Campione 08

by Trials of the Devil Kings

  "Wh!? Don't describe me as if I'm the same as the other Kusanagi family members!"

  "H―mm. How should I say this ―, it looks like Aunt Mayo's blood runs rather deep, eh ― "

  While countering Shizuka's comment, Asuka seemingly brilliantly looked at Liliana, and after that, her gaze turned towards the Kusanagi siblings' cousin, Sakura.

  "Could it be possible, that perhaps the ones who will remain by Godou's side in the end would be these...."

  In a whisper, a mysterious assessment escaped her lips.

  The person in question, Sakura, with a smiling face, spoke out towards Godou.

  "Hey ―, Godoh-kun. This coming week, do you happen to be free!? We haven't met up with Fuyuhime-chan in a long time, and for sure this time, I want to pass her the letter. I also want to go out together with Godoh-kun. Ah, if it's ok, how about bringing Liliana-san and your other friends from school? If everyone goes together, I think it'll be fun, surely."

  Part 3

  Even on a Sunday night, Godou was working a part-time job.

  The place was somewhere in the vicinity of Ameyoko, in Ueno. Restaurants, bars, pachinko parlors, capsule hotels and saunas were concentrated in this lively area.

  A bustling street, full of peculiar dubiousness and energy.

  Today's part-time job was 'a little special'. When the sun was setting, Godou had entered an unpleasant-looking multi-tenant building's fifth floor, the bar named [three backs].

  It did not particularly have a membership system.

  However, it was filled with only regular customers, and it was a shop first-time customers hardly ever came to.

  The shopkeeper, who was also the bartender, had said [Although it's a modest business, some way or another I can make a living], with no intention of modifying his quiet business style.

  Before the operating hours of this hiding place-like bar, Godou entered the establishment, and changed his clothes.

  It was a shop with neither an office nor a backyard. In the interior of the shop before it opened for business, he hurriedly changed into a white shirt and put on a necktie, and then wore his vest. Just like a bartender.

  "Well then, I'll start with the cleaning."

  "Ok, I'm counting on you. Ah, once you're done, help me out with the stocking preparations."

  Upon hearing Godou's voice, the shopkeeper-bartender, Yanagi-san said.

  He was in his mid-thirties. A slim, good-looking man.

  His skill as a bartender was extraordinary, but his cooking abilities that he had picked up as a hobby were also marvelous.

  Kusanagi Godou's employer. That was the profile of Yanagi-san.

  "Yes.... Unusual, isn't it. Even though you had an appointment today, you still came?"

  Always, while Yanagi-san was still doing the cooking preparations, Godou would finish with the cleaning.

  That was how the routine went before opening hours.

  "Was that an appointment? Earlier, I received a mail on my cellphone from Daka-san, saying 'Today I want to eat paella. And seafood pizza. I'm counting on you'. And also some requests from other regular patrons, for things that weren't on our menu."

  While making a bitter smile, Yanagi-san took out the ingredients from the supermarket bag.

  Normally, this kind of shop would not serve food made with all the chef's might. Bars, were places where liquor was enjoyed, to the utmost....

  That was his stance on it.

  However, Yanagi-san's regular patrons, made many requests for dishes that were not on the menu.

  Due to it being a Western style bar, it seems they ended up making a Western style meal menu, with wine and the like. One would expect that if Japanese style and Chinese style meals were requested, they would be rejected.

  "And because of that, we're going to be busier than usual. I'm relying on your help."

  Yanagi-san would not raise his voice in any way, he was a kind employer.

  Actually, he was a friend of his mother. Before the summer vacation, Godou who had been searching for a part-time job had asked his mother, 'Is there anything nice you could recommend? ', and then, with a, 'I have an acquaintance who doesn't mind minors, though their schedule is irregular, as long as they are willing', he was introduced.

  Still, even while he was thinking that it would be impossible for a high school student, he went for the interview　―

  "By the way Yanagi-san, why did you hire someone like me?"

