This was never explained in the Chinese translations either. Occulus's guess is the same thing as mine.
IIRC there was something in WEB version about these designations. For example, 'Stars' group, with 'Stardust', failed and disposable magicians, and Aries being a 'Planet' rank I think?
It's not much considering it's probably not very good as my Japanese pretty much blows, but there is only one part missing for web 5-(2). I hope this is the right way to put spoilers... and if not, then I'm really sorry.
I should have the last part out maybe tomorrow or so. I actually finished translating web 6-(1), and was going to move onto 6-(2), but I then decided to go back to web 5. It's web 5-(2) since I saw an earlier machine translation for web 5-(1)
Spoiler:
5 - (2) Dispatched Girl
As always, Tatsuya and Miyuki welcomed New Year’s morning of 2096 together.
While it may be New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, Father coming home, to be frank, would be unpleasant and disagreeable. This is mutually preferred for the sake of both side’s mental health as it would be in a former lover’s house (now it’s a second house).
Although it was New Year’s, without indulgently sleeping in, Tatsuya was waiting at the entrance as early as he would normally go to school. “I have made you wait,” a voice said.
Before it was spoken, Tatsuya eyes had been rewarded with the sight of a splendid figure.
Miyuki gracefully came down the stairs wearing a long sleeved kimono made from a crimson fabric with stylized peony flowers painted in white and a light crimson.
Her lips were tinged with a vivid crimson color on her otherwise white face that needed no face powder.
The dangling, ornate hairpin swaying in her upswept hair gave a little bit of a child-like feeling but, rather than that, had become her most attractive feature that brought out the loveliness of her beautiful face, appropriate for a matured girl.
What attracted the eyes was not just her naturally beautiful face.
As it was long ago as well, Japanese clothing for women put pressure on the chest. These days, kimonos are also made with three-dimensional sewing but, with the traditional type of long-sleeved kimono Miyuki had chosen, despite curves that showed a slender waist on the verge of breaking and a chest volume that had increased, her nape was modestly covered. She showed a splendidly well dressed figure.
He felt pride as an older brother in the world’s loveliest (Tatsuya’s personal opinion) younger sister’s charming figure.
“Yeah, exceedingly pretty.”
Tatsuya, whose line of sight was fixed on his hakimono-wearing younger sister, shamelessly praised.
Miyuki’s cheeks at once flushed red.
“Enough, onii-san... please stop teasing.”
She protested with upturned eyes without looking away despite her shyness. Men are not immunity against that agonizing-death-like destructive power.
“I wasn’t teasing... well, shall we go?”
Tatsuya, who readily stopped that blow, indeed, hasn’t served as Miyuki’s older brother for even 16 years (To be accurate, 15 years, 9 months).
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
In front of the gate, a self-driving commuter had stopped.
However, although it did not need a driver did not mean that there were no people.
An adult man and an adult woman were sitting in the back seat of the four person commuter.
“Happy New Year, master.”
“Happy New Year, Kokonoe-sensei. I’m in your care this year as well.”
Yakumo, who remained in his seat, replied with a delighted smile to the short-greeting-Tatsuya and the courteously-bowing-Miyuki.
“Well, today is yet another level of bewitching. A level of beauty Kisshouten also writes of.
If you see today’s Miyuki-kun, Shumisen’s celestial maidens would probably hide in shyness.”
It has meaning, truthfully, it was a Yakumo-like response.
“Sensei... you have other things you should say, right?”
The interruption was from the woman sitting next to him.
Tatsuya, whose words were taken from him, before Yakumo’s reply was interrupted, faced that woman and lightly bowed his head.
“Ono-sensei, Happy New Year.
But, is it alright? Being seen together with shishou?”
“Congratulations, Shiba-kun. Soon after the New Year, saying something unpleasant.”
Tatsuya had cause to worry, relatively seriously, but it seems like Haruka took it for sarcasm.
Tatsuya, as per usual had various things come to mind, making a misunderstanding can’t be helped, and inside his heart, Tatsuya shrugged his shoulders.
“Meeting with sensei was by coincidence. Today, I came to be led by you.”
“I see, it was that kind of a setting? I think it’s somewhat painful to be lead by a high school student... but if that’s the case, the honorific “sensei” is a bit clumsy?”
In the back seat, Haruka frowned at Tatsuya’s pointing that out.
Certainly in the present day, they’ve already become high school students and going to Hatsumoude while the sun was still out did not require an adult chaperone.
If we were to explain, it would not be “led”, but in truth merely “fellow travellers”, probably.
Besides, using the honorific “sensei” on the person coincidentally met, despite moreover being an educator, has the risk of being thought strange.
“As you will consider that along the way, shouldn’t we leave soon?”
Miyuki proposed that after Tatsuya had opened the commuter door.
He left the brooding Haruka alone, and lent a hand to the boarding Miyuki. He closed the door and boarded on the opposite side where the driver would sit in a manned car.
At the same time that Tatsuya locked the door, the commuter departed towards the station.
Haruka, having shelved the title fellow traveler, settled on Yakumo’s nickname, “Kashou-sama,” and finally released her frown. It looked like Haruka became interested in Miyuki’s dressing, especially her hair.
“Shiba-san, that long-sleeved kimono, yourself?
Incidentally, Haruka wore a suit. It’s a sharply dressed semi-formal but, as I thought, it is an unfavorable comparison to the long-sleeved kimono.
“Dressing? Yes, that’s right.”
It appeared that Haruka received a little shock from hearing Miyuki’s carelessly returned reply.
“That hair as well?”
“Yes. Since today would be private, I thought I didn’t need to go to the extent of having it done at a beauty parlor.”
While saying that, Miyuki touched her hair with seeming embarrassment.
As she had set her hair herself, as expected, it could not have been arranged in a complicated shape. She arranged her hair up and stopped at that.
However, no parts were mismatched or loose. The balance of both sides of her hair arrangement was well done. The execution was a hard to believe result coming from a 15-year old young woman who prepared herself on her own.
“Ha.... Shiba-san you are a flawless young woman able to do even this.”
“I’m just used to it.”
Far more mature than herself (possibly more voluptuous). With a charming smile, that you wouldn’t believe of a teenager, she received a round-about consolation. Haruka somehow felt like crying.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
They transferred from the Commuter to a train (Cabinet) (at the station, they were bathed in large amounts of attention). They disembarked from the Cabinet, and it was a 5 minute walk to the meeting place (they were bathed here as well in large amounts of attention).
“Woah, Miyuki-san, so pretty!”
The first voice that greeted Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had arrived at the meeting place was like this.
Mizuki, who faced Miyuki with enraptured eyes, didn’t seem to catch sight of Tatsuya next to Miyuki.
“Happy New Year’s, Tatsuya-san. That suits you well. It’s a bit unexpected however.”
Honoka, the same as Miyuki, was wearing a long sleeved kimono. She was possibly overwhelmed by her classmate’s charming figure because she seemed somewhat intimidated. She looked at Tatsuya, who had a different, though simple, atmosphere as usual, and her consciousness seemed to stray from her good health but a New-Year’s-like smiling face returned.
“Happy New Year’s. It also suits Honoka well.”
Although Haruka in a long-sleeve kimono did suit her, Tatsuya was not consciously aware of the compliment.
Tatsuya returned Honoka’s delighted smile with his own and looked down at his own clothing.
“But unexpected you had said. As i thought it’s a little out of place?”
“Isn’t it that it is not it?”
Tatsuya, it suit’s you well. The dignity of a young head.”
“I’m Yakuza?”
Leo interrupted with a tone that was hard to distinguish whether he was serious or joking. He was wearing a jacket that was not unlike his school uniform.
The three people who met up for Hatsumoude were Mizuki, Honoka and Leo. Erika and Mikihiko had to help their families who employed large amounts of people and couldn’t slip away, Shizuku would soon be leaving to study abroad did not slip away because of something related to her father’s job.
“Seperately, I can’t see the Yakuza thing, but seeing a high school student in Haorihakama is certainly rare, i think.”
“More than a Yakuza, it’s the image of a Yoriki or Doushin.”
Yakumo and Haruka said that, arriving a bit delayed. Today, Tatsuya was wearing Setta in genuine Japanese style with his Haorihakama.
“It’s Haruka-chan.
Happy New Year’s.”
“Happy New Year’s, Ono-sensei.
… Tatsuya-san, this person is?”
Leo, who expressed a simple New Year’s greeting to Honoka, continued with a more formal way of speaking. Afterwards, Honoka turned to face Yakumo shyly and requested Tatsuya.
“Kyuuchou temple-residing, Yakumo-high priest.”
If you are thinking of the ninjitsu master Kokonoe Yakumo, then you would be correct.
He is my taijutsu sensei.”
Upon hearing Tatsuya’s introduction, Honoka and Mizuki’s eyes widened. Honoka probably knew Yakumo’s name but, Mizuka knew of Yakumo but in relation to Tatsuya, it was unexpected.
“I see. Because of that, it became a tale of let’s go to Hieda shrine.”
Tatsuya was surprised at Leo who identified this information in an unforeseen direction.
That was, certainly, not a case of underestimating Leo.
“You said ‘because?’”
Haruka looked as well like she completely did not understand. On the other hand it wasn’t general knowledge.
“Huh? ‘High Priest’ you said. He’s a priest of the Tendai-sect, right?
Mountain King beliefs and Tendai have a relationship that even if you cut, will not be cut.”
Leo concisely recited with a face that said, “Why did you ask such a thing?” To this explanation, Haruka’s question mark floating on top of her head, instead increased in number.
“You, despite being young know a lot.
Saijou Leonheart-kun, right?”
Yakumo left that Haruka behind and enjoyably seeming, spoke to Leo.
“Huh? You know me?”
Since this is the first time he met the person, Leo’s question was extremely appropriate.
A somewhat worn out feeling could not be denied.
“I was shown a clip of the recording of the Nine-School Battle.”
Yakumo’s reply also was honest, devoid of any twist but, Leo heard that and reflexively frowned.
Probably, they remember that coat which could be mistaken for being from another era and place. It appears that for him, it would seem like a memory he would like to forget.
They finished the mutual introductions for the present and five classmates and one bald-headed man (however he was not wearing a monk’s stole. His kimono was a normal man’s.) with seven young women accompanying, walked in groups towards the main shrine. (Haruka was happy that she wasn’t asked the particulars of how they came to be traveling together)
The spectacle of both sides of the road to the shrine lined with stalls hadn’t changed from a hundred years ago. But even here, the effects from the era of the deepening world famous food supply crisis disappeared from the scenery. For the elderly people who know of that time, it is a deeply moving landscape but, unfortunately, for Tatsuya and others, they have no relation to that kind of sentimentality.
Even if they ate while walking, they needed to finish paying homage at the shrine. (For Tatsuya and also for Miyuki, they had no such intention)
Climbing the long staircase, the passed through the shrine gates. Upon entering the courtyard in front of the front shrine, Tatsuya abruptly felt someone looking.
It wasn’t the gaze of someone impolitely staring, but the intermittent gave of someone peeping.
Someone considerably skilled at doing camouflage...
“Shiba-kun, do you happen to know?”
“It’s the first time i’m seeing that face.”
“Tatsuya’s appearance is rare to a foreigner, right?”
Haruka and Yakumo’s eye’s were not deceived. Tatsuya had noticed without using his elemental sight. Anyway, it also could be said that it is natural for Haruka and Yakumo to notice.
The foreigner that Yakumo referred to, was typically blond haired and blue eyed, and was a young woman.
In today’s age however, it does not mean that it is decided that it’s a foreign family. Her features that can be found anywhere give the impression of a Japanese person.
