Chapter 51: Volume 3 - CH 1.1

Behold the most popular guy on campus! It’s me, Yukito Kokonoe, the legendary heartthrob, or so they say. I can’t help but question it though, because I have no experience with such things. I’m used to being disliked, but being liked is a whole new experience for me.

Confused by these new developments, I have more than just that on my mind. After returning from my suspension, the atmosphere at school completely changed. It’s probably thanks to the efforts of Akari, Hinagi, Shiori, my sister, Goddess Senpai and the student council president. I’m grateful, but sometimes it feels like they’re going overboard.

As an acknowledged introverted loner, it’s absurd that I’ve become some kind of saint while still underage. Unbeknownst to me, the troubadour known as Sato and the scheme of Miyahara resulted in the serialization of the “Legend of Yukito Kokonoe, the Saint” in the school newspaper.

The first part was ‘Rebellion,’ the second part was ‘Resurgence,’ and currently, the third part, ‘Dawn,’ is being published. I don’t really understand what they’re talking about. Apparently, it’s a popular article, but who knows? Anyway, I have to properly express my gratitude for being saved.

I gave my sister a wooden carving I made myself—a fierce-looking salmon held in her mouth—to intimidate others. The response was rather ambiguous, and she advised me to improve my sense of style.

Perhaps it is because she is a saint, but for some reason, I have been getting a lot of requests for advice from students, including senior students. Recently, even the teachers have been asking me for advice.

The other day, the math teacher asked me to predict the trifecta in a horse race. I reported it to the principal, but just for fun, I made the prediction and it turned out to be correct. Beginner’s luck, I guess.

“Everyone’s gathered.”

In the morning, the tired-looking Sayuri-sensei glanced around the classroom.

The oppressive heat unique to this time of year saps my motivation, but I feel a sense of duty and can’t help but speak up.

“I thought a beautiful idol had entered the room, but it’s just Sensei. Good morning.”

“I have the intention to give you a score of 5 for no reason.”

“Yay!”

“Don’t blatantly flatter her.”

Hinagi-chan scolds me, but she doesn’t scold me when I flatter her. That’s not fair.

“Students like me, who can’t expect to get any marks on internal examinations, have to earn points like this.”

“You, stop dazzling me with just your face. I can’t stand having a student like you around.”

“They do exist, though…”

Sighs mixed with murmurs can be heard from various directions. This is just…

“We have an important announcement today, so listen carefully.”

Oh, it seems there’s a message from Sayuri-sensei. It’s rare for her to share unnecessary information.

“It’s about the frequent incidents of dojo invaders, which is quite an anachronism.”

“Like something out of the Showa era.”

“Oi! Don’t make fun of the Showa era. And be careful not to say disrespectful things like ‘I’ve only seen it in textbooks’ in front of Sanjoji-sensei, okay?”

Speaking of Showa, it’s like a fantasy world for us.

“Uhyahyahya. But, dojo invaders… Fufu… in this era. Pupupu.”

The outdated term is so hilarious that it’s causing an uproar. I’m banging on the desk while laughing uncontrollably.

An artifact from a lost history. It’s hilarious that there are people doing such ridiculous things nowadays.

“Let’s all laugh heartily! What’s with these dojo invaders! Get with the times!”

“O-oi, Yukito. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Yeah, Yuki. Laughing hysterically with a serious face is horrifying!”

“It’s quite absurd to have such an idiot around. I’d like to see their parents’ faces.”

“Hohou. The dojo invaders are causing havoc under the pretense of martial training, mainly targeting the basketball club within the school grounds.”

“Hmm?”

I suddenly went silent. What’s happening? I can’t laugh all of a sudden.

“I agree that I’d like to see their parents’ faces, but I just saw them during the open class the other day. I wonder who that person could be. Would you recognize them, Yukito Kokonoe?”

“Well… um, I’m not sure?”

Cold sweat starts trickling down slowly. I glance at the person next to me, and the handsome guy next to me has the same reaction. Shiori turns her face away and gazes outside the window with an innocent expression. Ah, a sparrow!

“You seem unusually unsure. What’s wrong, huh? Come on, Yukito Kokonoe, laugh. Do you have any inkling? Based on eyewitness testimonies, we’ve also identified the characteristics of the group involved. They consist mainly of overly hot-headed person, exceptionally agile person, and unusually tall girl. In addition, there’s a particularly suspicious individual wearing a mask. What’s the matter? Do you recognize anyone? Hmm? What’s your answer, hey!”

“Who on earth are they?!”

They clearly look like suspicious individuals. Too suspicious. We should call the police.

“By the way, Yukito Kokonoe, what do you call a match where the winner unmasks their opponent?”

