Vol 12 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1 - Kusanagi G.o.dou is a Campione...?

Part 1

It feels like something was going to happen around Christmas.

However, he couldn't clearly remember what it was. Whatever it was

supposed to be was now lost from his memory. He couldn't help but get a

bad feeling from all of this.

”But, no matter how hard I try to remember I still can't recall it.”

It was currently morning. G.o.dou was muttering to himself as he sat in the

cla.s.sroom before homeroom started.

G.o.dou goes to Jounan Academy where he is currently in year one cla.s.s

five. The seat that he was sitting in was the one that he routinely sits in

every day.

”Hey, Kusanagi, you're pretty early today.”

The one to greet G.o.dou was Nanami, a cla.s.smate of his.

”I'm always here around this time, aren't I?”

”Really? I always felt that you got here around five minutes before cla.s.s

started... Anyhow, you should take a look outside.”

It was twenty minutes before homeroom would start in the room they were

currently in.

”Don't you think the sky is just beautiful today?”

”I'm sure today's clear winter skies would make anyone feel comfortable,

but, Nanami... do you have a fever or something??”

”Hey hey, what are you saying all of a sudden?”

”That's my line. You getting poetic about the sky? Come on. If you like I'll

take you to the nurse's office.”

G.o.dou's tone was relatively serious. About 60% of it was meant to be a

joke, but the remaining 40% was genuine worry.

Nanami was the leader of the three idiots. But no matter how you looked at

it, it was still strange. Just what the heck had happened to him?

”Whew, you sure are stupid.”

Nanami put on a cartoon villain's sinister smile.

”I don't know why I'm so calm lately. I feel like I can tolerate anything, no

matter how unreasonable. It's as if my heart is at peace like the saying

goes, calm as a lake.”

”You really are something else.”

As G.o.dou stared at him in wonder, two more boys were heading their way.

”Yo. Doesn't the peace and quiet today just make you content? I

wholeheartedly pray for all wars and conflicts to disappear from this world.”

”Ahh, look how beautiful the world is.”

Speaking of which, these two gently smiling boys that had just arrived were

also G.o.dou's friends.

These were the remaining two that made up the three idiots, Sorimachi

and Takagi. Their lips displayed tender smiles and their gaze was

incomparably gentle.

”Even you guys are acting like this? You're so weird. Aren't all three of you

too calm recently?”

G.o.dou recalled a previous conversation with the three idiots.

”Didn't you guys say that 'Christmas is an event for the ma.s.s media,

subverted by the romance capitalism, to manipulate the ignorant ma.s.ses to

become festive and merry. We ourselves are trying to counteract that

tendency as good as we can'. Whatever happened to that?”

”Well, yeah. But that's fine already.”

”Certainly, this partying and merrymaking is too much for the eyes.”

”But it feels like the storm that raged around us has calmed down lately. It's

really strange, we can even pleasantly think of the people that are living

their satisfied real lives.”

The three idiots reminded him of enlightened saints.

”There was a storm around us?”

”I can't remember what it exactly was now, but Kusanagi, I also think so.”

Takagi suddenly stretched out his arms and hugged G.o.dou.

”Right now we can tell you, Kusanagi. Without a doubt you are our

comrade, a partner walking down the same way.”

”What a coincidence. Actually, I feel the same.”

”Yeah, right now I can also accept Kusanagi as our comrade.”

Even Sorimachi and Nanami were saying it with enthusiasm. G.o.dou was

bewildered.

”What in the world are you guys saying? Haven't we always been friends?”

”Comrade and friend are not the same. Even if we are of a different kind,

we can still become friends. However, only those of the same kind who

share blood and soul can become comrades, we need to be bonded in our

hearts...”

Nanami pretended like he knew what he was saying.

Just then a silver haired girl entered the cla.s.sroom. She was not of

j.a.panese descent.

The slim student was wearing the uniform of Jounan Academy. Her

slender, lovely, and fairy-like presence added up to a totally unique

atmosphere. Her beautiful silver hair was tied into a pony tail.

Her name was Liliana Kranjcar. She was an exchange student from Italy.

”Liliana-san, good morning!”

”Would you like to eat lunch with us today?”

