Infinite Stratos - Volume 1, page 5
"Hmm? That, what's that...?
I suddenly noticed something unusual attached to the shinai. If I try to summarize, it has a structure of two parallel triangles attached together, and the thing is——
"Re-re-return it to me!!"
She quickly tried snatching at it, the bokken had been abandoned on the bed.
With unbelievable speed Houki grabbed the thing attached to the shinai, and she covered it with both of her hands.
"........."
Weird? Why is she staring at me while blushing? A fever?
——Ah.
Suddenly, I thought about the things in relation to one another. I know what the thing with which I was in contact is. I finally understood.
"Houki."
"Wh-what?"
As if she was protecting something, Houki changed from the offensive. Now she was vigilant in keeping distance between herself and me.
I looked at the gap, and clearly saw a light pink, light blue fabric. Ah, I'm sure now.
"I see you've started wearing bras."
"～～～～～～!!!"
Dong! An explosive sound rang inside my head.
Chapter 2: Class Representative Selection Match!
"Hey..."
"..."
"Hey, how long are you going to remain angry?"
"...I'm not angry."
"You're not looking too happy."
"I've been like this since I was born."
Acting so indifferent.
On a side note, it's 8 am on the second day of school. We're in the first-years' cafeteria, and like before, there are girls all around us. I'm still rather shocked that even the staff members are female (though it's logical).
I, who supposedly had a "same-room-relation", am having breakfast together with Houki; but ever since last night, we never had a proper conversation.
On a side note, my breakfast is of the traditional Japanese style, including natto, blocks of salmon, miso soup and mild pickle, very delicious. Maybe it's because of the exorbitant taxes. Long live Nationalism.
And on another side note, Houki and I ordered the same thing. As a Japanese, I do feel that having rice for breakfast is still the best. Even though I like bread as well, this salmon is so delicious that it fits my tastes. The rice is soft and hot, wonderful. An electric rice cooker can't make this taste, so was it cooked over a rice stove?
"..."
I've been ignored. As if in agreement with the me who's being ignored, Houki picks up a piece of salmon.
—Never mind, that is nothing. I grew up living with Chifuyu-nee, so I don't have that feeling of 'I'm living with a girl! My heart is beating like crazy! I'm so nervous!'. Besides, I handled many years of Chifuyu-nee's dirty laundry, so I'm not going to panic just because of a piece of girl's underwear.
But then again, maybe my experiences don't have any sort of relation with my childhood friend Houki.
In other words, Houki's unhappy because of my attitude when I saw her underwear...right? Hm? That's strange? Why is Houki angry?
"As I said, I'm not angry."
Even though the person in front of me said this, she didn't turn her face towards me at all, and even when our eyes met, she would look away frantically. Hm, if it wasn't for her angry expression, I would believe that the world was peaceful.
"Look look, he's the famous boy ~~"
"Seems like he's also Chifuyu nee-sama's younger brother, you know."
"Huh—, so both siblings are IS users? Is he strong?"
Today's the same as usual. The girls keep their distance, forming a perimeter around me, known as 'even though he's delicious, don't be greedy'. If it were far-sea fishing, it would be quite a catch...hm, that's just a meaningless example.
"So as I was saying, Houki—"
"Don't call me by my name."
"...Shinonono-san."
"..."
If she won't allow me to use her name, I'll just use her surname. This time though, she could only remain silent. The fact that Houki doesn't like to be called by her surname hasn't changed, huh? Besides, this name has quite the history—
"O-Orimura-kun, can we sit here, please?"
"Huh?"
I could see three girls holding their trays of breakfast as they anxiously waited for my reply.
"Well, it's not like you can't."
The girl who tried to talk up to me finally heaved a sigh of relief. Behind her, her two friends were secretly encouraging her. Nearby, there was quite a commotion.
"Ah~ I should have tried to talk to him earlier..."
"It-it's just the second day. Nothing to panic over!"
"Say, speaking of which, the people who rushed into the room yesterday are present as well!"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"
...Ah, mm, that's right. 8 first-years, 15 second-years and 33 third-years came over to introduce themselves. It's already tough enough to memorize all their names. On a side note, if anyone's to come up to me and ask me 'do you remember me?', the probability of me remembering them is only about 20%. This is too cruel.
It's early in the morning, and I can't even remember three names.
On a side note, those three probably had their seats assigned, so they managed to sit down quickly. A six-seater table. Houki and I are sitting on the side nearest to the window, and they filled up three seats. As for the remaining one, I hope that no one will squeeze in.
