dream a little dream!ing

// Without waiting for an answer, I push Asagiri up against the wall, implementing an action I once heard was popular towards girls. The “kabedon”. // 

// However, I did not get the reaction I expected. // 

Mikage: Oof! 

Jin: ? What’s the matter, Asagiri?

Mikage: Jin-san… the attack from your voluptuous chest has left mine at 0 HP. 

// Taking a better look, Asagiri was on the verge of being crushed between the wall and my chest. // 

Jin: Pardon me. I underestimated myself. I was just trying to pull off a ‘kabedon’. 

Mikage: Can’t say I’ve ever experienced being squeezed half to death by pectorals. If it were a girl, she’d be just about as tall as that chest and I’d wager she’d die of squeeze rather than squeal. 

Jin: Perhaps I trained too much. 

// To check, I try touching my own chest. Here I had been thinking they weren’t half bad, but it seems they’ll be unsuited for the plan at hand. // 

Jin: I wonder what would be the best size to make girls happy? Looks like I have to gather more data before the day of the shoot. 

Jin: What do you think of my chest? 

Mikage: Haha, you know, depending on the person, that could be considered sexual harassment. But, well, it does seem firm and strong, I still think you should take advantage of them through a Yume Date. It doesn’t have to be kabedon, there are other options. For instance… 

[jinchizu room] 

// A few days later. // 

// When I got back from the office, Chizuru was giving his reports with a cheery face. // 

Chizuru: The Valentine’s Yume Date Plan was a huge success. In fact the 120 minute course, “Non-stop with Jin-san ♪ Boarding Rate 300% Commute to Work Express” was exceedingly popular. And Jin-san was such good boyfriend material that even after the Yume Date was over, some girls couldn’t come back to reality. 

Chizuru: I’m sure this will gain more followers for the Black Dorm as well. As expected of Jin-san, I have come to admire you even more. 

Jin: Ah, that’s good. Looks like Asagiri’s advice was useful. 

Chizuru: ….. 

Jin: He looked a little strange today though, do you happen to know anything? 

Chizuru: Not a thing. 

Chizuru: Perhaps, he had gone a little overboard and some kind samaritan with common sense thought to discipline him appropriately? 

Jin: That so? 

Jin: ( Still, to think that girls would be happy with something like that. I would never have been able to come up with that on my own. I have to thank Asagiri properly. )

--

[kitchen] 

Jin: ( We’re out of water… ) 

// Having noticed there weren’t any more bottles of water in the fridge, I reached up towards the stock of spares at the top of the shelf when the incident happened. // 

pop 

Jin: ? 

// Right after I felt a faint impact around my chest, I noticed Asagiri, who was standing beside me, reflexively covering his forehead. // 

Mikage: Guh! 

// Tracing the path of the impact, I was able to piece together the situation. // 

Jin: My apologies, looks like my button flew out. 

Mikage: Your button… 

Mikage: … wow. Those muscles are naughtier than usual. 

Jin: This year, our company is planning on distributing special bromides in place of receipts for the sale of Valentine’s chocolate so I’ve been training. 

Mikage: I see. Come to think of it, I might have heard something like that from our Dorm Leader. 

Jin: Although it’s just a bromide, seeing as it is still a Ryuuou product, I will spare no expense to ensure that the quality exceeds our customer’s expectations.  

Mikage: Aha, the body of a man who trains is Sexy, after all. However, there might be a way to deliver even more delight. 

Jin: What do you mean? 

Mikage: Well since you’re already doing it, why not go all the way, you know? For example… How bout a QR code attached with the bromide that, once scanned, takes them on a date with Jin-san within the Yume World? ♪ 

Jin: I see. A date, huh? 

Jin: Then I’ll draw up the best date plan. First I’ll gather several 3 Michelin star chefs in a large helicopter so we can have a grand sightseeing tour, and after that-- 

Mikage: Non non. I think something simpler, something that takes full advantage of your well trained body is better. 

Jin: Hou. Is that the case? 

Mikage: Of course ♪ 

Mikage: ( Chizu-chan’s gonna get reeeeeeal mad~ ) 

// I can trust Asagiri since he’s been dealing with matters regarding human nature for a long time. And following his suggestion, there is only one thing I can think of. // 

Jin: Something like this, then? 

Champ: You good? I’ll make sure to K.O you this time.  

Yuni: If you can… Then go ahead and try! 

Champ: ! 

[flashback: 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

Yuni: Go all out against me in our match. 

Champ: ….. 

Champ: Hey now, I’m a pro ya know? 

Yuni: And I’m a proud Sicilian. Holding back will conversely hurt me even more. 

Champ: …..

Yuni: Just like the athletes in this match, I want you to come at me with everything you’ve got. Otherwise the match would be pointless. 

Champ: What’s this DVD? 

/end flashback] 

Champ: You’re still going? 

Yuni: pant, pant 

Champ: It’s about time to end this farce. 

Shion: ! 

Rintarou: ( No, his step is too shallow, that must be-- ) 

Yuni: ( A fake! Now’s my chance! ! ! ! ) 

Shigure: ?! 

// Knocking he wouldn’t connect, Yuniyuni takes a big step forward, full of courage, and takes the punch face first on his own accord. // 

Champ: ?! 

// Slipping into his enemy’s space, a full body counter. Yuniyuni’s right hand breaks through, aiming for the Champ’s cheek-- // 

Shion: ! 

// Climbing over the ropes, the Ringside Doctor catches the tiny warrior. // 

Shinya: Call it off! This match is over! 

Yuni: Shibasaki… Don’t do… useless… things… 

Shigure: Someone get a stretcher! 

// The venue was in uproar. With Shin-chan as the leader, the first aid unit start treating Yuniyuni. // 

// Amidst the chaos, completely ignoring the mood, one man takes up the mic and begins to speak. // 

Champ: Mic test. 

Champ: Hey, you’re here right? 

// His strange question was met with an awkward silence. // 

Champ: Then come. 

// Of course I know who those words were directed at. Besides… That was my feeling too. // 

Mamoru: Wh-what is going on here?! 

Mamoru: Bianchi-kun’s secret weapon who was the star of the previous arm wrestling tournament has stepped into the ring! ! ! 

Shion: No way… Is that you? 

// To answer his question, I perform a Spinosaurus Fist with SHION’s body. (That was the pose I used to make when giving advanced warning that I was aiming for a K.O. ) // 

// The reason I was so late to Yuniyuni’s match was because I had been training to fight by possessing SHION. // 

Champ: Wow, you can do that?! 

Champ: Well, at least this way, we’re able to face off properly. 

Rintarou: Hah, I sure kept you waiting, huh, “myself”? 

// After making sure Yuniyuni was safely escorted off the venue, I take the mallet and ring the gong myself. And my opponent is “the part of me that didn’t progress”. // 

Champ: Round 1, Start ♪ 

Rintarou: Alright! 

// Jab, One-two, and then a Middle Kick. I dodge the attacks directed at me, and go for a Front Kick, which was evaded with a Sidestep. It’ll be over in an instant if I’m caught. No, I will catch him first! // 

[flashback:

Shion: Take revenge. 

Yuni: As long as you continue to breathe, your melody will never end. Wounds are the cornerstone of change. You can’t play the same melody forever, can you? The 10 Count is already over! 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think. 

// sigh I’m tired. Tired of struggling. // 

/end flashback] 

// Inviting a counter, I intentionally approach with lowered defence. // 

// And then he, who hates taking a Backstep, comes forward like a mirror reflection. // 

Rintarou: ( Now, now is the time! ) 

// For the longest time, I had been imprisoned by that ring, together with that neverending 10 Count. Staring up at the sky disgracefully, always being washed over by the bright stadium lights. //

// I put more strength into my legs, pushing myself off the floor no matter how unsightly I may seem. // 

Rintarou: ( If I don’t force this one step, I will, never, defeat myself! ! ! ) 

// With the Brave Heart that I have regained. Towards the world beyond that 10 Count, I can proudly say… // 

Rintarou: That the me as I am now is the most like me! ! ! 

// I take a huge step forward, much bigger than the one I took before. While experiencing sensation in my legs for the first time in a long while, I put all my power into a punch, landing straight on my past self’s cheek. // 

Shion: Cross Counter… 

Mamoru: He did it… As expected of Bianchi-kun’s strongest weapon! ! ! He’s splendidly defeated Kuma-kun~ ~ ! ! 

// The explosive cheers of the crowd sound so far away. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah… I’m the strongest. Because I’m a God after all. ) 

// The view before me is the same as it was then, however the brightness of the lights was different. I raise a fist towards that light. // 

Rintarou: That was a good punch, self. 

// My raised arm was lit by the lights above. // 

[courtyard] 

// A few days later. // 

Shion: Does that mean we have to part? 

Yuni: Yes. We finished testing his capabilities so it’s time to send him back to Father for mass production. 

Touji: Please ensure that all the future models have a different design! If so many Mikekado-senpais were to appear… When two already stirred up my heart so… Oooh, a crowd of Mikekado-swenpwai… 

Yuni: He’s in his own world again… 

Shion: Leave him be. 

