Chapter 174: The Members of the Warfront
With a swift kick, Yui delivered a textbook example of a rogue's assault to a dark-haired youth wielding a wooden sword nearby. Alas, the poor fellow had it coming; despite Yui's clear disapproval of the warfront's name, he dared to chime in, courting disaster.
"Apologies, apologies. We're brainstorming a new name for our warfront. It wasn't meant as a death wish towards you. Feel free to suggest a new name for our warfront," Yui implored with hands clasped together, eager to mitigate any negative impression her previous comment might have left on me.
"Why fret over a warfront name? The Afterlife Warfront seems apt. After all, as you've mentioned, we're in a post-mortem realm," I offered nonchalantly. Why bother with convoluted names when simplicity serves best?
"But wouldn't that be admitting our own demise?" countered someone from the side. Ah, a bear of a man indeed, robust and imposing, curiously donning traditional wooden clogs. Why clogs, of all choices?
"Are we not deceased?" My query rendered the assembly speechless. Indeed, the undeniable truth was that we had all shuffled off this mortal coil.
"Fair point. Let's revert to the original name then, the Afterlife Warfront," Yui finally conceded, realizing the appropriateness of the initial moniker.
"Back to square one, then?" Hinata commented with a helpless gesture, noting the circular nature of our discussion.
"I'm Yui Nakamura, the leader of this warfront. This is Hinata, who may seem laid-back but proves indispensable in critical moments," Yui began formal introductions, momentarily stamping her foot in determination before suddenly shifting gears to introduce me to the group.
"Meet Matsushita, a fifth-dan in judo, respected by all as Matsushita 5th Dan," she continued, introducing the formidable yet traditionally dressed participant.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Matsushita greeted me warmly, his demeanor reflecting his gentle nature.
"This is Fujimaki, who, despite appearing untrustworthy, is a decent fellow," Yui introduced another member, holding a wooden sword, though her description seemed to gloss over the less savory aspects of his character.
Fujimaki merely glanced at me, his expression unchanging, embodying the stereotypical delinquent.
"Ooyama here is notable for having no notable qualities," Yui said of another, remarkably average-looking youth, whose very ordinariness was astonishing.
"Welcome to the warfront," Ooyama greeted me, his amiable nature evident.
"TK is next, recognizable by his golden locks and bandana, a fervent speaker of incoherent English," Yui described another member, whose greeting was a unique blend of dance and foreign phrases.
"TK, a man shrouded in mystery, prefers to remain anonymous," she added, hinting at the depths yet to be explored within each member.
"Bespectacled and seemingly insightful, Takamatsu, however, leans towards the simpler side of intellect," Yui introduced another, who, despite being labeled a fool, took it in stride, adjusting his glasses in a gesture of acknowledgment.
"And Noda, whom you've already met," Yui remarked, referring to the unfortunate soul previously launched through the air by a trap of his own making.
"Shiina, always lurking in the shadows and critiquing superficiality," she introduced a girl who remained silent and distant even as her name was called.
"Iwasawa, the leader of our diversionary force. And though not present, our warfront boasts dozens more, concealed within the school's populace," Yui concluded, indicating a girl with rose-red hair and a serene demeanor, who nodded subtly in my direction, her story yet untold.
"And you are?" Yui inquired after completing the introductions.
"Zhang Fan. I look forward to our collaboration," I introduced myself, hinting at my foreign origins, which seemed to surprise Yui, unfamiliar with the concept of an international presence in this realm.
"Ah, so I've inadvertently become an international representative," I mused, acknowledging the unique position I found myself in within this afterlife scenario.
"Why choose our warfront?" Hinata inquired, his curiosity piqued by my sudden affiliation.
"For the simple reason that the leader is a beauty. But I'm curious about the other factions mentioned," I deflected, expressing a genuine interest in understanding the broader dynamics at play within this post-mortem school setting.