#event:dc 10count

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [1/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

{ this was a commission but in any case, i got emotional }

[park] 

// The scenery before me expands and tilts. // 

// As my equilibrium warps, my eyes instinctively track my opponent. I review my position. My reflexive counter attack meets empty air, and then-- // 

// A textbook perfect uppercut connects with my exposed jaw. // 

// A slightly blurry sky comes to view, the sun’s light looks just like the lights on “that day.” My wavering mind cuts off from my body, as if it belonged to a different person, and it seemed to take ages before I hit the ground. // 

// I’m sure you’re wondering why the Super Hero was caught by him with an uppercut. // 

Rintarou: ( Why did I, the Super Hero, get caught by Mikepon’s counter uppercut, you ask? ) 

// It happened a couple of days ago… // 

Rintarou: ( It happened a couple of days ago… ) 

[kumayuni room] 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, I’m back~! The Rocket Launching Festival in Thailand was super stimulating ☆ I got some souvenirs at the Return party so let’s- oh 

Yuni: President-san, welcome back! 

Rintarou: Oyoyo? It’s super rare to encounter Mikepon in my room! What’s the tea? Is it a secret from mua? 

Shion: He’s noisy as usual… 

Yuni: One of Shions’ amichi got their purse snatched, it seems. 

Rintarou: Say what?! As a hero, I can’t let that slide. MKK ☆ Won’t you/ tell me/ more about the incident?! 

Shion: I won’t forgive someone who targets the elderly. 

Yuni: He’s an unfair person. Resorting to theft instead of accumulating his own lottery tickets! 

Rintarou: Yup, yup, that is certainly underhanded… huh? Lottery ticket? 

Shion: The shopping district is having a campaign. If you collect 10 tickets, you can pull the lottery once. 

Yuni: Shion’s amichi was just 1 ticket away from 10 and yet, the 9 pieces she worked hard to collect were stolen… That’s just too sad! 

Yuni: That’s why we’re currently having a strategy meeting on how to catch the culprit, what to do with him, and which ocean he should be sunk into to become food for the fishes. 

Rintarou: Ohhhhhhh. 

Rintarou: ( Usually here’s where I sweep in and coolly offer my help but perhaps this time I won’t. They look like they’re really pouring their souls into it but more importantly… ) 

// I won’t be around anymore once I graduate. // 

Shion: The culprit is dangerous. He attacked my friend right when she took out her wallet to put her tickets away. Because of that, she even sustained a cut to the finger 2-3 millimetres in length. 

Rintarou: ( Only the tickets and not the wallet…? ) 

Yuni: He’s too fixated on lottery tickets. 

Yuni: But on the other hand, that makes it easy to lure him out. Someone just has to stand around with lottery tickets in hand. 

Rintarou: ( Eh?! Isn’t it kinda unwise to engage a dangerous criminal like that? Well, if it were someone confident in their grip strength like me then maybe but… ) 

Shion: Then what about Touji? 

Rintarou: ( Hmmm~ ~ ~ Kinda a diss on Touji but I’m ☆ Worried ) 

Yuni: Good idea! Harimi is noisy even when he doesn’t speak so I’m sure he’ll attract the culprit’s attention quickly! 

Shion: …On further thought, he might actually be too conspicuous. There should be a more suitable person. Someone better at acting natural… 

Rintarou: ( Wait, wait, wait, wait, I have so many comments about this. ) 

Rintarou: ( I want to advise them on a better method but then it’ll turn into me solving the problem again… Mmmm, but still! ! ) 

Yuni: But I think that alone is still too dangerous. We might need to enlist the help of someone strong. 

Rintarou: ( Ho. ) 

Shion: Do you have anyone in mind? 

Rintarou: ( Aww Mikepon, what a feint~ Isn’t the strongest helper right before your eyes--- ) 

Yuni: Actually, Father is currently having the Bianchi Family Engineers prepare a special Secret Weapon for some big project in the works. And it just so happens that they’re looking to test the weapon on an opponent so… I think it fits our situation perfectly. 

Shion: Hmm… I guess anything’s fine as long as it’s strong. 

Yuni: Kufufu, not just strong. That weapon is our finest masterpiece, the “strongest”. 

Rintarou: ! 

Yuni: It’s the strongest Secret Weapon in the world ♪ 

Rintarou: ( …Interesting. The “strongest in the world”, huh~ ) 

[student council room] 

// A few days later. // 

Rintarou: Mu… Mumu? 

// My nap on top of a line of chairs was disturbed by the faint sounds of excited cheering from somewhere far away. // 

Rintarou: Huh? No one’s here. Am I hearing things? 

Rintarou: Wait, it’s well into lunch break right now! I was supposed to do hand over with Usshi but he didn’t show up so I somehow spent the night here! 

// I return the chairs that I used as a bed to their original positions and stretch out my body which had gone stiff. // 

Rintarou: Well, nothing to be done that he didn’t show. Guess, I’ll grab something to eat first. 

[cafeteria] 

// While patting my growling stomach, I head towards the cafeteria where there was a surprising amount of people. // 

Male Student: Go! ! 

Female Student: That’s it! ! 

Rintarou: ( Oyo? Maybe this was what I heard earlier… ) 

// Taking a peek into the middle of the crowd, there was an unexpected person, in an unexpected appearance, doing an unexpected thing. // 

Rintarou: Mikepon?! 

Shion?: …..

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [12/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Mamoru: Round 2 is about to start! ! Bianchi-kun got knocked down once in the first round but I wonder what will happen this time?! 

Champ: You good? I’ll make sure to K.O you this time.  

Yuni: If you can… Then go ahead and try! 

Champ: ! 

[flashback: 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

Yuni: Go all out against me in our match. 

