V5Ch1: Opposite Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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When it comes to status ailments, let me unequivocally declare that the quintessential one is poison. While there are a myriad of others like paralysis, burns, blindness, and freezing, poison stands as the iconic representative.

Yet, curiously, in novels and games, it often gets a weaker portrayal.

Status ailment skills are typically seen as the underwhelming choices, mere afterthoughts.

However, believing that status ailments are inherently weak is a fundamental misconception.

Consider this: if any of these ailments were to occur in reality, they could all potentially be fatal.

Burns might leave lifelong scars; temporary blindness could be incredibly dangerous; frostbite is one of the leading causes of death in mountain climbing; and paralysis, beyond the level of a mere sleep paralysis, could cause permanent nerve or muscle damage.

Now, let's talk about poison. It's ludicrous to think of poison as weak. A bee sting can cause anaphylactic shock; a bite from a pit viper necessitates antivenom; diseases transmitted by mosquitoes wreak havoc under the banner of poison.

Preparing puffer fish requires a license due to its deadly toxin, and food poisoning incidents occur regularly.

Mistaking poisonous mushrooms for edible ones or confusing daffodils for chives – in many ways, humanity has been in a constant battle with poison.

The historical role of a food taster underscores the fear of poisoning among the powerful. Licking cyanide as a casual act is absurdly out of the question.

Given how potent actual poison is, the term “toxic parents” aptly conveys their harmfulness to children. The adverse impact toxic parents have on personality development is immeasurable.

Because the parent-child relationship is a constant and unchanging bond, the suffering caused by toxic parents extends well beyond childhood, persisting into adulthood. In essence, toxic parents are like an irremovable cursed item.

Children tormented and whose lives are ruined by toxic parents grow to resent them deeply. This resentment, fueled by blood ties, intensifies over time.

Escaping the influence of toxic parents requires immense resolve. It may even necessitate—abandoning one’s flesh and blood.

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My first encounter with my little sister began with heart-wrenching cries. As if releasing all her pent-up emotions, she continued to sob uncontrollably. All I could do was silently bear it.

I don’t know how long it lasted—minutes, tens of minutes. I didn’t try to speak to her. I had always seen her crying face. My collection of tear-streaked memories just gained another addition. I didn't want to see that face, didn't want to make her cry. Yet, it seemed like everyone around me was always in tears.

“Um, Onii-sama, I'm sorry. I behaved so disgracefully…”

Eventually, she pulled away from my chest. Her first words to me were an apology, spoken softly while she still looked downcast. Though she had calmed down a bit, her large eyes still brimmed with tears. I gently tilted the umbrella to keep her fragile form from getting wet.

She looked so delicate, like she might shatter if touched. When I looked up, the sky was covered in thick clouds, and it seemed like the rain wouldn't stop for a while.

Kikyo-chan and I have a rather complicated relationship. Kikyo-chan, the daughter of my father, is my half-sister. We share the same father but different mothers, making her closer than a stranger yet not quite a full sibling. I studied her face, which didn't resemble mine much—or so I thought.

“If you keep staring at me like that, it's embarrassing.”

She covered her cheeks with her hands, looking so endearing that it moved me.

“You’re a soothing girl.”

“I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to behave so disgracefully—”

She hurriedly bowed her head, looking like a desperate, abandoned puppy.

“No, I mean you're comforting.”

“That's very confusing, Onii-sama.”

Kikyo-chan seemed perplexed. This must be what they call the “Kyoto spirit”—a calming presence. Whether it was due to her upbringing or her natural demeanor, she carried a certain elegance.

Her modest speech and behavior were a stark contrast to my mother and sister, who constantly chipped away at my mental health. If I had to sum her up in one word, she was a “refined young lady.”

“Didn’t you get lost coming here?”

“…No. Hiori-san guided me over the phone.”

I still don’t know the details. I just listened to Hiori-chan’s request. The only thing I know for sure is that if left alone, Kikyo-chan would have broken down.

The sudden arrival of the old man suggests that there was some problem. The old man was trying to take me with him now. If so, what’s the reason?

If Kikyo-chan was being abused by her mother, then taking her away would be justified. But that’s not the case. The old man said that Kikyo-chan and her mother, Tsubaki-san, were unhappy. However, even if that’s true, I can’t believe I could solve it, having never met them before.

Then what exactly does the old man want? Is this what they call a crappy dad?

