Chapter 21. Studying Together (1)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

{POV: MC}

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The day after fighting against Vali, we are back to normal daily life as usual. It will be less than 3 weeks for the winter exam and currently, our group discussed it.

Why do I always time skip to close the test time? Because all interesting stuff happens only at that time.

Ah yes, Kaguya still stood no chance toward my awesomeness.

["I saw you are studying the material seriously, user."] The system comment on me.

Emmm... It's just for assurance you know.. In case the material is different from my previous life!

Even though I still don't know about my identity, I'm pretty much OK remembering all academic stuff.

This is weird. Why did ROB erase my memory again?

>>>>>

As usual, everyone is currently on break and hanging around together. I will use this chance to propose stuff that should strengthen our bond!

"As we are currently close to the winter exam, I want to propose that we should be studying together so no member of our group failing out!" I said to them.

I also will use this chance to Azazel examine Kaori's illness.

"OHHHH"

*Clap* *Clap*

Surprisingly the first one agrees is Kaguya.

"I agree with this. Being stupid in this elite group is a disgrace. Especially you Hayasaka, as my attendant I expect you do more better in academic." Kaguya said as she points to her attendant.

"Kaguya-sama.. Have mercy" Hayasaka feels dejected to hear it from Kaguya.

"No." Kaguya glare at Ai.

Ouch, that sounds harsh.

"I'm in!! It sounds fun!" Kaori replied as she nodded repeatedly.

Well, I won't put this up if it's not for you.

"Nah.. I will go of course. Yeah, I will. But I need to check out with Miura first." Hachiman replied.

Wait, Miura? Does he mean that Yumiko Miura? So the story of they are known each other as a kid is real, but why Hachi seems to know her well? And I don't think they should know each other so soon yet.

["You can investigate that later user. Focus on your objective"] System reminds me.

Thanks for reminder, system.

"Mmm... Ok everyone agrees then. The other member living in the same place as me so they didn't have a choice but to follow." I said then look at my twin sister, who is undoubtedly the one with the lowest academic achievement here.

*Stare*

My twin sister avoids my gaze. 

I didn't care if she wants to be strong but no sister of mine should be failing out of class!

>>>>>

With all conclusion of our discussion, we agree to start studying together tomorrow and have a sleepover in our home.

We are on our way back home, my twin sister sleeps as always on my shoulder. Our new guards doesn't like to cooperate with me, but Ravel gladly helps me take photos of my sleeping twin sister.

Akeno-san watching us with interest and give her an idea of which best angle to take my sister's cute sleeping face.

"Anoo.. Satoru-san, tomorrow we have a sleepover, right? But seems I can't come with everyone because there's a party at our mansion tomorrow. As a daughter of Lord Phenex, I need to be there.."  Ravel said to me but her face didn't look at me.

Is she afraid that I will be mad? For what reason anyway?

"...Hmm can't be helped then. Don't worry, I will explain to others. Just enjoy your time with your family." I said and stroke her hair.

"I will also help, Don't worry Ravel-chan." Akeno also followed.

"Y-Yes. Thank you Satoru-san" Ravel answers me as I keep stroke her head.

Ok her hair feels smooth and nice to stroke.

I have a meeting with Azazel this evening to talk about plan how to get Asia.

My sister was aware of my activity so she would join, and for some reason, Azazel included Vali in the meeting.

>>>>>

....

In the meeting, we have created 4 plans based on everyone's idea.

I won't explain the detail of our meeting because that would be boring anyway.

Plan 1: Use Vali to wound himself to get Asia to help him then after that she would be excommunicated like original stories.

My twin sister's plan is rather sounds.. evil but it's a plan with the most successful rate.. As that is how Asia excommunicated, to begin with. But this plan has a major flaw as Asia might get punished instead of excommunicated, and a major risk to Vali too. And very big chance Asia didn't awaken her sacred gear yet.

Plan 2: Safely adopt her from the orphanage since I believe her sacred gear doesn't appear yet. But my identity and Azazel identity make us harder to do this.

My plan is a safe one, but as I said above... the plan is not easy to pull off... too much risk.

Plan 3: Breakout and kidnap Asia immediately.

Vali's plan is frontal and second the best. We just need to create distractions on the orphanage and use the chance to take Asia away. My twin sister also agrees with his plan.

Plan 4: Negotiate with the church and offer something to them valuable.

Azazel's plan is rather much safer than everyone else but he said he doesn't like it. I don't understand why he put that up if he doesn't like it!

....

Well.. the plan is still not decided, Azazel gives me time to think until the end of the winter exam. 

>>>>>

Today is the day where we will study together and I also planned to get Kaori checked by Azazel.. and possibly explained our plan to her.

Everyone agreed to meet after school in front of Chiba mall before getting to our establishment because some members don't know our home location yet.

Duh. Today is so bright and hot, it's a good thing I'm using a white hoodie right now.

