"It failed after all."
"Yeah. How could he possibly stop a bullet that easily?"
I agreed with Kurahashi. As I spoke, I toyed with the pellet Koro-sensei had intercepted, rolling it between my fingers.
I wondered: did this method of packing shells with anti-teacher pellets create unnecessary air resistance? And yet, how did it fly so steadily?
More impressive still, even if it didn't travel in a perfectly straight line, it struck the target's path with terrifying precision. Professional sniping truly possesses a chilling accuracy.
As for Koro-sensei, he flew off toward Group Two after telling us to call him if an emergency arose. I wondered what could possibly go wrong on a school trip, then immediately recalled the thugs who harassed us on the train. Anything was possible.
"Come on... let's head to Kiyomizu-dera. It's still a bit early."
"You're right. There's no point staying here and feeling frustrated."
Kimura suggested a change of scenery to lighten the gloomy mood. Isogai agreed, and we rose from the station benches.
The assassination attempt had failed, but the school trip wasn't over. I planned to enjoy our free time while slowly refining a plan to kill Koro-sensei.
●○●○●
"What an incredible view!"
"It really is."
I sincerely agreed with Kurahashi as we peered down from the famous "Kiyomizu Stage" at the breathtaking landscape stretching beneath us.
How did we end up here alone? It was simple; while we wandered through Kiyomizu-dera, the dense crowds swallowed us up, separating us from the rest of the group.
I sent a message via LINE the moment we got lost. We agreed to meet at a specific time and place later, so wandering around alone wasn't a problem.
However, since this was a school trip, I had hoped to have at least one companion. Luckily, I ran into Kurahashi, and we decided to explore together.
"This is great. I'm glad I ran into you, Nozaki-kun."
"Me too. Being alone even in Kyoto would have been quite depressing."
"What? Do you think of yourself as alone at school too, Nozaki-kun?"
"Aren't we?"
"At least you spend your time with Isogai and the others, so I don't think you're alone at all."
"... Is that so?"
When I thought about it, I realized I didn't feel as lonely as I once did. In class, I talked more with Isogai and Maehara, and even with Karma, Nagisa, and Sugino.
Mother in heaven, it seems your son has graduated from the "School of Solitude" without even noticing.
"Tell me, do they have Miko shrine maidens here?"
"Since Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple and not a Shinto shrine, I don't think we'll see any Miko."
"That's a shame. I wanted to see them shouting raid and intrusion slogans like in the stories!"
"Kurahashi-san, do you imagine shrine maidens as gang enforcers?! The word they say is Kashikomi, meaning to pray with reverence—not Kachikomi, which means a gang raid!"
"Oh, here come Nozaki-kun's sarcastic critiques."
I usually don't bother commenting on other people's nonsense, but the image of a combat-ready shrine maiden in Kurahashi's head forced a reaction out of me.
For the record, Kashikomi means speaking with awe before the gods. Kachikomi is a term used for raiding gang headquarters. There is a world of difference between the two.
"But I saw things that looked like charms being sold at the reception."
"... Well, that's true."
I pulled out the "Academic Success" amulet I had bought earlier without much thought.
I remembered then; although Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine sits within its grounds.
I recall reading that in the guidebook Koro-sensei prepared. The place where I bought the amulet was likely that shrine.
"What's this? An amulet?"
"Yes. One for success in studies."
"A success charm... I think I'll buy one for myself later."
"... Then let's go buy it now. The gathering time is close, and we can pass the shop on our way to the meeting spot."
"Great idea! Let's do it!"
We both headed toward the amulet stall.
The area was vast, but I roughly remembered the path and took the lead.
"By the way, Nozaki-kun, you were amazing the other day."
"The other day?"
"During the exams, for example. Your rank jumped forward suddenly. Do you have a secret method?"
Kurahashi tilted her head curiously, making me think.
What was the secret to my studying? Should I tell her about entering "The Zone"—that state of absolute focus where time stops and I keep writing as long as my concentration holds?
Recently, I've become able to enter this state at will. However, according to Koro-sensei, people capable of doing that are extremely rare.
How could I explain my secret?
"Hmm... First, focus intensely."
"Right, right."
"Then, maintain that focus as long as time allows."
"I see... wait, what?"
"And after that, focus with everything you've got."
"You're not doing anything but focusing!"
It was true; no matter how I tried to explain "The Zone," my process boiled down to one thing: "I study with extreme focus."
As for the sensation of minutes turning into hours, no one would likely believe me anyway.
"I mean, improving study quality through focus is the shortest path to success."
"Well, you're right about that."
I hadn't said anything wrong.
Focus is undoubtedly the shortest path to success. At least, that's how I study.
We continued walking through the crowded tourist landmark. I tried to be careful, but we still bumped into people.
