very good. But that's if you can swallow the food."
What's with these ominous words? I'll be messed around by Tatenashi-san like that...
It suddenly feels cold.
"Goodbye then."
"Ah, yes, goodbye."
After saying goodbye to Utsuho-san, I again headed back to my room.
◆
*GACHUNK!* I dragged my tired body and opened my room's door.
"Welcome back. Do you want dinner, a bath, or... do, you, want, me?"
--*BAM!* I closed the door and spent a second to analyze the situation.
"Erm..."
Right now, I'm standing in front of my own room's door at the first-year's dorm.
I checked that the nametag on the room has the word Orimura...well, I'm not mistaken. I didn't mistake it.
(Was that a dream or illusion? Anyway, Tatenashi-san can't possibly wear a naked apron[5B 1] and wait for me in real life. Hahaha.)
Thinking about this, I opened the door again.
"Welcome back. Do you want me? Do you want me? Or do, you, want, me?"
"THERE'S NO OPTION I CAN CHOOSE!"
"There is, but only one."
Standing in my room and waiting for me is Tatenashi-san in the naked apron.
WHA-WHAT IS THIS PERSON THINKING!?
"I intend to stay here from today onwards."
"Wha...?"
"Yeah~ I can brag to everyone! Only two girls managed to live in the same room as Ichika-kun before me. I'll become your third woman then."
"No, wait...huh? Isn't this the first year dorm?"
That's not the main problem. Unfortunately, my mind couldn't work well as it's in a mess.
"That's the power of the Student Council President."
Gua! Using that trump card all of a sudden!
What's wrong with this person? Or rather, is the Student Council alright?
"Ichika-kun's reaction is so kawaii~"[5B 2]
Tatenashi-san stared at me happily as she casually opened her fan. There's the words 'Everything is strange'—no, YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S STRANGE!
"ANY-ANYWAY! PLEASE WEAR SOME CLOTHES, CLOTHES!"
I couldn't look at the weirdly dressed sempai as I looked aside while saying. She seemed to find it really funny as she laughed before turning behind—WAAHHH!!
"JYAN♪! There's a swimsuit underneath it~"
"..."
"Fuu, are you disappointed?"
"HOW-HOW CAN I BE!"
...
I don't think I would be disappointed.
"Oh my. That's just a little revenge since I couldn't catch onto the summer wave."
Who are you taking revenge on?
(Speaking of which, even though she's wearing a swimsuit, it's a rather daring bikini...no, NO NO!)
I continued to shake my head, looking like I want to shake off the desire that would enslave me the moment I see her.
"Aha. You're blushing, aren't you?"
"Uu..."
Tatenashi-san looked like she wanted to show herself in the swimsuit as she stuck her butt out, looking really radiant.
I felt embarrassed as she got me, and since I'm really embarrassed about seeing a pretty girl in a swimsuit right in front of me, I do know that I'm blushing for sure.
(That's true, but you didn't have to explain it like that...)
After being pointed at, my face became even redder. I seriously thought through if there's any way to shake Tatenashi-san out of the room.
But after thinking for a few seconds, I saw that she already set up all her stuff, and sank my head heavily.
(She didn't just put full cardboard boxes; she already took out her luggage...)
It seems that it's useless to say anything.
"Haaa..."
I sighed deeply, feeling so dejected I wonder if my soul was long gone.
◆
"..."
Houki quickly walked through the corridor of the first year dorm.
She was holding onto a bag, and smiling a bit at times.
The results of cooking the first time this month were good.
Expecting the response Ichika would give once he ate this masterpiece of hers, Houki couldn't help but naturally move faster.
(Because that guy always liked to eat this.)
That's the beancurd-skin sushi[5B 3] that her mom taught her directly. The slightly thick beancurd is soaked and cooked until the flavor enters it, and the rice and other condiments are added to it to achieve perfect balance.
