Tsuki Tsuki Vol 10 Chapter 4

Chapter 04: To the People I once hated so much

It could be that Machina was always trying to make memories.

I didn’t notice that. I couldn’t notice what was troubling Machina. I had faith that Machina was stronger than me and thus tried hard to become like her mother to be able to live in the human world. I believed that…

Ever since I came to know about that the other day after school, I couldn’t properly help her in creating memories anymore.

With only that thought in my head, I couldn’t put my back into the election campaign in the last few days. When I talked with Machina, my smile became stiff. No matter how hard I suppressed it, my chest wouldn’t stop hurting and I couldn’t even crack my usual jokes, yet alone pet her head.

The others probably hadn’t heard about it from Machina yet.

While eating, Machina showed a gentle smile and enjoyed a chit-chat with the others, calling out soft to Nazuna.

“Eh? I’m happy about it, but you don’t really need to, Machina-oneechan.”

When Machina put the fried side-dish into Nazuna’s mouth, my mother interjected playful.

“T- Tomoe-san, I’m not a Tsundere. I’m, well, Nazuna’s older sister, right? That’s why, ehm… this much is natural.”

“Anyway, I wonder where Elni went…”

On Machina’s words, Luna lightly tilted her head.

“Really? She didn’t stay at home like always?”

“She would be back before you two came home. But while she usually ate dinner here, she now is away until dinner and will not say a word about what she is doing.”

Giving Luna such an agreeable response

and staring at Elni’s empty seat,

Machina said isolated while flickering her eyes a bit, yet keeping her smile.

Machina likely didn’t tell the others about it, because she wanted to keep seeing their smiles until the separation.

I could do nothing but give her an awkward smile.

I wanted to protected her, I told her that I would protect her, but could I only watch over her, unable to wipe away her unrest?

Before I noticed it, I had sat down on my bed and kept staring at the talisman in my hand.

Machina was wishing for that too. And in turn I promised it.

Previously when Hijiri watched over my training, she told me I had a talent for it.

Still, even so it wasn’t an easy feast to climb up within the organisation.

During that time, what would happen to Machina? She finally got closer to the classmates, yet she’ll have to let go of that, just keep the memories of her family with her and continue to wait in the demon realm without us the whole time while trusting in the promise with me?

Therefore I kept thinking about a way to let Machina stay in the human world, but regretfully time only passed by without me coming up with anything and since I wanted to know more about the exorcist organisation now, I called Hijiri after a moment of pondering.

“You need something, Shinobu-kun?”

“It’s okay. I only carried Kaoru-san to her bed together with Shuu-kun.”

“Is Kaorun sick?”

“…You’re not tired, Hijiri? You also have your hands full with the exorcist job, right?”

With a peaceful tone, Hijiri continued softly.

Neither Hijiri, nor Kaorun didn’t know yet that Machina would return on to the demon realm out of her own will.

“…Thanks. Machina’ll be happy to hear that too.”

“Hijiri, I called you today because I wanted to ask something.”

“It’s about the exorcist organisation. Something has been on my mind. Well…”

“They’re still cautious of Luna and Machina, right? Of course I know that you’re doing your best, but I guess it’ll still take some time to make them acknowledge these two?”

“Sorry, but I can’t tell you. Still, please tell me.”

An instant answer with a dignified voice. After a short pause, Hijiri made her tone somewhat serious.

Reminded me, it was around the time when Luna and Nazuna started to have a fight? At that time Hijiri talked to me.

While I remembered about that, I could hear Hijiri’s voice through the phone.

“…Because she’s a hybrid devil?”

While replying to my question, Hijiri gradually dropped her voice.

“You mean it’s pretty likely the organisation will act?”

I appreciated Hijiri’s feelings. However, it couldn’t wipe away Machina’s unrest. Hearing Hijiri’s answer, I opened my mouth, albeit hesitant.

“My dad? Mhm… He certainly might be able to do that. But he quite pushed his claim to let Kaoru-san attend university already. I think his standing in the organisation would be at risk if he were to act for Machina-san now.”

“I don’t really mind, but… seriously, what’s up, Shinobu-kun?”

“Lately, you look a bit down, Shinobu-kun. Did something happen?”

“Okay then, but I’ll lend you an ear for anything, grumbling or worries. We’re in a, well, supporting relationship, right? Whatever it is, I won’t consider it annoying when it’s for you. So if something’s the matter, please talk to me any time.”

