Chapter 23: Summer Camp pt. 1

"So delicious!" Komachi grabbed her cheeks as she moaned on a piece of tuna nigiri. I smiled as she grabbed another piece of sushi from the tray in front of her. I looked at my parents and watched them enjoy their sushi.

I had cashed in all the essence stones I'd collected and made an incredible amount of money. So, to fulfill my promise to Komachi, I took her and our parents to one of Tokyo's most expensive sushi restaurants. I nodded as the hard-working sushi master placed another piece in front of me. I put it in my mouth and enjoyed the delicious fresh taste of the yellowtail and rice.

"You're the best big bro! I wish I could eat here all the time! So good." Komachi said, placing another piece in her mouth. Our father laughed as he shook his head at Komachi.

"Don't go spoiling your sister just because you have some money now, son." My father said and ate another freshly made piece. My mother chuckled and looked over at me with a small smile.

"Thank you for bringing us along as well, Hachi." My mom said, rubbing the side of my hair. I smiled as I remembered how she used to rustle my hair when I was younger.

"It's no problem. With the money I made, this isn't a drop in the bucket. So enjoy yourselves."

I said as I ate a piece of fatty tuna. I sighed in contentment as I chewed.

"Hey, big bro! There's this brand new cute dress I've been dying to have! So how about we go on a small shopping spree after this?" Komachi joked as she grinned. I chuckled and shook my head, causing her to whine slightly. My mother began scolding Komachi over using my love for her to buy extravagant gifts.

As they talked, I stared into the nigiri between my chopsticks. I absentmindedly focused on the shrimp's pink flesh and lost myself in thought.

[ Flashback ]

"The Gate is gone!"

"Survivors! Quickly, bring the medics!"

I looked around at the several teams of medics and surveillance team members as they helped guide my small party over to their medical tents. I ignored them in favor of looking over at the three individuals to my right. They're S-Ranks. I recognized them immediately. The woman with black hair and pink highlights was looking at where the Gate once stood. Her eyes looked saddened by the fact that not everyone made it back. Izumi Shiori, Guild Master of the Rising Sun Guild.

Off in the background stood two Hunters from the Draw Sword Guild. Kenzo Tanaka and Kanae Tawata. As I was guided to one of the medical tents alongside Marin, I felt Kanae's gaze on my back. The medics were asking me to sit down so they could check my body for injuries, but I told them I was okay.

"How is it possible that only low-level Hunters and trail Hunters have survived?!" Izumi roared in indignation as she looked over at the six of us. Hirano, Okino, and Yamamoto looked at me with troubled eyes. Izumi followed their gaze and rounded onto me. "You. You're one of the trail Hunters. Hachiman Hikigaya, rank E."

"That's right." I nodded and looked at her angry eyes. "What's your point?"

"My point?" Izumi said in surprise; it seemed she wasn't expecting me to talk to her like that. "Such rudeness. Have you forgotten your place?"

Izumi released a strong wave of power, causing everyone to sweat under its pressure. "How is it possible that one of my A-Ranks and six of my B-Ranks didn't survive while the rest of you have?"

I narrowed my eyes and ignored her wave of power. "Are you saying that we should be the ones that should be dead? Is that it?"

Izumi's eye twitched, and she grabbed my shoulder. Immediately, the shadows under and around me vibrated. Izumi's eyes widened, and her grip slackened slightly. I looked into her eyes and missed the fact mine were glowing blue.

"Don't touch me."

"Hm. Isn't this interesting?" Kenzo said as he and Kanae walked over to us but kept their distance. Kanae remained silent but watched me intensely.

"We were the ones to survive because I was the one to defeat the dungeon boss." I said, looking over at Hirano, Okino, and Yamamoto. "The rest of your Guild members left us because we were deadweight to them. Do you want to talk about that? Or do you want to be thankful that at least three of them survived alongside the high schoolers you were in charge of?"

"No… they wouldn't do that." Izumi said, primarily to herself. "Ozaki was one of my elites. He wouldn't have done that."

"Who cares about him." Kanae said and stepped up to me. I looked down at her due to our height difference. Her piercing red eyes looked into my own. "Tell me, Hikigaya. How is it that an E-Rank Hunter defeated a boss from a Red Gate? They would give even a whole team of A-Ranks trouble. That is, of course… that you went through a double awakening."

"A double awakening? Yeah, that's the only way to explain how you bunch of weaklings survived." Kenzo said from behind Kanae. Marin and Shinji bristled uncomfortably at his comment. Kenzo looked at me in excitement and flexed his muscles. "The boss inside the red gate must have been at least a high A-Rank, which means you're strong."

