V4Ch1: Rainbow-Colored Determination

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Translator: Soafp

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Life is full of uncertainties.

It's a worn-out phrase, but undeniably true. At least, I feel it more strongly than anyone else.

The very person who shattered my life ended up attending the same high school as me, that person apologized for the events of the past, and the person who helped heal my broken self also turned out to be attending the same school.

Life really is full of surprises.

Now, during the autumn of my second year of high school, after the results of the midterms were announced, several days passed—

And my school, Tenka Academy, had entered a void period with no major events for a while.

Normally, the whole academy would quiet down during this time. It's a period where students gather their strength for the next event, and it's expected that no significant problems occur.

However, at this moment, Tenka Academy was more chaotic than ever before.

The reason? It's connected to the school’s unique “Devine System.” This system allows both boys and girls to vote, electing a “God” for the boys and a “Goddess” for the girls. In short, it’s like a popularity contest, where the most attractive and popular students are chosen.

Currently, the reigning “God” and the frontrunner to win again this year, my best friend Renji Inuyama, suddenly withdrew from the academy’s most popular event, the Tenka Contest, where the God and Goddess are elected during the cultural festival.

This sudden withdrawal shocked many of the female students.

But that wasn't the only shock.

Half of the reigning “Four-Colored Goddesses” from last year, a first in the academy’s history, also withdrew from the contest.

Umi Aoyama, who had pulled off a miraculous comeback at the sports festival.

Tsukiyo Kuromine, who achieved a perfect score on the midterms.

Both of these standout candidates for this year's goddess contest suddenly dropped out just as they were beginning to rise above the others.

This shocking news sent the entire academy into a frenzy.

“…It's chaotic today to.”

Muttered Mahiro Nazuka, a classmate and friend of mine, as he stood in front of me.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Well, it's no surprise. Inuyama, the reigning male God, and Kuromine, one of the most popular girls, both withdrew. A lot of girls are feeling pretty down.”

“…No doubt.”

It must be a nightmare for the female students.

Both their favored God and Goddess candidates had dropped out. It's no wonder they've lost their enthusiasm and energy.

Even in this class, there are plenty of fans of both of them.

Watching the girls' confusion was mildly amusing, but it also made me a little sad. I don't know exactly how it feels, but I imagine it's like when your favorite idol leaves their group.

“Hey, I've got a question about the Goddess stuff.”

“Sure, ask away.”

“Can you tell me the latest status on it?”

I'm not very up-to-date with this sort of information.

Given that there's been a major shift recently, I feel like I should ask, especially since I have close ties with the goddesses.

“Well, the situation's pretty chaotic. With the two frontrunners dropping out after their big boosts from the sports festival and the midterms, the remaining candidates have now narrowed down to five.”

I see. Two of the current reigning goddesses, and three others.

“Who's in the lead now?”

“The reigning goddesses still have the advantage. They stand out, after all. The unprecedented tie last year gave them a lot of buzz, and being goddesses makes them symbols of the academy.”

That makes sense.

In terms of attention, buzz, and visibility, the current goddesses are way ahead.

It's pretty obvious when you think about it. It's like comparing a former politician and a current one—of course, the latter will get more attention. Whether it's right to compare them to politicians, I'm not sure.

“Who do you think will win, Mahiro?”

“Hard to say. But it seems like the two underclassmen are gaining momentum recently. It looks like the tide is turning their way.”

“Oh, they're gaining momentum, huh?”

Could it be because of the midterm results?

One of the underclassmen goddess candidates, and my step-sister, Shion Nijitani, made it through the midterms. Thanks to her hard work, she got a pretty decent score.

“And it seems that the votes from the two who dropped out are flowing in that direction too.”

“…Is that so?”

“That's what a friend in the newspaper club told me. They did a survey, and some students said their votes would go that way. It could just be a coincidence, though.”

I see. If this information is coming from someone who conducted a survey, it's probably somewhat reliable.

Now that I've learned about the current situation—

“…Next, can you tell me about Amatsuka-Senpai?”

“Oh, that's right. Shota, you weren't here last year, were you?”

“I'm a transfer student, so I only know she was the former Goddess.”

Mahiro thought for a moment before responding.

“Last year's Tenka Contest… Amatsuka-Senpai was the most likely candidate for Goddess. Like I said earlier, the reigning goddess usually has the advantage. But right before the cultural festival, a rumor started to spread.”

“A rumor?”

“Yeah, that Amatsuka-Senpai had an older boyfriend.”

“…”

I blinked in surprise.

“Was that rumor true?”

“Who knows?”

“What do you mean?”

“The rumor just disappeared at some point. No one even knows who started it. Apparently, some people confronted Amatsuka-Senpai about it, but she neither confirmed nor denied it. So the truth remains a mystery.”

“I see.”

“It's all just rumors as far as I'm concerned, so I have no idea what's really going on.”

There's a possibility someone spread false rumors out of jealousy toward the goddess, or it could very well be the truth.

—Kikka Amatsuka.

She, the former goddess, is someone I owe a great debt to. After I was utterly destroyed by the devils known as the “Four-Color Goddesses,” she was the one who saved me. And I'm not exaggerating when I say she saved my life.

I fell for her. Even now, after reuniting, I still think of her as a beautiful and wonderful person.

But what I wish for now is Kikka nee-san's happiness.

As long as she is happy, that's all that matters. People might question who am I to say such things, but I'd be overjoyed if she found happiness.

But… rumors of a boyfriend, huh.

“…Got it. Thanks for letting me know.”

“By the way, I've got some information about the male god candidates too.”

“Oh? I guess I should hear it.”

“It's expected to be a tight race, but there's one frontrunner.”

“Who is it?”

Mahiro looks at me.

“Wait, it's me?!”

“After your performance in the sports festival and your results in the midterm exams, your reputation has skyrocketed. It's not surprising. You've got the looks for it too.”

“That's flattering, but it sounds like more trouble than it's worth.”

I have no interest in becoming the male god. For now, I won't even bother thinking about it.

But… Kikka Nee-san having a boyfriend, huh.

She's in her third year of high school, so it wouldn't be strange if she had one. In fact, it would be odd for someone as beautiful and kind as her not to have a boyfriend.

A few days ago, I reunited with her.

Since then, I've been thinking about it constantly. How I'll repay the favor. I've always wanted to repay the massive debt I owe her from that time.

Once the event tomorrow is over, I'll ask Kikka Nee-san about the truth behind the rumors. Whether it's true or not, I don't know yet. But if I can be of any help to her, I'll do my best.

That's what I've decided.

But first, I need to get through the major event happening tomorrow. Yes, the big event where Tsukiyo Kuromine is coming to visit my house.