Yuni: President-san, don’t you want to say goodbye to SHION? 

// Yuniyuni turned back to call out to me but his interest was shifted to something else. // 

Yuni: Are those the gloves you lent me the other day? 

Rintarou: Yup. You’ve got to take them out to air sometimes. 

Yuni: Everyone says your match at the end was amazing. How regrettable! I wish I could have seen it too! 

Rintarou: Nyahaha! Well but considering the state you were in then. 

Rintarou: But I’m really thankful to Yuniyuni and Mikepon. 

Rintarou: Thank you. 

Shion: I didn’t really do anything.

Yuni: You’re very welcome ♪ 

// Yuniyuni smiles as bright as the sun and I return a smile of my own. Then I casually look up at the sky. // 

Rintarou: ( Perhaps that guy was also trying to help me move forward. Though there’s no way of knowing now. ) 

// And though it was supposed to be the same sky as always, for some reason… // 

Mamoru: Due to the huge difference in their skills, some handicaps have been implemented, these were strongly pushed for by Hakka-kun-- 

Shigure: I will now explain the precautions. In order to close the gap between their abilities, some special rules have been put in place for this match. The President is not allowed to connect any punches, and kicks are completely NG, was what I wanted but at Yuni’s insistence, it’s been reworked to allow 1 punch per round. 

Shigure: Additionally, each round will only last 1 minute, with a total of 4 rounds. Shibasaki-kun is also being stationed as the ringside doctor. Finally, a message for the President. In the event any harm is imposed onto Yuni, I will ensure that not a single trace of you, not hair nor DNA, will remain on this Earth-- 

Shinya: Shigure, stop, stop! 

Mamoru: An-anyway, even with those special rules, will Bianchi-kun be able to overpower Kuma-President?! The gong is about to ring! 

[backstage] 

Shion: Here.These are from Kuma Rintarou. 

Yuni: Where is President-san? 

Shion: He’s on the way. 

// Shion helps me put on the gloves from President-san. // 

Yuni: They’re loose. 

Shion: Even still, I think they’re good on you. 

Yuni: ….. 

Shion: Work hard, and be careful. 

// Shion stands to leave after his short message, and I call out to him. // 

Yuni: Is it really so painful to get hurt? 

// Shion turns back slowly. // 

Shion: I can accept that the larger the scar, the more damage it causes, but it is still difficult. 

[ring] 

// The audience’s cheers are deafening. A bright spotlight washes over the ring. And in the centre of it all, stood the Champ and I. // 

Champ: Did “I” run away? 

Yuni: He’s here. 

Champ: Oh? Well not that it really matters to me. Shall we start? 

// Just by him approaching me with a raised glove, the crowd instantly grew louder. The “Glove Touch” is the signal of the start of the match. Before I respond, I take a moment to close my eyes and enjoy the sounds of the venue. // 

Yuni: ….. 

Yuni: ( President-san. Perhaps President-san wants to forget that 10 Count. But to me, it is the most beautiful 10 Count in existence. ) 

// On that day, a hero died. // 

// There were two principal melodies. A hero was supposed to pass his torch. Although the two melodies ran parallel, in time the younger one began to crumble. Naturally, the people start to cheer for him, the underdog, cheering for a comeback. To turn the tide around, for a result so perfect it had to be crafted by God. The building frustration is instead turned into the basis of catharsis. // 

Yuni: ( I’ll win. No matter what. ) 

// A raging melody of dignified stubbornness rises from the pits of one’s chest, muddying the music sheets with an inky black. What power! // 

Yuni: ( I’ll be the victor! Even if it kills me! ! ! ) 

// The tenacity to change fate levels the hero into a human, and the undefeatable hero who had never known to fear tastes it for the first time. And then-- 

An unsatisfying ending. The dreadfully silent 10 Count. Fine. 

Yuni: ( Ahh… ) 

// Even if they’re called ‘unfair’ or ‘dirty’, oh how beautiful a human is, driven mad in the face of death. // 

Yuni: pant, pant, pant  

// None of my punches reach him. Not knowing when to breathe, I feel like I’m suffocating. // 

Yuni: ( But, I have to win. No matter what I have to do! ) 

// This feeling is just like the hero’s back then. // 

Champ: Those eyes… 

Yuni: Uwaaaaaa! ! ! 

Champ: ! 

// As I moved in to attack, the Champ reflexively returned a punch. // 

Yuni: ( Ya… ) 

// Without time to even think of dodging, the strike connects with my shoulder and the force sends me falling. // 

Shigure: I’ll kill him. 

Shinya: Calm down, Shigure! 

// Though Nii-sama was at the ringside, his voice felt so far away. I know that to the Champ that punch was just a fraction of his strength. Despite that, my body refuses to move, as if it has melted into the floor. // 

Crowd: 1! 2! 3! 

// This is the 10 Count. // 

Yuni: ( This is what was haunting President-san so much that he was blown away by the wind. ) 

// If I just stay here, the match will end. It’s not like it would kill me. // 

Yuni: ( I don’t understand… ) 

Crowd: 6! 7! 8! 

???: Yuniyuni! ! ! 

Yuni: ! 

Rintarou: Stand up! The first round is almost done! Come back here! ! 

Yuni: President-san… 

Yuni: ( He came… After all this time… ) 

// I clench the fists in my too-big gloves. // 

Yuni: ( Move… Stand! ! ) 

// The crowd’s countdown won’t stop, the rhythm almost holding me down. From my blood to my cells, a strange encouragement pulses and I stand. // 

Mamoru: Wo… woah… 

Mamoru: Bianchi-kun has stood back up! Does he still have it in him? 

// Standing in front of the shocked man, I crack a smile. And then the gong signals the end of the round. // 

Mamoru: Oh, that’s the end of the round! It seems Bianchi-kun was saved by the bell! We will now enter a minute long interval. 

………. 

Shion: Yuni! 

// As Yuniyuni staggered back to the corner, Mikepon rushed to wrap him in a towel, ushering him to the chair. // 

Rintarou: Mikepon, put the ice pack between his pits! SHION, take out his mouthpiece and put some water into his mouth! Yuniyuni, don’t swallow that water, spit it out into the bucket! It’s going to hurt like hell later if you drink it! 

Yuni: pant, pant President-san… you’re late. 

Rintarou: Yeah, I’m sorry, Yuniyuni. 

Yuni: It’s not about “sorry”! 

// Although I knew I couldn’t touch anything, I still knelt before Yuniyuni. // 

Rintarou: I’m really sorry, there was something I had to do. 

Yuni: For someone who fought hard, an injury is a badge of honour. To be ashamed of it and run away is not only shameful but unappreciative. 

Rintarou: ….. 

Yuni: As long as you continue to breathe, your melody will never end. Wounds are the cornerstone of change. You can’t play the same melody forever, can you? The 10 Count is already over! 

Yuni: Don’t get hung up over something like that. President-san is a hero isn’t he? If not then I apologise. 

// His piercing gaze tells me he’s never once doubted me. // 

Rintarou: ( I think… ) 

// What I lost on that day was… // 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, you asked me to teach you to Counter before, right? 

Yuni: Yeah. 

Rintarou: Brave Heart. That’s all you need. 

Yuni: ….. 

// I extend a fist before Yuniyuni and he returns it in his loose gloves. // 

Yuni: I’ll be going. 

Shion: No use, I can’t find him. 

Touji: Oh no… Just where did he fly off to? Don’t tell me he drifted off into space?! If that’s the case we won’t have any means of retrieving him… 

Senri: I don’t think it’s that grave… But this situation is so strange, even the famed detective Senri-kun can’t find him… 

Takaomi: He’s most likely stuck in some tree somewhere, right? Why did he fly off in the first place? 

Touji: Bianchi-kun and I were competing, and then some stuff happened, and after that Bianchi-kun said some stuff, and before any of us knew it, he was already floating away… 

Yuma: I don’t get it. 

Yuni: “I will make you remember your loss.” 

Yuni: He chickened out after I said that to the Champ. 

Shion: ….. 

Senri: For real? 

Yuni: ….. 

Touji: Bianchi-kun?! Where are you going?! 

Yuma: Harimiya, let’s regroup for now. It’ll be hard to look for a balloon without a proper plan. 

Touji: He’s not a balloon, he’s Kuma-senpai! ! 

Touji: However, what you say is true… We’re going to need a thorough plan. Now’s the time to activate this Harimiya brain. I’ll even contact Yoshiji to employ the Private Police blahblahblah~ 

Shion: ….. 

[kumayuni room] 

Champ: Huff, huff, huff… 

// Returning to the room, someone I “didn’t recognise” was working out passionately in the dark. // 

Yuni: ….. 

Champ: Why are you standing there~? Oh, since you’re here, what about training with me? 

Yuni: ….. 

Champ: ….. sigh 

// Growing impatient at my lack of words, this person who merely looks like President-san steps off his machine to stand before me. // 

Champ: What’s wrong? 

