A quiet story: A visit to Haruno Yukinoshita Part 1

I picked up the teacup in front of me and brought it to my lips.

The freshly roasted coffee had an amazing aroma, acidity, and an exquisite aftertaste when consumed.

Because I liked it so much, I continued coming to this coffee shop, Haruno thought.

But today was different. The coffee that usually tasted delicious didn't seem enjoyable at all today.

The reason didn't require much thinking.

It was because I was here today to end a certain family.

Sigh... It feels heavy, as expected.

Even though I knew what I was getting into, I couldn't help but feel sick. The actions I was about to take and their consequences. My own intellect, capable of predicting everything, was now something I resented.

I looked at the documents placed on the table in front of me. These documents were meant to be shown to the individuals who would soon arrive.

"They've arrived."

I murmured, and at that moment, the door at the entrance opened, and the intended individuals entered the shop. They looked around and then made their way towards me with heavy footsteps.

Well then, it's time for work. Haruno put on a mask on her expression and greeted the two of them.

"Once the documents are reviewed, please sign here."

Haruno calmly went about her work. She explained the situation and confirmed their treatment. She orally explained everything and handed the documents to the two individuals on the opposite side of the table.

"Um..."

"What is it?"

One of the two individuals in front of me spoke up, the woman.

"...Is Hachiman doing well?"

"Well, I haven't seen him recently, so I can't say."

They asked a question, but I refused to answer. I wasn't lying since I hadn't seen him for about two weeks.

"But, but!"

"Enough, Mom."

The woman who was about to ask another question was stopped by the man beside her.

"Yukinoshita-san, could you spare us a moment to talk?"

"..."

No response. Instead, I nodded silently, and the man began speaking.

"I spoke with Komachi. It was only after hearing what she had to say that I realized how much burden our actions have been on those kids."

"..."

It's a common story in this world.

"We were happy when Hachiman was born, but at the same time, we were confused. The Starpulse Generation is discriminated against in the current world. We thought about what we could do for him, and sending him to Asterisk was the idea we came up with."

Parents who gave birth to a Starpulse Generation child have several options. The most common choice among them is sending them to Asterisk.

"A while after Komachi was born, Hachiman's Star Energy disappeared. And we decided to focus on educating Komachi in Hachiman's place."

The man spoke, his words squeezed out. It was their confession.

"In retrospect, it was foolish. We were thinking about those kids' happiness, but we never considered them."

At that moment, Haruno closely examined the faces of the two individuals in front of her. Both had dark circles under their eyes and looked pale. It was easy to tell from their expressions that they hadn't been sleeping well recently.

"What does your sister think about this matter?"

"...We haven't talked to her yet."

"Should I talk to her instead?"

It's better to have fewer people to be hated. Haruno thought and made a suggestion.

"No, we'll talk to her. It's our responsibility."

They affirmed it.

"Please take care of him, our Hachiman."

The man bowed deeply to Haruno, and the woman next to him also bowed deeply.

"Understood. Leave Hachiman to us."

Haruno replied to the Tsurumi couple, who were sitting across from her.

After concluding the meeting at the coffee shop, Haruno headed to her next destination.

It was a little past 4 p.m. and approaching evening.

As I walked through the residential area near the destination, I could see elementary school children returning home here and there. I found their innocent walking figures heartwarming.

And I stopped in front of a house. I walked up to the entrance and rang the doorbell. After a while, I heard a woman's voice.

"Yes, who is it?"

"It's Haruno Yukinoshita."

"Haruno-san? Just a moment, please."

The voice paused, and I could hear the sound of someone hurrying from inside the house.

Then the door opened.

"Long time no see, Ms. Tsurumi."

"Yes, it's been a while, Haruno-san."

The person who came out of the house was the health teacher at Sobu Middle School and also Rumi Tsurumi's mother. It had been several years since I last met her, back in my first year of middle school.

I visited this house today because Rumi Tsurumi told me she had something to discuss.

"I'm sorry to have you come all the way here, Haruno-san, especially when you're so busy."

"No, it's no problem. I wanted to see how Rumi-chan was doing as well."

"Thank you. She talks about you all the time, saying how amazing Haruno-san is. Please take good care of her."

"Yes, of course. By the way, you mentioned that you wanted to discuss something today."

