Volume 2 - CH 1.04

Part 4

Because it was a weekday, Isuzu headed for Amagi High.

Isuzu had originally enrolled in Amagi High to recruit Seiya, so there should have been no need for her to continue going to school.

However, Latifa Fleuranza, the manager of the park whom Isuzu deeply respected, had said, “I heard that Kanie-sama went through much trouble to save our park. As such, the least we can do to repay the favor would be to ensure that school goes smoothly for him. If possible, please watch over him from now on.”

Latifa had already lost all memories accumulated from the past year, so she didn’t remember anything about Seiya’s contribution. Even so, Latifa was still royalty of Maple Land, so Isuzu had to comply. Hence, Isuzu continued attending school in the new semester as a second year student at Amagi High.

However, something strange happened when Isuzu bumped into a classmate in the corridor.

“Good morning, Sento-san. You seem pretty down today. What’s wrong?”

The girl who greeted Isuzu was considered one of the leaders in class, and she would attempt to speak to Isuzu once in a while. She must have been concerned with Isuzu’s unapproachable attitude, and tried to start a conversation as a way of reaching out a helping hand.

Normally, this was where Isuzu would end the conversation by saying, “It’s just your imagination,” but today she responded with something a little different.

“You’re right, I’m pretty depressed today. I had a nightmare, ate disgusting curry and even got lectured by my colleagues. Furthermore, my workplace isn’t doing very well and the staff has not been up to standard lately. I can’t help but worry about meeting this year’s minimum visitor count.”

Having said that much, Isuzu forced her lips shut.

The girl was taken aback by Isuzu’s unusual reply. “I-I see, must be tough on you.”

“I know, right? And, for better or for worse, my manager, Kanie-kun is also way too capable. Of course, I’m not exactly jealous of him, I’m just afraid I’m not meeting up to his expectations as his assistant, and—” Using both hands, she cut herself off, attempting to cram her words back down her throat.

What am I saying!? Isuzu had never once done something as absurd as rambling to strangers about her problems at work.

“Erm, I don’t…understand what you’re—”

“This has nothing to do with a person of the land like you, so just forget what I said. Otherwise, I might have to use my Stein—mm!!!” She covered her mouth again, which started talking on its own, resulting in an awkward silence.

“U-Uhh, Sento-san…?”

“…Excuse me.”

Saying just that, Isuzu turned around and fled the scene.

*

“Hey Macaron, by the way…” Tiramie started, during the break in between performance rehearsals, “…have you tried that heartsleeve fruit I gave you awhile back?”

The two of them were in block 2 during the morning. While block 2 was labeled as a building, technically it was nothing more than a 3-story-high structure that served primarily as a place for dance rehearsals for stage performances and parades. The current rehearsal was being conducted in a classroom-size area that had one wall lined with mirrors.

While Tiramie and Macaron were taking a breather, Moffle was busy directing the cast members assigned to the performance.

“One, two! One, two! Good, then turn at this point, fumo!”

Moffle pointed his paws at them as he gave out the cues.

“One, two! One, two! Too slow again! Why do you guys keep missing the beat at this part? That delay will cost us our customers!”

Because of the lack of manpower and resources, Moffle had been juggling his regular work and choreographing the dance crew for a very long time. While he usually wasn’t very good at this, this time around, it was clear that he was stepping up his game. “You guys got it, fumo!? Right after the ‘one’, you need to make preparations in anticipation for the ‘two’! Let’s do this slowly. One, and, two. Got it? From the top now, fumo. Turn around…and, one! Lower yourselves a bit and… Two!”

Despite their clumsy attempt, the dancers managed a synchronized move.

“Yeah! That’s it, fumo! All right, let’s ramp up the speed. Ready, one…two…okay! One, two! Good job, fumo!”

Tiramie and Macaron gazed at Moffle who was busy guiding the dancers and smiled.

“Moffle’s changed quite a bit, don’t you think, mi?”

“I guess you could say his teaching style has become a lot gentler, ron.”

Moffle had been really worked up last year, scolding and insulting the dancers without restraint with comments like “You guys had one job, fumo!” and “You losers have no talent, fumo!”, resulting in a dance crew that was bigger than their morale.

Moffle’s change in attitude could largely be attributed to the extension of the park’s deadline, allowing his own mind to be at ease for a bit.

“Back to the topic, mi. So how was the heartsleeve fruit?”

Macaron gave a “meh” without shifting his gaze. “The heartsleeve fruit, huh? I tested it out this morning, ron.”

“Ho ho…”

“I was afraid to be the guinea pig, so I secretly got Isuzu to eat it, ron.”

“That’s even more cruel, mi.” Tiramie snarled, knowing its effects all too well.

The heartsleeve fruit.

This mysterious magical fruit grew in the mountains behind Tiramie’s homeland.

Those who eat it will find themselves answering truthfully to any question posed at them. Its duration of effect differs for every individual, lasting anywhere from a few hours to half a day. By the way, it is said that it gives an amazing flavor when cooked with chicken, onions and soy sauce. (Of course, don’t do that with people you dislike.)

“It’s okay, ron. Heartsleeve fruits are legal.”

“…Macaron, I gave you the fruit to help you draw out the truth from your ex-wife, not for pranking Isuzu-chan, mi.”

“Even then, I ought to test its effectiveness at least once. It’s just a pity that Isuzu-chan already left for school, ron.”

“My, that’s a shame, mi. I really wanna ask how often she flicks her clip, mi.”

The phrase “flick the clip” was a term in Maple Land that referred to a specific action. Long story short, this coarse word carried indecent meanings similar to one of Maple Land’s phrases “Puff Yourself!” Of course, due to its nature, its actual meaning shall be omitted.

“Dude, Isuzu-chan would definitely kill you later if she heard that, ron!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll spare you two the wait and kill you right now.”

The two mascots turned around, only to be greeted by Isuzu who was still wearing her Amagi High school uniform. She was wielding her musket and one glance at her expression was enough to tell how much trouble they were in.

“OH SHIT—!!!”

And so Isuzu began her massacre with “Pain Bringer,” slaughtering the two of them one bullet at a time.