// A little bit of moonlight illuminates the room. We exchange looks. Pushing down the weirdness of facing that appearance, I firmly return his stare. // 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

// With a snort, he drops his gaze. // 

// After that, my “favourite disc” was snatched away. // 

// In the dark of the night, someone yelled. // 

???: rou

???: Kuma Rintarou! 

Rintarou: … like I said… 

Rintarou: It’s Kumarin to you… 

// Coaxed to open my eyes at those words, the starry sky comes to view. // 

Rintarou: ( Too dazzling… ) 

[park] 

// A voice in the darkness had called me back to reality. // 

Shion: You’re finally awake. 

Rintarou: Huh? Why am I in a tree again? 

Shion: Don’t say such troublesome things. You were the one who flew away, no? 

// Those words trigger my memory. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah~ That’s right. I let myself float off without any resistance but to think I would be caught by a branch so nearby. ) 

Shion: Anyway, come down. Everyone’s worried… 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, sorz sorz-- 

Champ: I found Mikepon. 

// I stiffen at the voice. // 

Champ: I happened to be out training but this saves me a trip to your room ☆ 

Shion: What? 

Champ: Hey now, I was just greeting ya ♪ Too much frowning and you’ll ruin your natural beauty, you know? 

Shion: Right back at you, you’re just picking a fight aren’t you? 

Champ: Well, I wouldn’t say it’s to that extent but I guess? 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Although this guy caused tension around him, he himself was looking around nonchalantly. // 

Champ: Is that supposed “other me” over there? 

Shion: What does it matter to you? 

Champ: Well what’s it matter to you? I only asked if he was around, what’s wrong with that? 

// For some reason he’s being snappy. // 

Rintarou: ( What’s this about? ) 

// Mikepon senses it too and sneaks a small glance at me but-- // 

Shion: He’s not here… 

Champ: Bingo ☆ I could tell from your eye movement. 

Champ: Hey, other me, are you looking? 

Shion: ….. 

Champ: I have a request, ya see? 

// My body looks at Mikepon, no at SHION. // 

Champ: You were the one who knocked “me” out at the park, right? Then how bout challenging me too? 

Rintarou: ! 

Shion: Stop it, that’s-- 

Champ: Mikepon, it’s uncouth to get in between fights amongst men. 

Shion: ….. 

Champ: Anyway, SHION-chan was made for combat, right? I don’t really get it but it’s a stain that you defeated “the other me” so I’ll take you on, come now. 

// The Champ stands imposingly, doing some light stretches as he continues to taunt. Then SHION steps forward without orders. // 

SHION: ….. 

Shion: Wait-- 

// He longer hears or sees anything else. I know this because it is “me”. // 

Champ: Ready, Go! 

// At once, I witness a familiar move. And just like I did that time, the other me reflexively goes for the counter. // 

Rintarou: ( He’ll lose. ) 

// Like a replay reel, the same moves are being repeated again, so the conclusion will be the same. But-- // 

// The “Champ” takes a huge step forward into his opponent’s space and then-- // 

SHION: !  

// With a strong punch, catches SHION in the cheek with a clean hit. // 

Shion: ! 

// Losing balance, SHION falls to the ground, unmoving. // 

// With just one move, this guy easily defeated the opponent who knocked me out. // 

Champ: Haha. Just like I thought. 

Champ: Err, this way? Oh or was it there? Hey~ I don’t know where you’ve gone but… 

// Although the Champ wasn’t supposed to be able to see me, his gaze was firmly fixed onto me. // 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think?  

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

Champ: Did he say something? 

Shion: I don’t know, just go away already. 

Champ: Aww, I’m sorry, then just one more thing. 

Champ: I’m still more suited to being “me” but I will be doing the match with Yuniyuni who wants to knock me out, so you should come watch. 

// He takes a look at the silent Mikepon, then with a lazy smile, he leaves the area. // 

Shion: ….. 

Rintarou: ….. 

Rintarou: sigh 

// I heave a huge sigh, trying to organise my thoughts. Even the silence couldn’t bury this patheticness. // 

Rintarou: Ah crap, I’m strong, man… 

// Recklessly facing any opponent, a heart that simply doesn’t know defeat, with surprising audacity, he mercilessly charges forward to deliver a finishing blow. // 

Rintarou: If only I didn’t lose then… 

Shion: Take revenge. 

Rintarou: Eh? 

// I blink my eyes at Mikepon. // 

Shion: Take your revenge. You are you. Because this version of you is the you of the present. If you have the energy to chase after “what ifs”, then stand up and show us your guts. 

Rintarou: ( Stand up… ) 

// It was rare for Mikepon to be so imploring. // 

Shion: It doesn’t matter if you’re motivated by anger or regret, it’s better than standing still, and letting yourself be left behind by the current. 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Back then, I didn’t stand back up. // 

Rintarou: ( “What if at that time?” “What if at that time?” Thinking like that will turn even today into a “what if at that time?” ) 

SHION: ….. 

// I had been clenching my fist hard enough to leave marks when SHION soundlessly stands up. // 

Rintarou: ( You’re going to struggle with me? ) 

// Although I couldn’t feel the ground, I put my feet down, lowering my waist, both fists at the ready.  

Rintarou: This is literally shadow boxing, huh? 

--

Touji: I, Harimiya Touji, son of Japan, accept your duel, Bianchi-kun. 

Yuni: I will show you the might of a Sicilian man. 

Champ: whistle ♪ The both of you are super raring to go. Well then, whoever catches the most leaves within the stipulated time is the winner, yeah? 

Champ: First up is Touji, Ready-- 

// At the sound of “Go”, Touji slams into the tree, sending a large amount of leaves raining down. // 

Yuni: ! 

Rintarou: ( Just by the number of leaves alone, he’s already better off than Yuniyuni was earlier. We might be in a pinch. ) 

Touji: Shishishi Shi, Shi Shiiiiiiii! ! ! 

// As expected of someone who spent the whole night practicing. With brisk Jabs, Touji was able to catch 90% of the leaves. // 

Champ: Time’s up. 

Touji: pant 18, huh? I missed 10%... However, that means I still have room to grow, right, Mikekado-senpai? 

Shion: I wasn’t paying attention. 

Champ: Kay next, it’s Yuniyuni’s turn. 

Yuni: ….. 

// Yuniyuni steps up to the tree. If he can’t get at least 19 leaves to fall, it won’t even be a competition. That said, based on Yuniyuni’s earlier result… // 

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

Champ: Alright on your marks, Ready… Go! 

Yuni: Ya! ! ! 

// Contrary to the might of his shout, the number of leaves that fall don’t even reach 10. // 

Champ: Arere? 

Rintarou: ( A world where. ) 

Rintarou: ( A world where one is not the main characters is vexing. ) 

// I concentrate all my energy into my hands. “No matter what I have to do”, I want to let Yuniyuni win. Because I don’t want to hurt the innocent Yuniyuni who still believes that I am a perfect, undefeatable Hero. That’s why I- // 

Rintarou: UWOOOOOOO! ! ! 

// With all my strength, I start hitting against the tree, and slowly, more and more leaves begin to fall. // 

Champ: Ehhh?! What’s happening? A bunch of leaves started falling?! 

Shion: Yuni! 

// At Shion’s prompting, the flabbergasted Yuniyuni snaps to attention and then-- // 

Yuni: SiSiSiSiSiSiSiSi ! ! ! 

Rintarou: ( ! ) 

// His repeated Jabs were faster than I expected. // 

Rintarou: ( That’s great, Yuniyuni… He’s really taken all our training to heart! ) 

Yuni: That’s… the end… 

// Grabbing the last leaf, Yuniyuni turns back to us while panting. // 

Rintarou: You did good~! ! ! 

Shion: That was amazing. 

Touji: Ho-how many did you get?! 

// Touji starts to count the leaves in Yuniyuni’s hand but the other me interrupts him. // 

Champ: There’s no need to count, right? It’s obvious that the loser… 

Champ: Is you. 

Touji: Ho-how could this be… Even though I practiced all night. To think that I, Harimiya Touji, would lose… 

// Touji faltered to his knees and the Champ crouches to match him. // 

Champ: Well, it can’t be helped. No matter how much you practice a “regular human’s” potential is just that. 

// Right now, Touji has been hurt. Everyone who understood this stiffened and the atmosphere grew cold, with the exception of the Champ. // 

Touji: A regular person…? 

Champ: Hmm? Did I say something wrong? But see if you were a God or a genius you wouldn’t have lost.  

Rintarou: Oi! 

Champ: You’re no longer fit to be in the ring, but you’re still in the stadium. That’s proof that you’re a “regular person”. Then again, a large majority of people are like “that” that’s why it’s called “regular” so don’t worry about it too much~ ☆ 

// The Champ moves to give Touji a pat on the shoulder but Touji evades him. // 

Touji: I’m… I’m… a Harimiya… I’m already at the top… I cannot be like the common folk… 

Rintarou: ( Was my past self, really such a person? Such a-- ) 

Yuni: me. 