"Yes, but it's not suitable to talk about it here. Please come in first."

"Understood. I'll intrude, then."

Prompted to enter, I stepped into the house.

I was guided from the entrance to the living room, and after a while, tea and sweets were placed on the table.

"It's nothing special, but please help yourself."

"No, please don't mind me."

And the two of us sat facing each other and began the conversation.

"Can you take a look at this?"

What was offered to me was a letter. I received it and read its contents.

"...A recommendation letter from Seidoukan Academy?"

"...Yes."

The sender was Seidoukan Academy, and the contents were a recommendation letter for Rumi Tsurumi to enter the academy.

"Did they catch onto Rumi-chan's healing ability? They're quite quick."

In the city of Asterisk, there are six schools. Although Kairyo Elementary School exists in Kairyu, allowing students to attend from elementary school, the other schools only have middle and high school divisions. It is highly unusual for a recommendation letter to arrive for Rumi Tsurumi, a fifth-grade elementary school student.

"...I remember that you went to Asterisk. I'd appreciate it if you could tell me more about it."

"If it's me, I don't mind. Please ask me anything."

Haruno readily agreed.

"Thank you. Even though I didn't let Rumi study martial arts, I thought Asterisk was out of the question for her. But then this recommendation letter arrived, and I didn't know what to do."

"I understand your feelings."

"...Rumi-chan's healing ability, huh? I knew she awakened to it, but would a recommendation letter come just because of that?"

It's a natural point of doubt. The average person's knowledge about Asterisk is limited to the Phoenix Festa. When they see that, they tend to focus on martial arts and offensive abilities, paying no attention to healing abilities or other types.

"Yes, that's true. It's just speculation, but is that okay?"

"Yes, please go ahead."

"First of all, among the Starpulse Generation, there are people with abilities. If they are boys, they're called magicians, and if they're girls, they're called witches. Abilities vary from person to person, but one of the rarest types is healing abilities."

"Rare? Are there fewer people with that ability?"

Haruno nodded.

"Yes, there are considerably fewer. I think Seidoukan Academy wants to secure Rumi-chan before others take notice."

"...And does that apply to you too, Yukinoshita-san?"

Haruno is also a student at Asterisk. It wouldn't be strange to suspect her.

"I won't deny it. I've also been asked to invite Rumi-chan from above. However, personally, I want to respect her own will, so I have no intention of forcing her."

"I see. That's good then."

She felt relieved at those words.

"...Personally, there is one point that bothers me a little."

"What is it?"

"Tsurumi-sensei, has Rumi-chan completed the registration at the city office after awakening as a witch?"

"Yes, um... Yes. The doctor at the hospital told us, so we did it as soon as she was discharged."

Magicians and witches have an obligation to register with the country after awakening their abilities. These procedures are done at city offices and similar places.

"...I'm curious about how Seidoukan Academy found out about Rumi-chan."

"Well..."

"It's certain that Rumi-chan's abilities will eventually become known once she's registered with the country. However, it's still too early."

It was an unexpected turn of events for Haruno as well. She hadn't even considered Rumi attracting attention at this stage.

"...Do you have any idea, Yukinoshita-san?"

"...I don't know."

There is one possibility that Haruno can't completely rule out. However, she can't communicate it because she doesn't have full confidence in it.

"What are your intentions regarding that recommendation letter, Tsurumi-sensei?"

"...I want to discuss it with her. If she wants to go to Asterisk, I'll let her go. If she doesn't want to, I won't force her."

She stated it firmly, and Haruno nodded in agreement with her determination.

"I think that's fine... By the way, is Rumi-chan out today?"

"No, she hasn't returned from school yet. I think she'll be back soon."

"I'm home~"

A voice could be heard from the entrance.

"It seems like she's back."

"Yes."

The girl they were talking about had just returned.

"Mom, there's a visitor. It's Haruno-san!"

"Hello~ Rumi-chan."

She waved her hand lightly towards Rumi.

"Welcome back, Rumi."

"I'm back, Mom. Why is Haruno-san at our house?"

"Well, put your bag down first. We'll talk after that."

"Okay!"

Rumi hurriedly headed to her room.

"...It's good to see her energetic."

"Lately, she seems to have found a goal and is working hard."

"A goal?"

"Yes."