“Hijiri, actually—”

I tried to discuss the matter with her, whereupon Hijiri’s surprised voice spilled through the phone.

While I was doubtful, Hijiri’s voice became a bit distant, as she was talking with Elni.

Apparently the conversation with Elni ended. Her voice returned to the normal volume.

“Yeah, sure…”

“Yahoo, Shinobu. It’s me.”

“Actually, Sougo treated me to dinner. I’m dropping by here for a bit on the way home.”

Speaking of, I remembered that previously Sougo-san mentioned that he would like to have dinner with Elni.

“Hey Elni, you can have dinner with Sougo-san anytime. Right now it’s an important period for Machina. At least have dinner with her at home.”

A complete turn-around from her bright voice. Elni changed her tone into a serious one.

“Tell me? What is it?”

It might be something she couldn’t tell me over the phone. Elni’s voice was unusually serious. It really must be important. For now I put the discussion with Hijiri on hold. I replied to Elni with “Okay” and hung up, leaving the house right away with my coat on.

On my way to the park, I didn’t meet anyone under the moonlight and when I reached the meeting point Midorikawa park, a deathly silence filled the park.

“…Yeah… I’m fine… I definitely won’t cry… I won’t stop either… It’s for… So, please…”

Elni held her cell phone in her hands and as soon as she recognized me, she waved her hand a bit and stood up, but as whatever happened to talking with me, she started talking into the cell phone while giving me a side-glance.

Contrary to her joking tone, Elni’s expression was somewhat stiff.

Elni ended the call with a still stiff expression. In regards, I approached her with my head tilted.

“I’ll finish that before Machina shows up.”

“….Seems like Machina will return to the demon realm.”

I inadvertently widened my eyes.

Elni continued her words quietly.

Completely breaking her usual smile, Elni bit down on her lips.

Tightly clenching her fist,

Elni squeezed out the words with a sad expression.

“Don’t say that. To Machina and me, it’s an important promise.”

“It’s impossible for you to fulfil that promise, Shinobu. Even if you manage to fulfil it, it’ll only pain Machina. That’s why I actually don’t want to do this…”

“—Sorry, Shinobu.”

It happened at the same time. Suddenly I heard a sharp wind noise, only to feel a strong impact on my body next. I instantly guarded myself with my arms, but while I rolled over the ground, I saw the Old Man Bram in the sky with his pitch-black wings spread, not knowing how long he had been there.

…What was going on? I didn’t comprehend the situation at all. When I threw him a confused glance, the Old Man raised the corners of his mouth to respond to my doubt.

Heard from Elni? Why did Elni talk to the Old Man? While my doubt grew even greater, I raised my tone a bit to disagree.

“No, it’s beyond stupid. There’s no way a hybrid devil can live in the human world. No matter how much kindness she tries to give them, humans will just betray and hurt her.”

“Just like with Satya, she’ll lose something precious again. If that were to happen, Machina wouldn’t be able to recover from it this time. She’s a really weak girl. Before that happens, I’ll take her back to the demon realm right away.”

“Waiting got me this. She made stupid promise with you. Machina can only live in the demon realm. I thought she was aware of it, but seems I was wrong. It’s necessary to remind Machina again what will happen to humans around her.”

“I won’t take your life. But be prepared to lose a limb or two. Machina should stop having stupid ideas once she sees you all crippled.”

“Don’t tell me you agree with the Old Man?”

Holding out the cell phone in her hand, Elni stifled her expression.

“You want to hurt Machina as well?”

“Don’t screw around, Elni.”

…Of course she didn’t tell Luna. Because she talked to Bram behind our backs and met with Sougo-san to clear the area, thus plotting to hurt Machina. Before I noticed, my tightly clenched fists started to tremble and I called out to Elni with a cracked voice.

“Enough talking. I’ll finish this before Machina shows up.”

Unlike the previous time I fought with him, they had an incredible power. Was it the effect from his familiar that mimicked his left arm? The bullets were fast, heavy and endless.

…I didn’t see a chance to win. With no time to come up with a tactic, I eventually fell down forward without my fist reaching the Old Man even once, just repeating my rough breath.

“……What’re you doing, Father.”

She surely trusted Elni’s call and came because she wanted to treasure the time she had left with us. That was why I didn’t want Machina to see me like this.

Even so I just formed a smile, whereupon Machina’s expression warped so much that she might start crying any moment.

“…Now you should understand, Machina.”