The girls within the cla.s.s immediately called out to her. She was indeed a

very popular person.

While giving them a calm smile, Liliana sat down at her seat. It was about

four rows in front of G.o.dou's, so they were a bit apart. At that moment,

G.o.dou's and Liliana's eyes met.

The silver-haired, Eastern European beauty did a slight, j.a.panese bow

towards G.o.dou. That was all.

She did not come to greet him, nor did she come over and strike up a

conversation. She seemed vigilant of him as always. It was fair to say that

G.o.dou and the two most popular girls of the cla.s.s had a delicate

relations.h.i.+p. They were not estranged by any means, but they couldn't

quite get friendly either.

By the time the other popular girl showed up, the second period was over.

”Ah, Erica-san!”

”Thank goodness, I thought you wouldn't come anymore.”

Between the second and third period there was a brief break.

Erica Blandelli, who had just arrived, was a beauty. Her fluttering,

reddish-blonde hair gave the exchange student from Milan an air of royalty

as she walked into the cla.s.sroom.

”Sorry about that, I was caught up in various problems.”

Erica's reply was accompanied by a refined smile.

Even though all the girls were around the same age, Erica's grace and

composure were on a different level.

By the way, with the reasoning she 'had received education equal to a

university degree back in Italy' she had been allowed to commute on

flextime. Such an excuse was just too ridiculous.

She had probably used a kind of hypnosis magic to push it through.

G.o.dou's and Erica's eyes met. The blonde Italian beauty flashed a

gorgeous smile, and made a graceful bow. Like a beautiful knight before a

duel.

That was all. She didn't call out to greet him, nor did she come over and

strike up a conversation

Erica's seat was the one in front of Liliana's. It was a bit apart from his. He

didn't have any reason to talk to them either, so he shrugged again.

He did feel that it wouldn't be bad to get closer to them.

However, he had no idea how to accomplish that.

Part 2

On this day, G.o.dou headed directly home after school. He had already

made plans in advance.

In fact, December 3 was his sister s.h.i.+zuka's birthday. Furthermore, he had

agreed to prepare gifts together with his childhood friend and hang out with

s.h.i.+zuka.

However, when that very day arrived, the plans he had set beforehand had

changed. This was because their father, who had left the house after the

divorce, had contacted them saying that he didn't know if he would be able

to come. G.o.dou and s.h.i.+zuka were facing each other.

”Well, what do you think? By the way, my vote is that he won't end up

coming.”

”I'll cast my vote for that too. But maybe he had some matters to take care

of, want to wait a little more?”

For now there was a change of plans. On the night of the 3rd, both siblings

spent their time at home. Their father had just sent them an email at seven

o'clock that night. It stated that he had some urgent business to take care

of and left for Toronto, Canada.

”Well, that is to be expected of dad.”

”This would only happen to father.”

Both of them had little to say for this predictable outcome, therefore they

could only move it to another day.

That ”another day” was now today. Incidentally, the place they wanted to

go was a very unique restaurant. They had delicious Spanish cuisine and

wine.

This was the result after their father, who never showed up at the arranged

time, and their laissez-faire mother had negotiated on the amount of

money they could spend.

”This is our daughter's birthday. It would only be right to go out to eat some

delicious food.” The conversation had gone somewhat along those lines.

Also, because they received permission to bring one more person, it was

settled that Asuka could come with them.

”But really, I haven't seen many families where the parents had to deal with

every request through 'negotiating'.”

After hearing the situation from the two siblings, their childhood friend

Tokunaga Asuka sighed in sorrow.

The group was on the way to the restaurant. The place was within walking

distance from the Kusanagi house in Nezu so the three of them decide to

walk there.

”Really? I feel like this happens rather often.”

”It just comes in a different form; no matter which household, they all have

similar situations.”

This theory was G.o.dou's, who was in charge of negotiating with their

parents. By his side, s.h.i.+zuka also nodded in a.s.sent.

”Hey G.o.dou, you should look up the difference between similar and the

same again. Because you're like that even s.h.i.+zuka is affected,” their

pig-tailed childhood friend advised them.

She was unyielding and direct as always.

”I keep telling you, don't act like I don't have any common sense.”

