Chapter 9: Free time events #4

-TOKO FUKAWA-

I made my way to Toko's room, but she was at the door before I could say anything.

"Hey...! I want to t-talk to you.", Toko pulled me out to the hallway and closed her door. I thought it was odd that SHE wanted to talk to ME, not the other way around.

"Are you l-listening to me?", Toko asked.

"Oh, sorry! Yeah, I'm listening!", I nodded.

"I just w-wanted to clear something up. I mean, I *h-have* to clear it up. What I said before... I d-don't want you to get the wrong idea, o-okay?", Toko mumbled.

"About what?", I asked.

"About not having any love in r-real life. I don't want you thinking I-I don't have any experience a-at all! Even someone like m-me has... gone on a date.", Toko admitted.

"Oh, that's nice! How did it go?", I smiled.

"I'll tell you all about it if y-you really wanna hear!", Toko pointed.

"Yeah, I do. Tell me, c'mon!", I jumped up and down in glee.

"I was in junior h-high, and out of nowhere this g-guy from another class just asked me o-out. He asked m-me to make plans for the date. I stayed up all n-night for three days planning it. And what I came up with w-was... It was out f-first date, so I wanted to do something t-traditional. I decided on going to see s-something.", Toko explained.

"A movie?", I asked.

"Y-Yeah. It's pretty cool, right? You go w-watch it, then afterward talk about it all p-passionately... In other words, it's i-ideal first-date material. Next I had to d-decide what to go see. Since we were in junior h-high, we couldn't go see some kid's m-movie, right? I wanted something really a-action packed.", Toko elaborated.

"I guess that is a good pick, guys like that sorta thing. Plus, it will get you guys super pumped for whatever came later!", I smiled.

"So we d-decided to check out a Seijun Suzuki t-triple feature. "Tokyo Drifter," "Fighting Elegy," and "Branded to Kill." I-Irresistible for any guy, right?", Toko beamed with pride.

"Oh, I love Seijun Suzuki! The movies are so detailed and aesthetically pleasing, even with all the action going around!", I fangirled.

"The killer's the main character, and he gets r-riled up by the smell of cooking rice. A murder masterpiece!", Toko nodded.

"Oh, I loved the part in "Branded to Kill" where the main character was at his boss's home and he made rice and chicken curry, and then the guy stabbed him in the chest and threw him off the building! It was absolutely iconic! But Seijun Suzuki isn't all that popular with guys.", I mumbled.

"Ngggh! You're right... I learned that f-fact the hard way. He musta h-hated it, cuz he disappeared right i-in the middle of the first movie!", Toko scoffed.

"What!? He just left!? In the first movie, no less!? That was the best one of Seijun's trilogy! And after you'd put all that effprt into planning everything out? Truly a piece of sh*t...", I gasped.

"W-Well, it is what it is. Besides, I found out i-it was just a dare, anyway...", Toko shrugged.

"A dare...?", I muttered.

"Yeah. He lost a b-bet with his friends, so he had to go o-out on a date with me... And there I was, s-spending three days to come up with something for us to d-do... This is all y-your fault! You made me remember that terrible t-trauma!", Toko yelled at me all of a sudden.

"M-Me!?", I stuttered.

"Do you like h-humiliating me that much? Is th-that how you get your kicks? I've finally seen the r-real you...", Toko growled.

"N-No, Please don't misunderstand...!", I pleaded.

"I c-can't be around you and your perverted f-fetish anymore...! I'm l-l-leaving!", Toko stormed back into her room and slammed the door. I was pretty sure she hated me right then and there.

-AOI ASAHINA-

APPEARS LATER IN THE STORY!

-YASUHIRO HAGAKURE-

I found Hiro in the gym, sulking.

"What's goin' on, Kuno? I'm like, super exhausted, so I hope you don't need anything from me... Can you try and cheer me up, Kuno? I'm down in the dumps and got no energy at all...", Hiro pleaded with his hands clasped together in a prayer. I tried to cheer him up the best way I could; bad jokes... and he kept derailing into magic topics.