"Wow, Orimura-kun, you do eat a lot in the morning—"
"He, he's a guy, you know."
"I'm the type who eats very little at night, so I have to eat a lot in the morning or else I won't be able to make it."
On a side note, this is true. After experiencing it for many years, testing all sorts of methods, this is still somewhat helpful in maintaining my body shape and health. I learnt it from Chifuyu-nee.
"Is it alright to eat that little for breakfast?"
The trio, though they had three different menus, they all had a drink, a piece of bread and a side dish (very little of it, by the way).
"U-Us?"
"M, yes, is it alright?"
The fuel cost is extremely cheap. Don't tell me the reason why only girls can pilot IS is because of this?
"Because we eat a lot of snacks—"
...You'll grow fat if you eat too many snacks. Besides, that's not good for one's health, isn't it? Is this really good? Their glory of ten years are going to run out. A human starts to age from the age of 22, it seems.
"...Orimura, I'm going off."
"Ah? Okay. See you later."
After Houki cleanly finished her breakfast, she left her seat. Though it was a buffet, she still chose a traditional meal. As always, she's trying to maintain a samurai image. She should be like Japan's excellent traditional Yamato Nadeshiko. No, well, I don't know what qualities a Yamato Nadeshiko should have.
(But since Houki's the one living with me, well, at least it's better than living with someone I'm unfamiliar with.)
Houki and I are childhood friends. When I was in first grade, Chifuyu-nee brought me to the Shinonono dojo to train, and until 4th grade we remained in the same class.
For some reasons, we didn't have any parents, so Chifuyu-nee and I were often taken care of by Shinononos' parents and were invited for dinner. Truthfully, it really helped us a lot while we were poor.
However, instead of saying that our relationship was bad, let's say it was terrible. Though we walked down the same path—called comrades as samurais, we parted ways soon after (I'm rather mindful about this.)
(I couldn't remember anything in the past at all...)
Never mind, it's not just me, everyone's the same now. The past is the past, and the present's the present.
"Orimura-kun, are you familiar with Shinonono-san?"
"Even though I heard that you two are living in the same room..."
"Ah, sort of. We're childhood friends."
Though I really don't know the significance behind this, there's still quite a commotion around us. Some people even let out a 'WHAT?'
"Huh, that's—"
The girl beside me—mm, Tanimoto-san? Just as I was about to ask, a clapping sound could be heard inside the canteen.
"How long are you going to eat!? You got to be fast when eating, be efficient! If you're late, you'll have to run around the field ten times!"
Chifuyu-nee's voice echoed throughout the canteen, and everyone inside frantically returned to eating their breakfast. If you want to know why, it's because one lap around the field in IS Academy is 5km—this is not a joke. I frantically finish up my food.
On a side note, it seems like Chifuyu-nee's acting as the first-years' dorm supervisor. As usual, she's not getting any rest at all.
Even though as her brother, I'm rather worried, but it should be alright. Truthfully, nobody can fight with Chifuyu-nee when it comes to not knowing fatigue.
(Never mind, I can't think of how to focus on learning the IS at all.)
Truthfully, I still have the match against Cecilia next week. Before that, I need to learn how to control the IS.
(Trying to control it, huh?)
◇
—In the end, there wasn't any progress.
Before the second period ended, my mind was already all dizzy.
(Not good...)
Can't be helped. It's possible to understand terms through practice, but there are some parts that are impossible to understand in the first place.
Like a math problem that's impossible to solve no matter what. Yes, those kinds that are impossible to solve unless an example is given.
"..."
However, the situation now feels even more inexplicable. When I first touched the IS, it felt like I was familiar with it, with many years of experience. It's that kind of a feeling.
But I really can't understand by reading the textbook like this, that feeling is like 'did I really activate an IS before?'.
(Hm~...)
I folded my arms in front of me and stared at the textbook. Of course, we're having lessons now. Yamada-sensei may end up speechless at times, but she still continued to teach the students basic knowledge regarding IS.
"In other words, the IS was originally created for space work, so the pilot is covered in a special armor. Also, the armor has the ability to increase body functions and keep the pilots in a stable state. This increases the heart rate, pulse, lung capacity, amount of sweat lost, endorphins (amino acids that the brain releases during times of pain, exercise, excitement and other exciting things)—"
"Sensei, is that really alright? It's kind of scary when the body is manipulated like that."
