Episode 17: A Woman Who Doesn’t Try to Poison You is a Jackpot
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The victory celebration was also over, and Kazuma was finally about to return to the Seventh Area.
He had returned many times using Teleportation Magic, but this was different.
Kazuma was packing his bags, his face swollen like a boxer’s after a match.
“Honestly, they didn’t have to beat me up this badly.”
Kazuma, stuffing souvenirs into his bag and folding his clothes and underwear, grumbled about his face, which had been pummeled because of what he’d done at the victory celebration.
He admitted it was a prank, but the guys had found it hilarious, and even some of the girls had praised him.
Even so, there was no need to go this far.
Kazuma was a little irritated by the overly unreasonable treatment, but since part of it was his own fault, he couldn’t complain too loudly.
“Phew~. That’s everything.”
Having finished packing, Kazuma checked the clock.
There was still a little time before the meeting time in the lobby.
Kazuma was wondering how to kill time when his phone rang, and he answered it.
“Yo, Kazuma.”
“What’s up, Souji-senpai?”
“Want to talk for a bit before you go? You still have time, right?”
“Sure. Where are you?”
“You know the hotel lounge? Come there.”
“Got it.”
After hanging up, Kazuma immediately headed to the place Souji-senpai had specified.
It was a lounge area that resembled a café.
When Kazuma arrived, he walked around looking for Souji-senpai.
Then, Souji-senpai, who had arrived earlier, spotted Kazuma and called out to him.
“Hey, over here.”
“Ah, Souji-senpai. Hey.”
“Yo.”
Kazuma sat down at the table where Souji-senpai was seated and ordered from a staff member.
After ordering, Kazuma turned back to Souji-senpai and asked why he had called him.
“So, what did you want to talk about? Just so you know, I’m not into that sort of thing!”
“Neither am I! I called you because, well, there’s something I wanted to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the future. Since you’re at an Esper Academy, you’re probably considering the National Defense Force or employment in the future, right?”
“Well, yeah. I grew up in an orphanage, so it’s better for me to get a job rather than go to university.”
“Ah, right. Come to think of it, that was the case.”
“Huh? Did I tell you I grew up in an orphanage?”
“I looked it up. I thought you were the most suspicious one in the Academy Battle Tournament, so I gathered information on you.”
“I see.”
Kazuma felt a little happy at this revelation.
It was the same during the Crown Battle, but this man named Souji was truly respectable.
Despite being the strongest student, he wasn’t complacent or arrogant; he continued to move forward.
He was genuinely happy that such a man had been watching him from the start.
“But, so you’re also looking for employment, huh~”
“Come to think of it, Souji-senpai, you’re graduating this year, right? Have you decided on your future path?”
“Nah, that’s actually why I called you. I wanted your advice on it.”
“Ah, I see. What are you worried about?”
“Whether to enlist in the National Defense Force or get a job at a domestic company.”
“I think you’d do well anywhere, senpai, but how about starting your own business?”
“There’s no way a youngster like me can compete against the current domestic companies.”
“No, you never know! With your skills, senpai, if you keep this up, you’ll undoubtedly become the strongest in the country!”
“Even with the Crimson Knight around?”
“That’s an exception among exceptions.”
Just as Kazuma said, if Souji-senpai continued to grow like this, he would undoubtedly become the strongest in the country.
In addition to Body Enhancement, he possessed the extraordinary Gift of Copy.
By copying others’ Gifts, he could possess abilities surpassing even a King.
If he brought all of them to a high level, he would likely have no enemies.
In fact, during his student days, he boasted an undefeated record, with the exception of the inhuman freak known as Kazuma.
“Haa… What should I do?”
“The National Defense Force or a domestic company… Hmm, why not decide based on the benefits?”
“To be blunt, the Samurai offer the best benefits. The National Defense Force isn’t bad either, but it’s inevitably a hierarchical society, right? There are ranks and factions, so honestly, it’s a pain.”
“Sounds like you already have your answer~!”
“Well, hold on. The Samurai certainly have good benefits, but operations like retaking national territory are primarily handled by the National Defense Force. Financially, it’s the Samurai, but my goal aligns more with the National Defense Force.”
“What is your goal, senpai?”
“To reclaim all of Japan’s territory. I want to achieve it for the sake of our children who will eventually be born.”
“Eh…? Eventually be born?”
“Didn’t I tell you? I’m dating Aoi. She’s my, well, childhood friend. If things go on like this, we’ll get married.”
“N-n-n-n-no way! I thought you were a comrade in arms, senpai!”
Kazuma was shaken by this unexpected statement, feeling his expectations betrayed.
He had thought Souji-senpai, like himself, wasn’t dating anyone.
Remembering their exchange in the bathhouse, Kazuma lamented.
The man he could call a close friend, who had engaged in the same level of foolishness as him, was actually far ahead of him.
“Uuugh…! This is too much~!”
“H-hey, Kazuma? What’s wrong?”
“I thought you were like me, senpai, someone who wasn’t dating anyone~”
“Eh, eh~…”
Souji-senpai was dumbfounded watching Kazuma break down in tears.
