Hagakure Sakura Does Not Lament

Chapter 114

Reunion After a Long Time

Translated by LyraDhani

Edited by LyraDhani

Two weeks had passed since that kidnapping. The relationship between Tsugumi and Chidori–surprisingly–hadn’t changed. …No, it would be more correct to say that they were mutually conscious not to change.

They appeared to be behaving as usual, but behind their eyes, there was a fear of change that couldn’t be hidden. Tension and soul-searching as if crossing over thin ice. It wasn’t suffocating, but it was certainly uncomfortable somehow.

On the other hand, he was worried about Toono’s behavior. Tsugumi was bracing himself for some action from Toono, but after that day, Toono never spoke to Tsugumi–Hagakure Sakura.

Was she waiting to see how Tsugumi would react or was she too busy to deal with him? Either way, it was still creepy.

―If it bothers you that much, you should go and ask Toono. But the reason why Tsugumi didn’t do that was because somewhere in his heart, there was fear.

That transparent gaze that looked through people. Tsugumi was afraid that the secret hidden in him would be further uncovered.

He wasn’t sure how much Toono really knew. He wanted to know, but he was too scared to ask anything. It could be said that he couldn’t find a way to make a move.

In response to the cowardly Tsugumi, Bell started to act, saying that she would investigate the Gods on the government side. Bell herself might have had some thoughts about Tsugumi’s past. –Those small considerations made Tsugumi really happy.

Even if the feeling that Bell had was just sympathy, for Tsugumi, that kindness was a source of emotional support. …Tsugumi understood that this was a trust close to dependence, but he couldn’t believe that it was wrong to put his trust in his contract God.

–So, Tsugumi spent the days with churned stomach, and the season quickly turned into a period of boiling hot days.

“As expected, I think the sea is the best place to go out. A beautiful woman in a swimsuit is the best, isn’t it?”

“No, I definitely recommend an Amusement Park. The summertime is hot and humid, so there won’t be many customers, I’d like to have a lot of fun in a place like that once in a while.”

“Hey, hey. Summer is for mountains. Let’s all go camping and play some survival games.”

“I’ll melt in hot places. I prefer to play games indoors.”

In the classroom after school, when his classmates were making a racket and talking about such things to their hearts’ content, Tsugumi said in dismay.

“You guys are taking exams this year. You can’t just keep making plans to play like that.”

When Tsugumi said this discreetly as he prepared to leave, his friends opened their mouths to laugh.

“Haa, Nanase is really dead. It’s the last summer of high school, you know? If you don’t make a fuss, you’re missing out.”

“That’s right. Besides, we are smarter than Nanase. We can get a good score even if we don’t study hard. But Nanase, who couldn’t even get above the average of the class, won’t understand that.”

“…You guys are really pissing me off. I was above average for my grade, so I don’t care.”

Saying that, Tsugumi let out a big sigh.

Due to a combination of work at Jukka and various other stressful situations, he didn’t do well on the regular July test. Even so, he managed to exceed the grade average, but he couldn’t exceed the class average, which was 10 points per subject higher than the grade average.

The school itself was a reasonably advanced school, so it was good enough that Tsugumi, who tended to miss classes, didn’t drop out.

–But still, summer vacation, huh. He’d been so depressed lately, so it might not be a bad idea to get out once in a while.

He’d received invitations from Mibu, Suzushiro, and his little friend Itadori to have fun during the summer vacation, but he hadn’t made detailed plans yet. Jukka’s job also allowed him to take time off in advance, and he would be able to manage a few days of travel.

When Tsugumi thought about such things, the discussion seemed to heat up considerably.

“It’s our last year, so let’s invite everyone who’s free and go on an outing. If you want, we can invite Nagisa-sensei or someone else to lead the trip.”

“No, Nagisa-chan leading the group? If left alone, she’s likely to get lost.”

“Hey hey, let’s stay the night anyway. I want a girl’s night out!”

“Ah, my relatives have a villa and a private beach, so I’ll ask them if we can rent it. I think it can manage about 20 people.”

The girls in the class joined in the conversation, and plans were steadily being made.

As he gazed at the scene as if it were someone else’s problem, one of them turned around and said, “Of course, Nanase is coming too, right?”

Tsugumi had no particular reason to refuse, so he nodded. …To be honest, he had bad memories of fighting dangerous monsters in the sea, mountains, and Amusement Parks, so he felt a little reluctant, but he guessed he had no choice but to put up with that.

And a friend who probably wouldn’t be invited – Yukitaka’s dissatisfied face crossed his mind, but Yukitaka preferred to be with someone he knew well rather than go out with a large group, so Tsugumi was convinced he wouldn’t come anyway even if he invited him.

“Then, I’ll contact you when the details are decided. Ah, do you want to invite Chidori-chan too?”

To his friend who asked that, Tsugumi slowly shook his head.