One of my classmates said with an uncertain look on her face. It's true that the unique feeling created by piloting an IS may cause people to feel uncomfortable.
"It's not really that complicated. Oh yeah, for example, everyone's wearing a bra, right? If one has that kind of support, there's no reason that it will cause any adverse effects on humans. Of course, if it's not by your own measurements but out of shape, then—"
...Coincidentally, our eyes met, and Yamada-sensei just stood there, dumbfounded. Several seconds later, she blushed.
"Well, that, no, that's, Ori-Orimura-kun, you have no need to understand that. I, I don't know. This example. Ah, ah ha, ah hahaha..."
Yamada-sensei could only laugh blankly, unknowingly creating a subtle atmosphere throughout the classroom. Compared to me, some of the girls seemed to realize something as they folded their arms in front of their chests, looking like they were trying to hide their breasts.
Like the conversation with Houki yesterday, up till now, I don't have the interest of getting excited by seeing a girl's underwear. However, I'm surrounded by this—wanting to see it and yet not wanting to see it at the same time—this itchy feeling, and I can't seem to calm down no matter what.
This abnormally bad atmosphere continued for another 10 or 20 seconds .
"Ahem, Yamada-sensei, please continue with the lesson."
"Ah, okay."
Deliberately faking a cough to disperse the atmosphere. Under Chifuyu-nee's prompt, Yamada-sensei returned back to topic even though it looked like she was about to bury herself in the book.
"Then, well, I got something important to say. The IS has something similar to a human's consciousness that can converse with the pilot—in other words, understanding each other by living together. Mm, the longer the operation time, the more the IS understands the pilot's characteristics."
I see. In other words, it means that I can't slack off during training.
"The more you understand each other, the more you can use its utmost capabilities. You have to understand that the IS isn't a tool, but your friend."
Immediately, a girl raised her hand.
"Sensei, is it like a lover~?"
"Well, that, mm...it should be that kind of feeling. I haven't experienced it before, so I don't really know..."
This so-called experience should be of a boy and girl being in a relationship. Ignoring Yamada-sensei, who lowered her head as she blushed, the girls in the class started to chatter about things related to boys and girls dating each other.
How should I say it? It's like this place is a bit too much like a 'girls' school' already. The air's full of sweetness, isn't it?
Honestly, this classroom—well, not just here, the air in the school is sweet. It's not the atmosphere, but rather, real sweetness. It's the aroma that only girls have. Anyway, this sweetness is everywhere. Actually, it is like this; it filled up my abdomen so much that I felt sick from it.
"..."
"Is, is there anything wrong, Orimura-kun?"
"Ah, it's nothing, nothing at all."
After hearing my words, Yamada-sensei vaguely waved her hand. It feels like someone's staring at me...seems like it's been since yesterday.
DING—DONG—DANG—DONG
"Ah, then, during the remaining time, we're going to start training on basic IS braking in the air."
Besides practical skills and other unique subjects, IS Academy is basically in charge of all the basic training. Within these 15 minutes of rest time, to the teachers who have to head back to the office, it's been tough on them.
"I say, Orimura-kun."
"Over here~ over here~, a question~ a question~"
"Do you have time during the day? Do you have time after school? Do you have time at night?"
So the scenario from yesterday has ended, hasn't it? Once Yamada-sensei and Chifuyu-nee walked out of the classroom, half of the girls wound up gathering around my desk. I just heard the words 'Can't delay this any longer!' and I guess that it's not a mistake on my part...
"Then, please listen to me—"
I was really bothered, and while I was trying to finish what I wanted to say, I saw a girl giving away some sort of coupons, and even receiving money for it. Please don't do any commercial businesses in school, just don't.
"..."
My childhood friend Houki wasn't far away from the group surrounding me as she looked on. Seems like she's still angry. Please don't complain silently, humans are learning creatures.
(But I'm already lost now. Even though I want to let Houki teach me about things related to IS...looks like I can only ask later.)
I thought, even if it was for only a short time, it was still hard to endure those 'hurry up and answer me' looks that the girls were showing. Now which question should I answer?
"How's Chifuyu-nee in her own house!?"
"Huh, unexpectedly—"
*PAM!*
"Break time's over. Scram."
Ah, when did she get behind me? She's the only one who would smack me at this time. She's here to prevent me from leaking information of her, right? Speaking of which, Chifuyu-nee, hitting people like that isn't going to give people a good impression. Is it really alright for you to do this?
