Vol 4 Chapter 6 (2/2)

Being reminded of the fluffy, gentle outward appearance of her friend, Ayano declared so in a resolute tone.

”Well, leaving that aside”

Completely ignoring that inconsequential topic, Kazuma turned his eyes to Kaguya, fired up by her 『righteous indignation』.

”For the time being, I have no intention of getting in your way. You can punish that b.i.t.c.h however you like. ”

”What did you say!? ”

And then disregarding Ayano whose evil countenance didn't loose to Kaguya's, he turned his back on them and started walking.

But, immediately following.

”Wait! ”

”-----!”

Something high speed ran past Kazuma as he inclined his head on the spur of the moment, grazing his temple. A few strands of cut hair

danced in the wind.

”I have a lot to thank you too for, don't I, Yagami? ”

”No, I don't care about the rest of the payment.I did get it from your father. ”

Without hesitating when hearing those words at absolute zero temperature, Kazuma shamelessly declared so.

”Fufufufufu. You say the funniest things, Yagami. ”, laughed Kaguya in a monotonous tone.

And then, she let her crossed arms slowly fall down.

From her cuff, something white, long and narrow creped out.

Their overall length was twenty centimeters and they were slender like snakes, appearing one after another from inside her top tunic

and the hem of her skirt, loosely drifting around Kaguya.

”Are those paper strings? ”, mumbled Ayano in confusion.

They were wandering around Kaguya as if to protect her, looking like cords made of paper --- they seemed the mundane type of paper

strings.

Although normally paper strings didn't float in the air.

”Yes, they are paper strings with curses embedded in them. A type of divination form. Although they look like they're just flying

around posing no threat and are pretty simple, on the other hand they posses subsonic speed and at certain times they can even exceed

the speed of sound. I'm only saying this for reference only but today they are in perfect form. ”

”How extreme can you be......”, murmured Ayano visibly shocked.

But without showing any discomposure, Kaguya magnificently retorted.

”For divination forms dedicated to combat, there is no need for delicate molding and varied abilities. Just a super-fast attack you

cannot see. That's enough to kill one's enemy. ”

”I feel the same way. ”

”Don't talk like it's none of your business, you! ”

Seeing Kazuma earnestly agree, Ayano replied with a plasma one round.

He avoided it by suddenly bending his upper body.

”........I thought this before but you're fundamentally misunderstanding what a retort is. ”

”It seems like one wasn't enough for you, huh? By the way, what can I do about this? I'm not really sure I can react to a supersonic

speed attack. ”

”React? There's no need to. You just have to release flames as you please. ”

Seeing Ayano worried about counter-measures, Kazuma easily replied.

”----Eeh? Is that enough? ”

”That's just paper, right? If you make something like that fly at the speed of sound, it will burn itself because of the air friction

without a kekkai. Just some stuff that easily burns. ”

”Aah, I see. ”

”Ha ha ha, how optimistic. ”

Bragging, Kaguya interrupted Ayano's consenting words.

”This is a perfect counter-plan for Seirei Jutsus.h.i.+ like yourselves. This charms are made of special incombustible materials. Not

something that can easily be burned.

”

”......hee----”

Indifferently throwing the appropriate words in the conversation, Kazuma gazed at the conceited Kaguya with apathetic eyes.

A few days ago when he fought Tsuchimikado's Onmyouji underlings, their amulets incorporated Kevlar to protect against wind blades.

And since Kaguya tried to use the same method, maybe the Tsuchimikado really thought this was an effective counter-measure against

Serei Jutsu?

But----

”Well, I'll turn you into swiss cheese, Kannagi Ayano. ”

Together with that verdict dozens of paper ropes were----

”Haah! ”

----engulfed by the flames Ayano fired and instantly evaporated.

”Wha-----!? ”

Kaguya opened her eyes wide in shock. But Kazuma and Ayano couldn't even laugh at the obvious result.

Yes, this was only natural.

High ranking Seirei Jutsus.h.i.+ transcend the laws of physics by their will alone.

For Enjutsu-s.h.i.+ that means burning things one usually couldn't --- the air, the water and even different kind of Youmas.

So things like fire-proof materials who burn just a little harder than the rest, why would that be the exception?

Tsuchimikado's Seirei Jutsu counter-measures are after all cheap tricks that only work against second-rate pract.i.tioners.

”S- such a.......”

”Don't be surprised by each and every thing, it's only the natural outcome. ”

Seeing Kaguya beginning to panic as her certain victory plan was broken apart, Kazuma declared so, cold-hearted.

It's true he likes tricks and for this reason he has no patience for idiots who misunderstand them for certain victory.

Besides he can't savor the same trick twice.

”Besides, from the point you thought you can openly fight with a direct descendant of Kannagi you lost the last speck of sanity. ”

While hatefully glaring at Kazuma who was speaking in a flat tone, Kagura extended her arm and moved it as if trying to grab

something.

”Kyaaa”

Matching that, a girl made her appearance from the shadow of a tree.

As if drawn by something invisible, the girl approaching while staggering --- was exactly who they expected her to be to a dizzying

degree.

