Chapter 359: Transfer Student? Pervert!
Several months later.
In the main hall of a shrine located over three hundred kilometers from the artificial island, in the Japanese countryside, the Three Saints of the Lion King Organization had gathered once again.
"Unskilled in curses and divination, yet possessing exceptional talent in spiritual vision and swordsmanship, you mastered the Snowdrift Wolf in just three months. As documented in the report, you are a quintessential Sword Shaman. You are now qualified."
Facing the voice of the Elder coming from behind the bamboo curtain, Yukina, carrying a guitar case on her back, furrowed her delicate brows.
"Qualified?"
"Correct. You have earned the qualification of a Sword Shaman. Originally, you would have needed another month or two of training, but circumstances have changed—take a seat, Himeragi Yukina."
Shizuka Koyomi was the first to speak.
After three months of grueling training, Yukina reluctantly complied, returning to her original position and sitting upright. She sighed and set down the guitar case.
Although she understood that all her training was in preparation for the highly dangerous mission ahead, the content left her deeply puzzled. In addition to her usual martial arts and combat training, she had also been required to take lessons in ladylike etiquette.
Moreover, these etiquette lessons inexplicably felt like specialized training designed to please someone.
Even though her close friend had accompanied her throughout the process, it still left her with some grievances toward the Elder.
"Now, let's get to the main topic. First, take a look at this photograph."
Shizuka Koyomi spoke again, and something flew out from the gap in the bamboo curtain.
It was a butterfly, fluttering its wings quietly as it landed before Yukina, transforming into a photograph.
The photo showed a high school student in a school uniform. His handsome, youthful face wore a gentle smile, appearing completely unguarded and seemingly vulnerable at any moment.
"What is this photo?" Yukina asked, confused.
"His name is Yotsuba Mahiro. Have you heard of him?"
"No."
Yukina shook her head honestly.
She had no recollection of him. If she had ever met someone with such a perfect face, she would never have forgotten.
However, her answer had been anticipated by Shizuka Koyomi from the start, confirming that Himeragi Yukina indeed had no prior connection to Yotsuba Mahiro. Relieved and without further sentiment, she continued:
"What are your impressions of him?"
"Huh?"
The question came so abruptly that Yukina felt as though she were being set up for a matchmaking session.
"Just from the photo, I can't determine his exact circumstances, but he likely has no expertise in martial arts, or at best, is a beginner. Moreover, he doesn't seem to be carrying any dangerous cursed objects, and I didn't detect any traces of the photographer."
After hesitating for a moment, Yukina carefully analyzed the contents of the photo.
Perhaps because Yukina's analysis labeled Yotsuba Mahiro as a martial arts novice, it triggered memories of the time when the Chaos Bride, the progenitor of martial arts, was utterly defeated, and when she herself had her underwear removed and was spanked over his lap. This caused Shizuka Koyomi to momentarily lose focus and fall into silence.
A faint blush gradually spread across her face.
This child doesn't seem very bright.
If this man is a martial arts novice, then everyone in the Lion King Organization might as well hang themselves beneath the torii gate.
Even Endou Yukari would be no exception.
Yet Shizuka Koyomi still did not voice these words. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her emotions and continued:
"No, I'm not asking about that. I want to know how you feel about him. To put it another way, does he match your preferences? For example, do you like or dislike his appearance? That's what I'm asking. What do you think?"
"Wh-what?" The Elder's words struck Yukina like thunder, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"Excuse me… are you mocking me?"
Though uncertain of the Elders' true intentions, Yukina could sense their ill will.
Instinctively, she reached for the Snowdrift Wolf resting in her guitar case, poised to act at any moment.
Observing Yukina's reaction, Shizuka Koyomi on the other side of the curtain felt a tinge of disappointment, but she understood that haste was not the way.
"My apologies. Let's discuss the mission. Have you heard of the Fourth Primogenitor, Himeragi Yukina?"
The abrupt question made Yukina hold her breath slightly.
Any ordinary Demon Hunter would fall silent upon hearing that name.
