Talked about the past and their thoughts

"Kairyuuin Seventh Institute recommends you as a special scholarship student."

The words spoken by Yukinoshita Haruno were unexpected for Hachiman. He was left speechless for a moment, while Haruno continued speaking.

"By the way, as a special scholarship student at Kairyuuin, you'll enjoy benefits such as exemption from tuition fees, receiving a scholarship, and discounts on cafeteria meals. Normally, students often live in the dormitory, but if you prefer, you can apply to live in a nearby apartment. Oh, and if it's a Kairyuuin-affiliated apartment, they offer discounted rent for students, so it's quite a good deal."

Haruno spoke with enthusiasm about the benefits of being a special scholarship student. As she continued talking, Hachiman finally regained his composure.

"...Um, Yukinoshita-san."

"Yes, what is it?"

"There's something I want to confirm."

"Sure, what is it?"

For Hachiman, it was an unbelievable story. He asked, hoping it was a misunderstanding.

"If I didn't mishear, did I hear correctly that you're recommending me as a special scholarship student?"

"Yes, that's right."

It seemed that it wasn't a misunderstanding. However, there was something he couldn't accept.

"...Isn't the recommendation in Asterisk usually for those who excel in the regular tournaments?"

"Generally, you're right. The recommendation is usually based on those who have excelled in the tournaments, and scouts recommend them. However, special scholarship students are different. Each school has slightly different criteria."

Haruno continued with an amused tone.

"For example, Arlequint Academy. It's a school known for its research, so they evaluate the technical skills like the creation of Lux weapons more than individual strength. St. Galahadworth Academy seeks individuals who possess both strength and integrity, so if your conduct is even slightly questionable, you're out. On the other hand, Le Wolfe Black Institute is a school where strength is everything, so as long as you're strong, they accept any scoundrel. At Quinveil Women's Academy, you might already know, the students are engaged in idol activities, so looks and style are more important than strength. As for Seidoukan Academy... well, it doesn't have any particular characteristics. If you're strong, they're okay even if your conduct is a bit questionable."

I see. It certainly seems that the criteria vary depending on the school. However, the crucial school is missing.

"...What about Kairyuuin?"

Hachiman asked about the school that recommended him as a special scholarship student. He couldn't imagine fulfilling the conditions mentioned earlier.

"What do you think?"

Haruno countered with a question. After thinking for a moment...

"I'm not sure. I don't think there are any conditions that apply to me."

"The criteria at Kairyuuin... It's about being interesting."

"...Huh?"

He didn't understand. Haruno chuckled and continued speaking.

"Of course, that's the reaction you'd have. Hikigaya-kun, do you know anything about Kairyuuin?"

"No, I've only heard that it's a school with a Chinese-style atmosphere."

"Well, that's what most people think. For the regular recommendation class at Kairyuuin, the criteria are not much different from Seidoukan. It's about having a certain level of strength and catching the scout's eye. However, when it comes to special scholarship students, things change. The top-ranked student at Kairyuuin, Fan Xingluo, also known as Ban'yu Tenra, is the one who handpicks special scholarship students. Only those who are deemed interesting by her are recognized."

"So, you're saying I've been recognized by this Ban'yu Tenra person? But why? I haven't even participated in any tournaments."

Hachiman couldn't comprehend the situation. He finally realized the purpose behind Haruno's visits these past few days.

"Do you understand? Yes, I didn't meet you every day without any purpose. At first, it was just a prank, trying to approach you while hiding my presence. But you easily found me, and that surprised me. So, little by little, I increased the difficulty, trying to see how far you could go. And today..."

At that point, Haruno paused for a moment.

"...I was serious. I used all the star magic I have at this moment. But you surpassed even that. It's because of that, that I believe you're suitable for recruitment."

Haruno spoke with a serious expression. It seemed like she wasn't joking.

"Now, Hikigaya-kun, will you accept this recommendation?"

She reached out her hand towards him, seeking his agreement. But the answer was already decided.

"...I decline."

"May I ask for the reason?"

Immediately after his refusal, she asked without missing a beat. It seemed like she expected this response.

"I'm glad that you appreciate me, Yukinoshita-san. But I don't have that kind of ability, and more importantly, I don't have a reason to accept this recommendation."

"Is it because you're not interested in Asterisk? Or maybe because you don't want to trouble your sister, Komachi? Or..."

"...Is it because, unlike in the past, I hardly possess any star power now?"

Haruno's words made him realize that she knew about the circumstances of the Hikigaya family.