"Hey, Kuno! Are you familiar with Kamata? It's a tiny suburb in Tokyo, right!?", Hiro asked.

"Yeah, what about it?", I questioned.

"Well, don't tell anyone I told you this, but... they appear there.", Hiro whispered in my ear. It kinda caught me off guard, but I shook it off.

"W-What does...?", I mumbled.

"UMAs!", Hiro yelled in my ears. I rubbed my ears and backed up a bit.

"You mean "Unidentified Mysterious Animals"?", I asked.

"You got it! And it just so happens they've been appearing in little ol' Kamata!", Hiro exclaimed.

"What kind?", I sighed, knowing this question would make me even more confused.

"The terrifying skyfish! In the West, they're usually just called rods. They can fly, and they have a thin body and a big wide fin! They can move their fins in a wave pattern, which lets 'em move faster than the naked eye can see!", Hiro explained. I just stayed quiet because I had no idea what I was supposed to say. Hiro continued.

"You ever heard of the anomalocaris? Some people think that's what the skyfish evolved from! And some OTHERS think they're an artificial life form, a genetically engineered military superweapon! Isn't that scary as hell!?", Hiro shuddered.

"Okay... but what are they doing in Kamata?", I asked.

"Nobody knows. But I think they're dangerous. You know how close Kamata is to Haneda Airport, right? I don't wanna wait till it's too late. I've been thinking I should call all the airlines! They need to know there's a way to get rid of these damn skyfish. And I know what it is! As long as they can pay my fee, I can keep things safe for them. That's what I'm gonna tell 'em!", Hiro smiled.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. I see a lot of jail time in your future if you do~~", I joked. Hiro laughed it off and said he would do it anyway once we get out. I honestly don't understand him, but he means well.

-CELESTIA LUDENBERG-

I greeted Celeste, and she seemed happy despite the circumstances.

"I have grown entirely accustomed to life here. With enough time, anyplace can eventually come to feel like home.", Celeste smiled.

"Well, that's one way to put it... Not really sure I can get used to this.", I sighed.

"I truly frighten myself. To captivate even insignificant little creatures like yourself...", Celeste kept talking about herself and knocking my self esteem a few pegs in the process... Until she suddenly started voicing concern.

"I am quite troubled...", Celeste sighed.

"Why...?", I asked.

"I'd like you to teach me something.", Celeste explained.

"Oh, what do you want me to teach? I'd be happy to help!", I smiled.

"I want you to teach me how to play shogi.", Celeste smiled.

"Ah, I love shogi! I'm not that good, but I can teach you the basics!", I jumped around gleefully. I pulled out a notebook and pen and began to explain.

"So, Shogi is the traditional chess of Japan. Modern shogi is approximately as old as modern western chess, about 500 years old. The game is probably derived primarily from Chinese chess, xiangqi, but also has interesting similarities to Thai chess, makruk. Like other forms of chess, the object of shogi is to force capture of the opposing king — to put him in checkmate. The two players alternate, moving one piece in each turn, using the characteristic moves of the various pieces. Some of these moves are the same as those found in western chess — some are different. The opposing armies are not indicated by different colors, but by orientation on the board. Note that each piece always points toward the opponent. All of the pieces, except for the king and gold, may promote to gain new powers. The promoted value is on the flip side of the piece, and is often shown in red calligraphy, usually written in a cursive style. What makes shogi truly unique among chess forms is this: On a player's turn to move, he may, instead of moving one of the pieces on the board, choose to place one of the pieces he has captured back into play. Got all that?", I asked, scribbling all over the notebook as I explain.

"Indeed. Please, continue.", Celeste nodded. She actually thought that my rambling was adorable, and decided to let me continue.

