Chapter 304 - The Light Lit on a Winter Night
(1)
In the morning, I stand in the garden in a natural stance.
In front of me stands a doll-like object made of wood and straw.
I close my eyes.
The unique sounds of morning echo.
By the way, a training uniform in the winter sky is cold.
I regulate my breathing.
Pinpointing the moment, I perform an iaido motion.
I don't hold a Japanese sword in my hand.
But the straw doll is cleaved cleanly in two.
Then, an old man with long white hair claps his hands.
This person is none other than the master of an ancient martial art, Katsushika Hikozaemon.
After winter break began, we had been staying at Master Katsushika's place for intensive training to learn self-defense techniques.
"I never imagined you would master this much in such a short time... There is nothing left for me to teach you. All that remains is for you to accumulate real combat experience."
"I pray there will be no occasion to use it in real combat, though."
"However, your unique physical abilities, your quick reading of situations, and that special quality of yours seem to have perfectly come together."
"I wanted to become strong to protect someone. When I thought that, I just threw myself into it desperately."
"Do not become conceited. Even if you alone become strong, there is a limit to the lives you can save."
"Yes."
"Toya-kun, breakfast is ready~ Master, hurry up too~"
Airi came.
"You want to protect that girl, don't you?"
"...Yes."
When I answered the master, he laughed and said, "Well then, shall we eat?"
After breakfast, everyone's training began.
I practice in a combat format with Ishihara-kun.
Ishihara-kun is strong.
For me, who has only trained for two or three days, dodging his attacks is all I can manage.
He must have crossed the line between life and death many times until now.
"Katagiri-kun is amazing, becoming this strong in just two or three days."
"Your weapon is a handgun, right? It's like you're going easy on me. And even with that, I'm still far from good enough."
"There's no way I could take you down with a gun, Katagiri-kun. You'd probably dodge it. I know you've already acquired that level of skill."
Ishihara-kun humbly says that.
"Everyone, gather around, please."
When Emi-san said that, everyone gathered.
"What's this?"
"You might not need it, Katagiri-kun, but the others need equipment, right? I made them to suit each person."
For Haruto and Watanabe-kun, something like steel gloves were prepared.
They'd probably even deflect bullets.
It seems both of them specialize in hand-to-hand combat.
Well, I suppose it suits them.
"But, watching you earlier, Katagiri-kun, you really don't need any equipment?"
And just what principle makes that happen, anyway?
Emi-san looks at me curiously.
"Trade secret."
I said that to brush it off.
(2)
In the end, only Watanabe-kun, Katagiri-kun, and Haruto went to the practice.
Everyone else made excuses like having part-time jobs or other things and didn't go.
I heard about the practice from Kazami.
It seems Katagiri-kun's growth is particularly remarkable.
Haruto has also grown reasonably well, apparently.
I was talking about this with Zen-kun.
"Katagiri-kun really seems to be able to do anything if he puts his mind to it."
Zen-kun says that.
"You yourself became known as 'Death' in a short period of time, didn't you? Have some confidence."
"I have some complaints about the nickname 'Death,' though."
Clink, clink.
The doorbell rings.
It seems the Kimoto couple has arrived.
Zen-kun guides them to a table seat.
"Are they going to be able to attend tonight?"
Kimoto-senpai asked.
"...I heard Katagiri-kun has reached a level equal to Ishihara-kun."
"That's amazing!"
Kimoto-senpai is surprised.
Honoka looks like she wants to say something.
"What's wrong, Honoka?"
"No, it's nothing."
Honoka's expression is clearly dissatisfied.
After that, the members of Unity gather one after another, making a lively racket.
It seems to be about today's year-end party.
"Sakai-kun, is it okay if I go to the break room for a bit?"
"Ah, sure, go ahead. I can handle this alone just fine."
"Sorry."
Saying that, Honoka heads to the break room.
"Honoka, what's wrong?"
I asked Zen-kun.
"She's been like that for the past three days."
"She's been kind of cold towards me too, you could say. She seems to be in a bad mood."
It seems she's like that towards Nakajima-kun too.
If that's the case, is the cause Nakajima-kun?
"What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything! We even go on dates properly..."
