Volume 13 Chapter 434 Kohina Yukari, Meeting You in This World
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
We finished arming the nuclear warheads right on schedule, and everyone made it back to the shuttle in one piece before the deadline. Now came the question of who would stay behind to trigger them. Looking around at the faces gathered before me, each set with the same grim resolve, I let out a sigh deep inside.
Seriously… these people.
Every last one of them was planning to stay.
Prime Minister Habu, I could understand. But the rest of you? You’re all younger than me. Don’t be in such a damn hurry to die.
I clapped my hands, forcing everyone’s attention onto me.
”Alright, alright. I know how this goes. You’re all gonna start arguin’ over who gets to stay behind, right? Well, we don’t have time for that. We’re doin’ this the simple way. We’re drawin’ straws.”
Just as Aqua1 opened his mouth, I pressed a finger against his lips.
I already knew what he was about to say.
He’d try to play the hero. He’d say he’d stay.
Six years ago, you were still a kid carryin’ a school bag. Don’t go actin’ tougher than me now.
”This is the only fair way to do it, so don’t even think about complainin’.”
”Wait, Yukari-kun. I really should be the one to—”
I shot Prime Minister Habu a glare.
Seriously, if Aqua was a lost cause, she was just as bad. Did spending time around him scramble your common sense too?
”You’re the last person who should be volunteerin’! If you stay, who’s gonna fly the shuttle home? You expect everybody else to just drop dead?”
”Guh!”
Her shoulders sagged immediately.
Even with the AI’s support, escaping the comet and surviving reentry demanded instincts and piloting experience nobody else here possessed. There was no universe where Prime Minister Habu could be the one left behind.
I pulled five sticky notes from my pocket, marked one tip red, shuffled them behind my back, then held them out with both fists closed.
”Here. I made the draw, so I’ll go last. Now quit stallin’ and pick. If nobody moves, I’m startin’ roll call.”
”I’ll go first.”
Tenga-kun immediately took one and checked the mark.
Then he quietly shut his eyes.
”…It’s a dud.”
His jaw locked tight around the words as he crushed the slip in his fist.
Tenga-kun, you’ve got Haruka-san and those little ones waitin’ for you back on Earth. So go home. Live a happy life with them.
And while you’re at it, keep an eye on my Aqua.
If anybody can stop that boy from wanderin’ down the wrong road, it’s you.
”I’ll go next.”
Mayuzumi-kun stepped forward and drew a slip.
After checking it, he slowly shook his head.
”…I got a dud too.”
His gaze dropped.
Don’t look like that.
You’re going back to Earth. Awashima-san is waiting for you, and she’s waiting with her whole heart.
And as much as I hate asking this of you, keep doing what you’ve always done. The only reason Aqua has never ended up a lonely little king ruling over nobody but boys is because you’ve worked so hard to stay by his side.
”Statistically, I think this spot is the most likely.”
Squinting slightly, Toa-chan selected a slip and glanced at the mark.
His eyes narrowed.
”…Too bad. It’s a dud.”
The smile he forced onto his face looked fragile enough to shatter.
It’s okay.
I won’t let the person you’re trying so hard to save die on my watch.
So keep looking after him, alright? When he’s hurting, be there for him. He’s the type to crawl into a dark corner and stew in his own misery if nobody drags him back out.
Sorry for dumping that on you, but the next time he’s locked in his room crying over me, you be the one who knocks on the door.
”Right. Only two left. Take whichever one you want.”
I held the slips out toward Aqua.
Maybe he realized it was already over.
Without a word, he reached out, selected one, and checked the mark.
Then he turned it around for everyone to see.
A dud.
”Looks like that’s that.”
While everyone’s attention stayed fixed on the slip in Aqua’s hand, I switched the winning ticket hidden in my palm with the last remaining dud.
Thanks, Emily-chan.
Back then, I thought all those party tricks you taught me were a complete waste of time.
Turns out they came in handy right at the end.
Because of them, I did not have to lose these good kids.
And I did not have to lose Aqua.
”I’m tellin’ you now—the draw’s final. Don’t even think about arguin’ with me.”
I pointed at them, leaving no room for objections.
”I’m gonna go get ready.”
When I stepped outside, Prime Minister Habu followed right behind me.
”Kohina-san…”
”You don’t need to say anything else. I knew this was comin’ the moment I decided to come here.”
She had probably figured out I cheated, yet instead of saying a word, she simply bowed her head.
Seriously, what kind of face is that?
At least act like you do during your press conferences. Try bein’ a little annoyin’.
”Don’t you dare apologize. Instead, Prime Minister Habu, will you grant me one last request?”
She nodded.
