Chapter 12 — Asking Questions

Saturday morning. I was supposed to meet Tsukishima Mori at a park near my place for her training session. But when I arrived...


"Right on time, Newbie! As expected of you."


Tsukishima stood right before me, her posture calm and composed. The voice didn't quite fit her appearance, though her lips moved in sync.


Anyway, no one calls me Newbie except for one person.


"Ryûko, I can see you, you know."


"Haha! Who are you calling Ryûko, Newbie! Though I'm only half as incredible as her, I'm Tsukishima Mori."


The same voice continued while Tsukishima's lips kept moving in sync. That was actually impressive, how she could follow Ryûko's act.


Using my telekinesis, I sent a small stone floating toward where I sensed Ryûko's presence.


She was hidden behind a large rock just a few steps away. I could even hear her little giggles, interrupted by an "Ouch!"


"That hurts a lot!"


"Why are you here, Ryûko?"


Ryûko finally emerged from her hiding place, revealing her burnt orange hair tied back in a small ponytail that exposed her neck.


She wore a light-pink cropped hoodie over a black fitted T-shirt. She also wore shorts in the same shade as her hoodie, with white ankle socks. Her usual white hoodie was tied around her waist.


"Hehe! I wanted to see you, that's why I'm here!" Ryûko said, her hands behind her back.


"Liar. You're not dressed for a casual visit. You're here to train, right?"


"Ara... I got found out just like that. After all, it's not that surprising—if I want to be the greatest hero, I have to train like one!"


"Eh...."


I knew she wanted to be a hero, but 'the greatest' sounded like too much, especially when you see who holds that title. But enough of that, Ryûko isn't the reason I'm here; it's Tsukishima.


I looked away from Ryûko, at Tsukishima's stern face. She hadn't moved an inch since I arrived. Ryûko seemed unable to stand still for half a second.


"Tsukishima-chan, are you ready for the training session?"


"Yes."


"Did you read the program I sent you yesterday?"


"Yes."


"Do you have anything to say about it?"


"No."


During our exchange, Ryûko's head swiveled back and forth between us like she was watching a tennis match.


"Newbie didn't ask me all that..."


Ryûko's shoulders slumped, and her cheeks puffed out.


"Don't give me that look, Ryûko. Your program didn't need any modification, unlike Tsukishim-san's. I know Ryûko's limits, but not Tsukishima's, that's why."


"Newbie... I kinda get you, Mori is so extraordinary that I don't know how high she can go! I deserve so much praise for scouting such a talent! Hahahaha!"


Tsukishima shook her head slowly. "You think too highly of me... I don't think I can live up to your expectations."


"Don't be so humble." Ryûko slapped her on her back. "Mori, all you need is more faith in yourself."


Tsukishima shook her head again, but didn't answer this time. This girl has a severe lack of confidence; worse, she acts like an object in the background.


I guess it's time I learned to deal with people like her.


"Let's start the session right away..." I looked down at Ryûko. "You can take a break if you can't keep up. The program's designed for Tsukishima-san, not you."


"Don't worry, it'll be a piece of cake.


*


"Ugh... I feel so dizzy... This white light, I think it's calling me..."


"Told ya, this program is hard."


Ryûko lay sprawled on the grass, gasping for breath, while Tsukishima, in the same condition, remained by her side. As I thought, Ryûko didn't make it through training. However, what surprised me most was that Tsukishima didn't either.


Unlike last week's fight, I didn't feel like she eased up to match Ryûko's pace. Maybe my program was too hard? Or maybe I overestimated her?


"You can rest for now. I had planned to start the theory a little earlier, but there's no point in cramming your head with information in this state."


"Huh? When it was my turn, you didn't say anything too complicated... Wait, don't tell me it's because you think I'm stupid?" Ryûko narrowed her eyes, peering at me with her arms crossed.


"Not that Ryûko is dumb, it's just that Tsukishima-san requires more theory. Ryûko's fighting style is based on instinct. With your quickness and reflexes, you can surprise your opponent in different ways. And as I told you, there are advantages and disadvantages to this."


