Kayama Esumi: A Chance Encounter on a Train Ride

"Thank you for choosing Highlander Railroad Academy today. This train is the 10:30 departure from the Trinity Autonomous District, bound for the Gehenna Autonomous District. The estimated arrival time is—"

The rhythmic clack-clack of the tracks vibrated through her entire body. Using the conductor's announcement as background music, Kayama Esumi sat in a four-person box seat, staring vacantly out the window.

Was the student in charge of the announcement an upperclassman? She seemed incredibly practiced; there wasn't a single tremor or slip in her tone. It was proof that she had her nerves under control—a sign of someone who had seen their fair share of real-world experience.

In a way, Esumi felt a small sense of relief knowing she was on a train managed by a veteran conductor.

"A reminder to all passengers: Highlander Railroad Academy does not tolerate fare evasion or petty crime of any kind. If you think you can look down on a conductor just because this train runs through lawless territory, be prepared. We will crush you instantly."

"Wait, isn't that a bit too violent?"

Esumi took back her previous thought.

Apparently, this conductor had spent far too long working the lines in the infamous Gehenna District; her spirit seemed entirely eroded. Though her voice remained calm and professional, her words were startlingly bellicose.

Then again... her attitude was somewhat understandable.

The Gehenna Autonomous District was home to Gehenna Academy, a school famous for its near-total collapse of institutional order. It was a hub for delinquent students and radical criminal organizations, where gunfights and explosions were daily occurrences. Extortion and threats toward students from other schools were considered a rite of passage. It was a literal danger zone where law and rules were nonexistent.

A train running through such a district every day couldn't possibly remain unscathed. Rumor had it that when conductors tried to stop fare evaders, they were handed cash stolen from other passengers, or were caught in the crossfire of spontaneous brawls that left the carriages half-destroyed.

Highlander Railroad Academy was unique in that it possessed no physical territory; the rail lines themselves served as their district. Consequently, the management and factions varied wildly depending on the route. The aggressive, rough-and-tumble attitude of this conductor was likely a specialized trait developed specifically for the Gehenna line.

To Esumi, this was a bizarre scene she never would have witnessed on the railways of her previous life. However, upon reflection, she realized that this entire world—where minors carried firearms and gunfights were the norm—was already beyond bizarre. She accepted it with surprising ease.

"Schools really have it rough in every sense..."

The conductor’s voice faded, leaving the world to the mechanical drone of the engine and the swaying vibration of the carriage. Bored, Esumi rested her head against the window. Every time the speeding train jolted, her head would lift slightly before being knocked back against the glass, yet strangely, it didn't hurt.

(I’m missing a week of school for this. I really hope this trip turns out to be a success...)

As she let her thoughts wander toward a destination that still felt far away, Esumi offered a silent prayer for the success of her journey.

1-2

"A week's absence, you say?"

This conversation took place a few days before Kayama Esumi boarded the train to Gehenna. Esumi, who had been attending Trinity General School for just over a month, had paid a visit to a certain senior student.

Her name was Tsukusu. She was a representative of the Sanctus Branch and the current Host of the Tea Party—the student council that governed Trinity.

The two had met on the day Esumi gave her speech as the freshman representative. Tsukusu was a quintessential Trinity student—someone who could offer Esumi the use of the Art Club while simultaneously plotting to recruit her into the Sanctus Branch.

She stood just over 170 centimeters tall. To Esumi, who was still quite short, she was a person of enviable height. Currently, Tsukusu sat on a sofa, welcoming Esumi’s visit with a pleasant expression. Esumi had been offered a seat as well, but she had flatly refused, remaining standing. It certainly wasn't because she wanted to look down on the tall girl for once.

"Yes. I intend to head to the Gehenna Autonomous District sometime next week. Since I won't be able to attend school during that time, I’ve come to give you prior notice of my absence."

As the head of Trinity, Tsukusu didn't flinch at the seemingly nonsensical report that a student intended to miss a week of school. Even when she asked for a reason and received the even more baffling answer of "going to Gehenna," Tsukusu’s expression remained unchanged. She simply watched Esumi with a calm, analytical gaze, nodding slowly.

"I see... A highly anticipated freshman, who has everyone's eyes on her, wishes to go on hiatus after only a month... and solely for the purpose of visiting Gehenna... Hmmm."

