Chapter Operation: Truth (Otome Route)

Today, the Christmas party's sparkle has faded, leaving a serene quiet throughout the school. All trash has been cleared, chairs neatly arranged, and now, the school security members are gathered in the field to hear the final message after a successful celebration. The cold air bites, yet the holiday spirit radiates on everyone's faces.

"Alright everyone, today we've finished our mission and the holidays are here! So, Mr. Gunslinger and I wish you a Merry Christmas and enjoy your break!" I, Hasukawa Hayabusa, stood tall in front of my squad, my baritone voice echoing. Relief filled my heart. "THANK YOU VERY MUCH, ANIKI!!" All members saluted in unison, their voices full of enthusiasm. "Dismissed now!!" I gave the order, and they scattered at lightning speed, rushing off to embrace their vacation. "Hayabusa, I leave too ya." Ken, my best friend, said, holding the leash of Hunter, his loyal pet dog. "Um, Hunter. Thank you." I thanked Hunter, stroking his warm fur. The dog had been a faithful companion in all our missions. "Woof," Hunter barked cheerfully, then licked my face, making me smile faintly. "Ok, Merry Christmas Hayabusa." Ken left with Hunter, his steps steady. "Ah, Merry Christmas to you too." I returned his greeting, then stretched my stiff body. "Ah~~, time to go home." A sigh of relief escaped my lips. It was time to return to the peace of home.

Before heading home, my instinct led me to stop by a convenience store. I wanted to buy some snacks to spend the quiet Christmas Eve. As I walked among the shelves, I vaguely heard sounds of punches and someone falling. The sounds came from a darker aisle, away from the main road's hustle and bustle. My "Mr. Bushido" instinct immediately kicked in. Without hesitation, I approached, stepping into the darkness, wary of any danger that might await.

The sounds became clearer, followed by stifled groans. From behind stacks of boxes and shadows, I saw Otome, my friend, cornered. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes welled up with fear. In front of her, three large, tattooed thugs loomed menacingly, wicked grins adorning their faces. One of them held Otome's wallet, while the others laughed mockingly.

"Let her go!" My voice was flat, yet contained a clear threat. I stood at the alley entrance, my shadow covering the convenience store lights, creating an intimidating silhouette. They turned, surprised to see me. "Who are you?! Don't interfere, kid!" one of them barked, his hands clenched. "I'm not a kid, and this is my business," I replied, stepping forward. My eyes narrowed, the aura I had cultivated as "Mr. Bushido" began to envelop me. Otome looked at me with wide eyes, a mix of shock and relief.

The fight was inevitable. I moved swiftly, like a shadow, exploiting every opening. The blows I had honed at the Kyoto temple, every precise movement from the Bushido martial arts, now became weapons. I kicked one thug's leg, sending him sprawling, then locked another's arm and twisted it until he groaned in pain. The third thug tried to attack me from behind with a folding knife, but I spun, parried his attack with my wooden sword that I always carried, then struck his back. They cried out in pain, surrendered, and fled headlong, leaving Otome's wallet lying on the floor.

I bent down, picked up Otome's wallet, and held it out to her. "Are you alright, Otome?" I asked, my voice softening again. Otome remained silent, her body trembling, then she nodded slowly. "H-Hayabusa-kun… thank you…" Her voice trembled as she took her wallet with shaky hands. I noticed her red cheeks and realized she was cold. Without hesitation, I took off my scarf and wrapped it around Otome's neck. "It's very cold tonight. You should wear this." Otome looked up, her beautiful eyes gazing deeply into mine. "Hayabusa-kun…" She didn't finish her sentence, but something radiated from her eyes, something more than just gratitude.

Weeks Later…

Since that night, a subtle change had occurred in our relationship. Otome often waited for me at the school gate, or we walked home together. She began to open up more to me, telling me about her dream of becoming a teacher, her desire to always help others. I, too, unconsciously started sharing more about my harsh past in Kyoto, about how Bushido shaped me. For the first time, I felt like someone truly listened, someone who understood the depth of the wounds behind the cold "Mr. Bushido" persona. Otome was a gentle, loving woman with a pure heart. Her smile was like the morning sun, capable of warming my frozen heart.