"...Seems like you're quite knowledgeable about our situation."

Hachiman sarcastically questioned her, and Haruno calmly responded.

"I had to gather information since you were a potential recruit. Sorry for doing the investigation."

Haruno took out her mobile device and opened a spatial window in front of them, checking its contents and reading it aloud.

"Hikigaya Hachiman. The eldest son of the Hikigaya family, who belongs to the non-star pulsation generation. Both you and your sister, Hikigaya Komachi, were born to parents from the non-star pulsation generation, but your sister, like you, belongs to the star pulsation generation. You had extraordinary star power since childhood, and at the request of your parents, you joined the Chiba Branch of the Toudouin-style swordsmanship at the age of four. With your talent blossoming, you became a disciple of the Sword Saint, Watari Kazuhito, at the age of five. You showed remarkable progress, and your future was highly anticipated. However, suddenly at the age of seven, you quit the dojo. By that time, you had almost lost your star power."

Haruno closed the spatial window and looked at him. It seemed like she had thoroughly investigated his background.

"So, you practiced swordsmanship. I didn't expect that. But it seems you made quite an impact, Hikigaya-kun. I'm familiar with the name Watari Kazuhito. He's someone I know."

"I could never defeat him. It seems that he is what people refer to as a 'monster' when they talk about someone like him."

"Oh, that's intriguing. I'd love to have a match with him sometime."

"It's difficult. He retired and rarely had sword matches with anyone, including me."

Hachiman recalled his past memories. That master of his spent most of his time practicing by himself, only sparing with Hachiman during their training sessions.

"That master of yours was one of the few, and you were his direct disciple."

"Well, something like that."

"Hey, Hikigaya-kun. Why did you quit the dojo? I can speculate about the cause, though I might not know the method."

"...It's nothing. I quit because I got bored. As you know, my star power had disappeared by then."

"I don't believe that such a simple reason could deceive your sister."

Haruno pointed out. Before he could respond, she continued.

"...Hikigaya-kun, you sealed your star power yourself, didn't you?"

That statement struck him like a blow to the chest.

"...Why would you do that? Why would I have to go through the trouble of sealing my own star power?"

It was an outrageous argument from a normal perspective. The star pulsation generation was a special existence. When they unleashed their full power, they could run faster than cars and even block bullets by concentrating star power. They took pride in their own abilities.

Yes, that's how it should be—normally.

"But you did it, Hikigaya-kun. I don't know the method, but... I can speculate about the cause."

Confidently, yet somewhat sorrowfully, Haruno began to speak.

"Right after you gave up the sword, your sister, Komachi-chan, started training in the star pulsation generation."

"It seems she didn't have talent for the sword. Her chosen weapon is a gun-type iaito called 'Koushiki Busou.'"

"Lately, she has been participating in various tournaments in Japan and attending enhancement camps organized by the Integrated Corporate Entity."

"...In contrast, your treatment at home worsened as a result of betraying your parents' expectations."

"When the family went out for meals, you were left behind, and when they went on trips, you were always left at home alone."

"...Hikigaya-kun, you gave up everything you loved—the sword, your abundant star power, your parents' love, and the promised future. All for the sake of redirecting your parents' attention towards your sister."

"However... was that the only reason?"

Haruno spoke, her face filled with pain. Her eyes seemed on the verge of tears, as if she were recounting her own experiences.

"...No... I wonder?"

Seeing her expression, Hachiman hesitated for a moment...

"...I surrender."

He finally admitted it.

"Why did you think of sealing your star power?"

"...Why, you ask? It wasn't something I deliberately planned; it just happened that way."

"What do you mean?"

Reacting to Haruno's question, Hachiman lifted his gaze and looked into the distance. He recalled the memories of that day and began speaking.

"...When I came back from the dojo that day, my sister was crying. Even when I tried to ask her the reason, she only cried harder, and I couldn't understand why. But before she fell asleep, she said something."

"'Big brother is so unfair.'"

"At first, I didn't understand what she meant. That was all Komachi said. But after a while, I realized. While our parents were taking care of me so diligently, Komachi was always looking at them..."

"..."

"I think she felt lonely. That our parents, who were so devoted to taking care of me, didn't pay attention to her. Of course, both of them loved Komachi, and she knew that. But still, it wasn't enough for her..."

"So, what did you do?"

"...I made a wish."

"What did you wish for?"