Then I looked at Tsukishima. "Tsukishima-san, on the other hand, isn't as explosive; therefore, she has to put more effort into theory and discipline. From where you stand, I prioritize improving your strengths, so I need to take your fighting style into account to guide you on the right path."


"I see... but... Won't Ryûko ever need the theory at some point...?" Tsukishima asked, her hand slightly raised.


"She will, everyone has to learn it eventually. Some concepts will only come naturally to people like her, while people like you will need more guidance. Well, to be honest, I'm already satisfied with your abilities right now, Tsukishima-san. Your basics are solid enough for you to handle people close to your strength."


"So, you mentioned theory. What is it about?"


"I'll show you."


With a wave of my hand, I gestured Ryûko to stand up. She stood in front of me, taking a fighting stance.


"The concept I want to teach you is advanced, honestly, but I think it'll be useful for you. Just watch."


I looked back at Ryûko. Then I took a single quick step forward and stopped. Then, silence. I waited for Tsukishima's response, but all she did was stare at me with her turquoise eyes.


"So..."


"So...?"


"What did you see?"


"Harumaki-san took a step forward... That's it."


"Oh... Maybe I did it wrong. Let's try again."


I stepped even closer, my step heavier against the grass. Ryûko flinched slightly, raising her guard against an attack that never came.


"Is it clearer now?"


Tsukishima stared at me calmly, still seated in seiza. She looked into my eyes and spoke up:


"Harumaki-san moved to cause a reaction from Ryûko... Is that it?"


I gave her a double thumbs up. "Exactly. I moved in a way that forced her to react. That's what I call questions."


"Questions? Like a test, Ryûko?" Ryûko asked.


"Indeed. In combat, I have identified three states: advantage, disadvantage, and neutral. These are three keys to understanding combat in more detail, even though in some situations these states may overlap."


I shifted my weight slightly, causing Ryûko to flinch again.


"And those movements are what I call questions. If I do that, what do you do? And if I move here, what do you do? Many of those interactions happen without much thought, and the answers come naturally. That's why when you come up with questions that force your opponent to think, you might get better opportunities to extend the advantage."


"Eh... that's why it's so hard to defend against you—you're forcing us to think while having good questions!"


"Yes. The issue with questions lies in their threat. A weak kick isn't hard to answer to, for example. There's also the fact that some people don't even recognize these questions; all they think about is what they are doing. Those are the easiest people to beat."


"I see..." Tsukishima's voice trailed off. "Then... What if I'm not enough of a threat?"


"Hm... I think that's the case right now. Tsukishima-san is strong overall, but being threatening is another deal. Your attacks lack the power of Ryûko's, but unlike Odogiri-san, your speed isn't something to be particularly wary about. But given your potential, it will only be an issue in the first weeks. Tsukishima-san could become the strongest person in Narukami High School if you count me out."


Tsukishima glanced at Ryûko, who beamed at her. She was then pulled into a hug by her lively friend.


"I'm so jealous! The Newbie never praises me like that!"


"It's because you'll get cocky if I do." I clasped my hands together. "So, enough talking. Come here, Ryûko. It's time for some more theory."


"Huh? I thought that with theory, you had to use your brain?"


"Tsukishima-san will need to. But not you, so you'll be a training dummy. Don't worry, I won't hit you too hard."


"Eh...? Do I have a choice...?"


I shook my head. Ryûko's shoulder slumped, and she got in her fighting stance. The training continued until early afternoon.


*


Shortly after training ended, we were gathering our things while Ryûko remained on the ground. She'd given her all—even more than Tsukishima.


Tsukishima, meanwhile, had remained impassive throughout. In the end, I couldn't get to know her better... I'd resigned myself to waiting until next time when Ryûko suddenly shot up.


"Hey, Newbie. Wanna hang out today?"


"For what?"


"Don't know. I just want to hang out with you today. Mori's invited too. It's been a while since we last hung out."


Tsukishima met Ryûko's gaze and shook her head softly. She tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear and spoke up.


"I'm sorry, Ryûko, I have to take care of my sisters."


Her small friend's cheeks pouted softly before she looked down. Tsukishima's refusal was logical; it's her family after all. Yet, Ryûko still pouted.

"Ryûko... Once Aunt Ginko comes back, we'll go for sure, okay?"


