V3Ch6: White Recruitment

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Translator: Soafp

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After we left the classroom, we walked quickly and arrived at the landing of the stairs. There was still a considerable amount of time before other students would arrive, so the area was empty.

“Thanks for earlier.”

I said, expressing my gratitude to Shirase.

“We help each other out when in trouble. But, what exactly was going on back there? Why was Akazawa here at this time?”

I explained the situation that had led to that moment.

To be honest, I didn’t understand it very well myself. Right after arriving at school, Akazawa approached me and suddenly started talking about yesterday. After that, she began to advertise her charms, or rather, try to persuade me.

Shirase nodded thoughtfully as she listened.

“I see, so that's what happened. I was able to help immediately because you seemed troubled.”

“I was seriously in trouble. Thanks.”

It would've been bad if things had gone on like that.

If we had stayed there talking, there was a chance they would have figured things out. There was no escape, and Shirase’s interruption was like a lifeline.

“I’m glad I could help. But now, it seems all the goddesses have made their move.”

“Yeah, it looks that way. Their actions are way too fast.”

“It was completely unexpected. I underestimated their feelings. I didn’t think they were that invested in you, Shota-kun.”

I was just as surprised as anyone else.

Shirase puffed out her cheeks.

“These people are really troublesome. They don't seem to have noticed your true identity at all!”

“…It's true.”

“Well, I didn't notice either, but—”

“Since my ex didn’t notice, it's no surprise no one else did, right?”

“Fufufu, that's true.”

We both laughed together.

After escaping the heavy atmosphere back in the classroom, I felt a sense of relief, and it had been a while since I'd laughed out loud.

As the mood lightened,

“Now then, with that situation, we definitely need some sort of countermeasure.”

“Yeah, that's what I was thinking.”

“Akazawa-san is dangerous, and from what I hear, Aoyama-san and Kuromine-san are also quite risky. There's no doubt that the recruitment attempts will continue.”

The reason for this situation was something I had said earlier.

[If your charm surpasses Shirase’s, I might reconsider.]

That was the line that caused all this. Essentially, it meant that they'd recruit me every time I made a move. That was a mistake, and I knew it.

It was completely my fault, but at the time, I couldn't think of another way to handle it.

“So basically, all I need to do is come up with a perfect excuse for them, right?”

“Exactly. If I can turn down their recruitment, that would be the best. At least for now… I need some time to think about things.”

“Well, I've got a surefire solution.”

“Tell me”

Shirase took a deep breath.

“You just need to support me!”

With a determined expression, Shirase made her suggestion. I couldn't help but tilt my head in confusion.

“Uh, I am still part of the White faction, right?”

“No, that's just a formality. When you joined my faction, it was just a temporary measure. That's why the excuse you gave to them was half-hearted. Don't you think so?”

“Yeah, you're right. That's exactly it.”

Technically, it was because I had half-heartedly turned them down that things got more complicated.

“So, you're saying… you really want me to join your faction?”

“Yes. If you do that, everything will be solved.”

In other words, if I officially joined the White faction and voted for Shirase in the contest, everything would be fine.

It was, in a way, a perfect solution. By turning down the recruitment attempts and saying that “Shirase is the most charming and the best goddess,” I could easily make an excuse.

I could justify it.

…But that would only fix the excuse, right?

The most important thing to me is my family, especially Shion, who goes to the same school.

Of course, I want to enjoy life, but not involving my cute little sister in trouble is my top priority. So, the real question is whether accepting Shirase’s proposal is the best option.

There are other concerns too.

Supporting Shirase in earnest would be a bold decision. We may have repaired our relationship, but she's someone I once resented. Even if there are benefits, it's not something I can decide on lightly.

“I know it's a difficult decision. I understand that you forgave me because of your family, especially Shion.”

Shirase said, understanding my hesitation.

I couldn't deny it.

“So, I will do my best to show you my own charm, just like those other girls, to earn your full support.”

“Eh?”

“I do believe my appearance is decent. Many men like small women, and I've been confessed to many times in my life. Even in the pool, though not as much as Kuromine-san, I attracted some attention.”

Shirase said, nodding to herself.

“I'm not great at sports… actually, I'm really bad, but I'm excellent at studying. I probably won't be able to shine at the sports festival, but I'll make sure to do well on the midterms. I'll even beat both Kuromine-san and Inuyama-san to take the top spot.”

“Beating Renji would be impressive.”

“I will definitely do it!”

Shirase said, her eyes filled with determination.

We then talked about what had happened since the summer break until today. As the time for other students to arrive approached, we decided to part ways.

“By the way… please think about what I said earlier.”

Shirase said with a smile as she started to walk away.

On her way out, she almost tripped and stumbled, but managed to regain her balance at the last second.

Her face turned a little red as she left.

---

Afterward, I started walking toward the classroom.

I was thinking back to the conversation I had earlier.

Shirase's suggestion wasn't a bad one. If I genuinely supported her, it would solve everything. If I removed emotions from the equation, it seemed like the best choice in the current situation. I'd vote for Shirase in the contest and support her with everything I had to help her become the goddess.

Whether or not that would make those others give up, though, was a different matter.

Lost in thought, I kept walking, and soon enough, more students started arriving for school. This was probably the busiest time.

Among them, I saw a familiar face. When our eyes met, he started walking toward me.

“Good morning, Shota-senpai.”

“Good morning, Yakumo-kun.”

It was Shirase's younger brother, Yakumo-kun. As always, he looked like quite the handsome guy. Seeing him in the morning made him seem even more charming.

“I'm glad I ran into you.”

“Glad?”

“I was actually on my way to your classroom just now.”

Apparently, he had something to ask me.

“Is now a good time?”

“It's fine.”

“Well, there's something I'd like to ask you, Shota-senpai.”

“Something to ask me?”

It was rare for Yakumo-kun to ask for something.

I personally liked him, so I'd definitely want to help him out if I could.

“I heard that you're supporting my sister.”

“Uhm, yeah.”

Though, not completely honestly.

I couldn't exactly tell him the full truth, especially since I wasn't sure where the information had come from.

“As her younger brother, I'm really happy to hear that.”

“Of course. Let's make Shirase the goddess together!”

“….”

However, Yakumo-kun shook his head at my words.

“At first, that's what I thought too. But now, I've changed my mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I've decided to support someone else.”

“Eh?”

Yakumo-kun took a moment before continuing.

“I want to make Nijitani-san the goddess!”

“…!”

When he said “Nijitani,” he wasn't referring to me, but to my little sister, Shion.

“I think Nijitani-san's cheerful, radiant personality, how she lights up the room and is like the sun, along with her looks, are just as worthy of being one of the Four Goddesses!”

As biased as I might be, I felt the same way.

She looked up to me like a real older brother, and I'd been helped countless times by her bright and positive attitude. She was great at cooking, too. Although, there were a few times she went a bit overboard with the goddess stuff, causing some trouble for me.

“Apparently, there were a lot of other people who felt the same way, so I've gathered a few like-minded supporters.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah… So, I was hoping you'd help us out, Shota-senpai. Let's make Nijitani-san the goddess together!”

That was an unexpected, white recruitment proposal.