"Yes. When I was young, I couldn't come up with a way to solve Komachi's troubles. I couldn't reduce my own star power. I agonized over it, couldn't think of anything, and in the end, all I could do was wish. I wished that I didn't need this power. That because of this power, I made Komachi cry. So, I wished for this power to be gone... And then, I had a dream."

"A dream?"

"...I was drifting alone in an empty space, and I saw a door. The door closed, and numerous chains entwined around it. With each additional chain, I felt my star power diminishing... And when I woke up, my star power was in its current state."

Hachiman finished speaking and raised his right hand in front of Haruno. He clenched his fist, concentrating his star power, but just like this morning, only a faint star power was generated.

"This is my limit. Since that day, my star power has never returned. Unfortunately, I can't meet Yukinoshita-san's expectations."

Haruno looked at his right hand. As he said, only a weak star power was present.

If that was his full power, then it was certainly too weak. Among the star pulsation generation, he could be called the weakest.

However, it was the strength of his determination. He lamented his inability to do anything for his sister, pondered what he couldn't do, and ultimately sacrificed himself. Haruno couldn't deny such thoughts.

Haruno extended her own hand towards his right hand. She gently held it with both of her hands.

"...Yukinoshita-san?"

"Hikigaya-kun, you're amazing."

She spoke the words, leaving Hachiman bewildered. Haruno continued to speak.

"You were able to give up everything for your sister's sake, knowing what the result would be. I truly think you're amazing."

"What I did was just self-satisfaction. It's not something grand like you're making it out to be."

Haruno shook her head.

"...No, that's not true. I was so self-centered, and I couldn't do what you did. I couldn't do everything for the sake of Yuki-chan..."

Hachiman looked at Haruno in front of him. From her complex expression, one could sense her feelings for her younger sister, Yukinoshita Yuki.

It could be a deep love for her precious sister, or perhaps regret, or maybe both.

...He couldn't help but feel that he was somewhat similar to her.

"Yukinoshita-san, may I ask you something?"

"What?"

"...How do you feel about Yukinoshita?"

"Why are you asking all of a sudden?"

"It piqued my curiosity. Your way of dealing with Yukinoshita. I can tell that you have the love of a family. But... it seems like there's something more than that..."

Hachiman felt something he couldn't quite express in words.

The day they first met when he went shopping with Yukinoshita Yui. The time they walked together at the festival and were invited to the VIP seats. And the chaos she caused in the preparation for the cultural festival, provoking the Committee.

At those times, Haruno wore a mask.

She mediated between him and Yuki, and she made provocative remarks toward Yui. At first glance, she seemed like a good sister who cared about her younger sister. But during the cultural festival, it seemed like she regretted her actions.

There was a contradiction.

It appeared as if she wanted to be liked by her sister, and at the same time, it seemed like she didn't mind being disliked. But from her current appearance, it seemed like she regretted those actions.

That bothered him, and Hachiman decided to ask her about it.

"About Yukinoshita-chan..."

Haruno murmured in response to Hachiman's question.

"Of course, I love her very much. She's my family and a precious younger sister. But..."

"At the same time, I hate her so much."

Haruno said with a bright smile.

"I love Yukinoshita-chan. Since we were young, she followed me around and imitated me, and that was so adorable. But at the same time, I hate her. She could be free unlike me, but she never tried to seize that freedom. She dislikes me, yet she always imitates me, and that infuriated me."

"Hey, Hikigaya-kun, do you know? Love and hatred are two sides of the same coin."

Haruno's words had no trace of lies. That's what Hachiman felt. She was speaking calmly, without wearing her unsettling mask.

"This is the first time I'm revealing all of this to you, Hikigaya-kun."

"I didn't expect you to speak your true feelings."

"Is that so? I think you've noticed, but I've taken off my creepy mask. I'm speaking with my true feelings."

"...Loving her and hating her at the same time. It seems contradictory, but from your demeanor, it feels like the truth. However, it also seemed like you regretted something regarding Yukinoshita."

"...That's not about Yukinoshita-chan."

"...Huh?"

Haruno let go of Hachiman's hand. She straightened her posture and looked directly into Hachiman's eyes.

And then...

"I'm sorry, Hikigaya-kun."

Haruno bowed her head to Hachiman.

Hachiman was taken aback. It was because Haruno, of all people, was bowing her head.

"I told you I looked into your situation, right? That includes your recent circumstances. If I hadn't caused trouble during the cultural festival, your current situation wouldn't have happened. ...I'm really sorry."

While deeply bowing, Haruno explained the reasons.

Hachiman understood the reasons, but he was still confused. It was true that he felt something off about Haruno during that time.