Both Kanae and Kenzo released their power to try and intimidate me. The air around the clearing grew thick and heavy. The medics and surveillance team members began to back away in fear as the lower-ranked hunters looked at us in trepidation. It was well known that if a battle between S-Ranks occurred, only destruction would follow.

"A double awakening. How peculiar."

A new voice said, causing the four of us to look up at a man standing on the roof of one of the neighboring homes. He had combed back black hair and black eyes. He wore a purple hoodie under a waving black jacket. Ryuji Goto. Ryuji jumped down and looked over the four of us lazily. Kanae and Kenzo bowed their heads slightly as their Guild Master walked over to us.

"Goto." Izumi said with a sneer. "How long have you been here?"

"Not that long. I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by and check on what was going on." Ryuji said with a charming smile as he looked over to Izumi. "How are you doing, Shiori? It's been a while."

"Not long enough." Izumi said quickly and turned her attention back to me. "I… believe your statement. I'll also interview Kazou, Akio, and Hana over what they saw. I'm… sorry if I came off as rude and insensitive."

Izumi then walked over to the remaining members of her Guild. I turned to Ryuji and saw him look at me with a relaxed expression. The sheer strength radiating off him was staggering. "So, a double awakening. Tell me, Hikigaya. Just where do you think you land on the power scale now? Hm? B-Rank? A-Rank? Or maybe even S-Rank? Wouldn't that be something?"

This guy is strong. Too strong. I felt a bead of sweat grow on my brow as Ryuji's gaze bore into me. Suddenly, his expression turned cheery, and he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"Once you re-evaluate yourself and become an official Hunter, we'll see where you stand. I'll be keeping tabs on you. I'm always looking for bright new talent to recruit for my Guild. Well then, I'm sure you're tired. I'll leave you to rest up. Take care, Hikigaya." Ryuji then began to walk away toward the neighborhood's main road with Kenzo and Kanae in tow. They gave me one last look and followed after their Guild Master.

What presence. That guy is on an entirely different level. My chances against him are slim, as I am now. I looked over as Shinji began to throw up, with Marin rubbing his back. I reigned in my shadows with a tired sigh. I doubt I could've beat either Tanaka or Tawata solo. The only way I see myself beating those two is with my entire shadow army. I have to get stronger.

With that in mind, I walked over to check on Shinji and Marin.

[ Present ]

"Son? Everything okay?"

I looked over at my father and looked at my snapped chopsticks and dropped sushi. I apologized to the chef and cleaned up my mess.

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine, just lost in thought." I said and rubbed the back of my head. Komachi looked at me worriedly but remained silent. We continued eating in peace for the rest of the evening and went home.

x x x

"You know, big bro, when you told me you offered to volunteer at a summer camp during your break. I thought someone else had replaced my lovable older brother. Maybe becoming a Hunter was a good thing!"

I squinted my eyes at Komachi as we walked towards Kaihin Makuhari Station. I was carrying two large traveler bags as we crossed the street once the 'Walk' sign turned white. Summer vacation had finally rolled around, and the time to join Shizuka and the Service Club had come up. Thankfully, it would only last a few days. Giving me plenty of time to go into the Demon Castle Dungeon when we returned.

I told Komachi about the trip a few days ago, and she insisted on going once I told her that Ryuji, Shouko, Iroha, Ann, and Shiho would also be going. They had offered to come with me once they heard from Shizuka that this would count as extra credit. Komachi was thrilled and couldn't wait to meet everyone I had made friends with. But when I told her that Yuigahama would also be attending, she froze.

"I put up with her for an entire year. I can do it for a few days if it means I can meet the rest of your friends! Kya! I bet that earned me a bunch of points!"

I sighed and looked up at Shizuka, who was waving a hand at us with a large grin. She was dressed in a dark red shirt and green army pants. Her large brown combat boots and grey hat made her look like an off-duty JSDF member.

"Hikigaya! You've made it!" Shizuka said happily and placed her hands on her wide hips. "I was worried I'd have to spam you with calls and e-mails to get you to show up."

You'd do that? Talk about scary. Maybe this is why you're still single, Teach. I chuckled nervously and motioned to Komachi. "Ah, this is Komachi. My little sister."

"Hello! Nice to meet you! Thank you for watching over my big bro!" Komachi said with a bow. Shizuka smiled and waved her off.

"It's fine, it's fine. He is my protege, after all." Shizuka then looked off to the side and smiled. I turned my head and saw my friends walking over to us. Komachi's eyes sparkled as she inspected them. They were all wearing loose summer clothes and hats.