"Everyone is so carefree!"
Honoka, who had returned, shouted.
At that one word, everyone falls silent.
"I have a part-time job, I have club activities... everyone makes excuses. But you have the time to come to Blue Bird, don you!?"
It might be a bit much for me to say 'don't come to Blue Bird,' but as a staff member, isn't this a problem?
"What's wrong, Honoka? Suddenly making a scene."
"But isn't it true! Even Katagiri-kun! Even though he has basketball club, he's desperately trying to find a way to counter them! What is everyone thinking!? Don't you want to protect your own girlfriend!?"
"The enemy has guns! All I can do is wear a bulletproof vest and act as a shield."
"Can you really do that now, Ryuji-kun!? Without any mental preparation, can you do that? I absolutely don't think you can."
"I understand what Ichinose-san wants to say. I understand, so calm down!"
Tada-kun desperately tries to placate her.
"Do you really understand? The women are trying to protect themselves, but their boyfriends aren't doing anything. And on top of that, even more danger lies ahead. Yet you don't even try to take any countermeasures. I can't believe it!"
"Well, you see... I have the information gathering that Toya asked me to do."
"Makoto will protect me properly. I trust him on that. Everyone else will move when the time comes too. Calm down, Honoka. Okay?"
Tada-kun and Kanna desperately try to cover for the situation.
"You say you have part-time jobs... Even Haruto is desperately training to protect Shiratori-san. It's strange!"
"...I'll talk to the master myself, so please go home for today, Ichinose-san."
"Even Sakai-kun!! You don't understand my feelings! Akira-san must be nice. Having someone like Sakai-kun as your partner."
"Nakajima-kun, please see Ichinose-san home."
"Ah, yeah. Let's go home, Honoka."
"I'll go home alone!"
"It's dangerous alone, right? I'll see you home."
"Even if I'm in danger, having Ryuji-kun there would be pointless, wouldn't it!"
Saying that, Honoka went home alone.
Of course, Nakajima-kun chases after her.
"It's not unreasonable for Honoka to say that. The men are too sloppy, aren't they? They're not being targeted themselves, so they're taking it easy like it's someone else's problem. It's not unreasonable for her to think that."
Ai says that.
The three who went now are Katagiri-kun, Haruto, and Watanabe-kun.
It seems Watanabe-kun chose to learn ways to become strong himself, to prevent Mika-san from doing anything reckless.
"I have it tough too, with club activities, part-time jobs, and studying."
"The three of them are the same, aren't they!"
Now the lovers' quarrel between the Kiritani couple begins.
With Watanabe-kun and Katagiri-kun absent, there's no one to stop them.
Tada-kun and Kanna are desperately trying to calm them down.
"What do you think, Kazu-san? Won't you protect me?"
"I have work, so it's impossible. But I'll protect Kana even at the cost of my life."
"But while Kazu-san is working, I'm all alone."
"That's..."
"I have SPs around Kana, so don't worry."
Saying that, I calm Kana down.
However, I heard the enemy is a professional mercenary stronger than the SPs.
No one knows who will be targeted.
Everyone understands that.
Because they understand, they become anxious.
Because they're anxious, they doubt their own partner.
Wondering if it's really okay to rely on this person.
"Everyone, please calm down~. At this rate, we're playing right into the enemy's hands~. Unity is about uniting at times like this, right~?"
Sakura says.
"The men of Unity might seem unreliable, but when it comes down to it, they care about their girlfriends more than anyone. My husband is busy with his part-time job and doesn't pay me much attention, but he always sends me messages to check on my safety. Let's trust them a bit more."
Saki says.
But still, maybe we need to prepare some countermeasures ourselves soon...
We can discuss that at tonight's year-end party.
Because Katagiri-kun says we should still be able to buy some time.
(3)
I felt pathetic.
Even though his own girlfriend is being targeted, doesn't he feel anything?
Is it because he's never been targeted himself that he can't understand?
When I think back to the first time I was targeted, I freeze up.
Since then, I've been learning self-defense techniques on Emi-san's recommendation.
But it's meaningless if the enemy has a gun.
I don't know how effective hastily learned self-defense will be against a professional.