"Alright! I'll explain the pieces and their moves. First, The King, Jade General and Great General; This piece moves exactly like the king in western chess: one space in any direction. The player must always move in such a way that this piece is not threatened with capture. If he can not, the game is lost. Next, Gold, Gold General; this one moves one space in any direction except back-diagonal. The gold does not promote any other piece. Next, Silver, Silver General; One space diagonally or forward. Promoted Silver; this one moves just like the Gold. A Knight, or Laurel Horse, moves one space forward, plus one space forward-diagonal. Like a western chess knight — but only forward. This is the only piece allowed to jump over other pieces in its path. A Promoted Knight moves the same as the Gold. A Lance, or A Fragrant Chariot, moves as many spaces desired, but only forward. A Promoted Lance moves just like The Gold piece. A Bishop, or Angle Goer, moves as many spaces as desired in any of the four diagonal directions. A Promoted Bishop, or Dragon Horse, can move like the King and the Bishop it originally was. A Rook, or Flying Chariot, moves as many spaces as desired forward, backward, left, or right. A Promoted Rook, or Dragon King, can move like the King and the Rook. A Pawn, or Foot Soldier, moves one space forward only. A Promoted Pawn moves just like the Gold. Got it?", I smiled.

"Quite. Keep going, no need to worry about me. I am The Ultimate Gambler, after all. I learn many rules every time I play. This is my playground, my castle.", Celeste boasted with a small smile.

"Alright, just a few more things to tell you. First, Captures! Captures are made, as in western chess, by moving a piece onto a square occupied by an opposing piece. The piece is removed from the board and placed on the side of the board, to the player's right. Second, dropping pieces into play! If a player has pieces "in hand" or captured, he may choose, instead of moving one of his pieces on the board, to place, or drop, one of these captured pieces into play, on any vacant square of the board. The piece is always dropped with its unpromoted value showing, even if it is dropped into the promotion zone. Speaking of Promotion, The 7th, 8th and 9th rows, or ranks, on the board are the promotion zone. These are, in other words, the three rows on the far side of the board — the area in which the opponent's pieces are originally set up. When a move is made on the board, and the piece begins and/or ends its move within the promotion zone, the player has the option of promoting the piece. When the piece is promoted, it is flipped over, to show its promoted value. It maintains its promoted value until it is captured, or until the end of the game. Some special rules are put as well. A player may not drop a pawn onto a file which already contains one of his own pawns. Only one pawn per file! This rule does not apply to files occupied by promoted pawns. A pawn may not be dropped to give checkmate on that move. No piece may be moved or dropped onto a square from which it will have no possible future move. For instance, a pawn, knight or lance can not be dropped onto the 9th row. A knight, for the same reason, may not be dropped onto the 8th row. If a pawn, knight or lance moves onto one of these rows, it must promote, so that it will have a possible future move from that square. None of the pieces, except the knight, may jump over another piece as it moves. And that's it! I hope you understand, it would be easier if I had a board, but I guess it's our lose.", I chuckled.

"This will do, I assure you. Thank you for teaching me.", Celeste smiled.

"No problem! But, I'm surprised that you have never played before. Is it because there's no, like, shogi gambling circuit?", I asked, putting away my notebook.

"Oh, there most certainly is.", Celeste nodded.

"Really? Never heard of it.", I shrugged.

"But it is all underground. It is rather shady, all things considered. I have tried my own hand at it, naturally.", Celeste let out a small chuckle at the memory.

"Wait, but you don't know how to play. How did you enter?", I mumbled.

"That is why I wished to learn now. I placed my pieces without even thinking. What on Earth was I doing...?", Celeste sighed.

"And you still tried to win?", I asked.

"Tried? Oh, no, I did win.", Celeste stated without batting an eye.

"... You're kidding, right?", I jaw was slack and I couldn't piece together how she even won.

"I didn't really understand, but apparently my final opponent was infamously powerful. She was... rather odd. She was a voluptous woman who dressed as an exotic French maid.", Celeste explained with a hand over her mouth.

"And you won!?", I exclaimed.

"Beginner's luck, perhaps?", Celeste smiled with glee.

"Luck and shogi...? How does that work? It doesn't fit!", I blinked in confusion.

