Chapter 10: Never Forget Your Roots

Two days had passed since we’d barely escaped Rekka’s demonic pursuit.

Now, we were holed up in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere.

We’d only survived back then because, for some reason, President Rai had intervened with a bolt of lightning magic. Her true intentions? Still a mystery.

For now, we’d decided to rest in this rural town and properly prepare for the long journey ahead.

…Ah. Otonashi was back from scouting the area.

"I’m back! No signs of enemies for no—"

Time to unleash the "prank" Itsuki had been dying to try.

"On three~… Welcome home~♡"

From both sides of the doorway, my female self and Itsuki simultaneously whispered sweet nothings into Otonashi’s ears.

"…………I thought my heart stopped."

"Otonashi… surprised. …Kii, prank… success?"

"Hell yeah. You’ve leveled up your worldly knowledge, Itsuki."

"Happy."

With a flat, monotone "Yay~," Itsuki raised both arms and trotted around the room, her white ponytail bouncing like it was compensating for her expressionless face.

"...Hey. Senpai."

"Y-Yeah?"

She tugged my sleeve from behind, her voice oddly low.

…Was Otonashi mad?

"You teachin’ Itsuki-chan weird stuff for fun or somethin’?"

"N-No, it’s just… she’s never pranked anyone before, so… y’know, harmless mischief! C’mon, forgive me~♡"

"Ew."

"What?"

"Cringe."

Turns out, flirting in girl mode doesn’t work on a junior who already knows your secret. Pain.

I’d basically dragged Otonashi into this mess, so her opinion of me was probably in the negatives by now. Still, I wanted us to get along.

"So, senpai. What’s the plan? We’re still in Kanagawa."

"We’ll take it easy here today and tomorrow. Gotta pace ourselves for Itsuki’s sake—not too slow, not too fast."

"You’re way too chill…"

No point stressing. Unlike me or Otonashi, Itsuki was still a kid. Technically fifth-grade age, but the lab had stunted her growth. I wanted this trip to be at least a little fun for her. Seeing her happy would keep me sane too.

"I’ll grab food for lunch and dinner. We’ll stock up on rations and figure out transport tomorrow."

"Transport… like a car?"

"Only option. Never driven before, but I’ll manage."

I puffed out my chest (what little there was). No license, but Dad’s high-tech smartphone could Google anything. Time to impress my junior.

"In that case, I’ll drive."

"Huh?"

"Unless it’s somethin’ wild like a jet, I can handle most vehicles. A car’s nothing."

"What even…"

My chance to look cool: gone. I could cry.

"Wait, did your dad teach you in Hawaii or somethin’?"

"Nah. I’m a ninja. Heh."

Ninjas are insane.

I was so impressed I barely noticed her smug face.

"Maybe I’ll be a ninja too. Nin-nin."

"Uh, are you mockin’ me?"

"Nah, you’re legit. That absurdly huge scarf ain’t just for show."

"Scarf size has nothin’ to do with it!"

Leaving our weirdly bundled junior in charge, I stepped out of the hideout.

"See ya later. Nin-nin."

---

And so, in this quiet town, where the local supermarket was the lifeline of daily life…

"Koku?"

"Hello."

"Eh… h-hello."

A wild Rekka appeared!

"Didn’t think we’d run into each other again so soon."

"Yeah, really."

After finishing our shopping separately, we walked side by side through the aging shopping district, plastic bags swaying in our hands.

This was proper countryside—nothing like the hyper-urban academy in the heart of the metropolis. The air was crisp, soothing. Even Rekka’s usual stoic expression seemed softer.

We strolled down the empty road, shoulders nearly touching, like it was just another lazy weekend.

"Koku, about last time… I’m sorry. I was… out of sorts."

"No, I left without explaining. That’s on me."

Mutual apologies, exchanged mid-step.

(Though honestly, Rekka did nothing wrong. I’m the one with a mountain of explaining to do.)

"So, why are you here, Rekka? What about the academy?"

"One of my club members got whisked away by a mysterious beauty. Hard to focus on class after that."

My deepest apologies for the trouble. That junior’s been a lifesaver, though.

"But that’s not the only reason."

Oh?

"The organization sent assassins after you. Not sure if they’re targeting you or that white-haired girl, but—"

"Wait, you’re here to protect us?"

"Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m here to protect Otonashi."

Cue imaginary sparkles. Tsundere dialogue! Actual tsundere dialogue!

…Though, given the circumstances, he might actually mean it. What’s his Kok-approval rating right now?

"We plan to retrieve Otonashi and make sure you two are safe. Ideally… with your cooperation."

"Can’t. If we’re seen with you, the organization will send more people than even the Hero Club can handle. Plus, they’ve got spies in the upper police ranks. Worst case, the entire force turns on you, and the club becomes fugitives."

No lies, but no full truths either. I’ll share only what’s necessary.

The Hero Club isn’t our enemy—just a wall between us and the real foe. Intel on the organization benefits us both.

"...The president helped me realize it. You left that day to keep the club out of this fight, didn’t you?"

"............"

What? What kind of story did President Rai feed him?!

…Guess I’ll roll with it.

