Chapter 1

(Hmmm… ‘Tis the time to go to school, yet nary a person passes me by.)

(Well, we are in the midst of summer break. It would be quite rare were I to see another student commuting to school like myself.)

(…Alas, though it is summer break, I simply must not neglect my training. I feel as though I have not had enough time to do such training recently.)

(And it is not just training. I have neglected my singing and dancing as well. I am but a novice, both as a samurai and an idol.)

(…I realiz’d it fully prior, when I went jogging with Adonis-dono.)¹

(I was out of breath; and yet, Adonis-dono had not broken a sweat.)

(He had said it was simply because this was his field of expertise, but it is clear that I want for basic physical strength.)

(Akatsuki is not a unit which doth focus on intense performances; however, at times must we carry out such a program.)

(I shan’t be responsible for holding back Hasumi-dono and Kiryu-dono. Over the course of this summer break, I shall strive to discipline myself more than ever before!)

(Hum, I’ve arriv’d at school ♪ )

(I shall head straight for the classroom, whereat I’ll don my tracksuit… Pish, the classroom is locked. Well then, I shall stop in the staff room for the key.)

(…Mm? A sound draweth near. Who comes here? I shan’t pardon a thief. You shall become naught but rust upon my blade!)

Have at thee…!

Huh? Whoa—?!

O me, Hasumi-dono! I had thought thee a thief and thrust my sword thus!

To turn upon one’s lord is an act disgraceful to all samurai. I have resolved to commit seppuku, so I beg of thee, behead me!²

Don’t go committing seppuku over this. More importantly, why are you at school during summer break, Kanzaki?

Surely you didn’t come because you forgot it was summer?

Nay, nay. I came to school with the intention of training myself. And what of thee, Hasumi-dono? Wherefore didst thou come?

To finish up some work for the student council. There’s always work to be done, even during summer break. Rather, it’s likely to pile up if you’re not careful.

Ho, so that is the reason. However, is this a task thou shouldst undertake during thine holiday?

Such chores are the duty of those of lower standing. Would it not be all right to leave it to the other members of the student council?

As much as I’d like to, there’s just too much I can’t let them handle. And it’d take even more time to teach them how to handle every little thing.

It’s faster to just do it myself. Although, this isn’t exactly good for training them.

Honestly, I don’t have the time to train them. My hands are full just doing the work in front of me.

Well I say that, but I do have menial work they can do. It’d be a big help if I could pass that work onto them.

Umm, I am not a member of the student council, so perhaps it is not my place to speak. However, if thou wouldst have me, I shall gladly assist!

I am forever indebted to thee, Hasumi-dono, and so I would like to repay that debt.

Thanks, Kanzaki. Then I’ll let you know if there’s anything you can help with when I get the chance. If you’re free, you can help me out.

Good now! Were thou to ask it of me, Hasumi-dono, I would climb a mountain of bodies and swim a river of blood to meet thee ♪

Hmm… That reminds me, Kanzaki. You said you came to school to do some training. After I’ve finished my work, I’ll come join you.

Huh? Though I’m pleased by thine offer, is that truly all right? Thou art a busy man; it would pain me to force thee to accompany me in my training. Thy consideration is more than enough!

I can’t deny that I’m busy, but…

I was able to move around while Akatsuki was practicing for Tanabata Festival just a little while back, but recently I’ve been doing nothing but paperwork. I feel like my body’s getting weaker nowadays.

I’d like to join your training to get myself back in shape. To put it simply, this is all for my own sake. You’re not making me do anything.

Hasumi-dono… I graciously accept thine offer.

Then I’ll join you. …Hm, it’s been a while, so what do you say to calling Kiryu so all three of us can practice together?

The whole academy is bustling with life compared to before. It’s obvious that Trickstar has been going out of their way to hone their skills, but every other unit seems to be doing the same.

We can’t afford to fall behind.

I’ll message Kiryu later. If we can get together today without any problems, we’ll hold practice as Akatsuki.

Very well. I shall hold my training at the running grounds. If thou hast need for me, I prithee call on me.

Got it. Let’s both work hard, Kanzaki. See you later.