However, one thing continued to bother me: Otome seemed quieter and often lost in thought whenever we discussed the future. More than that, she started exhibiting strange behavior.

One afternoon, on the school rooftop, where we usually shared stories, Otome gazed at the reddening sunset sky. "Hayabusa-kun…" her voice was soft, almost inaudible. "I… I have a secret I want to share with you." My heart pounded. I sensed something heavy behind her words. "What is it, Otome?" She turned, her eyes welling up. "I… I actually can't go to college. My family… they can't afford it. And I… I feel unworthy of pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher." A pang of pain pierced my chest. Otome, who was always positive and spirited, had been carrying such a heavy burden. "Otome, don't say that. You deserve to pursue your dreams." "But how, Hayabusa-kun? I… I have no other way." Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Seeing her so fragile, my heart clenched. This was a side of Otome I had never seen, a vulnerability that made me want to protect her with all my strength. I held her hand tightly. "Otome, I will help you. Whatever it takes. We'll find a way together." Otome's eyes widened, looking at me with disbelief, yet also full of hope. "Hayabusa-kun… but how…?" "We will try. With me, you won't be alone."

Since that incident, Otome started exhibiting other strange behaviors. She often tried to set me up with other girls at school. Nanaka, Kotori, even Setsuko. She praised their qualities, talked about how compatible they were with me, and even arranged awkward "meetings."

"Hayabusa-kun, Nanaka is very talented in music, she's so sweet. You two would definitely be a good match!" Otome said one day, as we were having lunch in the cafeteria. I looked at her, confused. "Otome, why are you suddenly saying that?" "I just thought, Hayabusa-kun needs someone who can fill your heart. And Nanaka… she has a cheerful aura, she can definitely make you smile." Otome tried to smile, but her eyes looked a little sad. I sighed. "Otome, I don't understand. Why are you doing this?" "I just want to see you happy, Hayabusa-kun. As… as an older brother." Those words "older brother" felt like a slap to me. How many times had she considered me a younger brother?

Then there was another incident. Kotori, who often argued with me, had openly declared her interest. "Hayabusa, I want to know the extent of your strength. Maybe we could try to have a relationship. I like strong men." Before I could answer, Otome interrupted. "Kotori-chan, Hayabusa-kun needs someone gentle and understanding. You're too tough, Hayabusa-kun won't be comfortable." I was speechless. Otome seemed to want to keep her distance from me, even going so far as to defend me in a strange way. This left me confused and frustrated. What was she really feeling? Did she truly only see me as a younger brother?

One afternoon, I couldn't take it anymore. I pulled Otome to the school rooftop. "Otome, we need to talk seriously." "What is it, Hayabusa-kun?" She looked nervous. "Why do you keep trying to set me up with other people? Why do you always call yourself 'older brother'?" I looked her straight in the eyes. "Do you know how much it hurts me to hear that?" Otome was shocked. "Hayabusa-kun, I… I just want the best for you. I don't want you to misunderstand. I…" "Misunderstand what, Otome?!" My voice rose. "I've never seen you as an older brother! Since that day in the alley, when I saw you scared, when I put this scarf around your neck, I knew my feelings for you were much more than that! I… I like you, Otome! I love you!"

My words hung in the air. Otome froze, her eyes wide, tears beginning to well up. "No… no way… Hayabusa-kun…" "Why no way, Otome?! Why do you keep denying your own feelings?! I know you feel the same way! I can feel it!" I moved closer to her, holding her shoulders. "Tell me the truth, Otome. What are you afraid of?"