Her approximate age seemed the same as Tatsuya and company. If you consider the difference in racial features of Caucasion and Mongolian people, she could be seen to be younger than them. Judging by the degree, of Japanese blood mixed in, which is not thin at all, Tatsuya considered that she probably wouldn’t be that much younger than them.
“Onii-sama, have you seen something?”
Although Tatsuya observed that young woman for not even one second, that Miyuki had noticed was more than enough.
She followed the remnants of her brother’s gaze and as if to say “Maa...!,” deliberately lifted the corner of her eyes.
“... it’s a pretty child.”
Miyuki murmured with a level voice that did not let you understand what she was considering inside her heart.
That girl, certainly even if Miyuki had praised her, calling her “pretty,” it must not have been said sarcastically, as it was a beautiful girl.
Vivid hair and eyes. The meaning of which which is that it was a beauty that contrasted with Miyuki.
However, by no means was Tatsuya observing that young girl for that reason.
Tatsuya, wishing for a life boat, threw his gaze at Yakumo --- and saw his mouth carved with a grin not appropriate for his age. “I have to do something myself,” he perceived.
“Not to your extent.”
“... year in year out, don’t think please you can deceive me with that.”
If you look just at the surface, it is a firm counter, but with reddened cheeks and eyes that are letting you go, even if said with that voice, his remaining fear was gone.
“It wasn’t deceit. Those are my true thoughts, and because of that I have no need to look at her.”
“Enough, onii-sama!”
“Pui,” and tried to turn away but Miyuki noticed the implication in the words of Tatsuya that she could not ignore.
“... is there something you suspect about her?”
Miyuki had a while ago merely turned her gaze, filled with a strong will, towards the young girl.
If the young girl had noticed or not, with a face that looked like nothing was wrong started walking.
Towards their group.
Just like that, without saying anything, passed each other and left towards the long stairs.
It was by no means Tatsuya’s imagination that he had seen a gaze full of meaning thrown at him while they passed each other.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Although brief, an eventful winter vacation ended, and from today, is the third trimester.
That “eventful” encompassed seeing Shizuku of to the airport, being dragged into an unforeseen “tearful parting” (Lead: Honoka, Shizuku; Supporting: Miyuki, Mizuki). I was at a loss, and it was a very hard personal experience, but this would someday become a “good memory.”--- that firm belief seemed like it would be crushed.
For A-section, just like that, from today, Shizuku’s replacement exchange student is expected to come, but for the moment, to Tatsuya it was someone else’s problem. Above becoming the classmate of Miyuki, he probably not going to be completely unrelated, but he had no desire to be related to it.
If you spoke about the homework, it was suddenly a full time curriculum from the first day of the third term.
At the end of first period, A-section’s exchange student had already become gossip. Tatsuya was not actively extended his antennas but conversation had flowed from his right side to his left.
But that detached stance was, as expected, in the minority. At the break after second period, due to his friends burning with curiosity, he also was dragged into the middle of the whirlpool of gossip.
“What an amazingly beautiful girl.”
Erica, being somewhat excited, or possibly acting excited, was talking incessantly. Tatsuya finally could no longer deal with it.
“Pretty blond hair, I heard even an upper classman came to see.”
“Erika, you’re not going to look?”
In the first place, regardless that this is the only time she is talking with such enthusiasm, everything was hearsay. Tatsuya took an interest in that and tried asking.
“For argument’s sake, I can’t go in to see that kind of person.”
“It seems even you know restraint.”
At the same time he was teasing, Leo, raised his hand above his head.
In the next instant, a frog-like sound was released, his throat oppressed, and his entire body was folded as it pitched forward. (You know I can do it so it’s better for you not to say anything unnecessary)
Crying out a round note, Leo ate a thrust to the throat and fainted in agony. With a stunned look, Tatsuya looked down at Leo. The other party, the perpetrator Erika, innocently continued talking.
“I’m a woman~
Even if you say it’s a beautiful young girl, I don’t think I want to go see to the point of experiencing all that pushing and shoving.”
Tatsuya had completely the same feeling of not wanting to expressly go and look. He felt the need to defend himself against being linked with curiosity towards all-out lewdness. --- Who would he defend against? If he were asked, you probably would not get an answer.
“If it’s just a transfer student you don’t assume it to be a Magic High School.
With that, should an overseas student come, curiosity will swell, probably.
Isn’t it something that hasn’t happened here in more than 10 years?”
“I don’t know about the thing you said before, but, it looks like an overseas student coming is limited to just our school.”
The person who inserted himself into the conversation was the returning Mikihiko. More precisely, from the geometry preparation room.
“It seems that 2nd, 3rd, and 4th High School as well, accepted short-term overseas students. Even in universities, I heard that some people have come for nominal collaborative research.
One of our followers said.”
“Ah, I’ve also heard about the universities.
I understand that the military applications of the flying magic from the Yokohama incident of before are extraordinary. The rumor is that they are impatient to come and investigate.”
The fields of ancient magic and modern magic are different, but the Yoshida and Chiba families respectively employ a great number of followers. The volume of information coming in compared to the level for a private individual is as expected on an entirely different level. The USNA is putting in personnel on a large scale, exceeding expectations. At that time in “November, the talk was that Stars was moving independently but it appears the situation has become more serious by yet another level,” thought Tatsuya.
“Then, would the overseas student in A-section also be a spy?”
“You...”
Not just Erika, but Mizuki and Mikihiko as well smiled at Leo’s, who had come back from fainting in agony, blunt question.
“Leo-kun, it’s better not to say you are thinking that kind of thing...”
“Since we, as fellow classmates, have to go associate ourselves...”
At the overwhelming inclusion of the doubles team of Mizuki and Mikihiko, Leo tested out his somewhat of a rebuttal.
“No, “associating” shouldn’t that be done by A-section?
Don’t we have no interaction with them?”
“Idiot. Isn’t Miyuki in A-section?
The student council vice-president with the overseas student, who’s age I don’t know.
Until the overseas student is used to it, even though we don’t know in what form, Miyuki will have to take care of her, right? If Miyuki is able to be involved, it is inexcusable for us not to be involved.”
With that, Erika cut Leo’s rebuttal in two with a single stroke.
Tatsuya, who also didn’t want to actively be involved, in his heart, said “That’s probably right,” and sighed.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
I think this part is vol 9 ch 2 (the second part) if I'm not mistaken. it is not my work. I only take in cafe24 Forum. It is the work of boyprangko. ou should thank him!
Thank you.
Any contribution is welcome. Don't be shy.
As always, Tatsuya and Miyuki welcomed New Year’s morning of 2096 together.
While it may be New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, Father coming home, to be frank, would be unpleasant and disagreeable. This is mutually preferred for the sake of both side’s mental health as it would be in a former lover’s house (now it’s a second house).
Although it was New Year’s, without indulgently sleeping in, Tatsuya was waiting at the entrance as early as he would normally go to school. “I have made you wait,” a voice said.
Before it was spoken, Tatsuya eyes had been rewarded with the sight of a splendid figure.
Miyuki gracefully came down the stairs wearing a long sleeved kimono made from a crimson fabric with stylized peony flowers painted in white and a light crimson.
Her lips were tinged with a vivid crimson color on her otherwise white face that needed no face powder.
The dangling, ornate hairpin swaying in her upswept hair gave a little bit of a child-like feeling but, rather than that, had become her most attractive feature that brought out the loveliness of her beautiful face, appropriate for a matured girl.
What attracted the eyes was not just her naturally beautiful face.
As it was long ago as well, Japanese clothing for women put pressure on the chest. These days, kimonos are also made with three-dimensional sewing but, with the traditional type of long-sleeved kimono Miyuki had chosen, despite curves that showed a slender waist on the verge of breaking and a chest volume that had increased, her nape was modestly covered. She showed a splendidly well dressed figure.
He felt pride as an older brother in the world’s loveliest (Tatsuya’s personal opinion) younger sister’s charming figure.
“Yeah, exceedingly pretty.”
Tatsuya, whose line of sight was fixed on his hakimono-wearing younger sister, shamelessly praised.
Miyuki’s cheeks at once flushed red.
“Enough, onii-san... please stop teasing.”
She protested with upturned eyes without looking away despite her shyness. Men are not immunity against that agonizing-death-like destructive power.
“I wasn’t teasing... well, shall we go?”
Tatsuya, who readily stopped that blow, indeed, hasn’t served as Miyuki’s older brother for even 16 years (To be accurate, 15 years, 9 months).
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
In front of the gate, a self-driving commuter had stopped.
However, although it did not need a driver did not mean that there were no people.
An adult man and an adult woman were sitting in the back seat of the four person commuter.
“Happy New Year, master.”
“Happy New Year, Kokonoe-sensei. I’m in your care this year as well.”
Yakumo, who remained in his seat, replied with a delighted smile to the short-greeting-Tatsuya and the courteously-bowing-Miyuki.
“Well, today is yet another level of bewitching. A level of beauty Kisshouten also writes of.
If you see today’s Miyuki-kun, Shumisen’s celestial maidens would probably hide in shyness.”
It has meaning, truthfully, it was a Yakumo-like response.
“Sensei... you have other things you should say, right?”
The interruption was from the woman sitting next to him.
Tatsuya, whose words were taken from him, before Yakumo’s reply was interrupted, faced that woman and lightly bowed his head.
“Ono-sensei, Happy New Year.
But, is it alright? Being seen together with shishou?”
“Congratulations, Shiba-kun. Soon after the New Year, saying something unpleasant.”
Tatsuya had cause to worry, relatively seriously, but it seems like Haruka took it for sarcasm.
Tatsuya, as per usual had various things come to mind, making a misunderstanding can’t be helped, and inside his heart, Tatsuya shrugged his shoulders.
“Meeting with sensei was by coincidence. Today, I came to be led by you.”
“I see, it was that kind of a setting? I think it’s somewhat painful to be lead by a high school student... but if that’s the case, the honorific “sensei” is a bit clumsy?”
In the back seat, Haruka frowned at Tatsuya’s pointing that out.
Certainly in the present day, they’ve already become high school students and going to Hatsumoude while the sun was still out did not require an adult chaperone.
If we were to explain, it would not be “led”, but in truth merely “fellow travellers”, probably.
Besides, using the honorific “sensei” on the person coincidentally met, despite moreover being an educator, has the risk of being thought strange.
“As you will consider that along the way, shouldn’t we leave soon?”
Miyuki proposed that after Tatsuya had opened the commuter door.
He left the brooding Haruka alone, and lent a hand to the boarding Miyuki. He closed the door and boarded on the opposite side where the driver would sit in a manned car.
At the same time that Tatsuya locked the door, the commuter departed towards the station.
Haruka, having shelved the title fellow traveler, settled on Yakumo’s nickname, “Kashou-sama,” and finally released her frown. It looked like Haruka became interested in Miyuki’s dressing, especially her hair.
“Shiba-san, that long-sleeved kimono, yourself?
Incidentally, Haruka wore a suit. It’s a sharply dressed semi-formal but, as I thought, it is an unfavorable comparison to the long-sleeved kimono.
“Dressing? Yes, that’s right.”
It appeared that Haruka received a little shock from hearing Miyuki’s carelessly returned reply.
“That hair as well?”
“Yes. Since today would be private, I thought I didn’t need to go to the extent of having it done at a beauty parlor.”
While saying that, Miyuki touched her hair with seeming embarrassment.
As she had set her hair herself, as expected, it could not have been arranged in a complicated shape. She arranged her hair up and stopped at that.
However, no parts were mismatched or loose. The balance of both sides of her hair arrangement was well done. The execution was a hard to believe result coming from a 15-year old young woman who prepared herself on her own.
