[26] Could She Be An Angel?

A/N:

Here's the arranged list for the system level progression:

- Level 1: Novice

- Level 2: Intermediate

- Level 3: Advanced

- Level 4: Expert

- Level 5: Master

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Class E, first year. Hachiman's classroom.

Hikigaya Hachiman.

Writing his name on the blackboard, Hachiman looked at his classmates seated below and introduced himself:

"Hello everyone, I'm Hikigaya Hachiman. I'm here to introduce myself since I had an issue at the start of the school year. I'm looking forward to getting along with all of you in the coming year."

A week later, Hachiman finally arrived in the classroom, facing the first challenge of interacting with his classmates.

"Hachiman... Hachiman Daibosatsu? Someone actually names their child like that?"

(A/N:"Hachiman Daibosatsu" refers to Hachiman, a Shinto deity in Japanese religion. Hachiman is often referred to as "Hachiman Daibosatsu," which can be translated as "Great Bodhisattva Hachiman." This title reflects the syncretism between Shinto and Buddhist beliefs in Japan.)

"His eyes are so creepy."

"But he looks pretty handsome though."

"Quiet!" There were murmurs in the classroom, and at that moment, Shizuka, the homeroom teacher, spoke up:

"Student Hikigaya was injured while assisting others, which is why he joined the class a week later. Let's strive for good relationships in the times ahead."

"To aid someone else and get hurt in the process, this guy doesn't seem bad after all."

"Hikigaya-san, you've got a kind heart."

Indeed, as Shizuka mentioned that Hachiman got hurt helping someone else, some classmates began to see him in a different light.

Certainly, there were varied reactions.

"Are there really people who help without any ulterior motives? I'm skeptical."

"Sure, act like you're a saint."

"Alright, let's settle down. Class is about to start. Hikigaya, you can take the seat behind Totsuka." After a series of claps, Shizuka gestured to an unoccupied chair.

"I understand. Thanks, Shiz... I mean, Hiratsuka-sensei." Hachiman nearly slipped up by saying "Shizuka-sensei," but he swiftly corrected himself.

Had he actually blurted it out, Shizuka wouldn't have let him off easily.

He reached his seat and set down his schoolbag.

"Hello, classmate."

Just then, a gentle voice reached Hachiman from the front.

Looking up, he found a girl with short silver hair and an adorable face gazing at him with tender, cute eyes.

"Hi, I'm Saika Totsuka. Looking forward to being in your care."

Her voice was soft and delicate, causing Hachiman to unintentionally respond, "I'm Hikigaya Hachiman. Nice to meet you, and please take care of me."

"En," Totsuka Saika responded with a confirming nod, her cheerful smile captivating Hachiman's attention.

Ah, could she be an angel?

Indeed, good deeds bring good rewards. To think that I'd encounter such an adorable girl on the very first day of school.

What's her name again? Oh, right, Saika Totsuka.

What a lovely name.

Saika Totsuka...

Hachiman's expression froze – wait, isn't Saika Totsuka a guy?

Gazing at the charming visage before me – the porcelain complexion and delicate limbs – it's undeniable, she's a stunning young woman.

Just insisting it's a boy when everything points to a girl.

Yet, on closer inspection, Hachiman noticed that despite Saika feminine appearance, there was a slight prominence at the base of the throat, an unmistakable Adam's apple that confirmed the gender.

"Hikigaya-san, you've been absent from class for a week. If you need help understanding anything, feel free to ask me anytime," the gentle voice echoed once more, drawing Hachiman's attention irresistibly.

Ah, what a compassionate person. He probably assume I might struggle to keep up with the coursework and are offering to assist me.

Even though Saika is male, He truly seem like an angel.

Hachiman isn't concerned about academic challenges. The third-level study materials are sufficient to turn him into a prodigy in the eyes of ordinary folks – the sort of achievement one can attain with just a bit of effort to excel at the top of the class.

However, Hachiman wouldn't turn down someone's kindness, so he nodded with a smile and said, "Thank you, Totsuka-san. If there's anything I don't grasp, I'll definitely reach out to you."

Gym class.

This session happened to be a tennis lesson, and as Hachiman arrived on the court, students were already paired up, practicing tennis in twos.

Due to his delayed arrival by a week, most students had already settled on their partners, leaving Hachiman as the odd one out without a teammate.

However, as he glanced at the girls in sports shorts on the court, their fair thighs on display, Hachiman's mood improved slightly.

Finding a spot in a corner with a racket and tennis ball, he decided to practice against the wall. After all, Hachiman followed the same routine as depicted in the Anime/LN.

However, upon reaching the corner with his racket, he discovered that someone was already practicing there.

A towering figure with white hair stood before him, dressed in a peculiar white windbreaker that seemed oddly out of place, giving off an impression of intense heat at first glance.

"Zaimokuza?" Hachiman's mind immediately conjured a name upon witnessing this visually striking attire.

Yoshiteru Zaimokuza, a classmate with a 8th grade syndrome or chuunibyou , often insists he's the reincarnation of General Yoshiki and even associates himself with the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman. In the original story, he's one of the few friends of Hikigaya Hachiman.

After a moment's hesitation, Hachiman approached and suggested, "Hey, I see you're practicing alone. If you're open to it, how about teaming up?"

Startled by Hachiman's sudden voice, Zaimokuza fumbled and missed the ball completely.

Watching this, the corners of Hachiman's lips twitched.

He's a grown person, so why is he so skittish?

"What did you just say to General Yoshiki? I permit you to repeat it."

The moment he spoke, I knew it was eighth-grade syndrome.

Seeing this "chuunibyou" behavior, Hachiman sighed and said, "I asked if you'd like to team up with me."

"Hmph, I'm General Yoshiki. I could never be like..."

"In that case, I'm out of here!" Without a backward glance, Hachiman turned around, ready to leave.

"No, I do want to team up with you!" Witnessing Hachiman about to depart, Zaimokuza dropped the act and promptly clung to his thigh.

"It would've been simpler if you said that from the start."

Seeing Zaimokuza clutching onto his thigh, Hachiman sighed in a somewhat helpless manner. You present yourself as a grown man, so why act so grandiosely? It's a bit off-putting.

With teammates now arranged, Hachiman and Zaimokuza swiftly began their tennis practice.