"You mean the Night Lord of the Blazing Light? The legendary Fourth Primogenitor said to possess twelve Beast Vassals that embody calamity. But I've heard the Fourth Primogenitor doesn't actually exist. Some consider it an urban legend."
Yukina responded calmly, voicing her own doubts.
"That is correct. The strongest Vampire, solitary and peerless, without any kin. But it is no mere legend…"
The composed female voice echoed through the worship hall, only to trail off abruptly.
The Fourth Primogenitor, "Night Lord of the Blazing Light."
Anyone involved with demonkind would know that name.
It was the title of the "world's strongest Vampire," synonymous with disaster.
Though historical records of the Fourth Primogenitor were sparse, this was the common understanding.
Even the other three Progenitors did not deny this title.
Such was the existence of the Fourth Primogenitor.
Noticing Yukina's complexion pale slightly, Shizuka Koyomi continued, "Throughout history, they have always appeared at pivotal moments, bringing slaughter and destruction to the world. But the problem goes beyond that. The existence of the Fourth Primogenitor would inevitably disrupt the world's order and stability. You understand the reason, don't you?"
"Yes."
Yukina took a deep breath and nodded stiffly.
The balance of power among the three Dominions was built on a precarious equilibrium.
If a fourth Progenitor with equal power were to emerge, that balance would likely crumble easily. In the worst-case scenario, it could trigger a large-scale war involving humanity.
"However, at present, the Fourth Primogenitor is no longer the greatest threat."
A simple statement, yet it shattered Yukina's understanding.
What?
The Fourth Primogenitor was no longer the greatest threat?
Yukina's reaction was written all over her face. After observing her for a few seconds, Shizuka Koyomi continued.
"After the Flame Light Banquet, the Fourth Primogenitor who should have awakened did not appear. The twelve Night Lords of the Blazing Light, vessels for the beasts, are now controlled by a single man. His existence is certain to threaten the world's safety."
Shizuka Koyomi spoke with grave seriousness.
"So... my mission wouldn't be..."
Yukina thought of the young man she had just seen in the photograph.
"Correct."
Endou Yukari took over, declaring in an uncompromising tone:
"This is the reason you have been training diligently these past three months, Himeragi Yukina. In the name of the Lion King Organization's Three Saints, I order you to be responsible for monitoring that man named Yotsuba Mahiro."
"To have me monitor... that man..."
"Indeed. If you judge that the surveillance target has committed dangerous acts, you are to eliminate him with all your might."
"Remember the person in that photograph—that is your target, the one who can control the Fourth Primogenitor. He is currently attending Saikai Academy on Itogami Island. Himeragi Yukina, from now on you must do everything to get close to him and monitor his actions."
"The transfer procedures to Saikai Academy have already been arranged for you—that is all."
The three behind the curtain spoke one after another, then abruptly ended the conversation.
Having delivered their one-sided instructions, the three behind the curtain vanished without a trace.
Left alone in the great hall, Yukina nearly forgot to think, only staring blankly at the holy spear in her hand.
She understood clearly that she had been dragged into a tremendous calamity. An unconscious sigh escaped her heart, but she still gathered her resolve slightly and tightened her grip on the guitar case.
She would not yield.
She absolutely would not betray the Elders' expectations of her!
Unnoticed, the weekend's two days off passed, and a new week arrived once more.
Urged on by Nagisa Akatsuki, Yotsuba Mahiro reluctantly came to school again.
The days of attending one day and resting six had completely left him, having run away from home.
Listening to the teacher's incessant chatter in class, Mahiro finally flopped onto his desk when the bell rang.
But he wasn't the only one lying down—his deskmate across the aisle was doing the same.
"What's wrong? Not feeling well?"
Turning his head, he saw Aiba Asagi, her beautiful blonde hair cascading over one shoulder, also slumped on her desk looking utterly drained.
"Ah, it's nothing, don't worry about it. Just feeling a bit... tired lately."
"Pulling all-nighters again?"
Mahiro asked with concern, but Asagi pressed her lips together tightly without answering.
Though Aiba Asagi, the Cyber Empress, came from a good family—her father Aiba Sensai served as mayor of Itogami City and as a councilor on the Itogami City Council—Asagi herself deeply detested that home.