Champ: ….. 

Champ: Hey now, I’m a pro ya know? 

Yuni: And I’m a proud Sicilian. Holding back will conversely hurt me even more. 

Champ: …..

Yuni: Just like the athletes in this match, I want you to come at me with everything you’ve got. Otherwise the match would be pointless. 

Champ: What’s this DVD? 

/end flashback] 

Champ: You’re still going? 

Yuni: pant, pant 

Champ: It’s about time to end this farce. 

Shion: ! 

Rintarou: ( No, his step is too shallow, that must be-- ) 

Yuni: ( A fake! Now’s my chance! ! ! ! ) 

Shigure: ?! 

// Knocking he wouldn’t connect, Yuniyuni takes a big step forward, full of courage, and takes the punch face first on his own accord. // 

Champ: ?! 

// Slipping into his enemy’s space, a full body counter. Yuniyuni’s right hand breaks through, aiming for the Champ’s cheek-- // 

Shion: ! 

// Climbing over the ropes, the Ringside Doctor catches the tiny warrior. // 

Shinya: Call it off! This match is over! 

Yuni: Shibasaki… Don’t do… useless… things… 

Shigure: Someone get a stretcher! 

// The venue was in uproar. With Shin-chan as the leader, the first aid unit start treating Yuniyuni. // 

// Amidst the chaos, completely ignoring the mood, one man takes up the mic and begins to speak. // 

Champ: Mic test. 

Champ: Hey, you’re here right? 

// His strange question was met with an awkward silence. // 

Champ: Then come. 

// Of course I know who those words were directed at. Besides… That was my feeling too. // 

Mamoru: Wh-what is going on here?! 

Mamoru: Bianchi-kun’s secret weapon who was the star of the previous arm wrestling tournament has stepped into the ring! ! ! 

Shion: No way… Is that you? 

// To answer his question, I perform a Spinosaurus Fist with SHION’s body. (That was the pose I used to make when giving advanced warning that I was aiming for a K.O. ) // 

// The reason I was so late to Yuniyuni’s match was because I had been training to fight by possessing SHION. // 

Champ: Wow, you can do that?! 

Champ: Well, at least this way, we’re able to face off properly. 

Rintarou: Hah, I sure kept you waiting, huh, “myself”? 

// After making sure Yuniyuni was safely escorted off the venue, I take the mallet and ring the gong myself. And my opponent is “the part of me that didn’t progress”. // 

Champ: Round 1, Start ♪ 

Rintarou: Alright! 

// Jab, One-two, and then a Middle Kick. I dodge the attacks directed at me, and go for a Front Kick, which was evaded with a Sidestep. It’ll be over in an instant if I’m caught. No, I will catch him first! // 

[flashback:

Shion: Take revenge. 

Yuni: As long as you continue to breathe, your melody will never end. Wounds are the cornerstone of change. You can’t play the same melody forever, can you? The 10 Count is already over! 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think. 

// sigh I’m tired. Tired of struggling. // 

/end flashback] 

// Inviting a counter, I intentionally approach with lowered defence. // 

// And then he, who hates taking a Backstep, comes forward like a mirror reflection. // 

Rintarou: ( Now, now is the time! ) 

// For the longest time, I had been imprisoned by that ring, together with that neverending 10 Count. Staring up at the sky disgracefully, always being washed over by the bright stadium lights. //

// I put more strength into my legs, pushing myself off the floor no matter how unsightly I may seem. // 

Rintarou: ( If I don’t force this one step, I will, never, defeat myself! ! ! ) 

// With the Brave Heart that I have regained. Towards the world beyond that 10 Count, I can proudly say… // 

Rintarou: That the me as I am now is the most like me! ! ! 

// I take a huge step forward, much bigger than the one I took before. While experiencing sensation in my legs for the first time in a long while, I put all my power into a punch, landing straight on my past self’s cheek. // 

Shion: Cross Counter… 

Mamoru: He did it… As expected of Bianchi-kun’s strongest weapon! ! ! He’s splendidly defeated Kuma-kun~ ~ ! ! 

// The explosive cheers of the crowd sound so far away. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah… I’m the strongest. Because I’m a God after all. ) 

// The view before me is the same as it was then, however the brightness of the lights was different. I raise a fist towards that light. // 

Rintarou: That was a good punch, self. 

// My raised arm was lit by the lights above. // 

[courtyard] 

// A few days later. // 

Shion: Does that mean we have to part? 

Yuni: Yes. We finished testing his capabilities so it’s time to send him back to Father for mass production. 

Touji: Please ensure that all the future models have a different design! If so many Mikekado-senpais were to appear… When two already stirred up my heart so… Oooh, a crowd of Mikekado-swenpwai… 

Yuni: He’s in his own world again… 

Shion: Leave him be. 

Yuni: President-san, don’t you want to say goodbye to SHION? 

// Yuniyuni turned back to call out to me but his interest was shifted to something else. // 

Yuni: Are those the gloves you lent me the other day? 

Rintarou: Yup. You’ve got to take them out to air sometimes. 

Yuni: Everyone says your match at the end was amazing. How regrettable! I wish I could have seen it too! 

Rintarou: Nyahaha! Well but considering the state you were in then. 

Rintarou: But I’m really thankful to Yuniyuni and Mikepon. 

Rintarou: Thank you. 

Shion: I didn’t really do anything.

Yuni: You’re very welcome ♪ 

// Yuniyuni smiles as bright as the sun and I return a smile of my own. Then I casually look up at the sky. // 

Rintarou: ( Perhaps that guy was also trying to help me move forward. Though there’s no way of knowing now. ) 

// And though it was supposed to be the same sky as always, for some reason… // 

Rintarou: ( The sky today is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. )

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [11/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

[boxing ring - yume system] 

Mamoru: It’s finally time for the much anticipated event, the talk of the school as of late: The Boxing Match between Bianchi-kun and Kuma-kun! 