“Shinobu is weak. He isn’t strong enough to keep the promise with you. You won’t be able to return to the human world. Just think about living happily in the demon realm.”

“Shinobu isn’t strong! If he’s, why’s he crawling on the ground right now! It’s because he’s weak! He doesn’t stand a chance against Bram! There are plenty of exorcists stronger than Shinobu! He can’t protect you as well! He isn’t strong enough to protect everyone!”

“Shinobu is actually weak! Even you hurt him before, Machina! He’s just pushing himself to appear strong! Luna and Hijiri try to support him, since he’s like that! But you’re different, Machina!”

“You’re just trying to run away without supporting him! You’re just depending on him by pushing an impossible promise on him! You have no right to stay by his side! Don’t force everything on Shinobu! Don’t make him suffer any more!”

“Same goes for you, Shinobu! Don’t make a promise you can’t keep! You won’t be able to keep it anyway! Even if you convince the exorcist organisation! Do you know how much time it takes until she comes back to the human world? What will happened to Machina while she keeps waiting all alone?”

“She keeps waiting without seeing the others grow up! When she gets back, everyone will have changed! They will have aged! Once she leaves, there’s no longer a place for her! That’s why such a promise is unnecessary! It’s not needed!”

“If you can’t do anything about it at the moment! Then don’t disguise it with such a promise! Don’t sadden Machina by tying her down to that promise! You can’t make her happy with it! It’ll just leave a lingering affection! Machina should just live happily in the demon realm! Don’t push yourself when you’re actually so weak!”

When we played at the river near the summer house of my grandfather or at the seaside school, Elni had seen the scars on my body. Seeing them, she must have realized too.

As a matter of fact, my grandfather and father barely had any scars on their bodies, despite having fought many matches with other schools. That made me realize the difference between a genius and an average person. But even as weak as I was, I wanted to protect my precious people and tried to become stronger.

“Seems Elni is done. Sorry, Nanjou. It’s for Machina’s sake. I’ll crush you like planned. Machina, watch closely. As long as you remain in the human world, the same thing will repeat.”

Along with his words, the Old Man launched wind bullets again. In regards, I just clenched my back teeth without being able to say anything back to him, glaring at the bullets coming at me, whereupon

The bullets, coming as far as in front of my eyes, suddenly disappeared with a shrill noise.

“I love both you and Elni. I know that you’re worried about me. But that’s not a reason to hurt Shinobu! And Shinobu isn’t as weak as Elni makes him out to be!”

“Sure, Shinobu might have been weak at first. I know that he was called a ‘failure’ like me. But he didn’t give in. He always tried hard to become like his grandfather and father. Specially because he tried so hard while knowing his own weakness, he’s plenty strong and kind now.”

“Shinobu didn’t care that I’m a hybrid devil. He told me that he would protect me. Both Nazuna and he called me family. Because of that I made a promise with him.”

Elni objected with trembling lips, whereas Machina replied quietly.

“You plan to keep waiting in a world without Shinobu and the others? You don’t even know how long it’ll take for him to keep the promise.”

“…What if something happens to Shinobu while you’re gone?”

“What about supporting him like Luna and Hijiri?”

At some point, the tears disappeared from Machina’s eyes. Replying to Elni with a strong determination in her eyes, she then directed these eyes at the Old Man and decisively said “Therefore,”.

“…What can you do?”

“When Saty was killed by the humans, you couldn’t do anything. You were only shaking. How can you do anything like that?”

“…Why don’t you get it? The promise with Nanjou itself shows that you’re spoiled. You haven’t changed at all from your childhood. Unable to protect what’s precious to you, I only act spoiled.”

“—Wrong!”

“Like Elni said, you’re only running away. Only acting spoiled. As long as you’re like that, you can’t protect anyone.”

“Right now you can’t protect anyone again. Just like in the past. See, nothing has changed. All you can is watch, isn’t it?”

Even while grimacing from the pain, Machina stood up firmly.

…Handicapped from being in the human world, the Old Man might be inferior to Machina in terms of pure power. But there was a difference in experience. The Old Man exceeded Machina by far in handling the power.

…Just what was I doing?

Meanwhile, Machina stood up numerous times and didn’t give up, not flickering her amber eyes that still had her strong determination once.

The answer was obvious.

Triggered by Machina’s words, my whole body filled with strength.

Even now I felt a creaking pain in my body, but my chest was so hot that it didn’t bother me.