"Oh yes, Orimura, your IS needs some more time before it can be prepared."
"What?"
"There's no available suit. So wait a while. It seems like the school's making a personal suit for you."
"???"
Just as I was confused, the entire classroom started buzzing.
"A, a personal suit? For a first year, and at this time!?"
"Which means that the government has given support..."
"Ah~ so good...I want to have my own personal suit soon."
What's going on? Is there anything really worth being envious of?
I just showed a look of not knowing anything at all, that Chifuyu-nee couldn't endure seeing as she muttered,
"Page 6 of the textbook. Read it out."
"Mn, mm... 'Today, even though we have links to many countries and enterprises that provide IS technology, all the information related to the manufacturing of the core is never revealed. The cores of the 467 IS that exist in today's society are all created by Professor Shinonono. This core has been completely transformed into a black box, and none have achieved the success that Professor Shinonono has. However, the Professor has declined to continue creating more after a certain amount, and all countries, organizations and enterprises have started research, development and training of their own cores. The dealings of cores are against Title 7 of the Alaska Treaty, that these are forbidden no matter the circumstances'..."
"That's the case. You understand?"
"Sort, sort of..."
Mm, let me clear this up a bit.
1. There are only 467 IS existing in the entire world. 2. Only Professor Shinonono can create the cores, and the Professor's no longer willing to create more. 3. I got a special privilege, but this is a test prototype.
That's the case. Mm, I understand it rather clearly. On a side note, this Professor Shinonono is—
"Erm, sensei. Is Shinononon-san, a relative of Professor Shinonono...?"
A girl trembled as she asked Chifuyu-nee...that's right, this surname Shinonono will be discovered anyway.
—Shinonono Tabane, the complete genius who designed the IS all by herself. She was Chifuyu-nee's classmate, and Houki's elder sister. No matter how many times I met her, I always thought of her as—'genius'.
"That's right, Shinonono's that person's little sister."
Hey, sensei, is it really good to divulge other people's information like that? Actually, Tabane-nee is now a person who's placed under unique security that exceeds National laws. Though she's not a criminal, the whereabouts of the person who has all sorts of technology in regards to IS are unknown. This makes every related person to the governments and organizations feel rather insecure.
I suddenly noticed something unusual attached to the shinai. If I try to summarize, it has a structure of two parallel triangles attached together, and the thing is——
"Re-re-return it to me!!"
She quickly tried snatching at it, the bokken had been abandoned on the bed.
With unbelievable speed Houki grabbed the thing attached to the shinai, and she covered it with both of her hands.
"........."
Weird? Why is she staring at me while blushing? A fever?
——Ah.
Suddenly, I thought about the things in relation to one another. I know what the thing with which I was in contact is. I finally understood.
"Houki."
"Wh-what?"
As if she was protecting something, Houki changed from the offensive. Now she was vigilant in keeping distance between herself and me.
I looked at the gap, and clearly saw a light pink, light blue fabric. Ah, I'm sure now.
"I see you've started wearing bras."
"～～～～～～!!!"
Dong! An explosive sound rang inside my head.
Chapter 2: Class Representative Selection Match!
"Hey..."
"..."
"Hey, how long are you going to remain angry?"
"...I'm not angry."
"You're not looking too happy."
"I've been like this since I was born."
Acting so indifferent.
On a side note, it's 8 am on the second day of school. We're in the first-years' cafeteria, and like before, there are girls all around us. I'm still rather shocked that even the staff members are female (though it's logical).
I, who supposedly had a "same-room-relation", am having breakfast together with Houki; but ever since last night, we never had a proper conversation.
On a side note, my breakfast is of the traditional Japanese style, including natto, blocks of salmon, miso soup and mild pickle, very delicious. Maybe it's because of the exorbitant taxes. Long live Nationalism.
And on another side note, Houki and I ordered the same thing. As a Japanese, I do feel that having rice for breakfast is still the best. Even though I like bread as well, this salmon is so delicious that it fits my tastes. The rice is soft and hot, wonderful. An electric rice cooker can't make this taste, so was it cooked over a rice stove?
"..."
I've been ignored. As if in agreement with the me who's being ignored, Houki picks up a piece of salmon.
—Never mind, that is nothing. I grew up living with Chifuyu-nee, so I don't have that feeling of 'I'm living with a girl! My heart is beating like crazy! I'm so nervous!'. Besides, I handled many years of Chifuyu-nee's dirty laundry, so I'm not going to panic just because of a piece of girl's underwear.
