Volume 9 Chapter 4 Sub-Event: Swimming District Tournament and Bowling
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
This takes us back a little, to just before summer break.
Around summer break, the swimming club ramps up its training for the upcoming tournaments. I make sure to set aside time for club practice, too.
The tournament I’m participating in is a local meet that combines several neighboring districts. The venue is the Old Capital.
National high school students skip the 13th District’s internal competitions and jump straight into the local tournaments. Truth is, there just aren’t enough swimmers in the district to hold a proper selection.
On the other hand, ordinary high schools do have selection tournaments within the 13th District.
Today is the day for the district tournament at the municipal pool. Manaka and I came to cheer on our friends.
The municipal pool has a short-course indoor facility, while the outdoor pool is long-course. Today, the competition is in the long-course pool.
The stands are mostly filled with people associated with each high school. We take a seat in the general spectator area and wait for our targets to appear.
Man, I love the swimming club.
The kids here are high schoolers dedicating their youth to the sport. In a non-sorcery competition for ordinary folks, the more serious the athlete, the slimmer and more muscular they are—lean, stripped of excess fat.
There aren’t many sumo-wrestler–type club members here as I’m used to seeing. The so-called “good-looking” members tend to be relegated to cheering and support roles. The ones actually swimming in the pool are the same age as me—both guys and girls—with the incredible physiques I remember from Japan.
I feel my expression starting to loosen, but the presence of my childhood friend sitting next to me sharpens me right back.
[Silence.]
”What’s up?” Manaka asked, her voice smooth. “See someone you know?”
Her gaze drilled into me. She smiled elegantly, but I sensed something ominous lurking behind it.
”Not yet, I don’t think,” I replied.
I felt it in my bones—if I reacted wrong, things were gonna get ugly. And it wasn’t just Manaka. The information would inevitably be shared with Chifumi and the others—that wasn’t a hunch, it was a certainty. So I’d better cheer properly. Begone, worldly desires. Begone.
Thankfully, in one corner of the stands, I spotted that cheerleading squad from the high school visit the other day. There were fewer of them than I expected—maybe because they were spread out cheering for other clubs outside the swim team? By observing the “cool” cheerleader JK’s in this world, I managed to calm myself down pretty quickly.
Personally, I found myself more drawn to the girl on the end of the row, filling in for a missing regular—the one who looked like she was in the B- or C-squad, a bit on the skinny side. I deliberately avoided looking her way and cooled down.
Alright. The first one up was Kouki. He’d entered the 100m and 200m freestyle, plus he was also in the medley relay—the guy had stamina. He made it through the prelims without any trouble.
A couple of male classmates from middle school were competing in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley, but unfortunately, they didn’t make the cut.
Next up was Hikasa (older sister). She was in the 200m individual medley and advanced past the prelims. Last was Hikasa (younger sister). She competed in the 100m backstroke and qualified, too. Manaka was also cheering for an acquaintance from junior high, and that girl made it through the prelims in the 200m individual medley.
Before the finals began, Kouki and the others spotted us.
They waved from across the way, so I waved back. Their mouths were moving, but they were too far away, and the noise around us drowned out whatever they were saying.
”They’re callin’ us,” Manaka said, poking my shoulder. “Let’s go, yeah?”
She heard them? Right—Manaka had air-shaping sorcery. We headed down from the stands and approached Kouki’s side. Huh? We go down from the stands? Whatever, it was fine.
When we reached the very edge of the competitors’ and staff’s entrance, Kouki and the others came over from the corridor.
”Thanks for the support, Senpai!” Kouki called out, grinning.
”Nice work out there, Kouki,” I replied.
”Eh, it’s just the prelims, innit?” He shrugged, his tone breezy. “The only question’s what colour medal I’m takin’ home.”
”Hah, talk big~” I said, shaking my head.
Kouki had won the district tournament in middle school and qualified for the regional meet, even posting a good record at nationals. I figured he was aiming for the same thing in high school. That said, the overall level jumped up in high school. He’d sailed through the prelims, but there were fast swimmers in the other heats. I didn’t think it was going to be easy.