—I had no doubts.

That was my obstinacy. Carrying an inferior complex and envying others, I was cheered up and always strengthened by… my precious pride.

Neither the feeling that had dwelled up within me so far, neither my admiration for my grandfather and father, nor myself that treasured that. I could throw away all of that. I had something more important than that.

—You’re fine as you are, Shinobu.

Before I noticed it, the pain was gone from my body. Grabbing the talisman, I stood up and kicking the ground I leaped at the Old Man with a roar. As he had already judged me to be unable to move, the Old Man widened his eyes in surprise when he noticed me. But only for a moment.

Without interrupting his battle, the Old Man launched several bullets at me and I immediately erased them by putting strength into the talisman.

“…Don’t make me repeat myself, Father. I told you that if you hurt Shinobu any further, I wouldn’t forgive you, my father.”

“Machina, sorry, but can I leave the defence to you?”

“Okay, thanks… BadMachicat.”

“My bad. I’m a man that has to joke at all times. Quite cool, isn’t it?”

“S- Somehow I get the feeling that the Old Man told me something similar before.”

The talisman would probably only last for a couple more times. But when I was with Machina, the Old Man’s bullets were nothing to be afraid of. I broke into a heavy run and closed in to the Old Man.

The damage was kept to a minimum. I wouldn’t collapse from a trivial bullet. My body, having surpassed his limits once, was filled with heat and wouldn’t stop either.

“—Guh.”

“ROOAAR!”

Not to forget his familiar that mimicked his left arm. I considered to pursue him at once, but he was Luna and Machina’s father. When I opened my fist that had grown hesitant,

Elni had watched in silence until now. She raised a screaming-like voice.

“Geez… What are you stealing the spotlight from Machina for? I thought I had crushed you completely, but just how tough are you? Why did you stood up again?”

“Haha, are you really human? You stood up after eating my attacks and even used a talisman in the end. Truly a man that goes against my expectations.”

“…This time you managed to protect it, Machina.”

“From the beginning, Bram had no intentions to take Machina back to the demon realm either. He was just waiting for Machina to rebel against him. That’s all.”

Unable to comprehend the situation like me coupled with some anger, Machina made her tone rigid, whereupon the Old Man made a small sigh and explained.

Narrowing his eyes somewhat gentle, the Old Man continued softly.

Indifferent to the lightly blushing Machina, the Old Man slowly quoted the contents of the letters.

“Machina, you’re indeed a devil. But you have humans staying by your side that don’t mind that fact just like Satya. While you’re surrounding by such people, just what are you doing? As soon as you got to know that the exorcist organisation doesn’t acknowledge you, you sent me a stupid letter asking if it were better to return to the demon realm. Have you forgotten what Satya taught you?”

When Machina spoke out her mother’s words, the Old Man nodded satisfied.

“…Mother did?”

“But I still…”

Machina hesitated to speak, whereas the Old Man spun his words softly.

“That’s…”

The Old Man smiled dearly, yet somewhat sad.

“…You think I can protect them?”

Hearing the Old Man’s feeling, Machina faltered a bit and looked at me.

“Machina, stay here. I don’t want to lose you. One day I’ll be strong enough to protect you, protect everyone. So stay here until then. Can you protect everyone together with me?”

“Machina, you don’t need to worry about the exorcist organisation. I asked a favour of Sougo. He should be working on making them acknowledge you. I’m sure he can pull it off. So you can rest assured.”

Certainly a bit surprised, I shifted my gaze to Elni.

“I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Sougo apparently considers to retire soon. He plans to leave all family matters to Hijiri.”

“I think he’s lying out of consideration to me. Sougo is an important friend. Even when he’s avoiding me, he listens to any request of me. I feel bad about it, but it’s for Machina’s sake. I had no time to waste.”

“Sorry, Shinbou, Machina. I said all these cruel things to you two. But I didn’t think I could change Machina’s mind otherwise. I’m really sorry.”

In regards, Machina and I looked at each other, then each replied to Elni with a smile.

“Exactly. Thanks to you and my father, I was able to notice my mistake. I couldn’t have noticed it on my own, but… I was indeed running away.”

“But I won’t falter anymore. I’ll stay with everyone. I’ll protect them too. That includes you of course, Elni.”

“Thanks for taking up this hard role for my sake, as I was lost. Also thanks for even handling the exorcist organisation. Thank you for always staying with me and supporting me. I really… love you, Elni.”

