Ch 35: The Unbearable Kouki

Kaori already had tears of happiness streaming down her face as she kissed Hajime. She was really happy that her first kiss was with someone she loved. Their lips parted and Hajime spoke

"So... I think it will be good to have you with us from now on."

"Yes."

He spoke and released Kaori's waist. Kaori smiled happily and agreed. She put her finger to her lips remembering the kiss from just now.

Shia was complaining to Tio about Hajime accepting Kaori at first, but he didn't accept her. Tio reassured her that Kaori had known Hajime longer. Yue also stroked her head and said "do your best" and then she perked up and said determinedly "One day I'll still get Hajime-san by the way!"

Yue had already decided that Kaori would be her new rival and was getting ready. The students were having mixed reactions.

Nagayama's group and the girls took it well and were sending kind looks. However Kouki who was like a dense protagonist from some bum anime, did not accept this....

"Wait! What do you mean!? Kaori likes Nagumo? Why did they kiss? Huh... what do you mean she loves him? What does that mean? How did we come to this so suddenly? Nagumo! What have you done with Kaori!?"

"What the hell man?"

Kouki couldn't accept the reality of Kaori loving Hajime and exploded with anger at seeing them kissing. Kouki used his supreme skill 'convenient interpretation' and defined that Hajime was forcing Kaori somehow. Hajime seeing the way his mind worked could only let out words of surprise.

Seeing that Kouki was reaching for his sword, Shizuku tried to calm him down.

"Kouki calm down. Obviously Nagumo-kun didn't do anything. You may not have realized it, but Kaori has been in love with him for a while now. Since the time we were in Japan. Think about how well she treated him."

"That's only because Kaori was kind, isn't it? There's no way she could be in love with a worthless otaku like Nagumo."

Noticing the commotion of the group, Kaori stopped daydreaming after the kiss and moved closer.

"Guys. I'm going with Hajime-kun anyway. Then I'm leaving the group. I'm sorry, and Kouki-kun I'm an otaku too so stop talking like this is a bad thing."

The girls and Nagayama's group agreed easily, but Kouki did not.

"It's a lie, right? This is weird after all. Kaori has always been by my side. So shouldn't it stay that way? Kaori is my childhood friend...it's natural to stand by me. Isn't it, Kaori?"

"Umm... We may even be childhood friends, but that doesn't mean we'll be together forever, you know? That's a natural thing in life..."

At this moment Shizuku arrived and supported Kaori.

"It's true Kouki. Kaori is not your property and she herself should choose what she wants. So stop it."

Hearing the two Kouki was perplexed. His gaze moved towards Hajime who was talking to the rest of his group. Hajime figured that this was something for Kaori to take care of.

Kouki saw that there were two girls and a beautiful woman very close to Hajime. His eyes began to change and Kouki felt dark feelings. For the first time he felt envy. So he once again interpreted everything for his own convenience.

"Kaori You should not go with him. Just look at him. He is surrounded by several girls and even a child... besides he even put a slave necklace on the Demi-human girl. Even that black-haired woman called him Master. She must have been forced to call him that.

Nagumo is collecting girls. He is the worst. He easily killed someone, and he doesn't want to cooperate with us, his comrades. Kaori, you will only be unhappy with him. So even if you hate me I will stop you for your own good. You absolutely will not go with him!"

The absurd objection baffled all his colleagues. Kouki was super annoyed and ignored the disapproving looks of his colleagues at this moment a voice broke the silence.

"And you think you are who to stop her? You sound like some third-rate vile talking. If you try to force her, neither Hajime-kun nor I will stand still."

Rimuru spoke up. Rimuru didn't like it one bit that Kouki wanted to force Kaori who was Rimuru's friend to do something she didn't want to do. However that only angered Kouki even more. He knew he couldn't beat Rimuru so he turned his gaze to Hajime. He seemed to have thought of something.

"If Kaori sees how badly girls are treated she might give up on him" was his thought.

"You girls. There is no need for you to stay with him. I will take you in and we will save the world together. Shia, I will take off your slave necklace, don't worry. Tio doesn't need to call him Master either. Come with me."

Kouki reached out to the girls and gave a smile. Kaori was covering her open mouth in surprise. She didn't understand how Kouki came to the conclusion that the girls were forced to stay with Hajime. The other classmates had similar reactions.

"....."

"That guy is disgusting."

"I don't like guys like him."