She smiled and directed her gaze at Haruno with determination.

"Um, is it possible that she's talking about me?"

"Yes, that's right. She says she wants to be like Haruno-san."

"I see. I'm happy, but it's a little embarrassing."

Many people have looked up to Yukinoshita Haruno before. Usually, she doesn't feel anything special, but she feels pleased when Rumi Tsurumi sees her that way. It's because Rumi Tsurumi is not just an acquaintance to Haruno.

"Yukinoshita-san, Rumi-chan wants to ask you something."

"She wants to ask me something?"

"Yes. I don't know the exact details, but could you listen to her?"

"Understood."

As the two were talking, they heard the sound of someone rushing down the stairs. Then Rumi entered the living room and sat next to her mother.

"Haruno-san! Long time no see!"

"Yes, it's been a while. It's our first direct meeting since back then."

"Yes!"

This reunion took place after the bank robbery incident that involved Rumi. Since they were both transported to the hospital together, it had been a while since they last saw each other.

"Well, Rumi, you want to ask Haruno-san something, right?"

"...Yeah."

Prompted by her mother, Rumi stepped forward.

"...Haruno-san, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"I... I want to become stronger!"

That was an unexpected request for Haruno.

"At that time, I couldn't do anything. I was scared, trembling, and all I could do was watch."

"That couldn't be helped. There are few people who can do something under those circumstances."

"I understand that, but..."

Haruno looked at Rumi. In her eyes, she felt a firm determination and strong will. From what Haruno knew, a person with those eyes would never waver.

Haruno let out a sigh and looked at Rumi's mother.

"Are you not going to stop her, Tsurumi-sensei? Your daughter. She's saying such things."

"...I was surprised by the content of the discussion. But it's what my daughter decided. Yukinoshita-san, could you please help us?"

It seemed that Rumi's mother had no objections either. It seemed pointless to try to persuade her.

"...I don't think Rumi-chan is suited for conflicts, but that's just my opinion."

"I think so too, myself. But she has made up her mind. She wants to become strong."

Rumi's determination was strong. Haruno could understand why she wanted to become strong, what she was thinking. It was probably for the same reason as Haruno.

"Rumi-chan, have you ever used the Lux? [Magical Armament]"

"No, I haven't. I'm not really into swords or guns."

"In that case, I think I have an idea. Stand up for a moment."

Haruno stood up, and Rumi followed suit.

"Extend your hand this way."

"Like this?"

Rumi held out her right hand toward Haruno. Haruno grabbed that hand with her right hand.

"!!"

In the next moment, Rumi's body floated in the air.

Her body rotated once and returned to its original standing position.

"How about that?"

"I-It's amazing!"

Rumi couldn't understand what had happened to her.

Her vision had spun around in the instant she reached out her hand.

"This is Aikido. Rumi-chan, you've probably heard the name before, right? It can be quite difficult to learn, but as a Starpulse Generation, it should be easier for you to grasp than for Non-Starpulse Generations."

"Aikido, huh?"

"Yes, if there's an issue, it's that Aikido is unpopular among the Starpulse Generation. They tend to prefer flashy martial arts programs, and Aikido is rarely chosen. They usually prefer swords or guns since they can become strong quickly."

In reality, no one in the Starpulse Generation uses Aikido in the Phoenix Festa. Aikido requires facing opponents without weapons, so it becomes a disadvantage when facing opponents with weapons.

"What you seek, Rumi-chan, is not strength to defeat others but the strength to protect someone, right? In that case, Aikido would be a perfect fit."

As Haruno spoke, Rumi contemplated. Aikido. Strength to protect rather than to defeat. The more she thought about it, the more she felt it suited her.

"Yes, I want to learn Aikido!"

"Alright, it's decided. However, I'll be returning to Asterisk soon, so I won't be able to teach you... Ah! Rumi-chan, how about learning Aikido from my master?"

"Your master? Is it the person who came the other day?"

"No, it's someone different. They were my Aikido master when I was younger. They're a Non-Starpulse Generation, but they're incredibly strong."

Rumi wondered if Haruno had also learned from the same person since they were sisters.

"Well... Haruno-chan also learned Aikido, but from a different person than my master."

