Infinite Stratos

Volume 7 - CH 2(1/2)

"..."

The location was the IS preparation room in IS Academy. A facility near the arenas, and originally meant to house the 'Maintanence Branch' that was to be started amongst the second years.

At the moment, Tatenashi's imouto, Kanzashi was in there.

"...the responses from all the parts are so slow. Why..."

Kanzashi continued to hit the mechanical keyboard as she focused on the holographic screen.

--Using her own ability to materialize the incomplete machine.

This was what Tatenashi did when she used [Mysterious Lady].

Since my sister can do it, I can do it too.?Such thoughts never entered Kanzashi's mind. But if she couldn't do such a thing, she would feel that she wouldn't be able to catch up to her sister's shadow at all. This inferiority complex was engraved deeply in her.

"Core compatibility hasn't increased at all...am I not suitable to...?"

Using the generic nature of the [Revive] as reference, this multi-ranged IS was called [Uchigane Nishiki][7B 1].

"...Fuu."

Unable to think of an answer, Kanzashi sighed, turned off the screen and kept her keyboard.

(Better go back and watch anime...)

Watching anime was an interest of Kanzashi that nobody else knew. She watched them all, whether new or old.

The genre was about Hero Battles, where the hero takes down the evil organization. Personally, Kanzashi liked these types of anime that were simple and easy to understand.

When she was young, the picture book she liked was of course 'Momotarou'. As a side note, Tatenashi liked 'Urashima Tarou'.

(What should I watch today...)

Just when Kanzashi was thinking of this and got ready to leave the preparation room.

"Yo."

The automatic door opened, and standing outside was Ichika.

He was holding onto canned drinks.

"Red tea and grape juice. Which one do you prefer?"

"..."

Kanzashi ignored him and left the preparation room. Ichika hurriedly followed her.

"Hey."

"..."

"I'm talking to you."

"..."

"Kanzashi-san."

She suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Don't call me by my name..."

"Uu--, then, Sarashiki-san."

"Don't call me by my family name."

"Then—"

"Don't...bother me."

Kanzashi said and walked off.

Half a step away, Ichika followed her closely.

"Anyway, take the juice. I don't need two cans."

"..."

"Which one?"

"...Then, the grape..."

"Understood."

After saying that, Ichika handed the can over. Kanzashi reached her hand out to take it, and both their hands touched for a moment.

"...!"

Kanzashi felt like she got electrocuted as her body suddenly backed away. Her arm shrank back.

Seeing this, Ichika looked somewhat suspicious. Perhaps unhappy with this look, Kanzashi seemed to feel unhappy as she snatched the juice away.

"Don't walk so fast."

"..."

Kanzashi just took the juice and walked away quickly.

"Erm...that girl over there!"

"..."

"Wait wait wait! I'm talking about you!"

"...Wha-What do you mean?"

"You told me not to call you by your name."

"...I would rather have you call me by my name than call me like this..."

"Really. Then, Kanzashi."

Stare.

"...san."

"Fuu." Kanzashi sighed and increased her speed.

"Hey hey, Kanzashi-san, pair up with me."

"No..."

"Don't say that."

"...Anyway, why do you want to pair up with me...?"

"Huh? That's because..."

Tatenashi told him not to say her name, so Ichika didn't know how to answer.

2 seconds later, lights flashed in Ichika's mind.

"Because I want to see Kanzashi-san's IS!"

"!"

*PA!* A sharp slapping sound can be heard.

"...Huh?"

"..."

After that, Kanzashi ran away without looking back.

"Uu..."

I went back to my own room, and rubbed the cheek that had just been slapped by Kanzashi.

"Why was she so angry..."

I started to think.

...

......

.........

"Ah, yes. That person's personal unit's still can't be used in actual battle."

I clapped my hands together. Speaking of which, Tatenashi-san seemed to have mentioned the same thing.

(...Hmm—)

I took the IS Academy terminology reference book from my bookshelf.

"Erm, what did the book say."

IS Academy started a class for the second years, the 'Maintenance Branch' that specialized in the development, research and assembly of IS. During the ranking tournaments of the Academy... the students, especially the second years and older, will get this Maintenance Branch to team up with them—as described in the book.

