After two days and nights of overti reworking the system, the custom-built support exoskeleton for Shirogane was finally completed.
After school, Takamine Rinji brought Shirogane back to the institute. As before, they returned to the sa cleared-out testing area and had him put on the titanium exoskeleton.
"Alright, beginning the experint."
Rinji picked up a volleyball and tossed it toward Shirogane.
Seeing the ball flying at him, Shirogane instinctively closed his eyes and swung his arm in the direction of the ball with all his strength—
Thud!
This ti, he didn't hit his own face. Instead, his hand struck the ball squarely, sending it flying directly toward Rinji.
Smack!
Rinji casually deflected the ball with one hand and clapped.
"Looks like the test was a complete success. With this gear on, you've finally reached a normal human's skill level."
"I… I did it?"
Shirogane stared in disbelief at his own hands.
For soone who had never even managed to touch the ball before, this was a milestone.
"Try the others—bump, block."
This exoskeleton was programd with motion data from several Japanese pro athletes. Even though Shirogane still had zero motor coordination, the system allowed him to perform at a professional level.
He went through a series of movents, and one after another, completed them perfectly.
"Looks like it's a success."
"Yeah, but… is it really okay to use this thing in PE class?"
Shirogane looked down at the heavy-looking gear on his body.
"I can't exactly wear this thing to gym, can I?"
"Of course not. I already told you, this is your training tool." Rinji explained. "Starting today, you'll wear this gear every afternoon after school to practice. It'll adjust your movents, and gradually we'll reduce your reliance on it. By the ti we take it off, your body will have learned proper form—you'll be a real athlete by then."
"Oh! That's great!"
"And one more thing."
Rinji pulled out his phone and showed Shirogane a photo.
"This is you while serving."
In the picture, Shirogane was serving with a textbook-perfect motion—but his eyes were tightly shut the entire ti.
"…My eyes were closed the whole ti?"
"Yep. Start getting used to keeping your eyes open while playing."
"Okay, I'll work on it!"
"That's it for today… yawn~"
Rinji couldn't help yawning.
The all-nighters working on the system had worn him out. He'd been sleepwalking through morning classes.
But now that it was finished, he could finally rest easy.
Shirogane continued training at the institute. He even took leave from his part-ti job for a few days—both to prepare for volleyball class and because training here counted as work, with much better pay than his usual job.
For now, there wasn't much left to worry about.
---
With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Rinji walked down the street, bleary-eyed and half-asleep.
He was planning to head back to his room and collapse into bed.
Buzz~
His phone vibrated. Annoyed, he pulled it out and saw the caller ID: Momo Ryuju.
"Hello? Senpai, there's no club activity this late, right? Don't tell the astronomy club is actually planning to look at stars tonight?"
"It's not that. That girl from yesterday ca to the casino again."
"…"
"Can you help out?"
"I'll give you a tip," Rinji said listlessly.
"What?"
"Call the cops. Report an underage girl gambling in a casino. Let them detain her."
"…You do realize we're yakuza, right? You're telling a gang to call the police?"
"You think I don't know how the Japanese yakuza operate? When things get dicey, you guys are quicker to call the cops than regular citizens." Rinji yawned. "Or if that's too much trouble, handle it the traditional 'yakuza' way—stuff her in a barrel, fill it with concrete, and toss it into Tokyo Bay."
"…Why do I feel like you sound more like a gangster than us?"
"Just kidding. Compared to , your yakuza thods are still a bit too ta." Rinji chuckled. "So what exactly do you need from ? If it's burying a body, forget it. I've got nothing against the girl."
"I want you to co here and gamble against her," Momo said.
"Co on. She's a trained gambler. I'm just an amateur—it won't change anything. Still, like I said, the most effective way is to call the police."
"And where would that leave the Ryujuzu Clan's reputation?"
"Then tell this, Senpai—do you want money, or your face?"
"I want both."
"…Fine. Send the address."
"Great! That's the Rinji I know—still as reliable as ever."
"Spare the flattery. Let's be clear—I'll help you, but if I win any money, I get a ten percent cut."
"Only ten percent?"
"That's plenty. I don't care about making money from gambling." Rinji rubbed his eyes, his gaze sharpening. "Because making money this way is just too boring."
---
By the ti he arrived in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, the sky had already darkened.
This was Tokyo's—and Japan's—largest red-light district. As night fell, the street overflowed with desire.
Rinji stepped out in front of a rather large casino.
Oddly enough, when the staff saw him enter wearing a school uniform, no one tried to stop him. Instead, they bowed politely.
"Welco, Young Master Rinji."
"Don't call that. Is Momo-senpai here?"
"Yes, the young lady has been waiting for you."
"Then let's go."
Inside, the casino was filled with people—so playing slots, others huddled around card tables. There were smiles and despair everywhere.
As Rinji scanned the floor, a crisp voice called out to him.
"There you are."
"Oh, Momo-senpai… Wait, why are you wearing a kimono? Is this a yakuza princess thing?"
Momo Ryuju had traded her school uniform for a red kimono, giving her a refined and elegant air.
"Of course I'm not wearing my school uniform! What if the school found out I ca to a casino?"
"Then I'd get another month of suspension."
"Only you would treat suspension like vacation." Momo sighed and pointed toward the largest card table in the room. "She's over there."
"Let take a look."
Rinji followed her gaze and saw a girl in a red school uniform.
Long black hair, tall figure, black stockings accentuating her shapely legs, and a flawless face with a faint, unreadable smile.
She seed to be waiting for an opponent.
"Okay. Call the cops."
"…Why did you even co?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)