”That's right, Asuka-chan. Onii-chan is having no effect on me. I can

confidently say I'm the only proper human being in our household.”

When G.o.dou refuted Asuka's accusation, s.h.i.+zuka also complained a little.

No, for the sensible and humble older brother, the one more likely to

transform into a monster was his sister; she just completely hid it.

During all of that nonsense, the three of them had arrived at the restaurant.

The two high school students and one middle school student stood in front

of the entrance of a somewhat high cla.s.s restaurant.

The restaurant's signs and decorations had style without being showy, and

the lighting was dim as well. However, the restaurant's food and wine were

top grade and as a result dining here was quite pricey.

”Usually it's beyond our means, we came here to celebrate a birthday and

we secured support for the funding. It's okay once in a while.”

G.o.dou was reasoning in front of the restaurant. Right beside him, Asuka

frowned.

”You're really going to say something like that? With all the money saved

from New Year's gambling, you can even have a feast for a king.”

”Th-those savings didn't end up in my hands!”

His childhood friend knew many secrets that could not be said out loud.

G.o.dou knew full well how problematic that was. Recently, the number of

situations where he had to spend his ”hidden a.s.sets” had increased quite a

bit. Situations like when there were no family members to accompany him

during his trips out of the country.

In the end, the three of them still entered the restaurant.

Although it looked like a high cla.s.s restaurant, the Kusanagi siblings were

actually very familiar with the place.

Their grandfather or their mother would take them here from time to time.

Plus the host, who is the shop owner and the chef, was not only a close

neighbor they were well acquainted with but also their mother's drinking

buddy. Occasionally, when the Kusanagi household held a drinking party,

he was in the kitchen utilizing the skills of his specialty.

This was why the three of them didn't show any nervousness and just sat

down after being led to their seats.

When calling this place for a reservation, they used a ”do whatever you

want” kind of att.i.tude when ordering. As a result, many dishes were

coming without interruption. White asparagus salad, Spanish-style egg

rolls with plenty of potatoes, oil-grilled shrimp, beef tenderloin cooked in

red wine. Paella^ filled with lobster and other seafood.

The three of them were handling these delicious dishes while chatting

about something that wasn't of importance.

At this moment, the store owner uncle came out of the kitchen and asked

”Would you like to order some wine? We have some very interesting

ones.” It wasn't until ”Today everyone here is a minor” was mentioned, ”Ah

I see I see” that he finally understood what they were trying to say.

While reaffirming the absent-mindedness of their mother's acquaintance,

the banquet continued smoothly.

s.h.i.+zuka's and Asuka's face both had a look of satisfaction as the pudding

served for dessert disappeared into their mouths.

G.o.dou on the other hand preferred the bitterness of coffee over the

sweetness. However, that was when he noticed. Rather nearby two people

that he knew were sitting down.

”So Erica, what is the reason for calling me out today?”

”I just told you on the phone, didn't I? Lily, us two girls should occasionally

get together to gossip, that's all. Recently I fell in love with that female

novelist.”

”Uugh, in other words you just want to threaten me, right!?”

”Don't talk nonsense. I just have a sudden urge to discuss

literature Hey, for example I've had my thoughts about those short

stories beginning with 'I'd like to convey these feelings to that person'.”

”S-s-s-stop looking down on people! Even if those kinds of storylines might

be overused or not, my heart will not waver for one bit! Just, just no matter

what you say I'm not going to listen!”

”Hehe Lily, your voice is trembling.”

Like music, the elegant voice and the cold yet lovely voice continued their

discussion.

These were two people who never exposed this side of them at school. As

a side note, their conversation was in Italian. It must be because they were

old friends conversing in a relaxed manner.

G.o.dou felt very apologetic, as if he was stepping into other people's

personal matters.

But leaving without even greeting or saying a thing didn't sit well with him

either. What to do... just as he was thinking it over, the girls noticed G.o.dou.

Erica Blandelli suddenly had a look of tension on her face, her smile

disappeared. An anxious Liliana Kranjcar maintained the stern look of a

knight.

In order to ”monitor” the G.o.d-slaying devil king, these girls had been

dispatched from Milan. Due to this task's importance, the girls put forth

their full attention towards monitoring him.