"Hmhmhm. Is that so?", Celeste giggled at my state and left me there to rethink shogi as a whole.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

If you want to find where I got the Shogi information, here is a link!

ancientchess.com/page/play-shogi.htm

You're welcome!

--Author-Chan

END OF AUTHOR'S NOTE

-SAKURA OGAMI-

Sakura was in the dinging hall, sipping some tea. I decided to hang out with her.

"Sakura~! What's up?", I smiled as I sat down next to her with my own cup of tea.

"Hello. Did you need something?", Sakura nodded towards me.

"Not really, just wanted to talk. Do you mind?", I asked sheepishly.

"I just got done exercising. Now would be a good time for a break. You can stay.", Sakura smiled a bit. We began talking quietly amongst ourselves about the simple things in life like kicking a*s (A/N: Sorry, I had to XD)... Until Sakura changed the subject.

"You know, Kuno... There's something that's been concerning me.", Sakura admitted.

"What's on your mind?", I asked.

"This school has all kinds of exercise equipment, which is great... but it still doesn't offer everything I need to complete my training. I feel like I'm getting weaker by the day... Am I supposed to just accept that? Accept my atrophy? I... I can't do it... If something doesn't change, I'll... I'll...!", Sakura growled as she looked like she was about to transform into a super saiyan at that second. She unintentionally broke her cup with her bare hands, which was impressive and terrifying.

"C-C-Calm down, Sakura! J-Just sit tight! Things will get better! You shouldn't rush things!", I tried to calm Sakura down. Sakura went back to normal and went quiet. I decided it was safe now.

"But when yoiu say it doesn't have everything you need to complete your training... what's missing?", I asked.

"Well, I can't say I'm a huge fan of modern training techniques, which rely mainly on machinery. That's good for building muscle mass, but that doesn't necessarily translate to actual strength. More muscle is better, of course, but you also need to know how to use it. And if you're not used to it, pushing your muscles too hard can lead to injury. There are even some world- class wrestlers who only build muscle by climbing ropes and things like that. In mixed martial arts, speed, agility, and endurance are all necessary parts of total body coordination. If that's your goal, you can't just focus on one aspect of your training. For example, kipping pull-ups can train one area, while power training equipment works multiple areas... Are you listening?", Sakura suddenly interjected.

"Yep! Every word has been processed!", I smiled while saluting. Sakura continued after seeing my enthusiasm.

"Weight-free training is an option, sure, but power training is a much greater challange. I've had my own training method ever since I was a little child. For example, I'd take an old tire and hit it with everything I had... Are you still listening?", Sakura asked.

"Uh-huh!", I nodded.

"So, what did I say? What did I use to hit that tire I mentioned?", Sakura quizzed.

"Well, *you* didn't mention it, but I heard people use huge hammers for that type of training.", I answered.

"Exactly so. I've been doing that since childhood. It's extremely good for your core. But that kind of thing is impossible here... And I can feel myself growing weaker...", Sakura sighed.

"Well, you just have to endure! Endurance is a part of being strong, right!?", I cheered.

"...Hm?", Sakura looked at me like I grew a second head.

"I-I guess...?", I stuttered in fear that I said something wrong.

"... For now, I should focus on training my mind.... Hmm... You've taught me something today, Kuno. The importance of endurance...", Sakura nodded as she got up and knelt down to my level. She then stroked my head in thanks, which was adorable to me. I smiled and blushed at her.

"W-Well, it wasn't teaching, per se...", I chuckled.

"Sorry for making you listen to me complain... But I feel better now. I can handle this... I'm glad I talked to you. I'll find a way to repay the favor...", with that, Sakura got up and left. My smile grew wider as I jumped out of my seat to make another cup of tea.

-BYAKUYA TOGAMI-

APPEARS LATER IN THE STORY!

-HIFUMI YAMADA-

APPEARS LATER IN THE STORY!