I walked ahead to clear a path, assuming it would be easier for her to follow, but I turned around to check.
As expected, Kurahashi was struggling in the swarm.
I decided to slow down for her. At that moment, a stranger squeezed through the small gap between us.
"Ah, Nozaki-kun?!"
"Kurahashi-san?!"
The intruder forced us further apart, and hurried passersby began pouring into the gap.
Big city dwellers are always in a rush. I muttered this to myself, then struggled back through the crowd until I finally reached Kurahashi's side.
She was standing on her tiptoes, desperately searching for me, so I called out to her.
"This crowd is suffocating."
"Waaah?! When did you get here?!"
When I spoke, Kurahashi jumped in surprise, her voice trembling.
I couldn't blame her; losing a companion in this crowd and then suddenly finding them right beside you is a shock.
"How did you manage to push through that crowd and reach me?"
"Thanks to Mr. Karasuma's training."
"Does that really help here?"
"Of course. Even if people shove me, I can move without losing my balance. With a 'certain degree' of stability."
"You said 'certain degree' twice!"
"Because it's important."
In truth, if this "certain degree" reached its limit, I might lose my temper and scream, "Your shoulders have been hitting me for an hour!" before plowing through people like a bulldozer. But I'll keep that part to myself.
"Anyway, let's go. We'll be late."
"Okay... Ah, Nozaki-kun. I have a request."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Can I hold onto your sleeve? I'm afraid we'll get separated again."
"Certainly. It's dangerous to get lost in this mess."
It was risky for a girl to walk alone here; the pushing and shoving could lead to injuries. I had no reason to refuse.
I had no reason to refuse, but...
"..."
"..."
Suddenly, a strange, shy tension filled the air.
The sensation of her tugging my right sleeve was odd. More importantly, the feeling of Kurahashi's small hand holding onto me made me nervous.
It was a completely different tension from what I felt before an assassination or during training with Mr. Karasuma.
"Hahaha... This feels a bit strange."
"... Yeah."
It seemed Kurahashi felt the same way.
Being in this situation with a girl was confusing; it wasn't unpleasant, but it made me want to scratch my head from sheer embarrassment.
However, a "gentlemanly" instinct told me I had to look after her.
"Nozaki-kun, you can walk a little faster, it's fine."
"I... Is that so?"
I had read online that girls walk slowly, so a man should match his speed to theirs. I tried to apply that, but it seemed I overdid the caution.
Balancing consideration for others is difficult; if I walk too fast, I leave her behind, and if I walk too slowly, I hinder us both—not to mention that swinging my arm might make my sleeve slip from her hand.
I realized now that walking with a girl requires the precision of a surgeon. The stress was immense.
Good grief, walking with girls is hard work!
"By the way, Nozaki-kun, you were incredible the other time."
"The other time?"
"Your training match with Mr. Karasuma."
"... Ah."
It seemed Kurahashi sensed my tension and brought up a random topic to break the ice.
I think it's so easy to talk to Kurahashi because she naturally reads the atmosphere and keeps the conversation flowing before an awkward silence takes over.
"I still have a long way to go. Mr. Karasuma wasn't being serious, and I only relied on tricks."
Hiding a second blade in my sleeve, entering "The Zone," and even the finishing move—the Nekodamashi (Clap Stun).
"Hmm, well, the clap stun was a bit of a weird move, but you were the first person to actually land a hit on Mr. Karasuma, weren't you? I think that's amazing."
"That's why I'm motivated; I want to beat him next time without any tricks."
"Your ambition is through the roof! Good luck."
"I'll do my best. My motto is: 'I strive to be a man like Mr. Karasuma.'"
"Exactly! Mr. Karasuma is so handsome and cool!"
After that, we talked enthusiastically about Mr. Karasuma while we bought the amulet. We kept talking until we reached the meeting point.
We saw the rest of the group waving at us.
"Hina-chan, Nozaki-kooon!"
"Ah, we're here!"
Afterward, we enjoyed the rest of our free time in Kyoto until the tour ended.
"... Listen, Keiichi. Did something happen between you and Kurahashi?"
"No, nothing happened."
"Nozaki! That's impossible! We saw Kurahashi holding your sleeve earlier! Kimura, you saw it too, right?"
"Yeah, I saw it clearly."
I really enjoyed Kyoto, but those idiots seeing Kurahashi hold my sleeve made me a target for mockery for quite a while.
●○●○●
After the free tour, it was time to spend the night at the inn. Students from Classes A to D stayed in private hotel rooms, but we in Class E were assigned two large rooms: one for boys and one for girls.
This was typical of our school.
"If anyone snores loudly, the boys are finished."
"Hahaha, sleep will be hard, but it's fine. It'll be a good memory."
"Isogai's perfection shines even here."