Mamoru: Due to the huge difference in their skills, some handicaps have been implemented, these were strongly pushed for by Hakka-kun-- 

Shigure: I will now explain the precautions. In order to close the gap between their abilities, some special rules have been put in place for this match. The President is not allowed to connect any punches, and kicks are completely NG, was what I wanted but at Yuni’s insistence, it’s been reworked to allow 1 punch per round. 

Shigure: Additionally, each round will only last 1 minute, with a total of 4 rounds. Shibasaki-kun is also being stationed as the ringside doctor. Finally, a message for the President. In the event any harm is imposed onto Yuni, I will ensure that not a single trace of you, not hair nor DNA, will remain on this Earth-- 

Shinya: Shigure, stop, stop! 

Mamoru: An-anyway, even with those special rules, will Bianchi-kun be able to overpower Kuma-President?! The gong is about to ring! 

[backstage] 

Shion: Here.These are from Kuma Rintarou. 

Yuni: Where is President-san? 

Shion: He’s on the way. 

// Shion helps me put on the gloves from President-san. // 

Yuni: They’re loose. 

Shion: Even still, I think they’re good on you. 

Yuni: ….. 

Shion: Work hard, and be careful. 

// Shion stands to leave after his short message, and I call out to him. // 

Yuni: Is it really so painful to get hurt? 

// Shion turns back slowly. // 

Shion: I can accept that the larger the scar, the more damage it causes, but it is still difficult. 

[ring] 

// The audience’s cheers are deafening. A bright spotlight washes over the ring. And in the centre of it all, stood the Champ and I. // 

Champ: Did “I” run away? 

Yuni: He’s here. 

Champ: Oh? Well not that it really matters to me. Shall we start? 

// Just by him approaching me with a raised glove, the crowd instantly grew louder. The “Glove Touch” is the signal of the start of the match. Before I respond, I take a moment to close my eyes and enjoy the sounds of the venue. // 

Yuni: ….. 

Yuni: ( President-san. Perhaps President-san wants to forget that 10 Count. But to me, it is the most beautiful 10 Count in existence. ) 

// On that day, a hero died. // 

// There were two principal melodies. A hero was supposed to pass his torch. Although the two melodies ran parallel, in time the younger one began to crumble. Naturally, the people start to cheer for him, the underdog, cheering for a comeback. To turn the tide around, for a result so perfect it had to be crafted by God. The building frustration is instead turned into the basis of catharsis. // 

Yuni: ( I’ll win. No matter what. ) 

// A raging melody of dignified stubbornness rises from the pits of one’s chest, muddying the music sheets with an inky black. What power! // 

Yuni: ( I’ll be the victor! Even if it kills me! ! ! ) 

// The tenacity to change fate levels the hero into a human, and the undefeatable hero who had never known to fear tastes it for the first time. And then-- 

An unsatisfying ending. The dreadfully silent 10 Count. Fine. 

Yuni: ( Ahh… ) 

// Even if they’re called ‘unfair’ or ‘dirty’, oh how beautiful a human is, driven mad in the face of death. // 

Yuni: pant, pant, pant  

// None of my punches reach him. Not knowing when to breathe, I feel like I’m suffocating. // 

Yuni: ( But, I have to win. No matter what I have to do! ) 

// This feeling is just like the hero’s back then. // 

Champ: Those eyes… 

Yuni: Uwaaaaaa! ! ! 

Champ: ! 

// As I moved in to attack, the Champ reflexively returned a punch. // 

Yuni: ( Ya… ) 

// Without time to even think of dodging, the strike connects with my shoulder and the force sends me falling. // 

Shigure: I’ll kill him. 

Shinya: Calm down, Shigure! 

// Though Nii-sama was at the ringside, his voice felt so far away. I know that to the Champ that punch was just a fraction of his strength. Despite that, my body refuses to move, as if it has melted into the floor. // 

Crowd: 1! 2! 3! 

// This is the 10 Count. // 

Yuni: ( This is what was haunting President-san so much that he was blown away by the wind. ) 

// If I just stay here, the match will end. It’s not like it would kill me. // 

Yuni: ( I don’t understand… ) 

Crowd: 6! 7! 8! 

???: Yuniyuni! ! ! 

Yuni: ! 

Rintarou: Stand up! The first round is almost done! Come back here! ! 

Yuni: President-san… 

Yuni: ( He came… After all this time… ) 

// I clench the fists in my too-big gloves. // 

Yuni: ( Move… Stand! ! ) 

// The crowd’s countdown won’t stop, the rhythm almost holding me down. From my blood to my cells, a strange encouragement pulses and I stand. // 

Mamoru: Wo… woah… 

Mamoru: Bianchi-kun has stood back up! Does he still have it in him? 

// Standing in front of the shocked man, I crack a smile. And then the gong signals the end of the round. // 

Mamoru: Oh, that’s the end of the round! It seems Bianchi-kun was saved by the bell! We will now enter a minute long interval. 

………. 

Shion: Yuni! 

// As Yuniyuni staggered back to the corner, Mikepon rushed to wrap him in a towel, ushering him to the chair. // 

Rintarou: Mikepon, put the ice pack between his pits! SHION, take out his mouthpiece and put some water into his mouth! Yuniyuni, don’t swallow that water, spit it out into the bucket! It’s going to hurt like hell later if you drink it! 

Yuni: pant, pant President-san… you’re late. 

Rintarou: Yeah, I’m sorry, Yuniyuni. 

Yuni: It’s not about “sorry”! 