Yue said nothing, Shia and Tio disgusted Kouki and hid behind Hajime.

Kouki was shocked that the girls were not won over by his smile. Not only that, but they hid behind Hajime whom they should hate since he was forcing himself on them. Kouki turned his surprise into anger and spoke

"Nagumo! Duel with me without weapons! If I win, never come near Kaori again! You must free the girls too!"

"Hou... That's a more plodding hero than I imagined. He doesn't even realize he's being a pain in the ass."

Kouki drove his sword into the ground and set off on Hajime. He knew he wouldn't win if Hajime used weapons, so he proposed unarmed combat.

Kouki didn't even wait for Hajime to agree and walked towards him. Hajime just stood there and Kouki thought that he couldn't react. Kouki increased his speed and just as he was about to catch up to Hajime.

PA

"Kuh!"

He received a kick from Hajime and was thrown far away without even reacting. Kouki let a groan of pain escape and crashed to the ground. He couldn't move and kept trying to get up, but failed.

Shizuku helped Kouki to his feet and he stood leaning on her. Kouki looked in Hajime's direction with anger and envy in his eyes. Hajime looked at him with contempt and spoke

"Amanogawa. If you come again, I won't hold back. You've already been defeated and you won't force Kaori into anything. If you try to do anything to her or anyone in my group, I'll be sure to use my weapons. Not that I need them to kill you.

"...."

Kouki couldn't say anything as Hajime released 'pressure'. He just stood silently watching Hajime angrily. Kaori approached Kouki and spoke...

"Kouki-kun. I want to and will go with Hajime-kun. You won't stop me just because you are my childhood friend. So this is goodbye."

"No! You can't go with him! You'll only be miserable with him! Don't you see that he is an evil person!?"

Kouki was being driven by anger and kept talking nonsense, so...

*TAP*

Kaori slapped Kouki which shut him up.

"Kouki-kun, you are an important friend to me. So don't make me stop liking you."

She spoke and turned away. Kaori thought that there was no reason for further conversation. Kouki could say no more and just stared at Kaori.

However, the troubles were not over. That was because Hyama's gang also tried to convince Kaori to stay. Hyama specifically had a troubled look on his face.

Kaori who didn't like them one bit just snorted and ignored them. Then Hyama who was clearly obsessed tried to grab Kaori's arm.

"Kuh!?"

Before he could grab Kaori. Her arm was held and her wrist was crushed. Who did that? It was Hajime. All the students were confused as to why Hyama was trying to grab Kaori and didn't even care about his injury.

Hajime let go of Hyama's arm and said as if nothing had happened.

"Hey, Hyama. How's your fire magic?"

"What?"

Hyama was confused, but his expression was in shock after he understood what Hajime was saying. Hajime seeing his reaction confirmed his suspicions.

"I... I don't use fire magic. My magic is wind magic."

"I see. You know what I think? That you like to throw fireballs at defenseless people. Now I think you better go heal that broken wrist."

Hyama cannot answer and slowly walked over to the secondary healer. The rest of the gang also went along as they were scared after seeing Hyama have a broken wrist.

Kaori was about to get her things from the inn when.

"Rimuru-san, Over here!"

Everyone heard a familiar voice and turned in her direction. For the students there was the goddess. For Rimuru there was his bride.

"Chloe!"

Rimuru called out and felt a pressure coming from the students. "How dare you call the goddess so casually!" their stares said, but Rimuru just ignored it. He walked over to Chloe who was running up to him happily and kissed her.

-Mochu-

""!!!!!!""

You could see exclamation points in the heads of all the students, including Kaori and Shizuku.

"Tio-san told me you had a surprise for me?"

Her lips parted and Rimuru asked. Chloe smiled happily and took out a small Styrofoam box from her Treasure Chest. This box was normally used to put food in.

"Here Rimuru-san. I made it with all my love. Ehehe..."

Rimuru opened the box and...

"What!"

Inside there was....Sushi! He never imagined seeing that in this world, so he let out a cry of surprise. Chloe explained to him that before coming to this world she had taken Japanese cooking classes to cook for Rimuru someday.

...Then I saw a store that sold the necessary ingredients and decided to make it for Rimuru-san."

She finished like this.

"Did you like it?"

"There's no way I could love you more."

"Ehehe."

Chloe gave an embarrassed laugh and at this moment...

"What's going on here!!!?"

Shizuku asked and all the students looked as confused as she was, the boys actually looked indignant.