Clasping her hands together while maintaining a smile so gentle it almost forced one to lower their guard, Tsukusu let out a soft chuckle.

"How interesting. You never cease to surprise, Esumi-san. There is a saying about how one phrases things, but based on your explanation, I have no choice but to give you a heartless 'no.' Could you provide a more... precise explanation?"

"I am withholding the specific details, but I imagine someone of your insight can guess, Lady Tsukusu."

"Yes, of course. After all, I am your biggest fan. Knowing how much you love art, you are likely heading to Gehenna in pursuit of 'that' which is essential to a painter. I’m not sure if it’s worth missing a week of school for... but as the Host, I will overlook your absence for the time being."

Normally, an absence could not be sanctioned without a valid, significant reason. Esumi’s excuse of "going to Gehenna" would typically be rejected immediately. Even if she had explained the details she was currently hiding, it likely wouldn't have been enough to secure official permission.

Furthermore, the Gehenna District belonged to a rival institution that had been at odds with Trinity throughout their long history. Even without open warfare, the students of both schools viewed each other with unconcealed loathing.

Tsukusu, who understood the weight of her position as Host perfectly, had chosen to "overlook" the matter. If any other members of the Tea Party had been present, they would have voiced their opposition without hesitation. At worst, nasty rumors might have spread about Esumi having ties to Gehenna.

But Tsukusu had a reason for granting permission so easily.

"And? What do you intend to do for me in exchange for this week, Esumi-san?"

Overlooking an unexcused absence for a single student would undoubtedly lead to criticism and damage to Tsukusu’s reputation if it came to light. In the cutthroat world of Trinity’s factional politics, such a blow could be fatal.

In short, Esumi possessed something that made the benefit outweigh the risk for Tsukusu.

Understanding this, Tsukusu spread her arms wide in a welcoming gesture. In response, Esumi placed a hand over her heart and bowed her head.

"Regarding your previous proposal about the Art Club... I will accept a one-week trial membership."

"Oh, how wonderful."

This meant that for one week, Kayama Esumi—a neutral party who avoided factions—would effectively be under the umbrella of the Sanctus Branch.

To a student from a commoner background who cared nothing for politics, this might seem trivial. But to those entrenched in the factions, this was earth-shattering news. According to the information Esumi had gathered, the current Art Club was comprised almost entirely of Sanctus Branch students, excluding the freshmen. It was less a club and more a private organization for the Sanctus faction.

"I will leave the specifics of my stay to you. Since I am already working as a professional, I can provide lectures or offer advice on technique. For that one week, you may give me any instructions you see fit, within reason."

"In that case, I shall have you paint something for me."

"It's only a week. I can offer you a sketch, if that suffices?"

To put it plainly, Esumi was an incredibly fast worker. Having painted since she was a toddler and possessing the keen observation skills of someone who had been immersed in the art world in a previous life, she could finish a piece far faster than the average artist. In fact, she had produced forty works in the previous year alone.

However, she was still a student.

Between her studies and managing the sale and delivery of her professional work by herself, her schedule was packed. Creating a piece for Tsukusu would require research for a theme, procuring materials, and deciding between oils or watercolors and the canvas size. Even once she started, her pride as an artist wouldn't allow her to gift anything less than a polished, perfected work. There simply wasn't enough time.

A mere week. But a long week nonetheless.

It was only natural for Esumi to reject the request for a finished painting. While Tsukusu—as a self-proclaimed "big fan"—would likely have accepted a rough sketch or a rushed piece, Esumi's professional pride made that impossible. Tsukusu seemed to realize this, as she let out an amused laugh.

"I’m joking, of course."

She seemed to enjoy testing Esumi’s reactions. She certainly had a bit of a mischievous streak.

"For now, I am satisfied simply hearing your acceptance regarding the Art Club. We can discuss the timing and details of your trial membership once your business in Gehenna is concluded."

Satisfied, Tsukusu stood up from the sofa. The gentle, reassuring smile she had been wearing vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp, serious expression.

"One final word of advice, Esumi-san. While I have chosen to overlook this, you are still missing classes for a personal matter. And you are going to Gehenna... If this were to leak to the public, it would undoubtedly damage your reputation and the way people perceive you."

Esumi listened in silence and gave a small nod. she had been prepared for that from the start.