There are too many unknowns. Even so, I had to act. That’s all there is to it.

“It was my first time riding a bullet train by myself.”

“It’s also my first time helping someone escape.”

Though unlike the former car company chairman, she didn’t hide inside the luggage.

After receiving a call from Kikyo-chan, I just sent her a bullet train ticket and enough money to get by.

“It’s all thanks to you, Onii-sama or Onii-oka.” [TL: おかげ (Okage) = Thanks, so it is a combination of Onii-sama and thanks]

“Feels like I’ve heard that somewhere before…”

Come to think of it, Hiori-chan often said things like, “As expected of Onii-chan!”

“I don’t really get it, but I don’t think that will catch on.”

“Hohon, you are so kind and wonderful, Onii-sama.”

Kikyo-chan murmured softly, as if savoring each word.

Kikyo-chan seemed entranced, but I couldn't help but feel she might have some strange misconceptions. She got along well with Hiori-chan, but what on earth had Hiori-chan told her…?

“By the way, you don't seem to use your dialect much. Are you doing that on purpose?”

“I try to be mindful of it. I… I'm useless, after all.”

A shadow of darkness crossed her face. She was desperately holding back the tears that were about to overflow again.

“I tried so hard. I kept trying and trying, but nothing worked… Unlike you, Onii-sama, I'm useless. I can't even live up to my mother’s expectations. I’m defective.”

The words coming out of her mouth were so painful and miserable.

“I always wanted to escape, always staring out the window. I even came to hate myself for it. I didn't know what to do. I just wanted someone to help me.”

What kind of world was she seeing through those tearful eyes?

“I'm no good! I can't save anyone or change anything. All I think about is escaping from the suffering and hating my parents…”

Her voice was filled with pain. To fight against such irrationality, strength is needed. And above all, an unbreakable spirit.

“What about the old man?”

“My father cares more about my mother than anything else… I can't replace her.”

She smiled sadly. Kikyo-chan's spirit was utterly worn out.

Stress and mental strain gnaw at the spirit, robbing one of their thoughts and motivation. When one becomes apathetic, taking action becomes increasingly daunting, leading to a more introverted state. Kikyo-chan's decision to escape may have come at the last possible moment.

I wonder how much sadness she has carried in that small body of hers. Perhaps I will come to understand that soon.

That's why I responded, as the person I am, Yukito Kokonoe.

“I've never once wished for someone to help me.”

This was a fateful encounter between siblings who could never fully understand each other.

“First, let me teach you the hierarchy of the Kokonoe household.”

“Yes. Please, teach me!”

Kikyo-chan straightened her posture with a determined look.

As we walked through the apartment entrance, I explained the rules. Following the proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” it was necessary to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Hierarchy is important for animals that form groups. It's a law of nature. In groups of monkeys or lions, there's always a boss. Dogs become attached to humans because they recognize their owners as both parents and leaders of the pack. Hierarchical society is harsh, and the same applies to humans.

For example, the refreshingly handsome guy might be considered a high-ranking person in the hierarchy. People like Gamen Photon and Elizabeth are the new leaders of class B.

“Of course, since we're being supported, you must obey Mother absolutely and put on a front with Nee-san.”

“Put on a front…?”

Kikyo-chan looked puzzled, her eyes wide.

“If you carelessly respond, you'll end up in a terrible situation. I was ambushed in the toilet just yesterday.”

I am Yukito Kokonoe, a man who doesn't allow accidental pervy moments, but to avoid even the slightest chance of accidental encounters, I always knock when entering the bathroom or toilet, taking utmost care. However, Yuri-san engages in outrageous acts with ease.

Despite going through the trouble of knocking to confirm, the sheer cruelty of waiting inside without responding is nothing short of extreme. It’s only permissible for the same sex to do such things together.

Mom is exasperated with us, but sometimes she's prone to accidents herself (according to Mom), so I can’t let my guard down. As such, in the Kokonoe household, you never know when you might encounter a crisis.

I call these types of incidents “Anti-Lucky Perverts.”

“By the way, my position in the hierarchy is naturally at the bottom. I'm in the pet category.”

“I-if Onii-sama is in the pet category, then how should I be treated…?”

Kikyo-chan trembled with fear, almost on the verge of fainting.

“Well, as a guest, you should be reassured, right?”

For some reason, Kikyo-chan recharged her determination and renewed her resolve.