Actually Kaori and Shizuku didn't tell anyone that Chloe was engaged because they thought that the reaction of the students who were in love with her would be funny. However they never imagined that Rimuru would be Chloe's fiancé. So Shizuku was thinking that Chloe was cheating on her fiancé with Rimuru.

The boy students were also boiling with jealousy and looking at Rimuru in a creepy way. Upon hearing Shizuku's scream the students regained their senses and began to complain

"Hey! Rimuru is harassing Chloe-san! We can't allow that!"

"Rimuru stay away from Chloe-san!"

"What do you think you're doing!? You bastard!"

"Chloe-san! Leave it to us to punish him! You can stay away from him!"

"That's right! Don't worry, we won't let him do anything! You can walk away!"

Apparently the students couldn't accept that Chloe had a beloved and thought that Rimuru was threatening Chloe. They also wanted her to get away from Rimuru as soon as possible, but Chloe's words shut them up...

"Eh? Why do I have to stay away from Rimuru-san? It's only natural for me to stay close to my fiancé."

*CRACK*

The hearts of all the boys were shattered. They fell down defeated and said nothing. Their goddess had a beloved. Not only that, but they were already engaged and this reality was too much for them.

"Wait a minute! Rimuru-kun is the fiancé you told us about?"

"Nn? Yes that's right."

Kaori asked and Chloe agreed kissing Rimuru once again. Kaori and Shizuku were stunned. They never imagined that one of their classmates was the fiancé Chloe was talking so passionately about.

There was one more person who was outraged by this information. It was someone who was trying to prove himself a better hero than Chloe. Kouki.

"What do you mean!? How can you be his fiance!? What kind of hero loves someone like that! Did you know he killed someone helpless!?"

The other students were also supporting Kouki, but it was only by jealousy. The students were trying to get Chloe away from Rimuru and Kouki wanted to prove himself a better hero than Chloe who saved him earlier. To the people who were using the argument that Rimuru was not suitable because he killed someone, Chloe just replied

"And what's the big deal? I don't care about that. For starters I killed that white-haired woman to save you guys, remember?"

"The reaper? But, she was a monster."

One of the students commented, and the others agreed. Chloe then explained that the reaper was not a 'monster'. She thought and could even talk. So killing her was really murder. The students realized that Chloe had really killed someone to save them and said nothing more. Only Kouki was still indignant.

"But you did it to save us! Rimuru killed someone helpless! How can you love someone like that!!!"

"Hey Kouki, enough of this. We've talked about this."

Shizuku tried to calm him down, but he just spoke.

"I just want an explanation. If she's a hero she has to be fair. I want to know what's wrong with her! If..."

"What's her problem?"

"....."

Rimuru interrupted Kouki in a low voice, but one that shut everyone up. That's because the pressure coming off Rimuru was abnormal.

Rimuru let go of Chloe's hand and shortened the distance between him and Kouki. He grabbed Kouki by the neck and released 'True Dragon Haki'.

All the students fell to the ground in fear and their faces were pale. They were sweating cold and holding their breaths. This pressure was much greater than the pressure coming off Hajime.

"Listen here, you fucking hero. I put up with a lot from you, but I'm not going to stand by and listen to you teach that Chloe has some mental problem. Who do you think you are? Just because she doesn't have the same twisted values as you, doesn't mean she's a worse hero than you."

Rimuru didn't like Kouki one bit that he was offending Chloe. Chloe was Rimuru's beloved and even if she didn't mind that he hated to see others offending her. Especially Kouki who was talking as if she was a terrible heroine.

Normally Rimuru wouldn't let his anger explode, but Kouki had already pissed off a lot today and offending Chloe was the last straw.

"...."

No one could say anything because of Rimuru's overwhelming pressure. If Hajime's pressure was like a waterfall, Rimuru's was a Tsunami. If normal people or even strong people felt this pressure, they would have fainted on the spot. The students could only stand it because they were super cheated.

"Next time I won't let it go just for a scare."

Rimuru let go of Kouki and deactivated his Haki. All the students exhaled and felt relieved. Shizuku realized that Rimuru was overprotective, but she didn't say anything. Instead she commented on something else.

"Rimuru-kun, so what is your relationship with...Sakura, if I'm not mistaken?"

She said and pointed to the pink haired girl who was extremely close to Rimuru and several times was clinging to her arm.

