New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (2/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 171

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

At last, the day has arrived.

Today was the day that had been planned for some time, the day of my training session with Onee-san. Because of that, I woke up much earlier than usual, and the wait until the appointed time feels especially long. I received word that we would meet in front of the guild at eight o’clock and then head to the dojo together.

While waiting, I decided to watch some videos Muze had recorded for distribution. These were unedited clips that I normally never get to see, even though they were stored on my own smartphone. The footage showed Muze energetically performing professional wrestling moves on udon dough.

She kept unleashing one move after another on the dough she had kneaded that morning, her spirited shouts adorably echoing in the background. When she failed at a grappling move, she gave up with an exasperated sigh, and when she missed a jump attack, she sulked and kicked the dough in frustration. It was an utterly charming video.

For someone as small as Muze, even kneading a single serving of udon dough was quite the challenge, yet she persevered with cheerful enthusiasm. Merely watching her made my face soften into a smile. I could not tell whether she was washing the udon or swimming in the strainer herself. She even mimicked a mummy using the noodles.

In the final part, the footage showed me eating the finished dish. I managed to tell her that it was delicious. I was relieved.

“Kouta, you must not watch that yet. It is still before editing.” (Muze)

“It is fine. You look adorable in it, Muze.” (Kouta)

As I was saying that, Muze approached me. She had just been delighting the women gathered in front of the guild, who were likely waiting for their companions, by accepting some water from them. She now flew toward me to protest.

“It is not fine. Not fine at all. I missed my flying body attack that I usually perform on Master. It is a matter of deep regret for me.” (Muze)

Ah, so that is her main concern.

At that instant, I instinctively grabbed Muze and dove to the ground. In one motion, I rose to one knee and drew my sword. The killing intent was overwhelming.

“Well done, Kouta-kun. I thought you might be relaxed before our training session, but you reacted admirably. Kondo-kun should at least be able to do that much if he hopes to survive in the future.” (Suzuki)

“With someone like you around, we have no chance at all. Put away your weapon, boy. This is a public place.” (Kondo)

Standing close by were Suzuki-san and Kondo Isamu-san.

So, that murderous intent had come from Onee-san.

“Onee-san, please do not startle me like that. It is bad for my heart. Muze, are you all right?” (Kouta)

“Mai is mean-spirited.” (Muze)

“My apologies. I only wanted to see if you could react while dealing with Miu-chan. I assumed this would be the moment when you were most off guard.” (Suzuki)

“With that level of killing intent, anyone would wake up, even from deep sleep.” (Kouta)

“That is impressive. I hope to achieve that level someday.” (Kondo)

Kondo-san seemed oddly impressed, while Onee-san appeared quite pleased with herself. My protest did not seem to reach her, but I decided to sheathe my weapon anyway since the surrounding people had begun murmuring.

Muze climbed onto Onee-san’s shoulder to scold her, so I left that argument to her and turned to Kondo-san to ask what he needed.

“So then, Kondo-san, did you have some business with us?” (Kouta)

“Hmm? Did Suzuki not tell you? I was planning to go to the dojo as well, so I will give you two a ride.” (Kondo)

I sighed inwardly at Onee-san’s lack of explanation and turned to Kondo-san to thank him.

“I see. Thank you for the trouble. I appreciate the ride.” (Kouta)

“Do not worry about it. My car alone cannot fit everyone, so another person will also be providing a vehicle. You know this person quite well, so there is nothing to worry about.” (Kondo)

“I understand.” (Kouta)

It would have been nice to know that beforehand. I cast a reproachful glance at Onee-san, but she was far too busy playing with Muze to notice.

“Perhaps I should have prepared some snacks.” (Kouta)

“It is good that you thought of that, but you are still a student. You do not have to go that far. If it comes to that, I will have Suzuki provide them.” (Kondo)

“Understood. Then I will humbly accept your offer.” (Kouta)

While we were talking, the rest of our team gathered. They had not needed to come, but they planned to film the training so that even if it could not be broadcast, I could review it later. I felt a little guilty for making them take the trouble.

“Yo, you are early, Kouta.” (Hosoi)

“Hosoi-san? What brings you here? You are in casual clothes. Are you late for work? Your colleagues will be angry, you know.” (Kouta)

The stern-faced Self-Defense Force officer, Hosoi Terumasa-san, had arrived. We had become friendly since the terrorist incident.

“I am not late. I am a respectable working adult, unlike that unruly bunch of so-called bushido practitioners. We Self-Defense officers have group discipline drilled into our very bones. Five minutes early is right on time.” (Hosoi)

“That stings a little. Good morning, Hosoi-kun.” (Kondo)

While I checked my watch in surprise, Kondo-san greeted him. It was indeed exactly five minutes early. His punctuality was almost frightening. Apparently, Hosoi-san was the one providing the second car. I guessed Konno-san must have asked him for the favor. I was thankful for that.

Well, considering Konno-san’s beauty, it would be hard for anyone to refuse her request.

“Since it is our day off, let us skip the salute, Hosoi-kun.” (Kondo)

“Oh, my apologies.” (Hosoi)

Though his tone was casual, Hosoi-san still stood at attention. This man was a little peculiar as well.

 

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