Still, this guy was a man of action. By making that declaration out loud, he was probably psyching himself up. Gotta respect that competitive mindset.
While I chatted with Kouki, Manaka was talking with Hikasa (older sister), who’d come out with him. As I was shooting the breeze with Kouki, I felt a tug on my sleeve from behind.
I turned around. Hikasa (younger sister) stood there, her expression unreadable. She must have finished talking with her cheerleader classmate.
”Oh. Didn’t notice you there,” I said, startled. “You did great out there. Good luck in the finals.”
”Thank you,” she replied quietly.
[Pause.]
”…What’s wrong?” I asked.
”Senpai,” she said, her voice flat. “How was my swimming? Really?”
”I already told you—you did great.”
”Do you think I can win the finals?”
”Yeah, you got this.”
”That’s a bit flippant.”
”Uh, sorry. If I’m being serious, I’d say you’ve got a shot. Your effort really showed in your strokes. But you’re only a first-year. Compared to the upperclassmen, your upper body form could use some work. Don’t rush it—focus on proper technique.”
”Now that’s serious.” She tilted her head, a faint edge in her voice. “Harsh, too. I’m crushed.”
”Hey, do you want encouragement or advice? Pick one.”
”You’re hopeless, Senpai.”
She fixed me with a cold stare. I had no idea what the right answer was.
Watching my confusion, Hikasa (older sister) giggled.
”Amy just wanted to ease her nerves by talking to you,” she said, winking. “So that was the right answer.”
”Onee-chan!” the younger sister protested.
”Oops, sorry~ ♡” Hikasa (older sister) stuck out her tongue playfully.
Even Kouki piled on.
”Mate, she was shakin’ like a leaf before,” he said, gesturing at the younger sister. “Now she’s back to normal. You did good work, Senpai.”
”Ichiro, shut up!” the younger sister snapped, punching him in the gut—though it didn’t seem to faze him at all. That told me plenty about both his abs and her arm strength.
”Hahaha!” Kouki laughed. “Senpais who can take a hit are rare and precious, they are.”
”So I just get roasted for free, huh?” I sighed. “Well, if it helped…”
The younger sister gave up on silencing Kouki. She turned to me, chin raised, and pointed a finger in my direction.
”Senpai, let’s make a bet,” she declared.
”A bet?”
”If I qualify for the regional tournament, you owe me a reward.”
”A reward?”
Hikasa (older sister) chimed in with an explanation.
”It’s that trendy digital pet—super rare right now,” she said. “We need someone with sorcerer connections to get one.”
”Sure, I guess,” I said.
”You said it. That’s a promise.”
The pressure was intense. I could feel her sheer determination.
I’d ask Naruse-papa—he could probably get one.
”Oh, I want one too-ssu,” Kouki added.
”Not you. I don’t take bets I’m guaranteed to lose.”
”Che…” He clicked his tongue. “Alright, alright. If you can get one, I’ll pay ya. Just secure one for me, yeah?”
”That’s fine.”
I’d sell it to him at cost.
That left Hikasa (older sister).
”I’ll prepare something for Ruri-san myself,” Manaka said smoothly. “Don’t worry.”
”Thanks~ ♡”
So she was getting one from Manaka. Well, Kuga could probably get one easily enough. If I failed, I’d ask Manaka for help.
The three of them—suddenly fired up—walked back to the waiting area with swagger, shoulders squared.
Manaka and I returned to the stands.
Two hours later, all three had secured their tickets to the regional tournament.
We went to congratulate them before heading home. They made sure to remind me about the reward.
That exchange was two weeks ago.
I’d managed to get the promised reward items—thanks to Naruse-papa’s connections—and today I planned to hand them out at the bowling tournament (tentatively scheduled).
Today’s group was pretty big: me, Manaka, Ryota and the rest of our circle, plus Ishimoto and the Hikasa sisters, and Kouki as a bonus.