(Hm? If that's the case, couldn't Kanzashi get the Maintenance Branch to help her out?)

*GON* *GON*

"Here. Who's there?"

"It's me."

The demon who split the room's door in half appeared.

"Ichika-kun. You were thinking of something rude just now, right?"

"Hahaha. That's not true, Tatenashi-san."

"Nn-. Oh well, I brought cream puffs over. Wanna have some?"

"Ah, okay. Please come in."

I led Tatenashi-san into my room.

The thick reference book's still laid out on the table, and Tatenashi-san looked over.

"Ah, Ichika-kun. Were you thinking of getting the maintenance branch to help out?"

"Ah, no, not me. I'm thinking of leaving Kanzashi-san's personal IS over to them."

"Uu—, that might be a little difficult."

Tatenashi-san said as she got up from the bed.

"What's that?"

"Kanzashi-chan, it seems like she wants to assemble her own unit herself."

"Huh?"

"She must be bothered that I did that before. There was no need to be mindful of that in the first place."

"Tatenashi-san...you assembled that machine on your own?"

"Huh? Sorta. I guess. I could do it since it was already 70% complete."

Wow...

She's not really Tabane-san number two, but this person's really outstandingly talented.

"But Kaoruko-chan gave me lots of suggestions. And Utsuho-chan was also present."

"Huh? Those two are of the maintenance branch?"

"Yup. The head of the third years and the elite of the second year."

Is-Is that so...

Let's not talk about Utsuho-san. I thought Mayuzumi-sempai was just a member of the newspaper club.

"Ichika-kun, you should let the maintenance branch check your IS. I saw the mock battle of the [Byakushiki]. The output of the thrusters don't match the gas reaction rate."

"Is-Is that so..."

Seeing Tatenashi-san take out the cream puff, I hurriedly moved off to prepare the red tea.

"Then how is it? About Kanzashi-chan."

"Uu—, I got hit."

"Huh?"

For some reason, Tatenashi-san looked shocked. While we're talking, the tea was ready.

"That kid probably wouldn't waste her strength on such a meaningless act..."

"Ah?"

"Did you touch her butt?"

"NO WAY!!"

"The breasts?"

"I SAY! WHY ARE YOU THINKING IN A SEXUAL HARASSING MANNER!?"

"Really, it can't be helped. If you say so, onee-san will let you touch hers."

"WAHH! WHY ARE YOU UNDRESSING! I-I'M-I'M GOING TO GET ANGRY!!"

"Ufufu, just kidding?."

Re-Really...it's tiring...

"Here, have some. It's just a tea bag though."

"It'll be the world's most pleasurable taste if Ichika-kun gives me this."

"Saying such things again..."

"Yup, yup."

Really, this person's a lost cause.

"Speaking of which, that Kanzashi-chan...Ichika-kun, you're not interested in her?"

"Ah? You want me to go back after I got scolded?"

"Girls aren't good at refusing others, you know."

That's definitely a lie.

Using the simulated responses of the girls around me, if I'm to look for them after being scolded by them, such things will happen.

—If it's Houki.

"What. You want to be chopped up?"

Gya—

—If it's Rin.

"What do you mean? I'm going to kick you to death. Move aside! Really!"

Gya—

—If it's Cecilia.

"So you're the savage in your country...disappear right now."

Gya—

—If it's Laura."

"Do you know? Human brains can still run for a while after their heads are chopped off."

Gya—

—With Charl.

"..."

Gya—

Hey, it won't work at all!

"You're lying, Tatenashi-san."

"Is that so?"

Ahh, her attitude changed again.

"Anyway, you must work well with Kanzashi-chan. Also, you must assist her in the development of her IS."

"Is that an order...?"

"You like to be ordered around, right?"

"WHY DID IT END UP LIKE THAT!"

"Yaa~ don't be angry. I'm just joking."

...

"Mn, good tea. Thanks for your hospitality. I'll be going then."

Saying this (though there's a lot of cliché words), Tatenashi-san walked out of the room.

"Anyway, let's have some cream puffs..."

Ahh...nimble nimble.

"GU—!!?"

"Ahaha!! You got tricked! The cream was switched to mustard!"

I see Tatenashi-san's face smiling through the gap. There's a devil. The devil's here!

