怪獣の放出 / Kaijuu no Houshutsu / Unleashed Beasts

第17章 (Chapter 17)

"Kirai-san, you've let me research that language with you before..." Hinote spoke up. He had been mostly silent for the conversation, because he felt a bit of pressure.

"True. Kimura-san, do you believe we can be on good terms?"

"H-Huh wha? (You changed the topic...)" Kimura breathed out. She tried to form more normal speech and said, "Well... I believe we can. Um... Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kako Kirai..."

"Just call me Kirai. I don't need honorifics."

"But that would sound like I'm saying 'I hate you', and I don't think that really applies anymore..."

Kirai smiled. For some reason, at that very moment, her mind remembered the experiences that occurred when she was in that dreamlike-state of what happened after solving the Recurring Day.

She remembered the sight of those creepy fleshy masses and those tentacles inhibiting her movement in that dream. Her smile faded, and she looked away from everyone else, who was chatting about how impressed they were with the story.

For the first time since gaining her emotions, Kirai realized she had something she didn't want to share.

- - -

It was the next day, August 14, a Thursday. The previous day, Kirai, Tsuki, Kikuchi, and Kimura all went their separate ways going back home for the evening at 4 PM. Today, they would be returning to school once more.

Kirai was walking with Tsuki to school, joined by Hinote, and eventually Kimura, who arrived just before the other three entered.

"Hey, Kirai-san!" A voice said. Kirai looked behind her, where the voice came from, and saw Kimura.

"Kimura-san, it's nice to see you. Although, I doubt you still have your battle reflexes," Kirai commented in a smug manner.

"You want to fight?!" Kimura said jokingly.

Kirai smiled, saying, "I was teasing you. You're much more trained in martial arts than I. If possible, I would like to train some of my fighting techniques with you when you have free time."

"Oh, you'd like to train with me? That's wonderful! I haven't been able to battle with a fighting buddy for a while-,-" she then realized. "Wait a minute. Kirai, you'll just stop time and beat me up. Not fair!" Kimura felt a little pouty.

"Haha, I knew you would catch on. But, that's not really what I'm thinking of doing. I would like to practice how I can limit and effectively employ my ability in battle. So if I ever have to go up against an opponent that can stop me from moving or something, even in stopped time, then I wouldn't use my ability stupidly." What she said made a lot of sense.

"Ah... that makes sense. Sure! I'll spar with you sometimes!" Kimura said. She seemed excited. She is a natural-born warrior always searching for battle...

Later, during lunch break, Kirai and Tsuki stood out in the hall, chatting, letting the conversation flow. Hinote joined them, followed not long after by Kimura.

"Hey, Kirai-san! Could you do something for me, please?" Kimura seemed to be acting respectful.

"Hm?" Kirai looked up. The girl leaned down a little and whispered her request to Kirai.

"Could you go stop time and go steal another plate of lunch fo--" Kirai smacked her away with a sigh.

"Ow..."

"I'm not a maid, you know. Besides, they let you take another plate as long as you don't get too excessive," Kirai said in a disappointed tone. Kimura simply groaned and started chatting with Hinote.