“Ha.... Shiba-san you are a flawless young woman able to do even this.”
“I’m just used to it.”
Far more mature than herself (possibly more voluptuous). With a charming smile, that you wouldn’t believe of a teenager, she received a round-about consolation. Haruka somehow felt like crying.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
They transferred from the Commuter to a train (Cabinet) (at the station, they were bathed in large amounts of attention). They disembarked from the Cabinet, and it was a 5 minute walk to the meeting place (they were bathed here as well in large amounts of attention).
“Woah, Miyuki-san, so pretty!”
The first voice that greeted Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had arrived at the meeting place was like this.
Mizuki, who faced Miyuki with enraptured eyes, didn’t seem to catch sight of Tatsuya next to Miyuki.
“Happy New Year’s, Tatsuya-san. That suits you well. It’s a bit unexpected however.”
Honoka, the same as Miyuki, was wearing a long sleeved kimono. She was possibly overwhelmed by her classmate’s charming figure because she seemed somewhat intimidated. She looked at Tatsuya, who had a different, though simple, atmosphere as usual, and her consciousness seemed to stray from her good health but a New-Year’s-like smiling face returned.
“Happy New Year’s. It also suits Honoka well.”
Although Haruka in a long-sleeve kimono did suit her, Tatsuya was not consciously aware of the compliment.
Tatsuya returned Honoka’s delighted smile with his own and looked down at his own clothing.
“But unexpected you had said. As i thought it’s a little out of place?”
“Isn’t it that it is not it?”
Tatsuya, it suit’s you well. The dignity of a young head.”
“I’m Yakuza?”
Leo interrupted with a tone that was hard to distinguish whether he was serious or joking. He was wearing a jacket that was not unlike his school uniform.
The three people who met up for Hatsumoude were Mizuki, Honoka and Leo. Erika and Mikihiko had to help their families who employed large amounts of people and couldn’t slip away, Shizuku would soon be leaving to study abroad did not slip away because of something related to her father’s job.
“Seperately, I can’t see the Yakuza thing, but seeing a high school student in Haorihakama is certainly rare, i think.”
“More than a Yakuza, it’s the image of a Yoriki or Doushin.”
Yakumo and Haruka said that, arriving a bit delayed. Today, Tatsuya was wearing Setta in genuine Japanese style with his Haorihakama.
“It’s Haruka-chan.
Happy New Year’s.”
“Happy New Year’s, Ono-sensei.
… Tatsuya-san, this person is?”
Leo, who expressed a simple New Year’s greeting to Honoka, continued with a more formal way of speaking. Afterwards, Honoka turned to face Yakumo shyly and requested Tatsuya.
“Kyuuchou temple-residing, Yakumo-high priest.”
If you are thinking of the ninjitsu master Kokonoe Yakumo, then you would be correct.
He is my taijutsu sensei.”
Upon hearing Tatsuya’s introduction, Honoka and Mizuki’s eyes widened. Honoka probably knew Yakumo’s name but, Mizuka knew of Yakumo but in relation to Tatsuya, it was unexpected.
“I see. Because of that, it became a tale of let’s go to Hieda shrine.”
Tatsuya was surprised at Leo who identified this information in an unforeseen direction.
That was, certainly, not a case of underestimating Leo.
“You said ‘because?’”
Haruka looked as well like she completely did not understand. On the other hand it wasn’t general knowledge.
“Huh? ‘High Priest’ you said. He’s a priest of the Tendai-sect, right?
Mountain King beliefs and Tendai have a relationship that even if you cut, will not be cut.”
Leo concisely recited with a face that said, “Why did you ask such a thing?” To this explanation, Haruka’s question mark floating on top of her head, instead increased in number.
“You, despite being young know a lot.
Saijou Leonheart-kun, right?”
Yakumo left that Haruka behind and enjoyably seeming, spoke to Leo.
“Huh? You know me?”
Since this is the first time he met the person, Leo’s question was extremely appropriate.
A somewhat worn out feeling could not be denied.
“I was shown a clip of the recording of the Nine-School Battle.”
Yakumo’s reply also was honest, devoid of any twist but, Leo heard that and reflexively frowned.
Probably, they remember that coat which could be mistaken for being from another era and place. It appears that for him, it would seem like a memory he would like to forget.
They finished the mutual introductions for the present and five classmates and one bald-headed man (however he was not wearing a monk’s stole. His kimono was a normal man’s.) with seven young women accompanying, walked in groups towards the main shrine. (Haruka was happy that she wasn’t asked the particulars of how they came to be traveling together)
The spectacle of both sides of the road to the shrine lined with stalls hadn’t changed from a hundred years ago. But even here, the effects from the era of the deepening world famous food supply crisis disappeared from the scenery. For the elderly people who know of that time, it is a deeply moving landscape but, unfortunately, for Tatsuya and others, they have no relation to that kind of sentimentality.
Even if they ate while walking, they needed to finish paying homage at the shrine. (For Tatsuya and also for Miyuki, they had no such intention)
Climbing the long staircase, the passed through the shrine gates. Upon entering the courtyard in front of the front shrine, Tatsuya abruptly felt someone looking.
It wasn’t the gaze of someone impolitely staring, but the intermittent gave of someone peeping.
Someone considerably skilled at doing camouflage...
“Shiba-kun, do you happen to know?”
“It’s the first time i’m seeing that face.”
“Tatsuya’s appearance is rare to a foreigner, right?”
Haruka and Yakumo’s eye’s were not deceived. Tatsuya had noticed without using his elemental sight. Anyway, it also could be said that it is natural for Haruka and Yakumo to notice.
The foreigner that Yakumo referred to, was typically blond haired and blue eyed, and was a young woman.
In today’s age however, it does not mean that it is decided that it’s a foreign family. Her features that can be found anywhere give the impression of a Japanese person.
Her approximate age seemed the same as Tatsuya and company. If you consider the difference in racial features of Caucasion and Mongolian people, she could be seen to be younger than them. Judging by the degree, of Japanese blood mixed in, which is not thin at all, Tatsuya considered that she probably wouldn’t be that much younger than them.
“Onii-sama, have you seen something?”
Although Tatsuya observed that young woman for not even one second, that Miyuki had noticed was more than enough.
She followed the remnants of her brother’s gaze and as if to say “Maa...!,” deliberately lifted the corner of her eyes.
“... it’s a pretty child.”
Miyuki murmured with a level voice that did not let you understand what she was considering inside her heart.
That girl, certainly even if Miyuki had praised her, calling her “pretty,” it must not have been said sarcastically, as it was a beautiful girl.
Vivid hair and eyes. The meaning of which which is that it was a beauty that contrasted with Miyuki.
However, by no means was Tatsuya observing that young girl for that reason.
Tatsuya, wishing for a life boat, threw his gaze at Yakumo --- and saw his mouth carved with a grin not appropriate for his age. “I have to do something myself,” he perceived.
“Not to your extent.”
“... year in year out, don’t think please you can deceive me with that.”
If you look just at the surface, it is a firm counter, but with reddened cheeks and eyes that are letting you go, even if said with that voice, his remaining fear was gone.
“It wasn’t deceit. Those are my true thoughts, and because of that I have no need to look at her.”
“Enough, onii-sama!”
“Pui,” and tried to turn away but Miyuki noticed the implication in the words of Tatsuya that she could not ignore.
“... is there something you suspect about her?”
Miyuki had a while ago merely turned her gaze, filled with a strong will, towards the young girl.
If the young girl had noticed or not, with a face that looked like nothing was wrong started walking.
Towards their group.
Just like that, without saying anything, passed each other and left towards the long stairs.
It was by no means Tatsuya’s imagination that he had seen a gaze full of meaning thrown at him while they passed each other.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Although brief, an eventful winter vacation ended, and from today, is the third trimester.
That “eventful” encompassed seeing Shizuku of to the airport, being dragged into an unforeseen “tearful parting” (Lead: Honoka, Shizuku; Supporting: Miyuki, Mizuki). I was at a loss, and it was a very hard personal experience, but this would someday become a “good memory.”--- that firm belief seemed like it would be crushed.
For A-section, just like that, from today, Shizuku’s replacement exchange student is expected to come, but for the moment, to Tatsuya it was someone else’s problem. Above becoming the classmate of Miyuki, he probably not going to be completely unrelated, but he had no desire to be related to it.
If you spoke about the homework, it was suddenly a full time curriculum from the first day of the third term.
At the end of first period, A-section’s exchange student had already become gossip. Tatsuya was not actively extended his antennas but conversation had flowed from his right side to his left.
But that detached stance was, as expected, in the minority. At the break after second period, due to his friends burning with curiosity, he also was dragged into the middle of the whirlpool of gossip.
“What an amazingly beautiful girl.”
Erica, being somewhat excited, or possibly acting excited, was talking incessantly. Tatsuya finally could no longer deal with it.
“Pretty blond hair, I heard even an upper classman came to see.”
“Erika, you’re not going to look?”
In the first place, regardless that this is the only time she is talking with such enthusiasm, everything was hearsay. Tatsuya took an interest in that and tried asking.
“For argument’s sake, I can’t go in to see that kind of person.”
“It seems even you know restraint.”
At the same time he was teasing, Leo, raised his hand above his head.
In the next instant, a frog-like sound was released, his throat oppressed, and his entire body was folded as it pitched forward. (You know I can do it so it’s better for you not to say anything unnecessary)
Crying out a round note, Leo ate a thrust to the throat and fainted in agony. With a stunned look, Tatsuya looked down at Leo. The other party, the perpetrator Erika, innocently continued talking.
“I’m a woman~
Even if you say it’s a beautiful young girl, I don’t think I want to go see to the point of experiencing all that pushing and shoving.”
Tatsuya had completely the same feeling of not wanting to expressly go and look. He felt the need to defend himself against being linked with curiosity towards all-out lewdness. --- Who would he defend against? If he were asked, you probably would not get an answer.
“If it’s just a transfer student you don’t assume it to be a Magic High School.
With that, should an overseas student come, curiosity will swell, probably.
Isn’t it something that hasn’t happened here in more than 10 years?”
“I don’t know about the thing you said before, but, it looks like an overseas student coming is limited to just our school.”
The person who inserted himself into the conversation was the returning Mikihiko. More precisely, from the geometry preparation room.
“It seems that 2nd, 3rd, and 4th High School as well, accepted short-term overseas students. Even in universities, I heard that some people have come for nominal collaborative research.
One of our followers said.”
“Ah, I’ve also heard about the universities.
I understand that the military applications of the flying magic from the Yokohama incident of before are extraordinary. The rumor is that they are impatient to come and investigate.”
The fields of ancient magic and modern magic are different, but the Yoshida and Chiba families respectively employ a great number of followers. The volume of information coming in compared to the level for a private individual is as expected on an entirely different level. The USNA is putting in personnel on a large scale, exceeding expectations. At that time in “November, the talk was that Stars was moving independently but it appears the situation has become more serious by yet another level,” thought Tatsuya.
“Then, would the overseas student in A-section also be a spy?”
“You...”
Not just Erika, but Mizuki and Mikihiko as well smiled at Leo’s, who had come back from fainting in agony, blunt question.
“Leo-kun, it’s better not to say you are thinking that kind of thing...”
“Since we, as fellow classmates, have to go associate ourselves...”
At the overwhelming inclusion of the doubles team of Mizuki and Mikihiko, Leo tested out his somewhat of a rebuttal.
“No, “associating” shouldn’t that be done by A-section?
Don’t we have no interaction with them?”
“Idiot. Isn’t Miyuki in A-section?
The student council vice-president with the overseas student, who’s age I don’t know.