-MONDO OWADA- (~SPECIAL!!!~)(NOTHING NASTY, JUST FLUFFY!!! NO NASTY HERE, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!)

I was putting my clothes in the laundry when I heard a loud "AHEM!!". I turned to see Mondo standing behind me.

"Yo!", I greeted as I continued my work.

"H-Hey! Uh, sh*t, what was I supposed to say...?", Mondo mumbled to himself.

"Sorry, what did you just say? I didn't quite catch that.", I apologized.

"G-Gah! You down to hang out or some sh*t?", Mondo quickly asked.

"Sure! You know I'm always down to hang out with you!", we began to talk about the equipment that we use for my weapons and his bike... Until Mondo went serious for a second.

"Hey Kuno, could you come with me for a second?", Mondo asked looking straight at me.

"Sure. Where to?", I smiled.

"M-My room. I wanna talk to you.", Mondo stuttered, trying to keep up his tough guy act.

"O-Oh, okay. Why your room though?", I asked as I followed him out of the laundry room.

"Just come with me.", Mondo sighed. I shrugged it off as we both entered his room. It looked just like most rooms except it had a huge "Crazy Diamonds" banner near the bathroom door. I looked at Mondo to see he looked a bit nervous.

"... Listen, can I talk to you about something important?", Mondo asked.

"Important...?", I tilted my head to the side.

"It's kind of cheesy, but... there isn't anyone else here I can talk to about this kinda stuff. I can't show weakness in front of my classmates, and I've never had a... f-friend on the same level as me... So... do you mind?", Mondo explained.

"Of course I don't mind.", I agreed. Mondo sat down on the bed and motioned me to sit next to him. I sat down and faced him so that he knows I'm giving him my full attention.

"Listen, do you like being a high schooler?", Mondo suddenly questioned me.

"Uh, yeah. It's got its ups and downs, but I guess it's fun. Why ask?", I shrugged.

"I like it too, ya know. I like screwin' around with my friends and stuff. Whenever I get to go out and run wild with my Crazy Diamond crew, it's such a goddamn rush... I mean sure, there was a sh*t-tin of pressure to build up the gang and everything, but still... Gettin' to hang with them was the f*ckin' best, man. But I've been thinking a lot lately... What's gonna happen when I'm done with high school? Everyone in the Crazy Diamonds is gonna graduate. I gave everything to them. What do I do then? And I'm not smart like the rest of you... College? Not a chance. So I gotta get a job, right? I feel like... maybe I've already done whatever I'm gonna do in life. Maybe I've maxed out... It's like I'm... empty now. I dunno, I can't figure out how to say it... The point is, that's how big a part of my life the Crazy diamonds have been. So when I think about not having that around anymore... I get scared. Maybe that's why I came here in the first place, to run away. To run away from the fear...", Mondo sighed as he balled his hands into fists.

"Mondo...", I was speechless. I never knew he felt that way, and nobody would expect someone like him to think like that.

"And maybe this is my punishment for everything up till now. Maybe I'm being punished for just doing whatever I felt like all my life.", Mondo mumbled.

"I don't think that's what this is...I think you're lucky to have something you're so passionate about. Being able to get into something that much... I'm sure that'll be useful later on in life. I mean, my smith work was supposed to be a hobby, a side project. Now, it's a business. I turned something I was passionate about into my work!", I smiled.

"... Sh*t, Kuno. You want me to put on a suit or some sh*t? But... maybe you're right... Maybe having as much fun as I did, means I'll be able to dedicate myself to working hard from now on. You know, when I think about it... maybe it won't be all that bad! Maybe I'm even starting to look forward to the idea of working. Just a little...", Mondo grinned from ear to ear.

"So, what's your dream job, big guy?", I asked with a smile.

"Oh, I wanna be a carpenter for sure! I figure, I've done such a good job of busting sh*t apart, I'd prolly be good at building it, too! Just watch! I'm gonna become the best carpenter you've ever seen!", Mondo cracked his knuckles with determination.

"Well, I know you can do it! It's you we're talking about, after all!", I giggled.

