Chapter 49: Sharpshooter Showdown

After finishing the removal of all the gold threads, Daichi was completely drained. He waved briefly to Dekisugi, who was still curiously examining the cloak, and went downstairs to wash up.

When he returned, Dekisugi was cautiously touching the fabric of the cloak.

A mischievous impulse rose within Daichi. He crept up behind Dekisugi and suddenly clapped both hands heavily on his shoulders. "Hey, Dekisugi, what are you doing~?"

Dekisugi felt a chill shoot up his spine—his mind went blank, and his heart skipped several beats before thumping wildly again. He turned around, hand on his chest, the other raised in protest. "Are you trying to kill me with fright?!"

Daichi had never seen that kind of expression on him since arriving in this household. Though a little mean, he couldn't help but laugh.

Seeing Daichi laughing so shamelessly, Dekisugi pouted. "I'm not talking to you anymore!" He stomped off downstairs to wash up.

Daichi eventually stopped laughing and flopped onto his bed. Today had been exhausting. He fell asleep in minutes.

Later, Dekisugi returned, saw him passed out on the bed without a blanket, and sighed. He tucked Daichi in before going to bed himself.

The next morning, Daichi's internal clock betrayed him—he was only woken up at 7:30 by Dekisugi. Their parents were already waiting with breakfast.

Having skipped dinner last night, Daichi was famished. After changing clothes, he rushed downstairs.

His foster father chuckled. "You must've been really worn out yesterday. Be sure to take care of yourself."

Daichi nodded, thanked him, and devoured his breakfast before heading to the sink to wash up.

That morning, they agreed to read for a while, then decide whether to go out or draw in the afternoon.

Daichi had another reason for staying in—his inner sigil had finally gathered enough mana to inscribe a new rune, so he wasn't going to delay.

While Dekisugi read intently, Daichi closed his eyes and focused inward, beginning the inscription of his sixth sigil.

The process went smoothly this time—he successfully etched the rune, and immediately felt it harmonize with the world. Natural forces etched a new lawline onto it.

Even more surprising, he discovered he could faintly sense traces of deeper insight, albeit very faint.

In the afternoon, Dekisugi said he wanted to keep reading a bit longer, so Daichi went out alone.

He figured the best place to find familiar faces would be the open lot—and sure enough, there they were: Gian, Suneo, Nobita, and two other kids he didn't know, all playing with toy guns and boasting about them.

He walked over and asked, "Hey, everyone's here. What are you guys up to?"

Gian laughed. "We're playing cowboy!"

Daichi raised a brow. "Playing cowboy? What, you planning to drop out of school and herd cattle now?"

Gian froze—this guy always zeroed in on the weirdest parts of a conversation.

Suneo took the opportunity to jab. "It's because we ran into pirates the other day, remember? I thought the way they handled their guns looked cool, so we're trying it out. Ah—my bad. I forgot some people didn't get a gun and almost got shot. They probably don't enjoy this kind of game."

He snickered and glanced smugly at Daichi.

Daichi's eyebrow twitched. True, I didn't have a toy gun... but I've got an ice lance that can pin you to a wall, want me to demonstrate?

Nobita, feeling awkward, ran off. Everyone assumed his pride had been hurt.

Daichi's glare shifted toward Suneo. When the time comes, I'll make sure you regret that comment. You need a lesson in basic respect.

Suneo instinctively sensed danger—his years around Gian had trained him well. He dove behind Gian's broad back for cover.

Gian was sweating too. Why'd you have to provoke him, huh? And now you're dragging me into it! Gonna have to teach you a lesson myself later.

Still unaware of how deeply he'd offended a second powerhouse, Suneo stuck out his tongue. Daichi stared at him coldly, his eyes practically spelling out "You. Are. Dead."

Just then, Dekisugi arrived, saving Suneo from certain doom.

He turned the corner and waved cheerfully. "Hey guys! What are you all talking about?"

Gian breathed a sigh of relief. Whew, Daichi rarely makes a move in front of Dekisugi. Looks like we're safe today.

Still, he resolved that Suneo needed to understand—peace comes at a price.

Gian explained why they'd all brought their treasured toy guns today—it was because of the pirates.

He even praised Daichi's skill, adding, "Even Daichi had trouble back then. I need to improve my shooting."

Daichi gave him a side glance. Please. Even the person you idolized died under my lightning. What makes you think a kid like you could ever match me?

They were still chatting when Nobita returned—with a surprise.

"Hey guys! I've got a game for us! A shooting contest—I promise it'll be fun!"

Everyone stood up. Gian hopped off the concrete pipe where he'd been perched.

"This better be good, or I'll make you pay!"

But Nobita didn't flinch. He held up a container Doraemon had given him—air-gun gel.

"With this, you can shoot air bullets by just coating your fingers. It won't hurt anyone, but it'll knock them out for a little while. So let's play a sharpshooter game!"

Gian looked interested. "Sounds fun. What do you think, everyone?"

Everyone raised their hands. Even Daichi raised his—he'd always dreamed of a gun-slinger duel.

Noticing Dekisugi hadn't raised his hand, Daichi walked over. "Why not?"

"I've never played shooting games before… I think I'll sit this one out."

Daichi smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. You won't get hurt. It's just a game. Might as well get some practice—you never know when it'll come in handy."

Dekisugi hesitated, then nodded.

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

In class, Dekisugi was always the perfect student—smart, composed, unapproachable. There was always a wall between him and the others.

Some were envious of his grades, and as class president, no one dared mess with him.

But now he'd walked into the lion's den willingly—finally, a chance to mess with him without consequences. Everyone's eyes gleamed with new intent.

Dekisugi felt a sudden pressure but couldn't pinpoint where it came from. He scratched his head, confused.

Nobita was inwardly cackling. Finally, they've all taken the bait! Daichi, Gian—you're going down today!

Daichi sneezed.

Hmph, someone must be badmouthing me. Wonder who the dead man is.

"Alright, since everyone's in, let me explain the rules!"

Nobita stepped into the center and began. "This is the air-gun gel. Each application gives you one shot. I'll apply it to each of your fingers, so that's ten bullets per person."

"The game is simple—knock out everyone else. But no one can shoot until five minutes after the start. The last one standing wins! Any questions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Satisfied, Nobita motioned everyone forward to receive their "ammo."

When it was Daichi's turn, he held out his hands. Nobita dabbed a bit of gel on each finger. A faint yellow mark remained.

Daichi used his spiritual sense—there was a hint of wind-elemental energy in the gel. But it felt nothing like mana.

Clearly, future tech and magic were two very different systems.

Once everyone was ready, Nobita declared, "We're all set. Everyone, spread out! The game starts in five minutes!"

Everyone scattered warily.

Nobita watched them leave, a smirk curling on his lips. Let the hunt begin.

Then he, too, vanished into the streets.

(End of Chapter)