“In that case, I will become Onii-sama's pet! Please take good care of me!”

“Why do such strange people keep gathering around me?”

Someone, please explain. I'm such a normal and upright person.

After a completely unhelpful discussion, we finally reached the entrance. I could see Kikyo-chan’s body shaking. It's not just me; even Mom and Nee-san are meeting her for the first time. Given the circumstances, bringing such trouble has left them bewildered.

“You don't need to be so anxious. Both Mom and Nee-san are big-hearted and big br*asted. I’ve never seen such kind people before. Sekka-san, too.”

To give an example of how kind they are, if Yuri-san forgets to bring her lunch to school and I deliver it to the classroom, she'll say “Thank you.” The fact that she doesn't scold me with “Hurry up and give it to me, you worthless piece of trash” shows how great her kindness is.

During such times, I always feel moved by my sister's kindness.

Looking at it, Kikyo-chan seems to be a genuinely good child. Her level of troublemaking is incomparable to mine.

I didn't think my family, who have never abandoned me, would treat her poorly. Mom is like a saint, after all.

Kikyo-chan was touching her ch*st with a half-convincing look on her face.

“I-I’m still growing!”

“Oh, I see.”

This girl seems surprisingly energetic, no?

“You must be Kikyo-chan. —Could it be you take after your mother? You don't seem to resemble her much.”

“You've really… Now you've picked up a stray little sister? If you want a little sister so badly, why didn't you tell me? Haa. It can't be helped. I'll become your little sister instead.”

“I'll pass.”

In the living room, Mom and Nee-san were waiting. …Thank goodness, today they're in ordinary casual clothes.

What, there are times when they aren't ordinary? Haha.

While Yuri-san, who has inexplicably styled her hair in twin tails, is another matter, Kikyo-chan's tension is palpable. In contrast to Mom, who behaves gently to avoid causing worry, Nee-san has a stern demeanor.

“I'm Ouka, the mother of these children. I've heard about you. But, I only know the bare minimum. What exactly happened, and what led to this situation?”

Mom looked troubled and took out a piece of paper.

“Today, this arrived. It was sent by that man—your father. I didn't expect him to actually send something. I'm sorry to put it this way, but it's rather infuriating.”

It was a certified mail. Generally used as a preliminary measure before taking some action.

The content is a petition for a custody change. In other words, it’s a request to take me into the Touren family.

“Could it be that the old man was serious…?”

“That…! I-I’m terribly sorry. My father has caused you trouble—”

Kikyo-chan, who seemed unaware of anything, had turned pale. I didn't have any grudge against her personally, but seeing a child apologizing for their parents' mistakes was disheartening.

“I haven’t been abused by Mom.”

“What you’re getting is entertainment.”

“What are you talking about! What the hell are you talking about?”

I firmly reject any unwarranted slander.

“Ha? Do you really want to be treated so lasciviously?”

“Yes.”

When I become a working adult, I want to experience entertainment at least once. I want to go out drinking with company money as entertainment expenses, and even if a client makes a bad shot at a golf outing, I want to say “nice shot” or some other nonsense that I don’t mean, and deepen the relationship in a fun and lively way.

Recently, it seems more young people dislike company drinking parties. However, I think there's merit in deepening connections through such social interactions. If you become close with your boss, you might get support not only in work but also in personal matters.

I’m always being asked for advice by strangers. What’s going on?!

“Got it. Then I’ll undress.”

“Damn it, I just answered reflexively!?”

A clever trap awaits! Don't come closer while licking your lips!?

“But, this seems pointless.”

It's possible for custody arrangements decided at divorce to be changed. This usually happens due to economic reasons or when abuse or domestic violence comes to light, but Mom has no such flaws, and fundamentally, a child's opinion is considered once they're in middle school.

In other words, as a high school student of sixteen, I have the right to choose my parents.

Mom wants me to stay with her. If she said she didn't want me, I'd leave anytime, but she's the one who raised me this far, not the old man.

The fact that I wouldn't make that choice should be understood by the old man too.

Despite this, he sent such a certified letter. This is a losing battle.

Such a foolish move. It's an act of stupidity that could anger Mom, even if it doesn’t affect me.

“—Is the old man really desperate?”

Desperate enough to resort to extreme measures. But it seems I'm better at handling such measures.

The fact that Kikyo-chan is here speaks volumes about that.