"Course, that means we gotta get outta here first...", Mondo nodded.

"We can work together! As long as we work hard and don't give up on each other... We can do it!", I cheered.

"Yeah, you're right... You know, Kuno... Y-You've always been there for me for every decision I've made here, put me in my place when I got outta hand... I just wanted to say that... I-I appreciate that about you. Thank you...", Mondo stuttered.

"Mondo... Of course I'll be there for you. Every step of the way, I'm right there! And I... I care about you. Alot.", I smiled with red creeping up on my face.

"Y-Yeah... I care about you, t-too... Let's, uh, hug it out? T-To show our appreciation! Yeah, that's it!", Mondo nodded, looking like a fire truck. I laughed and wrapped my arms around him. He had a large build, so it was a bit hard to have my hands touch behind his back. Mondo put one arm around my waist and one on top of my head, his jaw on top of his hand.

"H-Hey, um, can you promise me somethin'?", Mondo asked.

"Anything.", I smiled.

"Promise me you won't... forget about me or some sh*t once we leave this hellhole. Like, we can meet up at your shop and hang out! So... promise?", Mondo whispered.

"I promise. Besides, it's hard to forget someone like you, even if I tried!", I giggled.

"W-What's that supposed to mean!?", Mondo yelled. I laughed out loud, and Mondo soon joined in, forgetting what was around us and just enjoying the moment. After just being lazy and talking about our future, we both went seperate ways. I had a huge grin on my face during the whole day.

-KIYOTAKA ISHIMARU- (~SPECIAL!!!~)(NOTHING NASTY, JUST FLUFFY!!! NO NASTY HERE, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!)

I found Taka in the locker room of the bathhouse, so I decided to talk to him.

"Yo, Taka. You seem a bit off...", I quirked an eyebrow at him.

"I-I've been really worried about something... Are we going to have midterms or finals or anything!? Actually, are we going to have any classes at all!? A student can only truly shine when he has the opportunity to buckle down, study hard, and succeed!", Taka scolded no one in particular.

"Hey, calm down! How about we settle down with some tea?", I offered.

"Well, I suppose we should take a break once in a while. Let's partake of some of my delicious tea!", Taka cheered. We spent some time in the dining hall, drinking tea as we tried to calm our nerves... but Taka seemed extra figgity.

"W-Would you like to study with me, Kuno!? Just the two of us!? C-C-C-Come to my room! I-If there's anything you d-don't understand, I'm a very attentive t-teacher!", Taka stuttered as he shook from head to toe.

"Um, sure, you don't mind if I stop by?", I asked.

"Of course not! Okay, l-let's do it!", Taka got up and led me to his room. I entered and saw a bunch of graphs and Japanese proverbs and quotes on the walls, and a row of books on top of the desk.

"Hm, nice place!", I smiled.

"Welcome, Kuno! You're the first guest I've invited to my room! Now that we're here, let me pose to you a question.", Taka offered me a seat and took a seat for himself.

"A question...? Okay then.", I sat down and waited.

"Don't worry, no studying required! This is the most basic of basic questions. Very straightforward! Hahaha! This should be no challenge for you! Very easy, I assure you! Okay, here we go. What country first established "zero" as a numerical concept?", Taka asked.

"It was... India, wasn't it?", I answered.

"Correct! Good job, Kuno! I had faith in you, and you came through for me! Seeing you get excited is getting *me* excited! Let's stack our effort one on top of the other and show those self-centered genius jerks what for!", Taka cheered.

"Taka...", I sighed, giving Taka a look.

"Yeah?", Taka quirked his head to the side.

"You gotta tell me, honestly... why do you hate the idea of geniuses?", I asked.

"Hmm... I guess I feel like they're just... my sworn enemy, you know?", Taka shrugged.

"How come?", I questioned.

"But you hit the nail on the head. You're pretty sharp!", Taka praised.

"I appreciate the compliment, but don't change the subject. How come?", I asked again.