We’d split the lanes by lottery. Or that was the plan. But leaving Kouki to his own devices seemed like a hassle, so we put the three guys together nearby, and included Ishimoto and the Hikasa sisters as teammates.
So my lane had me, Ishimoto, and Masuki-san. Next to us was Kouki and the Hikasa sisters. Naturally, Kouki wasted no time challenging me.
”Senpai! Let’s have a match!” he called out.
”You’re on,” I replied.
We agreed that the higher score after one game would win. Kouki and I were evenly matched—it was a close fight that came down to the final frame. In the end, I managed to edge him out.
”Unlucky, Ichiro!” Hikasa (older sister) teased.
”Sorry I lost,” Kouki said dramatically. “Next time, I’ll win for you!”
”Ooh, so cool. I like you~ ♡”
The two of them carried on in front of me, exchanging flirty remarks—whether they were serious or joking was impossible to tell. Me, Ishimoto, and the others shot them cold looks, but it was like they were in their own little heaven.
”Dealing with them seriously is exhausting,” I muttered. “Let’s start our second game.”
I hit the start button for round two while Ishimoto and Masuki-san looked on.
I left the Hikasa sisters to handle Kouki and his partner.
”Wait… Senpai, help…” the younger sister pleaded, her eyes desperate.
”Tatemiya-kun…” Ishimoto’s tone was accusatory.
”I’ve got this!” Masuki-san declared, oblivious to the tension.
I immediately reconsidered. I’d protect Minoru’s younger sisters.
”Alright, alright!” I announced loudly. “We’re not here for a love comedy, got it?! Can you hear me, you lovebirds over there?!”
If it were just Kouki, I’d kick him to the curb without hesitation—but with Hikasa (older sister) present, I couldn’t do that. My abrasive tone and attitude dragged them back to reality.
”Fiiine…” Hikasa (older sister) sighed.
”Hmph…” Kouki grunted.
We managed to pull them back down to earth, though they were clearly annoyed. I pressured Kouki with a look, and the younger sister did the same to her older sibling, forcing everyone back to normal.
But I could tell they’d slip into their own world again if we left them alone. So for game two, we made it a team competition—lane versus lane. Forcing them into groups kept Kouki and the others grounded, and we finished the game without incident.
Kouki’s team won.
After three games, we called it a day.
We left the bowling alley and headed to our usual café—maybe the first time bringing Ryota and the others along.
The tables inside filled up quickly. Since we were the only customers, we didn’t have to worry about being too loud. …Come to think of it, how did this place even survive without us?
From the corner, I could see people who didn’t usually interact chatting comfortably. Even Masuki-san—who seemed awkward in group settings—was deep in conversation with Sawa. Girls had incredible social skills.
In contrast, us guys—huddled with Kouki and Ryota—were pretty pathetic.
”By the way, Senpai,” Kouki asked, sipping his orange juice. “How’d that thing go?”
”What thing?” I asked.
”The reward for winnin’ the district tournament, yeah?”
”Oh, I’ve got it ready.”
I pulled a keychain-sized item from my bag. Naruse-papa’s connections had secured the elusive product.
”Cheers,” Kouki said.
”I’m selling it to you at cost.”
”Huh?! You won’t just give it to me?!” he protested.
”You already qualified for the regional tournament. I told you—the bet wasn’t valid.”
”Che…”
”Hold on.”
I stopped him as he reached for his wallet.
”What’s up?” he asked.
”The girls get theirs first. You get the leftovers.”
”Got it.”
I stood up and walked over to Hikasa (younger sister). She was sitting with Manaka and Chifumi, and spotted me immediately.
”Senpai?” she said.
”Congratulations again on making it to the regionals,” I said.
”Thank you,” she replied.
”As promised—a reward.”
I placed four items on the table.
”Wow, they’re all so different. Um…” She looked them over, hesitant.
”Pick whichever one you like. Take your time.”
She seemed uncertain. I didn’t want to rush her, so I set the items down and started to turn away—until she stopped me.
”Senpai? Could you choose for me?” she asked.
”Huh? Me?”
”Yes.”