It's probably the same for Ryuji-kun.
Am I just trying to make Ryuji-kun a sacrifice by making him do this?
But I want to be protected by my boyfriend.
Any woman would think that.
Even if I know it's impossible, wouldn't it be nice if he at least made an effort?
When I got home, I went up the stairs and opened the front door.
The floor creaked.
Was I followed again?
My leg moved reflexively.
Strike first to win.
"Whoa, that's dangerous!"
Saying that, the person who dodged my kick and caught my leg was Ryuji-kun.
"Why are you here, Ryuji-kun?"
"For now, can you let me inside? It's dangerous out here, right?"
I let Ryuji-kun into the room.
I sat Ryuji-kun down at the table, made coffee, and served it to him.
"So, why did you come here?"
"Because I was worried about you, obviously."
"I'm sorry..."
"Everyone is worried about you, Honoka."
"Yeah."
"You were the first victim, Honoka. It doesn't mean there won't be a second time. Everyone understands that."
While listening to Ryuji-kun, I gradually calmed down.
And I realized that all I had done was just take it out on everyone.
I operated my phone and sent a message.
"I'm sorry, I went too far earlier. I just got a bit heated."
"Everyone understands, so it's fine. Don't worry about it."
Akira-san says that to me.
I'm no good... I have to pull myself together.
Ryuji-kun is the one comforting me as I feel down.
"I won't let the same thing happen to you, no matter what. As long as you're within my sight, I'll definitely protect you. Even after this is all over, forever..."
"Thank you, but don't overdo it."
"I won't do anything that would make you sad, Honoka."
Ryuji-kun silently accepts me as I cling to his chest and cry.
I pray that this peace will last forever.
Even though I know it's impossible, I couldn't help but wish for it.
How long will we have to keep fighting? Getting off midway is not allowed. But where is the destination?
Thinking about such things, we spent the time together until the year-end party.
(4)
"Well, thank you for everything."
"Feel free to come anytime you have time."
"I'd like you to train me again!"
"Hmm, that's a good answer. You still have room to grow. Come anytime."
"Well then, see you."
"You need to lose a bit of weight!"
"Those are harsh words again."
Watanabe-kun was scratching his head.
"Well then, take care."
Saying that, we descended the mountain for the first time in a while.
"Toya-kun, are you hurt or anything?"
"I'm fine. I've saved up enough energy to let you cuddle me after the year-end party."
"Ugh... It's you who wants to cuddle, Toya-kun!"
"Well, maybe."
"But it's impossible tonight, you know?"
"Why?"
"We're going to party until morning, right?"
"Oh, that's right."
Can I finally eat some proper food!?
I can't get any energy from just tofu and mountain vegetables every day.
When we arrived at the meeting point in town, everyone was waiting.
"Well, this is the last banquet of the year, but let's all have a great time!"
When Watanabe-kun said that, we toasted, and the feast began.
I just ate and ate.
"Did anything change while we were holed up in the mountains?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"Nothing in particular. It seems the Sudo Group is desperately trying to cover things up."
"I see... Any abnormalities around any of you?"
"Nothing in particular."
Sakai-kun said.
"So they're waiting for the storm to pass while covering things up, huh."
"It's probably a time for both sides to endure patiently."
"What would you do, Toya-kun?"
Airi asked.
"Well, I guess we have no choice but to endure it. We can't do anything unless we maintain our vigilance."
When I said that, Emi-san spoke.
"Katagiri-kun is right. The enemy is even bringing up suspicions of misconduct against their own relative who is a Diet member to divert attention. They're practically selling themselves out."
"I think so too. Takahashi Kenshin is showing more and more impatience every day. It feels like his tail is on fire."
"Strike first to win. We just need to push them further when they're off balance. The advantage is ours."
Miyuki-san and Shiratori-san said that.
"So, what is our strategist here plotting?"
Tasuku asked.
"I'm not planning anything in particular, though?"
When I said that, everyone looked at me.
"Are you going to let a chance like this slip by? The enemy will get their act together, you know?"
"It's a chance for us too, right? We can prepare in the meantime."
"So we're waiting for the enemy's attack, huh. The days of being stalked will come again."