// Although I knew I couldn’t touch anything, I still knelt before Yuniyuni. // 

Rintarou: I’m really sorry, there was something I had to do. 

Yuni: For someone who fought hard, an injury is a badge of honour. To be ashamed of it and run away is not only shameful but unappreciative. 

Rintarou: ….. 

Yuni: As long as you continue to breathe, your melody will never end. Wounds are the cornerstone of change. You can’t play the same melody forever, can you? The 10 Count is already over! 

Yuni: Don’t get hung up over something like that. President-san is a hero isn’t he? If not then I apologise. 

// His piercing gaze tells me he’s never once doubted me. // 

Rintarou: ( I think… ) 

// What I lost on that day was… // 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, you asked me to teach you to Counter before, right? 

Yuni: Yeah. 

Rintarou: Brave Heart. That’s all you need. 

Yuni: ….. 

// I extend a fist before Yuniyuni and he returns it in his loose gloves. // 

Yuni: I’ll be going. 

Rintarou: Yeah, go get him!

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [10/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

[track] 

Touji: How was it on your end?! 

Shion: No use, I can’t find him. 

Touji: Oh no… Just where did he fly off to? Don’t tell me he drifted off into space?! If that’s the case we won’t have any means of retrieving him… 

Senri: I don’t think it’s that grave… But this situation is so strange, even the famed detective Senri-kun can’t find him… 

Takaomi: He’s most likely stuck in some tree somewhere, right? Why did he fly off in the first place? 

Touji: Bianchi-kun and I were competing, and then some stuff happened, and after that Bianchi-kun said some stuff, and before any of us knew it, he was already floating away… 

Yuma: I don’t get it. 

Yuni: “I will make you remember your loss.” 

Yuni: He chickened out after I said that to the Champ. 

Shion: ….. 

Senri: For real? 

Yuni: ….. 

Touji: Bianchi-kun?! Where are you going?! 

Yuma: Harimiya, let’s regroup for now. It’ll be hard to look for a balloon without a proper plan. 

Touji: He’s not a balloon, he’s Kuma-senpai! ! 

Touji: However, what you say is true… We’re going to need a thorough plan. Now’s the time to activate this Harimiya brain. I’ll even contact Yoshiji to employ the Private Police blahblahblah~ 

Shion: ….. 

[kumayuni room] 

Champ: Huff, huff, huff… 

// Returning to the room, someone I “didn’t recognise” was working out passionately in the dark. // 

Yuni: ….. 

Champ: Why are you standing there~? Oh, since you’re here, what about training with me? 

Yuni: ….. 

Champ: ….. sigh 

// Growing impatient at my lack of words, this person who merely looks like President-san steps off his machine to stand before me. // 

Champ: What’s wrong? 

// A little bit of moonlight illuminates the room. We exchange looks. Pushing down the weirdness of facing that appearance, I firmly return his stare. // 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

// With a snort, he drops his gaze. // 

// After that, my “favourite disc” was snatched away. // 

// In the dark of the night, someone yelled. // 

???: rou

???: Kuma Rintarou! 

Rintarou: … like I said… 

Rintarou: It’s Kumarin to you… 

// Coaxed to open my eyes at those words, the starry sky comes to view. // 

Rintarou: ( Too dazzling… ) 

[park] 

// A voice in the darkness had called me back to reality. // 

Shion: You’re finally awake. 

Rintarou: Huh? Why am I in a tree again? 

Shion: Don’t say such troublesome things. You were the one who flew away, no? 

// Those words trigger my memory. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah~ That’s right. I let myself float off without any resistance but to think I would be caught by a branch so nearby. ) 

Shion: Anyway, come down. Everyone’s worried… 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, sorz sorz-- 

Champ: I found Mikepon. 

// I stiffen at the voice. // 

Champ: I happened to be out training but this saves me a trip to your room ☆ 

Shion: What? 

Champ: Hey now, I was just greeting ya ♪ Too much frowning and you’ll ruin your natural beauty, you know? 

Shion: Right back at you, you’re just picking a fight aren’t you? 

Champ: Well, I wouldn’t say it’s to that extent but I guess? 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Although this guy caused tension around him, he himself was looking around nonchalantly. // 

Champ: Is that supposed “other me” over there? 

Shion: What does it matter to you? 

Champ: Well what’s it matter to you? I only asked if he was around, what’s wrong with that? 

// For some reason he’s being snappy. // 

Rintarou: ( What’s this about? ) 

// Mikepon senses it too and sneaks a small glance at me but-- // 

Shion: He’s not here… 

Champ: Bingo ☆ I could tell from your eye movement. 

Champ: Hey, other me, are you looking? 

Shion: ….. 

Champ: I have a request, ya see? 

// My body looks at Mikepon, no at SHION. // 

Champ: You were the one who knocked “me” out at the park, right? Then how bout challenging me too? 

Rintarou: ! 

Shion: Stop it, that’s-- 

Champ: Mikepon, it’s uncouth to get in between fights amongst men. 

Shion: ….. 

Champ: Anyway, SHION-chan was made for combat, right? I don’t really get it but it’s a stain that you defeated “the other me” so I’ll take you on, come now. 

// The Champ stands imposingly, doing some light stretches as he continues to taunt. Then SHION steps forward without orders. // 

SHION: ….. 

Shion: Wait-- 

// He longer hears or sees anything else. I know this because it is “me”. // 

Champ: Ready, Go! 

// At once, I witness a familiar move. And just like I did that time, the other me reflexively goes for the counter. // 

Rintarou: ( He’ll lose. ) 

// Like a replay reel, the same moves are being repeated again, so the conclusion will be the same. But-- // 

// The “Champ” takes a huge step forward into his opponent’s space and then-- // 

SHION: !  