Haruno was a genius, and her talent had been fully displayed since she was young. Although the Haruno sisters initially learned Aikido from the same teacher, Haruno defeated that teacher within a short period. After that, Haruno learned Aikido from the person she referred to as her master.

"But even though they're a Non-Starpulse Generation, are they really that strong?"

The difference in power and reaction speed between the Starpulse Generation and Non-Starpulse Generation is significant. Normally, a Non-Starpulse Generation wouldn't stand a chance against a Starpulse Generation.

At first, Haruno also thought the same.

"A master. That's the only way to describe them. No matter how strong or fast you are, it doesn't mean anything in front of them. They're that kind of person."

"E-Even for someone as incredible as that! Are you sure it's okay?"

Rumi trembled in fear. If what Haruno said was true, she felt unworthy.

"It's fine, really. When I contacted them before, they said they were bored because they had few disciples."

"Well, if that person is willing, I'd like to ask for their guidance."

Rumi bowed her head.

"Leave it to me. I'll contact my master and let them know. Can I have your contact information, Rumi-chan?"

"Yes, that's fine."

Rumi nodded. Satisfied, Haruno glanced at her wristwatch to check the time.

"...It's already this late. I'm sorry, Tsurumi-sensei and Rumi-chan, but I have somewhere else to go, so let's end it here for today."

"Oh, is that so?"

It was slightly before 5 PM. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be a problem, but Haruno had several other places to visit today.

"Thank you for today, Yukinoshita-san. You've been a great help."

"No problem at all. If you have any more questions or need assistance, feel free to contact me."

"Yes, I will. Thank you in advance."

Haruno stood up and headed towards the front door.

"Oh, Mom! I'll see Haruno-san off!"

"Oh, sure, go ahead."

"Yeah!"

Leaving her mother behind, Haruno and Rumi walked towards the entrance, put on their shoes, and stepped outside.

Facing Rumi, Haruno spoke.

"So, Rumi-chan, there's still something you want to ask, right?"

"Yes."

Haruno immediately understood that Rumi wanted to have a private conversation with her. And there was only one thing they could talk about.

"...Is Hachiman doing well?"

"Yes, I can't contact him directly either, but it seems he's doing fine."

Hikigaya Hachiman. More precisely, the person who had become Hikigaya Hachiman an hour ago was someone deeply connected to both of them.

"Haruno-san, have you seen Hachiman as well?"

"...There's a possibility he could become emotionally unstable. I can only contact my master."

Master. That's what Haruno called her instructor at Asterisk. Rumi had learned that from Haruno.

"But I'm glad to hear that he's doing well..."

Haruno had made a promise to Tsurumi Rumi not to talk about Hikigaya Hachiman to anyone else. According to official records, due to the pressure from Hanya Tennra, it was stated that Hikigaya Hachiman hadn't come to the bank. The only people who had directly witnessed Hikigaya Hachiman were Haruno Yukinoshita, Tsurumi Rumi, and the bank robbers. It was uncertain where the information might leak from. As a result, Haruno never mentioned Hachiman's name when they contacted each other, and Rumi never brought up his name either.

"Can I ask you one more thing?"

"Yes, what is it?"

Now it was Haruno's turn to ask Rumi a question.

"Have you been using your ability lately?"

"Well, the other day, when my mom cut her finger with a knife, I used it. She was very happy."

"I see... The more you use your ability, the stronger it becomes. Especially since you've just awakened to your ability. Abilities vary greatly from person to person, what they can and cannot do. It's important to know your own limitations. If you notice anything, please let me know. As fellow ability users, I want to support you."

Haruno's words made Rumi contemplate. Then she remembered something.

"Oh, speaking of which, there was something I was curious about."

"Oh, what is it?"

"After I was discharged from the hospital, on my way back from school, I fell and got a scrape on my knee. Since no one saw it happen, I tried to heal it with my ability, but it didn't work."

"I see. What happened afterward?"

"Since I'm a Starpulse Generation, I thought a scrape like that would heal quickly, so I just put a bandage on it. It actually healed in less than a day, so I didn't think much of it."

Hearing the story, Haruno came up with a condition regarding Rumi's ability.

"Probably, Rumi-chan's ability is specialized in healing others."

"Others? You mean...?"

"Yes. She can heal others, but not herself. That kind of ability. It suits Rumi-chan, a kind ability."

"N-No way. I'm not..."