Even while trembling her body, Elni held back her tears and smiled.

“Still, I didn’t expect it to take so much time. Originally the plan was to urge Machina to return to the demon realm, which would make Nanjou flare up at me. Then I would crush him, which would make Machina challenge me. Lastly I tell Machina if she had forgotten Satya’s teaching. Yet…”

“Your sister unexpectedly flared up at me, Machina got a chocker from you while I waited and in the end you even exchanged an annoying promise. Good grief… Who knows what would happened without Elni.”

Now I felt bad for hitting him. Embracing that guilt, I suddenly felt a doubt and called out to Elni.

“Remember how I said quite while ago that Bram had a guardian spirit? That guardian spirit is his wife. When Bram came over, I heard most of the circumstances from her. But Bram’s plan wasn’t proceeding as he wanted…”

…Speaking of, Elni had said that she needed to talk to Satya when Bram came over to our house. Since then, Elni knew of the Old Man’s feelings.

“…Thanks, Elni.”

“All that earlier was an act by you and Elni, right? For that you were rather serious. Hold back a bit, seriously.”

“I went easy, but just on Machina. For you it’s different.”

“I’m giving both my daughters to you, so bear with it.”

“Looks like you don’t know it. I’ll use this opportunity to enlighten the idiot. The chokers Luna and Machina wear around their neck has a special meaning for female devils.”

“No. To say it in human terms, it’s… like an engagement ring. Machina put it on and said she would wait forever for you calling her back to the human world. Even with maggots in your brain, you should know what that means.”

“Don’t! Keep thinking! Why are you closing your eyes! Hey! Are you listen… Mh? Did he, faint?”

“C- Ca- Calm down, Machina! Panicking won’t solve anything! I’m sure he’s just tired from using the unfamiliar talisman! For now, an ambulance! We have to call an ambulance!”

No, I was already done for. My consciousness was hazy. My body was as heavy as lead. While hearing everyone’s panicked and bright voices, I relieved let go off my consciousness…

Brilliant silver twintails in the corner of my vision. Whatever she was making, Elni was busily working on something on the table in my room. After giving her glance while I lie on my bed, I looked at the bandages around my arms and legs and sighed.

That probably was the reason for the others, with Luna at the centre, to forbid me to go out as soon as they saw my wounds after the fight with the Old Man Bram.

An early afternoon, where I originally was supposed to attend class at school. Because of my house arrest, I couldn’t help with the election campaign and spent my time completely bored on my bed.

The past few days, Luna nursed me non-stop, but she couldn’t take off from her part-time job forever. Today Luna left the role of watching over me to Elni and went to her part-time job earlier. Fortunately my mother was out of the house too.

“Hey Elni, wanna go play for a bit now? If you want, I’ll treat you to something. It’s cold, so how about some Taiyaki?”

Stopping her work, Elni frowned a bit.

“I want to challenge my limits. I’m at an age where I prefer danger over boredom.”

“Wh- What a dreadful thing to suggest…”

“…You got injured because of me. Even if it was for Machina’s sake, I made you go over your limits. I’m really sorry. I know it must be hard not being able to help Machina with her election. But please, don’t overdo it… any more with that body.”

Elni looked like she would cry any moment. She must have felt responsible. Elni’s tears were as powerful as Luna’s smile. I gave up and laid down on the bed, whereupon Elni made a sigh of relief and immersed herself in her work again. While watching her absent-minded, I asked nonchalant.

“This? It’s a bracelet made from beads. It’s my power and feelings in it, so won’t just be an accessory, but a good charm.”

“Well, if you put it on, you will no longer be under a devil’s influence. It’s way more powerful than a talisman.”

“Luna seems to a slightly unusual devil. By staying with her for long, her devil’s influence can affect people’s constitutions. But with this charm, there shouldn’t arise any problems. I’ll make a lot of it and give them to Luna and you.”

“After all that’s all I can do.”

…Already this late, huh. I was still bored to no end, whereupon there was suddenly a knock on the door and Machina showed up in her school uniform, as she had just returned from school.

“Machina, my anime starts now, so look after Shinobu in my stead in the meantime.”

Nodding and replying to the leaving Elni, Machina faced me. In regards, I lightly scratched my head and called out to her.

“You don’t have to worry about that. You helped me plenty already. Rest assured, I’ll definitely get elected.”

“Hey Shinobu, on a different note, there’s actually something I wanted to tell you for a while.”