"That's probably right."
I casually brushed off what Emi-san and Ai-san said.
"Katagiri-kun, you didn't get soft in the head from being cooped up in the mountains, did you!"
Ai-san pressed me.
"No, I've thought it through properly. That's why I'm having Makoto investigate, right? When it's time to move, the information will reach us too."
"By the time they move, it'll be too late!"
"I think there are three patterns for when to go on the offensive."
"Oh, interesting. Let's hear them, Toya."
"First is the 'later strike,' the method of letting the opponent use their cards first and then attacking afterwards."
Watanabe-kun nodded.
"Next is the 'prior strike,' the method of attacking before the opponent does. Finally, there's the 'mutual strike,' the method of predicting the opponent's movements in advance, acting so as not to lose, and striking a moment faster than them."
I looked at Kiritani-kun.
"Kiritani-kun, since you play games, you probably understand. You know what a 'counter-charge' is, right?"
"Yeah, I know that one. It's the method of stealing the opponent's charge timing and attacking them first to spoil their plan, right?"
Kiritani-kun said proudly.
"That's what I'm aiming for this time. For that, first I want to know the opponent's charge timing. I want to know their attack methods."
"So that's why you're having me probe their movements?"
When Makoto said that, I nodded.
"Can't we go for the 'prior strike'? I think now is exactly that chance."
"Kiritani-kun, give me an example of when a counter-charge fails."
When Ai-san said that, I asked Kiritani-kun.
"That would be when the opponent is wary of a counter-charge. Or when you recklessly charge in while our own defensive formation isn't ready and get beaten back."
When I heard that, I asked everyone.
"What do you think we're lacking right now?"
Everyone started thinking. Airi was also racking her brains.
"Cards... we've used up our trump cards to break the opponent. It looks like we have the advantage, but we actually don't."
When Shiratori-san said that, I nodded.
"I see. We used up all our cards on Judgment Day. So we need to draw new cards to attack with."
Kosei said.
"To break the enemy head-on, you need more than three times their attack power. If you're even slightly short, you might give the enemy a chance to counterattack."
Naru said.
She does have attack power, though. In many ways.
"Katagiri-san, what kind of attack cards are you looking for?"
Shiratori-san asked.
"I think my role is to turn the materials for attack into effective cards."
"In other words, you want information. Is that what you mean?"
When Shiratori-san said that, I nodded.
"As long as we can't see the opponent's hand, if we recklessly attack, we'll be the ones to get beaten. We create our own cards while preparing for the opponent's attack. Then we gauge the opponent's timing. It's the best strategy we can take right now."
"If Toya says so, then I guess that's how it is."
Watanabe-kun seemed to understand.
"But, Katagiri-kun, I want you to understand the women's feelings too."
Akira-san told me about what happened today.
I see...
So there are people with those kinds of anxieties...
What if I'm the next one to be targeted?
It might be unavoidable to have that kind of anxiety.
But I also want to avoid my partner recklessly jumping into danger.
"In that case, we have no choice but to trust the SPs that Emi-san and Akira-san have arranged."
"Leave it to me. I ordered the cream of the crop of professionals."
"I also prepared the best soldiers based on the information I have."
The two of them said that.
"Is the discussion settled..."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Well then, enough of this gloomy talk, let's get fired up!"
Everyone started making noise.
Amidst this, Kosei asked me.
"Katagiri-kun said he wanted attack cards, but that's not really it, is it?"
"...You noticed."
"I may not look it, but my head works."
"I see... Actually, I want an excuse to move."
"I thought it might be something like that. In Unity, there's no reason to attack first unless we're attacked back."
"That's right."
"But you don't really want that kind of excuse, do you?"
"Well, no."
If nothing happens, that's the best thing.
But they probably won't allow that.
I fully understand that we picked a fight with an opponent like that.
But considering everyone's unity, it's difficult for us to attack first. I don't want to take actions that could lead to a drop in morale.
In fact, we almost split even while we were on the defensive.
"But we can't just leave it alone, can we? I think the key is probably Takahashi Shinobu."
"Takahashi Shinobu?"
