第３１７堀：理想と現実 それでも進みぶつかり合うのみ (Part2)
"Ah, as for me, I would prefer if this battle didn't have to happen. But I understand well enough why you cannot back down, and if it helps Lady Hifi, I have no hesitation. However, since the opponent is you, I find myself getting motivated in a different sense."
"A different sense?"
"You are a practitioner of the Jigen-ryu style as well, aren't you? As your senior disciple, let me give you a lesson."
Taizo-san smiled.
...I see, so it’s going to be a duel of swords.
"I wasn't exactly a practitioner of the practical side, so I might end up using the power I gained after coming here, you know?"
"That is fine. People advance by innovating. I, too, shall face you with my own sublimated version of the Jigen-ryu."
In other words, he’s telling me to come at him with everything I’ve got.
My levels and various other stats are off the charts, and my body is a Doppelganger, after all.
It feels a bit cowardly, but as Taizo-san said, this is also a form of innovation.
According to my appraisal, Taizo-san’s ability level is around 80.
I don’t know if he was always this strong or if he gained it after arriving in this world, but in this New Continent, he is undeniably strong.
...Wait, isn't he a researcher and developer?
Still, he doesn't have any standout abilities.
If that’s the case, will this be an overwhelming victory for me?
Just as I was thinking that, Luna-san and the others emerged, presumably having finished in the open-air bath.
"Oh, there you are. Yuki, do you have 100 yen?"
"Huh? What for?"
"Milk, obviously!! And seriously, why is the vending machine charging money?!"
"That’s because you told me to prepare one without consulting me, so I just used the blueprints from Weed."
Ah, I thought the interior looked familiar; it’s the spa from Weed.
"Surely there’s a change machine..."
"I only have 10,000-yen notes. It’s a hassle to break them. And why is the vending machine still using Japanese yen?"
"That’s your problem, isn't it? You’re the one who said you couldn't reprogram the machine to recognize the local currency."
"Well, obviously. I’m not a programmer, am I? But still, isn't it a pain for Weed to have to use 100-yen coins like this?"
As Yuki-san said that, he handed a 100-yen coin to Luna-san.
Luna-san was voicing the very question I had always wondered about.
It’s true, there are drink vending machines in Weed, but they are the only things that use Japanese currency.
I agree with Luna-san; it seems like a hassle.
"It’s the opposite. This actually serves as a security measure. Japanese yen can only be used in vending machines, and those machines only sell drinks. There’s little value in stealing the yen or the products, right?"
"Ah, I see. That makes sense."
I see.
Indeed, currency that can only be used for one thing is meaningless, and drinks are just bulky.
"The people who need them are those walking around during the day—the elderly relaxing in the park, or the children. They can just carry some yen and get a drink, and even if it’s stolen, the loss isn't significant, and the risk for the thief is too high. We handle the currency exchange at the government building. It’s just a lot of extra work."
"So, it’s convenient for the users, but a nuisance for anyone planning something untoward. You really thought this through."
"You should try thinking for once, too."
"No thanks. I’ve had enough of work."
...This person is truly hopeless, or perhaps this is just how she is.
"Anyway, here. Hifi, Comet, have some milk."
With that, Luna-san tossed the glass bottles of milk to the two of them.
They caught them effortlessly and stared at the bottles with curiosity.
"Um, what is this?"
"It’s a drink, right? Cow’s milk?"
"That’s right. After a bath, you do it like this..."
Luna-san placed a hand on her hip, put the bottle to her lips, and downed it in one go.
"Phew!! This is the classic way to do it!! Come on, you two, do the same."
"Oh, okay."
"Got it."
Prompted by her, both of them began drinking the milk in the same fashion.
...I don't know what it is.
Even though all three of them are beautiful women, I can't help but see them as hopeless.
Is it because they’re drinking like middle-aged men?
"Oh, right. Yuki, it’s been decided that we’ll settle things with a duel as planned. Tomorrow at noon. At the cherry blossom path over there. Isn't that elegant?"
"The only thing elegant here is you."
Yeah. We’re the ones who have to fight on the scene.
"Ah, that’s right. Taizo-san, I wanted to talk to you..."
Hifi-san started to say, leaving a white milk mustache on her lip, but the conversation had already moved on.
"I will participate in the match. Naturally, on Lady Hifi’s side."
"Eh? Why?"
"It’s simple. Being on your side is more comfortable for me than being with them. That is all."
"Ho-ho."
"Ta, Taizo-san!?"
"If things go poorly, there’s a risk the entire research facility might be confiscated, you see."
"Ah, I see."
"..."
Ah, Comet-san seemed convinced, but Hifi-san just went expressionless.
"Well then, the match is tomorrow. Yuki-kun, would it be alright if I used the open-air bath as well?"
"Yes, feel free."
"Good! You lot, come with me!! It’s been a while since I’ve had an open-air bath!! It’s the soul-cleansing ritual of the Japanese!"
Saying that, he ignored Hifi-san and dragged us off to the men’s bath.
...Taizo-san, you’re a hopeless adult.
Now, the battle is finally coming next time!!
But, let me explain the situation here for a moment.
"Say, Yuki-kun, Taiki-kun."
"What is it?"
"What’s the matter?"
"In the world at large, it’s already the end of the year and the New Year season."
"That’s true."
"Indeed."
"We aren't without understanding of this, and a delay of a few days shouldn't be a problem. Shouldn't we take a New Year’s break here?"
"Agreed."
"Yes? U-um, Taizo-san?"
"Hm? Luna-san, what is 'New Year'?"
"Ah—in Japan, the end of the year and the New Year are a big deal, and it’s a holiday. It’s the start of a new year, after all. Well, there are programs I want to watch, so I’ll permit it."
And so, for the end of the year and the New Year—the 31st, the 2nd, and the 4th—we will not be advancing the story, as it will be a New Year’s special.
You might think, "Just write it already," but please let me take a breather here. There are various things I need to report.
Well then, see you in the New Year’s special.