Otome looked down, tears streaming down her face. "I… I'm scared, Hayabusa-kun. I'm scared. I know my feelings for you. I… I love you too. But I'm not worthy. My family… we have nothing. I can't go to college, I can't fulfill my dreams. How can I be with you, with all these shortcomings? I don't want to be a burden to you." Those tears were the most honest confession I had ever heard. I pulled her into my embrace. "Listen, Otome. Your shortcomings don't make you unworthy. In fact, that's what makes you unique and strong. And your college problem… we'll face it together. I promised, didn't I? You won't be alone." "But… but, Hayabusa-kun…" "No buts, Otome. I don't care about wealth or status. All I care about is you. We'll build our future together. I, Mr. Bushido, will protect your dreams, just as I will protect you. This isn't just a promise, this is my vow."

One Year Later…

That year, I worked hard, harder than ever before. I took on part-time jobs, entered various martial arts tournaments to earn money, and even taught Ken a few martial arts tricks in exchange. All for one goal: to help Otome fulfill her dream. Otome herself also worked hard, saving every penny she earned. Ken and our friends, after learning about Otome's situation, secretly provided support as well, both in encouragement and small financial aid. We all formed a circle of support for Otome. Otome, now, no longer denied her feelings. She began to radiate genuine happiness, and sometimes, we shared small romantic moments that only we knew about.

Graduation day arrived. Otome and I stood on the same stage, receiving our diplomas. When my name was called, my gaze sought out Otome, and her sincere smile gave me strength. After the ceremony, amidst the crowd, I approached Otome.

"Otome," I called, my voice slightly trembling. "Congratulations, Hayabusa-kun," she said, her eyes welling up with happiness. I took her hand, holding it tightly. "Otome, remember my promise? You'll go to college, right?" She nodded, tears flowing. "Yes, Hayabusa-kun. I got into my dream university." "Good." I smiled, then pulled out a small box from my graduation suit pocket. Inside, a simple yet beautiful silver ring shimmered. "Otome, I love you. I want you to be a part of my life, forever. Will you marry me?"

The crowd around us instantly fell silent. All eyes were on us. Otome covered her mouth with her hand, tears streaming down her face. An unexpected drama on graduation day.

"Hayabusa-kun…" she whispered, then nodded vigorously. "Yes! I will! I really will!" I rose, embracing her tightly amidst the joyous cheers from friends and teachers who knew our struggles. Ken cheered the loudest, Otome laughed and cried in my arms. This was the beginning of everything.

Five Years Later: Warrior and Heart's Protector in Europe

Five years passed. We were in a peaceful little village in the Swiss countryside, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and clear lakes. Our home was a warm wooden chalet, with breathtaking views. Hayabusa, the cold "Mr. Bushido," was now a mature man who radiated warmth, a genuine smile never leaving his lips. He had found the peace he had always sought, not in battle, but in love.

Otome, now Otome Hasukawa, was a teacher at the local elementary school. She was deeply loved by her students, radiating affection and gentleness. Every morning, Hayabusa walked her to school, and every afternoon, he picked her up.

Their relationship grew stronger. After marrying, Hayabusa decided to accompany her in pursuing her dreams. He was no longer a school teacher, but rather a "protector" in a broader sense. He opened a small dojo next to their home, teaching martial arts to the village children, instilling values of discipline, courage, and honor. He was a warrior who found his purpose, no longer in physical combat, but in educating and protecting the people he loved.

One winter evening, heavy snow fell outside. They sat in front of the fireplace, Otome reading a children's book, while Hayabusa massaged her tired feet after a day of teaching.

"Hayabusa-kun," Otome said, her voice soft. "You never complain, always support me. Thank you for everything."

Hayabusa smiled, kissing the back of Otome's hand. "You are the most beautiful gift in my life, Otome. Your happiness is my happiness. You taught me that true peace lies in love, not in battle."

Otome looked at him, her eyes welling up. "I love you, Hayabusa-kun." "I love you too, Otome."

They embraced, feeling each other's warmth. Outside, the snowstorm raged, but inside the chalet, there was the eternal warmth of true love. Hayabusa, the warrior who found peace, and Otome, the gentle heart's protector, lived happily ever after in peaceful Europe, where their dreams came true. Their story is an epic of love, sacrifice, and how two different souls found perfection in each other, creating their own heaven.