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Chapter 9: The Problem with Shichido Yukino
🕑 Added 2025-09-23 00:52:42 +0000 UTCIn the afternoon, after finishing patrol, I dragged my exhausted body back to Schale and took a hot bath.
Lying in the bathtub, I stared at the ceiling and strengthened my resolve!
I will absolutely not go out carelessly without a student escort!
After patrolling with Kirino, I gained a deeper understanding of just how treacherous the living environment in Kivotos was.
In just two short hours, we encountered six gang fights and four street robberies. Every few streets, there were students firing machine guns indiscriminately or tossing hand grenades into crowded areas.
We even came across a criminal gang that had blown up a restaurant into ruins just because they didn't like the food. In their getaway vehicle, there was even a student tied up.
These people, who from my previous life's perspective were nothing short of terrorists, were considered just ordinary delinquents expressing themselves in this academy city.
As for the reason, it's because attacks of this level could, at most, only cause superficial wounds to these strange beings.
Haha, robots and students aside, why can even the small animal citizens withstand dozens of bullets without a scratch? Am I really the most fragile person in all of Kivotos?
I recalled the feeling of a stray bullet whizzing past my eye, the overwhelming fear that gripped me when my body finally reacted... If Arona hadn't deflected that bullet, I might be a cold corpse right now.
I submerged half my face in the water, exhaling through my mouth underwater, causing bubbles to constantly form and pop on the surface.
Just like me.
Not knowing when I was born, not knowing when I will perish. These days of living in fear, even being afraid to go out alone, are truly hard to bear.
Fortunately, staying in Schale, under the protection of its rigorous security system, I could still find a measure of peace.
I began to see Schale as my home, an impenetrable fortress that could shut out all danger. But I couldn't afford to get lost and drown in this sanctuary.
I must go out, meet more students, use every means possible to gain their favor, and obtain the power I need to truly stand on my own two feet.
But... how do I actually make people like me?
This question arose in my mind once again.
Over the past two days, I had checked the card several times, but the content on the light screen hadn't changed at all.
This meant that Wakamo was still the only student I had successfully "conquered," and that was because she fell in love at first sight with my unremarkable face.
Hearing a notification sound, I picked up my phone from the shelf. My wet hand struggled to unlock it, but I finally saw a few new messages from Kaya.
Just some meaningless greetings.
I wondered if Kaya was starting to like me, but I hadn't done anything, and the unresponsive adult card was proof. It seems I was just being wishful.
I casually replied that I was in the bath, put the phone down, and submerged my entire body back into the warm water. Closing my eyes, I felt the fatigue in my body and mind dissipate.
For now, I would enjoy a moment of tranquility.
Until a faint click, barely audible, clearly reached my ears. I, who had been drowsy from the bath, was jolted awake!
The bathroom door had been opened.
I instinctively started to sit up in the bathtub but was stopped by something pressed against my temple. The moment I felt that cold, hard sensation and realized I was being held at gunpoint, my blood ran cold.
Because I was in Schale, because I was bathing, the Shittim Chest was outside the bathroom.
In other words, right now, I had no protection from Arona.
A cool female voice spoke:
"Nice to meet you, Sensei. Let me state upfront that I have no ill intentions, but please do not make any suspicious movements. Otherwise, I will immediately pull the trigger and knock you unconscious."
Just knock me unconscious?
In an instant, an indescribable sense of absurdity washed over me, diluting my instinctive fear. Facing this mortal threat, I felt calmer than ever before.
I realized I had to seize the initiative as quickly as possible.
Who was she?
To be able to infiltrate Schale, which was equipped with the most advanced security system in all of Kivotos, without triggering an alarm, was something only a few major academies and the General Student Council could do.
However, any competent decision-maker would understand Schale's potential and uniqueness. Even if they didn't actively seek good relations, they would never attack me, the head of Schale.
Moreover, she actually thought that firing a rifle at my temple would only knock me out.
It was obvious this was just a reckless, personal act.
Who could do this? Who had the motive?
I had been in Kivotos for less than a week and mostly stayed indoors. Who could I possibly have a grudge with?
In a flash, my thoughts raced, countless clues flashing through my mind like a revolving lantern, finally stopping on the complaint I had muttered to myself this morning:
'What if some idiot who doesn't understand the situation and is emotionally attached to SRT finds out about the school's closure and blames me, the head of Schale, for it!'