I feel like a cool kid.

Oh yeah, tomorrow is the weekend so we can sleep over safely without being concerned about school.

Except for the incoming exam, that's it.

After waiting a while, the first one who arrived is Hachiman walking alone on street with a bag bit larger than his body.

He wears a casual white shirt with nothing on it on this bright hot day. I approve.

["You should offer him a ride, but you didn't realize it because you are busy think a way how to make everyone agree that you can keep sleeping with your sister together instead"] The system said to me with deadpanned tone.

I mean, it's important! And Hachiman is a big boy, he should be fine.

I won't survive sleeping without my sister in my side!

["Yes you are. Anyway, he is 6 years old kid, user."] The system replied.

So am I.

["He is nowhere as strong as you though. And he is your friend, dumbass."] The system replied again.

....

Ok.. Ok. That's my fault, but he is a boy.. not a girl! He should be ok to be alone.

["Duh, that was discrimination from you."] The system replied.

...

I ignored the system comment to greet Hachiman.

"You are the first one to arrive, Hachi." I said as I wave my hand.

Oh yeah, no one with me. Not even my sister. She said she was sleepy, Ravel goes with her family as planned and Akeno goes somewhere with Shuri Obaa-san.

"...You are alone Satoru-san? That's unusual. The girls ditch you?" Hachiman replied.

Ouch.

"...You are not to talk! You are walking alone bring a that big bag with you." I replied to him.

Hachiman instantly looking down as he felt dejected and replied "My little sister Komachi today in kindergarten have to join drawing competition there so my parents go with her to cheer her up from morning... Well, it doesn't matter anyway... This is normal to happen to me... Well, this place is also not that far from home so I'm okay."

I didn't say anything and just put my hand on his shoulder. Poor guy.

>>>>>

The second person who arrived is Kaori with a normal family-looking car.

"Remember to call us if something happens, Kaori." (???)

"I know Otou-san, don't worry about it! I'm also bringing all medicine with me." Kaori said to her parent.

It seems the one who talks with her was her father. I should greet her parents.

"Konnichiwa Kaori Ojii-san, My name is Matsuzaka Satoru" I said introduce myself as I greet him.

"M-My name is Hikigaya Hachiman!" Hachiman also introduces himself.

"Ah, you two are Kaori friends? Thank you for being friends with her." Kaori's father said as he bows to me.

"O-Otou-san!" Kaori said with a stutter.

She seems embarrassed and I admit it was cute.

"Ah~ It's no problem. Kaori is a very good friend of ours!" I said with a smile and Hachiman also nodded behind me.

After that, we have a bit of talk then Kaori's parents need to leave because they have to work. I assure them to not worry about Kaori's safety and will make sure to call them if something happens, and they believe me. 

What a bunch of good parents.

>>>>>

The last one is Kaguya and Ai with their cars.

"Kaguya-sama we have arrived." (???)

A lot of cars followed behind opened and a lot of guards show up.

"Ah.. I see. You guys can just leave us here and also the baggage. Matsuzaka family will bring their security to protect us so don't worry about it." Kaguya said as she comes out from the car with Ai.

"Alright!" (???)

Every guard of Shinomiya then leaves Kaguya and Ai alone. 

....

They sure really trust us with them.

Ok time to greet her.

"Yoo.. Black princess seems your getup today is full black too. Do you love the black color that much?" I said to Kaguya.

"Hmmph. At least I'm not a simpleton like Hachiman who wears white or you wearing a white hoodie. What are you anyway?" Kaguya replied to me with a snort.

"I agree Kaguya-sama" Ai also followed.

!!!??

The hoodie is cool you know. People like you don't understand! It also hides my hair!

Wearing black on these hot days? Seriously? She is much worse than me 

I've been agitated because there is no my sis on my side, She is perfectly fit to release my stress!

["User.."] The system said with resigned tone.

!!!!

Kaguya also glaring at me as she looks at sworn enemies.

!!!!

....

Hachiman hiding behind a car and our guards was smoking and ... playing with his phone?

Damn that guard is probably social media geeks.

"Nah Nah don't fight, we are going to have fun so stop fighting OK? Also welcome Kaguya-chan and Ai-chan" Kaori said as she stands between us.

....

....

Kaguya stop glaring and muttered, "...Sorry and Thank you Kaori"

Ai also bow her head and said "Thank you."

"Good! Then let's go to Satoru-san's family car! I can't wait to see it because it looks cool!" Kaori said with a bright smile on her face.

Everyone nodded to Kaori's words and begin to put their belonging to our guard.

....

....

Oh..! This is what I expected when I Invited Kaori to the group. Even Kaguya won't even try to glare with Kaori due to she knows her circumstances. Heh, kids are very emotionally attached.

["You are not to talk, siscon!"] The system retorts me.

Leave me alone.

>>>>>

Everyone is currently inside the car together, Hachi being himself still looking around, Kaori also does the same unexpectedly, while Kaguya and Ai sit gracefully as Ai offered Kaguya some tea.

