The teacher, having heard a rough explanation, first pointed out whether such actions were permissible.
And the answer I would give was clear.
“Of course not.”
How could it be? Even if Kaiser was a detestable thorn in my side that I wanted to stomp, it’s still a private company.
“… So, you’re saying you’ll go ahead with something that shouldn’t be done?”
“Aha, you see, teacher. This is something we must absolutely proceed with. If Kaiser Corporation is going all out, then students could genuinely get hurt.”
There wasn’t immediate evidence supporting the case of the ancient superweapon, so I skipped detailed explanations, but simply bringing up Kaiser’s record was enough to convince the teacher.
Of course, there were some hesitations, but when I mentioned that students could get seriously hurt, even the teacher frowned. If it were someone else, they might have stumbled at that point, but I think the teacher couldn’t help but nod in agreement.
“Well, I haven’t been able to contact the Defense Office or Abydos yet… Yeah, teacher. How about we discuss this in more detail in a few days? Would that be alright?”
“Yeah, let’s go with that. Just… I hope this doesn’t lead anywhere bad.”
“Aha. I’ll do my utmost to handle that part well, teacher. And as for things going wrong… at the very least, if we take action first, we can steer the situation in the right direction. I’m confident about that.”
I’ve changed a lot up until now, and I can’t say everything was right along the way, but most changes have been positive.
It’s just that some unresolved issues still nag at me. Hmm.
But now, I no longer fear changes. More than anything, the real existence of Mika hinted that this place wasn’t a world identical to the original Blue Archive.
Thus, I know that I shouldn’t be afraid of change.
“I trust you. I know you’ve worked hard to do what needs to be done… what’s right, both before and after coming here. It’s only natural to trust you, especially since you’re my perfect student aside from one thing.”
“…Aha.”
I quickly understood what that ‘one thing’ meant, and it hurt a bit. To be honest, even kids who should have displayed stronger affection toward the teacher seemed willing to open their hearts to me…
If I were a person of the teacher’s caliber, would there have been less of this, or maybe even more? Honestly, I’m a bit curious. I think it might lean toward the former though.
“Ugh. Ibuki, my head hurts…”
“Oh, sorry! Was that a bit tiring for you, Ibuki-chan?”
“Yeah… Onee-chan, play with Ibuki!”
…Oh. Has the effect of Makoto’s little trick finally worn off?
Well, this place must’ve been too comfortable. Snacks are provided, even hot chocolate that Ibuki loves. This is definitely Ibuki’s utopia.
“Okay then… Ibuki-chan, what should we play?”
“Hmm~ Draw the senpai together with Ibuki!”
…By senpai, you mean the Manma Battle kids, right? Is this perhaps a chance to maliciously depict Makoto?
“Onee-chan… draw Makoto-senpai and Iroha-senpai! Ibuki will draw Satsuki-senpai and Chiaki-senpai!”
Hmm? I know who Satsuki is, but who is Chiaki? This is a name I’m really hearing for the first time. Is it someone important that I don’t know?
“Then, let’s get started~!”
Seeing Ibuki thoughtfully assign where I should draw who makes me wonder… is she really just 11 years old? I thought she was merely a little kid, but she’s surprisingly clever.
“Hmm.”
I looked over at the teacher, who, for some reason, seemed to be enjoying a sip of tea.
Thinking about it, this is originally the teacher’s role, isn’t it? Are we throwing away Ibuki’s story arc, teacher?
I guess I should try sketching Iroha in a standing-asleep pose. The key point must be her fluffy hair.
The problem now is Makoto. I’m a bit torn on whether to emphasize his good looks or blatantly draw him in a goofy manner… Hmm.
While pondering that, I started by sketching Iroha into the notebook. As I glancingly checked beside me, I saw Ibuki merrily drawing Satsuki, about halfway done.
Wow… that’s a crazy level of detail! This is a part even Ibuki acknowledges, huh?
Satsuki’s picture, characterized by that peculiar charm of a hypnosis pouch, was turning out tidier and at a higher level than I initially expected.
I was worried that if I drew too well, I’d end up being compared unfavorably, but now I see that’s like comparing a caterpillar to a butterfly. Honestly, what do I know about drawing?
With a refreshed mindset, I diligently drew Iroha. The uniform was familiar enough that I had no trouble drafting it, but I couldn’t quite remember the details of her hat, so I asked Ibuki for help. Without any hesitation, she sketched the pattern and perfected it.