Haruno caused chaos in the committee by provoking Yukino and interfering with Soubu's plans. But now, she was apologizing for those actions. It didn't seem like she was lying.

That's why he thought there must have been a purpose behind it. He quickly came up with an idea.

There could only be one reason why Haruno acted. That was the most likely possibility.

But before asking about it, there was something he had to do first.

"For now, please lift your head."

It felt uncomfortable to have the Demon Queen bowing her head. Mostly mentally.

Haruno raised her head and looked at Hachiman.

"If you're concerned about the cultural festival, I don't really mind. Whether you intervened or not, the result would probably be the same."

Even if Haruno hadn't been there, it's likely that Soubu would still face the boycott by Soubu South. It was true that the main cause was his own lack of ability.

The committee fell into chaos due to Haruno's arrival, and there was even a boycott by the chairperson on the day of the festival.

But even if Haruno hadn't come, Soubu South would probably have boycotted in the end. It was just a matter of whether it happened sooner or later, according to Hachiman's thoughts.

"...If it bothers you, there's one thing I'd like you to tell me instead."

Haruno nodded in response.

"Regarding why you provoked Yukinoshita in the committee, what were you expecting? It didn't seem like your usual self. What were you hoping to achieve by provoking her like that?"

During that time, Haruno provoked Yukino and caused chaos in the committee. But that couldn't have been her final goal. If Hachiman's assumptions were correct, she must have expected something from her younger sister, Yukinoshita Yukino.

"...Hikigaya-kun, it's fine, I guess."

Haruno muttered. And then, the next words that came out of her mouth shocked Hachiman.

"I've decided to cut ties with the Yukinoshita family."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It means exactly what it sounds like. I won't succeed the Yukinoshita family. I'm completely cutting ties with them. I'm currently preparing for that."

Cutting ties with the Yukinoshita family. It was easy to say, but it was hard to believe that she would be allowed to do so. After all, she was the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family.

That's why he started to think. Cutting ties with the Yukinoshita family. Intervening with her sister, Yukinoshita Yukino. The preparations that were mentioned.

What did they imply?

"...Are you doing it to train Yukinoshita? Everything you've done so far..."

"Correct. As expected of you, Hikigaya-kun. I'm distancing myself because Yukino-chan will be the successor. That's why I need to make various preparations."

"...From what I can see of Yukinoshita's current state, it doesn't seem like she's progressing."

"...That's true. I thought she had grown a little since I met you. It seems my foresight was off. I can't afford to have the chaos of just a cultural festival. It's for both the Yukinoshita family and myself."

"...But how does she feel about it? She seems to be avoiding the Yukinoshita family."

Yukinoshita Yukino had left her home to live alone by her own will. She seemed to dislike her older sister and mother, so it didn't seem like she wanted to inherit the family.

"That's not a problem. She doesn't say it out loud, but that girl wants to inherit our father's work."

Haruno placed her index finger in front of her mouth, indicating that it was a secret.

"...What will you do after distancing yourself from the Yukinoshita family?"

"...Want to know?"

"Well, at least a little."

Haruno responded, calling it ordinary.

"I want to become strong. Stronger than anyone else."

It was an unexpected answer.

"If you're part of the Starpulse Generation, you must have thought about it, right, Hikigaya-kun? Wanting to become stronger than anyone else. Improving your own power, competing with rivals, aiming to be the strongest. That's why I'm here in Asterisk."

Saying that, Haruno began to talk about her life in Asterisk.

Mostly, she talked about Kairagi Ren and her involvement with him, but the stories were all intriguing.

She challenged Fan Xinglu on her first day and was easily defeated, leading to her becoming his disciple.

She told him that despite her young appearance, she was an extraordinary battle maniac.

In some circles, she was even called the Loli Baba.

She mentioned that she was defeated in a sneak attack by Arema Sayaan another day.

There was a rival named Wu Xiao Hui, and they competed with each other, pushing each other to improve.

He was a silent young man, but apparently, there was always a teasing element to him.

There was a boy named Zhao Hu Feng, who they made cross-dress with Cecily Wong, and he was thrilled.

Zhao Hu Feng cried tears of joy. Poor thing.

Cecily and her friend, Umeoji Fuyuka, often go shopping together as a group of three. One day, they went shopping with Zhao Hu Feng, who was cross-dressing, and managed to keep it a secret until the end. He was approached by a guy who tried to hit on him, and it seems he cried and wet his pillow that night. I can't help but sympathize with him.

