Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Ryota’s POV
   Ryota continues to frequent the UCI lab even though he has watched the news about the allegation that the facility is using humans as part of their experiment. If it’s one thing that he believes, it’s that whatever the news reports are fake stuff.

   A lot people believe the reports, though. Nowadays, those who go to the lab has been decreased by more than half. From what Ryota can tell, those who remained aren’t putting their faith in the staffs, it’s because they need the money to survive. As for Ryota, it’s not just the money. Thanks to the constant life-threatening training that he had been going through for the past few weeks, he’s getting stronger and stronger both physically and mentally.

   “Do you think I can beat Himura-kun now?” he asked Director Bouchard.

   “Monsieur, you’ve managed to beat all sorts of monstrosities that aren’t even human with nothing but brute strength. At this point, I doubt that there’s any human who could oppose you.”

   “I hope you’re right.”

   “Are you still feeling uneasy?”

   “To be honest with you, I am. What if my trauma causes my body to freeze up again like last time? If I hesitate again, he’ll kill me for sure.”

   The director puts his hands on Ryota’s shoulders affectionately.

   “You can do it, Monsieur Ryota. Remember all the training you did. You are strong. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”

   See? He’s such a nice man.It’s true that he can be really creepy sometimes, but all in all the middle-aged man isn’t the devil reincarnate like how he was portrayed. All the news reporters are definitely trying to tarnish his reputation by making up crazy stories.

   “Thank you, director. Your words mean so much to me.”

   “I’m glad that I could be of help to you.”

   Ryota sighs. “If only my father is as helpful as you are.”

   “Are you in a bad relationship with your father, monsieur?”

   “I guess you could say that. Not just him, but my mother too.”

   “I believe you mentioned that the two of them work as lawyers.”

   “Yes. They’re attorneys who’re specialized in company laws.”

   “So their main job is to protect companies from getting sued?”

   Ryota scoffs. “More like helping big companies take over small ones by exploiting loop holes. That’s what they are: a pair of bullies out to help out bigger bullies. The irony is, they’re extremely timid when they’re the ones on the receiving end. I still remember that we had a car accident last year. My father kept on apologizing to the other driver and offered him lots of compensation just because he got yelled at a bit, even though it was clear that the latter was the one in the wrong.”

   That’s how his father has always been. Fukuma Hiroto can only acts tough when he’s backed by the legal system. If there’s an immediate danger, he won’t hesitate to turn tail and run. Ryota highly suspects that part of the reason he’s so weak and cowardly is that he got it from his father.

   “Perhaps he was worried that the driver might harm you and your mother in the process?”

   “Yeah, right. My parents have zero love between them. The only reason they got married was because my grandparents from both side forced them to as a way to advance their partnership. Me or one of them could go missing one day, and the remaining one wouldn’t even care.”

   “I see that you have more than your fair share of trouble when it comes to parents.”

   “Don’t you get along with your parents too, director?”

   “Indeed. They never understood my passion, so I left my house and came all the way to Japan in order to search for like-minded comrades. I was so devoted to my work that I have zero friends, and I don’t have to start a family either. Before I know it, I have already used up more than half of my life.”

   “Do you ever get lonely?”

   “Surprisingly, no. I think it’s because I’m a loner at heart whose companionship means nothing to. Either way, live you life to the fullest so that you won’t regret it, monsieur. And don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty when it’s necessary. Some people won’t learn otherwise.”

   The more time Ryota spends time with Director, the more the man grows on him. Ryota haven’t had a proper talk with his own father for years since he’s constantly spending more time in his office than spending at least a quarter of that time with his son. Sure, the director has creepy facial expressions at time, but he’s actually quite easy to talk to, and he gives out decent advises at time. Again, these are the things that Ryota failed to get from his own father.

   “I agree. That’s it, I’m going to settle things with Himura-kun tomorrow, or I’ll never be able to move on.” Ryota decides.

   “That’s the spirit, monsieur-”

   Ryota’s stomach growls all of a sudden.

   “I’m so sorry about that.” he mumbles in embarrassment.

   “No worries. Just head to the cafeteria for some food before you head back, oui?”

   “Yes, I’ll do that.”