”Wouldn’t you rather pick your own?” I asked.
Manaka and Chifumi reacted immediately.
”Minoru, having someone else choose their own gift isn’t very considerate,” Manaka said.
”Gifts should reflect what you think about the other person~,” Chifumi added.
Was that how it worked? Well, I did have a specific image in mind for this girl. Might as well go with it.
”Alright then. This one’s for you,” I said, selecting a light blue one.
”Thank you.”
Her expression told me I’d made the right call.
I collected the remaining three and headed to Ishimoto. Taking what I’d learned from the first interaction, I picked one of the three and offered it to her.
”Eh? This…?” Ishimoto’s eyes widened.
”A gift,” I said.
”Really? Are you sure?” she asked.
”Yeah. Risa helped me get it.”
Well, technically it was Naruse-papa, but saying Risa made more sense. Ishimoto turned to Risa at her table and thanked her.
”No problem!” Risa waved her hand. “We all got plenty for everyone. Sorry it’s just the leftovers, though!”
”It’s not a problem—thank you!”
Leaving Ishimoto’s table, I made my way to the far end where Masuki-san sat. Sawa noticed me first.
”Oh, Minoru!” she said.
I sat down in the empty chair next to her.
”Thought I’d check in—you two are a rare pair,” I said.
”Did you know?” Sawa grinned. “They say conversations don’t work between people with too much IQ gap. Someone like Masuki-san needs someone on my level—nobody else can handle her~”
”Yeah, sure,” I said dryly.
Masuki-san giggled at our exchange.
Good. That broke the ice.
”Masuki-san, this is for you,” I said, holding out a clear-colored item.
”Eek! Really? Is this okay?” she asked.
”Of course.”
She started examining the device’s internals immediately—not as a toy, but as an electronics enthusiast. Just as I’d expected.
Leaving Masuki-san and Sawa to discuss the technical details, I returned to my table and handed the last item—an off-white one—to Kouki in exchange for his payment.
With that, my tasks for today were done. We lazed around until evening and then called it a day. It was a rare, relaxing afternoon well spent.
—
Summary:
The protagonist attends the swimming district tournament to cheer for Kouki and the Hikasa sisters, who all qualify for regionals, after which the younger sister extracts a promise of a reward. Two weeks later, the group gathers for a bowling meet where Kouki challenges the protagonist and the gifts are distributed according to character dynamics. The younger sister’s desire for the digital pet remains unfulfilled until the present moment, with the protagonist carrying the promised items to deliver.
—
Trivia:
1. The protagonist’s world has reversed beauty standards where “ordinary” swimmer physiques are considered attractive, and sumo-wrestler types are the norm.
2. Manaka possesses air-shaping sorcery, allowing her to hear conversations from a distance.
3. Hikasa (younger sister) initially trembled like a fawn before her race but became composed after talking with the protagonist.
4. The digital pet reward is so rare that only sorcerer connections can obtain it.
5. Masuki-san examines the digital pet as an electronics device rather than a toy.
6. The usual café survives entirely on the protagonist’s friend group’s patronage.
7. Kouki won the district tournament in middle school and has national-level experience.
8. The protagonist avoids looking at the B-squad cheerleader because she’s more his type.
9. Manaka and Chifumi both believe gifts should be personally chosen by the giver.
10. The bowling tournament was originally planned as a lottery but was manually arranged to keep Kouki manageable.
Notes:
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• Manaka – Manaka Kuga is an elegant, sharp-featured Shisei High student, authoritative circle leader, and strategist for the top-tier Kuga family’s Founding Strong-Females. Minoru’s refined yet direct childhood friend, she uses a short staff for spatial/air-shaping sorcery. Known for her aristocratic bearing and “-chan” honorific, she manages security, led a year-long deception, and orchestrated an exchange battle request.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Chifumi – Eldest daughter of the Takino residence, this 160cm, J-cup kimono-clad sorcerer is Minoru’s childhood friend, Lead Majo, and trusted partner. Sporting a long brown side-tail, her bright, casual personality bridges his group with Manaka’s companions. Wielding a staff with flowing ice/water magic, she manages household admin and rearguard combat while secretly protecting him from the truth.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
• Kouki – A male underclassman and swimming club member. Entered the 100m and 200m freestyle events plus medley relay. Won district tournaments in middle school and competed at nationals. Enthusiastic, competitive, and blunt. Has a casual banter dynamic with the protagonist.