After kendo training, Ichika would often eat a lot of this superb combination that had the sensation of the flavorful soy sauce and the aftertaste of the clear vinegar rice.
(...But he really changed.)
In Houki's memory, Ichika actions were just like a kid.
And now though he had a vestige of his former self left, he gradually gave off a mature man's presence.
Basically, he gradually became the type Houki liked.
(U-Um, I should train myself to be more like a woman. I don't know what kind of woman that guy likes, because there's no downsides to being a good woman.)
Confirming these thoughts in her heart, Houki happily accepted the accelerating heartbeat within her.
(Ichika was in a mess during training today, so he would want something to motivate himself, right? Yup, yup!)
Even though she didn't forget that this could be a reason for both of them to be together, she completely forgot that the other girls might be having dinner with Ichika.
Houki quickened her already fast pace, and soon arrived in front of Ichika's door.
(Alright. Got to act calm...)
Mm um. After clearing her throat, she silently knocked on the door.
*KOK* *KOK*
"..."
(Hm? Why isn't there a reaction?)
Maybe I knocked too softly? Thinking about this, Houki knocked even louder.
"Wha-What is it? Who's that?"
"It-It's me. I brought a reward for you."
"ACK! HOUKI!?"
(What's with that 'Ack'? Saying that out of a sudden...!)
Houki was a little unhappy.
But it would be bad to break this happy time, so Houki controlled her emotions.
"Can I go in?"
"...So-Sorry, you can't."
This infuriated Houki, and she was prompted by her impulses of anger as she opened the door.
The door wouldn't open, however, as it seemed that Ichika held the door up from inside.
"...Ichika."
"So-Sorry. How about next time? Okay? I promise, next time..."
As Houki felt weird about Ichika's tense voice, a girl's voice could be heard from within.
"Ichika-kun, what are you doing? Ah, I know. You are afraid that others will find out that you're having an affair, right?"
"--!"
It was a voice she had never heard before. Facing Ichika's attitude, Houki quickly deployed one of [Akatsubaki]'s Japanese swords and sliced the door in half.
"UWAAAH!!!"
"Ichika, you bastard...!"
"WAAAHHH! HOL-HOLD ON! IT'S A MISUNDERSTANDING!"
"WHAT MISUNDERSTANDING!? STAND RIGHT THERE!"
Facing the angry Houki, Tatenashi calmly called her,
"Okay, okay, calm down. I was joking."
"..."
But the problem was her dress up. Seeing the naked apron from the front, Houki gradually raised her sword.
"ICHIKA!!!"
"WH-WHY-WHY ME? SPEAKING OF WHICH, DIDN'T SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN BEFORE!?"
Even though Ichika barely managed to dodge it, the continuous attacks forced him to the wall.
"YOU BROUGHT A GIRL BACK TO YOUR ROOM AND DID SUCH AN INDECENT ACT...DON'T YOU KNOW ANY SHAME!?"
*Swoosh!* As the sound of wind being cut could be heard, the Japanese sword was swung down.
Though Ichika was prepared to die, Tatenashi stepped in between them.
"Oh my, how straightforward you are."
*KLANG!* With a blunt sound, the blade was stopped.
Tatenashi's right arm was holding onto a huge spear.
"!"
"Sorry, but onee-san will be rather bothered if you want to let Ichika-kun be a lost soul under the sword."
Casual sounding, she didn't leave any openings in her movement.
Tatenashi spun the spear in a circle manner and blocked the Japanese sword, pressing it down under her weapon before swinging it up.
"Wha...?"
The weapon Houki was so used to wielding flew out of her hands because of the leverage, leaving her dumbfounded.
The Japanese sword that was deflected by Tatenashi flew in the air and pierced into the wall hard.
"The winner's decided, I guess?"
"Gu...!"
Like Laura before her, Houki dispelled her IS to indicate surrender.
Whether it was Houki or Ichika she was facing, the brightly smiling Tatenashi gently declared her superiority over them.
