Constant Variable (Senku x Reader)

9: Let There Be the Light of Science

You heard a sharp inhale coming from your right and your head turned towards the noise, noticing the look of surprised awe on Gen's face. At that moment, you thought back to this morning where, away from prying eyes and ears, the mentalist had revealed to both you and Senku that he was actually sent here by Tsukasa.

"My job is to confirm that both of you are dead. 'Tsukasa, Senku and (Name) are alive.' With that, you would be done. That was the plan. But if you complete your iron weapons, there's no telling who will win."

With what happened yesterday, you became wary of Asagiri Gen and now, after learning about his real motive for being here, it was just one more reason to never trust the guy. However, as you watched those light blue eyes widened, things might just change.

"Finally!" Chrome let out a loud cry as he held up the iron bar in the air, both Suika and Kohaku mirroring the brunette's looks of wonder. "Here we go!"

You felt your lips curling into a warm smile upon seeing the enthusiasm on your friends' faces when Gen spoke up, drawing your attention to him again along with Senku.

"'I only found a primitive settlement. Senku and (Name) are dead.' That simple false report would spare you."

You clenched your fists at the teen's words but said nothing while Senku simply let out a chuckle. "I'd really appreciate it if you would do that."

"I don't have any policy at all. I'm the world's most shallow man. If I can live happily with cute chicks, that's all I need. Whether you die or Tsukasa dies doesn't matter to me." Gen paused, then the corners of his lips curled into a menacing grin. "I'm going to win, no matter who I have to dispose of. I can't decide if it'll be better for me if I let the Kingdom of Science or the Tsukasa Empire win. That's all I have any interest in."

You frowned at the mentalist's words, not understanding where he was trying to go with this as he continued to explain himself.

"On this side, there's plenty of sweet science stuff and ramen and all that, but the work is hellish. Meanwhile, Tsukasa-chan's empire has no science, and the meals are simple, but the work's easy. And if I revive idols and stuff, I'll be living the dream harem life."

"What's a harem?" A tiny voice piped up from out of nowhere and you glanced down to where Suika had approached the three of you, her watermelon head tilted to the side in curiosity.

Gen looked down at the young girl with a small smile as he answered. "Sorry, children don't need to know yet."

"I think ramen's better for sure." Suika exclaimed.

"Hmm," The bi-colored-haired teen hummed, scratching his cheek as he considered the girl's words. "Ramen's nice, but not on hot days like this. At the end of the day, I'd side with Tsukasa-chan."

"If you're going to side Tsukasa like you are originally, then why do you spout so much nonsense about harem and shit?" You furrowed your brows in confusion, not understanding this guy one bit at all.

The scientist let out a quiet snort beneath his breath when he heard what you said and at that moment, Kohaku spoke up while walking over.

"Asagiri Gen, was it?" She came to a stop in front of said male, her face devoid of emotions when out of a sudden, she whipped out both her daggers and let out a low growl in a threatening voice. "Superficial, selfish men like you are best dead or imprisoned."

"So scary!" Gen cried, holding both hands up in defense as sweat formed on his forehead at the blonde's intimidating grin aimed at him.

Senku, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke up. "No, if we don't let him go back, Tsukasa will come here himself and we'll be screwed."