   Ryota can’t bring up to the researcher that this is going to be his sixth trip to the cafeteria over the spans of three hours. He was always a small eater, and yet his appetite has been growing tremendously these past few days. Whereas he was always fine with eating normal portions of food, now he can’t get full until he ate enough food to feed ten people. It’s a good thing he has some money to spare even after handing some over to Himura and his gang. Well, the last part will at least end tomorrow for better or worse.

   On the next day, he went to meet up with Himura and his gang at the usual secluded area of the school. This time, he didn’t bother with words. He raised his fist and punched Himura in the face the moment they were close enough. Himura was sent flying and landed on the ground with a thud sound.

   His minions looked at Himura in shock, then at Ryota. Ryota isn’t done yet, however. He charges forward while growling like a wild beast and proceeds to beat up Himura. Punch, kick, claw, scratch. He let the bully have everything he has to offer and then some more.

   Naturally, the goons tried to stop Ryota, but he sent them all flying too. Once all the interferences are gone, he continues with the pummeling until Himura is bleeding all over his body. Ryota stops the thrashing at once. Not because he’s feeling merciful, but his brain is reacting to the blood he smells, just like what happened with the robber.

   Ryota has to give Himura some credit. The bully can still get up after all the beating he got. He points his index finger at the boy and said something. Ryota didn’t catch any of it since he was too busy in stopping himself from chomping off Himura’s juicy-looking arm.

   “I’ll make sure you regret this.” was the only part Ryota managed to hear.

   Ryota didn’t bother to ask Himura to repeat himself. It’s probably some lame threat that delinquents always say when they got their behind kicked.

   “Bring it on. I’m not scared of you anymore.” Ryota hisses.

   With that, he leaves the place and go find Tajima-san. Today’s date is going to be more fun than usual.

Jin’s POV
   Three days ago, Jin has stopped trying to keep up appearance and brings decent, filling food for lunch. It’s getting torturing, and he stopped caring about what other his classmates might think of his sudden increase of income. And it was good timing too. Today, Estyshana suddenly came over to sit opposite him and started eating her lunch like she owns the place. It was possible since Sawatari, who was sitting in front of Jin, went outside and head somewhere. She’ll most probably be troubled once she’s back and sees Estyshana sitting on her chair. Wakaba and Watanabe decided to follow Estyshana’s lead and sit on both her sides.

   “Say, Jin. Can I have one of your fried chicken?”

   “What are you trading me in return?”

   “You can have this piece of lettuce.”

   “Yeah, how about no? You know what, just give me one of those egg rolls.”

   “Deal.”

   Wakaba looks to and fro at the two of them.

   “Have the two of you make up?” she asks.

   ““Nope.”” they answer at the same time.

   “Um, are you sure?”

   ““Yes, we are. We still hate each other.””

   “Um, okay.”

   “So, have you found a venue for the barbecue party yet, Chifuyu?” Watanabe asks in order to do something about this awkward atmosphere.

   “I’m still looking, but there isn’t any place available at the city for us to have a barbecue part without causing too much trouble.”

   “I guess when worse comes to worst, we can go to a yakiniku restaurant.”

   “Well, that’s way different from the barbecue we had in mind, but I guess there’s nothing we can do.”

   Jin suddenly remembers the barbecue pit at his apartment.

   “Actually, the apartment at my place has a barbecue pit.” he tells the class representative.

   Her face brightens up at once.

   “There is? Can you help me ask about the details on booking the place?”

   “Sure. I’ll text you once I’m done.”

   “You know, you could have told us that your place have a barbecue pit sooner.” Watanabe points out.

   He shrugs. “You didn’t ask.”

   “I suddenly think that you’re a sadist.”

   “What gave it away?”

   “By the way, is your cousin still in Japan?” Wakaba asks him.

   “She is. What about it?”

   “She could join us if she wants.”

   “She’ll definitely want to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to invite her.”

   “Why not?”

   “She has a huge appetite. Like, really huge.”

   “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Besides, we have the money to pare to buy enough food for one more person, adult or no.”

   Oh, she absolutely has no idea. When the Cultural Festival has ended, Nyri refused to change back into her child form unless she was fed first. Jin had to empty out the contents of both refrigerators. It’s like her already-huge appetite was doubled when she’s in her adult form.

