Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest Vol. 3

by Ryo Shirakome

  “Hajime’s a tsundere.”

  “.....”

  “Tsundere?” Hajime kept a perfect poker face, hiding his true thoughts from plain sight. The others all repeated the unfamiliar word, confused.

  “Were you trying to repay her kindness? Or was that just your way of looking out for her?”

  “I just did it because the opportunity was there.” Hajime sulkily turned away. Realizing Yue must have figured it out, Shea and Will huddled in closer for an explanation.

  Since it didn’t look like Hajime would elaborate, it fell to Yue to explain. The gist of it was that Hajime hadn’t wanted Aiko to feel responsible for Shimizu’s death.

  Shimizu had said it himself. The demon he’d made a contract with had wanted to kill Aiko. It was obvious he’d used Shimizu for that very purpose. That last attack of his had clearly been aimed at Aiko. Shimizu had just been collateral damage.

  Naturally, his death was in no way Aiko’s fault. He’d sold his soul to a demon of his own free will because of his greed. He’d reaped what he’d sown. And even if you decided he wasn’t to blame for his own actions, it was clearly the demon who had dealt the fatal blow, and thus his fault.

  However, would Aiko have been able to accept that? It was obvious to everyone present that the last attack had been aimed at her. Furthermore, Aiko had a strong sense of justice, especially when it came to her students. It was highly likely that she would have thought it was her fault for getting Shimizu involved in that attack. She would have believed it was her fault that he had died. Would she have been able to bear that guilt? Hajime at least hadn’t thought so.

  From the start, Aiko had been the most uneasy and afraid of the world they’d been summoned to. Despite that, she’d never once stopped, complained, or given in to her fear. No matter the situation, she had always done everything in her power to help her students. After all, that was what it meant to be a teacher in her mind.

  It was easy to imagine what would happen if she started to believe she was responsible for killing one of the students she had sworn to protect. The pain would be far greater than when she’d heard Hajime had died, far greater even than when he’d told her one of her precious students had been the one that had betrayed him. Enough to break her, basically.

  Hajime obviously hadn’t wanted Aiko to break so that he could keep her as a future ally, but he had also been genuinely worried about her. He had always felt Aiko had been a bit too idealistic. That had been the reason she was so full of contradictions.

  But even so, he’d believed the words she’d given him would lead Yue and Shea to a better, happier life. That was why, even though they were in a different world, even though Hajime was a completely different person, he’d still been grateful for the lecture she’d given him as his teacher.

  That was why Hajime had killed Shimizu himself. He had wanted to impress as strongly as possible that Shimizu had been his enemy. And that it was Hajime who bore the responsibility of his death. He had felt that had been the least he could do to keep Aiko from breaking, to make sure she could always be the teacher she dreamed of being.

  “Fufu, you really are a tsundere, Hajime-san.”

  “So that’s what it was...”

  “I see. So Master has a cute side to him as well, then.”

  Everyone looked playfully at Hajime after Yue finished explaining his motives. Hajime pointedly continued not looking at anyone.

  “But I think Aiko will find out.”

  “......” Hajime looked silently over to Yue. She gazed back at him, eyes full of kindness.

  “Aiko is your teacher. Someone whose words are powerful enough to move you. She’ll discover the truth eventually.”

  “Yue...”

  “Don’t worry. She’s strong. Things won’t end up the way you fear.”

  “......”

  Yue held a lot of respect for Aiko. She was the only one who’d managed to get Hajime to think back on the humanity he’d thrown away, something even Yue hadn’t been able to do.

  Hajime saw an unwavering strength and kindness in Yue’s eyes, which softened his own gaze. Yue’s words had cleared away the dark thoughts he’d been brooding over. He no longer felt as worried about Aiko and what would happen to her in the future.

  “Haah, there they go, off in their own little world again. When will I get to be like that with him?”

  “Th-This is... really sweet, isn’t it?”

  “Hmm, while I personally prefer being insulted and debased... that looks somewhat enticing as well.”

  The other three watched Hajime and Yue with a mixture of awkwardness and jealousy. Shea had puffed her cheeks out and was pouting loudly.