Touji: Eh… 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni? 

Yuni: Fight me! 

Champ: Hmm… Wait, are you talking to me? 

Yuni: Is “God” afraid of losing to a “regular person”? 

Champ: Whether I’m fearful or not, it’s just that I don’t lose, see? 

Yuni: Then I will make you remember your loss from 2 years ago. 

Rintarou: ! 

// Those smooth words shocked me so hard, I stopped breathing. Just like that time, when all I could do was be knocked down, it feels like I lost all control of my body. // 

Champ: Hmmm~ Well, I don’t really mind accepting it if you’re going to be so brave. 

Champ: Fine, I’ll take you on. However… If I’m going to do this, I would like to make it at least a little fun. 

Disciple A: Ohhh a match between a pair… 

Disciple B: But don’t you think their abilities and experience are too far apart? 

Yuni: ….. 

Shion: Huh? Where did he go? 

Yuni: ? If you’re talking about President-san, he was just over there… 

Yuni: He’s gone. 

Touji: AHHHHHH! ! ! Senpai, Kuma-senpai has floated off into the sky! ! ! 

Yuni: President-san?!?! 

// The wind caresses my cheek. Even though I can’t touch anything else, for some reason that sensation alone felt super real. It felt so good, I wouldn’t mind throwing away my body. // 

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

[flashback:

Yuni: Then I will make you remember your loss from 2 years ago. 

/end flashback] 

Rintarou: ( So he knew all along. ) 

Touji: Kuma-senpai! ! ! 

Rintarou: It’s Kumarin to you… 

// Although no one hears my last murmurings, I continue to let myself be carried upwards into the boundless sky. And then, as if escaping everything, I close my eyes. 

I pretended to be an undefeatable hero. I even played coach. // 

Rintarou: ( Aren’t I super lame? ) 

[shinshigu room] 

// A little while before the duplication incident. // 

Yuni: Go, go! Hit him with a Rabbit Punch~! ! 

// Because it was boring while President-san was away, I paid a visit to Nii-sama’s room. // 

Shigure: Rabbit Punches are illegal, you know. 

Yuni: Nii-sama! Welcome back! 

Shigure: Hello, Yuni. It’s getting rather late so let’s lower the volume, alright? 

Yuni: Hey, Nii-sama, Shibasaki’s out until morning for an operation right? Can I stay over? 

Shigure: Guess it can’t be helped. 

Yuni: Yay! Then let’s watch DVDs together! 

// At my insistent tugging on his sleeve, Nii-sama smiles and sits down next to me. // 

Shigure: You’ve brought quite a lot of DVDs with you. That said, for you to suddenly want to watch the President's old matches, are you planning something again? 

Yuni: I’m not! Father is trying to build the strongest soldier so I am just helping with that. 

Shigure: I see, afterall, guns are banned in Japan. Don’t tell me you guys plan on installing fight data of the “strongest” fighter. 

// Sounding slightly impressed, Nii-sama sifts out a slightly dirty disc from the pile. On its white cover there was a date scribbled in marker. It was a date from two winters ago. // 

Shigure: ….. 

Yuni: Do you want to watch that match, Nii-sama? 

Shigure: Eh... 

Yuni: That match is my absolute favourite. 

// As soon as we get back from training, Yuniyuni flops onto the floor. // 

Rintarou: Don’t forget to cooldown after intensive exercise~ 

// SHION picks up the collapsed Yuniyuni, and helps guide him through the stretching motions. // 

Rintarou: Still, that was quite a tough menu to keep up with, good work, good work ♪ 

Yuni: Then can you teach me about “Counters” tomorrow? When I tried using a hammer against him, he dodged so easily, it was really frustrating. 

Yuni: That’s why, if you teach me to Counter then I can follow his movement and aim for a second hit! ! I’ll beat him black and blue! ! 

// Yuniyuni swings around his arms and stands up, moving to perform a Foot Stamp (although it looked like a little kid). I couldn’t help but smile at how cute he was. // 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, I’m glad you’re enthusiastic but that might still be a bit too advanced for you. 

Yuni: Eh… 

Rintarou: ( If I said it’s because it doesn’t suit an angel, I’m sure he’ll get mad. ) 

// As I was trying to think of a response, I was saved by the knock on the door. // 

Yuni: Shion! Is something the matter? 

Shion: Due to the influence of your other self, my roommate has been training non-stop in the room. Every time he throws a punch he goes “shishishi”... It’s annoying so I’ll be camping here for the time being. 

Rintarou: No sweaterino ☆ I won’t need to use a bed in my current state anyway so you’re free to have it. 

Yuni: A sleepover! 

Yuni: But Harimi sure is fired up if he’s still training. I have to work harder so we don’t lose! We will defeat the Champ! *Si Si Si Si!* 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, looks like it’s going to get noisy here too. 

Shion: Still better than someone whose entire existence is noise. 

// A man of little words, Mikepon comes to sit next to us. And the 4 of us had a lively night. // 

[back yard] 

// A few days later. // 

Rintarou: WSS ☆ Heart-pounding/ Second step/ Starting! 

Rintarou: Continuing from yesterday, we are once again building the basics but let’s try changing it up this time ☆ 

Yuni: Oh? What are we doing? 

Rintarou: You’re gonna use your left hand to catch all the leaves that fall out of this tree. It’s a Special Menu for becoming one step closer to being a boxer. The more you’re able to grab, the faster your Jabs will be ♪ 

Shion: What’s a Jab? 

Rintarou: It’s a light punch that helps you measure the distance between you and your opponent. It also helps to build rhythm to lead into a stronger attack, and is one of the basic offensive moves. 

Shion: Sounds difficult… 

Yuni: But I’m finally learning actual attacks! ! I’ll master the Jab in an instant and move on to Counters! Uryaaaaa~ ~ ! ! 

// With a motivated shout, Yuniyuni slams into the tree. But… // 

Yuni: ….. 

Yuni: The only things falling are these eraser dust looking specks. 

Rintarou: Oh boy, oh boy, I suppose we should work on your collision strength first then. 

Rintarou: Alright so let’s make it a goal to knock down the leaves-- 

???: Oyoyo? Whatcha guys doing over there~? 

// At the source of the voice, there was my body and his disciples. // 

Disciple (Touji): Ah! Mikekado-senpai, I didn’t know you would be here! As you’d suddenly decided to sleep outside the last couple of days, I had been so worried that I couldn’t sleep. In fact, I spent the whole of last night practicing my Jabs to calm down. 

Shion: …I’m glad I didn’t go back. And besides, right now you’re an enemy so I won’t be going back today either. 

Touji: Oh no… But Kumaz Fightclub is a really splendid gym where you can train your body and spirit while building charisma… 

Yuni: ….. 

Yuni: If you really want Shion back that badly, then fight me. 

Touji: Heh? F-fight? 

Shion: What do you mean? 

Champ: Oh what’s the harm? Accept it, Touji. 

Champ: You guys were doing the leaf catching exercise, right? Perfect. Whoever catches the most leaves will attain what they “want” ♪ 

Shion: ! 

Champ: Touji wants Mikepon to return, and Yuniyuni wants… 

Champ: Wants to defeat a God like me, was it? Then you’ve got to win this duel, no? 

// He looks down at Yuniyuni with an arrogant gaze. // 

Rintarou: What will you do? 

Yuni: My resolve hasn’t changed, I will definitely win. 

Touji: Bianchi-kun, I won’t go easy on you… 

// He pats his head placatingly. As Yuniyuni doesn’t respond, Mikepon answers in his stead. // 

Shion: There are two of you. Unlike you who’s lost 2 years of memory, there is a version of you here that remembers everything. 

Champ: Sigh~ You’re still going on about that? 

// Suddenly losing interest, the Champ rests his weight on one leg. // 

Yuni: It’s uncomfortable if you don’t return to normal, that’s why I thought to knock you out a second time. 

Champ: But you see, I don’t see that supposed “other me” at all~ I’m not saying you guys are lying, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t believe it if I don’t see it for myself. So even if you tell me he’s there, at least to me “cannot see” equals “no reason to care”, ya know?  

Yuni: ! 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, that’s me alright. 

Shion: Ew, why are you praising him? 

Champ: Well in any case, if you reeeeeally want to knock me down then-- 

// Assuming a fighting stance, he lunges forward with nimble steps, his shoes squeaking across the floor, and in a flash, was right before Yuniyuni. // 

Yuni: ! 

Champ: Come back when you’re stronger, baby boss. 

// He kneels to match Yuniyuni’s eyeline, speaking in almost a whisper, then punctuating his words with a light tap against that small chest. // 

Disciple: Wh-what charisma! 

Disciple: WOOOOAH! CHAMP! CHAMP! 

Touji: I’ve got to jot this down in my Harimiya notebook! ! 

Champ: Nyahaha! If you follow me, even 10,000 of those notebooks are not enough! 