“I have no intention of handing this child over to that person. If they try to take him from me, I will fight them to the end. I will absolutely protect this child. But I don’t understand why this was suddenly proposed. I don’t understand, and that's why you're here. What on earth is going on?”

At Mom's words, Kikyo-chan knelt and bowed deeply.

“Please, please, save my mother—”

Tears continuously flowed from Kikyo-chan's eyes once again.

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[Shyugi side]

“Kidnapping, kidnapping!? What is this all about!?”

Shyugi Touren slammed his hand on the desk in frustration. His wife, Tsubaki, had collapsed from dizziness and was resting quietly.

Walking anxiously around the living room of their home, Shyugi was grateful only that the situation hadn’t escalated into a police matter. He recognized the kidnapping only because of the letter left by Kikyo, though seeing it was enough to chill him to the bone.

“Why at Ouka’s house—“

Shuugi was about to immediately call the police, but what stopped him was a message from his daughter, the one who had been kidnapped. A picture sent to let him know she was safe.

The picture of his daughter, sent with a subject line that could be described as the height of mischief, such as the pose that high school girls are currently doing, also included his son, whom he had only just met the other day.

He had no idea how the contact was made, or how she was taken. The knowledge of her whereabouts brought relief, but it was immediately followed by a flood of questions.

His daughter was supposed to have no connection with his ex-wife.

—And there was no reason for Ouka to accept this.

“…Kikyo, did you really dislike us that much?”

Shyugi was shocked by the image sent by his daughter. It wasn’t just because of how familiar she appeared with his son. It was the smile on her face—a smile he had never seen at home.

She was always downcast, cowering from Tsubaki, and looking worn out. Shyugi had been secretly relieved that she still seemed to care about the family.

The true breakdown would come when his daughter's eyes no longer reflected any emotion. A slight delay was all he had. Even knowing this, Shyugi felt powerless to change the situation.

That was why his son—Yukito—was needed. To atone for his own sins. Only his son held the potential to rebuild the family.

He no longer had any pride to be concerned about his failure as a father. No matter how much he was criticized or how deeply he was shamed, it was his responsibility. There was no denial or argument.

To have failed to protect what he wanted to protect—that was the result.

“…I need to see Yukito again.”

The certified mail must have already arrived. The situation was dire. Shyugi felt that things had slipped out of control.

From what Shyugi had investigated, the family relationships weren't going well. A strained family environment, with severe difficulties faced by his son. His son was supposed to be dissatisfied.

Tsubaki had even supported taking Yukito in; in fact, she had strongly wished for it. He held a faint hope that there might be room for negotiation. To resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Above all, if he could support a son he had done nothing for until now, that would be his ultimate satisfaction. That was why he had resorted to a custody change petition.

“Is the happiness you desire there?”

It wasn't just Yukito. Even Kikyo seemed to be slipping away from Shyugi's grasp.

From what he saw, Ouka would not forgive Shyugi. It was the first time he had seen such a furious expression. The fearsome demeanor was intimidating. Ouka loved her son more than anything.

And Yukito, too, held no dissatisfaction with his mother. Rather, he showed her respect.

There were no financial problems or discord within the family.

It was impossible. The only conclusion Shyugi could reach was that all his plans had been in vain. His efforts had been for nothing.

He had no countermeasures left. His sole wish remained unfulfilled, and he slumped in helplessness.

What, in the end, had he sacrificed everything for?

In the end, what would be left in his hands?

“Shyugi-san, what about that child…”

“Tsubaki!? Are you feeling better now?”

Shyugi hurriedly went to Tsubaki, who had staggered into view. Her complexion was still poor.

He handed her a glass of water. It couldn’t be helped. His daughter had been kidnapped, and the shock was beyond measure. Even knowing she was safe didn't immediately make it any easier to process.

“Don't worry. I'll handle it. I'll get Kikyo back. I will definitely protect you—”

Tsubaki’s expression was a complex mix of relief and lingering hurt. She wanted to trust Shyugi’s words, but she couldn’t fully do so.

The superficiality of his words left her feeling disgusted. She struggled to keep her face from frowning.

“Why do we have to suffer such miserable feelings, having lost everything and been taken from us…”

Supporting the heartbroken Tsubaki, Shyugi felt a deep sadness. He had even made his wife, whom he tried so hard to make happy, suffer.

He had given up everything and lived just for that purpose. Yet, he had achieved nothing.

That was the man, Shyugi Touren.

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