After bathing, we played table tennis. We held a small tournament that included Sugino and Takebayashi, who happened to be there. I won the final match against Sugino.
Halfway through, Mr. Karasuma joined us after reporting today's assassination attempt to his superiors, but I couldn't match him at all.
I think Mr. Karasuma is what you call "superhuman"; the man leaves no openings whatsoever.
When things calmed down, I felt thirsty and headed to the vending machine.
"Oh, isn't that Nozaki-kun?"
"Hmm? Karma?"
Karma was there, fresh from the bath. Since he likes sweet drinks like strawberry milk, I bought a juice I thought he'd like and tossed it to him.
"What's this? Can I have it?"
"It's a return for the favor last time."
"No need for that. But since I've got it, I'll drink it."
We walked across the creaking floor of the old inn, cans in hand. Our conversation naturally turned to today's tour, but the trouble Karma's group faced was shocking.
"Kanzaki-san and Kayano were kidnapped?!"
"Yeah, I really lost my cool then."
"Are they okay now?"
"Yes. It seems they were targeted since we were on the train."
"Ah, I remember Kanzaki-san saying she bumped into some high schoolers yesterday."
So, those bastards who harassed me did it. My threat wasn't enough.
Perhaps, after I embarrassed them yesterday, they looked for an easier target and found Kanzaki-san. Thinking about it made me feel guilty.
"Good grief, that was a shock."
"Of course, having two group members kidnapped ──"
"They used to call me the 'Red Devil'."
"You were talking about your nickname?!"
"And you, haven't you heard they call you the 'Silver Reaper'?"
"Shut up or I'll make you cry."
As we talked, we entered the room to find all the boys gathered, discussing something with unusual intensity.
"What are you all talking about?"
"Ah, Karma and Nozaki. You're just in time. We're talking about the girls in class who catch our eyes."
"What about you two? Is there a girl you're interested in?"
"Love talk? This really is a school trip."
"Because it's a school trip!"
"Everyone else has spoken, so don't think you're getting away!"
As soon as Kimura finished, Isogai handed me a list. Karma and I looked at it; it seemed they had ranked the most popular girls in class.
Kanzaki-san was first, followed by Yada-san, then Kurahashi-san.
"This looks fun."
"I guess."
Karma muttered, looking at the list. I wondered if he even had feelings for girls, but he answered with unexpected simplicity.
"I think I'll choose Okuda-san."
"That's a surprise."
"I agree with Nozaki..."
"Because, you know, she seems capable of making chloroform, right? That would broaden the horizons of my pranks."
"We must never let these two get together."
"I'm with Nozaki on this..."
The thought of Karma's brutal pranks gaining chemical power was a nightmare.
In fact, if Okuda's toxins met Karma's pranks, we might end up with actual casualties!
"What about Nozaki-kun?"
"Right. I'm curious. You always look like you don't care about girls."
"Do I look like that?"
I tilted my head at Sugaya's observation.
I like girls quite normally. Today, my heart was pounding being with Kurahashi... wait, Kurahashi then.
"I choose Kurahashi-san."
I answered Karma's question honestly with the first name that came to mind.
I had enjoyed my time with her today, and the fact that my heart fluttered when she held my sleeve was undeniable.
Although I said walking with girls requires surgical precision, I didn't hate it. Also, she is my comrade in the Mr. Karasuma Fan Club, and talking to her is easy.
"Heh... that's a bit unexpected."
"Really? Didn't it seem like a normal choice?"
"It's fine; no need to dig for reasons."
Isogai helped me before they could start interrogating me.
"Listen, everyone, the results of this vote are a secret, okay? A boys' secret. Most of us don't want this getting out, so the girls shouldn't find out, especially the teachers..."
Isogai suddenly stopped.
He looked stunned. I followed his gaze to find Koro-sensei sitting at the entrance, scribbling in his notebook.
"I see, I see..."
Koro-sensei left the room silently, closing the fusuma sliding door with a grace that any inn worker would envy.
Incredible. We didn't feel his presence at all. His movements were as natural as "Professor Bitch's."
"Wait, this isn't the time to admire his moves!!"
I don't know how long that octopus had been there, but he likely heard me vote for Kurahashi.
"Kill him! Kill that supersonic stalker!!"
"H-hey, follow Nozaki!!"
"Wait, you damn octopus!!"
Driven by sheer embarrassment, I led the boys in an assassination attempt on Koro-sensei.
●○●○●
Moments before Keiichi and the boys started running. In the girls' room, a similar conversation was happening.
"What? Boys we like?"
"Yeah, isn't that the classic school trip topic?"
"Me, me! I like Mr. Karasuma."
"That's a given. We're talking about the boys in our class."
"Hmm..."