But then again, maybe my experiences don't have any sort of relation with my childhood friend Houki.
In other words, Houki's unhappy because of my attitude when I saw her underwear...right? Hm? That's strange? Why is Houki angry?
"As I said, I'm not angry."
Even though the person in front of me said this, she didn't turn her face towards me at all, and even when our eyes met, she would look away frantically. Hm, if it wasn't for her angry expression, I would believe that the world was peaceful.
"Look look, he's the famous boy ~~"
"Seems like he's also Chifuyu nee-sama's younger brother, you know."
"Huh—, so both siblings are IS users? Is he strong?"
Today's the same as usual. The girls keep their distance, forming a perimeter around me, known as 'even though he's delicious, don't be greedy'. If it were far-sea fishing, it would be quite a catch...hm, that's just a meaningless example.
"So as I was saying, Houki—"
"Don't call me by my name."
"...Shinonono-san."
"..."
If she won't allow me to use her name, I'll just use her surname. This time though, she could only remain silent. The fact that Houki doesn't like to be called by her surname hasn't changed, huh? Besides, this name has quite the history—
"O-Orimura-kun, can we sit here, please?"
"Huh?"
I could see three girls holding their trays of breakfast as they anxiously waited for my reply.
"Well, it's not like you can't."
The girl who tried to talk up to me finally heaved a sigh of relief. Behind her, her two friends were secretly encouraging her. Nearby, there was quite a commotion.
"Ah~ I should have tried to talk to him earlier..."
"It-it's just the second day. Nothing to panic over!"
"Say, speaking of which, the people who rushed into the room yesterday are present as well!"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"
...Ah, mm, that's right. 8 first-years, 15 second-years and 33 third-years came over to introduce themselves. It's already tough enough to memorize all their names. On a side note, if anyone's to come up to me and ask me 'do you remember me?', the probability of me remembering them is only about 20%. This is too cruel.
It's early in the morning, and I can't even remember three names.
On a side note, those three probably had their seats assigned, so they managed to sit down quickly. A six-seater table. Houki and I are sitting on the side nearest to the window, and they filled up three seats. As for the remaining one, I hope that no one will squeeze in.
"Wow, Orimura-kun, you do eat a lot in the morning—"
"He, he's a guy, you know."
"I'm the type who eats very little at night, so I have to eat a lot in the morning or else I won't be able to make it."
On a side note, this is true. After experiencing it for many years, testing all sorts of methods, this is still somewhat helpful in maintaining my body shape and health. I learnt it from Chifuyu-nee.
"Is it alright to eat that little for breakfast?"
The trio, though they had three different menus, they all had a drink, a piece of bread and a side dish (very little of it, by the way).
"U-Us?"
"M, yes, is it alright?"
The fuel cost is extremely cheap. Don't tell me the reason why only girls can pilot IS is because of this?
"Because we eat a lot of snacks—"
...You'll grow fat if you eat too many snacks. Besides, that's not good for one's health, isn't it? Is this really good? Their glory of ten years are going to run out. A human starts to age from the age of 22, it seems.
"...Orimura, I'm going off."
"Ah? Okay. See you later."
After Houki cleanly finished her breakfast, she left her seat. Though it was a buffet, she still chose a traditional meal. As always, she's trying to maintain a samurai image. She should be like Japan's excellent traditional Yamato Nadeshiko. No, well, I don't know what qualities a Yamato Nadeshiko should have.
(But since Houki's the one living with me, well, at least it's better than living with someone I'm unfamiliar with.)
Houki and I are childhood friends. When I was in first grade, Chifuyu-nee brought me to the Shinonono dojo to train, and until 4th grade we remained in the same class.
For some reasons, we didn't have any parents, so Chifuyu-nee and I were often taken care of by Shinononos' parents and were invited for dinner. Truthfully, it really helped us a lot while we were poor.
However, instead of saying that our relationship was bad, let's say it was terrible. Though we walked down the same path—called comrades as samurais, we parted ways soon after (I'm rather mindful about this.)
(I couldn't remember anything in the past at all...)
Never mind, it's not just me, everyone's the same now. The past is the past, and the present's the present.
"Orimura-kun, are you familiar with Shinonono-san?"
"Even though I heard that you two are living in the same room..."
"Ah, sort of. We're childhood friends."