Rimuru looked at Sakura and spoke.

"Ah, Sakura? Well she is..."

As usual Rimuru was half embarrassed to say that he had two brides.

"She is Rimuru-san's fiancée too."

Chloe finished her sentence for Rimuru. All the students were perplexed, but they didn't cast any negative glances at Rimuru, as they were too afraid to do so.

"Is that true?"

"Hmmm. Yes she is my fiancée too."

Shizuku looked confused and Rimuru confirmed it. As he said that he grabbed Sakura's waist next to him. Shizuku was speechless so Kaori perinted at Chloe

"And Chloe is okay with that?"

"I don't mind."

Chloe replied lightly and hugged Rimuru's free arm. The students had already greatly changed their opinion of Rimuru and Hajime. They were blood brothers and Harem brothers. This left an impression of envy in the boys and curiosity in the girls.

"I guess my common sense has blown up. Well, at least I'm glad everything worked out for you Kaori."

Shizuku spoke changing the subject and congratulated Kaori on her new relationship. Now Shizuku and Kaori understood why no one in Hajime and Rimuru's group cared about Hajime having two girlfriends. It was already a common thing for them. Kaori thanked them and asked...

"Thank you. By the way, Shizuku-chan, how long are you going to carry this around for?"

She was referring to Shizuku's sword that broke during the fight against the demons.

"That? I think I'll take it to some blacksmith. The kingdom must..."

"Ah! I almost forgot!"

Shizuku was interrupted by Rimuru who remembered something. Rimuru approached Shizuku and held out his hand.

"Shizuku-chan, this is yours."

Rimuru pulled out a black Katana from his infinite space and handed it to Shizuku.

"That's..."

"You said you couldn't fight well with a normal sword, right? So I made this one for you. I'm sure you won't find anything better."

Rimuru couldn't make swords as good as his smiths Kaijin and Kurobee, but he did the best he could. This sword evolved along with Shizuku and had three magic stones in the handle. One of them healed Shizuku, the other launched a black lightning attack from a distance and the other allowed Shizuku to control the katana from afar.

As Rimuru explained the functions Shizuku looked amazed. When he finished explaining...

"Are you sure I should keep this? That sword must be the strongest in the Kingdom."

"I know Shizuku-chan will take good care of it."

"O..okay. Thank you."

She looked a little embarrassed to receive a gift from Rimuru. Chloe who was standing next to Rimuru asked...

"Shizuku-chan, are you okay, you look feverish, your cheeks are reddened."

"Oh? No, No! I'm fine! Yes, completely fine!"

She was still red and desperately trying to speak that she was fine. Chloe thought this was a little strange, but said nothing. At this moment Kaori went to get her bags.

Hyama tried to follow her, but Hajime stopped him. Hajime didn't tell his classmates about what Hyama did, because he had no proof and that would only lead to more discussion. Hajime had no interest in revenge and now that Kaori would be with them he had no reason to worry about Hyama.

Kaori returned with her bags and was saying goodbye to Shizuku.

"Kaori, send letters whenever possible. Did you get your toothbrush? Did you get enough clothes? Did you get enough panties?"

"Stop it! Shizuku-chan is sounding like my mother! And why did you ask me about my panties specifically!"?

"Good. Now that you have a boyfriend, you never know how many you'll need. You know what I mean?"

"That's embarrassing!!!"

Kaori got into the car while blushing and Shizuku finished with "Take care of yourself." At this moment Rimuru said goodbye.

"Bye Shizuku-chan. Take care, and take care of the others. You are one of the few sensible ones in this class."

"Well, I can't deny that. Hunnn... you take care of yourself too."

Shizuku was red again. Rimuru put his hand on her forehead while making a curious expression.

"What the..."

"It doesn't seem to be a fever at all. Well, be careful, I don't want Shizuku-chan to get sick. By the way, I have one more thing for you."

Rimuru took out a letter and handed it to Shizuku. This letter contained some tips that would help Shizuku, such as:

Don't try to overpower the Dungeon, it has over 300 and is dangerous.

Talk to Sensei when she comes back, she will have important things to tell you.

Be careful with Hyama and Eri.

Many of these things it was Ciel who had Rimuru write and he didn't even know why, like why be careful with Eri.

"Open it only after I go and I think it's better you don't show the others. Bye, See you next time!"

At this moment Choe came to say goodbye.

"Shizuku-chan, take care and don't overdo the training. I don't want a good friend to get hurt."