"Yo! Hachiman!" Ryuji yelled as he waved at us. I smiled and nodded at him. Once they were close enough, I fist-bumped Ryuji. "Man, I gotta say. I'm kinda excited about going back into the mountains. Komachi, yo!"

"Ryuji!" Komachi yelled and waved at him. She then looked at everyone else and waved as well. "Yahello, everyone! I'm Komachi Hikigaya! Hachiman's favorite sister!"

"Oh my god! You're so adorable!" Ann cooed and went to hug Komachi, who was briefly surprised but leaned into it. "I'm Ann Takamaki! It's nice to meet you!"

"Iroha Isshiki, it's nice to meet you too!" Iroha said happily and waved. Shiho smiled and nodded at Komachi. "Shiho Suzui. I'm happy to meet you as well."

Komachi greeted them with a broad smile and then turned to Shouko, who had written down her introduction. "I'm Shouko Nishimiya! It's nice to meet Hachi's sister!"

"Ah! You're Shouko! The girl my brother learned sign language for!" Komachi ran up to Shouko and grabbed her hands. "Can I call you big sis?"

"Okay. That's enough." I said and picked Komachi up with ease. She made a silent 'Ah' as I set her down next to me. I turned to everyone and smiled. "I'm glad everyone could make it."

"We're happy too. This would be our group's first outdoor outing! It should be a fun experience." Shiho said with a smile and lifted her pink baseball hat slightly. I grinned and nodded.

"Ah, here are our last volunteers." Shizuka said as she looked at the approaching forms of Yukino, Yui, and Saika.

I saw Komachi stiffen and frown when she saw Yui, but she quickly masked it by smiling broadly. I couldn't help but hope they could work things out during this trip.

"Ah! Everyone's here, too! Yahello!" Yui said and waved at everyone. My friends greeted Yui and Saika. I noticed Yukino standing awkwardly off to the side. I walked over to her and stood beside her, gaining her attention.

"Yukino. It's nice to see you." I said with a small smile. She looked off to the side shyly but turned back to me. From behind me, Yui's eyes widened at me, saying Yukino's first name.

"Yes, it's nice to see you too, Hikigaya." Yukino said and grabbed the side of her arm. I saw Saika run up to me with an excited smile.

"Hachiman! I didn't know you also volunteered to join the summer camp!" Saika said as he beamed at me. I grinned at him and saw he had picked up some well-trained muscles in his arms and legs.

"Yeah, I have this deal with Teach if I joined today. So here I am." I said and looked over at Shizuka. Who was standing and watching everyone interact with one another.

"There's eleven of us now. You got a ride that can fit us all?" I asked, which caused her to smile proudly.

"Sure do. I rented a large passenger transit van just for this occasion!" Shizuka said and pointed at the parked grey van in the back. "Hurry up and get in!"

We all hopped inside the large van and began heading towards Chiba Village. I ignored the conversations between my friends in favor of focusing on how I would handle the possible incoming confrontation. It was all thanks to the message I received this morning from Haruno.

HY: Satoshi Kamoshida has just landed in Japan.

x x x

"Chiba village! I haven't been here in a while!" Ryuji said as he looked around the tall mountains and lush green trees. Everyone exited the van and began to stretch their tight muscles. I saw Komachi talking to Iroha, Shouko, Ann, and Shiho. She was standing as far from Yui as she could.

Driving up the dirt path, another van stopped, and its side doors rolled open. Stepping out was Hayato Hayama, Yumiko Miura, Hina Ebina, and Kakeru Tobe. The hell are they here for? Extra credit? Hayato turned his head and looked at me in surprise.

"Hikigaya."

"Hayama."

After our greetings, we remained silent and just stared at one another. Almost as if to size each other up. After our tennis match, we haven't interacted much. The most interaction between us was the brief glances in the halls or courtyard.

"Ahh… so tired." Yumiko said as she rubbed her left shoulder. She glanced at me and glared her green eyes. I raised a brow and squinted my own at hers. Yumiko huffed and turned away.

"Okay, now that everyone is here. Now, I'm sure, as you all are aware, you're here to participate in a volunteer activity for several elementary students who are here for their summer camp. Everyone here will be lodging together for the duration of the event. The boys and girls will sleep in separate rooms. Any questions?" Shizuka said with her hands on her hips, looking around at us. No one said a thing. "Great! Let's meet up with the teaching staff and get situated."

x x x

The opening ceremony was quick and brief. The teaching staff introduced us as chaperones for the event and even kept the fact that Hayama and I were awakened humans' secret, which was nice considering how kids see us as superheroes. Our first task was to simply watch them as they all had fun walking around and getting to know the place.