”The world those kids are fightin’ for—please make it real.”
”I promise…!”
The intensity in her eyes almost made me laugh.
Don’t look so serious.
I’m the one who asked, but there are some things in this world that just cannot be done.
”Well, if you do everything you can and it’s still impossible, I guess it can’t be helped.”
Her expression turned even more serious.
”Kohina-san… there is no such word as ‘impossible’ for a politician. We exist to take the impossible and make it real. A politician who gives up and calls something impossible has no right to speak to the people about dreams. Even if I die, even if it takes generations, the politicians who inherit my will shall make the future you were promised a reality. We exist to grant the wishes of our people. That is why we dedicate our lives to politics. As a politician, I will keep my promise to you.”
Seriously.
If I’m an acting nut and that kid’s an idol nut, then you’re a politics nut.
Guess that’s why people cannot help followin’ you.
”Fine. I went through all the trouble of wastin’ my vote on you, so you’d better deliver.”
”Of course. Leave it to me!”
We shook hands firmly.
After that, there was not much time left.
Houston had already explained everything. They had arranged for us to exchange one final message with our families at Fuchu Base.
”Hah… Grandma’s probably gonna be furious I died before she did. And Mom…”
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
”She’ll keep a stiff upper lip. She’ll probably say somethin’ like, ‘You did a good job protectin’ the boys.’”
While I was imagining that, Aqua stepped out of the shuttle.
”Don’t bother trying to convince me. It’s useless.”
”I know. But… it wouldn’t hurt to say goodbye, would it?”
…Yeah.
Maybe not.
Looks like this is the last time we’ll get to have these pointless little conversations.
And don’t you go gettin’ lonely just because I’m gone.
”You keep going—not just as an idol, but as an actor too. I’ve recognized your talent, so you’d better prove me right. If you don’t, people are gonna laugh at me for pickin’ you. Do it for my sake, you hear me?”
”Kohina-senpai…”
Right until the very end. I’m selfish.
I was asking the impossible, and I knew it.
My road as an actress ended here.
It was frustrating beyond words.
But even so, I wanted him to live.
These last two years since he entered my life—since I became an actress—had been the happiest years I had ever known.
”Hehe. Just kiddin’. Your dream’s to become the world’s greatest idol, right? Well, if you decide to put a little effort into acting on the side, I’ll be watchin’ from somewhere out there across the cosmos.”
”Liar.”
Aqua’s answer came immediately.
”Just seeing you live a carefree life would’ve been enough for me. You’re carrying far too much on your shoulders already, so it’s fine to rest once in a while. It’s fine to wander off the path. Besides, knowing you, you’ll end up giving everything you’ve got to both acting and being an idol anyway.”
”Ah, man. If I’d known it’d end like this, I should’ve forced you into one more special drama or movie with me.”
My voice wavered.
”Kohina-senpai, you really do love acting, don’t you?”
Aqua’s tone remained calm and quiet.
”…You idiot. If it were about the acting, it wouldn’t have to be you, would it? Try to pick up on it for once, you useless, dense boy2. You’re oblivious right to the bitter end.”
I turned my gaze toward him and forced the brightest smile I could manage.
Kohina Yukari, actress. This was my final performance.
”Hey, don’t make that face,” I added, slipping into my bubbly idol persona. “An idol shouldn’t look so damn miserable!”
Regrets?
I had enough to fill a mountain.
But I saved you.
That was enough.
After all, I was the one who’d been saved the day we met.
So from here on out, you had to save the girls who hadn’t met you yet.
I prided myself on being the most troublesome woman in the world, and I could guarantee this much: Shirogane Aqua was the strongest, best boy there was.
”…”
”…”
Ah, damn it.
Even now, I could not bring myself to say thank you.
The words sat in my throat and refused to come out. If I actually said them, I felt like he’d carry them—and the look on my face when I said them—for the rest of his life.
Part of me wanted that.
Part of me wanted him to remember me forever.
But I could not force that kind of shadow onto him.
Seriously, why did I ever become your mentor?
If I hadn’t, maybe I could’ve been a little more honest.
You really are a useless Aqua, aren’t you?
It’s not your fault, but surely I’m allowed to think that much today.
”Well then, it’s about time. You should get back to the shuttle.”
”Kohina-senpai.”
Before I could react, Aqua grabbed my arm and pulled me against him.
…Stop.
If you do this, I won’t be able to stay the cool Kohina Yukari until the end.
”Aqua…”
My helmet pressed against his.
Enough.
Save that for when we’re flesh and blood.
If only you’d been honest sooner, then maybe I could’ve been a little more—
”I’m sorry, Kohina-senpai,” Aqua murmured.
