Who was the happiest person in the Service Club at that moment?
Definitely Hiratsuka-sensei.
The longer she watched from the sidelines—happily munching on her metaphorical popcorn—the more convinced she became that Shirase and Yukinoshita actually got along frighteningly well.
And Shirase's verbal sparring? Not weak in the slightest. Even against Yukinoshita Yukino—famous throughout the school for her razor-sharp tongue—he didn't lose a step.
Under Hiratsuka-sensei's increasingly gleeful gaze, Shirase pulled the first Mr. Pan keychain from his pocket and set it on the table beside Yukinoshita.
"I want to bribe you," he repeated evenly.
Yukinoshita Yukino had already regained her composure. "This is the Service Club. If you wish to make a request, there's no need to bribe me."
Without a word, Shirase swiftly snatched Mr. Pan back.
His movement was so fast that Yukino's eyelids twitched.
He's not here to ask for help. He's here to provoke me, isn't he?
And then—before she could even react—he reached into his pocket again and placed two Mr. Pan keychains on the table.
Her breath caught.
Another pair of adorable Mr. Pans—designs she'd never seen before.
"This isn't a request through the club," Shirase said calmly. "It's just a personal favor."
Yukino smiled. The expression wasn't bright, but on her delicate face, it was like a single plum blossom blooming through snow—cool, stubborn, and quietly alive.
"I see." Her tone was smooth but edged with humor. "You're worried that if you file a formal request, I might slack off, and that wouldn't reassure you enough?"
"No," Shirase said immediately.
Under her surprised gaze, he added, "I just thought—since I already bought them, already came here, already showed them off—why bother taking them back?"
"…"
Wonderful.
This guy really is here to pick a fight. Not a single word out of his mouth can be trusted.
To put it precisely, he came to ask for help—but also to duel his academic rival in the art of verbal warfare.
Yukinoshita Yukino clenched her hand slightly, her smile fading. "Are you really that confident I can fulfill your request?"
"Not confident at all," Shirase replied, shaking his head.
"Then why ask me specifically? Why not Hiratsuka-sensei, or Kirisu-sensei—or even Kojima-sensei, who you seem to get along with?"
"Because they all have way too many interests. If I tried to bribe them, it'd cost me a fortune."
"You're lying."
"Should I come up with another reason, then?"
"You can shut up now. I have no intention of continuing a conversation only an idiot would enjoy."
"I think I now have grounds to sue you for personal insults."
"…"
Watching the two of them bicker, Hiratsuka-sensei chuckled softly. Aren't you two getting along wonderfully?
What was that phrase again?
Perfectly matched opponents.
Quietly, Yuigahama Yui tugged at Hiratsuka-sensei's sleeve and whispered, "Um, Hiratsuka-sensei, didn't you hear earlier? It sounds like Shirase-san originally meant to ask you for help."
Hiratsuka froze. She'd been so absorbed in spectating that she'd completely missed that part—and instantly felt a wave of regret.
Right! Why didn't I realize that sooner?
Ah… if only I'd asked more clearly back then. With that kid's cooking skills, if I'd helped him gather intel, I could've milked a few free meals out of it…
Her smile vanished, replaced by a look of genuine remorse.
Of course, smiles never truly disappear—they just migrate elsewhere.
For instance, Yuigahama Yui, seeing her teacher's expression, had her shoulders trembling as she desperately suppressed laughter.
Hiratsuka's grin had transferred straight to her face.
With a soft thud, Yukinoshita Yukino set her book down, neatly covering the two keychains on the table.
"So," Shirase asked immediately, "does that mean you agree?"
"I can only promise to do my best." Yukino didn't deny it. She really did want those keychains—and gathering intel on a high school soccer team wasn't exactly difficult for her.
"Thanks." Shirase stood.
Only then did Hiratsuka-sensei finally speak. "You're leaving already?"
"I have training." Shirase walked toward the door, then paused and looked back at Yukinoshita. "By the way, are you sure Haruno-san isn't into anime? Then what kind of game does she like?"
Instantly, Yukino's gaze sharpened—icy, focused, lethal.
Seemingly to himself, Shirase sighed, "What a shame."
Then he left.
Yukino exhaled and glanced at a certain teacher who was beaming like a child at a festival. "Hiratsuka-sensei, your current expression is quite unbecoming for a teacher."
"What? Teachers can't smile now?" Hiratsuka replied lightly, entirely unashamed.
Yuigahama opened her mouth, but under Yukino's cool gaze, she quickly shut it again.
She really wanted to ask what Yukino's relationship with Shirase was—but she still didn't have the courage.
At that moment, Hiratsuka said, "Need any help gathering that intel? I've heard about that team too. Even with a key player injured, they still made top eight nationally last year. My colleagues think they're the favorites to win it all."
Yukino shook her head. "I can handle it alone."
If she couldn't manage something this simple, didn't that mean the gap between her and her sister was only widening?
After all, Haruno had gathered Shirase's previous intel in just two days.
"Alright. If you run into trouble, you know where to find me." Hiratsuka knew the girl's stubborn streak and didn't press further.
Yukino nodded, then turned her attention to the still-curious Yuigahama. "Yuigahama-san, what did you need help with?"
She planned to finish Yuigahama's request quickly, then head to the soccer club to check things out.
By the time Shirase changed and stepped onto the field, every player in the soccer club had already turned to look at him.
The collective stares puzzled him. "What's with you all?"
"We've been waiting for you~" Isshiki Iroha waved cheerfully, beckoning him closer.
As Shirase approached, she grinned. "The captain just went through the data I collected on you. Everyone was pretty shocked."
"Ah, that." Shirase understood immediately.
It made sense that they were surprised. After every round of [Free Hosting], his physical abilities had improved dramatically.
Originally, his speed and stamina were already elite—but now, he'd completely left his teammates behind.
Hayama Hayato walked over. "We just discussed it and decided to run a little test."
"What kind of test?" Shirase asked.
Isshiki pointed at him, eyes sparkling. "We want to measure your explosiveness and speed—but mostly your burst power."
---
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