Considering Kazuma’s looks, abilities, and personality, it seemed like he could get a girlfriend easily, so Souji-senpai didn’t understand why he was crying.
However, recalling the recent incident, Souji-senpai understood the reason why Kazuma couldn’t get a girlfriend.
“Hey, Kazuma.”
“What is it?”
“You’re definitely an amazing guy. Normally, it wouldn’t be strange for you to have a girlfriend. But, I think actions like yesterday’s are probably the problem.”
“Yesterday? Did I do something?”
“You danced naked…”
“I thought that was funny…”
“Yeah, it actually was funny. But what do you think girls would think if they saw it?”
“Well, probably that it’s vulgar…”
“Exactly. That’s what it is.”
“No way… So, I’ve been breaking my own flags all this time?!”
Kazuma finally understood.
Realizing the fact that he had raised numerous flags only to cheerfully break them himself, Kazuma trembled in shock.
“Probably…”
“But, I… I can’t change now!”
“If you stay like that, you’ll never get a girlfriend…”
“I’ll look for someone who accepts me as I am…”
“That path is endlessly arduous. Are you sure about that?”
“Even if thousands, tens of thousands of enemies stand in my way, I will advance.”
“You choose to advance even knowing it’s a thorny path… As expected of the man I couldn’t defeat.”
Souji-senpai couldn’t help but admire Kazuma’s conviction.
What he was saying might sound cool, but the reality was that it could only be described as idiotic.
“Ah, sorry. We got sidetracked. So, Souji-senpai, what do you ultimately want to do?”
“Hmm… I want money to live on, and if I think about the future, it’s probably the National Defense Force… It’s difficult.”
“It might be a bit premature, but why not consult your girlfriend?”
“Aoi?”
“Yes. I think it’s better to consult her, who might become your future partner, rather than me. Well, but ultimately, I think your feelings, Souji-senpai, are what’s most important.”
“My feelings, huh…”
Both of his earlier statements were his true feelings.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t live without money, but considering the future, money was indispensable.
Of course, the same applied to reclaiming Japan.
No matter how much money he earned, it would be meaningless if Japan ceased to exist, and he didn’t want his future children to suffer.
“You’re right. I’ll try talking to Aoi too. Thanks, Kazuma.”
“No, I haven’t really done anything.”
“Just listening to me like this is a big help.”
“Well then, I’ll take your word for it.”
“Yeah. More importantly, are you okay for time?”
“I’ve already packed my bags, so all that’s left is to gather in the lobby. I have plenty of time.”
“I see. But it’s going to be lonely. Once I graduate this year, our chances to meet will decrease, huh.”
“That’s the fate of a working adult!”
“Hahaha, you’re right.”
Laughing together, the two of them returned to their respective rooms.
Kazuma checked the clock and saw there were ten minutes left until the meeting time, so he immediately headed to the lobby.
Many students were gathered in the first-floor lobby.
Students from academies other than the Seventh Esper Academy.
They too had gathered in the lobby to return to their hometowns.
Of course, members of the Seventh Esper Academy were also there.
Kazuma spotted the members of the Seventh Esper Academy and tried to head towards them but was blocked.
At first, Kazuma braced himself, wondering if they were trying to pick a fight, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
The ones who surrounded Kazuma were those who had gotten excited and burst into laughter at the performance he had put on at the victory celebration the other day.
They surrounded Kazuma and spoke to him with smiles.
“Yo! You really entertained us yesterday! I’d like to say ‘see you next year,’ but I’m graduating this year. I’m set to join the National Defense Force, so we won’t meet often, but let’s meet again!”
“Me too, me too! Satsuki-kun! You were awesome! For you, the National Defense Force isn’t just a dream, so let’s work together someday!”
“Yesterday was the best! It’s been a long time since I laughed that hard. Of course, I’m frustrated about losing, but more than that, I respect you in many ways! Entertain us again next year!”
“It’s so sad that this is my last year! To think I won’t be able to spend time with an incredibly interesting kid like you! I wish I’d met you sooner! Good luck next year!”
“I’m so jealous of the second and first years! They get to see you again next year! I’m sure you’ll be even stronger and more interesting than this year! This was my last year, but I had a blast! Thanks!”
Surrounded and overwhelmed by the students flocking to him one after another, Kazuma was flustered, but not a single one of them bore him any ill will or anger.
This was partly thanks to his recent one-shot gag, but his performance in the Crown Battle also contributed, so everyone acknowledged Kazuma.
Of course, they recognized him as a lovable idiot, but that was probably enough.
A perfect Kazuma would be unsettling.
Being a little bit ditzy makes one more likable.
Thanks to that, he was popular not only with the boys but also with the girls.
“Satsuki-kun! If you ever come to the Third Area, let me know! Big sis will show you around!”
“It was sooo good~! Your beautiful physique! I wish I could’ve seen what’s down below, but your guard was too tight, what a shame. But yesterday was really fun! It might be a little vulgar, but I’m totally okay with it! If you do it again next year, please invite me!”