Though I really don't know the significance behind this, there's still quite a commotion around us. Some people even let out a 'WHAT?'
"Huh, that's—"
The girl beside me—mm, Tanimoto-san? Just as I was about to ask, a clapping sound could be heard inside the canteen.
"How long are you going to eat!? You got to be fast when eating, be efficient! If you're late, you'll have to run around the field ten times!"
Chifuyu-nee's voice echoed throughout the canteen, and everyone inside frantically returned to eating their breakfast. If you want to know why, it's because one lap around the field in IS Academy is 5km—this is not a joke. I frantically finish up my food.
On a side note, it seems like Chifuyu-nee's acting as the first-years' dorm supervisor. As usual, she's not getting any rest at all.
Even though as her brother, I'm rather worried, but it should be alright. Truthfully, nobody can fight with Chifuyu-nee when it comes to not knowing fatigue.
(Never mind, I can't think of how to focus on learning the IS at all.)
Truthfully, I still have the match against Cecilia next week. Before that, I need to learn how to control the IS.
(Trying to control it, huh?)
◇
—In the end, there wasn't any progress.
Before the second period ended, my mind was already all dizzy.
(Not good...)
Can't be helped. It's possible to understand terms through practice, but there are some parts that are impossible to understand in the first place.
Like a math problem that's impossible to solve no matter what. Yes, those kinds that are impossible to solve unless an example is given.
"..."
However, the situation now feels even more inexplicable. When I first touched the IS, it felt like I was familiar with it, with many years of experience. It's that kind of a feeling.
But I really can't understand by reading the textbook like this, that feeling is like 'did I really activate an IS before?'.
(Hm~...)
I folded my arms in front of me and stared at the textbook. Of course, we're having lessons now. Yamada-sensei may end up speechless at times, but she still continued to teach the students basic knowledge regarding IS.
"In other words, the IS was originally created for space work, so the pilot is covered in a special armor. Also, the armor has the ability to increase body functions and keep the pilots in a stable state. This increases the heart rate, pulse, lung capacity, amount of sweat lost, endorphins (amino acids that the brain releases during times of pain, exercise, excitement and other exciting things)—"
"Sensei, is that really alright? It's kind of scary when the body is manipulated like that."
One of my classmates said with an uncertain look on her face. It's true that the unique feeling created by piloting an IS may cause people to feel uncomfortable.
"It's not really that complicated. Oh yeah, for example, everyone's wearing a bra, right? If one has that kind of support, there's no reason that it will cause any adverse effects on humans. Of course, if it's not by your own measurements but out of shape, then—"
...Coincidentally, our eyes met, and Yamada-sensei just stood there, dumbfounded. Several seconds later, she blushed.
"Well, that, no, that's, Ori-Orimura-kun, you have no need to understand that. I, I don't know. This example. Ah, ah ha, ah hahaha..."
Yamada-sensei could only laugh blankly, unknowingly creating a subtle atmosphere throughout the classroom. Compared to me, some of the girls seemed to realize something as they folded their arms in front of their chests, looking like they were trying to hide their breasts.
Like the conversation with Houki yesterday, up till now, I don't have the interest of getting excited by seeing a girl's underwear. However, I'm surrounded by this—wanting to see it and yet not wanting to see it at the same time—this itchy feeling, and I can't seem to calm down no matter what.
This abnormally bad atmosphere continued for another 10 or 20 seconds .
"Ahem, Yamada-sensei, please continue with the lesson."
"Ah, okay."
Deliberately faking a cough to disperse the atmosphere. Under Chifuyu-nee's prompt, Yamada-sensei returned back to topic even though it looked like she was about to bury herself in the book.
"Then, well, I got something important to say. The IS has something similar to a human's consciousness that can converse with the pilot—in other words, understanding each other by living together. Mm, the longer the operation time, the more the IS understands the pilot's characteristics."
I see. In other words, it means that I can't slack off during training.
"The more you understand each other, the more you can use its utmost capabilities. You have to understand that the IS isn't a tool, but your friend."
Immediately, a girl raised her hand.
"Sensei, is it like a lover~?"
"Well, that, mm...it should be that kind of feeling. I haven't experienced it before, so I don't really know..."
This so-called experience should be of a boy and girl being in a relationship. Ignoring Yamada-sensei, who lowered her head as she blushed, the girls in the class started to chatter about things related to boys and girls dating each other.
How should I say it? It's like this place is a bit too much like a 'girls' school' already. The air's full of sweetness, isn't it?
