Haru's victory ca as no surprise to Yukino and the others. Still, that didn't stop them from feeling genuinely happy about it.
What did surprise them, however, was that even in the quarterfinals, Haru was still defeating his opponents with just a single move.
"Judging by that last opponent's reaction and expression, the force behind Haru's kick must've been trendous. Even the protective gear probably couldn't absorb it," Yukino said seriously, analyzing the situation.
Utaha, more focused on the upcoming matches, responded casually, "You've known him the longest out of all of us. Shouldn't you be used to it by now?"
"Used to it?"
Yukino gave her a look as if she were staring at an idiot.
Utaha felt a bit offended by the expression. "What's with that face?"
Yukino couldn't even be bothered to reply.
How was she supposed to be used to sothing like that?
Sure, her childhood friend had always been strong — she could admit that much.
But the kind of strength he was showing now? This wasn't how she rembered it.
gumi stared at Haru, who was standing leisurely on the sidelines, and asked, "Does he have another match today?"
"There is, but it's a team event," Yukino replied, having already looked through the schedule in detail.
gumi nodded. "Then it probably won't be that exciting."
That prompted Utaha to quip, "Beating opponents with a single move isn't exactly exciting either, if we're being honest."
"But I think it's way more entertaining than the match on the first day," gumi argued, her tone calm but confident.
Utaha and Yukino both paused—then, in silence, they nodded in agreent.
They had been there for the opening day, after all. The chaotic ss of beginners flailing at each other was painful to watch. In comparison, even the team events with their choreographed flair were far more enjoyable.
At that mont, Haru and his teammates were still by the court, watching a player being interviewed by a group of reporters.
"That guy made it to the top eight last year," explained their senior, Oyama, standing beside Haru. "But he got eliminated early this ti. He's graduating soon, so this was his last chance to compete."
"No wonder his eyes look red," Haru muttered, realization dawning.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, the third-year student's eyes welled with tears as he grumbled to the reporter, "I said it before—our old coach was great. But no, the school insisted on replacing him. And now? Tony-sensei can't lead a team. He just can't, okay?!"
The group collectively nodded. "Ah, so it's the coach's fault. That explains his terrible performance this year."
The day's matches wrapped up in the afternoon. As the students began filing out of the venue, Haru threw a subtle glance toward Yukino and the others, signaling for them to leave separately.
Yukino glanced toward the reporters tailing behind Haru's group and instantly understood. She led Utaha and gumi toward a different exit.
Haruno said her goodbyes outside the venue, promising to hang out again another ti.
Utaha and gumi didn't head ho either. After a quick exchange, the two decided to drop by Haru's place to unwind.
That "Sage Ti" effect had captivated them more than they cared to admit.
Most importantly, neither of them found it strange anymore—which ant they could relax even more naturally around him.
Yukino said nothing about their decision. Truthfully, she'd expected it well before the day even began.
The three girls waited about ten minutes before Haru finally jogged up to them, slightly out of breath.
Before they could offer their congratulations, he urged quickly, "Let's go—before the reporters catch up again."
"You're quite popular with the press, huh?" Yukino teased lightly, falling in step beside him.
Utaha and gumi found it amusing too. It wasn't often they saw Haru in a flustered state like this.
Once they were far from the reporters, they slowed their pace. Utaha was the first to say, "Congrats on your win," with gumi echoing her a mont later.
Yukino remained silent, her attention discreetly focused on gumi.
Sothing about her seed different today—happier, maybe.
Was it because Haru won so easily today? Yukino wondered.
On the way ho, they stopped to pick up so groceries. Dinner would, as usual, be cooked by Haru.
The girls lounged in the living room, watching TV and playing with the cat. Yukino casually brought up the day Haru's mom visited.
gumi responded with perfect composure, answering every question without hesitation or holding anything back.
That only deepened Yukino's suspicion—gumi really was in a great mood.
In the past, whenever Yukino probed like this, gumi would still answer honestly… but she'd always hold sothing back.