”A～re～”

The girl apprehended by Kaguya screamed like some ham actor in defiance of Ayano's pure white gaze.

Since it meant she had that much composure even with a knife pointing at her neck, in a certain way it was maybe worth of praise----

”Ayano-chan, save meeeee! ”

”--------Yuukari, you know the expression paying for one's mistakes right?”

Ayano replied with resolute coolness to her friend (a bit doubtful nowadays), s.h.i.+nomiya Yuukari, asking for help in a voice lacking

any nervousness.

Now that she thought about it, Yuukari started to poke her nose in this business from the beginning.

She naturally sneaked in the day of the Omiai, even more, she raised an uproar by using her junior, Hiiragi Taiichirou and before

Ayano noticed she disappeared.

And right now, she doesn't know what she said to Kaguya who was burning with revenge for Ayano and Kazuma but obviously fed her

distorted facts, making her rage stir up fiercely.

”Waah........now that I think about it, she's the root of all evil”

”Well now, if you don't want me to hurt your friend----”

”Friend? ”

While thinking so, at the opportune moment when Kaguya was warning her, unintentionally Ayano asked back with a straight face.

At that moment, Yuukari started to complain.

”Ayano-chan, why are you questioning that? ”

”No, I just thought I should reconsider my relations.h.i.+ps a bit. ”

”Ayano-chan, you're cruel! ”

”Shut up! This is all your fault, isn't it? You spouted a mixture of truths and fiction at Kaguya-san too, right? ”

”Ah, that's a false accusation. Even though I only said the objective truth, this person mis-constructed it on her own accord. ”

”I wonder”, responded Ayano.

As a digression, Yuukari's words right now were correct. Mad with jealousy, Kaguya willfully dramatized the facts.

But even if that is so, it's also true Yuukari came to Kaguya on her own free will.

”Good grief----”

Even though Ayano's doubts were not yet cleared, at the same time she can't really abandon her. No matter what, she had to save

Yuukari. Of course, unhurt.

In a small voice, Ayano asked Kazuma?

”Do you have a solution for this? Obviously, without killing anyone. ”

”Who knows? I don't feel like doing anything. ”, replied Kazuma in a spiritless tone.

”This is not the place to feel lazy, you know? She's aiming for you too, tentatively.”

”It's all right. We bought enough time. ”

””-----Eeh?

Hearing those words whose meaning she didn't understand, Ayano blinked her eyes and at that time----

”Kaguya! ”

That man das.h.i.+ngly appeared.

In a certain way, he was the focal point of all their problems --- Kaguya's brother, Tsuchimikado Takaaki.

”------O-Onii-sama! ”

Hearing the voice of her brother appear so suddenly, Kaguya shouted in confusion.

Yuukari used that chance to promptly run away but already n.o.body gave a d.a.m.n about her.

In silence, Takaaki stepped up to Kaguya who was standing rock still, in a daze.

”Eeh-------huh? Why? ”

At the stage entry of someone who shouldn't be here, Ayano looked at Kazuma, enquiringly.

Kazuma simply said.

”I called him. ”

”You called him----aah, using Kodamahou? ”

Kodamahou was the way to send a verbal message at great lengths using the Wind's voice used by Fuujutsu-s.h.i.+.

Using that, Kazuma guided Takaaki to this place.

”We should leave the rest to him. I don't like sticking my nose in other people's household matters. ”

”------I agree”

Hearing Kazuma's obvious whitewas.h.i.+ng pretext, Ayano nodded in agreement.

To be frank, Ayano didn't want to be involved any longer with Kaguya either.

In front of both of them, watching attentively, Takaaki drew near Kagura.

His expression began to tighten letting extreme anger peek through.

”Onii-sama........”

Kaguya dropped her shoulders and while casting her eyes down, every now and then, she stole glances to her brother's appearance.

Stopping right in front of her, Takaaki called his sister's name once more.

”Kaguya”

”Y-yes! ”

As if struck by that voice filled with a hard and firm power, Kaguya's body quivered.

Seeing Kaguya look like she was about to burst into tears at any moment, Ayano could not help but feel pity for her.

Certainly, she caused great inconvenience more than once and only because she was earnestly adoring her brother.

And for that brother to reprimand her was more painful that anything for her.

But, as Takaaki was overlooking the wooden Kaguya with a strict expression, he raised his clenched fist to the height of her shoulder.

And then----

”If you do any more of these useless things....tsk! ”

”Yes, I beg your pardon Onii-sama❤ ”

A soon as they thought that love struck smile was about to crumble, she was scolded ---really?--- in mushy voice while her brother

poked her forehead.

And Kaguya too blushed like the scolding --- really? --- was lover's talk and while bending her body forward she spoke apology-like

words.

”What------!?”

Loosing strength because of the extreme weird development, Ayano unintentionally staggered.

Unconsciously using Kazuma for support, even that support shook violently.

Rightfully speaking something like Ayano's weight was nothing for this man but it seems like he cannot help but be shaken by the

ballistic scene in front of his eyes.