“No, Chidori will probably help out at the kendo club’s training camp during summer vacation.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you. –Oh, by the way, you seem to be in a hurry, do you have any plans?”

When his friend asked him with a curious look, Tsugumi opened his mouth with a meaningful smile.

“Ah. –I’m meeting up with a cute girl.”

◆ ◆ ◆

–Well, when I say girl, I mean she is still in elementary school.

Tsugumi, who quickly escaped from the noisy classroom and headed for the nearest station, smiled wryly as he thought about it. …He didn’t lie, but he felt a little embarrassed for showing off.

When Tsugumi arrived at the south exit of the station, he spotted the backs of girls in familiar uniforms. One of them turned around, looked at Tsugumi, and shouted loudly.

“Ah, Tsugumi-oniisan! Long time no see!”

The girl who came running up to him – Itadori Kanae, smiled happily and hugged him. Accepting her hug without difficulty, Tsugumi squinted his eyes as if looking at something heartwarming.

“It’s been a long time. I’m glad Kanae-chan is doing well.”

Although they had occasionally communicated with each other by phone or message, this was the first time Tsugumi and Itadori had seen each other in person since the incident at the Amusement Park. Relieved to see Itadori looking healthy and uninjured, Tsugumi looked at the other girl.

“…I don’t think it’s right for a lady who attends Asuka Academy to hug a gentleman, no matter how much she owes him.”

With those words, the other girl, Yumeji Nadeshiko, sighed as she approached Tsugumi.

Yumeji averted her eyes uncomfortably as Tsugumi stared at her cheeky appearance–she had lost a lot of sharpness compared to when they first met.

“W-what is it? Is there something wrong with me being with you?

“No, I’m just relieved to see you’re doing well, Yumeji-chan. The last time we met, you were in a bad state.”

When Tsugumi said so sincerely, Yumeji turned her head down, her face reddening. …Apparently, clinging and sobbing to Itadori in the hospital room was black history for her.

“Don’t tease Nadeshiko-chan too much. Oniisan knows that, right?”

When Itadori puffed out her cheeks in anger, Tsugumi chuckled as he apologized lightly, saying “Sorry, sorry.”

But it was true that he was relieved to see Yumeji.

–Itadori’s friend, Yumeji Nadeshiko, had family problems. Because of her high aptitude, her family had always wanted her to become a Magical Girl, and she had been taught that choosing any other path was evil.

However, Yumeji’s first encounter with a Demonic Beast at the Amusement Park and the damage it caused completely broke her heart. The deep trauma of the Demonic Beast caused Yumeji to give up on the idea of becoming a Magical Girl and she lost her place in the family.

The tide turned after she gave a letter to Hitsugi. According to information from Itadori, since then, Hitsugi has visited Yumeji’s house several times, and through discussions with Hitsugi, Yumeji’s parents’ way of thinking had gradually softened. Even now, things were still a little awkward, but it seemed to have gotten a lot better.

As for Tsugumi, he was worried about Yumeji, so he thought it was good that things turned out well. –Because family is best when they get along.

“Anyway! I can’t stay here forever so let’s move. I will take you to the car, so please follow me.”

As Yumeji said that, she turned her back, and walked quickly toward the outside of the station. As he followed her, puzzled, Itadori, who was walking next to him, spoke to Tsugumi in a small voice.

“I was actually thinking of going to a nearby family restaurant or something to talk, but Nadeshiko-chan objected. I was told that we shouldn’t talk about important things in public places because things are so dangerous these days. You see, when we try to talk, we can’t help but talk about that Amusement Park, can we?”

“…That’s true.”

The government might have restricted information about the Irregular in Amusement Park, but if Tsugumi and the parties who were involved inadvertently talked about it, the information could easily be leaked to the public. The case was now under control, but it was better to be careful.

That was how Tsugumi and the kids arrived at the car – a luxurious recognizable car – parked at the station. A stern-faced driver opened the back seat door politely.

The driver’s sharp gaze made him flinch as he climbed into the car, and he asked Yumeji in a startled tone.

“Speaking of which, where is this car going?”

–He got into the car as he was told, but he still hadn’t asked where they were going. When Tsugumi asked her that, Itadori smiled meaningfully and said while putting her face right in the middle of Tsugumi’s ear as if she was telling a secret story.

“You know, we’re going to visit Nadeshiko-chan’s house. It’s got great security. It’s a beautiful house!”

Tsugumi managed to reply with a twitchy smile at Itadori’s words, “I-I see.”

…So that was why the driver was staring at him. Going to a shop somewhere and visiting your parents’ house had different implications for the people around.

From that driver’s point of view, Tsugumi might be seen as a shady man trying to seduce a cute young lady.

However, for the girls, Tsugumi was nothing more than “a slightly reliable older brother”. The driver’s worries were unfounded.

…But, he would be careful not to say anything weird. It would be troublesome if he was misunderstood.

With this secret determination in his heart, Tsugumi let out a small sigh.