”Wait a minute, Onii-chan, what's with that lecherous stare?”

”I admit they really are very beautiful foreign young ladies, but your staring

is rude.”

He was suddenly accused by his sister and childhood friend.

”l-ldiots. They are just girls from my cla.s.s. I was only surprised running into

them here.”

G.o.dou only told them part of the truth. s.h.i.+zuka let out an ”Aaah” as if she

remembered while Asuka gasped ”eh”.

”I've heard the rumors about those two so they were in Onii-chan's

cla.s.s.”

”They are from high-level schools overseas and came to study here.”

On the other hand, pretending to not have heard G.o.dou's conversation,

Erica, who was sitting at the other table raised her hand.

She called an employee to come over to her table (That said, the

restaurant was run by the owner along with his wife and his mother, just

the three of them).

The person who came to Erica's table was the owner's mother.

She and the blonde haired beauty had a brief talk. After the owner's

mother nodded her head she left the table. Though she might have gone

back to the kitchen, who knew that she would instead come to G.o.dou.

Furthermore, she also had a very profound smile on her face.

”Those two ladies over there said they want to dine with G.o.dou-kun no

matter what. Ha ha, you and your grandfather are indeed alike, these kinds

of situations happen a lot, don't they!”

Actually, this woman was a great fan of his grandfather.

That's why I said, please do not refer to grandpa and grandson together

like that. G.o.dou was muttering to himself while looking at the other table.

Erica and Liliana were both giving him a dignified and sharp expression.

No matter what, anything would be fine as long as it didn't develop the way

the owner's mother envisioned.

”Onii-chan, what is going on?”

”G.o.dou, your bad manners offended someone!?”

”What are you guys getting so worked up about!? They are just students

from my cla.s.s sending an invitation. You two should go home first. I'll chat

with them for a little bit.”

Therefore, he switched tables and dinner once again continued.

After they were done enjoying the food, the two European girls silently

drank some coffee. It was a stressful situation for G.o.dou, who wasn't used

to girls.

”I do feel that disturbing your family time was me being unaware of your

general interests...”

Erica was the first to speak.

”But since we met up with someone that has the imperial t.i.tle of Campione,

if we were unable to make a greeting then that would harm the reputation

of the Copper Black Cross. Let me say once more that it is an honor to

meet someone of your status.”

”No, let me say something.”

G.o.dou cut off Erica's endless display of etiquette.

”I believe I've said this many times before. Because this kind of formality

numbs my back, talking like ordinary people would be just fine. Behave like

you would before I turned into this type of person.”

”Ok. I know clearly that if I do this again, it will become annoying.”

No longer needing to use honorifics, Erica let out a smile.

The type of smile wasn't filled with affection, but rather like the smile of a

lioness before going hunting.

”I am truly grateful to have met you before you became a G.o.d killer. If I had

to bestow respect to you every time then I'm afraid I might not be able to

converse with you.”

His relation with Erica dated back to the spring of this year.

All the way back to before Kusanagi G.o.dou slew the ancient Persian

Warlord Verethragna.

Nevertheless, their relations.h.i.+p could not be described as close. Erica had

always fearlessly displayed abrasive behavior towards the Campione.

”Erica... Hold on a sec. Even though he is young, Kusanagi G.o.dou is still a

Campione. Also, he is Sir Salvatore's ally and a dangerous -- excuse me, a

most influential person. Only through appropriate speech and manners will

you display the way of the knight.”

Naturally, the one reprimanding her long-time friend was Liliana. Her

att.i.tude was quite stiff and formal as well.

Very likely, she too, had no intention of developing personal friends.h.i.+p with

G.o.dou.

”Please do not say that idiot Doni and I are good friends.”

G.o.dou tried to correct mistaken facts.

”I would be greatly troubled if you girls keep grouping us together.”

”...Furthermore, the two of you destroyed Castello Sforzesco and caused a

great commotion from your fight in Naples. Clearly there will be many

opportunities for the two of you to fight as a united front.”

Liliana eloquently voiced her objections.

”That kind of retort has many flaws in it so let's not talk about it. I have

pretty much accepted the subtle and complicated relations.h.i.+p you two

share.”