// With a strong punch, catches SHION in the cheek with a clean hit. // 

Shion: ! 

// Losing balance, SHION falls to the ground, unmoving. // 

// With just one move, this guy easily defeated the opponent who knocked me out. // 

Champ: Haha. Just like I thought. 

Champ: Err, this way? Oh or was it there? Hey~ I don’t know where you’ve gone but… 

// Although the Champ wasn’t supposed to be able to see me, his gaze was firmly fixed onto me. // 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think?  

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

Champ: Did he say something? 

Shion: I don’t know, just go away already. 

Champ: Aww, I’m sorry, then just one more thing. 

Champ: I’m still more suited to being “me” but I will be doing the match with Yuniyuni who wants to knock me out, so you should come watch. 

// He takes a look at the silent Mikepon, then with a lazy smile, he leaves the area. // 

Shion: ….. 

Rintarou: ….. 

Rintarou: sigh 

// I heave a huge sigh, trying to organise my thoughts. Even the silence couldn’t bury this patheticness. // 

Rintarou: Ah crap, I’m strong, man… 

// Recklessly facing any opponent, a heart that simply doesn’t know defeat, with surprising audacity, he mercilessly charges forward to deliver a finishing blow. // 

Rintarou: If only I didn’t lose then… 

Shion: Take revenge. 

Rintarou: Eh? 

// I blink my eyes at Mikepon. // 

Shion: Take your revenge. You are you. Because this version of you is the you of the present. If you have the energy to chase after “what ifs”, then stand up and show us your guts. 

Rintarou: ( Stand up… ) 

// It was rare for Mikepon to be so imploring. // 

Shion: It doesn’t matter if you’re motivated by anger or regret, it’s better than standing still, and letting yourself be left behind by the current. 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Back then, I didn’t stand back up. // 

Rintarou: ( “What if at that time?” “What if at that time?” Thinking like that will turn even today into a “what if at that time?” ) 

SHION: ….. 

// I had been clenching my fist hard enough to leave marks when SHION soundlessly stands up. // 

Rintarou: ( You’re going to struggle with me? ) 

// Although I couldn’t feel the ground, I put my feet down, lowering my waist, both fists at the ready.  

Rintarou: This is literally shadow boxing, huh? 

--

there’s a bit of ‘people die when they are killed’ type of talking in this story, haha

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [9/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

// The back yard was usually a quiet place but today, a crowd of passionate men have gathered. // 

// And in the centre, standing at the base of the tree, stood Touji and Yuniyuni. The tension was about to snap. // 

Touji: I, Harimiya Touji, son of Japan, accept your duel, Bianchi-kun. 

Yuni: I will show you the might of a Sicilian man. 

Champ: whistle ♪ The both of you are super raring to go. Well then, whoever catches the most leaves within the stipulated time is the winner, yeah? 

Champ: First up is Touji, Ready-- 

// At the sound of “Go”, Touji slams into the tree, sending a large amount of leaves raining down. // 

Yuni: ! 

Rintarou: ( Just by the number of leaves alone, he’s already better off than Yuniyuni was earlier. We might be in a pinch. ) 

Touji: Shishishi Shi, Shi Shiiiiiiii! ! ! 

// As expected of someone who spent the whole night practicing. With brisk Jabs, Touji was able to catch 90% of the leaves. // 

Champ: Time’s up. 

Touji: pant 18, huh? I missed 10%... However, that means I still have room to grow, right, Mikekado-senpai? 

Shion: I wasn’t paying attention. 

Champ: Kay next, it’s Yuniyuni’s turn. 

Yuni: ….. 

// Yuniyuni steps up to the tree. If he can’t get at least 19 leaves to fall, it won’t even be a competition. That said, based on Yuniyuni’s earlier result… // 

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

Champ: Alright on your marks, Ready… Go! 

Yuni: Ya! ! ! 

// Contrary to the might of his shout, the number of leaves that fall don’t even reach 10. // 

Champ: Arere? 

Rintarou: ( A world where. ) 

Rintarou: ( A world where one is not the main characters is vexing. ) 

// I concentrate all my energy into my hands. “No matter what I have to do”, I want to let Yuniyuni win. Because I don’t want to hurt the innocent Yuniyuni who still believes that I am a perfect, undefeatable Hero. That’s why I- // 

Rintarou: UWOOOOOOO! ! ! 

// With all my strength, I start hitting against the tree, and slowly, more and more leaves begin to fall. // 

Champ: Ehhh?! What’s happening? A bunch of leaves started falling?! 

Shion: Yuni! 

// At Shion’s prompting, the flabbergasted Yuniyuni snaps to attention and then-- // 

Yuni: SiSiSiSiSiSiSiSi ! ! ! 

Rintarou: ( ! ) 

// His repeated Jabs were faster than I expected. // 

Rintarou: ( That’s great, Yuniyuni… He’s really taken all our training to heart! ) 

Yuni: That’s… the end… 

// Grabbing the last leaf, Yuniyuni turns back to us while panting. // 

Rintarou: You did good~! ! ! 

Shion: That was amazing. 

Touji: Ho-how many did you get?! 

// Touji starts to count the leaves in Yuniyuni’s hand but the other me interrupts him. // 

Champ: There’s no need to count, right? It’s obvious that the loser… 

Champ: Is you. 

Touji: Ho-how could this be… Even though I practiced all night. To think that I, Harimiya Touji, would lose… 

// Touji faltered to his knees and the Champ crouches to match him. // 

Champ: Well, it can’t be helped. No matter how much you practice a “regular human’s” potential is just that. 

// Right now, Touji has been hurt. Everyone who understood this stiffened and the atmosphere grew cold, with the exception of the Champ. // 

Touji: A regular person…? 