The next instant, the power to my suit vanished.
Why?
Why wouldn’t it move!?
I struggled with everything I had, but the suit refused to respond.
Aqua scooped me up and turned toward the shuttle.
”…Thank you. AI3510, I’m sorry for making you dirty your hands.”
”…No problem. AI3510 is programmed to be absolutely loyal to Aqua-sama’s commands.”
Wait a second.
What on earth are you thinking!?
Aqua carried me into the shuttle and strapped me securely into a seat.
Someone, anyone—Prime Minister Habu, Tenga-kun, Mayuzumi-kun, Toa-chan—please notice!
”I am manipulating the security cameras to edit the footage. No one will realize that Kohina Yukari-san has returned.”
You damn AI! You useless AI, stop doing unnecessary things!! Move! Why won’t you move!? You…!
”…I intended to do this for anyone who remained, provided it wasn’t me,” Aqua whispered.
Move!
Move!
Stop it—nobody wants this!
You still have so much left to do, so you have to survive!
”So please, don’t think it’s your fault.”
I don’t want that!
Of course I don’t!
If you die, I’ll never forgive you!
Why?
Why does it have to be you!?
After checking the restraints one last time, Aqua slowly rose to his feet.
At that moment, the tears I’d been holding back finally spilled over.
”Kohina-senpai, I’m sorry for being such a flawed student and causing you trouble right up to the very end.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks.
No. Stop. I don’t want to live in a world without you.
”Please live on for my sake too, and become a great actress that everyone looks up to. Even after I’m gone, stay the strongest Kohina-senpai forever, okay?”
Hey, God. I’ll give you anything. Anything at all. So please, don’t take him from me. Don’t take Shirogane Aqua away. If he’s gone, I can’t be the strongest Kohina Yukari anymore.
Because the truth is, I’m the weakest woman in the world.
”I was happy to have met you in this world.”
That’s my line!!
Aqua turned his back and started walking away.
Please. Come back. Please.
I’ll give you anything.
Anything at all.
”Goodbye, Kohina-senpai. I loved you—as my senior, as a woman, and as a human being.”
I hate you…!
So live, damn it!
Please don’t disappear from my sight…!
I sobbed like a child as I watched his back grow smaller and smaller.
”Recovery of Shirogane Aqua confirmed! Space Shuttle Izanagi, closing payload hatch.”
As his figure vanished from view, the hatch slowly began to close.
Inside my helmet, I screamed the same meaningless words over and over.
”…Understood! Space Shuttle Izanagi, engine ignition!!”
The roar of the engines swallowed my voice whole, while the violent vibrations of the anchors disconnecting shook the shuttle.
I could not faint.
I could not go mad.
All I could do was cry and scream.
—
Summary:
Kohina Yukari and her team safely return to the shuttle after arming the nuclear warheads on a comet. Facing a final sacrifice, Kohina orchestrates a rigged lottery to ensure she stays behind while her younger companions—especially the idol Aqua—survive. After securing a promise from the Prime Minister to pursue their shared future, Kohina shares a final, bittersweet farewell with Aqua, pushing him to continue his career as an idol and actor.
Kohina Yukari forces Aqua into a space shuttle, sacrificing her own survival to ensure his escape from a terminal situation. Despite her internal monologue expressing deep regret and hidden affection, she maintains a stoic and professional persona, even as the AI secures her within the craft. Aqua departs, leaving Kohina behind to face her final moments alone as the shuttle ignites.
—
Trivia:
Kohina previously learned party tricks from Emily, which she utilized to cheat the lottery.
The shuttle requires the specific piloting intuition of the Prime Minister for reentry.
Kohina views the past two years as the most fulfilling of her life.
The Prime Minister views the act of governing as a sacred promise to the citizens.
Aqua’s use of AI3510 to manipulate security footage ensures Kohina’s return to the shuttle goes unnoticed by others.
Kohina refers to herself as a ‘Great Kaiju Yukari-gon’ in the post-script, suggesting a future pivot to a more aggressive or ‘predatory’ personality if Aqua survives.
The shuttle name Izanagi is a reference to the Japanese deity associated with creation and the afterlife, foreshadowing the gravity of the departure.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Habu – Japan’s Prime Minister and former fighter pilot Habu Chiyoko, a crucial emergency contact, carries the weight of the nation’s future aboard the Izanagi. Pragmatic, serious, and deeply committed to political promises, this resolute leader wears camouflage fatigues to direct BERYL’s meteorite mission. She blends dark humor with humility, maintaining strong comrade relationships and teaching Aqua dogeza.