Yukino, ever the observant one, had noticed that subtle difference long ago.
She glanced at Utaha, who was feeding snacks to the orange cat, and thought: Your teammate is no longer reliable. But you haven't noticed yet… have you, senpai?
After dinner, "Sage Ti" arrived.
Now experienced with its strange influence, the three girls all managed to resist the urge to just collapse into laziness—and instead, they approached Haru to request study help.
But this ti, Haru turned them down.
His [Steel Body Lv.2] was on the verge of leveling up.
Ever since he realized his personal "martial art style" was heading in a full-on Kyougoku Makoto direction, his obsession with grinding XP had llowed. He was already beyond human in strength—there was no longer any need to chase power so desperately.
This ti was different, though. He was just a few steps away from a level-up, and that made the effort worthwhile.
Without Haru's guidance, Utaha leaned back against the couch, her posture lazy and inviting. Her legs stretched out loosely, creating a view that could easily cause soone's thoughts to wander.
anwhile, Yukino and gumi pulled out their notebooks and got back to studying, determined to take advantage of their clear minds while the "buff" lasted.
Half an hour later, Haru finally leveled up [Steel Body] to level 3.
[Your Steel Body has reached max level.]
[Special Effect Unlocked: Female companions who train with you will experience heightened efficiency and improved physical conditioning.]
Haru fell into thought.
Only girls?
Still, it ant he could finally help Yukino in a way that mattered.
Others may not have noticed, but Haru was keenly aware—Yukino had been training more and more lately, clearly trying to catch up to him.
At the very least, she wanted to avoid getting completely overwheld next ti he dragged her off to the rice fields for "sightseeing."
Clenching his fists, Haru could feel the power coursing through him. Even after a solid thirty minutes of training, he hadn't even broken a sweat.
Returning to the living room, he looked at the three girls sprawled out in various poses and said, "Ladies, I'm back."
Yukino and gumi didn't respond—still deep in their studies now that the "Sage Ti" effect had worn off.
Utaha, however, was lying on her side, propped up on one elbow. Her legs, encased in black tights, curled under her skirt in a rather provocative position.
She responded with a smirk, "Done already?"
Haru shook his head. "I was thinking… Why not train together? You're not doing anything right now. Might as well get stronger."
Yukino finally looked up and tapped her notebook with her pen. "Aside from senpai, we all are doing sothing. gumi and I still have work to finish."
That left Haru turning toward Utaha.
Then quickly turning away again.
Her pose was a little too suggestive from his angle. If he kept looking, his eyes would start trailing upward—right under her skirt.
"I'm not in the mood to train," she said flatly.
Haru put on his serious face. "I can help you all get stronger. Are you sure you want to pass that up?"
gumi glanced at Yukino. Seeing no reaction from her, she answered calmly, "Maybe next ti. Yukino's helping with problem-solving techniques. I can really feel myself improving with her."
Realizing none of them were interested, Haru returned to his room alone to continue training.
But a few minutes later, he heard footsteps approaching.
When he turned around, he saw Utaha quietly stepping inside. Before he could speak, she was already in front of him, lifting her arm to wrap around his neck.
"I've missed you these past few days," she murmured.
Her face was flushed a delicate shade of pink, her body warm and soft as it leaned fully into his arms—like a perfectly ripened peach.
As Haru opened his mouth to respond, she quickly added in a hushed tone, "I was really upset about what Yukino did last ti."
"…This isn't really sothing I should get in the middle of."
Utaha's eyes, filled with longing and heat, stayed locked on his. "They're in your room, using the computer to look up reference material."
Only then did Haru realize—Ah, so that's why she dared to sneak in alone.
Wait. Alone?!
Looking into Utaha's eyes, glowing with fiery determination, Haru's heart skipped a beat.
"Senpai… This isn't the right place for this."
Her face was red, her gaze seductive.
Then she parted her lips and whispered, "Teach ."
"…Teach you what?"
She leaned in close, voice soft and sultry.
"The Tidecaller."
Reviews
All reviews (0)