"TATENASHI-SAAANNNNN!!!"

"KYA~"

She closed the door and escaped.

I locked the door up, muttering five times in my heart not to open the door a second time.

"..."

Inside her own room, Kanzashi covered her head with her blanket to avoid being disturbed by her roommate as she continued to watch the TV.

The small holographic screen appeared in the air, perfectly showing how the hero today beat the evil organization.

Though she was watching this with an emotionless look, she was actually agitated.

Yes. She had always been like this.

(I beat him up...)

She managed to control herself the first time.

But for some reason, she got agitated the second time she met him and hit him.

(Why did I do that...)

It's true that it was Ichika's fault that her IS was incomplete.

But he didn't have any ill intent.

(Am...I acting spoiled...?)

Seeing others take the initiative, Kanzashi would always feel that she was spoilt.

Born in the Sarashiki family, she realized the difference in ability between her and her older sister as she grew up.

Their relatives often expected things from both of them as such, making her feel dejected. However, she never cried about this to anyone, and her heart had started to seal off.

It was supposed to be like this, or at least that was how it should have been.

(Orimura...Ichika...)

That guy's presence remained in her.

She remembered that kind smile.

"..."

A mysterious feeling swelled up in her heart, and Kanzashi's face was colored like a cherry.

The hero anime on the TV screen finally ended too.

"Hey!"

I moved forward with large strides to catch up with that person.

But on seeing that, that person increased her speed as she moved forward, almost looking like she was about to run.

"Wait up, Houki!"

"SHUT UP! DON'T CALL ME BY MY NAME! I WANT TO WORK ALONE!"

"Why... today's interview's supposed to be taken together. Of course it's better if we go together. And you may get lost anyway."

"Do-Don-Don't treat me like an idiot! How can I possibly get lost!"

By the way it's Sunday. We're on our way to the magazine editorial branch where Mayuzumi-sempai's older sister works.

Of course, Houki and I are in casual clothes, and also...

"Houki."

"Wha-What!?"

"That outfit's not bad. When did you buy it?"

"Ah, mn...well, it was...not long ago, when I went out with a friend..."

The black mini-skirt went with the white blouse, and there was a light autumn jacket over her. The bright color of dandelion looked really elegant.

"The decoration on the chest...well, it's not bad."

"Is-Is that so? I-It's true. I was really mindful of that."

"Ah, even though I normally imagine Houki in the kendo attire, you're really quite feminine now."

"Fu-Fuu. I-I'm not. Don't think that I'll be happy after your praised me."

Houki said that as she folded her arms and looked away. Whaat—and I finally praised you too.

"Ah, ahh..."

Both of us took large steps as we walked on.

"..."

"Hm? What's wrong, Houki? Why are you looking here?"

"No-Nothing!"

"Is that so?"

We continued walking with large strides.

"...You-Your clothing's, rath-rather cool looking too..."

"Hm? What did you say?"

"No-Nothing! Nothing at all! Yup! Hahaha!"

"?"

Houki's so weird.

"But it's a little chilly today. Want to get something from the convenience store over there?"

"Y-Yeah? No, wait, hold on...mmmm."

"?"

"If-If-If you're cold, can-can't we just hold hands?"

She sounded somewhat forceful, but Houki lowered her head and reached her hand out.

"Ah, that's good. Let's do it then."

"Ah!"

I grabbed Houki's hand and headed down the subway ticket gantry.

"Uu..."

Houki continued to remain silent until we reached the editorial branch.

...

......

.........

"Hello. I'm the deputy chief editor of [Infinite Stripes], Mayuzumi Nagisako. Glad to meet ya."

"He-Hello, I'm Orimura Ichika."

"I'm Shinonono Houki."

The room that was prepared for the interview was rather spacious, the three sofas that were as red as sliced tomatoes were arranged in a triangle.

"Well, we'll start with the interview, and then the photo shoot."

After saying that, she easily flipped the pen-shaped IC recorder.

Nagisako-san was dressed in a two-toned checkered suit, and the slender legs that extend out from her tight-fitting skirt were really beautiful.

"Then, I'm going to start with the questions. Ichika-kun, what are your thoughts of entering a girls school?"

"That's the first thing you ask...?"