Until the overseas student is used to it, even though we don’t know in what form, Miyuki will have to take care of her, right? If Miyuki is able to be involved, it is inexcusable for us not to be involved.”
With that, Erika cut Leo’s rebuttal in two with a single stroke.
Tatsuya, who also didn’t want to actively be involved, in his heart, said “That’s probably right,” and sighed.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Spoiler:
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
That “involvement” came faster than he thought.
No, I must say that within the forecasted possibility, the number one fastest thing mercilessly materialized.
They made an appointment to meet for lunch at the school cafeteria.
The people who came were Miyuki, Honoka, and one more person, a blond-haired, blue-eyed young girl.
Seeing that girl, Tatsuya didn’t go as far as to say he was surprised, but just thought “Oh.”
I heard about the hair and eye color. That she was a bishoujo, I heard as well in bits and pieces. (In the first place, I’m used to seeing bishoujos)
That was not why he was surprised. She was the girl he met at Hieda temple --- or perhaps I should say that that was the girl he noticed.
“Would it be alright to sit with you?”
What flowed out of her mouth was fluent Japanese. While it can’t be helped that the way she speaks emphasizes her slight accent, all the same, it's clear she has come to Japan to study --- or maybe, she’s just pretending to be an exchange student in order to sneak into the country.
“Of course, please do.”
As her gaze was directed to Tatsuya, he answered frankly without feeling the need to be especially on guard
“Lina, let’s first get our plates.”
“Plates... ah, you’re referring to food. I got it.”
Tatsuya’s group had already gotten their share.
At Miyuki’s urging, the three of them headed to the lunch counter.
He felt that the noise before the three had left was much larger than usual.
The other students making way for them also seemed larger than usual.
“Those two lined up make such a large impression~”
Erika said, expressing her admiration at that spectacle. In comparison to bishoujos similar to those two, Erika’s type is not the kind that overwhelms the viewer.
“You’re being very frank...”
Despite having just met up today, Mizuki probably wanted to say that.
“Hey, Tatsuya... I feel like I’ve seen that girl somewhere.”
“Uwa, what an old line.”
Without a moment’s delay, Erika disrupted Leo’s murmuring. She knew that Leo wasn’t that entranced with the girl’s beauty. She wasn’t “disrupting” per se but it was clear that she simply wanted to say it.
“...come to think of it, that's true.”
“What! Shibata-san too? Maybe she's.... an actress or model?
Mikihiko saw Mizuki being all agreeable, and threw in a guess as well, as usual.
Naturally, Tatsuya knew the truth was something else.
Tatsuya was a little lost as to whether or not he should alleviate his friends’ guess. While he was debating, said person returned with Miyuki’s group.
“I’ve made you wait, onii-sama.”
Matter of factly, Miyuki sat down next to Tatsuya.
“Tatsuya-san, I will do the introductions.”
Honoka said, facing the girl sitting next to her. Honoka, as if it were natural, placed her tray in front of Tatsuya.
“Angelina Kudou Shields-san.
I think you’ve already heard this before but, she is the overseas exchange student who today became a classmate in A-section.”
Hearing Honoka’s introductions, Tatsuya --- not with that, the other three people were bewildered.
“Honoka, not just to this person, I would also like to be introduced to the others as well.”
The one who expressed that on everyone else’ behalf was the very same overseas student.
“Eh, ah, I’m sorry!”
“...well, it’s Honoka.”
“It’s Honoka-san, right.”
Erika and Mizuki were not teasing, but affectionately murmuring. Red faced, Honoka was at a loss for words.
“Well, once again.
Angelina Kudou Shields-san, from America.”
After Miyuki said the introductions for the second time, the overseas student, blond hair lightly swaying, bowed from a sitting position.
“Please call me Lina.”
She said, her whole face lighting up with a brilliant smile.
Those deep blue eyes were not the blue of water, nor the blue of ice, but the blue that evoked the impression of a blue sky.
Her wavy, golden hair was tied up on both sides of her head with a ribbon. If you untied it, the length would probably extend past half-way down her back. Perchance, even longer than Miyuki’s.
For a first year high school student, she had mature features. I felt that her flirty hair was a bit unbalanced, but it softened the impression of her sharp beauty. I also felt that it seemed like that level of friendliness was an act.
Miyuki gave Lina’s name once again, and his friends (With an “Oh!” expression on their faces) were entranced by Lina’s gorgeous smile (especially the two boys), cutting through their defenses. Tatsuya made his greetings in return.
“I’m E-sections’s Shiba Tatsuya. It would probably be hard to distinguish from Miyuki, so “Tatsuya” would be fine.”
“Thank you. Please call me Lina as well and I would be glad if you didn’t speak formally.”
“I got it. I will do that Lina.”
“I’m in your care, Tatsuya.”
Lina extended her hand across the table and Tatsuya gently gripped it from the bottom.
Why was the gesture of bowing and kissing a lady’s hand rather than a simple handshake unexpected?
“Tatsuya, you said. Are you possibly Miyuki’s onii-san?”
Lina asked, innocently, although her eyes were twinkling.
It seems that she doesn’t have a good poker face, thought Tatsuya while nodded his head and smiling, trying not to snigger.
--- Since Miyuki had called Tatsuya “onii-sama” a while ago, there was no need to point that out.
“I am Chiba Erika. Erika is fine, Lina.”
Erika’s lack of timidity was unmistakenly a virtue in time like this.
“I am Shibata Mizuki. Please call me Mizuki.”
“I am Saijou Leonheart. Leo is fine.
It’s rather crude, so please don’t pay attention to my way of speaking.”
“Yoshida Mikihiko. With me as well, “Mikihiko” is fine.”
With an encouraging manner, Mizuki, Leo and Mikihiko in turn, introduced themselves.
“Erika, Mizuki, Leo, Mikihiko, right. I’m in your care.”
Without asking again, Lina remembered on the first try. It’s rudimentary, but she neatly completed the first step in making a good impression.
The pronunciation of “Mikihiko” was heard as “Miki • hiko”. As I thought, for the American girl, a genuine Japanese name was difficult.
“It’s hard to say, I’m sure.
Rather than “Mikihiko”, isn’t “Miki” alright?"
If this was said by the actual person, it would show great consideration but, from someone else, especially if Lina had been the one, I don’t think it would be merely kindness.
At the very least, the actual Mikihiko seemed to feel that and tried to object as usual.
“Is that right? I’ll take your word for it. “Miki” should be alright, right?”
Lina said, one step ahead, with a smile that said “thank god” and Mikihiko was forced to accept that pet name.
Lina, who had expressly ordered Soba from the cafeteria menu, while safely handling her chopsticks, answered questions from time to time without frowning a single time.
It was also good that there was no one mixed who asked any ill-mannered questions of her.
It soon became time that all of them should finish eating. Tatsuya asked Lina the question that all the E-section members had been thinking.
“Anyways, Lina, are you possibly related to his Excellency Kudou?”
“Sage” was a nickname that among Japanese magicians was a popular way of speaking. Again, Tatsuya didn’t personally like that word.
“His Excellency” is an honorific used among the public that has its roots in Generals retiring from active military service. Tatsuya chose to use that in asking Lina.
“If I’m not mistaken, his Excellency’s younger brother went to the states, and like that the family grew or so I recall.”
It was an era which encouraged international marriages between fellow Magicians.
At that time, the younger brother of Kudou Akira, who received the assesment of the world’s “strongest” magician, going to the US and having a family with an American magician, would, at least among magicians, have become a popular topic of conversation.
“Wow, you’re well acquainted with this, Tatsuya.
Despite it being from so long ago.”
Somehow, Tatsuya’s guess seemed to be spot on.
And, for this American magician, Kudou Akira’s younger brother moving to and dying in America has somehow or other finished with “so long ago.” Tatsuya also understood how both sides fit together.
“My grandfather on my mother’s side is Kudou Shougun’s younger brother.”
It certainly wasn’t his ears at fault for Tatsuya hearing Shougun pronounced as “SHOGUN.”
Kudou Akira held a position of leadership among Japanese magicians for a long time. The magicians of Europe, even up to now, call him that. Even if she is quarter Japanese, even if she speaks Japanese fluently, as I thought, she is an American magician.
“Even with that sort of relationship, this time, it seems we’ve come to my place in the story of this time’s overseas exchange student.”
“Then, it does not mean that Lina had her own aspirations?
Erika inadvertently inserted her question.
Lina was disturbed and tense in reaction to that, and it probably wasn’t Tatsuya’s imagination.
With this, web 5-(2) is complete.
I think this is the translation of vol9 ch2 made by @boyprangko. He called web 5-(2). I don't know if it is the same. I only take it on jcafe24. What is strange is that has been translated in May 2012 (according to the date that I saw). How do you explain this?
I'd like to apologize in advance for any mistakes, but here's web 5-3. Enjoy!
Spoiler:
5 - (3) Worthy Rival
Creeping around the darkness of night were not just people in shady places.
That the daily lives of the citizens are not threatened by those outlaws --- at the very least that it is done without destruction, is because of the disciples of order that fights against chaos run around that same darkness.
More and more, all members of the [Disciples of Order] are not relying on just diligence.
“How dare they? Trouble one after the other...”
“...”
“Wasn’t the year of bad luck finished last year?
“...”
“What’s really happening? If it’s this, it’s too early to tell. Smuggling people into the country, foreign invasions, those kinds of things are easy to understand.”
“...investigating that is our job.
Thanks to these incidents, we are able to continue without being unemployed, so stop complaining.”
“The reality is that it is better that these incidents don’t occur...,” his boss was stubbornly murmuring. Having been scolded, he sucked in his breath, and at that precise moment---
“Yes, this is Inagaki.”
Inagaki answered the call coming from the receiver he pulled to his ear. With a voice devoid of any tension, he answered.
“...I understand. I will immediately head to your location.”
Turning of the switch of the communicator, Inagaki turned a severe gaze at his boss who was still being lazy despite having guessed something probably happened.
“Police Inspector, this is the fifth person.
The cause of death is the same as the past victims. Death by blood loss. Two holes in the neck, the place of piercing also the same.”
Police Inspector Shiba Toshikazu heard the report of Police Sergeant Inagaki and looked up at the sky.
“Five murders in one month.
Oh well... with this, we’re at the limit already suppressing the media.”
Without referring to anything about either the victim or the perpetrator, he sighed as if it was troublesome, but both of his eyes glinted with the sharp light of a hunter.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Angelina Shields made her sensational debut in 1st High School.
Firstly, because of her appearance, from her first day, there was no one in the school who didn’t know of her (Idol).
Until then, the school’s position for number one bishoujo was Miyuki’s. Upperclassmen, female students included, all eyes were in agreement.
But because of Lina’s admission, [Queen] became [Pair of Jewels].
Since there were many opportunities for both of them to do things together, the impression of [A beauty that was not inferior to Shiba Miyuki] was strongly reinforced.
Golden hair that shinned in the sun. Sparkling eyes bluer than sapphires.
Hair a deeper jet-black than the night sky. Clear eyes blacker than black pearls.
At the same level, but with completely contrasting beauty, Lina and Miyuki, lined together made them shine on another different level.
Just their beauty alone would make a full topic of conversation but ----
“Miyuki, I will go”
“Any time please. I will leave the count to you.”
Facing each other, the distance between them was three meters.
In the middle, a metal ball, 30 cm in diameter was resting atop a slender pole.
In the practice room, the same equipment were lined up in rows, but all their classmates had stopped to watch the pair of Miyuki and Lina.
Well, not only classmates.
In the gallery seats of the mezzanine floor, the third-year students who were free were lined up in a row.
In that group, the figures of Mayumi and Mari could be seen.