Okano looked hesitant at Nakamura's topic, while Kurahashi mentioned Karasuma enthusiastically. But when Nakamura excluded Mr. Karasuma, Kurahashi's enthusiasm dropped.
"The best in our class are Isogai and Maehara, aren't they?"
"Hmm? You think so?"
"Maehara is a womanizer, but Isogai seems like a catch."
"In terms of looks, Karma-kun is handsome too."
"If only his personality was better."
" " " That's true. " " "
Karma's bad behavior was a consensus among the girls. However, Kayano and Okuda tried to defend him.
"He's not that scary."
"Yeah, he's usually quiet."
"... Is he a wild animal?"
The girls laughed at Hayami's sharp comment and reviewed the rest. Nagisa and Sugino were also mentioned.
"What about Nozaki? Regardless of his past, isn't he quite a catch? His face isn't bad, and he hasn't looked like a delinquent lately."
"Ah, true. Since Mr. Karasuma started teaching P.E., he's become more social. Although he seems awkward, he trains seriously with Mr. Karasuma and seems sincere."
"Thinking about it, that's true. When he managed to land a hit on Mr. Karasuma, he looked handsome... and actually quite moving."
"If only he didn't have those weird tendencies sometimes."
" " " That's true. " " "
"Hmm, but moving past those tendencies, he acts like a total gentleman."
"That's strange, Hina-chan, coming from you."
"Well, I spent almost the whole day with him. I saw unexpected sides to him."
"Oh!"
The talk continued. As they got more excited, their voices began leaking out of the room. At that moment, Irina visited.
"Listen, brats, I came to tell you it's lights out."
"You say that like you don't care."
"Since you'll keep talking anyway, good night ──"
"Ah, Professor Bitch is carrying a bottle. That's not fair!"
"What?"
Irina looked annoyed at Kurahashi's remark, but under pressure from Yada and Kurahashi, she ended up joining them.
The talk naturally shifted to Irina.
"What?! Professor Bitch is only in her twenties?!"
"I thought she was much older because of her experience..."
"True, she's like a venomous butterfly."
"That's because my eventful life created this charm ── who just said 'venomous butterfly' now?!"
"Your reaction is slow."
They say three women make a crowd, so what about ten? While the noise filled the place, one octopus joined them—unnoticed for now.
"A woman's shelf life is short. Since you were born in a peaceful country, thank your environment and work hard to polish your femininity."
"Professor Bitch is being surprisingly logical!"
"That sounds a bit condescending..."
"You (insolent) brats!!"
They still hadn't noticed him.
"So, so, Professor Bitch, tell us about the men you've seduced!"
"Ah, I'm very interested in this!"
"Hehe, alright. Get ready because this will be very exciting... Yes, it was when I was seventeen..."
As Irina began, she noticed something. An octopus was in their room, his body turned pink as he scribbled Irina's scandalous stories into his notebook.
"You! Over there!!"
" " " Whaaat?!! " " "
"Don't sneak into the women's den so casually!"
Irina shouted, trying to kick him out. Koro-sensei smiled wickedly without a shred of guilt.
"It's fine, isn't it? Let me join the talk."
The students didn't allow it.
"What about you, Koro-sensei?!"
"Right! You know everything about us, but tell us nothing about yourself!"
"No love stories?! You're a pervert, so you must have had at least one unrequited love!"
"Nyu... yaaa... Retreat!"
Koro-sensei fled.
"Chase him! Catch him, make him confess, then kill him!"
The girls also turned against Koro-sensei.
●○●○●
"He's over there, kill him!"
"Guys, he's here!"
"Nyuyaaa?! Surrounded by both boys and girls?!"
After a long chase, we found Koro-sensei. I directed the boys to block the exits, but the girls appeared from the opposite direction.
It seems Koro-sensei had been peeking into their room too.
"Hey, Nozaki, what happened on your end?!"
Kataoka asked, and I answered without revealing everything.
"Hmm... Koro-sensei uncovered boys' secrets that we don't want anyone to know."
Kurahashi stepped out and approached me curiously.
"What are those secrets?"
"... I can't tell you."
My mind went blank seeing Kurahashi.
It occurred to me that the yukata suited her perfectly and that her appearance before bed left a different impression, but more importantly, I didn't know how to answer.
There was no way I'd have the courage to tell her: "I voted for you in the ranking!" It was far too embarrassing.
"I'm so curious, tell me!"
"I told you, I can't!"
While we argued, the assassination battle ignited beside us.
I thought about how all our actions ultimately ended in assassination, recalling the events of this school trip.
It had been a wonderful trip and a good opportunity to discover hidden sides of my classmates and myself.
And thus, the curtain fell on our school trip.
"Nozaki-kun!"
"Sorry, I told you I'm not talking!"
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