"Can't be helped. People are wondering about that. According to the readers' feedback, there's a lot of people asking this."

"Well...I'm bothered that there are very few toilets to be used."

"GU! Aha, ahahaha! My sister told me before. Looks like it's true! The harem king who's not interested in the opposite gender!"

Ha-Harem king...

"Alright. Are there any permits to enter this kingdom?"

"ARE YOU DAN!?"[7B 2]

"Then, it's about Shinonono-san's onee-san—"

"..."

Houki stood up. Same as ever, anything about Tabane-san's a taboo subject to her.

"...I won't give you the dinner voucher, you know?"

"Uu!"

Houki again sat back on the sofa.

"Such a good kid. Ufufu, I like kids who're really honest...well, how do you feel about getting your personal unit from your older sister? Do you intend to be a representative cadet of a certain country? Do you hate Japan?"

"I'm grateful to be able to get [Akatsubaki]...right now, I have no intention of being a representative cadet even though I've received many invitations. As for Japan, well, I was born here, and grew up here, so I don't really hate it."

Houki continued to answer every single one of Nagisako-san's questions fully. As expected of her. She does everything seriously.

"Okay, okay, Ichika-kun and Shinonono-san, who's stronger?"

"Of course it's me!"

"Is that so?"

"Huh, well..."

Houki's chances of winning in a mock battle are slightly higher.

"Ahh, that's bad. How can you be a hero if you can't even beat a girl?"

Nagisako-san smiled but didn't say anything. Feeling bothered, I looked away.

"Well, I don't need to be a hero...I'm just a fighter."

"Oh, that's an excellent line. This sentence can make it into a movie."

She pointed her finger in a lens-shape as she continued to look at me and smile. Nagisako-san's really energetic like Kaoruko-san.

"Then, Orimura-taichou[7B 3]. Please tell everyone your feelings on the battlefield."

"We-Well..."

I secretly glanced at Houki.

If possible, I really don't want to say something embarrassing, but it can't be helped.

"I'll protect my friends!"

"YES! Nice going, man!"

It's unknown since when did I become a captain.

"Speaking of which, Orimura-kun belongs to the student council, right? Tatenashi-chan, she's really cool[7B 4], isn't she?"

Cute...I haven't heard that saying often recently.

"Of course not. She's making me suffer. I already have IS special training, and she still sends me to work with the other clubs."

"Ah, Kaoruko's complaining that you didn't go to the news club."

"Well, hm, that...I get snitched everytime."

"Ahh, it can't be helped then. Kaoruko was never born with luck. She drew handkerchiefs 20 times in a lucky draw and nearly didn't cry out."

Just like that, our random conversation ended, and now we're moving to the photo shoot.

"We're going to the photography room underground. There's a changing room there, so just change your clothes there. We'll take photos once you're done with the make-up.

"Ah? We need to change clothes too?"

"Yup. My head will roll if you don't wear the sponsors' clothing."

Saying that, she used her head to imitate the action of her head being sliced off.

Ahh...adults really have it tough...

"Then, let's go!"

Entering a different changing room from Ichika, Houki couldn't see the clothes that was to be changed into as she folded both hands in front of her.

"Ahh..."

She sighed and blushed as red as a cherry.

('I'll protect Houki!' Huh? That guy, really!)

Secretly chuckling and knocking on the wall wildly, the white wall bent in slightly after 4 heavy hits.

Considering everything to be beneficial to her and missing the point, it seems that the teenage express went berserk and couldn't stop.

"That's right...that's right...! Ufufu, ufufufufu!"

Holding this model clothing, Houki suddenly realized that the design of the clothing was really daring.

"Uu...thi-this..."

The blouse exposed a lot of the cleavage, and that's topped off with a cute miniskirt and a short-sleeved leather coat.

(Do-Do-Do I have to wear this!? Me-Me!? Of all people!?)

The clothing that Houki would never choose no matter what was right in front of her, and she was all petrified now.

(No, but, uu...thi-this may be a good chance...)

I want to show Ichika that I can go well with such clothing.

Such thoughts lingered in Houki. Two minutes later, she decided.

"Okay! I'm going to wear it!"

Houki clenched her fists and fiercely undid the buttons of her blouse.