• Aqua – Aqua (Shirogane) is a charismatic male idol and BERYL leader with sharp eyes, sleek hair, and a commanding yet cute demeanor. Wielding past-life wisdom, this young student once led space evacuations, saved Shintaro, and is a family man. Though initially perceived as dense or useless, he has grown significantly over the last two years, harboring a deep sense of duty and hidden resolve. He is often caught between his public image and private vulnerabilities, playing games with his rival, Yukari, as a central figure in their conflict. His impact is so vast that fans compare his legendary performances to Hakuryuu-sensei.
• Yukari – Tall, broad-shouldered, and sharp-eyed, Kohina is a cynical actor and idol. Senior to Aqua but junior to the legendary Kohina Yukari, he is also a rival to Aqua, quietly navigating his romantic feelings. He mentors Ayana and dismantles the performances of Aqua and his relative Emiri with biting precision. Though he overexerts himself, he secretly joins a high-stakes meteor destruction mission.
• Tenga – Rough BERYL senior and Izanagi crew member Akira (King Tenga-senpai/Kamishiro) handles sound engineering for the fourth plan. Fierce yet loyal, he once fought Aqua but became his supportive pillar during crises, proving his integrity. Deeply tied to Earth, he lives near a farm with his partner Haruka and their children, balancing fear of removal with devotion to his crew and family.
• Haruka – A gentle, maternal woman living with Akira, she finds deep healing from past trauma through his affection and is currently pregnant with his child. She is also Tenga’s partner, waiting on Earth.
• Mayuzumi – Mayuzumi Shintaro is BERYL’s calm, bespectacled male idol and a vital operative on the Izanagi’s critical mission. Pivotal to his group’s formation, he handles logistics and training coordination with intense loyalty. As a reliable anchor, he views meeting Aqua as fate and supports her growth and stability. During crises, he is a trusted contact to alert, balancing his performer and crew identity.
• Awashima – Chigiri, bearer of the Awashima family name, is Mayuzumi’s partner currently waiting on Earth.
• Toa – Toa is a male BERYL idol, livestreamer, and AI interface who uses broadcasts for space communications and city navigation to safely explore the world. Aqua’s classmate and straight man, he shares a deep bond with him, always following his lead. Once an isolated shut-in, he has grown significantly, maintaining a teasing, cheerful demeanor with a dual “cute-cool” aura and camera winks.
• Emily – Emily (Yukishiro Emily), the graceful, heavily pregnant Yukishiro heir and “Impression King,” co-hosts variety shows with her husband, Shirogane Aqua, and acts as an acquaintance who teaches performance tricks. Serving as Kukuri’s “oneechan,” she secretly stalks Aqua as a reporter, holds an intimate bond with Hakuryuu-sensei, and aided Yui. She is an Aqua mediator but has not been seen lately.
• Kohina – A blunt, sharp-tongued professional actress and mentor currently away in space, she masks her deep concern for Shirogane and hidden, vulnerable emotions behind a prickly, aloof facade. Values strength and self-reliance, yet possesses an altruistic streak. As a dedicated leader, she uses her wit to guide the group in their final mission, ensuring others survive despite her tough outward appearance.
• Fi – A member of Milk Dipper. A support staff member for the concert.
• Kohina Yukari – Female idol-actress and technical support worker known for her striking cowlick hair, toned physique, and shut-in lifestyle. While battling a severe flu, she portrays a crude General in a Taiga drama—rolling on tatami and picking her nose—alongside Aqua Shirogane. Off-camera, she coordinates machinery operations and emergency contingencies, balancing her technical career with dreams of motherhood.
• Shirogane Aqua – Shirogane Aqua (Master Aqua), the cool, easy-going BERYL idol leader with a striking face and sparkling eyes, is an Izanagi crew member currently aiding space station evacuations. Married to multiple women including Kanon, the “libido monster” recently fathered Satsuki. His “descending god” aura anchors the group’s ethics amidst a tabloid scandal over his polygamy.
• Shirogane – Shirogane Aqua (Master Aqua), charismatic BERYL idol leader and Izanagi core crew member, is known for his striking face, sparkling eyes, and beige suit. Cool yet easy-going, his “descending god” aura shapes group ethics amid scandals over his multiple wives (including Kanon) and child Satsuki. Dubbed a “libido monster” by Yukari, his global success elevates his lineage in a skewed-gender world. A male idol in a world with a 1-99 gender ratio, he remains determined to save Earth from a comet collision, refusing to kill or debase others while maintaining his powerful, guiding influence.
• AI3510 – An artificial intelligence programmed to be absolutely loyal to Aqua.
• Su – A young child who is still in the Shirogane Kingdom.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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