”Yes, as long as you understand. Be more careful from now on. ”

”Yes, Onii-sama❤”

And, without noticing Ayano and Kazuma standing there in blank amazement, the Tsuchimikado brother and sister began a sickly sweet

conversation.

Abruptly, Ayano remembered Takaaki's previous words.

”------Every time I'm scolding her but she does not seem to want to stop.”

”Scolding ----- it this what you meant!? ”, shouted Ayano in her heart, while remembering that with apathy.

There's no way she'll stop it. The kind of human who would stop because of this, wouldn't have done it from the beginning.

She wanted to shout that with all her power but if she were to do that, she'll only get involved again.

”Kazu.....”

Demanding a quick exit she raised her eyes at Kazuma, standing next to her.

Simultaneously, Kazuma s.h.i.+fted his focus on her.

Mutual understanding of their purpose was instantly reached.

”We're leaving? ”

”Yeah”

While simultaneously nodding to one another, they turned their backs.

”I see, you're a good girl, Kaguya. ”

”Aan, you're making me embarra.s.sed, Onii-sama. ”

For how long will this endlessly Good lord! diseased brother and sister continue?

By the way, by this time Yuukari was long gone but afterwards the fact that she failed to catch her here will bring extreme remorse

for Ayano.

So, the next day.

”Ooh, have at it Ayano! ”

”Aah, don't do that Senpai! If you scling to him that much, you'll get pregnant! ”

”Ufufufu, Ayano-chan you did her best, huh? Going as far as distorting even such a transparent pretext and being embraced by

Kazuma-san so tightly! ”

In the audiovisual room of the Seiryou Academy, while two girls and one boy were looking at the TV screen, they talked pleasantly.

Zubatan!

But at that moment the cla.s.sroom door was opened with all one's strength. A reverberating sound.

And then, an angry female high-school student, Kannagi Ayano, entered the cla.s.sroom holding what looked like a crumbled memo.

”Yu-KA-RI! What kind of joke is this Omiai video art!? ”

”Se- sempai-------? ”

But, the youngest boy there looked shaken by that intensity.

Nanase continued to watch the screen without even turning her head and Yuukari took the remote control and pressed pause.

”Aah, Ayano-chan look, look, the pictures are great, right? ”

And then, eluding the drawing closer Ayano without making a big deal about it, she pointed to the TV screen.

What was reflected there----

”Wha----wha----”

Clinging tightly to Kazuma's arm, the figure of Ayano glued impossibly closer to his.

She didn't know where she took those pictures from, but on the excessively bright terminal screen, even Ayano's facial expression

could be perceived.

Her bashful, slightly blushed cheeks, her wet pupils wholeheartedly starring at the partner she was embracing---

That was beyond a doubt, obvious for anyone looking, the face of 『a girl falling in love』.

”----------------------------------------------------!!”

Because of too much shame, even the nape of Ayano's neck was dyed a deep red as she raised a soundless scream.

”You were photographed really pretty, right? Of course, I burned a DVD for Ayano-chan too so you can relax. ”

Saying so, Yuukari produced a DVD as if out of thin air.

A collection of more that three hours of material from the Omiai day, an epic burned on a two DVD set.

Plundering that with speed that left no afterimage, Ayano incinerated it without leaving any ashes.

And as she was about to slap her flaming hand on the TV screen-----

”Wait Ayano, that's school property. ”

Hearing Nanase's warning, she regained some sort of composure. Once more, she faced Yuukari.

”Yuukari......”

”What is it----? ”

”Delete all the data right now! The disks you burned and obviously the original too! ”

”Eeh------, why------? Even though Ayano-chan looks so charming------”

”I don't care about freaking charming! ”, ordered Ayano forcibly.

She didn't want anyone else see that syrupy, bewitched face.

The fact that Yuukari and the rest saw it was one of the most shameful moments of her life but----

”If Kazuma were to see this........”

Or rather, he already saw it live. Realizing that, Ayano died a little inside.

”Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”

Looking at Ayano moaning with self-hatred, Yuukari asked openly curious.

”You didn't want Kazuma-san to see it? ”

”Of- of course!..........”

As she shrieked, Ayano noticed. Yuukari used didn't want.

And it didn't refer to the live version.

”----------Yuukari? ”

”Wh- what------?”

”----What what? Don't you have something you need to tell me no matter what? ”

”W-well, I'm not sure......”

She stared at Yuukari. adverting her eyes, with something that resembled killing intent.

After a few seconds, the girl opened her mouth, smilling stiffly. She joined her hands together asking for forgiveness.

”Sorry. I already sent it to Kazuma-san. ”

-----At that moment, Ayano thought she heard the sound of something important being lost.

According to the records, on that day, it was written down that Seirei Academy's visual room was partially destructed by something like an explosion.

But an accurate description of the perpetrator was not available as the people involved kept silent.

In pa.s.sing, as something that has no connection to it, the audio-visual room was repaired using a contribution from the Kannagi

household and was installed with the latest technology.

And also, at almost the same time, provoking the wrath of her father, the only daughter of the Kannagi household had her pocket money

deducted for the next year or so, but this too had no connection to it.

Yours truly.

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