...

......

.........

(I-Isn't Ichika done? If that's the case, this delicate fleeting feeling makes me unable to calm down.)

Sitting on the chair in the photography room, Houki felt somewhat anxious as she twisted about.

As a side note, her make-up was done by a professional cosmetician, and the light make-up created a dazzling beauty. The male assistants and cameramen that were in the room were staring at Houki, and felt really hot.

(I-If Ichika praises me, we'll be eating outside. I-I'll invite him. And I...I'll...)

Repeating these words in her mind like a spell, she heard the footsteps coming out from the dressing room.

"Sorry for being late. Ichika-kun, please enter."

Her heart started to beat.

(I-Ichika's here...Ichika's here...)

Houki couldn't remain calm any longer as she started to tug at her hair meaninglessly.

"Uu, isn't this weird?"

--Ichika's voice!

Houki's heart pounded even crazily.

"Of course not! It really suits you. Even for a teenager, it's stylish to wear a suit."

(Su-Suit!?)

At her own limit now, Houki decided to turn to where Ichika was.

"Ahh..."

Standing there was Ichika in a casual suit. In Houki's eyes, through the lens of a girl in love, the image shown was, so, so cool! It just looked great to her.

"I-Ichika..."

"O-Ohh. Sorry to keep you waiting, Houki."

"Uu, uu..."

She couldn't say anything as she got nervous.

Houki continued to play with her fingers, and finally formed her sentence and muttered.

"It-It really suits you...well, I say. It's not weird."

"O-Ohh. Thank you Houki. Well...that's rather cute."

"Cu-Cute—!?"

With her heart pounding like crazy, Houki's face was blushing with a fever. She closed her eyes to restrain this heat.

(I-Ichika praised me...Ichika praised me...)

Patting her hand on her face, she felt the heat.

Houki lowered her head and turned her back on Ichika to prevent him from seeing her looking so abnormal.

"Okay. We'll begin the photo shoot. Time's short, so let's finish this at one go!"

Nagisako-san clapped her hands. The workers answered 'Yes', and they finally started the photo shoot.

(That really shocked me...)

During the photo shoot at the booth, Houki and I started making these kind of poses.

I tried my best not to look at Houki as I continued to pose for the photos.

(Unexpectedly, Houki changed a lot...the make-up's really great.)

When I saw her for the first time, I thought I mistook her for someone else due to that dazzle.

Not to mention the daring outfit that showed the cleavage and those revealing thighs made me panic.

(Houki wouldn't wear those kinds of outfits no matter what...)

Is that accidental, or is it a gap in expectations...anyway, it caused my heart to pound. How cute, I thought honestly.

(What's going on? There's an adult feeling not like usual. This is...)

I really can't find a suitable expression to describe her.

Anyway, my heart is racing. Better not exchange looks with Houki.

"Ichika-kun, please move closer to Shinonono-san. A little closer."

Nagisako-san suddenly said that.

I hesitated, but I still moved towards Houki, who was sitting on the same sofa.

"Er, erm, can this do?"

"Ahh—, no no. Closer, closer!"

"Huh!? No, but, if I get closer..."

I secretly glanced at Houki.

I originally thought that she would be angry at me, but unexpectedly, she rolled her eyes up at me and gave me a gentle expression to invite me in.

(Uu!?)

Since when did the Houki I know become so cute? I knew that already, but that's not fair.

I tried my best to calm the throbbing in my heart as I sat beside Houki.

"Ah~..."

Houki's arm got touched slightly, and she let out an unbelievably cute sound.

*DOKI!* My heart started to throb again.

"Mn~, sitting together like this still doesn't look good. Orimura-kun, hold Shinonono-san around the waist.

"...Wha?"

"Hold—her—by—the—waist. Hurry!"

"O-Okay!"

Nagisako-san suddenly spoke sternly, which surprised me, and I had to answer. What should I do?

(Well, a hand around the back of the waist. This hand, that...)

Somewhat panicking, I moved towards Houki to make it easier for me to grab her by the waist.

The moment I touched her body, wow...the sweet vanilla perfume spread out.

"!!"

I can feel my heart beating wildly, and in the midst of that, I used my trembling hand to grab Houki's waist.

