With Nyate Masamune defeated, Mash and his crew headed to the Byakuya Student Council, the Yin-Yang Club, to report on the incident. With the culprits in custody, the situation was resolved, and the festival's schedule returned to normal. Gathered in the bustling streets, Mash's group celebrated their victory.
The Chimi Troupe, alongside Mash, made the rounds to apologize, officially joining the festival committee as temporary staff to participate quietly in the festivities.
"—Total! Complete! Victory!" Tsubaki cheered.
"A grand finale, indeed!" another exclaimed.
"This brings me one step closer to being a refined lady!" Mimori declared.
"Nyate Masamune… I heard he used to be a passionate, warm-hearted person," Shizuko mused. "What happened?"
"Probably got tangled in the world's darkness—or just blinded by money and profit," Tsubaki yawned. "Happens all the time~… Fwaa."
"Well, case closed for now," Mash said. "Thanks for everything, Izna-chan."
"N-No, I caused so much trouble…" Izna stammered. "I even inconvenienced you, my lord…"
"You were just tricked," Mash said with a shrug. "I don't mind at all."
"Exactly," Shizuko added. "It's all that scheming cat's fault. You don't need to worry, Izna."
"…My lord, thank you! And you too, thank—w-wait, w-w-what!?" Izna froze. "K-Kosaka Wakamo!?"
"Kosaka Wakamo!?" the group echoed, startled.
"Oh, Wakamo-chan," Mash said casually.
Unbeknownst to them, Wakamo—one of the former Seven Prisoners—had slipped into the conversation, practically bouncing with excitement as she sidled up to Mash and tilted her head eagerly.
"My beloved," Wakamo purred, "this Wakamo, as per your orders, thoroughly crushed the enemy… so, I'd like my reward~♡"
"Oh, right. Thanks, Wakamo-chan," Mash said, giving her a pat on the head.
"…♡" Wakamo melted.
"She's… tamed the Calamity Fox…" someone whispered, awestruck.
"Teacher's just too amazing!" another cheered.
"Not so much tamed," Mash said. "She's just… here. Right now, she's my precious student and aide."
"Oh, to hear you say such things…♡" Wakamo swooned.
"As expected of my lord!" Izna declared. "Truly, you're the only master for Izna!!"
"…Hold it right there, little fox," Wakamo said, her voice dripping with menace. "Who's calling who their lord?"
"Hya!?" Izna squeaked, darting behind Mash, trembling.
Even through her mask, Wakamo's dark aura was palpable, casting a heavy mood. She glared, and Izna shivered.
"Teacher belongs to me alone," Wakamo said. "He's not yours—"
"Nobody owns me," Mash interrupted. "And Wakamo-chan, no picking on your juniors."
"B-But, my beloved—"
"No one's taking me away from you," Mash said. "There's no reason for anyone to, right?"
"…!" Wakamo froze, stunned by his earnestness.
"U-Um!" Izna piped up, fidgeting. "Izna wants to serve my lord, to protect you with my life… that's what I mean!"
"…Protect Teacher?" Wakamo repeated, eyeing her.
"Y-Yes!" Izna said, standing firm. "Izna will guard my lord with my life, no matter the threat!!"
"…A junior with the same resolve," Wakamo murmured, glancing at Izna through her mask. Despite her fear, Izna's eyes shone with the same pure, unyielding determination as Mash's… and she had similar ears and a tail. This means…
"Very well," Wakamo said. "From now on, you'll call me 'Big Sister Wakamo.'"
"Huh?" Izna blinked.
"What's your response?"
"Uh, y-yes, m-my lady!!" Izna stammered.
"Good… hehe~♡" Wakamo giggled.
(She's scary! This lady's terrifying!!) Izna thought, trembling.
(Ugh, Teacher really keeps some wild company…) Tsubaki thought, shaking her head.
Satisfied with her new (pseudo) little sister, Wakamo hopped onto a rooftop, radiating glee. Removing her mask, she smiled brightly.
"Well then, my beloved, I'll take my leave… until later~!" Whoosh!
"I-Izna… I feel like I just did something incredible!!" Izna said, eyes wide.
"More like something was done to you," Mash said. "Hmm."
"Anyway!" Izna rallied. "The trouble's sorted, so it's time to prep for the festival finale—fireworks! Teacher, thank you so much!!"
"We've got preparations to handle, so we'll head out!" Shizuko said.
"Let's go to the fireworks venue, then," Tsubaki suggested.
"Might as well grab some food on the way!" Mimori added.
"Teacher, come back to the Training Club sometime," another said. "See you!"
The festival committee, Training Club, Mash, and Izna parted ways, heading toward the fireworks venue.
"My lord, my lord! The fireworks are about to start!" Izna said, bouncing with excitement.
"Can't wait," Mash said, munching on a sakura daifuku.
"Yes!" Izna beamed.
As they waited, a whoosh sounded, followed by—
BOOOOOM!!
"Wooow~✨" Izna gasped.
"Fireworks are just… great, aren't they?" Mash said.
Countless fireworks bloomed across the sky, grand yet delicate, dancing and fading in cascades. It had been a tough ordeal, with moments of sadness, but Izna…
"Izna… might be the happiest I've ever been," she said softly.
"Really?" Mash asked.
"Yes! Watching fireworks with my beloved lord, under the same night sky as all these precious people… it makes my heart race, and I can't stop smiling!" Izna said, grinning.
"I get it," Mash said. "I feel the same."
"My lord…" Izna hesitated, fidgeting, then steeled herself. "This Izna Hisada vows that no matter what trials or threats come your way, Izna will protect you!!"
"That means a lot," Mash said warmly. "Here's to the future, Izna-chan… or rather, my ninja, right?"
"Y-Yes!!" Izna nodded, beaming.
Beneath a sky ablaze with fireworks, a vow was sworn.
Lord and ninja… an unbreakable bond, forged in the iron chains of loyalty.
A miracle born from the joy of a festival.
Cherry Blossom Muscle Festival Frenzy!
Happily ever after.
Next time… Mash Burnedead and Reactions to Injuries, Part 2!
Look forward to it, though the cast is a bit smaller. It'll focus on the reactions of characters who didn't appear in the previous story.*
"We hate adults like you the most."
"Go to hell."
Little Sis: "UBWAAA!?"
Little Bro: "I'm gonna off myself."
Yeah, that's some serious damage, huh? Can't blame them for saying it… but oof, the pain's real. I bet some Teachers out there took a hit. Me included.
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Stopping here would be such a waste… The next chapter is waiting for you on Patreon! [pat*eon*com/Greyhounds]