   “Well, if you say so…”

   Jin guess that it’ll turn out fine. He’ll just have to feed her again once the barbecue party is over.

   “By the way, where does that cousin of yours live? It might inconvenience her if she’s living too far away from your apartment.”

   Uh-oh.

   “Actually, she’s crashing at my place.” Jin confesses.

   Wakaba and Watanabe stops eating for a while to stare at him.

   “Isn’t it kind of bad for a boy and a young woman to be living under the same roof?” Wakaba asks.

   “How will it? I have zero intention of making advances on her, so it’s all fine.” Jin argues.

   “But, even if you say that…”

   Wakaba and Watanabe sneak a glance towards Estyshana who’s eating her lunch impassively. She notices their glance and merely shrugs.

   “I don’t care.”

   “Didn’t you pout when you thought I was going back just to see her last night?” Jin reminds her by using telepathy.

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   “Quiet, you.”

   “But man, I can’t wait for the barbecue party! I’m going to eat so much meat! Nothing else!” Watanabe says excitedly with sparkling eyes.

   “You’re supposed to eat some vegetables too, Anri.” Wakaba chides.

   “You know, Wakaba, you’re being called a mother because you always say things like that.” Jin tells her.

   “Oh, there you go again Minase-kun! Won’t all of you ever get tired of calling me a mother?”

   “I won’t.”

   “Neither will I.” Estyshana agrees.

   “Same here.” Watanabe also agrees.

   “Grr, this is low-key bullying, I tell you!”

   “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.”

   “Well, I don’t want to get used to it!”

   Jin would love to go home the moment school’s over. Unfortunately, he’s on day duty today. That means he has to clean up the classroom before going back. The only good news is that he’s paired up with Ichihara who’s really good at sweeping the floor. It only took her three minutes to sweep up the dust on the floor of the entire classroom. The whole floor is spotless after she was done.

   “You’re really good at sweeping the floor, Ichihara.” Jin compliments.

   She smiles at him.

   “Thank you, Minase-kun. I had lots of practice, after all.”

   “Do you sweep the floor for a living or something?”

   “No. My family runs a shrine, so it’s quite a huge place to sweep.”

   Jin remembers vaguely that Watanabe talked about it some time ago.

   “Why are you talking as if you’re the only one who’s doing it?”

   “As a matter of fact, I am. That’s the only thing I’m allowed to do, after all.”

   She looks a little depressed after she said that. Jin decides on not to pry. It has nothing to do with him anyway.

   “Well, let’s get this over with. I want to go home as soon as possible.” Jin tells her instead.

   “Yes.”

   After all the other jobs are done, Jin picks up the garbage bin and heads to the incinerator. Ichihara follows him even though there’s no real need to. Once they’re there, Jin dumps all the contents of the garbage bin and turns on the incinerator.

   “I have a sudden urge to eat yakiniku.” he says as the garbage is burning up.

   Ichihara chuckles at that.

   “I think you’re the only one who’ll think of grilled meat while watching garbage burns.” she snickers.

   “I can’t help it. My thoughts will become very random whenever I’m hungry. I mean, there was one time when I had a sudden craving for takoyaki when I saw baseball players tossing their baseballs around at the field.”

   Ichika starts to laugh.

   “T-That’s so random…” she wheezes.

   He shrugs. “Like I said, my mind wanders all over the place when I’m hungry.”

   Ichihara laughed so hard tears came out of her eyes.

   “You’re kind of funny, Minase-kun.” she says while wiping the tears with the back of her hand.

   “Am I?”

   “Yes, you are. And you’re actually quite easy to talk to. If you act more like this in class, you’ll probably be more popular.”

   “I doubt it. Pretty much all the girls in our school are going nuts over Yoshii.”

   “Not all of them. I happen to overhear some girls talking about you the other day. They say that you’re quite a looker, and you get lots of points for knowing how to cook. The only problem they have with you is that you’re gloomy.”

   Wow. Jin doesn’t even know that some girls were actually observing him secretly. Not that he cares. He only has his eyes on Estyshana.

   He shrugs. “Whatever. Why make an effort if I’ll just be wasting my time?”

   “Well, suit yourself. If you ever want someone to talk to, I’m always here for you.”

   Jin raises his eyebrow.

   “I didn’t know that shrine maidens provides consultation services like nuns do.”

