Campione 16

by The Stirring of Heroes

  While one of the girls displayed surprise as she teased, the other expressed her concern for local peace and offered commentary on Kusanagi Godou's poor reputation...

  There was still time until 2pm.

  But feeling worried, Godou took out his cellphone to make a call. Not Erica, but the girl who managed the Blandelli home.

  'Ah, it's Godou-san?'

  Arianna-san's voice responded. She was the girl who was employed as Erica's assistant and personal maid.

  "Excuse me, just in case I had to confirm this, has that girl Erica gotten out of bed yet?"

  'I'm sorry, she has not woken up yet. Last night, Erica-sama went out until very late and only went to bed at dawn."

  "...Seriously. What the heck was that girl doing the night before our appointment?"

  His worst fear turning out to be true, Godou sighed.

  Nevertheless, Arianna replied in a cheerful voice.

  'Hoho, please rest assured. Today's appointment is at 2pm, is that correct? No problem. Even if Erica-sama continues to sleep, I will carry her to the car and deliver her over to Godou-san. I will make sure she arrives before the appointed time, please wait.'

  Getting Erica out of bed was quite a difficult task. When getting up, her usual talent and intellect was nowhere to be found. Instead, she would refuse to get up, acting like a young child.

  ...As a side note, if one were to ask why Godou knew this about her.

  That was because he went to pick her up every morning to go to school. Because Arianna was unable to wake up her willful mistress, Godou resorted to this in order to prevent Erica from being late for school.

  Hence, that was the reason why Arianna had presented the "deliver her over by car even if she continues to sleep" statement.

  "You don't have to do that. I'm coming over right now to get Erica to get up!"

  Godou declared as if yelling.

  Although he was currently talking to a girl that was on his good books, at the same time, she was also someone in possession of driving skills that he would like to keep off the road as much as possible. This knowledge was what compelled him to offer this alternative solution.

  Godou ended the call and looked up, his gaze meeting with Yuri's.

  "As expected, Erica is dallying after all. I'm gonna pick her up."

  "In that case, let me come along."

  "Eh?"

  "After all, we are going out together afterwards. This way we can avoid wasting extra time, right?"

  Yuri suggested with a smile. Hence, Godou accepted graciously.

  In actual fact, their original plan was to depart from Nanao Shrine in Shiba Park and set off for the area of Tokyo Tower and the Meiji Shrine.

  In that case, switching locations would be a wiser choice. Erica's apartment was situated in the Hongou district in the Bunkyou ward. Having decided to visit tourist attractions in that area, Godou and Yuri headed towards Erica's residence together.

  Little did he know, this act was akin to digging his own grave...

  "I never knew that Kusanagi-san went as far as to rouse Erica-san from her slumber every morning..."

  As he walked beside Yuri, Godou listened in trepidation as she spoke with a sigh.

  Two hours had elapsed since they left Nanao Shrine together.

  Along with Erica, they were now located in the shopping street near Sensou-ji Temple in the Taitou ward.

  A row of ten stalls were selling local products, little trinkets and roadside snacks. This was a tourist destination in the Bunkyou ward where foreigners new to Japan would be taken to.

  Godou and Yuri were walking side by side along the shopping street.

  Because today was an afternoon on a holiday, there were many people and it was quite crowded.

  Erica toured the shopping street with quick, light steps as if she enjoyed this taste of traditional Japanese culture. She tried on a Shinsengumi jacket that was being sold at a stall, pulled out a toy Japanese sword to play around with, and even put on a geisha wig.

  Following behind her were the two Japanese, Godou and Yuri.

  Yuri sighed slightly, making Godou feel apologetic.

  "That girl Erica, if we left her alone she would have slept all the way, completely unaware she was going to be late."

  "Concerning this point, Kusanagi-san, I am actually wondering if you are spoiling her too much with your intimate care. Although you informed the household beforehand, you did enter a girl's bedroom without any hesitation, you know? And with Erica-san dressed in that particular manner."

  When the two had visited Erica's apartment, the mistress of the house was elegantly enjoying her afternoon nap.

  And just as Arianna was hastily trying to rouse her from bed, she went:

  "No. Without Godou whispering words of love by my ear, I shall continue sleeping here."

  Godou seemed to hear Erica murmur something like that.

  In response, Godou went "How could she say something so outrageous when everyone else is waiting for her?" and rushed into the bedroom. Then Yuri said "K-Kusanagi-san, need I remind you this is Erica-san's -- a girl's room!" and frantically followed along.

  Wrapped in a light down blanket, Erica was sleeping blissfully.

  Only after Godou angrily pulled away her blanket did he realize a certain fact. That Erica, who liked to wear little when she slept, had taken off the t-shirt she wore to bed last night in place of pajamas, leaving only a pair of panties on her person--

  "Seriously... Kusanagi-san really is 'absentminded' to an excessive degree!"

  "T-This is the first time she is dressed like this!"

  "In other words, you are very clear on the fact that Erica-san always wears little when she goes to bed every night? In that case, Kusanagi-san's behavior really is too rash."

  "R-Right, I cannot refute this point."