  "Basically, I've been managing this shop somehow by myself. A child who wants to seriously become a bartender, I do not plan nor have the allowance of taking one as a full-time apprentice. And thus, I just needed someone who would help out when things looked busy. Furthermore ― "

  Yanagi-san was probably, not just a kind person.

  When he had overwritten the resume that Godou had brought, by changing the age to above eighteen, and said 'You, I'll employ you', during that time Godou had understood this.

  "I thought that it'd be a little nice, for a naive and obedient boy to be working at my side... Probably, you've caused me to forget about my fatigue and tiredness more than I thought you would. Fufufu, just stay as your densely unaware self, that's Godou-kun's virtue after all."

  Well, occasionally he murmurs some weird things.

  Perhaps, like the regular customer Hideko-san who had once said, 'Shop manager, you definitely do swing that way, right☆Your behaviour is just too amorous!'.

  That might be the case. However, Godou was not too concerned about it.

  This part-time job's terms and pay were good, and basically he liked Yanagi-san, and also the shop's regular patrons too. If that was the case, he was plenty satisfied.

  There were both pros and cons.

  Depending on the case, sometimes a little rule-bending was OK.

  While exhibiting those traits unconsciously, Godou went about the part-time job's chores today.

  Once again, working here had brought about other business and encounters for him. As he thought, quitting the job would be regrettable, due to the little feelings of guilt.

  "Godoh-chan, could I count on you to be our support for grass-lot baseball next time?", "I'm planning on going in to the depths of Mt. Ontake, harvesting herbs. I'll pay you a part-time job's wage so help us out?" , "Next month, there's a wine-tasting event. Let's all go. Shop manager and Godoh-chan, let's go together!", "Hey, I need a lot of manpower for next week's inventory count. You did say you were looking for a part-time job!?", "With the source of Tonegawa river in mind, I have a rigorous programme planned out.... I'm looking for men with confidence in their physical abilities.", "Although I can't give you payment in kind, but the display and sales of new products event next time, come and be a salesperson for me."

  Among others. A non-stop exchange at the bar's counter.

  While helping Yanagi-san out by polishing the glass, setting up the liquor bottles, washing the tableware, various voices were calling out to him.

  Before, Godou had said, 'Please introduce me to any good part-time jobs you know', to the regular patrons.

  Afterwards, before he realized it, he was well-known amongst the regular patrons as, [a young man with good physical strength who will not slack off, with excessively high adaptability and was currently in the middle of looking for part-time employment].

  Nowadays, more than half of Godou's part-time jobs were introduced to him from here.

  Well, although there were other things introduced besides part-time jobs, seemingly interesting offers did turn up from time to time.

  Although Kusanagi Godou thought of himself as a tough person, sometimes he just wanted to forget about school and his life as a devil king Campione, and to take a break from that life.

  Thus, the work for the day ended.

  After the operating hours, the bar was cleaned and tidied up.

  The time was approaching twelve midnight. Just a little bit more and the date on the calendar would change to Monday.

  Usually after closing shop, h
e would be treated to a meal. However, they had cooked up a lot, and there were not many ingredients left.

  And hence, after bidding goodbye to Yanagi-san who was doing the accounts at the register, Godou excused himself.

  I'll go home after eating something, maybe even ramen.

  Come to think of it, his baseball mate Rui had said to him, 'If it's ok with you, after your part-time job, there's an interesting festival float event happening, wanna try going? We'll invite Miura-kun and Nakayama-kun too. All of us live around this area anyway', as an invitation.

  Anyhow about today, it would be fine if he just said something next week —

  While considering that, Godou got onto his mountain bike, and set out for Kasuga street.

  Passing through Ueno Okachimachi and heading in the direction of Yunoshima, on the way back to the 3rd district of Nezu, which was parallel to Shinobazu street. The standard regular route. A road he was very familiar with from commuting to work, back and forth.

  However.

  Today, some guys that he was unacquainted with, were obstructing his path.

  There were three of them. All of them, were dressed in a bizarre fashion.