  Sensing her displeasure, Yue looked over at Shea, and then back to Hajime. The silent entreaty in her gaze was clear. “Shea deserves a reward too.” Shea had risked her life to save Aiko. If it hadn’t been for her Future Sight and timely intervention, Aiko would have died. Hajime definitely owed Shea for saving his teacher’s life. He understood that full well, so though he grumbled a little he dutifully turned to Shea.

  “Shea. Umm, you were a real lifesaver. It’s a bit late, I know, but... thank you.”

  “...Who are you?”

  He’d worked up his courage to finally convey his gratitude, and all he got in return was a surprised stare and those words. A vein throbbed in Hajime’s forehead, but he knew he deserved it, so he held his anger in.

  “Well, I guess it’s my fault your reaction’s like that... but honestly, I really am grateful, you know?” This time Hajime properly met Shea’s gaze and showed his gratitude once more. Shea felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, then she started fidgeting abashedly. Her cheeks were bright red, and she was looking anywhere but at Hajime. Her rabbit ears danced from side to side as well.

  “U-Umm... It wasn’t anything special, so you really don’t need to thank me or anything... J-Jeez... What’s with you all of a sudden! That’s really embarrassing, you know... Ehehe.”

  Hajime smiled faintly and asked something that had been bugging him for a while.

  “Shea. I was wondering... why’d you jump in to save Sensei? It’s not like you knew her that well or anything. Not enough to risk your life for her, at least...”

  “Because she’s someone important to you, Hajime-san.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Huh? Well, yeah, that’s the only reason.”

  “I see...” Hajime’s expression was hard to read. Aiko certainly was an important existence to him. Unlike most of his classmates, he would’ve actually cared if she died, so he was glad she’d survived.

  Though he couldn’t remember ever saying or doing anything that had shown he cared about Aiko more than other people... it looked like both Yue and Shea could read him like an open book regardless. I guess it shows that’s how much they’re always thinking of me. I know it’s a bit late to be realizing it now, but I really have some great companions.

  Even without Yue urging him on, Hajime knew Shea deserved some kind of reward.

  “Shea. Is there anything you want me to do for you?”

  “Eh? Anything I want you... to do for me?”

  “Yeah. Think of it as like... a reward for your hard work. Just keep it reasonable, okay?”

  Shea was taken aback. She’d just done what anyone would have for their comrades, so she felt like Hajime was exaggerating her achievements a little. She groaned to herself and looked to Yue for help, but Yue just looked back kindly and nodded. “This is Hajime’s way of saying thanks, you should just take it,” her gaze seemed to say. Shea thought about it for a few seconds more, then broke out into a wide grin. She nodded back to Yue and turned to Hajime.

  “Okay, then I want you to take my first—”

  “Denied.” Hajime instantly shot her down. Shea glared sulkily at him.

  “But why? That was clearly supposed to be your dere moment! Right? Right? Come on, can’t you read the mood a little!?”

  “I told you to keep
it reasonable.”

  “That’s totally reasonable! You do it with Yue-san all the time! Don’t think I don’t see you two sneak off every now and then! How do you think I feel, watching you two go off to have sex all the time!? I bet you two are going to send me off on some errand when we get to Fuhren so you can fuck like rabbits all day again! Hic... I’m... I’m going to be sent off alone again. And then I’ll have to pretend I don’t notice Yue-san’s disheveled hair when I get back... Poor me...”

  “Come on, don’t cry... Yue’s the one I’m in love with, I can’t change that now. And you, well, I do care about you, but that’s not really the same thing as love... so you know...”

  “Waaa... Hajime, you limp-dick bastard!”

  “Hey...”

  “Dickless wimp! Homo! Good-for-nothing loser! Pervert!” In the span of a few seconds, Shea’s excitement had transformed into indignation. She let out all of her pent-up frustration at once, pelting Hajime with insults. Behind her, Will and Tio let out a chuckle.

  “Hahaha... She really called the guy who wiped out an army of sixty thousand monsters... a limp-dick bastard... Hahaha.”