  Scolded, Godou began to feel disheartened. How many times has he been reprimanded today now?

  Yuri seemed to have thought the same thing, and she relaxed her expression after a brief sigh.

  "Let us leave it at that. After all, we came to go out and have fun."

  "I-Is that so? I'm really sorry."

  "Hoho. Today's lecture has finished?"

  Erica returned with perfect timing. Apparently, she had been silently observing the two of them just now.

  "So, it's about time to go enjoy ourselves. To commemorate Erica Blandelli's long term relocation to Japan, as well as wonderful fate which has brought the three of us together."

  "Fate?"

  "Yes, that's correct, Yuri. If we did not encounter one another in the first place, then today's group would not exist. Shouldn't we do something to commemorate our mutual encounters?"

  Erica explained cheerfully in response to Yuri's surprise.

  Her tone of voice was glamorous and clear as always. Erica's childish behavior when getting up was completely gone. Smiling with a chuckle, she took Yuri's hand as a knight would take a lady's.

  "That store over there looks interesting, let's choose some suitable clothing for you, Yuri."

  Erica cast her glance towards a store that rented outfits out to foreign tourists as she spoke.

  "Eh!? I have to wear it too!?"

  "I was thinking if we took a photo, that would be perfect. Recording our memories in this manner is not a bad idea."

  Slightly aggressive but not very forceful in actual fact, Erica led the conservative Yamato Nadeshiko towards the crowd.

  With some hesitation, Yuri followed as she held Erica's hand.

  As a side note, they were both currently wearing Jounan Academy's female school uniform. Godou had heard earlier that Yuri had gone to school during the morning for a gathering of the Tea Ceremony Club.

  Seeing her dressed like that, Erica went "Well, then I'll wear that too" and wore her uniform as well.

  Watching them from behind, Godou suddenly had a notion. In appearance, the two girls seemed to be partners on a school trip, a pair who were very close friends.
/>   Erica with her extroverted personality and Yuri with her serious character.

  Godou believed the two were rather incompatible in this regard.

  Nevertheless, Erica was very open-minded and tolerant despite her tendency to do things as she pleased. On the other hand, Yuri appeared passive but was unexpectedly resilient. In this regard, perhaps the two of them might be quite compatible after all.

  --Erica and Yuri, what sort of relationship would they develop in the end?

  The two girls' conversation drifted into Godou's ears as he fell into deep thought.

  "So, to think you would attempt to teach Godou what was truly the right path... Yuri, you have an unexpectedly persevering spirit. I offer you my heartfelt praise and admiration."

  "I-I only wish that Kusanagi-san could act with a little more caution..."

  "That said, this is Godou we're talking about, you know? Through the battle with Athena, you should probably have understood, he is a person who cannot be stopped once he explodes out of control, right? Furthermore, he completely ignores minor details."

  "That truly is... Indeed it is as you say."

  "Putting it positively, he is very adaptable to situations. More tactlessly put, let me see--"

  "Goes with the flow, is that it..."

  "Yes. That's true indeed."

  "B-But even though he really is rather troubling to others, I still believe in Kusanagi-san."

  "Yuri, you must be a believer in the fundamentally benevolent nature of mankind. I like that sort of innocence about you. However, what about the person in question, how about Godou?"

  At some point in time, the two girls had started commenting on Kusanagi Godou's character flaws.

  From an outsider's perspective, the two girls appeared to be getting along amiably as they conversed. However, all Godou could feel was apprehension.

  If the two of them became close friends, would they unite in a single front to start criticizing and making trouble for me in unison?

  ...Never in Godou's wildest dreams would he expect his prediction to come true in the near future, with even two more members joining in.

  Chapter 4 - The Imprisoned Campione

  Kusanagi Godou.

  Japanese nationality, sixteen years old, male.

  He, from the Jounan Academy High School Division, did not think of himself as the type that particularly stood out.

  His personality was on the gentler side, more or less.

  He was not like those who enjoyed making a racket in the middle of class, nor was he a pupil who often voiced his opinions out loud. It wasn't that he was bad at associating with people or was an eccentric.

  Looks wise, he was ordinary.

  According to his fault-finding sister, 'If he works harder he should be able to become even better, but it's because he's been slacking that he's the way he is now'. And to Erica Blandelli, his 'partner' with whom he already had an inseparable relationship, 'His physique isn't bad, but he's lacking in the charisma and majesty departments'.

  His results were above average. His forte was in arts and humanities, whereas he did not do well in science.

  He had confidence in his physical abilities, but not in the same way as those Olympic athletes.

  In actual fact, he possessed an inexplicable power that went against the laws of nature, but what could only be said of him in the context of this school was that he was a perfectly normal student.

  Which is why, [mediocre] and [moderate]... that sort of expression was probably appropriate for him.

  ― Hey, Kusanagi. What kind of person do you think you are?

  One day during break time, in the classroom of the first year's fifth class.

  In the face of that question from his peers, Godou did not answer.

  At that time, the ones that happened to be present were Takagi, Nanami and Sorimachi.

  The three of them were the same; from the fifth class of the first years. Then, the three of them together, for some reason, stared strangely at Godou's face.... What's up with that bizarre look you're giving me?