Champ: Alright everyone, let’s go running to celebrate our new comrade, YAY ☆ 

Disciples: YAY! ! 

Touji: Ah, hold on a moment.... Ahhhh! !  

// Swept up in the wave of disciples, Touji and the “Champ” leave the area. // 

// For a while, none of the remaining people spoke. // 

Rintarou: Ah~ What do we do, huh? Since the opponent is me there’s no way to stop him, nyahaha. 

// When I tried joking around, Yuniyuni turned to fix me a shockingly firm stare. Those eyes almost looked like-- // 

Yuni: President-san, be my coach. 

Rintarou: Huh… 

Yuni: I will defeat that guy, I will definitely defeat that guy! 

// The unwavering determination in his eyes overpower me. // 

Shion: I think that’s fine. That other you is more insolent and noisy, I don’t like him. 

// Ouch. // 

Rintarou: You know, that is still me from 2 years ago… 

Shion: Yuni, make sure you put that irritating guy in his place. 

Shion: We’ll prove that the “you” right now is stronger than you were 2 years ago. 

Rintarou: ( The “me” right now… ) 

Yuni: Si! Please leave it to me. 

Shion: And you too. 

// SHION nods in response. // 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Three pairs of eyes look on at me. Despite my uncertainty, the fire in my chest starts to grow. // 

Rintarou: Okay. 

Rintarou: Then we’re a team from now on! 

// The 4 of us get into a group huddle. // 

Rintarou: We’ll defeat the me from 2 years ago! !  

Yuni: We will! One, two

Everyone: Here we go~ ~ ! !  

// And so the curtain opens on our Road To Champion, starting with the fierce and intense Too Hot Training! // 

[field] 

Rintarou: Skip rope is the foundation of all foundations! On top of developing footwork and rhythm, it also trains your wrists and arms. 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, that’s 50 more consecutive Double Unders! 

Yuni: I’ll show you! ! ! ! 

[track] 

Rintarou: Once you’re used to that, it’s on to movement training! The best method for training agility! If you get this down pat, you’ll be able to move your body anyway you want. 

Rintarou: Then let’s start with 100 rounds! 

Shion: I have the stopwatch. 

Yuni: Uryaaaaaaaaa~ ~ ! ! 

[gym] 

Rintarou: Time for the long awaited punching training! There’s no merit in sparring with immobile mats, you’ve got to really “trade blows” with an opponent to learn the combinations! 

Rintarou: Today’s the first session so hmm… 500 rounds sounds adequate. That said, SHION, I leave it to you ☆ 

SHION: ….. 

Yuni: Prepare yourself~ ~ ! ! 

[kumayuni room] 

Shigure: What’s the matter, Nito-kun? 

Yuma: It kind of looks like the antenna on an old phone. 

Takaomi: Don’t go telecommunicating with the moon now. 

// Usamaru returns Shisimaru’s comment with a complacent smile. // 

Takaomi: Gross… 

Senri: But you see, despite the mountain of mysteries before us, I managed to solve something faster than a certain famed detective. 

Senri: There is a pattern between whether or not someone can see Kumarin-senpai ♪ 

Touji: Say what?! 

Yanagi: Heeeeh 

Minato: Tell us, tell us~ 

Senri: That is… 

Senri: Nwope, I don’t think it’s something I can say here. 

Kasuka: What do you mean? 

Takaomi: Annoying. Stop stalling and spit it out. 

Senri: Okay then, it’s a liiiiiiiitle hard to say but I’ll whisper it to Hari ♪ 

Touji: Oh, you are choosing me to announce it? As expected of my friend! Please allow me to listen to your deduction. 

Senri: Fufufu, actually gonyo gonyo 

Touji: I see, I see. 

Senri: Gonyo… And that’s why gonyogonyogonyo 

Touji: ?! 

Shion: What? 

Minato: Touji’s face is as red as strawberries. 

Yanagi: Is it something suggestive, I wonder. 

Senri: The end. Got it? 

Touji: Th-th-th-th… 

Touji: That is a rash and irrelevant speculation! It is dangerous to invite misunderstanding of that level! An invasion of p-p-p-privacy, undiplomatic, rejected! ! ! 

Takaomi: Huh? 

Shion: Meaning? 

Touji: ….. 

Shion: Nito Senri, tell me. 

Senri: Okay, so-- 

Touji: AHHHHH! ! !  Ac-actually! Actually, truthfully, I maybe can’t see Kuma-senpai either, now that I think about it! To be precise, I am somewhat able to see but don’t have visual confirmation. 

Takaomi: What kind of contradictory explanation is that? You were clearly conversing with Kuma earlier. 

Yuma: I don’t think that’s possible, Harimiya. 

Touji: Well that’s, you see, it’s the same as Mikekado-senpai where if I concentrate I can hear his voice… I think… Yes, that's it. 

Shion: Enough. 

// Looking thoroughly exasperated, Mikepon pulls out a flyer-looking thing from the back pocket of Touji’s pants. // 

Shion: Afterall, you are the “other Rintarou’s” ally anyway. 

Touji: Th-that’s! 

Shinya: What’s that? 

Shigure: “Application to be a disciple of Kumaz Fight Club. The Strongest Hero-Champion’s Kickboxing Gym. Acquire the toughest abs and the secret to popularity in 3 days.” 

Yuni: Harimi, you wish to be the disciple of the fake President-san? 

Touji: Errr, I was going to participate, but I had no intentions of enrolling. 

Shion: There’s a limit to simplemindedness.

Touji: In-in the first place even if that is a duplicate Kuma-President, he is still the legendary Student Council President who held the position for two terms. Someone who aspires to enter the world of politics like me could learn a thing or two from his overwhelming charisma-ma-ma- 

Senri & Minato: escape… 

Mikage: Looks like we have two more criminals here. 

Shion: ….. 

Senri: Eeeeep, no we were just--  

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

// Stepping away from the boisterous circle, I realise something. // 

Rintarou: ( Hmm? Where did Yuniyuni go? ) 

[gym] 

Rintarou?: Let’s go BOYS! ! ! Say my name! ! ! 

Disciples: Wooooooah! ! ! Champ! Champ! Champ! ! ! 

Champ: Okie, then next-- 

Yuni: Say your prayers! ! 

Champ: Wha-?! 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni! 

// Searching for the missing Yuniyuni, the group of us make it to the gym in time to witness Yuniyuni bring down a gigantic hammer and the “other me” barely dodge the attack. // 

Yuni: Stop dodging, it’s cowardly! 

Champ: Wow ♪ I’m an avid supporter of surprise attacks so I like this kind of thing in theory how.e.ver~ 

// He gracefully dodges the attack with a backflip, going with the momentum to shift into breakdance, topping it off with a chair freeze. // 

Champ: You can’t reach God ☆  

Disciples: Champ’s so cool! ! ! 

Champ: Yeah, keep the cheers coming! 

Disciples: Champ! Champ! Champ! 

Yuni: …..

--

// It is the day after Yuniyuni noticed my presence. In order to find a method to see me, everyone, with the exception of Issei who is on tour overseas, and Jin and Chizuru who are on a business trip in Los Angeles, gathered together. // 

Shinya: Shigure should try it too! Just pinch the base of your nose and squint your eyes a little. 

Shigure: ….. 

Shigure: …I don’t see anything. 

Mikage: Aha, Shigure-chan’s funny face is super precious~ Maybe I should snap a picture. 

Touji: But it certainly is strange. I wonder why the effective method differs from person to person. 

Minato: Oh, I know, it must be the age. ‘Cus the second years can’t see him. 

Takaomi: But among the first years, there’s that stupid rabbit who can’t see anything. Sides, Shibutani is able to see him. 

Kasuka: Yea… 

Yuma: Shibasaki-senpai can see his lower half if he pulls a funny face. Is that also the same for Mikekado-senpai? 

Shion: No. If I concentrate, I can vaguely hear his voice. Also, I can see a slight distortion in the space where he is. 

Senri: I see, I see. 

Shinya: There are many types of people, huh? 

Yanagi: Isn’t it natural for Kasuka to see him? He’s always seeing things that normal people can’t see. 

Kasuka: ! Yanagi-kun has spoken about me! 

Touji: Kuma-sen- Kumarin-senpai, do you know why there is this discrepancy? 

Rintarou: Nyo, I have no idea. In the first place, the reason for me being in this state is the mystery of mysteries… 

Rintarou: This body is light and floaty like a balloon, I almost feel like I could go to the end of space~ It’s got me totally stumped ☆ 

Yuma: That’s like a spirit waiting to enter Nirvana. 

Senri: Yumapi, what terrifying words you speak… 

Rintarou: Oh, but lemme give some advice in case this ever happens to anyone else. Breaststroke allows you to move faster than a front crawl. Watch. 

// I start swimming above everyone’s heads, and those who can see me follow my movements. // 

Touji: I see. In order to prepare for becoming a ghost, I shall take note of that in my Harimiya notebook. 

Yuma: This is like a manga scene! I’ll sketch it. 

Mikage: I can’t see so I’ve got absolutely no idea what he’s doing. 