  Covered in yellow overalls from top to bottom ― was that a track suit?

  He had seen this long ago in the past, and he recalled a movie starring a great kungfu star[25]. Also, another action movie[26] included a blond beauty wielding a Japanese sword who was seeking revenge.

  Godou could not make out the trio's faces. He was made to think of classical Chinese opera, as their faces were besmeared with queer make-up.

  HOOOAAAAaaaaaa..........

  An ominous breath, escaped from the trio's throats.

  And then, these guys took a strange Kenpou-like stance.

  Right before Kusanagi Godou, they were glaring at him. Within their eyes dwelled hostility and bloodthirst. I see ― this is an ambush, and furthermore, an attack under the cover of darkness.

  Understanding the circumstances, Godou stopped his bike.

  Part 4

  "If you have something to say to me, I'll listen to you just this once."

  Godou, still mounted on his mountain bike, called out to the queer trio.

  He was outnumbered. Godou did not want to throw away his superiority in mobility... While calmly considering these factors, he found the situation becoming more and more unpleasant.

  The feeling of incurring someone's enmity, is... Well, although whether there is or isn't is a delicate issue, even if it's a grudge, threat or grievance, I don't feel like running away from these guys who seem like they have something to say.

  As one would expect, a disturbance to that extent had been raised.

  Which is why, he had to make a calm appeal firstly.

  ― However, the trio did not reply.

  SHIAAAAaaaaa! FUOOoooooO! Heeeyyaaaa!!

  Once again, an ominous breath escaped, followed by a yell. It was like the cry of some strange bird.

  No room for negotiation, huh. Dangerous tools were grasped in their hands. Hemp rope, handcuffs, and then, a syringe filled with fluid.

  Could it be, that they intended on capturing Kusanagi Godou?

  The moment he noticed that, he had already stepped on the pedal of his mountain bike.

  In one breath, he accelerated. Throwing himself straight into the trio's midst, at the guy in the middle!

  The queer trio faltered before the sudden assault, and scattered left and right in a hurry.

  Into whatever space he could, he charged in on his mountain bike. Further acceleration. The trio's barring his path, were easily breached.

  It had turned out to be much faster than Godou expected, and he felt it was anti-climatic.

  However, he quickly changed his opinion.

  Those guys gave chase with immense speed from behind him. The trio were riding granny bikes that were meant for use on the streets, and were pedaling with all their might!

  What Godou was riding was a mountain bike.

  In terms of weight, it was lighter than road bikes, and it should be overwhelmingly lighter than granny bikes. The gears were also different. Thus the acceleration capability should have been higher.

  In spite of that, the trio, on their granny bikes, were closing the gap bit by bit.

  The difference of their leg power ― this was probably not it. Surely, it was the difference in their spirit.

  What was approaching from behind, was not just the trio. They were emitting an aura that seemed to speak, 'No matter what, we'll definitely capture you!'.

  While feeling the pressure of being pursued, Godou continued moving, on the banks of Shinobazu Pond.

  At that time, one of the trio shouted out.

  "FUOOOAAAAAAAAAA!!"

  The cry of the spirit. That was perhaps, a warcry for the purpose of channelling and straining all the power in their physical body.

  One of the granny bikes sped up tremendously.

  Finally catching up with Godou's mountain bike, right next to him. And then, the queer person jumped off the granny bike.

  Yes, aiming straight for the Kusanagi Godou that was next to him!

  Just like a flying body press. As though he were a Mexican pro wrestler who was skilled at aerial assassination, a plancha suicida.

  A splendid, and furthermore, a self-destructive attack.

  "UWAAAAAAAAAAA!?"

  Taking the do-or-die suicide attack, Godou was thrown off his bike.

  "Owwwwww....."

  While moaning, Godou started to pick himself up.

  He had suffered grazes on various parts of his body. Something like this, compared to the wounds that he had been dealt in mortal combat up till now, were literally mere scratches, but....

  Next to him, the queer person who had did an aerial assassination technique on him started to get up too.