"There's someone... Someone I respect, someone I hate. Someone I have to surpass... Because he was a genius.", Taka clenched his fist thinking about it.

"Who?", I asked.

"Toransuke Ishimaru. Do you recognize that name?... He was my grandfather. He was once... Prime Minister of Japan.", Taka sighed. I almost choked on the air because of the nonchalant comment.

"The Prime f*cking Minister of Japan!? He was your grandfather!?", I choked out.

"WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE!", Taka scolded.

"Answer my question first, language manners later!", I urged.

"*sigh* He went from Minister of Foreign Affairs to Chief Cabinet Secretary, and finally... Prime Minister. And all without any support network, and only a high school degree...! He was, simply, a genius. Everything he did, he did without any effort.", Taka explained.

"And you hate your grandfather, why? Because he did everything without effort?", I asked.

"He was a genius. He'd never known failure. His success was unimaginable to a normal person. But because of that... he allowed himself to be controlled by naive emotions, and got roped into corruption scandal. He had no idea what the world of geniuses was really like. At least, that's how I see it. At that point, he fell just as fast as he had risen. And it wasn't just in politics. The business world had no use for him anymore, and he plummeted. The debt he left behind torments my family to this day. He died a few years ago. By the end, he wasn't speaking to anyone. Despite his fame, his legacy... the only people who came to his funeral were family members.", Taka elaborated.

"Wow... it's hard to imagine, to be honest.", I mumbled.

"Some consider genius fate's blessing. But I see it as a tragedy more than anything. The tragedy of finding success without understanding the importance of effort. There's nothing worse than a genius who trips and falls. Just like my grandfather...", Taka sighed.

"And that's why you hate the concept of "genius"?", I asked.

"My grandfather serves as an important lesson why you must never be decieved by words like "genius." Relying on my own effort, I will reach greater accomplishments than anything my grandfather ever did! So we have to work hard to build a society where those who put in the most effort are properly rewarded!", Taka nodded with determination.

"I see...", I nodded as I now understood where all this came from.

"B-But you know, Kuno... I'm really happy! I figured this school would be full geniuses. I mean, I thought everyone would be my enemy. I never imagined I'd meet someone here who I could share my story with... I'm so lucky to have met you here! This kind of thing only happens once in a lifetime! I hope we can stay close, and combine our efforts to shape things the way we want!", Taka took my hands in his with a huge grin.

"Wait, you want me to be apart of your plan?", I asked with a small smile.

"W-Well, of course! I c-care about you very dearly! Make no mistake of that!", Taka nodded with a red face. I smiled wider and dragged him into a big bear hug. Taka let out a noise of surprise and just became a stuttering mess.

"U-U-UM, K-K-KUNO??", Taka tried to gain my attention.

"Thank you, Kiyotaka... Seriously. I care about you too, and I will do my best to live up to your expectations.", I grinned as I let go of Taka and squeezed his hands with everything I had.

"D-Don't mention it, haha! Okay, we have to keep on studying!", Taka coughed as we began to study again. We went through a bunch of problems, and after that we went our own way for the day.

-CHIHIRO FUJISAKI- (~SPECIAL!!!~)(NOTHING NASTY, JUST FLUFFY!!! NO NASTY HERE, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!) (ESPECIALLY FOR CHIHIRO, INNOCENT CINNAMON ROLLS DON'T NEED NO NASTY!!)

As I was folding my laundry, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Chihiro smiling at me.

"Hello, Kuno... Do you mind if we sat down and talked?", Chihiro asked.

"I don't mind! Let's chat.", I nodded as I sat down next to Chihiro as we began to talking about the school... Until Chihiro brought up something.

"Hey, Kuno! You remember your promise?", Chihiro asked with a smile.

"Oh, when you said we would talk about me the next time we chat? Yeah, I remember, hehe!", I chuckled with a small blush.

"Okay. let's go to my room! We can talk there.", Chihiro giggled as she grabbed my hand and took me to her room. When we entered, I found a bunch of computers on her desk, a telescope in the corner, a huge chart, a few books on the shelf, and a camera on the round table.