”Complicated and subtle, what do you mean?”

”In short, it is like this. Your feelings for Sir Salvatore transcend the

affections of friends.h.i.+p. Rather than a male friend, he is a person you

love.”

”L-Love!?”

G.o.dou was stunned by these deductions which sounded like some famous

detective's pontification.

”Of course, these kinds of immoral feelings cannot be discussed in front of

other people. Furthermore, a young person like you could hardly admit to

such an unusual s.e.xual disposition. As a result, you firmly insist you hate

Sir Salvatore yet you are deeply troubled over your inability to cut off your

feelings of longing for him.”

”It never occurred to me like that, but actually, it's quite reasonable and

well thought out.”

”No way is that reasonable! Don't make up my feelings ok!?”

Because Liliana's reasoning actually impressed Erica, G.o.dou immediately

denied it.

”All in all, it is a fact that no mere shallow relations.h.i.+p exists between you

and Italy's powder keg and alliance leader in the world of magic.”

”What powder keg... Stop talking nonsense.”

Caught by Liliana's unexpectedly acute accusations, G.o.dou muttered in

response.

”But, me and that guy... or rather I should say, I am different from the other

Campiones. If possible, I would like to continue living a peaceful life.

Pa.s.sing away on a tatami mat would be good enough for my satisfaction.

Actions like this monitoring must be stopped.”

Erica and Liliana were said to be renowned and promising talents.

They were young knights from their respective magic a.s.sociations, the

[Copper Black Cross] and the [Bronze Black Cross]. To think these kinds of

talents were dispatched simply to monitor Kusanagi G.o.dou in Tokyo.

This was done in order to inspect the movements of the Campione allied to

Salvatore Doni.

”What are you talking about, Kusanagi G.o.dou? 'Monitoring' a G.o.dslaying

devil king would be disrespectful and forbidden conduct.”

Erica distorted her lips and self-deprecatingly said.

”Indeed, were you to start some kind of incident, there exists the likelihood

of unexpected effects propagating to Europe. If that were to happen, we

may have to contact our a.s.sociations' headquarters. However, our purpose

in Tokyo is simply studying abroad, in order to experience Eastern Asian

culture.”

”To experience Marco Polo's^ orient travelogues^ is a hard earned

experience.”

Even Liliana spoke knowingly.

”Exactly as she says, my king. Please do not mind us and just continue to

live your life normally.”

Hmm. G.o.dou frowned. If this type of situation persists, then there would be

no way to improve their relations.h.i.+p.

Regardless whom the other party was, if they were going to hang around

by his side for long durations, he would prefer to establish friendly

relations.

Part 3

Kusanagi G.o.dou is a G.o.dslayer, also known as a devil king Campione.

Due to this t.i.tle, he always encountered things that an ordinary high school

student would be unable to.

The most extreme example would be two people from Italy sent to monitor

him. Although, even in his home country of j.a.pan there is an organization

keeping an eye on him.

This group supervises j.a.pan's internal incantation, magic, and other

supernatural stuff.

That would be the j.a.panese official History Compilation Committee. Even

this secret organization that employed ninjas from the olden days, seemed

to have members concealed at G.o.dou's side. However, it is not certain to

what extent their operation has reached.

But, there was only one person in contact with him that has her ident.i.ty

completely revealed.

It was on the way to cla.s.s where he saw her figure from behind. While

taking the usual path heading to school, he saw her walking in front at a

distance of seven meters. Thanks to her tea colored and beautifully long

hair that had slightly dense odor, she was immediately recognized.

Her name was Mariya Yuri. She was addressed as a Hime-Miko, an ability

user.

This was how the Official History Compilation Committee treated people

that had n.o.bility status. These n.o.ble people cooperated and accepted

many kinds of requests.

The nickname ”Hime” was actually just a facade. At this moment she was

wearing a deep blue duffle coat over her uniform, giving the appearance of

a female student with a serious disposition. But her posture was very

upright, her footsteps were orderly, and she gave off a temperament that

was hard to offend.

G.o.dou remembered his conversation with Erica and Liliana last night.

Even though their position is just to monitor him, G.o.dou wanted to improve

their relations.h.i.+p. He wanted to give it a try by being slightly more

energetic. Once he made up his mind, G.o.dou went up to greet her.