“Don’t underestimate me, sensei. I know that. It’s called Mascara Contra if both wrestlers wear masks. If one is unmasked, it’s called Mascara Contra Cabellera, and the loser has to cut their hair. It’s a traditional showdown where their pride is at stake.”

It’s common sense in Mexico!

“As expected, you’ve studied well. You’re quite knowledgeable.”

“Hehehe.”

Oh, stop praising me. It’s making me blush.

“The group behind these incidents is called ‘Snow Rabbits.'” [TL: 雪兎 is Yukito’s name but it means snow rabbit]

“They’re known as ‘Snorabi-chan’ for short.”

“You! It’s you! What exactly are you plotting!? You’ve only been here for a few months. This isn’t anime or manga. Can’t you be a bit more obedient?”

“There’s also the possibility of it being a light novel.”

“What are you talking about? Seriously, you always worry about me. Thanks to you, my position in the staff room keeps rising, which is… well, I’m grateful for it.”

Sayuri-sensei chuckles. As a respected teacher who manages not only the first-year class but also the most troublesome students in the school, Sayuri’-senseis teaching ability is highly regarded (according to the Student Council President).

You could say that she’s been burdened with all the troublesome matters. I’m sorry, sensei.

“Mihou and Kamishiro, even you guys are in tog—-

“Ito as well.”

Ah, the unnoticeable Ito seems down.

“Gohon. It’s an issue outside of school, so I won’t interfere with your private matters. But be careful not to escalate the situation any further. Got it?”

“…………”

An eerie silence fills the classroom.

“You’re making me nervous! Answer me!”

The fresh, handsome man opened his mouth as if troubled.

“Sensei, it’s probably impossible.”

We watched in a daze as Sayuri-sensei, a little teary-eyed, wobbled out of the classroom.

And now, the “Yukito Kokonoe Appreciation Arc” begins!

“Hey, hey, Yuki, can I touch it?”

“Go ahead.”

“Yay! So fluffy!”

Pat pat. Shiori relentlessly pets my head without mercy.

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“I never expected my true identity to be exposed to Sayuri-sensei…”

“Rather, was there any element in which she wouldn’t find out?”

“What? My disguise is flawless.”

“Isn’t it too late to ask about your peculiar behavior? Why a mask?”

The fresh handsome guy asks a question that is really a new one.

“I just like it! I love Yuki with the bunny mask. It’s so fluffy and soft.”

Inspired by Frederick II, I wear a bunny mask, but of course, it’s not for fashion or being stylish. It’s purely out of necessity. I prioritize practicality.

“For some reason, I seem to attract trouble wherever I go.”

“Well… that’s true. There’s no denying that.”

“I want to live a quiet life without causing any commotion, but I’m constantly attracting attention at school. I’ve been a burden to Yuri-san as well, and that’s when I came up with an idea. How can I make myself less noticeable?”

“Hou? For now, I’ll listen to the rest without saying anything.”

“The solution is quite simple. It’s the old saying ‘The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow.’ In other words, if I wear a mask, no one will recognize me. I’ll be anonymous. I won’t cause trouble, and I won’t stand out.”

“What you’re saying is correct, but what you’re doing is completely wrong.”

“The mask was meant to make you less noticeable? Yuki, you’re incredibly conspicuous!”

“Eh?”

Shiori, who was petting me, freezes in shock.

Even though I said it was inspired by Frederick II, I want her to be reassured that I didn’t use real animal skin or anything like that. It’s made of safe and reliable synthetic leather. I spent nights sewing it with a sewing machine, and it’s my masterpiece.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? I’ve found my stride like this. There’s not much time left until the tournament. We can’t afford to miss valuable opportunities for practical combat just because the school found out!”

As usual, our passionate and hot-blooded senpai is fired up. As our passionate senpai says, the third-year students who will graduate this year don’t have much time. Even if we plan practice matches with other schools, it’s not something we can do frequently. That’s why I thought of ways to train outside of club activities in our private time.

“If we go too far and cause a commotion, it will be disastrous. So, let’s moderate our actions, Toshirou.”

Today, both our passionate senpai and Takamiya senpai, who has feelings for him, are here. It’s clear to anyone that they have a trusting relationship between them.

Confessing would probably lead to an immediate realization, but as an outsider, it’s rather awkward.

On the weekend, we gathered at the outdoor court. It’s not mandatory, but the basketball club members without any prior engagements faithfully participate every week. It’s good that they’re enthusiastic.

Although Sayuri-sensei called it “dojo intrusion,” it’s certainly not a savage imitation.

It’s strictly a straightforward approach. I’m simply using the charming and handsome man’s help to write a polite letter, inviting them to play basketball together.

“I’ve been waiting, Kouki. And today, I’ll expose your true identity!”

“You cheeky rabbit. I’ll defeat you again!”

