190 [190] Chuunibyou and Novel

Chapter 190: Chuunibyou and Novel

"I see, so you want us to help evaluate the novel you've written?"

Yukino nodded after listening to Zaimokuza's request.

"That's right. I believe you'll be captivated by my magnum opus, the masterpiece of General Yoshiki," Zaimokuza declared, slipping into his chuunibyou persona.

"General Yoshiki?" Yukino and Yui exchanged curious glances upon hearing this name.

Hachiman, with a hint of exasperation, explained, "That's just his chuunibyou fantasy."

"Chuunibyou?"

Hachiman clarified, "In simple terms, it's about fantasizing yourself as a specific character and emulating their actions based on that character's behavior."

"I see. So, it's like performing based on your own set of characteristics?" Yukino pondered for a moment and then continued.

"It's similar to what you just described."

Hachiman nodded and shifted his attention to Zaimokuza.

"This guy's name is Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. Because it conveniently matches the 13th shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, he decided to imitate this character and calls himself General Yoshiki."

"I am the genuine General Yoshiki, and Zaimokuza the Great, the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman, awaken your past life's memories quickly, and let us conquer this world together!" Zaimokuza once again displayed his full chuunibyou persona.

"Great Bodhisattva Hachiman?" Yukino and Yui looked at Hachiman once more, puzzled by the chuunibyou references.

Hachiman couldn't help but facepalm in embarrassment.

"He associated that with me because of my name. Hachiman can easily be linked to Hachiman Daibosatsu, the god of war worshiped by the Minamoto clan."

"But I've never admitted it."

"Actually, what he's doing is relatively mild. At least, he's emulating something recognizable. Some others go to extreme lengths, creating entirely fabricated characters like the 'God of Creation' or 'God of Destruction.'"

Yukino's lips curled up slightly upon hearing Hachiman's explanation.

"I didn't expect you to be so familiar with this. It seems you've had your share of this behavior as well."

This made Hachiman falter because, whether in the memory of the original Hachiman or his past life, he had indeed gone through a chuunibyou phase.

For instance, as a child, he had wanted to become a Super Saiyan and would shout like Goku while playing.

"Ahhh, I don't want to remember it," Hachiman thought, lamenting his past.

"Ugh... Hikki, that's so cringy," Yui, who was on the side, made a disgusted expression.

Well, silly girl, you've just earned yourself a spot on my list, and I'll get back at you later.

Hachiman mentally noted this and then turned his gaze to Yukino.

"In any case, this is how it stands. Are you going to accept his request?"

Yukino took a moment to ponder his question and then nodded.

"The Service Club never turns down a request. Your request has been accepted," she declared.

"Really? That's great!" Zaimokuza's excitement was palpable.

"Please, try to keep it down. Now, let's take a look at the novel you've written. Please hand it over," Yukino said in her usual composed manner.

"Of course," Zaimokuza replied, reaching into his bag to retrieve a freshly copied manuscript.

However, there was something odd in his demeanor. Despite giving the manuscript to Yukino, he avoided making eye contact with her. Every time her eyes met his, Zaimokuza would nervously avert his gaze.

Yukino frowned upon noticing Zaimokuza's behavior.

"Yoshiteru-san, please look me in the eyes; it's a basic form of respect."

Zaimokuza stammered, "Oh, well..."

Under the gaze of the formidable young woman, Zaimokuza's forehead started to glisten with cold sweat.

"Alright, Yukinoshita, please don't push him."

Luckily, Hachiman intervened to defuse the situation.

"Don't be fooled by his tall and imposing appearance; he's rather shy. He's rarely spoken to girls before."

"Just look at yourself, Yukinoshita. Of course, he's too intimidated to make eye contact with a beautiful girl like you, so don't embarrass him."

Although Hachiman was explaining on Zaimokuza's behalf, his words seemed more like hurting him.

"Oh, it sounds so pitiful," Yui couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

"Wow, Hachiman, you jerk! How can you say such a thing about me?" Zaimokuza clutched his chest, pretending to be deeply hurt.

"Do you think everyone is like you, surrounded by beautiful girls? It was the same in the Kendo Club, and now, you've joined a different club, still accompanied by two gorgeous girls. You darn normie."

Hearing Zaimokuza call Hachiman a "normie," Yukino couldn't help but agree deep down.

She had witnessed the beautiful girls surrounding Hachiman during their trip to the beach.

Each of them was remarkably attractive and could easily be considered class beauties in class. What irritated her the most was that each of them had larger chests than her.

With these thoughts in mind, Yukino gave Hachiman a stern look.

Why are you glaring at me? It was clearly him who said that.

Hachiman, noticing the gaze of the young women, put on an innocent expression.

Yui, on the other hand, heard the conversation and felt a sense of unease.

Although Hachiman had verbally expressed his liking for her, he hadn't formally confessed yet. And with so many exceptional girls around him, could it be...

With these thoughts in mind, Yui's gaze toward Hachiman carried a hint of sadness.

The fact remained that even a fool could experience moments of insecurity.

Under the pressure of the two girls' gazes, Hachiman couldn't help but glare at Zaimokuza, who was sitting nearby.

"Hey, hey, don't you want me to help evaluate your novel?"

"Of course I do, Hachiman! You're my dearest friend."

Hearing this, Hachiman sighed and turned his attention to the thick stack of manuscripts.

"You haven't written the whole thing, have you?"

"How could that be? This is only the first three volumes. It's the epic masterpiece of General Yoshiki, after all," Zaimokuza replied, once again embracing his chuunibyou persona.

Seeing him like this, Hachiman decided to give him a preemptive warning.

"Alright, I'm looking forward to it, but let me tell you in advance, I can handle it, but Yukinoshita is likely to be more critical than the publishing house's editors. Be prepared for a serious blow."

"Is that so..."

Upon hearing Hachiman's words, Zaimokuza nervously gulped.

But Yukino seemed a bit displeased.

"What kind of image do you have of me in your mind?"

Flat-chested, narcissistic, and sharp-tongued.

Although these thoughts crossed Hachiman's mind, he definitely couldn't say them out loud.

"I mean, Yukinoshita, your personality is just too serious, and you tend to pursue perfection. I doubt this guy's novel will meet your standards."

"Hmph, don't assume you know me so well. We're not that close yet," Yukino retorted, her heart experiencing a slight stir at his words, though she still shot an irritated glance his way.

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Today's chapter should be regarded as filler, given that I wrote it during a period when I wasn't feeling well. If you guys recall that time.