Minato: ! When I try the thing Shin-chan said, the world becomes fuzzy! Is this a great discovery? 

Yanagi: So, can I leave already? I have arrangements with some Honeys after this. 

Kasuka: If Yanagi-kun is leaving, then I too have no reason to stay… 

Rintarou: Hold on a minute! Guys, think a bit more seriously about my situation plz~! I’m acting normal right now because I’m mentally strong but I’m going through a lot and am really flustered here! 

Yuma: Is what he says. 

Shinya: Thanks for the interpretation, Yuma-kun. 

Shion: There’s something I want to ascertain. If the one here is real, then is whoever’s in the body of Kuma Rintarou now a fake? 

Rintarou: I’ve been thinking about that all night and I concluded that that is also “me”. 

Shigure: What do you mean by that? 

Shinya: If we assume they’re both real, then that means senpai has duplicated… 

Rintarou: MSO! 

Yuma: MSO? 

Shigure: I/ really/ think that, huh? 

Mikage: ( Aha, what’s with this hellish scenario. ) 

Touji: And the difference between the two is the existence of memories over the last 2 years, correct? 

Takaomi: 2 years means… 

Takaomi: That’s exactly the time when “that match” happened, isn’t it? 

// At the sudden reference to “that”, my heart seized. // 

Senri: Errrrm….. 

Senri: I do suppose that’s there about it…? 

Yuma: That match? 

Yanagi & Shigure: ….. 

Shinya & Minato: ? 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Silence echoes throughout the room. Nobody makes to answer Yuma-kun’s question. // 

// I cast a side glance at Yuniyuni who had been silent for a while. And then-- // 

Yuni: We should just knock the lights out of him one more time. 

Rintarou: Eh? 

Yuni: President-san became like this after getting knocked out by SHION so if we do that again, I’m sure he’ll return to normal. 

Touji: Unacceptable! That’s too dangerous! Even though it only lasted a day, Kuma-senpai went into a coma, you know. 

Shinya: I cannot agree either. Concussions might not seem severe but they’re really dangerous, you shouldn’t cause them on purpose. 

Yuni: Then do you have any other ideas? 

Touji: Well… 

// When I awoke, the first thing I saw was a well-made bed. Because of the whiteness and overall ‘clean’ atmosphere, I instantly understood I was in a hospital. 

…However, what I couldn’t understand was… // 

Rintarou: ( Why am I seeing the bed from such a high vantage? ) 

// Yes, this wide view was as if I were looking from above the bed. As if my body itself was plastered on the ceiling. // 

Rintarou: ( I also feel unnaturally light… ) 

// I try holding my hand up to my face and that’s when I realise. // 

Rintarou: ( I’m transparent?!?!?! ) 

Rintarou: Wait, hold on, did, did I die? ! ? ! ) 

Rintarou: No, I got it, isn’t this what they call astral projection?! Then I just have to go back to my body… 

 // The bed before me was empty. The worst possible scenario flashes by in my mind. // 

Rintarou: Di-did they cremate it?! Did they cremate my body?! ?!  

// As I panicked, the door opened and a familiar figure walks in. // 

Rintarou: Mikepon! ! ! It’s me! Please notice me~ ~! 

// I tried waving my hands to catch his attention but as I suspected, my voice doesn’t reach him. Rather, he started cleaning up the flower vase by the bedside, reaffirming my fears. After all, the flowers in that vase were still blooming beautifully. // 

Rintarou: Th-that can’t be… 

Rintarou: I-I won’t accept it! Absolutely not! 

// As there wasn’t much gravity on me, I had to swim in the air to move, latching onto Mikepon’s back. // 

Rintarou: For now, I’ll search for my body. 

Rintarou: Run like the wind, Mikepon! Walk around many places so I can find my body! 

// And so, the hunt for my body begins. //

// A few hours later. // 

[lounge] 

// When Mikepon stepped into the lounge, the journey that I had expected to last a long time came to a stop immediately. // 

???: Yay! ! ! Exercise ☆ 

Everyone: Yay! ! ! 

// Familiar music reached my ears, however seeing the person in the middle of the crowd, my jaw drops open on its own. // 

Rintarou: Th-that’s… 

Rintarou: My body~! ! ! 

// Along with my desperate shout (although it reached nobody), the music comes to a halt. // 

Shion: What are you doing? Didn’t the doctor tell you to take it easy? 

Rintarou?: Nya, but for someone like me, taking it easy is more poisonous, ya know? 

Shion: What are you saying, you were unconscious for a whole day. Besides, your memories aren’t back yet, are they? 

Rintarou: ( Memories? ) 

Rintarou?: Nyahaha, Man, I really got the shock of my life~ Waking up to find that I’m a 4th year student! That’s about 2 years missing I ‘spose~ Welp, there’s no use losing sleep over it. MII (Let’s/ just face/ forward) ☆ 

Shion: You’re beyond reproach… 

// As Mikepon heaved a sigh, I received my upteenth shock of the day. // 

Rintarou: ( 2 years of memories, gone? Then even that match…? But wait a minute! That’s my body and that body is mine, isn’t it? So that is me, and I am me, and you are me, and I am you??? ) 

Rintarou?: HEY BOYS! Kumaz Bootcamp is restarting! ! 

Boys: YEAH~ ~ ! ! 

// I snap back to my senses at the enthusiastic voices, quickly inserting myself between Usshi and Usamaru. // 

Rintarou: Stop, stop! ! That’s not me! The real me is over here-- 

Rintarou: No good, they can’t hear me. 

// My shoulders slump in dismay but then-- // 

Senri: Oh. 

// Usamaru looks straight at me. // 

Rintarou: Don’t tell me… 

Rintarou: Can you see me?! I’m right here-- 

Senri: Hi, Yunitan! What’s up? 

Rintarou: Oof… 

// When I trace Usamaru’s line of sight a second time, I realise that he’s looking behind me. And behind me, there was Yuniyuni. // 

Rintarou?: Yay, my angel! 

// My body goes to hug Yuniyuni like I normally would. // 

Minato: Ahaha, even though he’s forgotten Yuni-chama, they’ve already become good friends. 

Rintarou?: But of course! Because we’re soulbrothers ☆ 

// I clench my half-transparent fist at those words. // 

Rintarou: ( Who the heck is that… ) 

Rintarou: ( Even though I’m right here, there he is, as if he were me… ) 

// Stealing my place in this world, doing whatever he pleases just like I did, while everyone around him smiles cheerfully. // 

Rintarou: ( Meanwhile, I can’t be touched by anyone, can’t have conversations… Is this going to continue forever…? ) 

Yuni: President-san. 

Rintarou: Eh? 

// A clear pair of eyes look up at the ceiling where I am, with the same, unchanging gaze-- // 

Rintarou: Wait… 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, can you see me? 

// After I ask the question, Yuniyuni nods, his smile brighter than the Hawaiian sun. // 

Yuni: Alright, he’s coming! Good job playing bait, Double SHIONs, it’s time to attack! 

Shion: Leave it to us. 

// I’m not clear on the details but for some reason Usamaru was chosen to be the decoy instead of Touji, and the three of them have successfully cornered the culprit. Of course, I was able to gather this by spying from a tree. // 

Rintarou: ( They’re pretty good. ) 

Rintarou: ( I could have left it entirely to them but I couldn’t help worrying. Though the opponent is a petty thief, he’s still a criminal. ) 

Rintarou: ( Ah well, looks like I didn’t need to worry, nyahaha! ) 

// Below, the scene was already reaching its conclusion. // 

Senri: There’s nowhere left to run, it’s over. Now prepare yourself, criminal! ! ! 

Senri: That’s an adlib from a play about detectives I did before~ 

Purse Snatcher: Y-you bastards will never understand what it’s like to have your mother abandon you just because of a lack of lottery tickets… 

Yuni: Nobody asked for your feelings and nobody cares. “You hurt my precious Shion’s amichi.” That’s all there is to it. There’s no need for further words. If you understand then kneel down and expose your neck. We’ll make sure to cut it cleanly. 

Senri: Waaa, yeah it sounds totally different coming from a legit source. 

Purse Snatcher: Shit! ! ! As if I’ll give up here! ! ! 

Shion: ! You won’t get away… SHION! 

SHION: ….. 

// A flash. // 

// With inhumane speed, SHION catches up to the thief and delivers a body blow. As soon as the man loses balance, SHION goes for an uppercut. Capping it off with a beautiful roundhouse kick. 

…It was as if he were reading my thoughts. // 

Rintarou: ( Arya? Doesn’t this kinda mean I still helped in the end? ) 

Rintarou: ( Well, no matter, since the problem is settled! ) 

Rintarou: Good job guys ~ ☆ 

Senri: Kumarin-senpai? 

Shion: So you came. 

// The hero’s late arrival (this time he didn’t do anything) stunned the group, but Yuniyuni suddenly let out a desperate shout. // 

Yuni: That’s enough! Stop! 