All because her father had signed the papers to cease treatment without hesitation, abandoning her mother.
So she had left home early, working and living alone.
Using her hacker-level computer skills, she managed to earn quite a bit of money, but staying up all night was also a frequent occurrence.
Just then, Yuuma, who had finished organizing her textbooks, walked over. Having overheard their conversation, she glanced at Asagi lying on the desk.
After a moment, she leaned down and whispered softly:
"Asagi-nee, could it be... that time of the month? Remember to make some red bean rice tonight~"
Hearing this, Aiba Asagi's pretty face instantly flushed red. She quickly pulled Yuuma over to make her shut up, whispering that what she had brought today was indeed red bean rice!
Immediately after, the two lowered their voices even further, whispering in a way only they could hear.
Watching the two engaged in their private conversation, Mahiro slowly raised a few question marks in his mind.
What was that all about?
Why cook red bean rice?
At first, Mahiro's somewhat muddled mind couldn't grasp it, but after scanning Aiba Asagi with the "Eye of the Spirit," he immediately understood.
In the world of anime and manga, red bean rice is a celebratory food for girls when they experience their first period or lose their virginity.
After all, red beans help replenish blood, providing nutrition for girls who have lost a significant amount of blood and aiding in expelling excess moisture from the body.
Thinking this, Mahiro revealed a meaningful smile and leaned over to tease:
"Asagi-san, so your aunt has come to visit, huh? Remember not to eat cold foods~"
"Get lost!"
Aiba Asagi shouted in embarrassed fury.
Sometimes, it's not a good thing to let Father have too much free time.
Watching the chaotic scene between the two, Yuuma couldn't help but shake her head, showing a troubled expression.
...
After the fourth period ended in the morning, Asagi, as if seeking revenge, immediately gathered her friend and class representative Tsukishima Rin along with Yuuma Tokoyogi, planning to have lunch together.
This left Mahiro, who had originally wanted to join in the fun, with nowhere to go.
He had thought about going to the library to spend some time with Aya, but the library door was tightly locked, and Aya wasn't there.
Over the past two and a half years, Aya had been freed by Natsuki, regaining her liberty and no longer bound by Laeding or the Prison Barrier.
With Yotsuba Mahiro's restraint, Natsuki believed Aya would absolutely not try to escape or cause trouble again.
And indeed, even after gaining her freedom, Aya showed no intention of leaving. Instead, she seemed to be enjoying her current life.
As for what she truly thought in her heart, no one knew.
However, just as Mahiro was wandering aimlessly around the campus, he suddenly noticed a girl about fifteen meters behind him.
It was a girl carrying a hard case for a bass guitar.
She wore the same uniform as Kanon Kanase and Nagisa Akatsuki, with a large blue bow tied at her chest—clearly a student from Saikai Academy's middle school division.
Mahiro stole a glance at the girl whose tracking skills were somewhat clumsy.
She was very beautiful.
Her features were delicate and lovely, yet she carried a certain air of aloofness, like a wild cat that kept its distance from people. She also seemed somewhat uncomfortable in a short skirt, occasionally tugging at the hem to cover her thighs.
Her exquisite face exuded a cautious and earnest demeanor, setting her apart from the crowd and making her seem much cuter than other girls.
But judging from these characteristics, Mahiro already understood who this girl was.
The original story's first heroine, and also the most tsundere of Akatsuki Kojou's wives—Himeragi Yukina.
Only now, she had been sent by the Lion King Organization, and her purpose was likely to keep an eye on him.
As he walked, Mahiro pondered and recalled information about Himeragi Yukina, occasionally teasing the girl tailing and monitoring him with alternating fast and slow footsteps.
Soon, he reached a conclusion.
The Lion King Organization didn't take him seriously!
If they wanted to send him a wife, they should just do it openly—he'd accept without hesitation. But what was this clumsy surveillance about?
Did they really think he was a fool like Akatsuki Kojou?
No, even Akatsuki Kojou could easily spot Yukina's tailing in the original story. This technique was downright terrible!