"Na...No need to worry."

Shizuku strangely was still blushing and Chloe was confused. Chloe took something out of her Treasure Chest and gave it to Shizuku.

"Here. I'll give some to Shizuku-chan too."

"Sushi?"

"Yes. I thought Shizuku-chan would like it. Well, I'll be going. Bye!"

Chloe got into the car.

Shizuku stood watching the car drive away and then just turned thoughtfully as she hugged her new sword. She certainly wasn't thinking about the person who gave her the sword while she was doing this. Okay?

Kouki also watched the car drive away with a somber expression.

●●●

On the evening of the same day they had two people on a bridge. Kouki was leaning on the railing looking at the reflection of the moon in the water and Shizuku was propped up on her back on the railing while looking at the moon.

"Is there something you want to say?"

"...."

Shizuku asked and Kouki did not answer. Kouki couldn't pay attention. He could only remember the spectacle of Kaori confessing to Hajime without a trace of a lie. Just happiness and the worst, that kiss. Kouki could not forget the kiss.

Kouki and Kaori had been friends for 10 years and he had never seen her make such a happy expression as after the kiss. When he remembered that expression Kouki felt dark and heavy feelings spreading through his mind.

Without any basis Kouki thought those feelings were normal to feel. He thought they had taken Kaori from him. He thought Kaori was his. Kouki was feeling Envious.

Kouki didn't know if it was out of love or a desire to monopolize her, but the feeling of 'theft' was blatant.

Shizuku who looking at her friend had an atmosphere of, "There's nothing to be done". She then spoke

"Right now, you're being a pain in the ass."

"A pain in the ass?"

"Yes. About Kaori. From the beginning she wasn't yours, you know?"

"So she was Nagumo's?"

Kouki's eyes were denying and cursing that. Shizuku moved closer and gave his forehead a nip.

"That hurts!"

"Kaori is her own. She should choose where and with whom she should stay. If she wants to stay with Nagumo-kun and he doesn't bother. Then it's okay."

"Since when did she... You must know, right?"

Shizuku nodded in agreement.

"She told me that something happened back in elementary school. I'm not sure what it was. That's something you should ask Kaori herself."

"So the reason Kaori always talked to Nagumo...was because she loved him?"

"Correct."

"..."

Shizuku said what Kouki didn't want to hear and he cast a disapproving glance. She just igonoru and Kouki spoke angrily.

"...Why Nagumo? He was always unmotivated and not special at all and in sports or studies. He always took the evasive approach when Kaori came to talk to him and treated her coldly.

I always thought of her as someone important and would treat her well. Nagumo already had several girls and treated them badly. He will do the same to Kaori. He is the worst. Not only that, but he is a murderer! He killed someone defenseless! How can Kaori like a bastard like that! He must surely..."

TAP

Kouki began to slander Hajime and this caused him to be offset by another tapa. Shizuku then spoke up...

"You are once again interpreting everything for your own convenience."

"Interpreting things for my convenience... no way I..."

"Haven't you noticed? You don't know anything about Nagumo-kun, do you? Not even when we were in Japan and not even now. Those girls were really happy with him. Yet you are trying to make him look like someone bad who is unsuitable for Kaori.

Certainly he is different, but at least Kaori wants to be with him, so something about him hasn't changed, but one thing you mustn't forget. He fought that woman to save us."

"So you are saying it is right to kill?"

"I don't know, but if we were strong enough we could have made the choice. He's the one who fought and he's the one who decides."

Kouki still didn't look convinced. Then Shizuku continued.

"Kouki, I don't hate your sense of justice, but it's time to question whether you are right."

"Doubting my justice?"

"Yes. If you don't do that, you will continue to move on blindly. So I want you to ask yourself if you are right. If you think you are always right, your integrity will become a lethal weapon. For example, now you are not being driven by justice, but by jealousy.

"Na...not for one to feel envious..."

"It is unpleasant to lie to me here, do you understand?"

"...."

"Kouki... It's only up to you to change."

Shizuku thought she had said all she wanted to and started to walk away. Before she left the bridge Kouki called out to her.

"Shizuku, you're not going to leave me, are you?"

"What is it now?"

"Please don't go..."

"..."

Shizuku couldn't answer because of a person who had been stirring her heart lately. A certain blue-haired boy who always helped her in her weak moments.

Shizuku just kept walking and left without answering.