// Turning to look, SHION had been in the midst of covering the purse snatcher with sand from the floor, turning him into a mud dango. // 

Purse Snatcher: Gagapopopogapo 

Senri: Eeeeep~! ! ! “A Midafternoon Terror, The Glistening Mud Dango~ Human Flavour~” ! 

Shion: Stop him. I don’t want to see something so grotesque. 

Yuni: I’ve been telling him to stop but he won’t listen! ! 

// As I watched the situation, I had a realisation. // 

Rintarou: … I see. Looks like I really am godly. 

Senri: Huh? What? 

Rintarou: A hero always shows up late! The fact that the universe has presented me with this huge climax means it was waiting to see me in action. So let’s settle this with a Hero Punch. Everyone, get back. 

Yuni: President-san… 

// Taking him by the hands, Usamaru and Mikepon bring Yuniyuni away. Once the three of them were out of range, I face SHION once again. // 

Rintarou: Ladies and gentlemen! We present the greatest match of the century! The world’s strongest vs the world’s strongest. Now, I wonder who will win? Ready… GONG! ! 

// As soon as I signaled the start, I threw out a preliminary jab which was easily dodged. // 

Rintarou: ( Well, that’s to be expected. ) 

// After that, the two of us size each other up, circling each other without ever once breaking eye contact. // 

Senri: Wh-what do we do… What’s going to happen… 

// As I heard Usamaru say those words, I notice a small twitch in SHION’s shoulder. // 

Rintarou: ( There! ) 

// I go for a combo. Jab, Jab, One-two. // 

// Every time I take a light punch, more and more adrenaline gushes out, and I get increasingly pumped. // 

Rintarou: ( That’s more like it. ) 

// It was never my thing to take a Backstep in moments like this. With sprightly footwork, I dodge attacks and move forward, first going for a basic One-two, then combining it with a left Middle Kick. // 

SHION: ! 

// And then, a Hook towards the defenceless flank. But that’s still not nearly enough. // 

Rintarou: ( Aaaah~ This feels good… ) 

// The fire in my chest gets hotter and hotter. // 

Rintarou: ( I want to increase the voltage of the spectators too, let’s go for a finishing move next-- ) 

// But as I thought that… // 

Rintarou: ! 

// Just as I’d taken a step back, that guy steps in like a mirror image, delivering a heavy blow to my right flank. // 

Rintarou: Gu! 

Rintarou: ( What a counter! ) 

// But I can still move. Here’s the time to show the toughness to turn things around. Or at least, if it was for the past me. But for the me now… // 

SHION: ….. 

// Reflexively, I bend my hip until I feel nauseous. Naturally, in that position, my chin juts out, unguarded, and he would be remiss to let this opportunity slip by. Which means to say-- // 

// And we’re back where we started. In the darkness, all my thoughts a blur, only one phrase stands out clearly as if it were a fresh memory. // 

[flashback: 

Minato: Hey, Kumarin-president, does that mean SHION-chan is the same as you back when you were active? Then… If SHION-chan and Kumarin-president fought, which one will be stronger? 

/end flashback] 

// That stain has become an excuse to run from the ring. // 

Mamoru: Currently, Mikekado-kun has already defeated 50 people! Who would have thought he had that much strength in his slender arms? Just how long will this streak go?! The next challenger steps up to the plate! 

Rintarou: ( Hey, isn’t that… ) 

Minato: I won’t lose~! 

Rintarou: ( It’s the guy who stood me up! So he’s in a place like this? ) 

Shion?: ….. 

Minato: Okie, first we hold hands. Then, let’s get started. Ready, Go. 

smash 

Rintarou: ….. 

Minato: Waa, I thought my arm was going to snap. I never knew Shion-chan was this strong. 

Rintarou: ( Wait, is that the thing Yuniyuni was talking about, the “strongest”. ) 

Touji: Beep, beep. Quiet down, quiet down! Please quiet down! What is all the fuss about? Gambling is prohibited by the constitution! And with the adoption of casino laws still an unimaginable future, I, the Vice President of the Student Council cannot overlook this! Now bring the ringleader before m- 

Touji: Me-me-me-me-me Mikekado-senpai?!?! Were you running this joint in that appearance?! But why?!?! 

???: It’s none of your business right? 

Touji: gasp This voice like tinkling chimes. 

Touji: Mi… Another Mikekado-senpai?! 

Touji: Wha-wha-wha-what’s going on here? ? ? Duplication? Mitosis? Impossible, even in the worst case scenario, Mikekado-senpai is neither moss nor fungi, which means… Is this my dream! ! ! Perhaps, a manifestation of my desire to be caught between Mikekado-senpai?! Tha-thwats licentious! It’s unbecoming hawhdew… 

// Leaving behind some incoherent mumbling, Touji loses consciousness. // 

Rintarou: Whoa there! A Godly catch! 

Minato: Ahaha. Just now, Touji said ‘beep beep’ with his mouth. 

Yuni: Your retort is too late... 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni… Then that second Mikepon really must be…  

Yuni: It’s just as President-san speculates! This is the fruit of our engineer’s labour, a prototype “Soldier Robot”! If this weekend’s test goes well, Father says we’ll produce a whole lot to add to the Family! 

Minato: Woah, amazing. I want to see a lot of Shion-chans~ 

Yuni: No, no, only the prototype has Shion’s face! It’s a special modification for our plan this weekend. The ones produced afterwards will have their own faces. 

Minato: Aww, too bad. 

Yuni: Father said this prototype is in its experimental stages so for use “outside of work”, it’s made of a special silicone resin, and the fighting settings are set to “kind” but… 

Minato: Waa, it’s true, the skin is so springy. 

Shion: Hey, don’t touch him. I find it unpleasant. 

Yuni: This is a martial arts Super Soldier meant for use in Japan where guns are banned so there's no way it’ll lose! After all… it’s been programmed with fight data of the strongest kickboxer in the world! 

Rintarou: That means… 

Yuni: Straight! Hook! Upper! 

// Responding to Yuniyuni’s excited calls, the Mikepon robot executes his sharp punches without a change in expression. Looking at those forms, my eyes widen in surprise. 

That posture during punches. That footwork in between moves. That tell before a rotation. All of those were… // 

Rintarou: From the time I was an active athlete… 

Yuni: It’s a copy of President-san! ! 

// The crowd that had gathered started to cheer. // 

Shion: …Yes, with this, we will be able to defeat the one who made my friend cry. 

Yuni: We’ll have him regret he was ever born! 

Yuni: Then since the prototype, ooh that’s hard to say. Then since SHION’s first test has concluded, let’s move on to running simulations for our plan! 

Shion: Okay. 

// The enthusiastic pair walk off, leaving Usshi and I behind. // 

Rintarou: ….. 

Minato: Oh, they left. 

Minato: Hey, Kumarin-president, does that mean SHION-chan is the same as you back when you were active? Then… If SHION-chan and Kumarin-president fought, which one will be stronger? 

Rintarou: Hmm… 

Rintarou: ….. 

// As my equilibrium warps, my eyes instinctively track my opponent. I review my position. My reflexive counter attack meets empty air, and then-- // 

// A textbook perfect uppercut connects with my exposed jaw. // 

// A slightly blurry sky comes to view, the sun’s light looks just like the lights on “that day.” My wavering mind cuts off from my body, as if it belonged to a different person, and it seemed to take ages before I hit the ground. // 

// I’m sure you’re wondering why the Super Hero was caught by him with an uppercut. // 

Rintarou: ( Why did I, the Super Hero, get caught by Mikepon’s counter uppercut, you ask? ) 

// It happened a couple of days ago… // 

Rintarou: ( It happened a couple of days ago… ) 

[kumayuni room] 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, I’m back~! The Rocket Launching Festival in Thailand was super stimulating ☆ I got some souvenirs at the Return party so let’s- oh 

Yuni: President-san, welcome back! 

Rintarou: Oyoyo? It’s super rare to encounter Mikepon in my room! What’s the tea? Is it a secret from mua? 

Shion: He’s noisy as usual… 

Yuni: One of Shions’ amichi got their purse snatched, it seems. 

Rintarou: Say what?! As a hero, I can’t let that slide. MKK ☆ Won’t you/ tell me/ more about the incident?! 

Shion: I won’t forgive someone who targets the elderly. 

Yuni: He’s an unfair person. Resorting to theft instead of accumulating his own lottery tickets! 

Rintarou: Yup, yup, that is certainly underhanded… huh? Lottery ticket? 

Shion: The shopping district is having a campaign. If you collect 10 tickets, you can pull the lottery once. 

Yuni: Shion’s amichi was just 1 ticket away from 10 and yet, the 9 pieces she worked hard to collect were stolen… That’s just too sad! 

Yuni: That’s why we’re currently having a strategy meeting on how to catch the culprit, what to do with him, and which ocean he should be sunk into to become food for the fishes. 

Rintarou: Ohhhhhhh. 

