Obligatory Princess Carry Chapter

I skidded to a halt outside the girls' locker room. Even with all of Puri Puri's fancy tech like the Gogo brains, Sukina High insisted on keeping Physical Ed. Something about "maintaining human connection through shared physical activity." More like shared suffering, if you asked me.

My cleaning protocols kicked in as I approached the door. "Initiating floor maintenance sequence."

Perfect. At least I could listen in while pretending to mop. I positioned myself near the entrance, sensors picking up the voices inside.

"Pressure points identified. Implementing relaxation sequence."

I heard multiple sighs and squeals. What was that cleaning robot doing?

"Tanaka-san, you're so different today! Usually you just hide in the corner."

"Corner occupation wastes valuable space. Group optimization increases efficiency."

More squealing erupted. I banged my head against the wall, earning strange looks from passing students.

"Warning: impact detected," my speakers chirped.

"Tanaka-san, what's this in your pocket?"

My circuits froze. The doujin!

"Unknown reading material requires classification. Perhaps group analysis would-"

"No!" I blurted, my robot voice echoing down the hall. "Urgent cleaning needed! Everyone evacuate!"

I charged into the doorway, spraying cleaning solution everywhere. Girls scattered, shrieking and laughing.

The Coach's whistle pierced through the chaos. "Everyone settle down! Head to the track for warm-ups!"

I watched Cleansuke stuff Lonely Bench Love into the tracksuit pocket. Great. Just great.

-

The track wasn't your typical oval of crushed rubber. Sukina High's field featured smart-surface panels that adjusted resistance and cushioning based on each student's gait analysis. Holographic pace markers floated above the lanes, and biometric scanners tracked everything from heart rates to muscle fatigue.

I positioned myself near the equipment shed, my cleaning protocols momentarily satisfied by organizing the jumbled sports gear. From here, I had a clear view of the track where everyone stretched for their mile run.

Cleansuke led the warm-ups. "Optimal stretch duration: forty-five seconds. Maintaining proper form increases efficiency by thirty-two percent."

That's when I noticed Reiko among the students. She kept stealing glances at Cleansuke between stretches. Her face flushed each time Cleansuke demonstrated a new stretch position.

"Reiko-chan, you seem distracted today." One of her friends nudged her. "Something interesting catch your eye?"

"It's nothing." Reiko adjusted her ponytail, trying to look anywhere but at Cleansuke.

Another friend giggled. "Sure you are. That's why you're blushing?"

"I'm not-" Reiko straightened her gym shorts. "The ambient temperature is simply elevated today."

"Kuromiya-san." Cleansuke appeared beside her. "Your hamstring flexibility appears suboptimal. Allow me to assist."

Reiko nearly jumped out of her skin. "That won't be necessary-"

"Negative. Proper form prevents injury."

I watched Reiko turn approximately seven shades of red. Her friends dissolved into barely-contained laughter.

"Your heart rate has increased by twenty-seven percent. Perhaps we should review proper breathing techniques?"

"I'm fine!" Reiko squeaked, scrambling away to the starting line.

Coach's whistle cut through the air. "Everyone line up! Let's see what those Gogo brains can do today!"

The smart track hummed to life, holographic markers floating above each lane. Students tapped their Gogo brains, syncing with the track's biometric systems. Race analytics and predicted finish times flickered in augmented reality displays.

My cleaning protocols kept me busy organizing stray water bottles while I watched my body take position at the starting line. Cleansuke stood there, perfectly straight, like someone had stuck a ruler down my spine.

"Remember," Coach called out, "your Gogo brains will optimize your pace and breathing. Let the tech work with you!"

The starting tone sounded. They were off.

Cleansuke ran with inhuman precision, each stride exactly measured, arms pumping at perfect angles. The track's smart-surface adapted beneath each step, but Cleansuke adjusted instantly, like a cleaning routine optimizing its path.

"Analyzing terrain. Calculating optimal velocity. Engaging maximum efficiency mode," I heard my voice announce to no one in particular.

Reiko pushed hard to keep up, her usual grace replaced with determined effort. Her face showed a mix of confusion and frustration as she watched Cleansuke pull ahead.

"How is Tanaka-" she panted, "-doing this?"

Cleansuke crossed the finish line first, didn't even break a sweat. The holoboard displayed my time - a new school record.

"Outstanding performance!" Coach checked her tablet. "Your biometrics are incredible, Tanaka. Perfect oxygen uptake, ideal stride length..."

Reiko finished second, doubled over catching her breath. Her friends crowded around.

"Don't worry, Reiko-chan! Second place is still amazing!"

"Would you like assistance optimizing your recovery breathing pattern?" Cleansuke appeared beside her. "I detect irregular respiratory rhythms."

"I'm fine," Reiko insisted, attempting to stand tall. But her knees betrayed her, buckling before she could fully straighten.

Cleansuke caught Reiko before she hit the ground. Her eyes went wide as she found herself suddenly cradled in my arms.

"Fall detected. Initiating emergency transport protocol."

"Put me down!" Reiko's face blazed redder than the track markers. "The medical robots will-"

"Medical response time: approximately 3.4 minutes. Direct transport: 47 seconds. Efficiency dictates immediate action."

The gathering crowd of students erupted in whispers and giggles as Cleansuke carried Reiko like a princess in some old anime. Her friends practically vibrated with excitement.

"This isn't- I mean-" Reiko squirmed, then froze as Cleansuke adjusted grip. "At least let me walk!"

"Negative. Risk of further instability: 89.4 percent."

I trailed behind them, my cleaning protocols forcing me to pick up discarded water bottles while watching this disaster unfold. Reiko had given up protesting.

"Your heart rate remains elevated. Perhaps a calming cleaning melody would help?"

Before Reiko could object, Cleansuke started humming the robotic tune we cleaning bots used during floor maintenance. I have to admit, the mortified look on Reiko's face was priceless.