“...her magical power matches Shiba’s. Do you think that’s the truth?”
“There’s a reason that she’s come to Japan as the representative of America. It’s not impossible, is what I think.
But, offhand, it’s hard to believe, competing with Miyuki-san in terms of magical technical ability from the same age”.
“I feel the same way. They say that seeing is believing and if I didn’t see this with my eyes, I wouldn’t believe.”
“That’s is why we’ve came to confirm”
The contents of the training was to at the same time, manipulate the CAD and direct the metal ball, placed halfway, in the opponent’s direction. Simple, but high game characteristics.
Because it is simple, the difference in the two’s simple capacity will be revealed.
From the time the training started last month, Miyuki’s fellow classmates couldn’t even come close. For both Miyuki and whoever paired up with her, this training had no meaning. The instructor had to accept the difference in magical power of between Miyuki and her classmates.
Having caught a whiff of this this, the old and new Student Council members (plus disciplinary committee) alternately volunteered to be Miyuki’s opponent. Not a single person was a match for her. At present, it has become an open secret to the entire school.
However it is said that the overseas exchange student is playing the part of Miyuki’s opponent in an even contest.
With one effortless kick, the upper classmen’s honor was ruined (Miyuki was not triumphant, and quite the opposite was extremely contrite). It was natural that Mayumi and Mari came to observe.
“Three, two, one.”
The training use CAD, left unmodified, is a Panel Interface-type.
At the same time that Lina said “one”, both of their hands were placed over the Panel.
“Go!”
The last signal was said in unison by the both of them.
Miyuki’s fingers touched the panel. Lina slapped her palm on the panel.
Stillness and movement, their start-up movements reflected their colours.
However, what contrasted was just on the surface.
The dazzling Sion’s brightness, piled up on the coordinates of the targeted metal ball and burst.
As the light could not be seen by the naked eye, consequently closing one’s eyelids would have no effect.
The spectators who were inexperienced in techniques that suppressed outside magical interference, were pressing down against their temples and shaking their heads.
That radiance disappeared in an instant.
The metal ball was tumbling towards Lina.
“Argh. Another loss!”
“Fufu, with this I’m up by two, Lina.”
The grandly disappointed Lina and Miyuki smiling with relief.
You could understand by looking at them both that this contest --- if you could call it that since it isn’t a match --- was Miyuki’s win.
However, even if you heard Miyuki’s tone, and the “I’m up by two” she had spoken, you would not have the impression that it was an overwhelming victory.
Best of all ---
“...it was completely even, right.”
“In terms of invocation of the technique’s formula, instead, I could see that the overseas student’s speed was slightly faster.”
“Eeh. But in terms of interference power, Miyuki-san won. Before the magic was completed, she stole control over it. Preferring speed or preferring power... rather than winning by simple capacity, this time was a win by strategy i wonder.”
From looking at both Mayumi and Mari in the eye, both of their magical power, at least the basic simple magic power, are equal.
During the same period, the score, after repeating the same training exercise another four times, became two to two, a tie.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Lunch time, as always, in the student cafeteria.
Today, from the usual members, instead of Shizuku, Lina was sitting at their table. This does not mean that Lina did this everyday.
A week had passed from her admission. Lina had invitations to eat together from here and there and ate with different people every time.
Deepening her extensive social interactions, could be said to be exemplary behavior for an exchange student.
This is actually the first time since that first day eating lunch together with Tatsuya’s group.
“You’re really popular, Lina.”
“Thank you. I’m happy that everyone has treated me well.”
Erica’s was a simple compliment without any other meaning. Without meaningless shyness and humbleness, Lina answered nonchalantly.
That behavior was characteristic of her as an individual and as an American. To Tatsuya’s group (with the exception of Erika), this was surely a novel projection.
“But Lina, you were more amazing than expected.
Because you were selected as an overseas exchange student, I had thought that you would have appropriate power, but I did not think that it would be to the extent of you being able to evenly compete with Miyuki-san.”
“Rather than that, the one who was surprised was me.”
Towards Mikihiko’s praise, Lina’s eyes widened, and expressed surprise, showing her tendency to overreact.
---I digress but, to Mikihiko, somehow speaking to Lina is easier than speaking to Miyuki. Despite Miyuki still using “-desu” or “masu” tones even up to now, Lina seemed to already use more informal words.
“Even with this, I have never known a loss at an American high school level.
But, whatever I do, I can’t gain a lead against Miyuki. I won’t lose against even Honoka in integration but I will if it’s precise manipulation. As I expected, Japan is a major magical technique country.”
“Lina, practice is practice, they aren’t matches.
I think it’s better not to dwell on win loss results.”
“Competition is important.”
Take the training also as an example it’s a high-level curriculum with game-type characteristics. I think if you are particular about wins and losses, you will improve.”
Lina, without fear of any conflict, directly refuted the gently rebuking Miyuki.
This was probably her style.
This kind of part also feels refreshing.
“I think that having a competitive spirit while you are in the middle of things is also important.
But don’t you not need to drag things past where it has ended?
Training is, at the end of the day just practice. It is different from the highly valued practical exam.”
Because of that, Tatsuya also, without reservations, gave his opinion.
“...That’s right. What Tatsuya said may be right.
I might have been a little too hot under the collar.”
“It’s not a bad thing to be heated up.
It seems that Miyuki’s also become more motivated now that a new rival has appeared.
I’m grateful to you, Lina for that.”
In the beginning, Lina was nodding frankly at Tatsuya’s words but, now she was staring with a bewildered expression.
“It came out. Tatsuya-kun’s stupid brother speech.”
Sitting next to them, Erika purposely sighed as if to say “yare yare.”
“A, aah, I see!... Tatsuya and Miyuki really get along well right.”
At those words, Tatsuya felt that, contrarily, the temperature of Lina’s gaze seemed to plummet.
“About that, Lina, it’s not a big deal...”
Because she felt that the flow of conversation was clumsy, she tried diverting the topic.
“What is?”
The gaze facing her was cold.
They weren’t really scorning what Tatsuya said. For the most part, they were just going along with Erika’s joke. It’s just that their performance stank.
Although there were no guarantees that that was not wishful thinking. The unconnected Tatsuya, however, was aware of the delicacy of the situation with people flinching and closing their mouths.
“If my memory is not mistaken, the normal nickname of Angelina is “Angie,” right?”
This shouldn’t be a disturbing question.
At the very least, Erika, Mizuki and Honoka, who were all sitting together, also thought that.
However, an unmistakable shadow of panic passed through Lina’s face.
“No, you are not mistaken.
But, the abbreviation, “Lina” also not uncommon.
There was a child, “Angela” in the same class in elementary or primary school. That child was called “Angie.”
“Because of that, instead of “Angie,” Lina was called “Lina.”
Tatsuya was nodding his head in agreement.
Without showing any sign that Lina’s unrest was noticed.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
There are no dormitories in 1st High School.
Since there are only nine magical high schools in the entire country, as a necessity, due to their locations, there are also students who have entered high school from far away.
If you think about it, it wouldn’t feel strange if there were dormitories. In the first place, in this era, serious consideration would be given to the position of educators within the student dormitories (as an example, 24-hour care and the like). Outside of unique boarding schools, student dormitory facilities are not seen.
HAR (Home Automation Robot) are widespread among regular families. In the present day, purchasing daily necessities can be requested online and delivered door-to-door. A student living alone is completely not inconvenient and consequently, there is no demand for dormitory-like facilities as well.
Because of this, students who don’t commute from their own homes rent rooms close to school where they live alone.
The overseas student Lina as well is not an exemption.
Two stations by train (Cabinet) from school, it can be called near if you consider today’s traffic conditions, Lina is renting and living in a Mansion.
However, her situation is not that she is living alone.
“Welcome back, Lina.”
Once she opened the door, a young woman, who seemed to be waiting for her, came out from inside.
“Mia, you’ve come home ahead?”
Even if you say young, she appears to be five or six years older than Lina. Her actual age is much higher but Lina has not been taught her exact age.
Her name is Mikaela Hongou.
She, together with Lina, are both Americans of Japanese descent but, Lina cannot be told apart from a Japanese person from outward appearances.
Although the color of her skin is a bit darkish, even with that, it is not to the extent that it is especially rare within Japan.
“It’s already night?”
Lina who stopped to do various things along the way, gave a wry smile at her reply.
“Do you discover something?”
She changed from her uniform into her house clothes and sat at the dining table where a tea cup had been prepared. From the seat facing her, Erika was pouring milk tea from the teapot. Lina asked Erika.
“At present, nothing yet.”
“Is that right?
It even seemed that we would have results right away.”
She was one of the intelligence officers that was sent into Japan ahead of Lina’s group.
Even saying that, her primary specialty was not that of a spy.
Her primary occupation was a research member of the National Military Establishment that is researching about emission systems magic. She is a talented woman who had even participated in the Black Hole experiment that took place in Dallas last November.
She is searching for clues to the “Energy Mass Conversion without Annihiliation” that replaced the unfruitful Dallas experiment. She is a member of the techinical staff that volunteered for this current mission.
She, personally, is also a magician, as are many of the magic researchers, she has been given a different role than the fake students that came to Japan this month to do nominally collaborative research. Beginning from last month, as the Sales Engineer “Hongou Mia” for the Maximillian Device’s Japanese Branch, she has slipped into the Magic University.
You could say that as the month came to an end she is now hiding among the members who entered into the Magic University from the front. She who had always been support staff. Not a combatant, and neither an information officer. Behind the scenes, she is a member of the [main forces], engaged in intelligence activities.
“Has Lina found out anything?”
At first, Lina had come to Japan at the end of the Year. Mia, who faced her, had been tense that someone from the outside would also discover them.
Although there are differences between a researcher and a combatant, Lina, who is in her middle-teens, is [Sirius] who stands at the top of the USNA’s magicians.
Because they sleep and eat together, Mia in her heart sensed something was there.
However, in order to avoid the discovery of her identity, and furthermore, for reasons of her own mental health, in these three days, Lina successfully changed from [Major] to [Lina].
It has been two weeks since she came to Japan and now it seems that they are able to have somewhat friendly conversations.
...although, some restraint could be seen by the [disconcerted] mask that would intermittently appear on Mia’s face. Lina knew as well that it couldn’t be helped.
“I think we have a new target, however...”
Lina sighed and let out a lethargic smile.
“We still have nothing essential.
More importantly, it seems that my true identity was leaked earlier.”
“...something happened?”
“Tatsuya asked “Isn’t the nickname of Angelina, Angie?”
My heart was beating.
“It wasn’t a coincidence?”
“I don’t know. I’m completely ignorant.
As I though, it seems I am not suited to this kind of job.”
One more time, Lina sighed heavily. Mia poured a second helping of milk tea into Lina’s cup.
“Thank you very much...
In terms of actual magic power, I think that the opponent we must watch out for is Miyuki, however, in a real sense, we probably must be vigilant against Tatsuya.”
At that, Lina opened her eyes as if to say “Ara?”
“Mia, are your clothes stained?”
“Eh?” Miya raised her voice and followed Lina’s gaze.
“At the cuff of your sleeve... probably black tea.”
“Ah, here?... I tried removing the stain, but it seems I wasn’t able to remove it.”
There was a thin brown spot that on first glance was unnoticeable on the cuff of the plain blouse Mia was wearing.
“Isn’t it better to leave it to a professional?”
“That may be right... I’ll try it one more time, if it doesn’t come off, I’ll bring it to the cleaners.
“Mia is also busy so it’s better not to over do it.
We have an ample budget for hiring a housekeeper or two.”
“Shall we also hire a cutely dressed maid-san?