  He had sustained similar levels of injuries. There did not seem to be any serious injuries, like bone fractures.

  Moreover, the other two comrades had caught up on their granny bikes. This time, they did not simply obstruct his path. A full surround, cutting off all retreat.

  It was the worst possible time, and the situation looked grim. However, Godou tilted his head to the side, puzzled.

  No matter how much time passes, he had no confidence that he would be able to use Verethragna's authorities. In other words, because they were normal people, the power would not activate. And with that, the chase.

  If the other party had been either Lu Yinghua or Erica and the others, they would be able to catch up with their running ability, and should be able to overtake him.

  These guys, just who on earth were they!?

  ― The moment he thought of that question in his mind, the cavalry arrived at the scene.

  "Your Majesty, are you alright!? I'll clean these guys up right away, just hold on!"

  "Godou, your knight will be showing her bravery and beauty on the battlefield, take a good look at me!"

  The pair that came flying out from the darkness of the night, were people he knew very well.

  The long sword wielding hime-miko, Seishuuin Ena.

  And the other one was, of course, Erica Blandelli!

  .... In the ensuing conflict, well, there was nothing worthy of special mention.

  For example, Ena KO-ing mysterious person A with a strike to the jaw, with her palm.

  Erica dealing a chop to mysterious person B's face with a brilliant backhand blow, causing the victim to faint in agony.

  And as for the last mysterious person, C, Ena had utilized a showy roundhouse kick, and though it was simple, the killing power looked ridiculously high, and drove her foot into the solar plexus mercilessly.

  Immediately following, Erica, in the middle of a big, impractical jump kick motion, had used the only move that was effective in actual combat, testimony to her prowess as a street fighter, a jumping knee that smashed into the temple of C. The lengthy and detailed explanation was most likely redundant.

  That w
as how, the three queers had fainted.

  Giving them a sidelong glance, Godou, Erica and Ena faced each other.

  "Thanks, you bailed me out there.... but, why are you guys here?"

  "How it came about is not something significant, but by chance, there was someone who told me Ena-san had come to Tokyo."

  First, Erica had said, nonchalantly. 'By chance', eh.

  Godou thought. Surely, several factors of inevitability had been entwined and come together, which is what 'by chance' referred to. For example, relying on someone for the provision of information.

  "In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, a dojo of some sort, right."

  "Green Dragon-sensei's dojo. Ena and Amakasu-san.... in other words, a person authorized by the History Compilation Committee. In Asakusa, it's Green Dragon-sensei, in Setagaya it's White Tiger-sensei, and in Azabu it's Vermilion Bird-sensei, and in Ouji it's Black Tortoise-sensei, the four of them are there. They, as assistant instructors, have instructed Ena and the others in various ways of martial arts."

  ".....Someone just like you?"

  Those whom Ena had listed, all of them had only strange names.

  "Yep, yeah. With regards to martial arts, people who are much more awesome than Ena. Something like the Four Great Heavenly Kings of the imperial capital. Anyway, before I paid your Majesty and Yuri's place a visit I dropped by the dojo, and was asked about various things."

  "Various?"

  "The assistant instructor, Green Dragon-sensei for example, and the other disciples. They, asked if Ena was finally going to be a wife."

  A perfect, flawless beauty, fair and lively, that was Seishuuin Ena.

  That kind of girl had said that while blushing, bashfully. It was unusual, a conduct different from her usual self, and was also awfully cute.

  "Wi-wife?"

  "Yep.... Everyone, looks like they've heard about your Majesty. 'Have you had a baby already', 'Is your bridal training going well?', for example, I was asked some troublesome things...."

  "Eeeeeeeeh!?"

  Ena reported, slightly casting her gaze downwards. That appearance was rather fresh, and surprising.

  She was wearing her usual ― an unidentified high school's uniform.

  It was not something one should be wearing on Sunday. She was a girl who did not care much about her appearance. However, that kind of girl was innocently expressing her affection for Kusanagi Godou. The happy feeling of having this intimate relationship was conveyed directly.