Campione 02 Page 4

  And turned her gaze, full of despise and mockery, at her brother.

  "Yes, hearing this explanation clears up the gist of these two's relationship. But I still don't understand the situation deep enough."

  Godou and Erica, as well as Yuri, gazed at Shizuka as she spoke.

  "But, let's get to the bottom of this, why would my idiot Onii-chan need to swear such an oath to Mariya-senpai? What kind of relationship does Mariya-senpai have with Onii-chan?"

  "Eh? Just ordinary friends. This and that—"

  How could it be explained that one was the god-slaying Devil King and the other was the Hime-Miko representing the Japanese magic world?

  To the honest Yuri, letting her improvise a cover up was very difficult.

  "From the words just now, it's almost like the wife is a childhood friend. Legal wife and lover, it looks like the rumors are true. Onii-chan, well done, doesn't this feel just like Grandfather and deceased Grandmother back then, what a great atmosphere?"

  "Eh!? What are you talking about, Shizuka-san?"

  Don't treat me as the same type as Grandfather, I'm begging you...

  Shizuka's words, full of subtle meanings, caused Yuri to lose her composure. Godou frowned.

  No matter what, he didn't want to be compared with Grandfather.

  "Grandfather and Grandmother? What was that like?"

  Piqued with interest, Erica's inquiry caused Shizuka to sigh deeply.

  "In all generations of the Kusanagi family, all the men have idle hands. Examples include playboy heirs who wrecked their inheritances amusing themselves with geisha, and had illegitimate children popping up out of the woodwork after their deaths. It's been over 200 years, but there really have been all sorts."

  Shizuka glanced at her Grandfather who was sipping tea in small mouthfuls.

  Without saying a single word for the past while, and sitting as still as air, the grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou, returned his granddaughter's gaze with a gentle smile.

  "Hahaha, Shizuka. I don't quite agree with what you say about all the ancestors, but then again, not all of it is completely wrong."

  "From the same bloodline, the only recent one with rare capability was Grandfather. But Grandfather was not only a playboy but there were many women who approached uninvited. Grandma sure had a tough time sweeping those pests away."

  To his granddaughter's accusations, the Grandfather smiled and shook his head.

  "Though I socialized with all sorts of women in my youth, but my heart was true to my wife after we married."

  "I'm innocent! In general, I am totally unlike Grandfather. Personality is also completely different!"

  Shizuka shrugged and ignored Godou's protest.

  Furthermore, Yuri seemed to agree with this grandfather-grandson comparison and said something like 'now that you say it, it does...', even Erica seemed to be nodding her head impressed.

  Sigh, such situations made one feel that the face is truly more important than the personality sometimes.

  "True, the personalities are different, but the end result of their actions are both 'extremely alike.' I heard that others regarded Grandfather as a very serious person in his youth, but isn't it the same for Onii-chan?"

  Reflecting on himself, Godou could not argue any more.

  During the past spring of this year, defeating the god of war Verethragna on the southern Italian island of Sardinia.

  This ancient Persian deity had ten characteristic forms—Wind, Bull, White Stallion, Camel, Boar, Youth, Raptor, Ram, Goat, as well as the Warrior.

  Godou, who defeated Verethragna, had no intention of obtaining those powers. From then onwards, in the battles with gods and devil kings, Godou had damaged many world heritage sites.

  This body was definitely unreasonable.

  "Then, may I interrupt here? It's about time for dinner to be prepared. I've already readied the vinegar for tonight's hand rolled sushi."

  Grandfather suddenly stood up.

  Probably in order to break up the current silence.

  "Just a while ago I called Sakuraba-san at the fish shop and asked him to choose some good ingredients. Why don't Godou and Shizuka go pick them up. Aya, don't forget to increase the portions for two additional people."

  Grandfather spoke as he turned to smile most affectionately at Erica and Yuri.

  "I hope you both don't mind staying for dinner? After all it is a rare occasion. Of course, if you have curfews or other engagements, I won't force you."