   “It has nothing to do with the fact that I’m a shrine maiden. Although it’s true that my older sister used to-”

   She suddenly stops herself and bites her lips.

   “...Let’s go back to our classroom.”

   “Sure. We’ve wasted enough time here already.”

   Jin has no interest in prying. It has nothing to do with him, anyway.

   Once they’re back at their classroom, Jin puts back the garbage bin where it belongs and grabs his bag. Ichihara has already took hers.

   “Well, I’ll be seeing you tomorrow Minase-kun.” she tells him.

   “Yeah, see you tomorrow.”

   Right before Jin goes back, he has a sudden urge to urinate. He can’t wait until he got home, so he went inside the nearest toilet. After he comes out, he sees a student pass on the floor. He picks it up. It belongs to Ichihara. He takes out his phone and calls Watanabe.

   “What’s up, Minase-kun?”

   “Do you know where Ichihara lives?” he asks her.

   “Um, why do you want to know?”

   “I found Ichihara’s student pass. I want to hand it back to her.”

   Jin hears Watanabe sighs in relief.

   “Oh, is that it?”

   “What did you think that I was going to do?”

   “I don’t know, cheat on Esty-chan?”

   “Cheat? We’re not even going out.”

   “Oh, right. I tend to forget that. Anyway, Ayumi’s house is it? She’s living at Kameda Shrine.”

   “Got it. Thanks.”

   Man, why does it have to be Kameda Shrine, of all places? That shrine is located on top of a small hill, and Jin needs to climb lots of steps just to go there. He’s seriously considering of giving back the pass to her tomorrow when they meet again. Then again, it’s her student pass. It’s probably better if he gives it back as soon as possible.

   It only took Jin ten minutes to get to the bottom of the hill from Yokosuka High since they’re quite near each other. The real problem starts when Jin begins to climb the stairs. It’s not that it would deplete him of his stamina. He has issues with it since the steps takes time to climb. He’s climbing slowly, so it took him almost thirty minutes to get to the top of the hill. As Ichihara has mentioned, the shrine is quite huge, and it looks quite impressive.

   This is the first time that Jin has ever visited a shrine. His parents have never brought him to one, and he didn’t feel like visiting one on his own free will. He might offend a lot of people, but he doesn’t believe in prayers and miracles. He doesn’t believe that Gods exist either. Even the world of Ifezan with all its monsters and demons are completely devoid of Gods. If they do exist, they’re doing a terrible job of making themselves known among their devotees.

   The closer Jin gets to the shrine, the more his sixth sense tingles. Worried, he activates the Eye of Truth.

   He doesn’t see a single thing. Weird. It’s either his spell has gone haywire, or his sixth sense has suddenly becomes unreliable. Both situations are unlikely, however.

   He got closer and sees some talismans being stuck to the entrance to the shrine. He has always thought that talismans are nothing but papers with gibberish written on them. All of a sudden, he’s not so sure.

   He goes up to the entrance and knocks on the large wooden door. He made sure to knock loudly since everyone inside might be far away from the door. A few seconds later, someone opens the door. It’s Ichihara. She’s wearing the uniforms worn commonly by shrine maidens: white long-sleeved robe, red long dress and sandals.

   She looks completely surprised to see him.

   “What are you doing here, Minase-kun?” she asks him.

   He hands her student pass to her.

   “You dropped this.”

   “Oh. I was wondering where it went. Um, thank you.”

   Normally, Jin would have said his farewell and leaves immediately. But not this time.

   “Say, Ichihara. Is everything alright in there?”

   She looks surprised again.

   “Of course it is. Why do you ask?”

   “When you first saw me, you had the look of someone who saw a person who appeared at the right timing. And that’s before I showed you your pass.”

   “You’re overthinking it.” she tries to assure him.

   “I’ll get straight to the point, then. You know a secret of mine, don’t you?” he asks her bluntly. “That’s why you were relieved to see me.”

   She bites her lips and think over whether to tell him.

   “...That’s right. I know that you’re Silver Wolf.”

   “We’ll talk about that later. For now, do you want me to help you with your problem or not?”

   “Yes, please. Please help us.”

   “Sure thing. Lead the way.”

   Ichihara turns around and brings him inside the shrine.

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