◆
"I see. Houki-chan's really well-versed at skills and martial arts. Even your cooking's amazing!"
"No, no, it's not really that good..."
"Don't be shy...mn, this beancurd-skin sushi's really nice--. Right, Ichika-kun?"
"Ye-Yeah. It's really nice."
And then, after convincing her, Houki accepted the current situation, and Tatenashi-san changed into her uniform before tasting the beancurd-skin sushi with us.
In primary school, I often ate the sushi that Houki's mom used to make at the dojo, and the reward Houki brought over was about the same. I didn't just reminiscence it, because it's really nice.
"..."
"..."
But with Houki glaring at me, I really couldn't eat much.
It seems that she couldn't accept Tatenashi-san's existence, and her anger on me hasn't disappeared completely... is-is it my fault?
"That's strange? You two haven't eaten much. I'll help myself then."
Taking it and biting it, taking it and biting it...Tatenashi-san continued to down the remaining beancurd-skin sushi.
"Mn~ thank you for the food."
Licking her fingers, she palmed both hands together to thank Houki.
Regarding this, she's mysteriously attentive with the greetings, and Houki and I bowed back as thus.
"Okay, since Houki-chan's here, I'll explain this simply."
"You're talking...about me?"
"That's right. It's about [Akatsubaki]."
Now that she mentioned it, Houki tightened her face.
"I heard that you can't activate [Akatsubaki]'s [One-Off Ability], right?"
"That's..."
Did you say that? Houki protested at me with her eyes, and I immediately shook my head.
That's right. After that incident, Houki's [Akatsubaki] was never able to activate [Kenran Butou] successfully.
Even though she tried to do that during training, the machine didn't react at all. However, it was indicated in the data registry, so it's unknown where the problem was.
"Basically, the [One-Off Ability] needs to be activated when the pilot's mental state is in sync with the IS. Do you remember the last time you activated it?"
"I-I do. Uu..."
"If you recreate that emotion, the IS will respond to you."
"I-I see.."
For some reason, Houki shyly lowered her head...hn? What's with you? Why are you looking over?
"Let me explain. In contrast to [Byakushiki]'s 1 to 0 removal ability, [Akatsubaki] has a 1 to 100 increase ability, and it seems like it can pass the energy to others. As expected of a machine Professor Shinonono made herself. It's really outstanding."
"So...this ability can also be used on anyone other than Ichika's [Byakushiki]?"
"Well, I can't really predict that to the details. Why don't you try it out?"
"I-I see."
Houki continued to peek at me. Why's that?
(Hm? Is she worried that I would be unhappy...)
A brainwave passed me as I placed my hand on Houki's shoulder,
"Don't mind, Houki. Wouldn't it be good if others could use it too?"
"...You're right."
For some reason, Houki lowered her head. Huh? What, what's wrong?
"Oh yeah. Ichika-kun and Charlotte-chan once tried to transfer energy. I read about records on energy transfer, but I was really shocked when you two were able to do it. Normally speaking, it's difficult to transfer energy. You can't do that if your cores aren't in sync. She was able to do it so well in the midst of a real battle. That was amazing."
"Yeeah, Charl's really outstanding and smart, so she would be able to match the other person's characteristic no matter who she partners with."
"..."
*DONK!!*
"OW! WHA-WHAT ARE YOU DOING, HOUKI!?"
"Humph."
For some reason, Houki felt unhappy and kicked my leg... wha-what's with her?
"Fufu, you two have quite the delicate relationship."
"Huh?"
"...There's nothing delicate about it. Ichika's just too dumb."
"WHAT'S WITH YOU CALLING ME DUMB! CALLING ME AN IDIOT!? EVEN IF YOU'RE A CHILDHOOD FRIEND, I WON'T FOR—OWOWOWOWOW!!!"
"STOP PINCHING ME, HOUKI!"
"You're too noisy."
I got glared hard at by Houki. Uu, she really looks scary.