“Senpai, you know this guy’s true identity, right?”

“Gai was complaining about why you didn’t come to me.”

“Has my senpai become more mature? It feels like going back in time, and I’m happy about it.”

The refreshing handsome man is talking to the towering man in front of him. Kouki Mihou, whom we usually don’t see at school, is there. The giant named Daigo is apparently his senior from middle school. They had a lot of interactions in the basketball club back then. He’s a good person who continues to join us for the second week. Kouki has many acquaintances, but I can tell that they’re comfortable around each other. I know a lot of fresh, good-looking guys, but I can tell that he is one of those guys that I don’t feel comfortable with.

“Last time, I couldn’t steal the ball from you! I’ve been looking forward to this revenge!”

“I won’t let you! Ussassassassa!”

By the way, the main opponents are the passionate senpais who lack practical experience, so I mostly watch. However, there’s a mysterious rule that if I lose in a one-on-one match, for some reason, my mask gets removed. Why only me…? It’s unjust, unfair….

I suddenly ponder. People have different faces, and in relationships with others, we construct various versions of ourselves. That means that others are the ones who bring about change within ourselves. Perhaps change can only occur through interactions with others. No, it should be said that there must be a motive to change.

If I were to remain a loner, I wouldn’t have needed to change. If no one was around me, if I was always alone, I could have stayed the same. Not changing would have been acceptable. But now…

“You know, Yuki, you’re really amazing. Only you can do something like this”

Shiori says, smiling without a care in the world. I’ve been clouding that smile.

“Just saying thank you isn’t enough. Every day is so, so enjoyable. I’m sure everyone else feels the same way. Mihou-kun, the senpais too. That’s why there are always so many people around Yuki. Because it’s surely fun— that’s what it is.”

Before I knew it, I couldn’t be alone. I won’t say that this is not stressful. Even this morning, when I woke up in the morning, my mother was sleeping next to me. This is already the seventh time this month.

“I’ve become friends with Hinagi Suzurikawa. My rival in love. But you know, I wish that days like this, days when we can laugh at each other like this, could go on forever and ever.”

Shiori has changed. So has Hinagi. She chose to change and stepped forward. She is no longer weak like before. There are no more shadows. Maybe I am the only one who thinks they are the same as they used to be. I have not been able to keep up with the speed of change. I have been left behind by their growth. Let’s catch up with them. No matter how slowly, one step at a time.

“Ahaha. It’s fun!

Why is she getting taller again? She had grown up. Not only in height, but also in mind.

“Aim for 180 cm, Usa!”

“That’s the only thing I don’t want to do!”

“By the way, doesn’t it seem like there are a lot more participants?”

The court of Stubas is filled with several teams in addition to the senior players we invited, such as Daigo and the other members of the powerful Tei-Wang High School basketball team. Some of the basketball teams we have invited, others we don’t know.

Although the number of participants had been gradually increasing, it had unexpectedly become a huge success.

“Yukito-kun, long time no see.”

“Who are you, Usa?”

I turned around as someone called me from behind, and there was my university senior, Hiyakuma.

“Hello, Usa. Did Hiyakuma senpai come to practice too, Usa?”

“Kuku… I see, so that’s why there are so many people here.”

“Um, what do you mean?”

Shiori, who knows Hiyakuma senpai from Stubas, asked.

According to Hiyakuma-senpai, there’s been a peculiar buzz in town about a mysterious figure wearing a skillful rabbit mask, known as the enigmatic Bunny Man, who disrupts basketball courts. There are rumors that some basketball teams are waiting for challenges from the Bunny Man. The situation had become more serious than what Sayuri-sensei warned about.

It seems that one enticing factor is that the Bunny Man’s true identity will be revealed upon winning.

As a result, the outdoor court was bustling with spectators who gathered to catch a glimpse of the Bunny Man, as well as basketball teams and street basketball enthusiasts who came to challenge him. It created an unprecedented lively atmosphere.

“It’s great for us that Stobas is gaining popularity. We don’t have to worry about finding opponents. There are even strong high school teams participating, so it’s unexpected that it would generate excitement in this way.”

Come to think of it, I’ve been hearing voices here and there saying, “There’s the Bunny Man!” and “Wow, he really exists!” People are asking to take photos together and various other things. Photo shoot, OK!

“Yukito, whether you wear the mask or not…”

“Don’t say it. Don’t mention it.”

“Yuki, you really stood out! Oh, my ears twitched.”

“I didn’t intend for it to turn out like this, Usa…”

The monster “Invitation from the Bunnyman” soon became the status quo of the basketball team.

Unbeknownst to me, the Bunnyman meme contamination was quietly spreading throughout the country.

This was the beginning of what would later become the “Third Basketball Boom”.

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