  "No, Grandfather. Please let me stay no matter what."

  Erica elegantly gave a bow from the side.

  Seeing the two of them interact and turning out to be surprisingly compatible, Godou felt impressed. Erica and Grandfather are both people with perfect social skills.

  However, Yuri on the left side—

  "I, I intruded so suddenly. If I stayed for dinner, it would be troublesome right..."

  "Not at all, Grandfather loves these kinds of situations. Gathering lots of people to savor his cooking, and have a good drink."

  To dispel Yuri's hesitation, Godou explained to her.

  However, she felt there was a problem with this invitation. Yuri was extremely surprised by the last sentence.

  "Ah, ah, drink!?"

  "Ah... You planned to drink today all along, right, Grandfather?"

  "Is there a problem? Godou and I are definitely fine. I'm sure Erica-san won't have a problem either—"

  This is the old man whose poor role model included gradually indoctrinating his middle school grandchildren with the taste of alcohol, then pretended to explain it as an early lesson "to prevent binge drinking and alcohol poisoning."

  Seeing Erica's eyes flash, Godou immediately yelled out.

  "Please, let's not drink tonight. Letting Erica imbibe alcohol would be catastrophic."

  "Aya, Godou, the right amount of alcohol has benefits to both health and friendship."

  "Wait a minute, Onii-chan, what exactly do you mean from what you just said? You're implying that you two drank alcohol together before! Please explain with details!"

  "That, that's right. Kusanagi-san, please explain what transpired."

  The foolish comment was equivalent to adding new fuel to the fire.

  As for the grandfather, he turned to his grandson in crisis and forced a faint smile. Godou felt that expression seemed to be saying "you still have much to learn."

  Part 5

  "Thanks for having me today. Please relay my regards to everyone."

  "I'm sorry, Mariya, for forcing you to come along and making you stay this late."

  It was already past eight o'clock at night by the time Yuri was setting off from the Kusanagi home.

  Apologizing as he greeted her farewell at the entrance, Godou was seeing her off with a face full of shame and regret.

  "No, I was happy. Please don't say that."

  "Really, then that's good. See you tomorrow."

  "Yes, see you tomorrow. I take my leave."

  Nodding towards each other with the smiling Godou, Yuri bowed her head seriously and walked out of the entrance way.

  In the end, they had dinner after talking with Shizuka. With his eyes, Godou ordered Erica not to drink, and they chatted as they ate.

  To Yuri who had few friends, passing time like this was extremely rare.

  Her overly serious way of speaking and elegant mannerisms were already uncommon, and basically she was never invited to go out and have fun by her peers.

  She wasn't being shunned, but people just didn't want to be too conspicuous. A little unfamiliar.

  Since she herself was aware of it, she never tried to involve herself in those circles either.

  Just now during dinner, the one who spoke the least was Yuri.

  But still, it felt pretty good.

  Erica had the most to say, not only to Godou, but also with his grandfather and sister. Sometimes she even spoke a few sentences to Yuri.

  Those sentences did not carry any domineering a
ttitude, and was considerate of the other's rhythm of speech, allowing her to enjoy conversation in a relaxed manner.

  As for Godou who wasn't talkative to begin with, he concentrated on eating instead of listening to them chat.

  The only young man there, Godou's appetite was ravenous. However, he still entered the conversation during opportune moments between moving his chopsticks and wolfing down his food.

  As a member of the same club, Shizuka also understood Yuri's personality to a certain extent.

  The main host, Grandfather Kusanagi was a very observant person, which was consistent with his popularity with girls in his youth.

  "Ah, Yuri-san. Seeing you is great, I've been trying to find you for quite a while. I beg you, please carry your cellphone with you, there are times there are emergencies when contact is needed."

  As Yuri made her way through the street of shops toward the closest Nezu station, she was suddenly greeted by a voice.