"As your self-appointed fan and as someone responsible for your future at this school, I will handle the cover story so no one grows suspicious. Usually, 'poor health' is the standard excuse... but if you don't mind, could I use your 'right hand' as the reason?"

Esumi’s eyes widened slightly as Tsukusu’s gaze shifted toward her right hand.

"...You already knew."

"In the Tea Party, gathering every scrap of information on those we deal with is second nature. However, regarding your right hand, I simply happened upon the information while following my interests as a fan. I suppose one could call it the sacrifice made in your desperate quest to polish your skills as a painter. I take it no one else knows of this?"

Esumi looked down at her right hand and rubbed it almost protectively with her left. She let out a sigh and a wry smile.

"That's right. I've explained it to my colleagues in the industry, but as far as my personal acquaintances go, I don't think anyone knows."

"I see. It would be best for you to explain it to those around you in your own time, but if the need arises, I will use it as a 'truth mixed with a lie' to justify your absence."

"That's fine. I was planning on making it public later this year anyway."

Esumi signaled her consent, and Tsukusu’s smile returned.

"By the way, have you explained your trip to Gehenna to your friends? I am honored to be the only one sharing this secret, but you will need allies in this school after I graduate."

"...I don't really believe in making 'friends,' so I wouldn't call them that... but I have told those I trust that I will be visiting another district."

"Oh? So you trust them, yet the fact that it’s Gehenna remains a secret?"

"Well... I really want to avoid getting them involved in this right now..."

Eventually, she would have no choice but to interact with them during the events surrounding the Eden Treaty, but for now, the main cast members were still in middle school. Esumi wanted to avoid any indirect connection to Gehenna at this stage.

Then again, here she was, heading to Gehenna of her own volition. Esumi felt a different kind of anxiety—the fear that she might be "breaking" the original plot of the game.

1-3

"Attention, passengers. This train will arrive at the Gehenna Autonomous District in approximately twenty minutes. There are no further stops before our final destination. Please check that you have all your belongings before disembarking."

As Esumi finished reminiscing, the train had already passed several stations. All that remained was Gehenna.

"...Finally."

The long ride had left her feeling a bit groggy. She let out a small yawn and looked around the carriage.

"Wait, where did everyone go?"

When the train left Trinity, about half the seats had been filled. Now, the occupancy had dropped to barely a tenth. It was so empty that a group of delinquent-looking students who had boarded earlier were using the empty seats as racks for their weapons.

There had been plenty of ordinary-looking citizens earlier, but they must have all gotten off at previous stops to avoid Gehenna.

(Does everyone hate going to Gehenna that much?)

Esumi shrugged and stretched her arms. Outside the window, a large city began to loom in the distance. Even from this far away, its presence was undeniable. That was the Gehenna Autonomous District. Since this was Esumi’s first time traveling to another district, this was also her first time seeing one from the outside. Gehenna was surprisingly massive.

"...No sign of any main characters yet, but I need to stay on my guard."

Gehenna was famous for being the most dangerous place in Kivotos, and it was also the home of many popular characters from the game. (While other schools were the same, Gehenna characters were heavily involved in the main story.)

The invincible Prefect Team leader and the Problem Solver crew—who somehow always ended up in the middle of serious drama despite being magnets for trouble—weren't in high school yet. But like Nagisa and Mika, there was a high chance they were somewhere in the city as middle schoolers. She had to be careful not to run into them by accident.

(I'll finish my business quickly and head back without seeing anyone.)

Esumi focused her attention on the approaching district.

"Hey, look at this. We’ve got a high-class little lady on board."

She might have been focusing a bit too much. She hadn't noticed someone approaching her.

(...Well, this is a bit of a problem.)

She turned toward the voice and saw the group of delinquents who had been using the seats as weapon racks. They were gathered around her. If she remembered the game terminology... they were "Sukebans," right?

Why had they noticed her? She hadn't done anything to provoke them. Esumi was even in disguise, since a Trinity student visiting Gehenna would stand out. She was wearing a beret—the classic artist's look—a collared shirt under a tailored jacket, and long trousers made of a denim-like material.

Since Esumi rarely went out, Nagisa and Mika had handled her entire outfit. They had told her, "Don't worry, it's very plain☆," so Esumi had felt confident she wouldn't stand out. Apparently, she had been wrong.

(I forgot those two are literal ojou-samas...)