“Mia, don’t tell me you have that kind of tastes...?”
With a serious look, Lina stared at Mia.
Without a word, their eyes met and by seeming agreement, spurt out “Pu” at the same time.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
He handed a gown to his sister, who was getting up from the plain examination bed wearing just her underwear. Although Tatsuya, who had let go of the android-like poker face he had during the examination, couldn’t escape from Miyuki’s eyes, wore a slightly concerned expression.
“...we didn’t reach something?
onii-sama, please tell me without holding back.
If it’s onii-sama speaking, then no matter what it is, Miyuki will do it.”
While it may be true, I think this response is excessive or I should say extreme.
Just as he thought, it was difficult to say anything. Tatsuya wore a dry smile that felt like he was greatly embarrassed by his choice of expression.
“No, if we have something we didn’t reach, this time it would be me.
The upper limit of the scale of magical formula construction “leveled-up” passed what I had expected. Because of that, the CAD’s processing ability was not able to keep up with your magic power.
I intentionally did the settings to have some margin of flexibility however... the reading was naive.”
“I’m sorry...”
“You’re apologizing? Despite, quite the opposite, you should be boasting.”
Tatsuya gently stroked Miyuki’s hair as she despondently hung her head. Tatsuya laughed gently at Miyuki who lifted her head up.
Miyuki hung on to her brother, possibly as her response to him, and smiled. As it was good until this point---
(...this is not the time for her to be blushing...)
Feeling a dangerous level of silence --- mainly because her breast could be seen from the seem of her gown--- Tatsuya continued rapidly talking.
“It seems that Lina’s admission into your same class has become a good stimulus for you.”
As soon as Lina’s name was said, the hazy eyes of the dizzy Miyuki became clear.
“That’s true... it may be impertinent to say but, I haven’t had an opponent who could respond at her level.”
However, it did not mean that the mood was killed.
Miyuki was not a young girl who would be unreasonably touchy every time Tatsuya mentioned another girl’s name. If you could call it natural, then it is just natural.
Instead, it seemed that her head cooled in a good direction.
The present Miyuki’s eyes brimmed with a quiet fighting spirit.
“Anyways, Onii-sama, that question at lunch was, as I thought, because you think that Lina is “Sirius”?
“You saw through that? Honestly, I can’t hide anything from Miyuki.”
While smiling, Tatsuya raised both of his arms in defeat. Miyuki smiling impishly as well, struck a pose thrusting a finger at Tatsuya.
“That’s enough.
Miyuki, more than anyone, has been looking at onii-sama.”
Because he thought Miyuki said those words as a joke, or because he thought that it was inadvertently a joke, Tatsuya deliberately raised his voice and laughed.
I want to know Tatsuya’s true feelings, Miyuki thought while accompanying her brother and similing.
Despite the basement (Or possibly an underground facility) having effective air condition, as always, dressing only in a gown and underwear was mutually unsettling.
Because Miyuki was made to change into her house clothes, the both of them moved to the living room.
The long and slender Miyuki’s legs were wrapped in black leggings which were not tights but long socks.
Between her very short skirt, with a gently spread hem and her socks, Miyuki’s white skin intermittently appeared.
With this situation immediately appearing, mirroring her actions and sitting down would be a little clumsy right?
---Thought Tatsuya, without letting himself be conscious of what [clumsy] was.
Without knowing that kind of brother’s heart --- if they truly did not want to know or not, they did not try to check --- Miyuki placed her coffee cup in front of her brother and, not next to Tatsuya, but limited to today, sat on the sofa directly in front of him.
And like that, crossed her legs, not like a tramp.
Properly arranging her knees, her legs flowed diagonally.
It was much sexier than something peeking out from under her skirt.
What her aim, was I didn’t know. (even if I knew what her intention was on the surface, I did not know what her true intentions underneath it)
Upon deciding to ignore it, the tremor in his gaze disappeared.
With the table interposed between them, Miyuki allowed an expression of slight discontent to show. With that included, Tatsuya merely stared at Miyuki, then opened his mouth.
“About what we spoke about earlier, I think that there is a high probability that Lina is “Angie Sirius”.
What I don’t know is, I don’t see the attitude of trying to hide “Sirius” true identity from others at all costs.
Rather than that, I can also see them seemingly trying to get me to notice the true identity.”
“Or you could say why is the USNA putting in Sirius who can also be called their Trump card?”
Miyuki also had already switched gears. A serious tone in accordance with Tatsuya’s story.
“That is correct.
At the end of one week’s observation, I cannot believe that Lina’s abilities lean towards intelligence activities.
Probably, the real objective is moving separately, however, being used as a cover.”
“Sirius is too much of a big-shot...”
“If we assume that Lina is Sirius... her spy mission is secondary, right?
Her original mission is separate.”
“A mission to the extent of the USNA investing Sirius outside their country... what could it be?”
“I don’t know... however, I think that we are presently at a stage where we don’t need to worry about it.”
At Tatsuya’s tone, Miyuki’s tension quickly vanished. Miyuki mood felt like she had been able to dodge a worthy opponent’s attack in the middle of battle.
“At great lengths, America has furnished a rival for Miyuki’s sake.
Miyuki.”
“Yes, onii-sama.”
Immediately, realizing what Tatsuya had tried to say, Miyuki replied formally.
“Compete with Lina with all your strength.
I said it during lunch but, being concerned with winning and losing is exactly right.
Because of that, I will push you up to a higher level.”
“Yes.”
“That is probably the same for Lina, but you don’t need to worry about it.
This kind of chance is rare.”
“Yes.
With that, for Miyuki, onii-sama is here.
If onii-sama is with me as much as possible, even if the opponent is Sirius, I will not be afraid.”
What Tatsuya said meant for them to compete it did not mean that there should be strife.
Miyuki’s words didn’t also mean that there were no feelings a bit off point.
However, Tatsuya nodded unhesitatingly to Miyuki’s approach that showed there was not a single day she did not have faith in him.
By @boyprangko.
But I think it matches with vol9 ch3 (Well I'm not sure!)
As always, Tatsuya and Miyuki welcomed New Year’s morning of 2096 together.
While it may be New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, Father coming home, to be frank, would be unpleasant and disagreeable. This is mutually preferred for the sake of both side’s mental health as it would be in a former lover’s house (now it’s a second house).
Although it was New Year’s, without indulgently sleeping in, Tatsuya was waiting at the entrance as early as he would normally go to school. “I have made you wait,” a voice said.
Before it was spoken, Tatsuya eyes had been rewarded with the sight of a splendid figure.
Miyuki gracefully came down the stairs wearing a long sleeved kimono made from a crimson fabric with stylized peony flowers painted in white and a light crimson.
Her lips were tinged with a vivid crimson color on her otherwise white face that needed no face powder.
The dangling, ornate hairpin swaying in her upswept hair gave a little bit of a child-like feeling but, rather than that, had become her most attractive feature that brought out the loveliness of her beautiful face, appropriate for a matured girl.
What attracted the eyes was not just her naturally beautiful face.
As it was long ago as well, Japanese clothing for women put pressure on the chest. These days, kimonos are also made with three-dimensional sewing but, with the traditional type of long-sleeved kimono Miyuki had chosen, despite curves that showed a slender waist on the verge of breaking and a chest volume that had increased, her nape was modestly covered. She showed a splendidly well dressed figure.
He felt pride as an older brother in the world’s loveliest (Tatsuya’s personal opinion) younger sister’s charming figure.
“Yeah, exceedingly pretty.”
Tatsuya, whose line of sight was fixed on his hakimono-wearing younger sister, shamelessly praised.
Miyuki’s cheeks at once flushed red.
“Enough, onii-san... please stop teasing.”
She protested with upturned eyes without looking away despite her shyness. Men are not immunity against that agonizing-death-like destructive power.
“I wasn’t teasing... well, shall we go?”
Tatsuya, who readily stopped that blow, indeed, hasn’t served as Miyuki’s older brother for even 16 years (To be accurate, 15 years, 9 months).
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
In front of the gate, a self-driving commuter had stopped.
However, although it did not need a driver did not mean that there were no people.
An adult man and an adult woman were sitting in the back seat of the four person commuter.
“Happy New Year, master.”
“Happy New Year, Kokonoe-sensei. I’m in your care this year as well.”
Yakumo, who remained in his seat, replied with a delighted smile to the short-greeting-Tatsuya and the courteously-bowing-Miyuki.
“Well, today is yet another level of bewitching. A level of beauty Kisshouten also writes of.
If you see today’s Miyuki-kun, Shumisen’s celestial maidens would probably hide in shyness.”
It has meaning, truthfully, it was a Yakumo-like response.
“Sensei... you have other things you should say, right?”
The interruption was from the woman sitting next to him.
Tatsuya, whose words were taken from him, before Yakumo’s reply was interrupted, faced that woman and lightly bowed his head.
“Ono-sensei, Happy New Year.
But, is it alright? Being seen together with shishou?”
“Congratulations, Shiba-kun. Soon after the New Year, saying something unpleasant.”
Tatsuya had cause to worry, relatively seriously, but it seems like Haruka took it for sarcasm.
Tatsuya, as per usual had various things come to mind, making a misunderstanding can’t be helped, and inside his heart, Tatsuya shrugged his shoulders.
“Meeting with sensei was by coincidence. Today, I came to be led by you.”
“I see, it was that kind of a setting? I think it’s somewhat painful to be lead by a high school student... but if that’s the case, the honorific “sensei” is a bit clumsy?”
In the back seat, Haruka frowned at Tatsuya’s pointing that out.
Certainly in the present day, they’ve already become high school students and going to Hatsumoude while the sun was still out did not require an adult chaperone.
If we were to explain, it would not be “led”, but in truth merely “fellow travellers”, probably.
Besides, using the honorific “sensei” on the person coincidentally met, despite moreover being an educator, has the risk of being thought strange.
“As you will consider that along the way, shouldn’t we leave soon?”
Miyuki proposed that after Tatsuya had opened the commuter door.
He left the brooding Haruka alone, and lent a hand to the boarding Miyuki. He closed the door and boarded on the opposite side where the driver would sit in a manned car.
At the same time that Tatsuya locked the door, the commuter departed towards the station.
Haruka, having shelved the title fellow traveler, settled on Yakumo’s nickname, “Kashou-sama,” and finally released her frown. It looked like Haruka became interested in Miyuki’s dressing, especially her hair.
“Shiba-san, that long-sleeved kimono, yourself?
Incidentally, Haruka wore a suit. It’s a sharply dressed semi-formal but, as I thought, it is an unfavorable comparison to the long-sleeved kimono.
“Dressing? Yes, that’s right.”
It appeared that Haruka received a little shock from hearing Miyuki’s carelessly returned reply.
“That hair as well?”
“Yes. Since today would be private, I thought I didn’t need to go to the extent of having it done at a beauty parlor.”
While saying that, Miyuki touched her hair with seeming embarrassment.
As she had set her hair herself, as expected, it could not have been arranged in a complicated shape. She arranged her hair up and stopped at that.
However, no parts were mismatched or loose. The balance of both sides of her hair arrangement was well done. The execution was a hard to believe result coming from a 15-year old young woman who prepared herself on her own.
“Ha.... Shiba-san you are a flawless young woman able to do even this.”
“I’m just used to it.”
Far more mature than herself (possibly more voluptuous). With a charming smile, that you wouldn’t believe of a teenager, she received a round-about consolation. Haruka somehow felt like crying.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
They transferred from the Commuter to a train (Cabinet) (at the station, they were bathed in large amounts of attention). They disembarked from the Cabinet, and it was a 5 minute walk to the meeting place (they were bathed here as well in large amounts of attention).
