Chapter 50: Seize the Freedom!

“W-What the hell!?”

“Looks like a touring group. ……”

　A group of motorcycles is coming towards us.

　In the lead is a large man riding an orange motorcycle and a sailor suit that ignores safety.

“Gahahahaha.　The East-West Bancho Rengo is here!”

“Soma-chan!　I’m here to help!”

　You’ve come to the right place, …….

　The villainous senpai and Kenji had come after us just in case this happened.

　The seniors stopped their bikes and confronted their pursuers.

　Terada-senpai, Hattori-senpai, Takakai, and Ishida from the west are also there. We’re still outnumbered, but with these guys, we should be able to win!

“Alright, you guys!　I’m going to show you how a man lives!”

“Oh !!!!”

　The villainous seniors fought brilliantly.

　In no time at all, he had beaten the pursuers to a pulp.

“Oh, so this is what it’s like to be a pro. Nothing much.”

“But the main enemy, don’t you dare run away ……!

　Even though all the pursuers were wiped out, the luxury car carrying Shino’s father did not move from the spot.

　Could it be that the driver was so terrified that he couldn’t move?

　At that moment, the driver got out of the driver’s seat and opened the back door.

　A man gets out from there.

　He was tall and stocky.

　He was dressed in a magnificent suit. It was Shino’s father.

　He clapped his hands as he approached us, accompanied by the driver.

“Brilliant. I’ve never seen my private army defeated so easily. It’s been a long time since I’ve had my blood pumping.”

　His father glared at me.

This guy …… isn’t just a businessman, he’s a …….

“Shino, does this mean he’s the man you chose?”

“No,…… Uhm…… that…….”

　The father pointed his hand at the driver.

　The driver nodded and handed a long stick-shaped object to his father. –No way ……!

　The father pulls out a sword.

　This guy …… is insane!

“Yagami……, that man is not ordinary.”

　If Terada-senpai says so, then he must be quite a swordsman.

” You took Sakurako-kun by force, right?　Let’s be clear. I like …… that way.”

　The answer came back unexpectedly.

　That said, I have a feeling that this is not going to be resolved peacefully.

“So here’s the deal. It’s a game between you and me. If I win, Shino will be married off. If you win, I promise you the freedom of my daughter. What do you think?”

“Senpai, you don’t have to accept!”

{1 (Accept the challenge.)

{2 (Decline the challenge.)

“All right. Let’s do it.”

“Wait no, no!　Everyone, please stop Senpai!”

　Shino cried out to the senior members of the villainous house, but they just looked straight at me with serious eyes.

“Don’t be such an airhead. All we can do is sit back and watch you fight.

　Kenji pats Shino on the head.

“B-But, ……”

“A good woman is one who waits in silence for her man to return. Isn’t that what you are?”

“…… I understand. I believe in the victory of Senpai”

　A strong determination dawned in Shino’s eyes.

　Now I can fight without worry.

“—Yagami, Do you want to use a woonden sword?”

“No, I don’t know how to use it.”

　I only have this fist.

　I have no choice but to fight with it, no matter what my opponent has in his hand.

“You wouldn’t call me a coward, would you?

” No, of course not.”

　The father nodded his head in satisfaction.

“Then let the games begin.”

　The father raised his sword to the upper level and approached slowly.

　The reach of the other side is much longer.

　There is no doubt that the other side will make the first move.

　Then let him swing once, and counterattack after I evade?

　…… No, that would be difficult.

I would be cut down by the next sword.

　Then ……!

　I close the distance with the greatest speed I’ve ever had.

　I could see a moment of agitation on his father’s face, but he came in with a quick upward cut.

　But because of his agitation, he was only slightly behind.

　I took advantage of the opportunity.

　Before the sword could swing down, I grabbed his arm and stopped the slash.

　Then I immediately unleash an uppercut to his jaw.

　The father collapsed on the spot.

“You did it! Somaaaaaaaaaa!”

“Soma-chan, I’m in love with you!”

“I didn’t think you’d be able to defeat him without a sword. …… Excellent work, Yagami!

“Senpai!”

　Shino jumps into my chest.

“Shino!　That’s great!　You’re free now!　–Right?

　I ask her father as he collapses.

“Yeah …… I’ll keep my promise …….”

　He got up with the help of the driver’s shoulder.

　He waddled over to me.

“I like you, Yagami. ……”

“Thank you, sir.”

　I bowed my head deeply.

“I’ll let the school know how it goes. Enjoy your touring.”

　The father got into the car with the help of the driver.

　The car was soon on its way. He left his pursuers behind.

“What should we do with these people?”

“I don’t think we have to worry about them, because I’m sure the recovery team will be here soon.”

“Well, let’s go back to the inn!”

　Thus, Shino and I met up with our senpai and enjoyed our Hokkaido touring.

　On the 3rd day, we went to Asahikawa to visit the Asahikawa Zoo.

　On the 4th day, we drove down a straight road to Wakkanai, the northernmost point of Japan. The hotel’s buffet included all-you-can-eat salmon roe. Amazing!

　On the 5th day, we drove to Abashiri and visited the Abashiri Prison.

　On the 6th day, we went to Shiretoko to watch the wild brown bears. They’re so big and scary!

　On the 7th day, we went to Nemuro to eat sushi, and on the 8th day, we went to Kushiro to walk around the foggy streets.

　On the 9th day, we visited Nitai Kogen Farm in Obihiro and ate a pork bowl.

　On the 10th day, we went to Tomamu to see the sea of clouds. I was really lucky because it is not something you can see for sure.

　On the 11th day, we stayed in Sapporo and enjoyed our last night in Hokkaido together.

　On the 12th day, we boarded the ferry from Tomakomai Port and said goodbye to Hokkaido.

　That evening, Shino and I were watching the sunset from the boat again.

“It’s beautiful. …… I’m so glad I came to Hokkaido.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

　I was able to fulfill my promises to both Shino and the villainous senpai all at once.

　There is no need to be frightened of the deadline for the curse anymore.

“I’m still a useless woman.”

“……, what’s wrong suddenly?”

“Because I don’t want to support you and Himari-chan.”

“Shino ……?”

“I’ve grown to like you more. I don’t want Himari to take you. I want you to turn to me. ……

“Shino ……, I’m …….”

　It was only after Himari had become like that that I finally realized it.

I’m Himari……

　I tried to continue, but Shino pressed her index finger against my lips.

“Please don’t say anything more. –I don’t care if I lose. Just let me live freely.”

　I stare into Shino’s eyes.

　There was a strong determination in her eyes.

“…… Yes, I agree. That’s how I want Shino to live, too.”

“Senpai ……!”

　Shino hugs me.

　She became stronger.

　Even if the result is not what I wanted, I will never regret it.

“Himari-chan!　If you don’t wake up soon, I’m going to take senpai from you!”

　Shino shouted to Minami.

　I watched it with a smile as I basked in the setting sun.