”Good morning, Mariya.”

” !? Good morning, Kusanagi-san.”

Yuri stopped in her tracks and looked back.

However, at that moment for a split second she let out an ”uh” sound while

her shoulders shuddered a bit. It was probably because she suddenly

heard Kusanagi G.o.dou — the Campione's voice which startled her. Can't

say for sure if she was scared.

But, the expression on her face was calm when she turned her head.

The Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko's beautiful dignified face gazed at G.o.dou

continuously. That stern look had the potential to melt ice and snow into

pure water. Plus, it was also very rigid.

At that time, the G.o.dslayer raised in j.a.pan regarded her as an exceedingly

dangerous person. This caused him to be on alert and stiff.

”1-1 say. Being a little more relaxed is absolutely no problem.”

”You are one of the world's seven G.o.dslaying lords. Our mission is to show

proper respect when dealing with someone of your rank. Please do not

mind it.”

Like that, Yuri replied to G.o.dou while deeply bowing her head.

Her use of words and sentences were good, her manner was good, this

kind of etiquette was totally devoid of any rudeness. However, G.o.dou and

Yuri are actually going to the same school and are in the same grade. It

would be correct to say that their type of etiquette should be different.

In short, the concept of sensible etiquette is much different from the current

one.

But G.o.dou pretended not to care and attempted to casually talk to her.

”Well, let's just maintain this and converse a little. After all our destination

is the same.”

”Staying together with Kusanagi-san!?”

”Uh huh. Until we arrive at school, let's converse while we walk for the time

being.”

There were still about five minutes left until they reached the school gates.

Even though the amount of time was short, it was always better than not

saying anything at all.

G.o.dou contemplated over this, but Yuri for some reason felt unexpectedly

fl.u.s.tered.

”Y-Yes. Since this is the command of a king there is no way I can refuse.

Although conversing with my humble self might not be able to satisfy you, I

will at least accompany you.”

Feeling like her time was being wasted on something insignificant, she

solemnly accepted to seriously converse.

— Can talking with me really cause others to be afraid? G.o.dou had a guilty

state of mind.

A couple years ago Yuri was captured by Marquis Voban who had a

reputation for being vile. As a result she was left with terrible memories.

Perhaps she was influenced by that experience.

In any case, the two of them started walking on the path towards school.

So, what would be some good things to say? G.o.dou tentatively proposed

the first topic.

”By the way, the end of term exam results already came out. How did you

do on the tests?”

”Y-Yes. Still about the same as my previous grades.”

That's it. Yuri replied with little to say, leaving G.o.dou with no way to

smoothly expand on the topic.

The two of them continued to walk in silence. This was simply just walking

side by side. This will not do!

”M-Mariya, although you are a Miko, can you still normally celebrate

Christmas and other holidays of that sort?”

”Y-yes. There are no particular bans.”

The talking once again ended. Further conversing has stopped and the two

of them continued to walk on silently.

G.o.dou understood his own defeat. It goes without saying that G.o.dou, who

wasn't used to dealing with girls, should have difficulty making a

conversational breakthrough in this kind of situation.

Before he knew it the school gates were already in sight.

It looks like that is it for today. G.o.dou cursed at himself for his

incompetence, in addition he felt very sorry towards Yuri. To have scared

her unnecessarily and such.

”I'm sorry. You actually don't want to accompany me right?”

He unconsciously apologized. Even he understood clearly to refrain from

saying things not worth mentioning. It can be said that the technique he

used to deal with girls was clumsy.

Forget that right now, after G.o.dou apologized, Yuri's facial expression

changed to that of embarra.s.sment.

”Ah, no, it's not like that. Of course because I'm together with a Campione,

I feel very nervous.”

After her wall of formality slightly crumbled, her expression of bewilderment

could be seen.

Seeing Yuri shyly mutter those words, G.o.dou's heart skipped a beat. This

really was the temperament of the Yamato Nades.h.i.+kos, full of charm.

”Add to the fact that this is my first time walking with a boy to the same

school I must admit this makes me feel a little embarra.s.sed. Even

though this was once part of a.s.sociating with the History Compilation