"Or was it for that girl? Either way, you’re terrible at asking for help. I would’ve backed you up."

"N-no! I can see the future! And I hate you! S-stop assuming things—gah, you’re killing me!"

"Whoa, okay—"

Turns out, Rekka’s sharper than he looks. My flimsy lies crumble fast.

(The "future sight" bit? He’s only half-buying it. But he won’t pry.)

"Rekka, let’s rest on that bench."

"Yeah."

I grabbed two juices from a vending machine and tossed one to Rekka as he sat.

"Here."

"Hn."

Of course, he catches it effortlessly. Some things never change.

"...Koku. Tossing drinks like that—were you copying Apollo?"

"Eh?!"

Shit. That was such an Apollo move.

…But it’s fine. Kok and Apollo are "acquaintances" in this cover story.

"Y-yeah."

"Sigh. If you’re this casual, he must be doing okay. You’re in contact, aren’t you?"

"...You’re oddly calm, Rekka."

Compared to his fury days ago, this composure is unreal.

Maybe getting jerked around by "mysterious beauty" antics has desensitized him.

"'Step back.'

"…?"

"The president’s advice. 'Observe things from a distance.' I… still have a lot to learn."

Ah.

Between recent events and President Rai’s "guidance," it seems the once-hapless LN protagonist has leveled up...

"So, oh-wise-and-detached Rekka, what’s your master plan?"

"You’re not running blindly. You have a destination. We’ll handle the enemies tailing you until you get there—not as escorts, but as... obstacle clearers."

Whoa, whoa, whoa. "Leveled up" is an understatement. Since when did he turn into this hyper-competent strategist?

Who are you?! The Rekka I know once messed up rice water ratios and made porridge! Give back the himbo!

“…In exchange, how about giving me back Pokky?”

“I can’t exactly ‘return’ him…”

“Then just tell me where he is. Or how to contact him. I want to see my best friend.”

“............”

B-best friend?! Damn it, you idiot—I’m right here!

Hearing him say it so bluntly made my face heat up. Knock it off! You’re making me look like some kinda easy mark. I’ll punch you into next week.

What now? Do I pull a Conan and call him in secret while hiding my identity?

“…He’s somewhere safe. But if we talk too often, they’ll track him down. He’d have nowhere left to run.”

“But you do talk to him, right?”

“Not much. We just… understand each other. We know what the other needs to do.”

“‘Understand’…?”

More like we’re two halves of the same person. Wait, no—same person. Of course we’d get each other.

“…Can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“Are you two… dating?”

PFFT—!

I nearly spat out my juice.

What kind of middle schooler question is that?! Too funny.

“Cough—! Hack…! W-what if we were?”

“…Never mind.”

“Rekka, you’re adorable.”

“Wh—where did that come from?!”

Just when I thought he’d leveled up into some hyper-competent protagonist, he goes and acts his age. Good. He’s still the same dork.

“Physically impossible, so don’t worry.”

“What kinda excuse is that?! And it’s not like I care if you’re dating—”

“Then why ask?”
“Guh—”

Priceless. That flustered reaction is gold. Stop being so easy to tease—I’m having too much fun.

Relax, dude. I’m lightyears away from beating you in the romance department. I don’t even have a heroine, let alone a harem.

“…So you won’t tell me how to reach Pokky?”

“I don’t contact him either. He’ll call you when it’s safe—untraceable. Should be soon.”

“…I see. That’s fine, then.”

Grateful for his concern, I tossed my empty can into the trash. Time to head back.

Maybe I’ll call him tomorrow as Apollo too—just to confirm I’m alive.

“Hey, Koku. For the juice.”

“Keep it. An apology.”

“An apology…?”

“When this is over, I’ll tell you everything. As penance, I’ll do whatever you ask. So until then… let me keep my secrets.”

A faint smile slipped out before I could stop it.

Koku’s default expression is usually blank, so Rekka’s eyes widened in surprise.

Feels like ages since I’ve played ‘mysterious beauty.’ …Kinda want to mess around more.

“…Koku. You—”

His phone rang mid-sentence. The moment he answered, his face turned serious.

“…Got it. On my way.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Call from the president. A suspicious guy showed up near the town entrance—holding a kid hostage at a convenience store.”

“…I’m coming too.”

“Huh?!”

Rekka’s voice cracked.

Perfect chance to team up and boost Kok’s approval rating.

As the mysterious beauty who crashed into this story, I’ve got a duty to see this through.

“I’ll hit them with a magic arrow from their blind spot. When they’re distracted, you grab the kid.”

“You sure?”

“My hood hides my face. Besides, if we abandon that kid now, I’d never live it down with Otonashi.”

True. While she’s helping us, the least I can do is pick up some of her hero work.

“…You do care about her. I’m glad.”

“Yeah. Sorry for stealing your heroine, though~?”

“Some things really shouldn’t be said out loud.”

“NTR’d~! How’s it feel, harem king~?”

“You trying to pick a fight…?”

I kept needling him about his harem—just like Apollo would—as we rushed to the scene.

With flawless teamwork, we saved the kid and took down the creep.

No enemy stands a chance when we work together.