"The person who will likely become the next head of the Takahashi Group now that Naru has fallen. If we investigate this man, something might come out."
"Got it. I'll tell Makoto that too."
"OK."
Saying that, Kosei went to Makoto's seat.
"Naru, sorry. I'm dragging Kosei into this again."
"No, if anything, it's because we dragged everyone into this in the first place."
"I said the gloomy talk is over!"
Kanna came over.
"Honestly, every single one of you men only talks about gloomy things! It's the end of the year, so let's get fired up!"
She says that, but she's probably already preparing for the New Year's party too, right?
"Naru. Are things going well with Kosei?"
"I think we're managing well."
"What do you mean, 'I think'? Be more specific... Well, have you at least kissed?"
"Do I need to answer that?"
"What, you haven't yet? You really are just a kid."
"Don't treat me like a child! We've done that much! ...Ah."br>Getting caught like that is probably just her age.
"Hmm, hmm, so you've kissed... And was it just a kiss?"
"No way, kids these days are probably more advanced than we were back then~"
Airi also latched on.
Once that happened, the women all latched on at once.
"Hey, hey, what was it like?" and "Did you go further?" and so on...
Naru, her face red, remained looking down.
That alone is practically an admission, you know.
"Oh, even Niina-san is interested. The other day you were shouting 'It hurts, no~'"
When Shiina-san said that, even Niina-san's face turned red.
"You have to take care of that properly, Shiina-san."
"I thought she'd get used to it if we did it again, but I just can't seem to shake off her fear. I never thought she was such a shy person."
Makoto and Shiina-san were talking.
Hearing that, Kosei started his mischief again.
"Was it painful for you too, Naru?"
"Kosei, you idiot! Don't treat me like a child!! That much is nothing! ...Ah!"
Naru covers her mouth, but it's too late.
"You already did it at 14!? Isn't that too early!?"
"Back in our day, there were kids who did it in elementary school, weren't there?"
"Was Kosei-kun gentle with you?"
Airi, you're turning into the neighborhood auntie again.
Naru keeps her mouth firmly shut and says nothing.
"It's not something to hide now, is it?"
"Kosei, be quiet!"
The women crowd around my table.
And the remaining Tange couple.
"When are you going to do it, Shu-chan?"
"Hmm? Do you want to?"
Umi-chan silently nods.
"Well then, how about next time?"
"When is 'next time'?"
"I'll do it as a celebration when Umi graduates."
"Okay~"
Meanwhile, at this table, Naru was on the verge of tears from the concentrated fire of the women.
"Airi, maybe it's time to let her off."
"Toya-kun, you can eat everything on that table over there, okay? ♪"
Yes~ I'll order some more then~.
"Toya, come here for a sec!"
Makoto is calling me.
What is it?
When I came over to see... "Hey, isn't this a crime!?"
Well, it's a story where the word 'crime' is starting to lose its meaning now, anyway.
What Makoto is looking at is a video that came up with the search term 'junior high school girl.'
"Was Naru like this too?"
"No, Naru has a bit more chest, I think?"
"Toya, how was Tosaka-san?"
"Airi's chest was white and beautiful."
"Kanna still has a chest like this, you know."
"H-hey... Makoto..."
"What? I can't hear you, don't worry."
N-no, that's not it...
Makoto doesn't notice the enormous bloodlust creeping up behind him.
I noticed it when that bloodlust moved.
Kanna took the smartphone from Makoto and showed it to the women.
"No way! Makoto-kun, is this the kind of thing you're into!?"
"Hey, I told you to stop putting weird ideas into Toya-kun's head!"
"Don't fill Kosei's head with weird stuff either!"
Ai-san, Airi, and Naru protested one after another.
"This pervert..."br>Makoto, finally noticing Kanna's presence, stammered, "N-no, it was Toya who..." making an excuse that wasn't an excuse. And wait, is it my fault!?
"Hahaha, well, they're young, so isn't it fine?"
We're the same age, Watanabe-kun. Sure, you have more presence, Watanabe-kun, but still.
"Excuse me, it's almost time for last orders..."
After everyone placed their last orders, the discussion turned to where to go for the after-party.
I handed Naru an orange juice and said, "Good work..."