Blushing, Rumi felt embarrassed.

"If you happen to meet my master, try telling them about your ability. I'm sure they'll be delighted."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, even though Aikido mainly focuses on self-defense, it is still a martial art. Inevitably, there are injuries. By healing those people, it will train your ability, and they won't have to visit a doctor. It will be a great help for both parties."

"...I understand. If the opportunity arises, I'll talk to them."

Rumi nodded.

"Well, I should be going."

"Yes. Thank you so much today, Haruno-san."

"It's nothing. If you have any more questions or anything, feel free to contact me anytime."

"Yes!"

Haruno walked away, heading towards her next destination.

Rumi continued waving her hand, seeing Haruno off until she disappeared from sight.

...

"Show yourself."

After walking for a while, Haruno murmured in a low voice in a sparsely populated alley.

"Do you need something, elder sister?"

Reacting to the voice, a man appeared. He was dressed entirely in black, far from an ordinary person's appearance.

"I'll change the alert level for Rumi-chan from E to B."

"...Did something happen?"

The alert level Haruno set for Tsurumi Rumi. The E rank meant being cautious from a distance, checking for suspicious individuals in the vicinity, while the B rank meant providing covert protection outside of her home and school within visible range. The sudden upgrade in rank made the man more vigilant.

"Tsurumi Rumi's connection to Hoshinokan has been exposed."

"What?! That's fast, isn't it?"

"Yes, indeed. I expected it to take a little longer, though."

The reason for the alert level upgrade became clear. However...

"Even so, isn't B rank too high? Just because Missy has a healing ability doesn't mean there are no other healers. Normally, it would be D rank at most."

The B rank of alertness primarily pertains to situations where clear enemies have infiltrated the surroundings. It isn't activated due to the revelation of the existence of other ability users in different schools.

"...It's for caution."

Haruno didn't let her guard down.

"...If you have any leads on the mastermind this time, please let me know. The ease of providing protection differs greatly when you know the enemy's identity."

"...If there's a lead, I'll tell you. About the enemy's identity."

Haruno fell silent.

"If you have any leads, please tell me. It's much easier to protect when you know the enemy's identity."

"...I know. About that..."

In a somewhat weak tone, Haruno's voice wavered. The man began to express his thoughts to Haruno.

"Elder sister, I'm grateful to you. When we were captured during the bank robbery, the death penalty seemed certain for us. However, thanks to you and Manyu Tenshi, we were able to save our lives. I'll repay that debt as much as I can."

"I just wanted more pawns."

Haruno said bluntly.

"Even so, consider this. Living as bank robbers, uncertain of tomorrow, or the current life we have now, which is much more fulfilling."

The man firmly stated. Compared to the days when they were involved in shady activities, their current life felt like heaven.

"What should I do then? Tell me."

"Be more like a Demon Lord."

"...Huh?"

Haruno was taken aback by the unexpected request.

"You are a Demon Lord. If you're a Demon Lord, act like one, defeat enemies with dignity and grandeur. Playing tricks or feeling down doesn't suit you. It's disgusting to watch."

"Say what you want."

"That's why your current behavior feels so wrong. Return to your usual self quickly."

The man stared at Haruno with a serious expression, despite his tone of voice.

"Alright, I get it."

And Haruno gave him an order.

"There will be no change in Rumi-chan's alert level, it will remain at E. I will personally deal with the mastermind this time."

"Understood. By the way, do you know the mastermind personally?"

"Well, you could say that."

The mastermind this time was probably someone Haruno knew better than anyone else in this world.

"...I'll tell you one more thing."

"What is it?"

"If you guys were truly wicked, we wouldn't help you. We would have sent all of you to the execution platform."

"...Even if we were murderers?"

"That applies only to you, the former cat. Besides, it's confirmed that you haven't killed anyone since leaving the cat. You've done your research quite well in this short period."

The man became slightly twitchy at Haruno's words.

"The information was willingly shared by your subordinates. They adore you."

"Ah, those guys... They go too far sometimes."

"They're good subordinates. Treat them well."

Haruno smiled at the man, who sighed in response.

Soon after, the man wore a serious expression again and asked Haruno a question.

"So, who is the mastermind this time?"

"The mastermind this time is... Yukihiro Fuyuno. My mother."