"Man! Elementary students are so young! Don't we high schoolers, like, look old to 'em." Tobe Kakeru said as he looked at a group of young girls running through the trees. Tobe had dyed orange hair held back by a hair band. He had grey eyes and a white hoodie.

"Man, I totally get that!" Ryuji said and nodded sagely at Kakeru's comment. "Our youth is fleeting."

"Bro, that's so real." Kakeru said in awe and clamped a hand on Ryuji's shoulder.

These two are like peas in a pod. Yumiko then chastised the two due to the implication that she was an old hag. They quickly apologized.

"I think high school students seem really grown up from what I can see. Except for my brother." Komachi said as she hugged my arm from our position under a tree. I looked down at her and saw her stick a tongue out at me.

"I'm a real grown-up. I got a job and money." I said as I rubbed her hair. Yui and Yukino looked over at me with a sigh. Shouko and Shiho chuckled at my comment.

"Your idea of an adult is worrisome, Hikigaya." Yukino said as she shook her head. I shrugged and looked off to the side, where I noticed a small commotion with a small group of elementary school girls.

"What's going on over there?" Ann asked from beside Saika.

Hayato perked up at the slight commotion and began heading over there, saying he'd take a look. I noticed Yukino eyeing Hayato with half-lidded eyes. It seemed that the young elementary kids found a rat snake on the ground, which Hayato began to explain that they were harmless. The young girls started to sing Hayato's praises, which he smiled politely at. I ignored them in favor of looking at a young girl who stood off to the side, a camera in her hand. She had long black hair and a purple sun dress over a pink shirt.

It seems that you're alone. I can relate.

"You should find the checkpoint with us!" A small girl with brown hair said cheerily. Hayato made a grand show of thinking about it and smiled his Prince Charming smile. Fake as hell.

"Hmm. Okay! I'll help with just this area. Let's just keep this a secret from the rest!" Hayato said and winked at the girls. They cheered and began pulling him along and ignoring the girl with the camera.

"Big bro! This is dangerous!" Komachi said and shook my arm. "Sure, you've gotten impressive muscles, and your face looks better, but you stand no chance against that handsome guy! It's a red light!"

"I'm going to take back that bag I bought you." I said slowly, and she began to cry and apologize jokingly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hina Ebina walk towards me with her face shadowed by her sun hat. Her glasses glowed and hid her eyes.

"It certainly is dangerous! Hikitani's uke aura is incredible! You're like a hetare uke, so if Hayama were to approach you, you'd immediately fall into his arms!" Hina said quickly with a blush as she stood extremely close to me. I squinted my eyes at her and felt a headache coming.

"I think Hachiman would be more of a top than an uke." Ann said thoughtfully, and Hina spun towards her with an excited expression. She ran towards Ann and Shiho and bombarded them with topics all about who'd make the best OTPs in the school. Ann seemed to have realized her mistake by playing into Hina's fetish and tried to back away.

This girl is scary. Best stay away from her. I looked back to the crowd of kids and saw Hayato try to include the girl with the camera in the greater group. It didn't go as he thought because they ended up ditching her once he left.

"It's no different from elementary school students or high school students. We're all human." Yukino said as she looked at the lonely girl. Her eyes sparkled emphatically as she furrowed her brows. Did Yukino grow up alone as well?

x x x

"That oughta do it!"

I watched from off the side as Shizuka lit a few logs on fire using a magnesium fire starter. All the elementary students watched in amazement as they 'Oohed' and 'Aahhed'. Shouko smiled at the small roaring flame beside me and placed the large stall pot full of broth over the grill.

"You seem kinda used to this? Camp a lot?" I asked as I stood beside her and watched Shouko, Komachi, and Shiho guide the kids on how to prepare the vegetables for the curry. Shizuka took a drag of her cigarette and made an angry expression.

"I did a lot of barbecues with my circles back in my college days. While I was lighting the fires, the couples would be flirting and making out. Tsk! Now I'm in a bad mood." Shizuka said and crushed her cigarette. I sighed and patted her shoulder.

"It's okay. A popular Hunter like yourself will find someone… eventually." I said with a mock, sad voice. Shizuka turned to me and glared. I smiled in amusement and walked away.

"Laugh it up, Hikigaya. Just wait until our training starts! I'll pay you back for that comment!" Shizuka roared and huffed.

"Hey. We got any meat?" Ryuji asked as he leaned over the pot Shouko, Shiho, and Komachi were working on. Ann and Iroha were trying and failing to cut a carrot evenly.