"Okay okay, I know you two have quite the good relationship, so let's talk about something else—erm, but before that, let's have some tea."
"Ah, please allow me."
"Really? Sorry to bother you then."
If I continue to stay here, it seems like Houki will be even more ferocious in her attacks, so I escaped to the simple kitchen to avoid the disaster and brewed tea.
(For some reason, Houki's mood swings seem to be very big recently...)
Boiling the water, I couldn't help but remember Houki recently.
She would occasionally show herself at the kendo club, and seemed to have gotten along well with them. She also got more friends.
She also became good friends with Rin, Charl and the rest. That's a good sign.
But right now, the important IS control isn't working too well for her. She wouldn't accept anyone's help with regards to that, so it's bothering me.
(Oh, the water has boiled.)
I put the tea leaves into the clay kettle and waited for them to open.
During this time, I heated up the guest teacups.
Seeing that both sides were done, I put them all on the tray and returned back to both of them with a slightly nervous look.
"So that's how it is! Well, how should I say it... fufu. That's really interesting."
"Isn't that right? Fufufu."
...Hm? Huh? Those two seemed to be on rather good terms now.
Did they talk about some secrets when I wasn't around? Girls are often seen to be mysterious people because of that.
"Oh, Ichika, you're late."
"That's right that's right. I got some autumn manjuu[5B 4]. I'll get them out."
Both of them were smiling happily, as if they were really happy.
(...Well, I guess Tatenashi-san can make anyone collapse, whether it's male or female.)
My mind suddenly remembered the saying that's often used to describe Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the past 'Able to grasp people's hearts'[5B 5]. And I do feel that it fits the sempai in front of me.
(But that's not a title for a girl...)
However, since it suits her, it can't be helped. If I don't use this, maybe she'll be like the 'Cheshire Cat' or 'the female Tora-san'[5B 6]...no, wait, the last description doesn't really fit her, right?
"Hey, kid, stop looking at the elderly onee-san."
*PA!* I got knocked by the autumn manjuu box.
"We-Well..."
"Hm~? Don't tell me you're thinking of saying that you didn't look?"
"...Are-Are you going on a trip?"
"Oh, he changed the topic. What do you think, Houki-chan?"
"He's not showing the attitude of a man at all."
GUA! How can there be such a continuous barrage that's forcing me into despair! My HP's immediately almost zero.
"An-Anyway! I got tea ready!"
"Fufu. Seems like you got anxious. Well."
"Just let him go."
"You're right, Houki-chan's really magnanimous."
Ahaha, ufufu, the two girls continued with their laughter. I guess sitting on a bed of needles should apply to this, right?
"As for your question, I didn't go on a trip. The people I'm familiar with at the research center said that this Japanese product called autumn manjuu's really delicious, so I bought a lot of them."
"Are you talking about the research facility?"
"Actually, it's the development lab, of my beloved machine."
"Sempai has a personal IS?"
"Of course, the strongest in IS Academy isn't just for show."
On hearing that, Houki and I trembled.
The IS that the strongest in school, Tatenashi-san uses should be really amazing. How powerful would the battle prowess be?
"Uu, I'll look at your practice condition first. Don't look at me like this. I can really teach."
"Re-Really?"
Houki responded to Tatenashi-san's words...well, I was forced to make her my tutor anyway.
"No problems. It's my job to take care of my cute kouhais."
"Is-Is that so? I'll leave myself in your care then!"
"But I need to train you two separately, you know. I won't be able to concentrate on training you together."
"Uu..."
Houki seemed to be a little resistant to that, but finally answered,
"I understand."
As expected, she managed to realize the difference in ability between her and sempai, and felt that it's better for sempai to guide her instead of just training alone.
"Oh yeah. Well... I realized it from the beginning."
After taking a sip of tea, Houki stuttered and asked,
"Doesn't this room have sempai's personal belongings...?"
"Yup, because I'm staying here for the time being."
"WHAT?"