What counted as "plain" to two high-society girls probably looked like high fashion to everyone else. Of course she stood out.

Still, where Esumi was going, she needed to look refined to avoid being disrespectful. If she wanted something that looked "modest," Nagisa and Mika had been her only real options. Even if it meant being their dress-up doll for three hours... it was still better than going in a maintenance jumpsuit.

Esumi’s internal struggles aside, the delinquents were looking at her with genuine curiosity. She decided to offer a polite greeting.

"Good evening. Did you need something?"

"Whoa, she actually answered with a greeting!?"

"Is she brave, or just a total airhead? She isn't even flinching?"

"Yeah, hey, 'sup! Good evening!!"

"Why are you greeting her back so casually?"

There were about six of them. The two who weren't speaking were either shy or just couldn't find an opening, but regardless, they were blocking the exit to the box seat, which was a nuisance. Then again, looking around, they were the only ones left in the carriage anyway.

"Are you all students of Gehenna?"

"Oh, check her out! Not only is she not scared, she even guessed our school!"

"I mean, we’re almost at Gehenna. It’s pretty obvious if you think about it."

"What’s your name? Man, you’re gorgeous! Like, a total beauty! And your clothes are so stylish!"

"Are you hitting on her?"

They were definitely Gehenna students. They didn't look like the studious types, but then again, wearing Sukeban gear usually meant you weren't big on rules.

However, they didn't seem hostile or interested in threatening her. It seemed they were just surprised to see a girl like Esumi on a train to Gehenna and were acting on curiosity.

Wait, was one of them just incredibly high-energy? She looked like a delinquent, but she acted like a "gal" in a good mood.

"If I may ask... do I really stand out that much?"

"Totally. You stand out even from across the train."

"I don't know if you're trying to hide who you are or what, but your clothes and your face... you're on another level."

"And you're a total babe! Hey, are you traveling alone!?"

"Seriously, shut up. Sorry, this one's an idiot when she gets excited."

They were a varied bunch. Despite all being "Sukebans," their personalities and ways of speaking were all different.

In fact, the reality was clashing so hard with the image of "infamous Gehenna thugs" that Esumi’s brain was starting to short-circuit. They were far too polite.

"Um, sorry... I’m just a little confused. I wasn't expecting this kind of response from Gehenna students..."

"Ah... yeah, we get that a lot. We're delinquents, sure, but we don't really do 'crimes' or anything."

"Yeah, exactly. We’re more the 'if you pick a fight, we’ll finish it' type. We're a 'ready for a scrap' crew."

"Besides, no way would we threaten someone like you!! I’d rather invite you to hang out!"

"Gehenna’s discipline and rules are so messy that nobody cares if we dress like this."

Esumi looked past the four talkative ones toward the two shy ones hiding in the back. They simply nodded, their faces flushed.

"Oh, these two are freshmen who just joined this year. They're shy, don't mind them."

The leader of the group—the one who had spoken first—explained. Esumi felt a complicated mix of emotions—*only a month into school and already delinquents?*—but she gave the two freshmen a smile.

"Good evening."

"H-Hyah... G-Good... Good evening!!"

"Fwah... H-Hello!!"

The two junior delinquents stammered out their responses, standing up straight and bowing repeatedly. It was... too polite. It was actually a bit off-putting. Were these really supposed to be rough-and-tumble thugs?

Esumi gave the leader a questioning look, and the leader let out a weary sigh.

"Look... they're good kids at heart."

"Why did such good kids become delinquents?"

"I mean, it’s about the aesthetic, right? Gehenna is a lawless zone every day. If you’re too serious, you just end up miserable. You'd be surprised how many people become delinquents just to get the freedom to be themselves without anyone bothering them. Especially lately, there’s this group at the school led by some 'Raitei' person... they’re getting dangerous. Everyone’s just trying not to get swallowed up."

"...I see."

It was a form of self-defense. Even in her previous life, it wasn't uncommon for people to turn to "bad" crowds just to find a place where they wouldn't be bullied—a place where they could find a family-like bond. In a lawless district like Gehenna, it made perfect sense.

And looking at them, while they weren't evil, they clearly got into their fair share of trouble. The leader had a fresh bruise on her forehead. And upon closer inspection, everyone’s clothes—including the freshmen’s—had singe marks or bullet holes. The "ready for a scrap" claim wasn't a lie.