So that's how it is.
After identifying the attacker, I vaguely felt that her voice was familiar, as if I had heard it in the SRT-related video files...
A spark of insight.
"Put the gun down. Did SRT also teach you how to point a gun at an innocent person's head? Or is this the justice you uphold?"
Without turning my head, I spoke in a commanding tone, "Shichido Yukino, I'll repeat myself. Put the gun down."
A brief silence.
The gun barrel finally left my head. I turned my head to the side. Just as I suspected, the person who came into view was indeed the black-haired, beautiful fox-eared girl. I recognized her.
Shichido Yukino, a third-year at SRT Special Academy, captain of the FOX Platoon.
I met Yukino's gaze through the hazy steam. In the end, she was the first to back down, averting her eyes.
"As expected of Schale's Sensei. To think you recognized me by my voice alone."
"Spare me the compliments. Shichido Yukino, tell me, why did you invade Schale and attack me?"
I looked away from Yukino and shifted to a more comfortable position in the tub, asking in a calm yet condescending tone, all to maintain the upper hand in the conversation.
"...Because you've already avoided this once. I was worried that if I tried to visit in a normal way, you would refuse me."
Avoided what...
"What did Kaya tell you?"
Yukino paused. "She said that after you learned the details of SRT's closure, you thought it was too much trouble, so you cancelled the appointment and asked Chief Shiranui to refuse my request on your behalf."
It really was Kaya!
"Did Kaya also tell you that SRT is about to be shut down?"
"Yes... It seems Chief Shiranui wasn't lying to me."
I finally understood. So that was it.
Shiranui Kaya's purpose in wanting me to go to SRT was to have me refuse Yukino's request for help. She wanted to use me to make Yukino understand that SRT's closure was inevitable, all in a bid to subdue Yukino and bring her under control.
That's right. If SRT were to be shut down, its students would likely be forcibly transferred to Valkyrie, meaning they would become Kaya's subordinates.
If even I, an adult and the seemingly high-status head of Schale, could do nothing, Yukino would surely give up all hope.
This was an open conspiracy because, from my position, it was indeed impossible for me to intervene in this matter.
So, Yukino ambushed me in my bathroom just to ask for my help? What kind of bizarre thought process is that? I can only say, as expected of the wondrous Kivotos.
Even Kaya probably didn't expect Yukino to be reckless enough to break into Schale.
Suddenly, Yukino knelt on the floor without warning, performing a dogeza as she pleaded, "I know this is shameless of me after attacking you, but I beg you, please save SRT Special Academy... I don't trust that woman Shiranui Kaya, but I have no one else to turn to... As an adult, you must have a way, right? Please help me, I'll do anything you ask..."
"Please leave. I will not accept this request."
I refused her point-blank.
I wasn't going to explain my difficulties, because my anger hadn't subsided. Nor did I expose Kaya's lies, because I could use that to owe Kaya a favor.
"One more thing. As an elite trained by SRT, you should know the importance of intelligence. Did you not know that I, a non-native of Kivotos, would die from a single bullet?"
Yukino shot her head up, her eyes already slightly red.
"What... something like that... I'm sorry, I didn't know. If you're unwilling to accept my request because I made such a mistake, you can punish me however you like, but I beg you..."
As she spoke, Yukino's head drooped again, and she began to sob quietly.
Honestly, I didn't understand.
Why the spirited Yukino I saw in the video had become such a pathetic figure.
Is the existence of one's academy really that important?
I couldn't empathize with her. I wasn't in the mood to comfort her, but I wouldn't mock her either.
"You can go now."
That's all I said.
Yukino's crying soon stopped. If I were to speculate with malice, I might think her tears were just a weapon, but I chose to believe her sorrow was genuine.
Willing to uphold justice, daring to publicly criticize the Defense Office's inaction, Yukino should normally be a strong girl.
Just as the dissatisfaction in my heart towards Yukino began to be replaced by pity, she stood up, wiped her tears with the back of her hand, and returned to her initial indifferent expression.
"I understand. Also, I'm sorry. I did not investigate your physical weakness and acted excessively towards you. I will compensate for this. But let's leave it at that for today. I will pay a formal visit another day to discuss the specific compensation."
Yukino bowed to me again and turned to leave.
Sigh... what a mess... the bathwater is getting cold...
"However."