“Woah, Miyuki-san, so pretty!”
The first voice that greeted Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had arrived at the meeting place was like this.
Mizuki, who faced Miyuki with enraptured eyes, didn’t seem to catch sight of Tatsuya next to Miyuki.
“Happy New Year’s, Tatsuya-san. That suits you well. It’s a bit unexpected however.”
Honoka, the same as Miyuki, was wearing a long sleeved kimono. She was possibly overwhelmed by her classmate’s charming figure because she seemed somewhat intimidated. She looked at Tatsuya, who had a different, though simple, atmosphere as usual, and her consciousness seemed to stray from her good health but a New-Year’s-like smiling face returned.
“Happy New Year’s. It also suits Honoka well.”
Although Haruka in a long-sleeve kimono did suit her, Tatsuya was not consciously aware of the compliment.
Tatsuya returned Honoka’s delighted smile with his own and looked down at his own clothing.
“But unexpected you had said. As i thought it’s a little out of place?”
“Isn’t it that it is not it?”
Tatsuya, it suit’s you well. The dignity of a young head.”
“I’m Yakuza?”
Leo interrupted with a tone that was hard to distinguish whether he was serious or joking. He was wearing a jacket that was not unlike his school uniform.
The three people who met up for Hatsumoude were Mizuki, Honoka and Leo. Erika and Mikihiko had to help their families who employed large amounts of people and couldn’t slip away, Shizuku would soon be leaving to study abroad did not slip away because of something related to her father’s job.
“Seperately, I can’t see the Yakuza thing, but seeing a high school student in Haorihakama is certainly rare, i think.”
“More than a Yakuza, it’s the image of a Yoriki or Doushin.”
Yakumo and Haruka said that, arriving a bit delayed. Today, Tatsuya was wearing Setta in genuine Japanese style with his Haorihakama.
“It’s Haruka-chan.
Happy New Year’s.”
“Happy New Year’s, Ono-sensei.
… Tatsuya-san, this person is?”
Leo, who expressed a simple New Year’s greeting to Honoka, continued with a more formal way of speaking. Afterwards, Honoka turned to face Yakumo shyly and requested Tatsuya.
“Kyuuchou temple-residing, Yakumo-high priest.”
If you are thinking of the ninjitsu master Kokonoe Yakumo, then you would be correct.
He is my taijutsu sensei.”
Upon hearing Tatsuya’s introduction, Honoka and Mizuki’s eyes widened. Honoka probably knew Yakumo’s name but, Mizuka knew of Yakumo but in relation to Tatsuya, it was unexpected.
“I see. Because of that, it became a tale of let’s go to Hieda shrine.”
Tatsuya was surprised at Leo who identified this information in an unforeseen direction.
That was, certainly, not a case of underestimating Leo.
“You said ‘because?’”
Haruka looked as well like she completely did not understand. On the other hand it wasn’t general knowledge.
“Huh? ‘High Priest’ you said. He’s a priest of the Tendai-sect, right?
Mountain King beliefs and Tendai have a relationship that even if you cut, will not be cut.”
Leo concisely recited with a face that said, “Why did you ask such a thing?” To this explanation, Haruka’s question mark floating on top of her head, instead increased in number.
“You, despite being young know a lot.
Saijou Leonheart-kun, right?”
Yakumo left that Haruka behind and enjoyably seeming, spoke to Leo.
“Huh? You know me?”
Since this is the first time he met the person, Leo’s question was extremely appropriate.
A somewhat worn out feeling could not be denied.
“I was shown a clip of the recording of the Nine-School Battle.”
Yakumo’s reply also was honest, devoid of any twist but, Leo heard that and reflexively frowned.
Probably, they remember that coat which could be mistaken for being from another era and place. It appears that for him, it would seem like a memory he would like to forget.
They finished the mutual introductions for the present and five classmates and one bald-headed man (however he was not wearing a monk’s stole. His kimono was a normal man’s.) with seven young women accompanying, walked in groups towards the main shrine. (Haruka was happy that she wasn’t asked the particulars of how they came to be traveling together)
The spectacle of both sides of the road to the shrine lined with stalls hadn’t changed from a hundred years ago. But even here, the effects from the era of the deepening world famous food supply crisis disappeared from the scenery. For the elderly people who know of that time, it is a deeply moving landscape but, unfortunately, for Tatsuya and others, they have no relation to that kind of sentimentality.
Even if they ate while walking, they needed to finish paying homage at the shrine. (For Tatsuya and also for Miyuki, they had no such intention)
Climbing the long staircase, the passed through the shrine gates. Upon entering the courtyard in front of the front shrine, Tatsuya abruptly felt someone looking.
It wasn’t the gaze of someone impolitely staring, but the intermittent gave of someone peeping.
Someone considerably skilled at doing camouflage...
“Shiba-kun, do you happen to know?”
“It’s the first time i’m seeing that face.”
“Tatsuya’s appearance is rare to a foreigner, right?”
Haruka and Yakumo’s eye’s were not deceived. Tatsuya had noticed without using his elemental sight. Anyway, it also could be said that it is natural for Haruka and Yakumo to notice.
The foreigner that Yakumo referred to, was typically blond haired and blue eyed, and was a young woman.
In today’s age however, it does not mean that it is decided that it’s a foreign family. Her features that can be found anywhere give the impression of a Japanese person.
Her approximate age seemed the same as Tatsuya and company. If you consider the difference in racial features of Caucasion and Mongolian people, she could be seen to be younger than them. Judging by the degree, of Japanese blood mixed in, which is not thin at all, Tatsuya considered that she probably wouldn’t be that much younger than them.
“Onii-sama, have you seen something?”
Although Tatsuya observed that young woman for not even one second, that Miyuki had noticed was more than enough.
She followed the remnants of her brother’s gaze and as if to say “Maa...!,” deliberately lifted the corner of her eyes.
“... it’s a pretty child.”
Miyuki murmured with a level voice that did not let you understand what she was considering inside her heart.
That girl, certainly even if Miyuki had praised her, calling her “pretty,” it must not have been said sarcastically, as it was a beautiful girl.
Vivid hair and eyes. The meaning of which which is that it was a beauty that contrasted with Miyuki.
However, by no means was Tatsuya observing that young girl for that reason.
Tatsuya, wishing for a life boat, threw his gaze at Yakumo --- and saw his mouth carved with a grin not appropriate for his age. “I have to do something myself,” he perceived.
“Not to your extent.”
“... year in year out, don’t think please you can deceive me with that.”
If you look just at the surface, it is a firm counter, but with reddened cheeks and eyes that are letting you go, even if said with that voice, his remaining fear was gone.
“It wasn’t deceit. Those are my true thoughts, and because of that I have no need to look at her.”
“Enough, onii-sama!”
“Pui,” and tried to turn away but Miyuki noticed the implication in the words of Tatsuya that she could not ignore.
“... is there something you suspect about her?”
Miyuki had a while ago merely turned her gaze, filled with a strong will, towards the young girl.
If the young girl had noticed or not, with a face that looked like nothing was wrong started walking.
Towards their group.
Just like that, without saying anything, passed each other and left towards the long stairs.
It was by no means Tatsuya’s imagination that he had seen a gaze full of meaning thrown at him while they passed each other.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Although brief, an eventful winter vacation ended, and from today, is the third trimester.
That “eventful” encompassed seeing Shizuku of to the airport, being dragged into an unforeseen “tearful parting” (Lead: Honoka, Shizuku; Supporting: Miyuki, Mizuki). I was at a loss, and it was a very hard personal experience, but this would someday become a “good memory.”--- that firm belief seemed like it would be crushed.
For A-section, just like that, from today, Shizuku’s replacement exchange student is expected to come, but for the moment, to Tatsuya it was someone else’s problem. Above becoming the classmate of Miyuki, he probably not going to be completely unrelated, but he had no desire to be related to it.
If you spoke about the homework, it was suddenly a full time curriculum from the first day of the third term.
At the end of first period, A-section’s exchange student had already become gossip. Tatsuya was not actively extended his antennas but conversation had flowed from his right side to his left.
But that detached stance was, as expected, in the minority. At the break after second period, due to his friends burning with curiosity, he also was dragged into the middle of the whirlpool of gossip.
“What an amazingly beautiful girl.”
Erica, being somewhat excited, or possibly acting excited, was talking incessantly. Tatsuya finally could no longer deal with it.
“Pretty blond hair, I heard even an upper classman came to see.”
“Erika, you’re not going to look?”
In the first place, regardless that this is the only time she is talking with such enthusiasm, everything was hearsay. Tatsuya took an interest in that and tried asking.
“For argument’s sake, I can’t go in to see that kind of person.”
“It seems even you know restraint.”
At the same time he was teasing, Leo, raised his hand above his head.
In the next instant, a frog-like sound was released, his throat oppressed, and his entire body was folded as it pitched forward. (You know I can do it so it’s better for you not to say anything unnecessary)
Crying out a round note, Leo ate a thrust to the throat and fainted in agony. With a stunned look, Tatsuya looked down at Leo. The other party, the perpetrator Erika, innocently continued talking.
“I’m a woman~
Even if you say it’s a beautiful young girl, I don’t think I want to go see to the point of experiencing all that pushing and shoving.”
Tatsuya had completely the same feeling of not wanting to expressly go and look. He felt the need to defend himself against being linked with curiosity towards all-out lewdness. --- Who would he defend against? If he were asked, you probably would not get an answer.
“If it’s just a transfer student you don’t assume it to be a Magic High School.
With that, should an overseas student come, curiosity will swell, probably.
Isn’t it something that hasn’t happened here in more than 10 years?”
“I don’t know about the thing you said before, but, it looks like an overseas student coming is limited to just our school.”
The person who inserted himself into the conversation was the returning Mikihiko. More precisely, from the geometry preparation room.
“It seems that 2nd, 3rd, and 4th High School as well, accepted short-term overseas students. Even in universities, I heard that some people have come for nominal collaborative research.
One of our followers said.”
“Ah, I’ve also heard about the universities.
I understand that the military applications of the flying magic from the Yokohama incident of before are extraordinary. The rumor is that they are impatient to come and investigate.”
The fields of ancient magic and modern magic are different, but the Yoshida and Chiba families respectively employ a great number of followers. The volume of information coming in compared to the level for a private individual is as expected on an entirely different level. The USNA is putting in personnel on a large scale, exceeding expectations. At that time in “November, the talk was that Stars was moving independently but it appears the situation has become more serious by yet another level,” thought Tatsuya.
“Then, would the overseas student in A-section also be a spy?”
“You...”
Not just Erika, but Mizuki and Mikihiko as well smiled at Leo’s, who had come back from fainting in agony, blunt question.
“Leo-kun, it’s better not to say you are thinking that kind of thing...”
“Since we, as fellow classmates, have to go associate ourselves...”
At the overwhelming inclusion of the doubles team of Mizuki and Mikihiko, Leo tested out his somewhat of a rebuttal.
“No, “associating” shouldn’t that be done by A-section?
Don’t we have no interaction with them?”
“Idiot. Isn’t Miyuki in A-section?
The student council vice-president with the overseas student, who’s age I don’t know.
Until the overseas student is used to it, even though we don’t know in what form, Miyuki will have to take care of her, right? If Miyuki is able to be involved, it is inexcusable for us not to be involved.”
With that, Erika cut Leo’s rebuttal in two with a single stroke.
Tatsuya, who also didn’t want to actively be involved, in his heart, said “That’s probably right,” and sighed.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
Spoiler:
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
That “involvement” came faster than he thought.
No, I must say that within the forecasted possibility, the number one fastest thing mercilessly materialized.