  “Master is surprisingly pure at heart. To think he hasn’t even lain with her yet... I suppose that means even I’m ahead of her, as he violated my anus...”

  They made no effort to hide their voices. Hajime seriously considered throwing them out of the car for a second, but Yue’s reproachful glare kept him in check.

  Hajime awkwardly turned back to Shea. He promised to himself he’d strangle Will later. As for Tio... she’d only enjoy it, so he decided to ignore her.

  “Shea. Can’t you lower the bar a bit? Anything else, I’ll...”

  “...Hajime, is it really impossible?” For some reason, Yue was taking Shea’s side. Shea hugged Yue and started sobbing in her arms.

  It was obvious Yue had no problem with Hajime sleeping with Shea. Yue had really started taking a liking to Shea. At first their relationship had been more like friends, but it had grown into something more akin to an older sister looking after her excitable younger sibling. And said older sister seemed to have a huge sister complex.

  It wasn’t everyday someone’s lover asked them to have sex with another girl. Hajime buried his face in his hands, despairing. But no matter what anyone said, he had his own principles.

  “The only person my heart desires is you, Yue. I don’t have anything against Shea, and I do care about her, but... I can’t treat her the same as you.” Yue let out a strange sound in response. Shea’s rabbit ears perked up and she looked suspiciously at Hajime, suddenly wary.

  “I want to be faithful to you Yue. And no matter what the reason is, I don’t think I could accept you having another man, either. Call me selfish or petty all you want, but... I was hoping you’d feel the same way about me, Yue. So whether it’s Shea, or any other girl, could you please stop telling me to have sex with them?”

  “...Hajime.” With Shea still in her arms, Yue stared into Hajime’s eyes, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. Hajime gently stroked her cheek. The two were lost in their own world again. It almost seemed as if the air around them turned visibly more pink. Shea slowly nudged her way closer and closer to their faces.

  “They’ve totally forgotten about me again, haven’t they? Even though this was supposed to be about my reward...” Shea glared daggers at the two of them. However, they were too busy flirting to notice. Finally, they came back to reality and slowly broke away from each other. Yue shyly twirled a stray strand of hair with her fingers.

  She hadn’t been ready for such a passionate confession, so there was still a faint smile on her usually expressionless face. Other people might have found Hajime’s words a bit too possessive, but Yue couldn’t have been happier to hear them. That was why she’d forgotten about everything but him for a few minutes.

  “I see. So that’s how your relationship is, then... It must be hard for you, Shea-dono.”

  “Hmm... Master’s bond with Yue certainly is strong. Squeezing your way inside it won’t be easy... but well, I’m satisfied just being insulted, so it’s of no matter to me.”

  Will quietly watched their sickeningly sweet displays of affection. Next to him, Tio was panting heavily, but he pretended not to hear her.

  “...I’m sorry, Hajime. But I really think... Shea deserves to be rewarded too... Can’t you at least spend one day... with just her?”

  “Yue-saaaaaaan.” Despite everything, Yue still insisted on including Shea. She gently patted Shea’s head, who dug her face even deeper into Yue’s chest. Hajime smiled, clearly defeated, and replied to her.

  “If that’s all, you don’t even need to ask. But Shea, are you really okay with me just saying yes because Yue asked me? If there’s anything else you want to ask, I won’t say no.”

  “Hajime-san... it’s fine, really. I don’t care how I get you to like me, as long as it happens somehow!”

  “You really don’t give up, huh...?”

  “Well, I guess that’s too much to ask for right now, so I’ll settle with a date for now. I’ll just have to work my way up. When we get back to Fuhren, you’re taking me around the tourists’ district, alright?”

  “Yeah, sounds good.” Hajime had tried to emphasize once more that it was only Yue that he gave special treatment to, but despite picking up on his hint, Shea refused to give up. In a way, he had to respect her tenacity. Well, I guess it’s okay to do what she wants every now and then, Hajime thought to himself as he agreed to the date.