“Yo! The biggest MVP of this tournament! Drawing everyone’s attention even at the victory party, that’s just like you! I wish I’d met you sooner. Then I could’ve gotten to know you better! That’s what I regret.”
“Kyaa~, Kazuma-ku~n! It’s so sad that this is the last time~! I wanted to hang out with you mo~re! Yesterday was fun, and the Crown Battle was amazing, you’re the be~st! If you participate next year, I’ll definitely cheer for you~!”
“Haaah…! If I weren’t graduating this year, I would’ve seriously gone for you~. I know you’re strong, funny, and a good kid~. Kazuma-ku~n, if you’d like, how about going out with me? Just kidding~! You seem to have a lot of rivals, so I’ll pass~. Good luck next year~!”
“Uh, are you interested in, um, guys? Like that Kenzaki-kun, or Kiryuuin-kun!”
It was generally well-received, but Kazuma wished they’d refrain from the last one.
Having been affectionately fussed over and jostled by his senpais, Kazuma finally reached the place where the members of the Seventh Esper Academy were gathered.
“Well now, Kazuma-kun. You’re quite the popular one, aren’t you~?”
“This is my charisma, Hayato-senpai!”
“Ahahahaha. You certainly do have a mysterious charm that draws people in, don’t you~?”
“‘Cause I’m a bundle of charisma!”
“I don’t think you should get too carried away. You’ll end up in a painful situation like yesterday.”
“I have no regrets, nor am I reflecting on it. That was my absolute best!”
Seeing Kazuma’s sharp, serious expression, Hayato also clutched his stomach and laughed.
“Ahahahahahaha, that’s our Kazuma-kun.”
As the two were talking, Souji and Yayoi appeared, parting the crowd.
“Yo, Kazuma. Been a while since earlier.”
“Ah, Souji-senpai! Are you here to see us off?”
“Yeah. We from the First are seeing you off. Well, next year it’ll be the Seventh doing this, though.”
The Academy Battle Tournament is held in the area of the winning academy.
Until now, it had always been the First or the Second, but this year, the Seventh achieved victory.
In other words, next year will be the first time it’s held in the Seventh Area.
“Oh! Now that you mention it, that’s right! Now we don’t have to travel!”
“That’s true. But if you let your guard down, you’ll be swept off your feet. Everyone will surely be devising countermeasures against you next year.”
“It’s tough being popular~.”
“Frankly, if you lose to anyone but me, I won’t forgive you.”
“I see. Indeed, if I keep winning, senpai’s dignity will also be maintained, won’t it?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s because I’m the one who will defeat you.”
“Senpai… Are you planning to repeat a year?”
“No way. Someday, I’ll challenge you through official procedures.”
“Wow…! I’m looking forward to that! I’ll be expecting it!”
“Kukuku! Yeah, wait in anticipation.”
“Alright, alright, you two. That’s enough. May I say something too?”
Yayoi interjected between the two who were vowing to have a rematch.
Kazuma, his conversation with Souji having reached a pause, turned his gaze to Yayoi.
He thought she might hate him because of what he’d done yesterday, but from the looks of it, there was no sign of aversion.
Kazuma tilted his head, wondering if she had come to say goodbye.
“I was taken aback the other day, but that is also a part of you. I’ve decided to accept it. So, how about it? Would you like to go out with me?”
“W-Whaaat!?”
Shaken by the unexpected words, Kazuma instinctively backed away.
She had said she would accept even the side of him he’d shown the other day.
In other words, just as Kazuma had told Souji, it meant accepting him for who he truly was.
Kazuma put on his best, most determined expression, took Yayoi’s hand, and was about to reply.
“With plea—”
“The bus is here, so we’re going.”
“Aah! Wait! This is the greatest moment in my history! Even if it’s for ulterior motives, it’s fine! As long as it’s with someone who won’t try to kill me, I can nurture love! Aaah!!!”
Kazuma, paralyzed by Kaede’s Telekinesis, was dragged away as he was.
Yayoi, taken aback, found it so amusing that she clutched her stomach.
“Haa, what an interesting person.”
“Ojou, are you serious about him?”
As Yayoi, who had been laughing so hard she cried, wiped the corners of her eyes, Souji spoke to her.
“Well now~… Doesn’t a life walking alongside that person seem interesting?”
Souji, caught off guard by her words, was momentarily stunned but then quickly laughed.
“Kuku, you’re right. Being with him doesn’t seem like it would be boring.”
Kazuma, now on the bus waiting in front of the hotel, was shedding tears.
Because the confession of a lifetime had been nullified.
Yayoi was the daughter of the Tennoji Zaibatsu and a beautiful young lady with her hair curled like drills.
She had approached him with obvious ulterior motives and hidden intentions, but unlike in the other world, her purpose wasn’t assassination, so from Kazuma’s perspective, she was the perfect partner.
Or rather, for Kazuma, as long as a woman wasn’t trying to kill him, she was pretty much a jackpot.
“Yayoi-sa~~~n!”
He ran to the very back of the bus and, shedding tears, parted ways with his receding rivals.