Champ: Hmm? Did I say something wrong? But see if you were a God or a genius you wouldn’t have lost.  

Rintarou: Oi! 

Champ: You’re no longer fit to be in the ring, but you’re still in the stadium. That’s proof that you’re a “regular person”. Then again, a large majority of people are like “that” that’s why it’s called “regular” so don’t worry about it too much~ ☆ 

// The Champ moves to give Touji a pat on the shoulder but Touji evades him. // 

Touji: I’m… I’m… a Harimiya… I’m already at the top… I cannot be like the common folk… 

Rintarou: ( Was my past self, really such a person? Such a-- ) 

Yuni: me. 

Touji: Eh… 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni? 

Yuni: Fight me! 

Champ: Hmm… Wait, are you talking to me? 

Yuni: Is “God” afraid of losing to a “regular person”? 

Champ: Whether I’m fearful or not, it’s just that I don’t lose, see? 

Yuni: Then I will make you remember your loss from 2 years ago. 

Rintarou: ! 

// Those smooth words shocked me so hard, I stopped breathing. Just like that time, when all I could do was be knocked down, it feels like I lost all control of my body. // 

Champ: Hmmm~ Well, I don’t really mind accepting it if you’re going to be so brave. 

Champ: Fine, I’ll take you on. However… If I’m going to do this, I would like to make it at least a little fun. 

Disciple A: Ohhh a match between a pair… 

Disciple B: But don’t you think their abilities and experience are too far apart? 

Yuni: ….. 

Shion: Huh? Where did he go? 

Yuni: ? If you’re talking about President-san, he was just over there… 

Yuni: He’s gone. 

Touji: AHHHHHH! ! ! Senpai, Kuma-senpai has floated off into the sky! ! ! 

Yuni: President-san?!?! 

// The wind caresses my cheek. Even though I can’t touch anything else, for some reason that sensation alone felt super real. It felt so good, I wouldn’t mind throwing away my body. // 

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

[flashback:

Yuni: Then I will make you remember your loss from 2 years ago. 

/end flashback] 

Rintarou: ( So he knew all along. ) 

Touji: Kuma-senpai! ! ! 

Rintarou: It’s Kumarin to you… 

// Although no one hears my last murmurings, I continue to let myself be carried upwards into the boundless sky. And then, as if escaping everything, I close my eyes. 

I pretended to be an undefeatable hero. I even played coach. // 

Rintarou: ( Aren’t I super lame? ) 

[shinshigu room] 

// A little while before the duplication incident. // 

Yuni: Go, go! Hit him with a Rabbit Punch~! ! 

// Because it was boring while President-san was away, I paid a visit to Nii-sama’s room. // 

Shigure: Rabbit Punches are illegal, you know. 

Yuni: Nii-sama! Welcome back! 

Shigure: Hello, Yuni. It’s getting rather late so let’s lower the volume, alright? 

Yuni: Hey, Nii-sama, Shibasaki’s out until morning for an operation right? Can I stay over? 

Shigure: Guess it can’t be helped. 

Yuni: Yay! Then let’s watch DVDs together! 

// At my insistent tugging on his sleeve, Nii-sama smiles and sits down next to me. // 

Shigure: You’ve brought quite a lot of DVDs with you. That said, for you to suddenly want to watch the President's old matches, are you planning something again? 

Yuni: I’m not! Father is trying to build the strongest soldier so I am just helping with that. 

Shigure: I see, afterall, guns are banned in Japan. Don’t tell me you guys plan on installing fight data of the “strongest” fighter. 

// Sounding slightly impressed, Nii-sama sifts out a slightly dirty disc from the pile. On its white cover there was a date scribbled in marker. It was a date from two winters ago. // 

Shigure: ….. 

Yuni: Do you want to watch that match, Nii-sama? 

Shigure: Eh... 

Yuni: That match is my absolute favourite. 

// When I happily held the DVD close to myself, Nii-sama smiled although it was a little wry. //

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [8/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

[kumayuni room] 

Yuni: I’m exhausted. My legs are so jelly, they don’t feel like mine. 

// As soon as we get back from training, Yuniyuni flops onto the floor. // 

Rintarou: Don’t forget to cooldown after intensive exercise~ 

// SHION picks up the collapsed Yuniyuni, and helps guide him through the stretching motions. // 

Rintarou: Still, that was quite a tough menu to keep up with, good work, good work ♪ 

Yuni: Then can you teach me about “Counters” tomorrow? When I tried using a hammer against him, he dodged so easily, it was really frustrating. 

Yuni: That’s why, if you teach me to Counter then I can follow his movement and aim for a second hit! ! I’ll beat him black and blue! ! 

// Yuniyuni swings around his arms and stands up, moving to perform a Foot Stamp (although it looked like a little kid). I couldn’t help but smile at how cute he was. // 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, I’m glad you’re enthusiastic but that might still be a bit too advanced for you. 

Yuni: Eh… 

Rintarou: ( If I said it’s because it doesn’t suit an angel, I’m sure he’ll get mad. ) 

// As I was trying to think of a response, I was saved by the knock on the door. // 

Yuni: Shion! Is something the matter? 

Shion: Due to the influence of your other self, my roommate has been training non-stop in the room. Every time he throws a punch he goes “shishishi”... It’s annoying so I’ll be camping here for the time being. 

Rintarou: No sweaterino ☆ I won’t need to use a bed in my current state anyway so you’re free to have it. 

Yuni: A sleepover! 

Yuni: But Harimi sure is fired up if he’s still training. I have to work harder so we don’t lose! We will defeat the Champ! *Si Si Si Si!* 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, looks like it’s going to get noisy here too. 

Shion: Still better than someone whose entire existence is noise. 