• Hikasa – Younger Hikasa sister. Quiet, observant, and often appears to be in her own world. Attends New 2 High School with her sister and Koumoto. Shows signs of being protective of her sister.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• Naruse-papa – As head of the Naruse family and merchant guild, he is Risa’s father and an influential figure often used as a cover for acquiring rare items. A supportive patriarch to his daughters and husband to his wife, he remains central to managing family affairs and explaining major events. His status and connections make him a convenient focal point for both business dealings and family explanations.
• Naruse – Naruse is the paternal surname of sisters Anri, Risa, and Momono, separate from their mother’s magical Shoji line. Led by their influential hotel/dungeon manager mother, this wealthy old-money sorcerer family and merchant guild provides institutional support to local establishments. They reside in an understated, modest private estate featuring an integrated dungeon and a small dojo.
• Kuga – Worn on Manaka and Marin’s garments to symbolize kinship, the Kuga family name carries heavy social weight and authority. This distant lineage, marking the farthest point from the narrator’s home, has a strained relationship with the Tatemiya family due to Minoru being abandoned by Manaka. A family member working as hotel staff also reports Anri’s visit to the sealed dungeon.
• Ishimoto – A friendly, proactive female student at 13th District 2nd High School and former junior high classmate of Minoru. She maintains a positive, sometimes self-conscious rapport with others, once organizing a group outing, politely acknowledging Minoru, and thanking him for his help. She also presents the protagonist and Ryota with chocolates.
• Ryota – Minoru’s loyal, outgoing best friend since middle school is a male science-track classmate, sorcerer, and Majin. A fat supremacist with a slightly anxious yet pragmatic demeanor, he assertively leads a ‘Strong-Female’ squad, gaining two Majo by his first year’s end. He enjoys skiing, trains at a shrine dungeon, uses the Nagase hideout, and shares casual banter with Minoru.
• Masuki – A serious, glasses-wearing female student at 13th District 2nd High School who is acquainted with Aikawa-senpai. Analytical and deeply interested in mechanical systems and sorcery engineering, she is highly capable but tends to become slightly socially awkward whenever her niche technical interests are revealed.
• Tatemiya – Tatemiya is the family name of Minoru, a pragmatic protagonist in a world with reversed beauty standards. He leads a strong-female harem with analytical detachment, treating interactions as transactions. Strained by Manaka abandoning Minoru, the family has tense ties with the Kugas. Associated with a symbolic residential gate, the name connects to Manaka’s father’s social circle.
• Minoru – The protagonist and narrator is a black-haired Demon reincarnated from Japan, standing 183cm with sharp eyes. Pragmatic yet internally hurt, this eldest Tatemiya son wrongly believed his childhood friends abandoned him. Serving as ‘master’ to a mixed female group, he uses inherent spatial manipulation sorcery to command a handgun and subjugated monsters like Pape in mid-guard combat.
• Sawa – Voluptuous, broad-framed yet recently slimmed-down, this confident, bespectacled Nieda student and game otaku is an IT-savvy Shisei member and core strategist in Manaka and Mitsuki’s circles. An upper-middle tier green-manipulation sorcerer who uses a hoe, sickle, and scissors, she controls security. She is a competitive Onibara disciple who bluntly complains to her childhood friend Minoru.
• Risa – A curious humanities student (167cm, light brown semi-long hair, H-cup, black eyes) and the youngest Naruse sister. Playfully assertive and protective of Minoru’s group, this mid-guard sorcerer has no inherent magic but wields magic pistols and Hinoki’s power. When Asunaro takes control, her eyes turn red, enabling fire and lightning sorcery. She is also known to bake cookies for Tatemiya.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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