---

Returning Home

""On three~... Welcome back~♡""

The moment I stepped through the door, I was ambushed by my junior’s counterattack.

“...My heart stopped.”

“Now you know how I felt?”

“I sincerely apologize.”

Clutching my chest (which was still pounding), I set the grocery bags down—and that’s when I noticed.

Otonashi was wearing an apron over her uniform.

Given her usual lightweight attire (no blazer), it suited her oddly well.

“You took forever, senpai, so I whipped up lunch with what we had. Itsuki-chan’s already eating.”

“Ah, my bad. Thanks for cooking.”

“Lunch is whatever. Just glad you’re safe. Try not to overdo it with Rekka-senpai, okay?”

“Roger.”

Between the detour with Rekka and the fight, of course I was late.

Ugh. Letting my junior cook for me? Unforgivable as a senpai. I’ll forcefully make tomorrow’s onigiri bento to reclaim my dignity.

“Supporting my master is part of a ninja’s duty~”

Otonashi plated my napolitan pasta like it was nothing.

…Hold up.

“Master”? As in me? …Why’s that kinda thrilling?

“You can call me master if you want~”

“Hah? No.”

“Too modern? How about oyakata-sama?”

“That’s not the issue.”

Apron now off, Otonashi joined Itsuki at the table.

Eating a homemade meal together in this rundown house, crowded around a tiny table—it screamed “on the run,” but somehow felt… fun.

“Let’s eat.”

“Mmph. Kii, ’s ’elicious.”

“Itsuki-chan! Don’t talk with your mouth full!”

“Mpfh.”

Otonashi dutifully wiped ketchup off Itsuki’s face—they looked like sisters.

And since both were beautiful girls, my field of vision was currently blessed.

Eye candy, eye candy. Nothing like a visual feast after combat.

“Senpai. Your creepy grin is showing.”

“Eh? Was I grinning?”

“Not a good look for a ‘mysterious beauty.’ Your nostrils flared too.”

Yikes. Gotta watch that…

But hey, Otonashi, ease up on the jabs, okay? They hurt.

“…This napolitan is amazing. Wait, Otonashi, are you secretly a cooking genius?”

“Why so surprised? This is basic.”

“Your ‘basic’ is elite… Damn, she’s good…”

Goddammit. I was gonna flex my cooking skills to assert senpai dominance, but this ninja ruined everything.

Is there anything she can’t do? I’m obsolete here.

“Kii. Weak.”

“Agh—bad influence! Itsuki’s turning mean because of you! Take responsibility!!”

“Not my fault! She called you a klutz before meeting me!”

She heard that tiny exchange?! How good are her ears?!

Rekka’s harem is stacked—between this ninja and President Rai’s lectures, it’s unfairly talented.

“You little—! And what’s with this napolitan?! It’s too good!!”

“If it’s bad, I can—… Hah?! Stop yelling compliments confusingly!”

“Kii. Loud.”

“…My apologies.”

Itsuki’s deadpan scolding shut me up fast. Terrifying…

“Hypothetically, if Rekka asked you to call him ‘master,’ would you?”

“Senpai. Keep teasing, and I’ll defect.”

“…I deeply regret my actions.”

That was a capital-T Threat. How many times have I apologized today?

My words are losing value by the minute.

“—Mmph.”

As I shoveled in more pasta, Otonashi suddenly stared at me like she’d noticed something.

Oh no.

If there’s ketchup on my face, I’ll wipe it myself. (Pretty sure there isn’t, though.)

"Senpai, hold still for a sec."

"Huh? Why?"

"Just trust me."

Otonashi deliberately closed the distance between us, creeping closer inch by inch.

What is happening right now?! This is terrifying!

Wait—could it be? Was Otonashi only pretending to be part of Rekka's harem when she's actually... into girls?!

But why choose mealtime to make a move?!

"Don't move."

"S-Stop...!"

In my current female form, I was about to be violated—!

"...Got it."

"Got what...?"

Just as her intoxicatingly feminine scent nearly overwhelmed me, she plucked something off my shoulder.

Between her fingers was a small, suspicious-looking device.

I had no idea what it was.

"What's that?"

"A mini GPS tracker, like detectives use. Someone's been watching your every move."

"You're kidding."

Since when?!

"Either Rekka-senpai planted it on orders from the president, or someone at the supermarket slipped it on you... Either way, we can't stay here."

Seriously?! I was hoping to relax a bit longer. We don’t even have a car yet.

"Kii. Otonashi. Ready."

"...That was fast."

Somehow, Itsuki was already at the door, shoes on, lugging a giant backpack.

I thought she’d be the most reluctant to leave.

Geez. These girls are too sharp.

As the hidden heroine, I can’t afford to fall behind!

"They haven't detected my abilities yet! Let's eat first, then go! Chomp chomp—"

"You're the greediest eater here, senpai. Please reflect."

"Ghk—! Cough cough!"

I choked. Water. Now.

"No rush. Chew properly."

"Kii. Like a child..."

Handed water by my motherly junior and pitied by a loli who ate too fast, I shoveled down lunch with the shame of a grade-schooler who can’t finish their meal.

Done.

Thanks for the food.