  This voice belonged to the young man dressed in a suit—Amakasu Touma.

  The representative of the History Compilation Committee, an organization responsible for regulating the Japanese wizards and controlling information about gods and supernatural oddities.

  "Cellphone? I am sorry but I do not think I need such a thing. However, how did you know I was here?"

  To Yuri's question. Amakasu replied with an awkward smile.

  "I came here by chance. As I was wondering if I would be able to find Yuri-san before you took the train, I waited here for a bit. When I called your home, they told me you had visited a fellow student's home near the school."

  "Is that so... Anyway, what business do you have with me today?"

  So that meant, it was because she borrowed the phone at the Kusanagi residence to call home and tell them she would be late.

  Yuri asked once she understood.

  "Actually there's a request for you. However, today is a bit late, so we'll make the request tomorrow."

  "Not a problem. If it is all right with you, let us finish it now?"

  "No. It is something that needs to be discussed at a better location. Let's make it tomorrow. To Yuri-san this should be a relaxing task. A grimoire has been rumored to have appeared in Romania near the outskirts of Croatia, so we wish for Yuri-san to help certify its authenticity."

  To Amakasu who spoke rather frivolously, Yuri sighed.

  "Amakasu-san, my spirit vision is not some convenient power that can 'see' everything. There are many occasions when nothing is revealed."

  This mouth must be one of the reasons he has so few friends.

  Yuri thought to herself as she chastised how lightly this History Compilation Committee member was taking things.

  The so-called spirit vision was definitely not an all-seeing power of analysis. It was just a kind of ability bestowed by the gods on a whim like an oracle.

  "Then you are too humble. Even in Milan, the origin of magic in Eastern Europe, there are no spirit vision users whose capability exceeds Yuri-san. If you can't do it, then no one else can. Hope we can cooperate, if you don't mind too much."

  Amakasu began to laugh.

  At that point it was useless to say any more. Yuri decided to accept Amakasu's request, especially since there were few reasons to refuse a request made in such a manner.

  "Fine, I understand. I will assist you tomorrow after school."

  "Your help is appreciated. By the way, when you said you were visiting a friend near school, could it be the home of Kusanagi Godou?"

  Abruptly, Amakasu changed the subject.

  Do people deeply involved with magic and the gods have to be wary of contact with the Campione?

  "Yes... Umm, is there any problem with that? I do not believe there is any need to deliberately distance myself from Kusanagi-san."

  To this answer, Amakasu shook his head.

  "Oh, no problem at all. Actually, it's the opposite. Yuri is one of Kusanagi Godou's most important friends, right? Take more initiative, go to his house, or even invite him over to yours, it's all good, keep it up."

  "Is that so? ...Amakasu-san, things seem to have become a little unusual?"

  Yuri became a little angry as she stared at the suspicious person in front of her.

  A strange premonition flowed into her heart. Unease, as well as a sudden sense of accomplishment. Could this be some kind of prediction brought about by the power of spirit vision?

  "Anyway, let's talk about this in detail tomorrow. Take care... during this wonderful evening."

  Waving his hand, Amakasu departed.

  Chapter 2 - Calm Before the Storm

  Part 1

  In the high school section of Jounan Academy, the boys and girls had gym class separately.

  Students from the same grade were mixed together but segregated by gender. Godou's 5th Class was placed with the 6th Class.

  Today, the boys' lesson was baseball.

  The girls were doing softball, but since it was being carried out alongside the boys, they used the same field. Hence, it was a rare occasion when both the boys and girls of the 5th and 6th Classes had gym lessons together in the same location.

  —The boy from the 6th Class pitched the baseball from the mound.

  The ball failed to reach the catcher's glove, but instead flew between the right and center fielders as the blonde batter swung rapidly.

  As the outfielder returned the ball, the batter had already reached third base splendidly.

  Lessons within the school were only for beginners. In terms of level, they were even worse than amateur leagues, so any active performance here was nothing to be proud of.