// A man of little words, Mikepon comes to sit next to us. And the 4 of us had a lively night. // 

[back yard] 

// A few days later. // 

Rintarou: WSS ☆ Heart-pounding/ Second step/ Starting! 

Rintarou: Continuing from yesterday, we are once again building the basics but let’s try changing it up this time ☆ 

Yuni: Oh? What are we doing? 

Rintarou: You’re gonna use your left hand to catch all the leaves that fall out of this tree. It’s a Special Menu for becoming one step closer to being a boxer. The more you’re able to grab, the faster your Jabs will be ♪ 

Shion: What’s a Jab? 

Rintarou: It’s a light punch that helps you measure the distance between you and your opponent. It also helps to build rhythm to lead into a stronger attack, and is one of the basic offensive moves. 

Shion: Sounds difficult… 

Yuni: But I’m finally learning actual attacks! ! I’ll master the Jab in an instant and move on to Counters! Uryaaaaa~ ~ ! ! 

// With a motivated shout, Yuniyuni slams into the tree. But… // 

Yuni: ….. 

Yuni: The only things falling are these eraser dust looking specks. 

Rintarou: Oh boy, oh boy, I suppose we should work on your collision strength first then. 

Rintarou: Alright so let’s make it a goal to knock down the leaves-- 

???: Oyoyo? Whatcha guys doing over there~? 

// At the source of the voice, there was my body and his disciples. // 

Disciple (Touji): Ah! Mikekado-senpai, I didn’t know you would be here! As you’d suddenly decided to sleep outside the last couple of days, I had been so worried that I couldn’t sleep. In fact, I spent the whole of last night practicing my Jabs to calm down. 

Shion: …I’m glad I didn’t go back. And besides, right now you’re an enemy so I won’t be going back today either. 

Touji: Oh no… But Kumaz Fightclub is a really splendid gym where you can train your body and spirit while building charisma… 

Yuni: ….. 

Yuni: If you really want Shion back that badly, then fight me. 

Touji: Heh? F-fight? 

Shion: What do you mean? 

Champ: Oh what’s the harm? Accept it, Touji. 

Champ: You guys were doing the leaf catching exercise, right? Perfect. Whoever catches the most leaves will attain what they “want” ♪ 

Shion: ! 

Champ: Touji wants Mikepon to return, and Yuniyuni wants… 

Champ: Wants to defeat a God like me, was it? Then you’ve got to win this duel, no? 

// He looks down at Yuniyuni with an arrogant gaze. // 

Rintarou: What will you do? 

Yuni: My resolve hasn’t changed, I will definitely win. 

Touji: Bianchi-kun, I won’t go easy on you… 

Yuni: Bring it on. I’m going to snatch this tree bald! ! !

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [7/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Champ: Alrighty then, what happened to you, my angel? Are you up to some adowable mischwief? 

// He pats his head placatingly. As Yuniyuni doesn’t respond, Mikepon answers in his stead. // 

Shion: There are two of you. Unlike you who’s lost 2 years of memory, there is a version of you here that remembers everything. 

Champ: Sigh~ You’re still going on about that? 

// Suddenly losing interest, the Champ rests his weight on one leg. // 

Yuni: It’s uncomfortable if you don’t return to normal, that’s why I thought to knock you out a second time. 

Champ: But you see, I don’t see that supposed “other me” at all~ I’m not saying you guys are lying, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t believe it if I don’t see it for myself. So even if you tell me he’s there, at least to me “cannot see” equals “no reason to care”, ya know?  

Yuni: ! 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, that’s me alright. 

Shion: Ew, why are you praising him? 

Champ: Well in any case, if you reeeeeally want to knock me down then-- 

// Assuming a fighting stance, he lunges forward with nimble steps, his shoes squeaking across the floor, and in a flash, was right before Yuniyuni. // 

Yuni: ! 

Champ: Come back when you’re stronger, baby boss. 

// He kneels to match Yuniyuni’s eyeline, speaking in almost a whisper, then punctuating his words with a light tap against that small chest. // 

Disciple: Wh-what charisma! 

Disciple: WOOOOAH! CHAMP! CHAMP! 

Touji: I’ve got to jot this down in my Harimiya notebook! ! 

Champ: Nyahaha! If you follow me, even 10,000 of those notebooks are not enough! 

Champ: Alright everyone, let’s go running to celebrate our new comrade, YAY ☆ 

Disciples: YAY! ! 

Touji: Ah, hold on a moment.... Ahhhh! !  

// Swept up in the wave of disciples, Touji and the “Champ” leave the area. // 

// For a while, none of the remaining people spoke. // 

Rintarou: Ah~ What do we do, huh? Since the opponent is me there’s no way to stop him, nyahaha. 

// When I tried joking around, Yuniyuni turned to fix me a shockingly firm stare. Those eyes almost looked like-- // 

Yuni: President-san, be my coach. 

Rintarou: Huh… 

Yuni: I will defeat that guy, I will definitely defeat that guy! 

// The unwavering determination in his eyes overpower me. // 

Shion: I think that’s fine. That other you is more insolent and noisy, I don’t like him. 

// Ouch. // 

Rintarou: You know, that is still me from 2 years ago… 

Shion: Yuni, make sure you put that irritating guy in his place. 

Shion: We’ll prove that the “you” right now is stronger than you were 2 years ago. 

Rintarou: ( The “me” right now… ) 

Yuni: Si! Please leave it to me. 

Shion: And you too. 

// SHION nods in response. // 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Three pairs of eyes look on at me. Despite my uncertainty, the fire in my chest starts to grow. // 

Rintarou: Okay. 

Rintarou: Then we’re a team from now on! 

// The 4 of us get into a group huddle. // 

Rintarou: We’ll defeat the me from 2 years ago! !  