"Ah..."

Houki let out a little whimper. The light dash of pink gloss on her lips looked like they were about to suck me in, and the breath that came from her mouth felt so bewitching.

(Calm-Calm down, calm down...)

This sentence echoed in my mind, and I inadvertently swallowed my saliva.

"Mn, it's not bad, but I want it to have more impact."

Moving her face away from the camera, Nagisako-san folded her arms in front of her chest and looked up.

"Okay. Let's have Shinonono-san hug Ichika-kun's head with both hands. Wouldn't that carry a lot of impact? Mn, okay. That's good!"

*PACHN!* The sound echoed throughout the room.

"Alright, let's do it!"

Nagisako-san smiled.

(Wait, isn't that too...)

Thinking about this, I turned to Houki. Our eyes met in a distance less than 10cm away.

"Ahh..."

We saw each other, Houki and me.

For some reason, it felt like time stopped at that moment, and both Houki and I didn't move.

(Houki's eyes are beautiful...)

The eyes that never changed since we were young were brimming with strength, but it's different now.

I don't know how to express this in words, but Houki had a hidden side that I didn't know of.

And no matter what, it intoxicated me.

"..."

*Kashan!*

The flash of light caused Houki and I to recover.

"Mnn~, that's a nice photo. Looks like there's no need to put the hands away."

"Th-This..."

"..."

Houki and I got embarrassed at that moment and quickly separated like a spring.

"..."

"..."

I don't know whether she understood our silence there, but Nagisako-san gave us a 'Really, you guys' smile, and earnestly gave us a thumbs up to tell us, good job.

"That's all! Good work! Next, you two can change clothes. Oh yeah, we'll give you these clothes, so just take them back!"

"I-I see..."

"Okay."

Houki and I answered ambiguously as we headed off in opposite directions.

"Then, I'll send you the data of the dinner voucher through phone. Please remember to tell me your e-mail address before you leave. That's all. It's been a tough day."

It's not just Kaoruko-san herself, even Nagisako-san's footsteps were so light. She had already started to transfer the data in the camera, and was using the Mobile Client to check.

"Th-Then, Houki."

"Wha-What's the matter?"

"Le-Let's go change."

"Ah, yeah."

Houki and I continued to maintain this delicate distance between us as we had this stiff conversation. We headed off to our changing rooms.

"..."

"..."

Of course, we remained silent on the way.

Anyway, let's fan off that heat on my face.

(He-He praised me...Ichika praised me...he said that I was cute...)

Taking off her clothes in the changing room, Houki stared at herself who was only wearing her underwear and holding onto her own clothes.

Clenching her fists tightly, the white blouse that was covering the huge cleavage seemed to be pondering.

(And...not only that...)

The sensation she experienced when both of them exchanged looks floated up in Houki's head, dying her face red completely.

(Looking at each other at such a close distance...)

At that time, she was so nervous her heart was about to rip open, and now it was giving off a delighted sensation.

The distance where they could feel each others' warmth and breathing like lovers looking at each other and hugging made Houki's heart race.

(I-If, we're alone...)

The image of her kissing with Ichika unfolded in her mind.

"Nn..."

She closed her eyes and let her fingertips move across her lips.

It was a feeling that took the breath away from people, but it also gave her a sense of guilt that she shouldn't have done that.

(--Okay.)

She opened her eyes that were showing determination.

(I'll treat him to dinner on our way back. Are there any good restaurants nearby...)

Thinking about it, she searched through her memory.

(Oh yeah! My roommate Shizune borrowed a book that mentioned that name. Let's go there then. I remember it should be near the subway when we're about to go back.)

Remembering that the restaurant had the huge tagline 'Top 10 amongst the most popular restaurants for couples', Houki's face started to heat up again.

(I can definitely do it today...calm down, invite him. Mn.)

Repeating these words over and over again, Houki finally recovered and continued changing.

She was smiling brightly, either because of embarrassment or happiness.

...

......

........

On the way back, Houki and Ichika were walking together side by side.

Both of them were carrying the clothes they wore for the photo shoot today in the bags.

"We-Well, that was a refreshing experience."

Perhaps somewhat aware that Houki's of the opposite gender, Ichika stuttered.

"Is-Is -->>

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