"So, we can talk about you today?", Chihiro asked.

"Of course! Fire away!", I smiled.

"Really? Great! Come, sit down!", Chihiro pulled up two chairs as she sat me down on one and she sat in front of me, looking more giddy then ever before, which was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

"Okay, let's go! I wanna hear all about you!", Chihiro urged.

"Well, what do you want to know?", I asked.

"Well, let's start with a question. What do you like to do in your spare time?", Chihiro asked.

"Um, I make weapons, play video games, watch TV, lay around... that's pretty much it.". I shrugged with a chuckle.

"Huh? What about sports?", Chihiro questioned.

"I don't really play anything. The only time I run anywhere is during gym, or when I'm running late in the morning... I know it sounds like I'm lazy.", I sighed.

"Really? And you're still so strong?", Chihiro mumbled.

"Strong...? I know my hands are muscled because of my smith work, but that's pretty much it!", I laughed with a hint of a nervous chuckle.

"That's... pretty much it? Oh...", Chihiro seemed dissappointed for some reason.

"Hey, what's the matter?", I asked.

"Well, it's just... I'm looking for someone strong.", Chihiro admitted.

"Hm, what about Sakura...?", I suggested.

"...No, I mean a guy. I know you're not a man, but I thought I would ask you anyways.", Chihiro mused.

"Thinking about it now... what about Mondo? He's the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader, right? He's gotta be the strongest guy here.", I explained with a smile.

"Mondo... Yeah, that's it!", Chihiro nodded.

"But why are you looking for a strong guy?", I asked.

"... I want to... start training. I'm so weak... I thought if I could talk to someone strong about it, it might help motivate me.", Chihiro explained.

"I see... Sorry, I wish I could help somehow... But I'm weak compared to Mondo or Sakura...", I sighed in defeat.

"... Hey, Kuno...? Do you have any kind of, um... inferiority complex?", Chihiro suddenly asked.

"Inferiority complex...?", I echoed.

"You know, some part of you that you can't stand. Something you absolutely hate...", Chihiro elaborated.

"Well, yeah, I do... I hate how despite people telling me I have a talent, that I'm special... I'm normal. Ordinary. Easily forgettable. And I see that when I talk to you guys. I mean, you all have unique personalities with wonderful dreams and aspirations. While I'm just... happy-go-lucky, I guess.", I shrugged.

"And... how do you overcome that kind of feeling?", Chihiro asked.

"I haven't yet, sadly... That's why I decided to accept it. I can't change how I feel. If I think about it, I just busy myself. If I busy myself enough, I forget.", I mumbled.

"Busy myself... I see. That's a good idea. If I don't do something, nothing's ever going to change. Yeah, I think your advice has helped me understand! Ehehe... Thanks, Kuno!", Chihiro smiled.

"Oh, um, you're welcome? I thought I was complaining for a second, I didn't know it was advice. But... if it's helping you, I'm happy.", I smiled.

"...Kuno... About you being normal compared to everyone else... That's not true! You are an amazing woman, with a strong attitude and clear vision of what you want! You're also compassionate, you care about us more than yourself, and it shows! When you protected Makoto from Mondo on the first day, I thought you were amazing, taking the blow for him! You also took the time to help me... Not many are willing to do that! And that makes you special! *I* think that you're special!", Chihiro suddenly hugged me her tiny arms and a huge smile.

"Y-You do...?", I gasped with a blush.

"Yep!", Chihiro nodded, not letting go. I hugged her back with tears in my eyes.

"I think you're special too, Chihiro... No doubt about it.", I whispered with a smile. We sat like that for a while, just taking the time to appreciate each others presence.

-MAKOTO NAEGI-

APPEARS LATER IN THE STORY!

A/N:

I'm soft because of the special parts, help dshbfkjhsdavfhasfbkahjdsgfkasbdcs!!!!

END OF CHAPTER 9!