  Hajime still held Shea dear, and she had saved Aiko’s life, so this time he was willing to take Shea on a date for her own sake, not because Yue had asked him. Shea let out a whoop of joy, and Yue gently stroked her twitching rabbit ears.

  “I feel rather out of place here. It’s like I’m intruding on a happy family gathering.”

  “I-Indeed. This is completely different from being deliberately ignored... Rather than stimulating, it just feels lonely... Honestly, I do wish someone would say something to me. I am here, you know? You can let me into your conversations, you know?”

  Will watched the trio’s flirting with an awkward expression. Though no one had invited her to join, Tio had stowed away in Brise’s truck bed. At some point she’d stuck her head in through the window and joined in the conversation of her own accord.

  She’d asked Hajime to be allowed to travel together with him before the battle, but once it had ended he’d more or less forgotten she’d even existed and left without her. Tio had hurriedly chased after him and managed to leap into Brise’s trunk before Hajime took off. Her excessive panting had creeped everyone out, however, so they’d ignored her even when she stuck her head through the window.

  At first Hajime had driven like a madman to try and throw her off, but Tio had used her considerable mana reserves to hang on through even the roughest turns. As his rough driving had only served to excite Tio more, Hajime had eventually given up and resorted to just ignoring her. After all, giving a pervert attention of any kind was just playing into their hands.

  At first Tio had enjoyed deliberately being ignored, but before long she grew lonely as she saw the trio up front having fun, and started begging for attention.

  However, even then they ignored her, so she slowly started trying to slide into the backseat through the window. The way her black hair covered her face as she creeped forward bore a striking resemblance to the girl from The Ring.

  Though he’d been trying to ignore her, when he caught sight of how she looked, Will let out a high-pitched shriek and backed away. Hajime and the others turned around to see what the problem was.

  “Hm? I-I seem to be stuck. My bosom is... getting in the way. Excuse me, young Will, could you lend me a hand?” Tio stretched out a hand to Will, her massive breasts contorting painfully due to the window’s small size. She really looked like a banshee trying to curse someone. Hajime casually pulled Schlag out of its holster and fired at Tio over his shoulder.

  “Nu
ooh!?” The bullet hit her square in the forehead, sending her flying back into the truck bed. She slammed into the back wall and started rolling around in pain.

  “H-How could you do that. If you don’t give me any warning... I won’t be able to contain myself.” She rubbed her forehead happily, blushing as she complained to Hajime... or rather asked for more. Hoping to avoid a repeat of last time, Tio tried entering through the window feet first.

  This time, it was her plump butt that got stuck in the window. She started squirming back and forth, trying to squeeze her voluptuous behind through.

  Hajime fired another set of bullets with Schlag, but he was unable to excise Tio from the window. Not only was her butt more firmly stuck than her boobs had been, the soft layers of fat cushioned the bullets’ impact, weakening their force.

  And so, instead of dislodging Tio, all Hajime succeeded in doing was giving her more pleasure.

  “More, Master,” she moaned, and Hajime disgustedly holstered his gun, giving up on shooting her out. The moment he engaged with that pervert was the moment he lost.

  Yue had long since lost any respect she might have originally held for the dragonmen, but this was a new low. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

  Realizing the barrage had stopped, Tio continued worming her way into the back. Eventually, she managed to squeeze her way in, and she let out a sigh of relief as she sat down.

  “Haah... Haah... Unbelievable... No matter the situation, you don’t hesitate. What a hopeless master you are. But fear not. For I can take any kind of love you wish to dish out. So... don’t hold back. You can be even more violent with me if you desire. In fact, please be more violent with me.”

  “Shut up, pervert. And get away from me. In fact, open that door and jump out right now.”

  “Wha—!? Haah... Haah... I am truly blessed to have such an understanding master. However, I must refuse. I have decided to follow you wherever you may go. Not only is it the most efficient way to complete my mission, I must have you take responsibility for teaching me such pleasure. Thus, I have no reason to leave. No matter what you say, I shall chase after you. You will not escape me.” Hajime’s blunt refusal set Tio panting again, but she stubbornly refused his request. Her tone was in stark contrast to her ecstatic expression.