"Then we have a deal." Ryûko's pout vanished in an instant, replaced by a wide smile.


Now back on her feet, Ryûko practically pushed Mori, though it lacked the force.


"Let's go! We'll take Mori home today."


"Oh... But you don't have to... I don't live close..."


Regardless of her friend's denial, Ryûko walked past and carried on. She stopped a few steps ahead and waved at us. Without much of a choice, we followed her.


I caught a faint smile on Tsukishima's lips. Regardless of how she acts most of the time, she also seems to be a kind person. Ryûko's friends are as nice as she is.


*


After taking Tsukishima home, Ryûko and I arranged to meet at her place.


Before I even rang the doorbell, her mother opened it abruptly. She looked in a hurry and nearly fell in front of me. I caught her before she fell and helped her regain her balance.


"Thank you... Oh.... You're Harumaki-kun, right? Are you here to visit Ryûko?"


I nodded. "Yes, is she home?"


"She's upstairs right now, I heard her get in the shower... AH! I don't have time to talk! Sorry, I have to leave!!"


Ryûko's mother bolted away, leaving me at the doorstep.


"Little Ryûko's a bit like her mother in how she acts, even if their vibe is a little different," Himeguro said, with a hint of amusement.


"Kind of... It's only natural, they're daughter and mother, after all."


I sighed softly after saying that... Being like your mother, huh? I wondered if I was like mine now that I'd grown up...


I entered the house and stood in the living room, lit by the rays of the spring sun. It was the second time I'd been to Ryûko's house. I'd also been to Yôsuke's.


When I tell Marie about this, I wonder what kind of face she'll make.


"Mama! I can't find my green shorts. Have you seen them? The others are too tight now..."


Ryûko's voice echoed from the hallway, then she appeared, one hand on the wall as she entered the room, eyes closed.


She was wrapped only in a towel, her shoulders exposed, her skin still slightly flushed from the hot bath.


Her burnt orange hair fell just over her shoulders, still damp and loose.


"Mama, you could at least as...wer..."


Ryûko froze mid-sentence. Her eyes widened as she spotted me on the sofa.


"Newbie... you're here already...?"


I nodded. Ryûko's face turned red as a tomato, and for the first time, she looked embarrassed. And I feel like anyone would be embarrassed in this situation...


I looked away and said. "Shouldn't you like, hide or something?"


"N-no... why would I...? It's alright.... It's like..."


She quickly ducked into the hallway and stayed silent for at least five minutes before speaking again.


"Wait for me, okay...? I'll be back in a bit..." she whispered, her voice losing its usual energy.


*


Half an hour later, Ryûko came back into the living room, wearing casual clothes.


She wore a black long-sleeved hoodie that reached mid-thigh. She also had knee-length white thigh-highs.


Ryûko sat beside me silently on the sofa, swinging her legs back and forth rhythmically.


"Hey..." "Um..."


We talked at the same time. Ryûko laughed softly, and I gave her the floor.


"So... I don't have any proper clothes to go out in, so I guess we'll just watch a movie here. That's what I wanted to say. What about you?"


"Ah... I was about to ask what we'd do. But you already answered."


"Ah... Okay..."


Ryûko was clearly avoiding my gaze.


"I'll bring snacks, you can pick the movie."


"Ryûko should pick it. According to Odogiri-san, she has good taste."


"Got it..."


Then, she left for the kitchen.


"Ryûko's the type to get flustered, huh?"


"She's human, so it's nothing crazy or anything."


"Isn't it cute to see her act this way? It's what you nerds call gap moe, if I remember correctly."


"I don't know about that. I'd like to comfort her, but I'm not sure what to do..."


"Then... why not make her think about something else? It's a memory both of you want to forget after all."


"I see..."


We began our movie session calmly. Ryûko had curled up beside me on the sofa, a blanket draped over her.


The film was about a man who lost his home because of a cult that resented him for his origins. Although he was just an ordinary student, he was forced to learn how to fight to protect himself and survive.


There was a lot of action, and the only lulls were when the main character was recovering from his injuries. He had no friends or family, yet he continued to fight for survival, drawing on the kung fu he had learned from his late father.