"So that's the kind of person Tosaka-san is."
"Well, she has that side to her too."
I guess it's also because Naru is young and fun to dote on.
"You just have to brush off what drunk people say," said the person who threw the fuel on the fire.
"It's because you said unnecessary things, Kosei, that it turned out like that!"
"Ah, sorry. I just got carried away by the atmosphere too."
"As punishment, you're sleeping on the floor tonight, Kosei!"
"Are you telling me to catch a cold?"
"You won't catch a cold from sleeping on the floor for just one day."
"So that means you usually sleep in the same bed?"
I just asked casually.
"Yeah, we do. We had a double bed prepared."
"Kosei, you're saying unnecessary things again!"
"Well then, that means you can see Naru's sleeping face anytime, huh."br>"Well, I suppose so."
Naru says nothing.
"It's good that you're close, isn't it? Listen, Kosei. There are plenty of things you can only enjoy while you're young. Enjoy them to the fullest."
"I don't have the kind of hobbies Makoto-kun is talking about, so it's fine."
"You'll regret it when it's too late, you know? That thing called 'romance'..."
The ones who protested weren't Naru. It was Airi and Kanna.
"I told you to stop saying weird things to Toya-kun!"
"Is this idiot, incorrigible as ever, trying to drag even Kosei down a weird path?"
"W-weird hobbies!? I'm talking about a man's romance..."
"Shut up!!"
"Kosei-kun, don't do it, okay? Don't become an adult like this."
"Would it be okay if he were like Katagiri-kun?"
"That's... ugh..."
Am I really the kind of person who makes people hesitate like that?
(5)
After seeing off Kosei and Naru, the remaining members headed to the karaoke venue for the after-party.
It's a bit pricey, but there aren't many karaoke places that can accommodate over 30 people with an all-you-can-drink option.
While everyone was getting excited about singing, I asked Airi.
"Airi."
"What's wrong?"
"About what you said earlier..."
"Huh?"
"Am I the kind of husband who makes people hesitate?"
"Yeah, you are~"
You don't have to say it with such a smile.
Airi hugged me as I felt down.
"You only think about food, you don't wake up properly in the morning, and you're a troublesome husband who always wants to be coddled~"
I can't argue, but wanting to be coddled goes both ways, right?
"...But is that okay? I only need one Toya-kun, whom I love so much."
"So that's what you meant."
"Yeah."
I patted Airi's head.
Airi clung to me blissfully.
"Sorry to interrupt your fun, but can I have a word, Toya?"
It was Watanabe-kun.
Looking around, everyone was watching us.
Airi hurriedly pulled away from me and looked down.
So even Airi can feel embarrassed sometimes.
I laughed at her in my heart.
"Toya? Is now a good time?"
"Ah, sure. What's up?"
"Yeah, a bit of a problem has come up..."
As Watanabe-kun said that, he looked at Kamenashi-kun and the others.
So that's what this is about. I need to switch my thinking.
"A problem?"
"Well, actually..."
It seems Kamenashi-kun and the others used the connections they cultivated in Egoist when they created Urbanity.
People called people, it became a huge organization, and they formed even more connections, apparently.
And that customer information is now in the hands of the Sudo Group.
"We're also issuing warnings, but we can't confirm if it reaches everyone... Considering their methods, we thought they might target even those low-level people."
I see, so our area of defense has become too wide.
That's beyond our territory. It's the police's territory.
"Did you tell the police about that?"
I asked Kamenashi-kun.
"We can't tell the police. A member list of a shady circle..."
That's true...
"Well then, I think there's only one way."
Saying that, I looked at Makoto.
"So it's my turn, huh. Time to unveil the special Makoto-kun Model 3, 'Mako-chan.'"
Saying that, Makoto grinned.
Mako-chan?
Makoto explained.
Mako-chan is a further improved special virus of Makoto's, a vicious virus that operates in the shadows even in standby mode, unless you unplug the PC's power cord or remove the battery from a laptop or smartphone.
Of course, it's undetectable by commercially available antivirus software. Even if found and removed, unless the storage itself is destroyed, it will proliferate as long as even a single fragment remains. It's a nasty piece of work.