After a while, a quiet atmosphere continued. The teacher pulled out a stash box, seeming to attend to something…
No, that’s not work; it’s a game. Ugh.
By the way, could that be the famed Tales Saga Chronicle 2 made by the game club? I thought about trying it out but didn’t have time to touch it… Thanks to the teacher, it crossed my mind again.
Later… hmm, when I finally find some time, I should at least give it a taste.
After pondering for a while, I decided to abandon any idea of highlighting Makoto’s good looks. With my lame drawing skills, there’s no way I could capture his overwhelming appearance, so humor it is!
As I drew a ridiculously funny depiction of Makoto, I noticed Ibuki drawing a girl who looked oddly familiar.
Wait, why does she seem familiar when I’ve never met her and don’t even know her name?
Curiosity sparked, and I rummaged through my memories until a long-forgotten recollection from years ago popped back. The group illustration from the Manma Battle was indeed a 5-character illustration.
Having solved my curiosity, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of absurd personality that cool, dark-haired beauty would possess.
Honestly, I see little chance that girl is a normal person. Could a sane person really survive in the Manma Battle?
If I were to speak frankly, I don’t believe they could last at all. I’m certain of that.
…Anyway.
“So now, all that’s left is to draw Ibuki-chan, right?”
“Hehehe.”
After drawing my share of two, only a space in the middle remained.
…The space looked slightly large to be for Ibuki, which was a bit puzzling, but that curiosity was quickly resolved.
“Wow—oh…”
I gazed blankly at the picture emerging from Ibuki’s fingertips. In terms of detail, it certainly lacked, but it unmistakably captured me.
More precisely, it displayed me smiling brightly while holding Ibuki.
Is this why people can’t help but fall for kids? With just one drawing, Ibuki successfully shook my heart to its core.
Ibuki, my love.
Ibuki, my light.
Ibuki, my darkness.
Ibuki, my life.
Ibuki, my joy.
Ibuki, my sorrow.
Ibuki, my solace.
Ibuki, my soul.
Ibuki, me.
My vow to turn Ibuki into a lovesick devotion for Trinity crumbled into pieces just like that.
It turns out it was way faster for me to become Ibuki’s ultimate fan.
“Hehehe, it’s done~! How is it, Onee-chan? Ibuki… Uh, this is a drawing we made together!”
“…”
My heart… my heart hurts so much…
“Onee-chan… It’s hard to breathe!”
“Aha! Oh, Ibuki-chan, you really are… such a drama queen…”
It’s not that I can’t control my strength; I genuinely didn’t hold Ibuki tight enough to make her feel smothered. However, I can’t help but embrace her tightly.
It took me quite a while to think of a response. Was it solely my reaction that shocked the teacher’s expression, or was it the drawing itself?
Feeling as if I could finally understand why Ibuki was the beloved mascot of the Manma Battle, I opened my mouth to respond to her question.
And then.
“Ibu—”
Bang!!!!
“Ki-chan…?”
An uninvited guest arrived. The office door appeared to be half-damaged.
…That must’ve been expensive. There’s nothing cheap in T-party’s furniture or decor.
“Misono Mika, you rascal!!!!! You dare to kidnap Ibuki from behind this Makoto-sama?!”
“…”
Striding in with a fierce expression was none other than Makoto, accompanied by the oddly smiling Hanako and Saori, who had a gun pointed right at the back of Makoto’s head.
I shook my head silently at Saori, who seemed to be asking for permission.
“Wow, hello Makoto-senpai!”
“Oh, oh! Yeah, Ibuki… wait, why are you in that guy’s arms…? Is this extortion? You fiend, Mika!!!”
“…Huh? Onee-chan and Ibuki were just playing together! Look! This is the drawing Ibuki made with Onee-chan!”
Makoto’s previously furious expression instantly melted away.
He must be the same kind as me, as just seeing the drawing made him unable to resist.
Hehe… Haha!!! This is truly a magnificent depiction of my esteemed appearance. I absolutely love it!
…Hey, that’s the picture I drew. And purposely made it ridiculous!
As I debated whether to tell him that, I decided to keep my mouth shut.
If he likes it, then what’s the point of pouring cold water on him? Sure.
“…Wait a minute.”
At that moment, realizing the oddity, Makoto glared at me. It was an impressively intimidating gaze—think of a kitten hissing at me.
In other words, it was harmless.
“Why on earth is Mika included in this drawing?!”
Well… we are now allies and comrades, right?