"Tell me, Newbie. Is it true that you went to Yôsuke's place?" Ryûko shifted her gaze from the movie to me.


"It's true..."


"I see... So you met his older brother then?" Ryûko turned fully toward me.


"We did. It was the first time."


"... Is that so... Eh... so lucky..." Ryûko curled her knees to her chest. "I thought Yôsuke needed support with that too, but I had no idea what to do. It's so hard... Trying to help people with their family problems."


Silence stretched between us. The movie climaxed with a big fight scene in which the main character died. He sank into a river in a scene without any soundtrack. It was long, calm, and somehow soothing.


Ryûko gazed at the screen, motionless. Without a trace of sadness on her face, as if it were the right ending.


"Did Newbie like the movie?" Ryûko said, still looking at the TV.


"Yeah, the main character was memorable."


"Don't you feel like it's a shame that he died? We followed him from the beginning, we saw how much he suffered, and in the end, he didn't get a happy ending."


"It's not so weird. Happy endings don't happen all the time. If this movie had a happy ending, it would be a bit of a shame, or something like that."


"Eh... So we thought the same thing, huh?" Ryûko locked eyes with me, a peaceful smile on her face. "I actually don't like that movie a lot, because I think everyone deserves a happy ending. Even though the main character is a hero, I don't want to be like him. To be the hero I wish to be, I have to give happy endings to everyone I can, even myself."


"I see... Ryûko's.... strong. Having such beliefs is really admirable."


I observed her candid expression, her blue eyes practically pulsing with hope and courage.


"Ryûko has grown up."


Then, Ryûko's eyes widened. "By grown up, do you mean..."


"Mentally. That's the feeling I have, though I don't know why."


"Then... Can I ask you a question?" She leaned closer, invading my personal space. "Why... why do you call me Ryûko all the time...?"


//n Japan, the first name is the "True Name." It’s a sacred territory you don't step into unless you are family or lovers. So skipping the surname and the honorifics is intimate. It shows a bond that bypasses all social niceties. To use it so naturally with a classmate you barely know is unusual.//


Ryûko stared at me intently, waiting for my answer. Why...? We met a week ago, so why am I so casual with her...? Did we meet somewhere before...?


"I... I don't know. It's kinda like a no-brainer."


Ryûko's face seemed to collapse before my eyes. She quickly turned her head away, wiping her tears with her sleeves before they could stream down her cheeks.


I didn't even have time to try to comfort her before she slapped her cheeks hard.


"Newbie, in the first round on Tuesday—if I win, will you let me call you by your first name, please??"


She bowed her head deeply. For her to ask such a thing, it must be really important to her.


"You see, I like being called by my surname. Because until a few weeks ago, I couldn't use it. But, if it's for Ryûko, I don't mind her calling me by my first name so soon."


I held out my hand and patted her head softly.


"So you'll need to win without getting hit one time." I deadpanned.


"HUH?? WHY??"


"It's only fair; nothing is easy to obtain in life. I also feel like Ryûko can do it. I even look forward to seeing it."


Ryûko's shoulders slumped, and a resigned smile appeared on her face.


"Here I thought I was the kid here..."


"Oh? So you're doing it on purpose?"


"Not entirely." She looked up at me. "I'm not against being treated like a kid. Most people find it... comforting, you know? And it's also a part of my personality, so I don't mind."


Ryûko gently grabbed my wrist, removing my hand from her head. She closed my hand into a fist and bumped it with her own.


"I'll do it, so make sure to watch me. You won't be disappointed."


Who would have guessed that this girl had such a side to her personality? Actually, I could have if I'd gotten to know her better.


She looked at me with such intensity that I couldn't look away. At that one instant, more of my worries for the first round vanished. Tsukishima, Toshinori, Yôsuke, and Ryûko. I wanted this feeling—where I had enough confidence in them to win all their battles—to grow even stronger.


My lips parted. "I'll be watching. I'm counting on you to put on a show, Ryûko."


"Haha! You bet I will!!"


Only three days left until the first round of Erabareshimono no Kyousou. In less than 72 hours, the battle for wishes will begin, for better or for worse. But one thing is certain: at the end of this journey, Marie will be by my side again. I swear it.


To be continued...