"So.. Matsuzaka Satoru, can you explain what is the plan of today? Can you explain?" Kaguya asked me.

Uh.. I don't have a plan! Except for study together and perhaps tour around the home?

["And I thought you are changed, user."] The system comments me with a tired tone.

I just need to wing it.

"I bet he doesn't have a plan, Kaguya-sama" Ai replied her instead of me.

!!!

Damn, it's hurts that she is right! I need to tell Azazel to prepare something!!

I send him a message from the phone and hopefully, he reads it.

"...Who is need plan anyway, we are just going studying together and have fun! Also don't worry about it I bet my dad will plan to do something fun!" I said to them.

"...Hmm I see. This is the first time I've been to a boy's home to sleepover so I don't know what to expect." Kaguya explained.

"Well.. Just go with me and I will show you Matsuzaka does their thing." I said to Kaguya.

She nodded to my words seems just believe me.

I just hope it won't turn into a disaster.

....

....

["You just love to jinx it, user."] The system chuckled at my monologue.

Damn it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

{POV: Matsuzaka Satou}

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Today I've sparred with Azazel-san again while Onii-chan meets the members of the group.

....

So far I can't win but I feel it won't be a much longer time when it's time I'm able to win against him.

*Clash*

*Clash*

"Wow musume, you are really something. Well, both of you do.. but that not my point." Azazel-san said as he avoids all my knife hit.

I think I could stab him if I use my full capability but I didn't need to do it anyway, this is just training.

*Clash*

*Clash*

I keep attacking him for a while and he keeps avoid and sometimes confront me with a light spear, his speed is still a bit too fast for me but I think I'm beginning to be able to predict his movement.

*RING* 

The bell rang... marked our training session today ended.

Azazel-san closes his wing and walked casually toward me.

"That's the end for today, musume. You are getting sharper each day and it's getting hard to keep avoiding your attack. Damn, you are really a prodigy on using various blades." Azazel-san comment to me with a smile.

I also smile back.

"Thank you as always for today, Azazel-san" I said as I bow to him.

I might didn't fully trust him but I still respect him.

"...Well, let's talk about your brother's new plan a bit. What is your thought about it?" Azazel-san inquire me.

"...I hate it." I said honestly.

Yeah, I really don't like it.

Azazel-san nodded to my words with a serious expression and he said "Explain."

"This plan too much risk, there's certainly exorcist everywhere around that orphanage so no matter which plans he picks, every plan has risk on it. But more importantly, She will get more girls close to him! I might approve Ravel and can't avoid Himejima but I need to do something about this new girl." I explain to Azazel-san.

"...Not the kind of answer I've expected but this shows despite what he said that he doesn't believe his knowledge anymore... he still does it anyway." Azazel-san explains to me.

Indeed, Onii-chan is still so naive.

"With that said, I propose a backup plan in case everything goes south, though I don't know which plan he will take." Azazel-san said as he holds his chin.

As expected of Azazel-san. He is governor of faction not for nothing.

....

....

Well, I honestly just want to kill the girl, take her sacred gear.. as we just need that.. like Onii-chan said what happens to the girl in original or something like that but Onii-chan won't like it. 

Can I do that even before Onii-chan notices? and I don't even know how to remove sacred gear.

Something to learn more about in future I guess.

And there is also a big chance that she does not awaken her sacred gear yet too.

More girl is dangerous to my position. I know that big chance members of the team might like Onii-chan in the future, especially Kaori.. Onii-chan acts to cool toward her.

But Onii-chan cares about them.. so I can't kill them.

But they also didn't know the supernatural to sign the paper.

Or should I slip it to them, disguise it?

There's Azazel help to brainwash anyway.. but I'm afraid he won't like it if he ever found and someday he will tell Onii-chan.

I know despite being a leader he is still too soft because he cares about us to begin with.

And he also has his own agenda, Until now Azazel didn't explain what he does with the chicken peerage but I have assumed that he could make them a spy to stole Phenex information.

....

That really could happen.

He doesn't trust me so do I.

Sigh.

Decision, decision, decision.

....

"Azazel-san, can you make me the part of the second team or whatever? Just said to Onii-chan that is still dangerous for me to follow him and I'm sure he will agree." I said to Azazel-san.

Azazel-san looking at me intensely and said "For what reason?"

"I will do anything to protect Onii-chan so I'm one of the best to do something in case everything goes wrong." I answer him.

....

....

....

The talk becomes quiet for a while.

"....I agree. But you won't go alone. I won't let my daughter go alone even you are strong enough to fight me now." Azazel-san nodded as he said that.

Well.. I believe he might use this chance to see whatever is my real capabilities so this is detrimental toward myself.. using the other members.

Nah I could just kill the others and told him the person was getting killed by the exorcist.

Yeah, I still can get away with stabbing.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>