Rintarou: ( Usually here’s where I sweep in and coolly offer my help but perhaps this time I won’t. They look like they’re really pouring their souls into it but more importantly… ) 

// I won’t be around anymore once I graduate. // 

Shion: The culprit is dangerous. He attacked my friend right when she took out her wallet to put her tickets away. Because of that, she even sustained a cut to the finger 2-3 millimetres in length. 

Rintarou: ( Only the tickets and not the wallet…? ) 

Yuni: He’s too fixated on lottery tickets. 

Yuni: But on the other hand, that makes it easy to lure him out. Someone just has to stand around with lottery tickets in hand. 

Rintarou: ( Eh?! Isn’t it kinda unwise to engage a dangerous criminal like that? Well, if it were someone confident in their grip strength like me then maybe but… ) 

Shion: Then what about Touji? 

Rintarou: ( Hmmm~ ~ ~ Kinda a diss on Touji but I’m ☆ Worried ) 

Yuni: Good idea! Harimi is noisy even when he doesn’t speak so I’m sure he’ll attract the culprit’s attention quickly! 

Shion: …On further thought, he might actually be too conspicuous. There should be a more suitable person. Someone better at acting natural… 

Rintarou: ( Wait, wait, wait, wait, I have so many comments about this. ) 

Rintarou: ( I want to advise them on a better method but then it’ll turn into me solving the problem again… Mmmm, but still! ! ) 

Yuni: But I think that alone is still too dangerous. We might need to enlist the help of someone strong. 

Rintarou: ( Ho. ) 

Shion: Do you have anyone in mind? 

Rintarou: ( Aww Mikepon, what a feint~ Isn’t the strongest helper right before your eyes--- ) 

Yuni: Actually, Father is currently having the Bianchi Family Engineers prepare a special Secret Weapon for some big project in the works. And it just so happens that they’re looking to test the weapon on an opponent so… I think it fits our situation perfectly. 

Shion: Hmm… I guess anything’s fine as long as it’s strong. 

Yuni: Kufufu, not just strong. That weapon is our finest masterpiece, the “strongest”. 

Rintarou: ! 

Yuni: It’s the strongest Secret Weapon in the world ♪ 

Rintarou: ( …Interesting. The “strongest in the world”, huh~ ) 

[student council room] 

// A few days later. // 

Rintarou: Mu… Mumu? 

// My nap on top of a line of chairs was disturbed by the faint sounds of excited cheering from somewhere far away. // 

Rintarou: Huh? No one’s here. Am I hearing things? 

Rintarou: Wait, it’s well into lunch break right now! I was supposed to do hand over with Usshi but he didn’t show up so I somehow spent the night here! 

// I return the chairs that I used as a bed to their original positions and stretch out my body which had gone stiff. // 

Rintarou: Well, nothing to be done that he didn’t show. Guess, I’ll grab something to eat first. 

[cafeteria] 

// While patting my growling stomach, I head towards the cafeteria where there was a surprising amount of people. // 

Male Student: Go! ! 

Female Student: That’s it! ! 

Rintarou: ( Oyo? Maybe this was what I heard earlier… ) 

// Taking a peek into the middle of the crowd, there was an unexpected person, in an unexpected appearance, doing an unexpected thing. // 

Rintarou: Mikepon?! 

// Father is participating in today’s remote meeting. I lifted a finger to indicate that I had something to say. // 

Project Leader: What is it, Jin-san? 

Jin: The other day we talked about the amalgamation of business districts and residential neighbourhoods, correct? Concluding my own research, I propose to relocate the shopping district into the first floor of the new company building, revitalising the region in the process.  

// A bustle of murmurs happen on screen. A stern frown even appears on Father’s forehead. // 

Jin: I’ve already outlined the profit calculations for the company, merits to society, and other relevant information in a document. Please open the file I forwarded out. 

Chizuru: ( Jin-san… ) 

Jin: If we put the symbol of the people in the first floor of our building, the contrast of their vividness will be a talking point in this monotone world. 

Jin’s Father: Fu, I see. So it serves as a reflection of the company. A pretty good idea, Jin. 

Jin: Thank you very much. 

Jin: ( Father must have never stepped on a curb before either. ) 

// As the season begins to chill into winter. // 

[scene: car] 

Chizuru: Jin-san, surely there is no reason for you to personally go down to the briefing session regarding the building’s construction? 

Jin: I explained myself yesterday too, no? The person who raised the plan to move the shopping district to the first floor is me so I will go. 

Chizuru: Yes, I am terribly sorry. 

Chizuru: Oh, the phone. It’s from the people at the venue, I’ll handle it. 

Jin: ….. 

Chizuru: It’s Maki. Yes, Jin-san is on the way. Eh? I understand, I’ll relay the message. 

Jin: Is there a problem? 

Chizuru: Not exactly… However, there is a group of people at the venue demanding to see you. Their representative is a lady named Tamamori, it seems. 

// I recall the thick tea and the laidback samba. // 

Jin: …No, there’s no reason to see them. 

Chizuru: Then should I relay that to the SP? 

Jin: Yeah. 

// However just before entering the briefing venue-- // 

???: Den-chan! 

Jin: ! 

// Turning to look, I saw Tamamori Yoshiko, the Manager, and my other co-workers. When our eyes met, all of them lifted up their hands in an imaginary sake cup and drank. // 

Jin: ( “Are you free tonight?”, huh? ) 

Chizuru: What are those people doing? 

Jin: Nothing, let’s go. 

// For a moment when Chizuru wasn’t looking, I turn back and return the gesture. // 

Jin: ( Not tonight, but someday. ) 

Jin: ( Hmm? What’s that voice? ) 

// Hearing a commotion at the storefront, I look over to see some guys looking like the definition of vulgar picking a fight with the regular customers. // 

Hoodlum: Ora ora! This store is damn boring! 

Manager: S-sir, you are causing trouble for the other customers… 

Hoodlum: Ha?! So you’re telling me to leave?! We were entrusted by the esteemed Ryuuou Corporation to come and buy this place, ya know? 

Jin: ( What did he say? ) 

Hoodlum: Look here, we even have a contract! Take a good look! 

Manager: Let’s have this conversation at another time-- 

Hoodlum: Are ya looking down on us?! 

Manager: Uwa!

Den: ! 

// The lowlife shoves at the Manager and he falls onto the shelves. // 

Yoshiko: Manager! 

// A pale Tamamori Yoshiko runs over-- // 

Rintarou: Alrighty, time to take out the trash. 

// Rintarou-san appears with a mop in his hand. // 

Hoodlum: Are you referring to us, bastard?! 

Rintarou: --- 

Jin: ( Does he intend to let himself be hit?! ) 

// Thinking that, I instantly step in between Rintarou-san and the lowlife. // 

Hoodlum: What’s up with you?! You wanna get decked too?! 

Jin: Stop. 

Hoodlum: Eeeek! 

Jin: ( To shrivel up so much with just a glare… ) 

// I snatched the “contract” from the lower than low lifeform without delay. // 

Hoodlum: Ah, bastard, what do you think you’re-- 

Jin: The company seal on this contract does not belong to Ryuuou Corporation. 

Hoodlum: ! ! 

Rintarou: Ehh, what do you mean? 

Jin: Likely, these degenerates caught wind of Ryuuou Corporation’s plan and schemed to buy it over first so they can resell it at a large profit. 

Manager & Yoshiko: De-den-kun…? / De-den-chan…? 

Jin: You have to follow rules when earning money. The punishment for misrepresenting the Ryuuou name in front of me, the heir, is a severe one. I will have my lawyers dispose of you. 

Hoodlum: Do-don’t mess with me! What nonsense are you saying-- 

Jin: My name is Ryugasaki Jin. The man who will inherit Ryuuou Corporation and stand at the top of the world. There are many ways I could prove this but, I’m sure you already realise. 

Manager & Yoshiko: ….. 

Hoodlum: We-we’ll let you go for today! Come on guys! 

// The herd of inferior lifeforms flee. All that’s left is the shocked gazes from the customers, the Manager, and the other workers. I approach the Manager and Tamamori Yoshiko, bowing my head. // 

Manager: Ah… 

Yoshiko: Den-chan? 

Jin: If a situation regarding fraudulence ever arises again, call this number. 

Jin: Thank you for everything until now. 

// I hand over a name card for Ryuuou Corporation’s legal advisor, bow once more, and then leave the supermarket. // 

Rintarou: What a cool guy, that Ryugasaki Jin. 

[scene: sidewalk] 

Chizuru: “I will be there in 5 minutes.” 

Jin: Thanks. 

// After the call, I stood perplexed for awhile. // 

Jin: ( Now that I think about it, recently Rintarou-san and I had a lot of overlapping shifts so we had been walking back together often. ) 

// For some reason, I put my feet on the curb. It was my first time doing such an action. As I did so, my field of vision elevates a tiny bit. // 

Jin: ….. 

………. 

[scene: jinchizu room] 

Project Leader: Moving on, regarding the matter of buying over the shopping district in D ward… 

// Father is participating in today’s remote meeting. I lifted a finger to indicate that I had something to say. //