  This person obtained four hits with four turns at bat, and as pitcher struck out all the batters of the opposing team.

  Mixed among the boys, the only active participant was Erica Blandelli who was totally amazing despite being a girl without a doubt.

  Swinging her bat with splendor and the same ease as her sword.

  "Godou! I want to pitch an even faster ball, you have to catch it! If it's Godou, you definitely can catch it!"

  "Don't be stupid! We're not even on the same team!"

  As the teams switched roles at the half-inning, Erica spoke nonsense at the pitcher's mound. Godou, whose own match had already ended, sat down to watch and coldly replied.

  Starting a short while ago, Erica's fast balls began to slip from the catcher's glove.

  It was to be expected. To demand a beginner catcher to receive that kind of fast ball was very unreasonable.

  "The girls have one person extra, so may I join the boys? Of course, I won't let any of you boys flee from competing against me, how's that?"

  The situation was created by Erica's proposal not long after class started.

  Erica Blandelli's athletic prowess was already well known throughout the school.

  Since her capability was fully acknowledged by the boys in the class, and even the gym teacher, she was placed into the A team of the 5th Class.

  From that moment, the nightmare began to crush the boys' self-esteem.

  When Erica pitched. Strikes were usually called. At best, the batter might hit an infield grounder.

  When Erica pitched. The catcher would get hurt because the balls were too fast.

  When Erica batted. Singles. Doubles. Triples. Home runs.

  Those situations repeated themselves as if being copy and pasted. Not long after that, even the girls, who were having a softball match, stopped to gather round and watch Erica's performance.

  Every time the blonde young lady gave a super performance, all the girls cheered.

  "That fellow is truly doing as she pleases... She should really hold back a little."

  Rather than surprised, it would be better to say Godou was impressed.

  As someone who already knew her extraordinary athleticism, this level of performance was completely unsurprising. Even if her baseball experience was zero, she was a monster who could give a performance exceeding professionals.

 
"So, Kusanagi-san, how are you?"

  Yuri had left the girls' team and came over to greet Godou.

  Come to think of it, gym class was the only time when the 6th Class' Yuri shared lessons with Erica.

  "Is Erica-san using some kind of strange magic? If that is the case, she must be stopped. To be performing at this level against boys is completely abnormal."

  "I don't think so. Since this is a competition, she is achieving victory entirely on her own bodily strength."

  Godou responded with a simple answer to Yuri who was questioning with a worried expression.

  "She is a knight after all, but please don't cheat so much during times of jest... If only she insisted on fairness when I'm busy with things..."

  Usually, Erica would use magic to enhance her abilities when messing around with Godou, but she insisted on fair competition when it came to gym class. Personally, Godou would prefer it if she did the opposite.

  Sigh, he truly could not believe he became friends with someone like that.

  "Erica's athletic abilities are extraordinary, and would cause one to suspect the use of magic because her bodily capability and stamina are beyond imagination."

  Middle school was the time when Godou stood out as the cleanup hitter and catcher of the baseball team.

  But because of that, he completely understood how unreasonable Erica's abilities were. If she actually played baseball, she would be the type to be the fourth bat, the cleanup hitter for sure.

  "Though it feels like she's going too far, but it should still be within acceptable limits, right?"

  "I see... Kusanagi-san, you trust Erica-san very much."

  Yuri spoke with a slightly stiff expression on her face.

  "When I saw that kind of performance, the first thing I thought was she must have used some kind of magic. I feel a bit ashamed for doubting someone due to prior bias."

  "In this case she wasn't acting unreasonably. As long as she keeps it to this level of doing as she pleases."

  While she completely destroyed the self-esteem of the opposing boys as well as her own catcher, Erica stood on the pitcher's mound with a smile as radiant as the sun. As if she was enjoying things from the bottom of her heart.

  "Anyway, though she is a sly fellow usually, her character is unbelievably straightforward, so don't worry, it'll be ok."