The Heroic Tale of the Weakest Ability User ~The F-Ranker with the Dual Pistols~ - Chapter 8

“So that’s what happened.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

I told my sister how Mai came here and that she would be living with us from now on.

“What?! What are you saying?! Normally, you should tell the guards or a teacher! And why is this girl living in your room, Yuu?!”

“Your focus is weird! Also, don’t call her that girl.”

“I don’t want this sneaky cat stealing my brother Yuu! I’ll live here too!”

Yuu-san, Yuu-san. Your eyes aren’t smiling. You look really scary.

“Hehe…”

Mai covered her face with both hands and started shaking.

“W-What are you laughing at?!”

“W-Well… it felt like I was watching a comedy show.”

“Y-You! Are you making fun of me and my anger?!”

Her hair stood up like a Super Saiyan. This is bad—she might destroy the house!

“Alright, you can live here too! Just please don’t wreck the house!”

I bowed deeply, trying to calm her down. If she really got angry, the damage—physically and financially—would be huge.

“Peace, peace… please be calm…”

“W-Well, if you’re going that far, then fine… but you! Don’t do anything weird with Yuu without my permission! No, if you do, I won’t forgive you!”

She crossed her arms and glared at Mai. But Mai didn’t flinch and answered clearly:

“Yes, I understand. Nice to meet you.”

I was surprised by how clearly she spoke. She seemed so different.

As soon as they finished talking, their eyes met. I could almost see electricity between them.

Pi-ro-pi-ro-pi-ro…

My phone started ringing. I checked the screen.

“How long are you going to make a lady wait? Don’t get cocky, boy. (Vein-popping emoji)”

It was a message from Ken-sensei. My body froze. That announcement earlier… was from her?! I’m in big trouble now.

“Mai, let’s go see Ken-sensei now.”

This side story has gone on long enough. It’s time to head to the teacher.

“On the way back, I want to buy clothes and underwear.”

“Okay, I’ll show you the store.”

I casually picked up my wallet and went to open the door.

“Wait! I’m coming too!”

My sister grabbed me by the waist. M-My back is going to break!

*****

(Knock knock)

“Excuse me.”

We arrived at the staff room. I left Mai and my sister outside and entered alone.

Just in case, I told them not to fight and to stay at least five meters apart.

When I opened the door, I saw… a big chest—no, I mean Ken-sensei standing right there, waiting for me.

“So, this great director doesn’t even apologize for being late? You must be very talented.”

She raised her hand like a knife and, just as expected, chopped toward my head.

“I’m very sorry. I had a bad stomachache.”

While blocking her attack, I bowed. It might’ve looked like I was proposing or something.

“Just take the hit, you fool…”

She realized I was holding her hand tightly. Quickly, she pulled her hand back, then turned around. Her cheeks looked a little red… maybe I imagined it.

“S-So, what do you need from me?”

We moved to her desk to talk more seriously.

“Recently, someone who isn’t a student has been seen staying in the dorms. I got a report.”

Ken-sensei crossed her arms and spoke.

“That sounds dangerous. Are the guards doing their job?”

I tried to sound like it wasn’t about me. I’ve always been good at lying.

“Don’t joke with me. What’s this?”

She showed me a photo. It was… me, carrying Mai on my shoulder and entering my house. I looked like a criminal, and my hand was clearly grabbing her butt (I was tired at the time!).

“W-Who is this guy?! What a pervert! He’s in my house! I’ll go catch him right now!”

I rolled up my sleeves and tried to escape, but she grabbed my collar.

“You liar and kidnapper! I have proof you took her! And more importantly—did you do it with her?! You coward!!”

She grabbed my neck and shook me back and forth. My head spun like I was on a boat.

“I-I didn’t do anything! I swear, I didn’t touch her that way!”

I mean, the issue is kidnapping, right? Why are we talking about that kind of thing?

Okay, yes, I touched her butt. But it was because of how I carried her!

“You didn’t… I see.”

She stopped shaking me and let go. It looked like she was relieved.

“Anyway, she’s the daughter of the Kurumochi Conglomerate, right? If you kidnapped and touched her, it would be a huge problem. You understand that, right, kidnapper?”

Kurumochi Conglomerate… they are the most powerful group in Japan. Even this ESP school is under their influence. They’re like the hidden rulers of the country.

Many who go against them meet strange ends.

But I was more upset about being called “kidnapper.”

“Is Mai Kurumochi with you?”

“Yes, how did you know she came with me?”

I thought I was being careful.

“Don’t be dumb. We have cameras. I want to talk to her.”

“Okay… I’ll call her.”

*****

“U-Um… I’m Mai Kurumochi.”

She answered nervously and hid behind me. I guess she’s scared of this teacher. I get it.

“Don’t cling to him in front of me.”

Her eyes were like lasers. So scary…

“Just to confirm, are you really Mai Kurumochi?”

Master Ken spoke politely.

“Yes, I am.”

“You live in Tokyo, right? Why are you here?”

“W-Well… Two days ago, someone I didn’t know took me from my home. I woke up on an airship. Then, the hatch opened suddenly, and I fell with some bags near this island. I tried to use the bags to float and reach the shore, but I almost drowned. That’s when Yuu saved me.”

Her words sounded refined. I could tell she was really a rich girl.

“Someone unknown… Can you describe the situation in more detail?”

“Yes. I was using my computer like usual. Then suddenly, there was a loud explosion. A man in his early 20’s appeared in front of me. He wore sunglasses, so I couldn’t see his face well. I think he took me. Later, on the airship, I heard someone say, ‘How much time is left for your ability?’ I knew about ESPers from the internet, but I didn’t think they were real. That’s all I can remember.”

I almost said, “I’m an ESPer too,” but I stopped. I can’t use any powers.

“N’ESP… Tricksters… Kidnapping a rich girl… They’re planning something again.”

N’ESP means artificial ESP. Ten years ago, scientists created it. Even normal people could use powers with it. But the process was cruel and banned.

Three years ago, the Tricksters started using it again. They are a group of ESPers who go against society.

“But why they kidnap Mai? Maybe someone wants to hide her here on purpose.”

I suggested this idea to Master Ken.

“Hmm… that could be true. I’ll call the head of the corporation. Someone will come for Mai tomorrow. Until then, come to my house. I’ll take responsibility for you.”

She used awkward polite speech.

“Thank you, but I’ll stay at Yuu’s mansion. We promised.”

We didn’t make that promise, but I was happy she said it. She glanced at me, like she wanted me to go along with it.

“Master Ken, Mai said it herself. It’s fine, right? Nothing weird will happen.”

Yeah, I’ve never made a mistake in my life.

Why? Because I’m a coward! Hahaha!

“Grrr… F-Fine, I’ll make the call…”

“No, I’ll do it myself.”

Master angrily picked up the school phone and dialed Japan’s number superfast, then handed it to Mai.

Mai really has a strong personality…

“Why does everything happen while I’m not around?!”

The door flew open. Yuu’s hair stood up again.