Honestly, this classroom—well, not just here, the air in the school is sweet. It's not the atmosphere, but rather, real sweetness. It's the aroma that only girls have. Anyway, this sweetness is everywhere. Actually, it is like this; it filled up my abdomen so much that I felt sick from it.
"..."
"Is, is there anything wrong, Orimura-kun?"
"Ah, it's nothing, nothing at all."
After hearing my words, Yamada-sensei vaguely waved her hand. It feels like someone's staring at me...seems like it's been since yesterday.
DING—DONG—DANG—DONG
"Ah, then, during the remaining time, we're going to start training on basic IS braking in the air."
Besides practical skills and other unique subjects, IS Academy is basically in charge of all the basic training. Within these 15 minutes of rest time, to the teachers who have to head back to the office, it's been tough on them.
"I say, Orimura-kun."
"Over here~ over here~, a question~ a question~"
"Do you have time during the day? Do you have time after school? Do you have time at night?"
So the scenario from yesterday has ended, hasn't it? Once Yamada-sensei and Chifuyu-nee walked out of the classroom, half of the girls wound up gathering around my desk. I just heard the words 'Can't delay this any longer!' and I guess that it's not a mistake on my part...
"Then, please listen to me—"
I was really bothered, and while I was trying to finish what I wanted to say, I saw a girl giving away some sort of coupons, and even receiving money for it. Please don't do any commercial businesses in school, just don't.
"..."
My childhood friend Houki wasn't far away from the group surrounding me as she looked on. Seems like she's still angry. Please don't complain silently, humans are learning creatures.
(But I'm already lost now. Even though I want to let Houki teach me about things related to IS...looks like I can only ask later.)
I thought, even if it was for only a short time, it was still hard to endure those 'hurry up and answer me' looks that the girls were showing. Now which question should I answer?
"How's Chifuyu-nee in her own house!?"
"Huh, unexpectedly—"
*PAM!*
"Break time's over. Scram."
Ah, when did she get behind me? She's the only one who would smack me at this time. She's here to prevent me from leaking information of her, right? Speaking of which, Chifuyu-nee, hitting people like that isn't going to give people a good impression. Is it really alright for you to do this?
"Oh yes, Orimura, your IS needs some more time before it can be prepared."
"What?"
"There's no available suit. So wait a while. It seems like the school's making a personal suit for you."
"???"
Just as I was confused, the entire classroom started buzzing.
"A, a personal suit? For a first year, and at this time!?"
"Which means that the government has given support..."
"Ah~ so good...I want to have my own personal suit soon."
What's going on? Is there anything really worth being envious of?
I just showed a look of not knowing anything at all, that Chifuyu-nee couldn't endure seeing as she muttered,
"Page 6 of the textbook. Read it out."
"Mn, mm... 'Today, even though we have links to many countries and enterprises that provide IS technology, all the information related to the manufacturing of the core is never revealed. The cores of the 467 IS that exist in today's society are all created by Professor Shinonono. This core has been completely transformed into a black box, and none have achieved the success that Professor Shinonono has. However, the Professor has declined to continue creating more after a certain amount, and all countries, organizations and enterprises have started research, development and training of their own cores. The dealings of cores are against Title 7 of the Alaska Treaty, that these are forbidden no matter the circumstances'..."
"That's the case. You understand?"
"Sort, sort of..."
Mm, let me clear this up a bit.
1. There are only 467 IS existing in the entire world. 2. Only Professor Shinonono can create the cores, and the Professor's no longer willing to create more. 3. I got a special privilege, but this is a test prototype.
That's the case. Mm, I understand it rather clearly. On a side note, this Professor Shinonono is—
"Erm, sensei. Is Shinononon-san, a relative of Professor Shinonono...?"
A girl trembled as she asked Chifuyu-nee...that's right, this surname Shinonono will be discovered anyway.
—Shinonono Tabane, the complete genius who designed the IS all by herself. She was Chifuyu-nee's classmate, and Houki's elder sister. No matter how many times I met her, I always thought of her as—'genius'.
"That's right, Shinonono's that person's little sister."
Hey, sensei, is it really good to divulge other people's information like that? Actually, Tabane-nee is now a person who's placed under unique security that exceeds National laws. Though she's not a criminal, the whereabouts of the person who has all sorts of technology in regards to IS are unknown. This makes every related person to the governments and organizations feel rather insecure.