Unexpectedly, Yukino turned back for a parting shot.
Her wine-red eyes were filled with ice as her crimson lips parted, spitting out hurtful words:
"We hate adults like you the most."
With that, Yukino turned again.
"You, stop right there!"
My low, angry roar echoed in the bathroom.
And when Yukino turned back, what she saw was me abruptly standing up.
Why would you say that to me? What did I do wrong? Do I have to accept such an unreasonable request?
I could no longer suppress my anger. Blood rushed to my head, shattering all my reason.
Yukino's gaze shifted downwards, then quickly away. Her pair of fox ears stood straight up, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, her voice laced with a hint of panic. "T-Teacher, please put on some clothes first..."
"That doesn't matter right now!"
I strode quickly to Yukino, wrapped one arm around her slender waist and placed the other on the back of her head, forcing her to look me in the eye at close range.
Startled, Yukino was about to push me away, but my next words froze her in place:
"Shichido Yukino, you don't want SRT Special Academy to never be restored, do you?"
My fingers gently caressed her smooth cheek. I took in the sight of her biting her lower lip, resisting yet daring not to act, looking utterly pitiful. An indescribable satisfaction rose in my heart.
This is it... this is what I wanted... to make this troublesome, foolish woman unable to maintain her composure.
What do you know, you can make a rather cute expression, can't you?
With a sadistic smile, I spoke in a gentle, sweet tone, like a lover whispering sweet nothings:
"Yukino, did you know, you're really cute."
"You assumed I stood you up, broke in while I was bathing, pointed a gun at my head, and arrogantly said you meant no harm... It's okay, tell me the truth. You came here with malicious intent, didn't you? Why? Is it because you think SRT is being shut down all because of Schale's existence?"
Yukino's eyes darted away, her lips trembled, but in the end, she could only manage a mumbled "I'm sorry."
"It's alright. When students have misconceptions, it's the educator's failure. So, let me correct you—"
"SRT is being shut down not because of Schale, but simply because the GSC President is missing. No one will allow such a dangerous, uncontrolled organization to continue to exist."
"Therefore, besides the missing President, no one can stop SRT's closure. If I agree to help you, it would only put us both in a more difficult position."
"In other words, my refusing your request is all for your own good, you see."
"And yet, Yukino, you said such hurtful words just now."
Yukino fell silent, her expression growing complex with realization and gratitude, as well as pain and self-blame.
"But none of that matters. I forgive your foolishness and rudeness."
I pressed my thumb against Yukino's delicate lower lip, admiring the change in her expression, feeling more and more excited, my tone growing gentler:
"I've decided. I will grant your wish and save SRT."
"...What? Really? Even though I did such a foolish thing to you... why are you still willing to help me?"
At that moment, the hope that bloomed on Yukino's face brought me to the peak of pleasure...
"Because it was love at first sight for me, Yukino."
This was a lie.
I hate Shichido Yukino.
But because of that, I could lie to her without a shred of guilt.
Facing the Yukino who was bewildered by my sudden confession, I was in a great mood and explained my plan to her in detail:
"SRT will inevitably be abolished. However, I will reshape it according to your wishes."
"When all the students trust me and see me as a qualified Sensei, I will have the right to form a new SRT. The next student council president will have the same right, but she won't trust you. She will only build an academy with similar powers and responsibilities, but one that is completely different on the inside."
"I see, I understand now. The reason you don't want SRT to be disbanded is because only in SRT can you execute justice without restraint, right?"
"It must have been painful, not being able to carry out a single operation since the president went missing, right?"
"It's okay. I'm here. You don't have to feel lost anymore."
"Let me help you fulfill your wish."
I used this opportunity to vent the frustrations that had been building up for days, mostly speaking on instinct without much thought.
As for Yukino, she was still staring at me in a daze.
After a long while, she managed another stupid question befitting her intelligence:
"Why are you being so good to me?"
Good? What's good about it? It's just an empty promise. Being this gullible makes you easy prey for bad adults like me.
"Didn't I just say? Because it was love at first sight for me, Yukino."
How should I put it?
The way her fox ears and tail swayed back and forth was actually quite cute.
After establishing a relationship where I had the upper hand, I could finally, from the bottom of my heart, see some of the students' non-human features as "moe" points.
A historic step forward!
"Then... how should I repay you, Sensei?"
"Not hating me anymore is the best repayment."