At this thought, an amusing idea popped into Mahiro's mind.
"...I'll tease this little girl a bit."
Yotsuba Mahiro murmured to himself, glanced around, and happened to spot the men's restroom ahead.
With a strange smile, he immediately ducked inside, pulled open one of the stall doors, and hid inside.
Mahiro wanted to see how the girl would react.
However, Himeragi Yukina, who had stopped outside the men's restroom, was clearly flustered.
She even forgot to conceal her presence, standing awkwardly in front of the men's restroom, unsure what to do.
Having just started her mission, she didn't want to lose track of Yotsuba Mahiro. Yet, given the current situation, she could only wait outside for him to come out.
But this was also troubling.
Because the boys passing by were giving her strange looks.
The young girl, new to this, blushed so deeply it seemed blood might drip from her face.
It was too embarrassing!
For the sake of her mission, Yukina chose to persevere.
The lunch break passed quickly, and after lingering outside the men's restroom for dozens of minutes, Yukina grew increasingly anxious.
Even as the class bell was about to ring, there was still no sign of Yotsuba Mahiro coming out.
Could something have happened inside?
Logically, using the restroom shouldn't take this long.
The girl stood alone in the gradually emptying hallway, feeling somewhat lost and adrift.
After an unknown amount of time, Yukina peeked around, and seeing no one, she tightened her grip on her shoulder strap and dashed into the men's restroom with lightning speed.
Since class was about to start, the men's restroom was empty, with not a single person inside.
Seeing the urinals embedded in the wall—different from the women's restroom—Yukina felt extremely shy and began to regret her decision.
Why had she impulsively rushed in like that!
Fortunately, no one was there, but she also couldn't find her target.
This made Yukina's heart uneasy. Her gaze shifted to the individual stalls on the other side, where four doors were wide open, and only the innermost one was tightly closed.
Summoning her courage, Yukina approached the last stall, placed her fair, jade-like hand on the door, nervously swallowed, and pushed hard.
Creak!
The sound of the inner hinge startled Yukina.
Immediately, she discovered—
"Empty?!"
That's right—the stall that came into view was empty, save for a clean toilet.
The scent of a toilet cleaning ball lingered in the air.
It was as if no one had ever been there.
In an instant, Himeragi Yukina's face flushed bright red once more.
Only now did she realize she had been fooled again!
"Hahahahaha, I can't take it anymore, I'm dying of laughter, hahahahaha!"
Inside the classroom, Mahiro sat at his desk laughing without a care for his image, nearly convulsing with amusement.
"Hey, what on earth did you see that's making you laugh like this?"
Aiba Asagi, clutching her stomach in discomfort, watched Mahiro rocking back and forth with laughter and couldn't help but feel annoyed.
I'm feeling so miserable, so how can this guy be laughing so happily?
Even if he's happy, why not share it with me? Wouldn't it be better if we could all be happy together?
"It's nothing, I just remembered something sad."
Mahiro gave a completely unrelated answer, even wiping away a tear from the corner of his eye at just the right moment.
There's no way I can tell Asagi that the monitor sent by the Lion King Organization was tricked by me.
Using the "Multi-Observation" combined with the X-ray vision of the "Eye of the Spirit," he had clearly seen every move and expression change of Himeragi Yukina.
From the initial nervousness to the utter shame and fury upon realizing no one was there.
If I could record it and send it to Hinado, who's in her third year of high school, her expression would surely be priceless.
"Tch, fine, keep it to yourself."
Seeing that he wasn't willing to share, Aiba Asagi didn't press further, merely pursing her lips.
And soon, she was drawn in by an interesting piece of gossip.
"Hey, hey, have you heard? A really pretty girl transferred to the middle school division!"
"I know, but that girl seems like a pervert. I heard she was loitering outside the high school boys' restroom for a long time during lunch break. What do you think she was trying to do?"
"Maybe she wanted to go in and experience it?"
After fermenting all afternoon, Himeragi Yukina quickly became the newest celebrity at Saikai Academy, rising to become the subject of gossip throughout the entire school.