They made an appointment to meet for lunch at the school cafeteria.
The people who came were Miyuki, Honoka, and one more person, a blond-haired, blue-eyed young girl.
Seeing that girl, Tatsuya didn’t go as far as to say he was surprised, but just thought “Oh.”
I heard about the hair and eye color. That she was a bishoujo, I heard as well in bits and pieces. (In the first place, I’m used to seeing bishoujos)
That was not why he was surprised. She was the girl he met at Hieda temple --- or perhaps I should say that that was the girl he noticed.
“Would it be alright to sit with you?”
What flowed out of her mouth was fluent Japanese. While it can’t be helped that the way she speaks emphasizes her slight accent, all the same, it's clear she has come to Japan to study --- or maybe, she’s just pretending to be an exchange student in order to sneak into the country.
“Of course, please do.”
As her gaze was directed to Tatsuya, he answered frankly without feeling the need to be especially on guard
“Lina, let’s first get our plates.”
“Plates... ah, you’re referring to food. I got it.”
Tatsuya’s group had already gotten their share.
At Miyuki’s urging, the three of them headed to the lunch counter.
He felt that the noise before the three had left was much larger than usual.
The other students making way for them also seemed larger than usual.
“Those two lined up make such a large impression~”
Erika said, expressing her admiration at that spectacle. In comparison to bishoujos similar to those two, Erika’s type is not the kind that overwhelms the viewer.
“You’re being very frank...”
Despite having just met up today, Mizuki probably wanted to say that.
“Hey, Tatsuya... I feel like I’ve seen that girl somewhere.”
“Uwa, what an old line.”
Without a moment’s delay, Erika disrupted Leo’s murmuring. She knew that Leo wasn’t that entranced with the girl’s beauty. She wasn’t “disrupting” per se but it was clear that she simply wanted to say it.
“...come to think of it, that's true.”
“What! Shibata-san too? Maybe she's.... an actress or model?
Mikihiko saw Mizuki being all agreeable, and threw in a guess as well, as usual.
Naturally, Tatsuya knew the truth was something else.
Tatsuya was a little lost as to whether or not he should alleviate his friends’ guess. While he was debating, said person returned with Miyuki’s group.
“I’ve made you wait, onii-sama.”
Matter of factly, Miyuki sat down next to Tatsuya.
“Tatsuya-san, I will do the introductions.”
Honoka said, facing the girl sitting next to her. Honoka, as if it were natural, placed her tray in front of Tatsuya.
“Angelina Kudou Shields-san.
I think you’ve already heard this before but, she is the overseas exchange student who today became a classmate in A-section.”
Hearing Honoka’s introductions, Tatsuya --- not with that, the other three people were bewildered.
“Honoka, not just to this person, I would also like to be introduced to the others as well.”
The one who expressed that on everyone else’ behalf was the very same overseas student.
“Eh, ah, I’m sorry!”
“...well, it’s Honoka.”
“It’s Honoka-san, right.”
Erika and Mizuki were not teasing, but affectionately murmuring. Red faced, Honoka was at a loss for words.
“Well, once again.
Angelina Kudou Shields-san, from America.”
After Miyuki said the introductions for the second time, the overseas student, blond hair lightly swaying, bowed from a sitting position.
“Please call me Lina.”
She said, her whole face lighting up with a brilliant smile.
Those deep blue eyes were not the blue of water, nor the blue of ice, but the blue that evoked the impression of a blue sky.
Her wavy, golden hair was tied up on both sides of her head with a ribbon. If you untied it, the length would probably extend past half-way down her back. Perchance, even longer than Miyuki’s.
For a first year high school student, she had mature features. I felt that her flirty hair was a bit unbalanced, but it softened the impression of her sharp beauty. I also felt that it seemed like that level of friendliness was an act.
Miyuki gave Lina’s name once again, and his friends (With an “Oh!” expression on their faces) were entranced by Lina’s gorgeous smile (especially the two boys), cutting through their defenses. Tatsuya made his greetings in return.
“I’m E-sections’s Shiba Tatsuya. It would probably be hard to distinguish from Miyuki, so “Tatsuya” would be fine.”
“Thank you. Please call me Lina as well and I would be glad if you didn’t speak formally.”
“I got it. I will do that Lina.”
“I’m in your care, Tatsuya.”
Lina extended her hand across the table and Tatsuya gently gripped it from the bottom.
Why was the gesture of bowing and kissing a lady’s hand rather than a simple handshake unexpected?
“Tatsuya, you said. Are you possibly Miyuki’s onii-san?”
Lina asked, innocently, although her eyes were twinkling.
It seems that she doesn’t have a good poker face, thought Tatsuya while nodded his head and smiling, trying not to snigger.
--- Since Miyuki had called Tatsuya “onii-sama” a while ago, there was no need to point that out.
“I am Chiba Erika. Erika is fine, Lina.”
Erika’s lack of timidity was unmistakenly a virtue in time like this.
“I am Shibata Mizuki. Please call me Mizuki.”
“I am Saijou Leonheart. Leo is fine.
It’s rather crude, so please don’t pay attention to my way of speaking.”
“Yoshida Mikihiko. With me as well, “Mikihiko” is fine.”
With an encouraging manner, Mizuki, Leo and Mikihiko in turn, introduced themselves.
“Erika, Mizuki, Leo, Mikihiko, right. I’m in your care.”
Without asking again, Lina remembered on the first try. It’s rudimentary, but she neatly completed the first step in making a good impression.
The pronunciation of “Mikihiko” was heard as “Miki • hiko”. As I thought, for the American girl, a genuine Japanese name was difficult.
“It’s hard to say, I’m sure.
Rather than “Mikihiko”, isn’t “Miki” alright?"
If this was said by the actual person, it would show great consideration but, from someone else, especially if Lina had been the one, I don’t think it would be merely kindness.
At the very least, the actual Mikihiko seemed to feel that and tried to object as usual.
“Is that right? I’ll take your word for it. “Miki” should be alright, right?”
Lina said, one step ahead, with a smile that said “thank god” and Mikihiko was forced to accept that pet name.
Lina, who had expressly ordered Soba from the cafeteria menu, while safely handling her chopsticks, answered questions from time to time without frowning a single time.
It was also good that there was no one mixed who asked any ill-mannered questions of her.
It soon became time that all of them should finish eating. Tatsuya asked Lina the question that all the E-section members had been thinking.
“Anyways, Lina, are you possibly related to his Excellency Kudou?”
“Sage” was a nickname that among Japanese magicians was a popular way of speaking. Again, Tatsuya didn’t personally like that word.
“His Excellency” is an honorific used among the public that has its roots in Generals retiring from active military service. Tatsuya chose to use that in asking Lina.
“If I’m not mistaken, his Excellency’s younger brother went to the states, and like that the family grew or so I recall.”
It was an era which encouraged international marriages between fellow Magicians.
At that time, the younger brother of Kudou Akira, who received the assesment of the world’s “strongest” magician, going to the US and having a family with an American magician, would, at least among magicians, have become a popular topic of conversation.
“Wow, you’re well acquainted with this, Tatsuya.
Despite it being from so long ago.”
Somehow, Tatsuya’s guess seemed to be spot on.
And, for this American magician, Kudou Akira’s younger brother moving to and dying in America has somehow or other finished with “so long ago.” Tatsuya also understood how both sides fit together.
“My grandfather on my mother’s side is Kudou Shougun’s younger brother.”
It certainly wasn’t his ears at fault for Tatsuya hearing Shougun pronounced as “SHOGUN.”
Kudou Akira held a position of leadership among Japanese magicians for a long time. The magicians of Europe, even up to now, call him that. Even if she is quarter Japanese, even if she speaks Japanese fluently, as I thought, she is an American magician.
“Even with that sort of relationship, this time, it seems we’ve come to my place in the story of this time’s overseas exchange student.”
“Then, it does not mean that Lina had her own aspirations?
Erika inadvertently inserted her question.
Lina was disturbed and tense in reaction to that, and it probably wasn’t Tatsuya’s imagination.
With this, web 5-(2) is complete.
I think this is the translation of vol9 ch2 made by @boyprangko. He called web 5-(2). I don't know if it is the same. I only take it on jcafe24. What is strange is that has been translated in May 2012 (according to the date that I saw). How do you explain this?
Thanks for the spoilers!
I think the web version and the novels are two different things.
is not being done anymore instead vol.9 is being work on which is better.
agree with you, this is quote Dreyakis from baka tsuki forum
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ulrick
Ah, Dreyakis, I was wondering where you disappeared?
How are you? Do you still intent to finish volume 5?
Thanks again for your hard work.
And thanks for the others for the chapters 16, 17 & 18.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreyakis
Taking a break was nice, for a while. Then I realized I had nothing to do with my time now that I was no longer translating MKnR. :P
I was about to turn back to Volume 5 when I noticed that the Chinese translators seemed to have put out pieces of Volume 9 Chapter 1-2, so I stopped to follow that for a bit. Depending on Sachiko's status, I may start on Volume 9 now.
Thinking back a little and especially the context of the conversation couldn't planetary-class also be world-class or something meaning magicians who are send to other countries for intelligence gathering purposes.
Thinking back a little and especially the context of the conversation couldn't planetary-class also be world-class or something meaning magicians who are send to other countries for intelligence gathering purposes.
Given as black op name is STARS(unless it is some sort of elaborate abbreviation) it suggest that their top members most likely don't exceed star-class and it is most likely magician categorization rather than magic itself ... If we think that way(as celestial body categorization) planet-class magicians would be some sort of support personell for main task force star members with significantly lower "power" but far greater "utility". Whether it goes deeper to dwarf planets, asteroids, natural satellites, meteoroids, comets and planetesimals or other planteary system terminology is unknown at this point in time ... same with magic classification in USNA(someone, somwhere mentioned that raws have terms like Mercury-type) ...
You can elaborate like, "Lina is galaxy lvl magician, u noob" but Sirus itself is the brightest known star to us ... this suggest there is nothing beyond something we would refer as star-class (maybe just some term concerning strategic class magic might be exception)
Hard to say, Sirus is already name of the brightest star(and it doesn't seem to corespond to particular magic) so something like planet names shouldn't be suprising at this point ... then again mine jp is as good as martian language, can't vouch for info
what year is mayumi and mari in? i thought that in volume 1-4, they were 3rd yrs, so why is it that they are still in highschool in volumes 5 onward when it is supposedly a new yr? shouldn't they have graduated?
what year is mayumi and mari in? i thought that in volume 1-4, they were 3rd yrs, so why is it that they are still in highschool in volumes 5 onward when it is supposedly a new yr? shouldn't they have graduated?
Japanese school system are different, school year starts in April and ends in March, unlike European or US ones.
So they haven't graduated yet and are still 3rd year students in Vol.9, which is in December.
Hey comrades, what do you think about substantial spells?
I think it's something Tatsuya can be good at.
What is substantial spell you ask?
Well, that would be fly-type magic in this series.
For better grasp of concept. Look up for "DotA -Butcher rot", "LoL- Amumu's despair" or"Warcraft 3 - Demon Hunter's Immolation" on google.
Pro: cast-time irrelevant as you can prepare and active the spell before combat and keeping it active as you enter combat.
Con: require lots of resources to maintain the spell and Tatsuya got that cover.
If offensive spells of this type is used by Tatsuya specifically, it will look like "DotA sand king's Epic center" with the duration of "Butcher's rot" .
Or just some awesome stat buff like you know "Alchemist's Chemical Rage" or "DotA Medusa's spell shield" or "Troll Warlord's Battle Trance" or "Naruto's Kabuto charkra knife".
2013-04-25, 02:49