Such cheesy, sweet talk. Good thing it came out of my mouth on its own, or it would have been embarrassing.
"Okay..."
Yukino lowered her head shyly, then quickly looked up again as if she'd seen something.
As for me, I felt this revenge was still missing something.
Yes, this was revenge, revenge for Yukino hurting my feelings by saying she hated people like me. At least, that's how I saw it.
An idea struck me, and I confirmed with Yukino:
"Yukino, you said before that you were going to compensate me, right?"
"Mhm... wait a minute! Sensei, your th—is poking... oof!"
I pulled Yukino into a tight embrace, tilted her chin up, and aimed for her lips, kissing her.
A moment later.
I released her with satisfaction, wiped my mouth, and was quite pleased with my decisiveness in getting my revenge on the spot.
As for Yukino, the moment she came to her senses, she quickly jumped back, putting distance between us. She covered her mouth and questioned me with shame and anger:
"You, you pervert teacher! What have you done to your own student! Lewd! Shameless! I hate you!"
I savored Yukino's impotent, rage-filled insults.
There's nothing more pleasing than seeing someone you dislike get this worked up. I give myself a thumbs-up for the clear effectiveness of my spontaneous action.
"Thank you for the treat~" I thought my smile must be very smug right now, so I quickly got back on topic to distract Yukino. "Well then, it's a promise. I will definitely rebuild SRT for you. Until then, please be patient for a while."
"I understand."
Now knowing that preventing the closure was impossible, and with the future reconstruction of the academy at stake, Yukino indeed calmed down and returned to her dignified, "flower on a high peak" demeanor, though her eyes were still a bit unfocused.
"Then, Sensei, if Shiranui Kaya tries to recruit me again, should I refuse?"
How touching. After my careful prodding, Yukino finally understood this fact:
If you're not smart enough, just ask others for help.
I pondered for a moment and gave her my advice:
"Our relationship must remain a secret for now, otherwise it could have negative consequences. In that case, you can only pretend to have no other choice and feign agreement to Kaya's invitation. Lie low by her side and wait for the right moment."
"I understand."
And so, Yukino said, showing me her breathtakingly brilliant smile for the first time:
"Thank you, Sensei."
To avoid being captivated by that smile and feeling unnecessary guilt, I quickly added:
"Let me be clear, my help comes at a price."
"Eh?"
"Didn't I just say... that... well..." Now that I had calmed down, the word 'like' was difficult to say. In the end, I just blushed and mumbled, "You... you have to have those kinds of feelings for me too..."
Yukino blinked, her smile becoming meaningful:
"I refuse. Who would fall for a guy like you who doesn't understand a girl's heart, forcefully grabs someone and says a bunch of weird things, and even violently steals a girl's first kiss?"
She has a point.
But I will absolutely not be discouraged by this, because I hate Shichido Yukino, so by the law of mental victory, Yukino is actually denying that she hates me!
A negative times a negative is a positive.
Either way, I got what I wanted.
"I'm sorry, perhaps I was too harsh. It's not like Sensei is completely without charm."
Yukino paused, then said apologetically:
"Someday, an insect that likes you might appear, Sensei."
"...You should go home now. How long do you plan to stand here staring at your teacher's well-toned, perfect body, you shameless student!"
"Sensei, it doesn't look like I can go back like this."
Yukino pointed to her soaked uniform.
After letting Yukino use Schale's laundry room and taking another uninterrupted shower myself, I exchanged contact information with the now-clean Yukino and finally saw this annoying woman off.
What a long afternoon.
I sat back at my desk, picked up the Shittim Chest, and resolved that from now on, no matter how much Arona protested, I would keep her within arm's reach when bathing, sleeping, or using the toilet.
However, my fingers felt a familiar heat.
I dazedly picked up the credit card that had been under the tablet. On the screen of light, several new lines of text had appeared.
—
Solidified Authority: [Infinite Martial Arts]
Description: The holder will gain martial arts considered unparalleled in a certain era.
Source: Successful Conquest of Shichido Yukino
—
...Huh?
Didn't Yukino say no one would ever fall for me?
What did she mean by that?
What did I do?
I walked to the window, digesting the CQC(Close Quarter Combat)-related memories that had spontaneously emerged from the depths of my brain. I deeply felt the truth of the authority's description.
So...
How did I succeed in conquering her?
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