Yuni: We will! One, two

Everyone: Here we go~ ~ ! !  

// And so the curtain opens on our Road To Champion, starting with the fierce and intense Too Hot Training! // 

[field] 

Rintarou: Skip rope is the foundation of all foundations! On top of developing footwork and rhythm, it also trains your wrists and arms. 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, that’s 50 more consecutive Double Unders! 

Yuni: I’ll show you! ! ! ! 

[track] 

Rintarou: Once you’re used to that, it’s on to movement training! The best method for training agility! If you get this down pat, you’ll be able to move your body anyway you want. 

Rintarou: Then let’s start with 100 rounds! 

Shion: I have the stopwatch. 

Yuni: Uryaaaaaaaaa~ ~ ! ! 

[gym] 

Rintarou: Time for the long awaited punching training! There’s no merit in sparring with immobile mats, you’ve got to really “trade blows” with an opponent to learn the combinations! 

Rintarou: Today’s the first session so hmm… 500 rounds sounds adequate. That said, SHION, I leave it to you ☆ 

SHION: ….. 

Yuni: Prepare yourself~ ~ ! ! 

[kumayuni room] 

// That night. //

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [6/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

// The tense atmosphere was broken by Usamaru sticking out his arm. // 

Shigure: What’s the matter, Nito-kun? 

Yuma: It kind of looks like the antenna on an old phone. 

Takaomi: Don’t go telecommunicating with the moon now. 

// Usamaru returns Shisimaru’s comment with a complacent smile. // 

Takaomi: Gross… 

Senri: But you see, despite the mountain of mysteries before us, I managed to solve something faster than a certain famed detective. 

Senri: There is a pattern between whether or not someone can see Kumarin-senpai ♪ 

Touji: Say what?! 

Yanagi: Heeeeh 

Minato: Tell us, tell us~ 

Senri: That is… 

Senri: Nwope, I don’t think it’s something I can say here. 

Kasuka: What do you mean? 

Takaomi: Annoying. Stop stalling and spit it out. 

Senri: Okay then, it’s a liiiiiiiitle hard to say but I’ll whisper it to Hari ♪ 

Touji: Oh, you are choosing me to announce it? As expected of my friend! Please allow me to listen to your deduction. 

Senri: Fufufu, actually gonyo gonyo 

Touji: I see, I see. 

Senri: Gonyo… And that’s why gonyogonyogonyo 

Touji: ?! 

Shion: What? 

Minato: Touji’s face is as red as strawberries. 

Yanagi: Is it something suggestive, I wonder. 

Senri: The end. Got it? 

Touji: Th-th-th-th… 

Touji: That is a rash and irrelevant speculation! It is dangerous to invite misunderstanding of that level! An invasion of p-p-p-privacy, undiplomatic, rejected! ! ! 

Takaomi: Huh? 

Shion: Meaning? 

Touji: ….. 

Shion: Nito Senri, tell me. 

Senri: Okay, so-- 

Touji: AHHHHH! ! !  Ac-actually! Actually, truthfully, I maybe can’t see Kuma-senpai either, now that I think about it! To be precise, I am somewhat able to see but don’t have visual confirmation. 

Takaomi: What kind of contradictory explanation is that? You were clearly conversing with Kuma earlier. 

Yuma: I don’t think that’s possible, Harimiya. 

Touji: Well that’s, you see, it’s the same as Mikekado-senpai where if I concentrate I can hear his voice… I think… Yes, that's it. 

Shion: Enough. 

// Looking thoroughly exasperated, Mikepon pulls out a flyer-looking thing from the back pocket of Touji’s pants. // 

Shion: Afterall, you are the “other Rintarou’s” ally anyway. 

Touji: Th-that’s! 

Shinya: What’s that? 

Shigure: “Application to be a disciple of Kumaz Fight Club. The Strongest Hero-Champion’s Kickboxing Gym. Acquire the toughest abs and the secret to popularity in 3 days.” 

Yuni: Harimi, you wish to be the disciple of the fake President-san? 

Touji: Errr, I was going to participate, but I had no intentions of enrolling. 

Shion: There’s a limit to simplemindedness.

Touji: In-in the first place even if that is a duplicate Kuma-President, he is still the legendary Student Council President who held the position for two terms. Someone who aspires to enter the world of politics like me could learn a thing or two from his overwhelming charisma-ma-ma- 

Senri & Minato: escape… 

Mikage: Looks like we have two more criminals here. 

Shion: ….. 

Senri: Eeeeep, no we were just--  

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

// Stepping away from the boisterous circle, I realise something. // 

Rintarou: ( Hmm? Where did Yuniyuni go? ) 

[gym] 

Rintarou?: Let’s go BOYS! ! ! Say my name! ! ! 

Disciples: Wooooooah! ! ! Champ! Champ! Champ! ! ! 

Champ: Okie, then next-- 

Yuni: Say your prayers! ! 

Champ: Wha-?! 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni! 

// Searching for the missing Yuniyuni, the group of us make it to the gym in time to witness Yuniyuni bring down a gigantic hammer and the “other me” barely dodge the attack. // 

Yuni: Stop dodging, it’s cowardly! 

Champ: Wow ♪ I’m an avid supporter of surprise attacks so I like this kind of thing in theory how.e.ver~ 

// He gracefully dodges the attack with a backflip, going with the momentum to shift into breakdance, topping it off with a chair freeze. // 

Champ: You can’t reach God ☆  

Disciples: Champ’s so cool! ! ! 

Champ: Yeah, keep the cheers coming! 

Disciples: Champ! Champ! Champ! 

Yuni: …..

--

the sprite animations really add to the story and i recommend you read along with them if you can