“Th- That’s not it. Listen seriously. It’s really important…”

“I felt bad for my sister, so I always worried about it. I kept it vague the whole time. But I can’t hold it in anymore, so I’ll tell you properly.”

“I love you, Shinobu. Not as a family, but I love you as a man.”

“Yes. I have a strong desire to monopolize, but with you I can endure it. The demon realm has polygamy anyway. If it’s not too much trouble for you, give me a lot of affection too, like with my sister.”

But being told directly again was indeed a great shock and unable to say anything, I opened and closed my mouth like a goldfish gasping for air, whereupon

While forming a faint smile with her red cheeks, Machina brought her pink well-formed lips closer.

With a really charming smile that captivated me, she slowly stole my lips gently… but this development was bad.

…But what was I supposed to do? Still unable to respond to Machina, I was greatly perplexed internal and made a big sigh in my heart…

The last day of the student council election. The election campaign with the concentrated effort of the whole class would come to an end today at last, but… would Machina really be fine?

“I, I just have to read from the script. I’ll work out. It’ll be fine…”

Machina’s speech was the last. Furthermore, right after the current Vice-President, Himuro-san. She must have felt all kinds of pressure from going out after her biggest rival.

“Ehm, Machina-san, for starters, take a deep breath.”

Somehow I got the feeling that I saw Kaorun and Elni in the corner of my vision. I thought I was mistaken, but it really were them. Both of them fairly wore our school uniform and approached in my direction like it goes without saying.

“You need to ask? We’re here to cheer for you.”

Elni and Kaorun each replied with a smile, whereupon

The familiar beautiful voice reached my ears, then Luna showed up in the wing of the stage this time. Like the other two, she was dressed in the school uniform and as soon as she noticed me, she came rushing over with a smile, but tripped midway with a “Kyaa”.

When I reached out my hand to her with “Are you okay?” and a wry smile, Luna blushed.

She took my hand and stood up, shifting her gaze to Machina with still red cheeks.

S- Surely Machina wouldn’t trip as well… When I thought that, Kaorun and Elni clapped her hands for whatever reason after hearing Luna’s words.

“I agree with Kaorun. Listen Machina, it shouldn’t look played. Like you Luna, you have to pretend to trip naturally.”

Luna aside, who tilted her head sadly, Kaorun and Elni were most likely joking like always to ease Machina’s nervousness. The two shifted their gaze to Hijiri and cracked another joke with a smile.

“Yeah, a so called repetitive gag. That’ll be perfect.”

The troubled Hijiri showed a wry smile, whereupon Machina giggled.

Apparently the jokes did the trick. Machina regained her usual composure and a bit later Hijiri got on the stage and held her support stage. While we all watched over her, Machina suddenly faced me and handed me the script for the speech she was holding.

“Mh? You don’t need it? I’m sure you have memorized it, but wouldn’t it be better to take it with you just in case? Won’t you be in trouble if you get stuck?”

Showing a gentle smile,

She slowly reached out her hand towards me.

Dearly touching my cheeks with her soft palm, Machina slowly and confident got onto the stage after Hijiri’s speech ended while Luna, Elni and Kaorun cheered her on with “Good luck”.

“To begin with, I have to apologize to all of you. When I transferred into this school, I hated everyone, be it my classmates, other students or the teachers.”

“In my childhood I was betrayed by my friends and lost a precious person. That’s why I came to hate people, refused to trust them ever again and was called a ’failure’ at my new place, but I told myself that I would never return to that previous place.”

“So when I transferred here, I thought I would get betrayed again and kept hating everyone. But over time I met various people and made friends and a new family. They all reminded me of something important.”

“—Treat everyone kindly. Become strong enough to protect everyone. Then everyone will return the kindness.”

“That’s what my mother taught me. Just like my mother had said, everyone, not just my family, return the kindness to me. They worked hard for my sake. Thank you so much, Shinobu, Sister, Elni, Nazuna, Tomoe-san, Hijiri, Kaoru, Minami, Asada, Katagiri…”

“I think I could change a bit by spending time with everyone. Before I noticed it, I had fallen in love with this school. I loved it so much that I was embarrassed about myself for hating everyone before.”

“I want to get along with everyone even better. I want to be strong enough to protect everyone. This time I properly want to live at this place that I once fled before. I want to improve this school that has all these people dear to me, so I’ll devote my everything to it.”
After speaking out her strong feelings, Machina took a small breath

Chapter end