  It was the expression of peasants suffering under heavy taxation and oppressive rule, who were glaring at the responsible tyrant in anger and infuriation. With enmity in their hearts, the eyes that revealed the endured fury within. Like a blade with a seemingly dull edge, it was a dangerous look ―

  It was exactly like that description.

  "... Hey, are you listening?"

  "... Yeah, he heard you. This guy does not understand his own situation at all. This bastard king!"

  "... The usual plan, as I thought it seems that we have to proceed with it, eh."

  Then, they started to whisper and murmur to each other.

  "Oi, what are you guys talking about in secret? Also about that question, was there some meaning behind it?"

  "Don't be concerned with such insignificant details, Kusanagi. This score must be settled!"

  "Hahaha, what are you saying[1]. Forget what was just said, Kusanagi. Don't assume that there's a moon every night!"

  "Oi oi, you let your true feelings slip, control yourselves a little more. By retributive justice, the devil ought to die!"

  ".... Are you alright, guys? You all look seriously weird."

  Godou asked worriedly.

  However, they did not answer him, simply returning to their own seats with dark expressions on their faces.

  ― After school, on the same day as that event.

  Kusanagi Godou was abruptly, kidnapped and confined.

  ■　　　　　■　　　　　■

  "― With that, let us begin the first commission of inquiry on that son of a bitch Kusanagi Godou who has monopolized the two great bishoujos of the campus. Everyone, are you ready?"

  "No problem! Let us pass the judgment of righteousness on Kusanagi Godou, enemy of the unpopular!"

  "Agreed! We, based on the impartial ideology of love collectivism, cast our blame upon the bourgeoisie[2] that hog the wealth injusticely!"

  That day, Godou was on duty.

  He needed to just collect the printouts to be submitted that day and place them on the teacher-in-charge's desk in the staff room. Finishing that task, he returned to the first year's fifth class classroom.

  It was on the way back that the act of kidnapping was carried out decisively.

  In a place where there was no one close by, Godou was covered head-first with a large jute bag.

  No matter how much he struggled with his arms and legs, it was useless. Godou was then lifted up by a few people, and brought away like that. To make matters worse, his limbs were all bound by duct tape, his movements restrained.

  And then, the one who removed the bag from his head, before him ―

  It was a room with windows that were covered by black curtains, blocking out the sunlight, a classroom somewhere in the school. The lights were off, and it was pitch-dark.

  The only source of light was the torchlight that someone was holding.

  With just that, it was difficult to understand the situation.

  But Godou had night-vision on par with an owl's, and with that he surveyed the surroundings. Perhaps, it was an empty classroom that was not often used.

  That could be surmised from the fact that there were no desks arranged in the classroom.

  And, the shape of the three people before him ―

  They had paper bags over their heads. There were openings in said paper bags, slits for their eyes.

  He could not discern their identities by just that. Just who were they? They, who had captured and subsequently confined him. He had no clue who they were exactly, but he could guess. At last, have the people from the magic associations infiltrated into the school?

  Even so, Kusanagi Godou was a [King].

  Having undertaken such bold measures, could it be that someone powerful was pulling the strings behind this?

  They were also thoroughly prepared, dressed in the correct High School Division uniform. And on their head were paper bags
. Only the eyes and mouth regions were cut open. Like this, their identities could not be discerned....

  Godou remembered something about the voices earlier, and looking at their stature, he realized.

  "What are you doing, Takagi. Over there, are Nanami and Sorimachi, right?"

  "F-fool! We do not go by those kinds of names!"

  "Yea, yeah. We are absolutely not classmates with a bastard like you!

  "Yes, we are the Gang of Justice, those who lament over the state of the country, and love the nation! Do not misunderstand!"

  The trio proclaimed, evidently in a panic.

  "How should I say this... I didn't think you guys were this stupid. As of now, your crimes are still forgivable. Kindly release me."

  Filled with pity and amazement, Godou advised.

  At any rate, why do I have to suffer something like this?

  "Keh! This guy, from the look in his eyes, he thinks that he's being confined under false charges!"

  One of the idiot trio shined his torchlight right in Godou's face, and spat out.

  As I thought, that was Takagi's voice.

  "Calm down. We have plenty of time. To this insolent asshole, without rushing, let us tell him the true severity of his sins!"

  Almost like an 'underling A' type of character entering onto the stage in some historical play. This should be Nanami.

  "Aaah, let us teach this guy a lesson or two. In the place of God, we shall pass judgment over him!"

  And this was the trademark phrase of the hero protagonist. The voice belonged to Sorimachi.

  ".... Although I don't really get what's going on, but I understand your determination. First, remove the tape, and then we'll talk this over peacefully, ok?"

  "Kukuku. You bastard, it seems you still do not understand your current position."

  One of the idiot trio, probably Sorimachi, declared.

  "What we seek, is not to talk things over with a bastard like you! This is judgment!"

  "... J-judgment?"

  "Kusanagi Godou! You are a bastard who toys with the hearts and desires, the bodies of the two great bishoujos of the school, the tyrant managing a harem! For that crime, you deserve certain death!"