Esumi felt a bit of nostalgia looking at them. *This is what youth looks like*, she thought. As someone who loved every Blue Archive character equally, her love extended even to the generic NPC mobs.

Of course, she was prepared to defend herself if they turned hostile. She had brought her own firearm, after all. Fortunately, it seemed she wouldn't need it. The delinquents were still chatting and smiling cheerfully.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?"

The moment those words were whispered in the carriage, the delinquents froze as if they had seen the Grim Reaper himself. Their smiles turned to ice, and even the high-energy one started breaking into a cold sweat.

"...?"

Esumi, the only one who didn't understand what was happening, tilted her head and tried to find the source of the voice, but the wall of delinquents blocked her view. Ignoring Esumi’s confusion, the delinquents all turned toward one direction, their voices trembling.

"W-Why are you on this train...? You just beat us up, why didn't you go home...!?"

"What do you mean 'why'? I can't get back to Gehenna if I don't take the train. More importantly... what were you doing to that student?"

"H-Hieee!? No, wait, you’ve got it wrong!! We weren't picking a fight with her, I swear!!"

"Six of you gathered around one girl? Blocking the aisle and causing a nuisance? That’s a pretty bold lie... You were extorting her, weren't you?"

"I-It’s a misunderstanding!! We weren't doing anything like that!!"

All their previous bravado was gone. The delinquents were babbling excuses in terror, but whatever the person they were talking to said next must have been the final straw. They all bolted.

"S-Sorry, little lady! We caused you trouble!!"

"Watch out for that one! Don't make her mad!!"

"Hope we see you again!!"

"Excuse us!!"

They didn't even forget to say goodbye.

"G-Goodbye..."

Esumi, still utterly bewildered, gave a weak wave as they disappeared into the next carriage. With the crowd gone, Esumi finally saw the person who had been talking to them. She was standing there, looking a bit stunned by the delinquents' sudden flight.

"...Are you okay?"

The girl was wearing a Gehenna Academy uniform. She had short, white hair that swayed as she moved, and she had the kind of face that would make anyone’s first impression "Scary!!" Small horns sprouted from her head, and her narrow red eyes were fixed on Esumi. She was perhaps a tiny bit taller than Esumi. Without changing her expression, she walked over and reached out a beautiful hand.

"I don't know what business you have in Gehenna... but you shouldn't be here. You'll just get harassed by people like them."

As she spoke, she didn't pull her hand back, so Esumi reached out her left hand. The white-haired girl gripped it firmly and pulled her up with surprising strength.

"Whoa, wait—!?"

"Oops...!"

The pull was much stronger than Esumi expected. The momentum carried her forward, and she ended up bumping right into the girl’s chest.

Since they were roughly the same height, the other girl didn't stumble. She caught Esumi gently, though she clearly hadn't expected the hug. A small blush crept onto her cheeks as she whispered, "...They touched."

Esumi didn't catch the whisper, but realizing she had just lunged into a stranger, she hurriedly pulled back.

"...S-Sorry..."

"It’s okay. It’s my fault for not knowing my own strength..."

The white-haired girl quickly regained her composure, though her cheeks were still a bit pink. She looked Esumi over with a concerned expression (though her face barely moved).

"You're standing okay... Is your back alright?"

"Of course, I’m fin—wait?"

"I’m sure you were scared being cornered on a train like that, but you're safe now."

"...?"

Esumi could only blink in response to the girl’s apparent misunderstanding. Even as Esumi stood there, the girl kept checking on her, asking if she could stand or if her back hurt. That’s when Esumi realized what she was thinking.

(Does she think my legs gave out from fear because of those delinquents?)

It was a total misunderstanding... I mean, they *were* surrounding her, but she wasn't in any danger. She had only been sitting because she was confused by the situation.

But just as Esumi hadn't been able to see the white-haired girl through the crowd, the white-haired girl probably hadn't been able to see Esumi's face clearly until now.

As Esumi struggled with how to explain, the girl spoke again. "I realized I haven't given you my name yet." Esumi stopped thinking and looked at her.

"I’m Onikata Kayoko. I’m a first-year in the High School Section at Gehenna Academy. Nice to meet you."

Her expression was still flat, but her eyes held no hostility.

Esumi felt a sudden headache coming on. She had finally run into a main character.