Lai Chenyun and Lai Chenhua, the twin siblings, used to have an arrogant and light-hearted attitude towards others, but it seems they have improved their personalities somewhat. Being targeted by the Demon King was probably their unlucky break.

They also encountered the Twelve Heavenly Stars, a group from another school, at the casino in the entertainment district. It seems they were caught making a fortune in an illegal casino and were recruited as disciples. They get along well because they both have a liking for little sisters.

During their time at the illegal casino, they also crushed a mafia group that tried to cause trouble and ended up demolishing the entire building. They then engaged in a massive brawl with the captain of the security force who rushed to the scene.

There are quite extraordinary stories mixed in, but Haruno told them with great enthusiasm. It seems she is having a lot of fun in school. Her smile without the mask is very charming, and it never gets boring to watch.

"Joining Kairagi has changed me. I met the strongest master and have good rivals. I also have friends who see me for who I am, not just as the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family. I'm living a fulfilling life every day."

Haruno extended her hand towards Hachiman.

"Hikigaya-kun, why don't you come to Asterisk? As one of the reasons behind your current situation, I can say that you shouldn't be here. If you join Asterisk, you can quickly become stronger, and if you let Fan Xinglu take a look at your Starpulse Power, I'm sure it can be resolved. Our school is full of students seeking their own strength, so there won't be any annoying guys like your classmates... So, I want you to come to Asterisk with me."

It was very enticing. Hachiman felt drawn to her question and was about to give an immediate response. No one had ever praised and desired him as highly as she did.

He looked at the hand extended before him. If he took that hand, maybe he could change. Maybe he could regain the strength he had given up on that day. And perhaps... he could find something genuine, just like she did.

"I..."

"Mmm, Komachi, eat a lot."

"Yes, if there's something else you want to eat, feel free to ask."

"...Thank you, Mom, Dad."

As the sun set and night approached, Hikigaya Komachi was having a meal at a restaurant with her parents. In front of her were numerous dishes that she couldn't finish alone.

"...By the way, I was surprised that you came all the way to the training camp."

"We did it for Komachi's sake. Don't worry about it."

"Hehe, your father and I thought of surprising Komachi together."

The training camp they were referring to was a strengthening camp for the Starpulse Generation.

There were various types of camps for the Starpulse Generation, and the one she was currently participating in was organized by the Galaxy Corporation, one of the integrated corporate bodies.

They recruited applicants from the Starpulse Generation through selection, and those who passed were given the qualification to participate in the camp. There was also the benefit of being guided by employees of the Galaxy Corporation, which attracted a considerable number of applicants.

The target participants were mainly those who had been overlooked by scouts, but promising students were sometimes scouted from St. Galahadworth Academy, a school operated by the Galaxy Corporation.

"So, how's the camp going, Komachi?"

"With the guidance from the Galaxy Corporation, it must be a valuable experience for you, Komachi."

"...Yeah, it's tough, but I'm doing my best."

"Once this camp is over, the tournament will be approaching."

"That's right. This is the biggest tournament in Japan, so I'm sure there will be many scouts."

"If you shine in this tournament, Komachi, you might catch the eye of a scout!"

"Yes! I'll do my best, so please look forward to it!"

While her parents were engrossed in their conversation and getting excited, Komachi was feeling down.

She had been forced into participating in this camp without her knowledge. Her parents had secretly applied for it and practically forced her to join.

"Komachi has to achieve good results and go to Asterisk."

"Yes, you can definitely go, Komachi. We have high expectations for you."

"...Yeah."

She understood that her parents loved her.

But their expectations weighed heavily on Komachi's shoulders.

Komachi didn't like competing. She believed she understood her own limits. Her Starpulse Power was above average compared to ordinary Starpulse Generation students, but it was trivial compared to the top-tier ones, and she didn't have any special abilities like the "Witch."

"Why is it always me?"

Her murmured words didn't reach her parents, who were engrossed in their conversation.

Her older brother, Hikigaya Hachiman, hadn't done anything, yet she was the one carrying the burden. She had been living this busy life since she could remember. After school, it was martial arts training, followed by the training camp. She had no time to relax, let alone spend time with friends.

"That's right, Komachi can definitely go to Asterisk. I believe in you."

"Yes, I'm sure you can go. We're counting on you, Komachi."

"...Yeah."

To meet her parents' expectations.

That was the only path for Hikigaya Komachi.

...And the day when that fateful encounter would happen, when their expectations and predictions would be surpassed and their destinies would intersect with Hikigaya Hachiman, was just a few days away.