Apparently, several types are prepared depending on the purpose.
Since the goal this time is to destroy storage, they will use that. Of course, they won't forget to extract the information from the media either.
The problem is where to infect it from, but Makoto said that's not an issue and pointed to Kamenashi-kun's smartphone.
He said they can extract the information of Urbanity's server from Kamenashi-kun's smartphone and infect it from there.
Urbanity's server still exists. Kamenashi-kun confirmed that the circle is still active.
"But won't that cause trouble for other people too!?"
Emi-san said.
"That's the clever part about Mako-chan. It won't destroy the storage unless I give the order from here. It just searches for the target's information, sends it, and then all I have to do is give the GO signal."
When Makoto said that, Kamenashi-kun and the other three were so surprised they couldn't speak.
No wonder, even we were stunned.
"What do we do? Shall we do it right away? I could just have it go into hiding for now."
"There's no reason to wait, so shall we do it? I'll leave it to you, Watanabe-kun."
If we do this, there's no turning back. Knowing Makoto, he probably won't leave a traceable log. But they'll probably suspect it was us. We need to be prepared for that.
"Is everyone ready?"
"At this point, we can't get off midway!"
"In for a penny, in for a pound! Let's make a flashy declaration of war!"
"So that's how it is, Toya. The rest is just a matter of timing. I don't think it'll be the 'mutual strike' you mentioned..."
"Ask Kiritani-kun. Kiritani-kun is an excellent commander in games. If there's a strong character on our side while the enemy is preparing to charge right before the deepest part, what would you do?"br>"You don't even need to ask me that, Toya! You'd definitely stir things up first. If you can charge before they're ready, it's better to do it."
"I'll say this one last time to everyone. There's no turning back now! Is that still okay!?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"Bring it on! Let's do this! As flashily as possible!"
"Ai's right. No need to hold back. We're ready! Let's do it!"
Ai-san and Mika-san were getting excited.
Watanabe-kun and I looked at everyone's faces to confirm their resolve.
Finally, Watanabe-kun looked at me.
"...Makoto, start it."
"Okay! Kamenashi-kun, lend me your phone."
Receiving the phone from Kamenashi-kun, Makoto finished the work in an instant.
"Capture complete! I've extracted all the necessary data. All that's left is to declare war."
Everyone looked at me.
It felt like they were waiting for the drums of war to sound.
Maybe everyone's excitement is just from the alcohol. If so, should I wait?
"Don't tease us, Toya! Or are you scared?"
Kanna said.
"I won't accept it if you say later, 'I just said that in the heat of the moment because of the alcohol'!"
"There's no one here with such a small pair of balls! Just do it already!"
Mika-san said.
"Ah, it's not good for an adult like me to egg you on, but since I've jumped on board, there's no helping it. Getting off midway isn't allowed, right?"
Professor Tange said.
"It's okay, Katagiri-kun. No one intends to make you bear the responsibility alone. Everyone feels that way. You don't need to shoulder it all by yourself."
Shiina-san said.
"Then strike first to win. Let's do it, Katagiri-kun."
Ishihara-kun said.
"Well, at this point, there's no helping it. They were the ones who attacked first. And we have no intention of letting them escape now anyway."
Sakai-kun said.
"At this point, it's payback double!"
Kiritani-kun said.
"Well then, let's begin."
When I said that, Kanna complained.
"Say it with more punch!"
"...Go! Start it!"
"Roger! ...Click."
When Makoto said that, he pressed a key.
White text scrolled down the black screen at an incredible speed.
"There's no turning back now."
Makoto turned around and looked at me.
No one else seemed to have any intention of turning back.
Still fired up, the after-party continued until morning, and then everyone went home.
We also called a designated driver and went home.
"The days of fighting are starting again."
Airi let slip.
"Do you regret it?"
Airi shook her head.
"No, not at all. I'm just happy to have such a boast-worthy husband."
Saying that, Airi hugged me.
"Just like your father said, Toya-kun. 'A night that lights a warm fire even on the coldest winter night.' That's exactly what you are now, Toya-kun."
"Thank you."
I stroked Airi's hair.
And so, the third act of our endless battle began.