Chapter 90: Disturbing Loop the Loop

Translator: Soafp

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[Oooooh]

　Crackling applause. Cheers are flying around. Of course, the cheers were directed at the piggyback battle, but in fact, they were quietly directed at us as well.

　As the piggyback battle was going smoothly, I was playing yo-yo with one of the otaku group, Fujimori, a yo-yo master who had won the 16th best junior high school yo-yo competition in Japan.

Well, because I have nothing else to do. I don’t participate in any events, you see. You might think I should cheer for others, but honestly, I prefer the enthusiastic cheers from the girls. I’ll leave the cheering to Elizabeth and Hinagi-chan.

“Kokonoe, that yo-yo looks great!” (Fujimori)

“Right?　It’s the original Yuri Raider G.” (Yuki)

(｀・ω・´) Shakeen! The Yuri Raider G.

As expected of Yo-Yo Master Fujimori-kun, he has a discerning eye. This Yo-Yo is a custom design by Master Yuri.

One day, while I was playing with my Yo-Yo, Yuri-san said, “I’ll show you a trick of G-level difficulty.” In an artistic display, she stopped the spinning of the Yo-Yo by holding it against her chest.

The impact of the G-level trick was tremendous. It was a remarkable skill that only the chosen ones with the “G” can perform. I was astonished, moved, and compelled. Immediately, I became a disciple of Master Yuri.

With deep respect, I present to you the masterpiece infused with the soul of Master Yuri, the “Yuri Raider G.” Of course, the “G” in Yuri Raider G refers to a G-cup, you know?

After that, for various reasons, my collection of Yo-Yos grew, including the “Ouka Raider H” and the “Sekka Raider F.” I didn’t understand why they needed to compete with each other.

In the midst of it all, when Himiyama-san keenly noticed my Yo-Yo belt holder and asked about it, I showed her some tricks. She then became furious, asking, “Why isn’t there one of me?” and embarked on a development project with a budget of 300,000 yen (2174,46 dollars or 2008,99 euro). That’s the currently under development “Hyper Misaki Raider I.”

Amazingly, the “Hyper Misaki Raider I” is equipped with a chip inside the Yo-Yo, controlled by an embedded CPU, allowing for precise control of the rotation speed. It’s the next-generation hyper Yo-Yo that achieves optimal rotation through various tricks.

The groundbreaking aspect is that the Yo-Yo itself becomes a fan and cools the CPU’s heat. It’s a well-thought-out system that harnesses the characteristics of the Yo-Yo. It was the world’s first electronically controlled air-cooled Hyper Yo-Yo to be born.

I thought to myself, isn’t it not just a toy anymore?

Even if such explanations were given in earnest, it could be called nothing less than a reckless act. Himiyama-san’s sense of money was as loose as ever, and I think those who embark on such Yo-Yo development are somewhat strange.

While thinking about such things, I was playing with Fujimori-kun and the Yo-Yo when other idle students secretly gathered around us, and a grand Yo-Yo tournament was held behind the horseback riding event.

An intense Yo-Yo battle. When the excitement reached its peak, it happened.

“Are you okay, Kazunari?” (Mihou)

A murmuring commotion spread. I turned my gaze towards a flustered voice from a refreshing handsome guy, and the piggyback formation was crumbling. Takahashi-nii was squatting on the ground. The piggyback formation collapsing itself wasn’t particularly unusual, but an ominous atmosphere hung in the air, and there was a tense atmosphere ready to explode all around.

“What’s going on?” (Yuki)

Walking the dog with my Yo-Yo, I approached the piggyback formation and asked about the situation. The refreshing handsome guy, with a disgusted expression, threw his words away. He was far from being refreshing.

“That guy deliberately tripped and attacked the piggyback formation. Stop messing around! If someone gets seriously injured, will you take responsibility?” (Mihou)

The refreshing handsome guy confronted the upperclassmen. Class B was up against the second-year students. Apparently, one of the piggyback formations had engaged in dangerous behavior.

The second-year male student who was being cornered by the passionate and refreshing handsome guy looked pale and frightened. Rather than being overwhelmed by the pressure from the refreshing handsome guy, he might be regretting being involved in such a major commotion at this point.

I beckoned Shakado with a slight gesture. Shakado, who noticed, stealthily approached, completely erasing her presence. Her stealth capability was still too high.

(Listen, Shakado. Take advantage of this chaos and quietly collect all the opponents’ hats. Then, when the event resumes, it will be Class B’s victory.) (Yuki)

(Y-You monster!) (Shakado)

(Do not let Takahashi-nii’s noble sacrifice go to waste. We can only rely on you, Shakado!) (Yuki)

(Hihi… It’s the biggest… pressure in my lifeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!) (Shakado)

(You should gain more life experience.) (Yuki)

(You suddenly hit me with a valid argument…) (Shakado)

While Shakado aimlessly headed towards the opponents, maintaining zero animosity, the teachers began to gather one after another. Homeroom teacher Sayuri-sensei and student advisor Sanjoji-sensei all wore stern expressions.

If this was an accident, it would be one thing, but if it was a deliberate act of negligence, it couldn’t be overlooked. It wouldn’t be surprising if some strict disciplinary action was taken against the other student.

I put away the Yuri Raider G and called out to Takahashi-nii.

“Are you okay? Does anything hurt?” (Yuki)

“Sorry, Kokonoe. I messed up.” (Takahashi)

“Don’t worry. I anticipated something like this, so we have a fully prepared substitute.” (Yuki)

“Don’t make assumptions.” (Takahashi)

“I have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” (Yuki)

“Well, yeah…” (Takahashi)

Takahashi-nii was holding his ankle. I carefully touched it after removing his shoe, and although it was a minor sprain, it wasn’t a serious injury. However, it would be difficult for him to participate in the second half of the relay. Even though we have alternative members in case something happens, Takahashi-nii, who was the ace of the soccer team and had fast legs, leaving the team would be a blow to Class B.

“O-oi, Kokonoe!” (Takahashi)

“Don’t get worked up. We’re just going to the infirmary. Let’s start with a compress.” (Yuki)

I carried Takahashi-nii on my back. I called out to Natsume, who was watching us with a worried expression from a distance.

“Come on, Natsume, let’s go.” (Yuki)

“Um… Y-Yes!” (Natsume)

Natsume rushed over. Takahashi-nii lowered his head apologetically.

“Sorry to worry you.” (Takahashi)

“Are you okay?” (Natsume)

“It’s not a big deal. It happens often in soccer. I think it’ll heal quickly…” (Takahashi)

Natsume wore glasses and had her hair braided in a long style. Despite the heat, she dressed plainly in a long-sleeved jersey. Although she wasn’t specifically a member of the Health Committee, Natsume had developed a close relationship with Takahashi-nii through her tandem diet, so she must be really worried.

By the way, Natsume preferred not to be seen in public until her debut in the beauty contest, so she deliberately dressed inconspicuously to avoid attracting attention. But it might be good for her to stay with Takahashi-nii, who was feeling down. It was important to take care of his mental well-being as well.

“Hey, Kokonoe. There’s something I want to talk to you about later.” (Takahashi)

“Hmm?” (Yuki)

Takahashi-nii’s serious words echoed in my ear.