"No meat." Shouko said as she peeled a potato. Shiho sighed and looked over to Ryuji.

"Not everything you eat has to have meat, you know." Shiho said and dropped some of her own chopped potatoes into the boiling pot. Iroha chuckled and turned to Ryuji.

"What's the matter, Ryuji? Don't like your vegetables? Just like a child." Iroha said, and Ryuji stood up with an annoyed face.

"What was that?" Ryuji said slowly and walked closer to Iroha, who laughed and ran behind Ann.

I sighed and watched them run around childishly. So much for being the grown-ups. We continued working on the curry for today's supper. Those of us with nothing to do, like myself, were told to watch over the kids as we waited for the curry to finish. Hayato and his group played around and entertained the children while Yui and Hina helped several girls style their hair. Komachi, Saika, Shouko, and Shiho helped those who wanted to chop vegetables for the curry.

"You're staring." Yukino said from beside me. When did she get there? I sighed and looked away from the lone girl from earlier; she was washing some of the piled-up dishes with a sad expression.

"Was I?" I said and slid my hands in my pockets. "I guess… I see myself in her."

"Is that so." Yukino whispered as she turned to the little girl.

Hayato walked up to the girl and asked her if she liked curry. The girl looked uncomfortable as she looked over at a few other girls. They were looking at her with amused smiles. Way to bring her to the center of attention, Hayama.

"Not really... I don't care for curry." The girl said and walked away from Prince Charming. I snickered and watched as the girl walked up the hill Yukino and I stood on. Good answer, kid. Hayato frowned and looked up to where Yukino and I stood. He looked away and walked off.

"I'm surrounded by idiots." The young girl said from a few feet from me. She looked down at the gathered groups of elementary and high school students with a dispassionate expression. I smiled when she turned to me, causing her to look away.

"Well, you're not wrong." I said. "The majority of people typically are."

"You do know you are part of the majority, too." Yukino said dryly. I squinted my eyes and looked up at the sky.

"Nah. I'm in the minority; therefore, I'm the exception." I said with a grin and looked over the little girl. "Don't you agree?"

"Ah, I uh... I suppose." The girl said but then looked at the ground. "...name."

"Hm? Oh, my name? Hachiman Hikigaya." I said, trying to give the girl a brotherly smile. "What's yours?"

"Rumi Tsurumi." Rumi said shyly.

Poor kid, her parents aren't very creative. I nodded and looked over to Yukino. She frowned and sighed. "Yukino Yukinoshita." Et toi, Yukino? Hold up, how many people's names are like that?

"Hikki! Yukinon! What's up?" Yui said as she ran over to us. She stopped in front of me and looked over at Rumi, who squinted at Yui. I raised an eyebrow and motioned to the upbeat girl.

"This is Yui Yuigahama." I said with a snicker. Yui looked at me oddly for my quick laugh but then turned to Rumi. "Yuigahama, this is Rumi."

"Hello there, Rumi! I hope we get along!" Yuigahama said cheerfully, but Rumi looked down with a sad expression. She then looked at Yukino and me.

"You two... are different from the others. I'm different, too, from them." Rumi said quietly. She looked over at everyone in the outdoor kitchen with a detached look.

"Different? How?" Yui asked and crouched slightly in front of Rumi.

"They're all a bunch of kids. So... I figured that being alone isn't all bad." Rumi said as she looked at Yui. Yui smiled awkwardly.

"B-but I'm sure making memories with friends in elementary school is important." Yui said. I frowned at her comment but remained silent.

"I don't need memories." Rumi said as she looked up at the sky. "I can just make friends in middle school with people who come from other schools."

"I'm sorry, but it doesn't work that way. The children isolating you will enter the same middle school, no? In that case, the same thing will happen again. The people coming from other schools will join those children." Yukino said with a frown as her eyes blazed with hidden memories. I hummed as I realized that Yukino was speaking from experience.

"So that's how it works. I guess... I've been acting dumb. There were times when someone was getting isolated. But soon, it ends, and I'll be able to talk to them. When someone starts saying something, everyone goes along with it." Rumi said softly, her eyes pained. "And when that happens... before I knew it, I was the one being picked on. And I didn't do anything wrong, either... maybe the same thing will happen in middle school, too."

I watched as Rumi walked down the hill and towards the lodge. Yukino and Yui stood silently beside me as we stewed in Rumi's words. A part of me wanted to cheer the young girl up. To give her some hope that things would get better. But I didn't know how.

I've accumulated all this strength and power, but I still lack any way to connect to those around me. I looked at the sky as the white, misty clouds slowly floated across the sky. What a pain. I want to go dungeon crawling.