Don't use Type-Moon references in Oregairu!

Back in Fukuoka, Fujimaru Ritsuka dared to recklessly challenge a mythical monster like Leviathan, the Great Sin Demon King of the Seven Deadly Sins, for a one-on-one solo fight. Why does she seem a bit timid this time?

It's like his hands have left the keyboard, giving off a "I'm surrendering this game, you guys go first" vibe to that of a casual esports player.

An ominous premonition washed over Bei Mudshou, and he pressed, "This time, is it a dragon species even more terrifying than Leviathan?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka swallowed a mouthful of freshly cut, fragrant saury and said helplessly, "That premature baby from Fukuoka shouldn't be talking about things in front of others. Even if he were to emerge, I can't say whether he could burn glass, but he could certainly blow up the Third Fleet in a surprise attack, let alone those mediocre British. Besides, they probably only have conceptual capabilities."

Fafnir? Nidhogg? The Seven-Headed Red Dragon?

Countless great names flowed through Bei Mu Nishu's mind, and he felt a headache coming on—he had only been thinking about the safety of a friend or debtor, but now he seemed to have been drawn into a strange incident.

Listening to Fujimaru Ritsuka's slow, deliberate chewing, Kaiki Niishu felt a tickle in his teeth, his forehead veins throbbing, and he wanted nothing more than to go to her and demand: "Still eating? The sky feels like it's about to collapse."

Perhaps sensing the resentment coming from afar, Fujimaru Ritsuka showed no remorse: "Don't think about it, Mr. Kaiki. Our small bodies can't handle this. We need more cannons, I mean like-minded people, to explore and take action together. Only then can we solve this problem."

Bei Mudshou's voice was terrifyingly low: "So you want me to spread the message? Do you really think anyone will believe it?"

"I can't help it with this, after all, I'm just a newbie. Oh, right, I've already thought about the information fee. Conceal the source of the information, and while you're at it, give me a few tons of anti-dragon and anti-god items."

Bei Mudshou laughed in anger: "You want more benefits?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka turned the phone to the other side and chuckled, "It's an equal exchange, right? As a well-known prop-making master and broker in the industry, you can't be unaware of how important this information is, can you? Whether it's playing the low-level hoarding game or getting in touch with friendly organizations beforehand, there's so much room for maneuver here. Considering I told you half a month in advance, give me a little something."

"Half a month?" Bei Mu Ni Zhou pondered for a moment before agreeing. "I will prepare the highest-level potions and tools for you. Then, at the latest within a week, I will have other extraordinary organizations organize exploration teams."

Beep~~~

"He hung up decisively again, just like before. Sigh, could you have talked to me a little more and let me get some more benefits?" Fujimaru Ritsuka muttered, but she was still quite satisfied.

This guy really kept his achievements hidden, letting Bei Mudshou shift the blame to the higher-ups so he could fish in troubled waters and buy himself some time to develop. He's actually quite trustworthy, isn't he?

Fujimaru Ritsuka picked up the phone again and dialed Haruno's number. He needed to urge them to quickly unify the forces in Chiba Prefecture and thoroughly investigate the security situation there before he could set off for London with peace of mind.

-------------------------------------

After ending the call, Bei Mudshou began rubbing his temples vigorously, making his already gloomy appearance even more so. He interlaced his fingers under his chin and began to think quietly.

Whether from the perspective of trust from Hohenheim or from a rational point of view, Fujimaru Ritsuka had no reason to lie to him.

There's only one thing left to do.

He quickly dialed one number after another: "Hello, this is Bei Mudshou, I have some bad news..."

Countless communications reached out to the organization whose members were suspected of being trapped in the Spirit Tomb Albion. They either reassured or lured the members into believing that they might be surrounded by monsters, and used the disappearance of the main members of the Shinsengumi as evidence.

The shock began to spread throughout the industry. Undercurrents were swirling, and through Kaiki Nishu's silver tongue, he connected one awakened organization after another.

Bei Mudshou revealed a disdainful smile: "We can't openly sell information, but we can exchange favors, and then..."

Let's start with those corrupt and incompetent British officials who take bribes, set up checkpoints, collect huge amounts of hidden benefits, and do nothing.

The radio waves spread globally from the island nation's center. Meanwhile, politicians and bureaucrats in isolated countries far across the Atlantic were completely unaware, utterly oblivious to the subtle nuances in the eyes of the extraordinary individuals they encountered that day.

However, the final outcome of this troublesome country isolated on the European continent is none of Fujimaru Ritsuka's concern.

After all, what bad intentions could a male high school student possibly have?

Fujimaru Ritsuka also tacitly refrained from asking about the Kaiki Deishuu's plans, as he had more important matters to attend to—asking for leave.

"Stop searching. You won't find anything interesting, Shizuka. Even if I'm lawless, I wouldn't impersonate a government official," Fujimaru Ritsuka said helplessly in the teachers' office.

Hiratsuka Shizuka put down the documents, then flipped through them a few more times, still feeling a bit unwilling. She said helplessly, "You know what, given your personality, Fujimaru, I wouldn't be surprised at all if you actually made such a stopgap measure when you felt it was necessary."

“You know it’s necessary, so why don’t you approve our extended leave?” Fujimaru Ritsuka pointed to Yuigahama Yui and Yukino Yukinoshita standing next to her.

Hiratsuka Shizuka took out a cigarette with a melancholy look, paused, but still didn't light it: "No... it's alright between you and Yuihama, but I'm not Yukinoshita's homeroom teacher."

"Don't bother two people with one thing, Jingjing. Why don't you just explain the situation to the principal?" Yukinoshita Haruno also came over and was kneading her shoulders in a flattering manner.

"Come on! Haruno, aren't you a college student? How come you have so much free time!" Hiratsuka Shizuka squinted as she enjoyed Haruno's massage offensive. "A little to the left, yes... Originally, there were three of you, but only one guardian came, Haruno, who is acting as a substitute. It's like she's taken a long leave, which doesn't quite comply with the rules and regulations."

“But if it’s necessary…” Hiratsuka Shizuka patted the documents on the table, straightened up, and exuded a threatening aura, “Are you really sure? Giving up the path of further education and entering this strange path that deviates from the norm of society?”

Her gaze swept over the shameless Fujimaru Ritsuka, the aloof Yukino Yukinoshita, and the ever-smiling Yuigahama Yui: "I think you should..."

“Hiratsuka-sensei!” Yukino interrupted her, bowing respectfully. “I understand that it’s normal for a teacher to worry about their students, but please rest assured, we have already made our own judgment.”

Yui nodded vigorously: "I believe in Ato and Yukino."

Fujimaru Ritsuka shrugged, smiled, and didn't answer.

"Tsk, alright." Hiratsuka Shizuka quickly signed her name and handed one copy of the document to Fujimaru Ritsuka. "If you need any help, just let me know, teacher."

Fujimaru Ritsuka bowed slightly, and the four of them left the room.

Yui Yuigahama finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Yay, I don't have to go to class or take exams anymore!"

Fujimaru Ritsuka & Yukinoshita sisters: ...academic underachievers.

84. It would be better to let the idol be the prime minister; at least it wouldn't make a difference.

Stepping out of the office, Fujimaru Ritsuka examined the small black notebook in her hand, sighing slightly: "I never expected that I would become a bureaucrat in my great Japan so quickly. I never imagined there was such a way to play the game."

This small notebook granted everyone in Chaldea an official status. They could mobilize local police forces or negotiate with local administrative agencies for political cooperation in handling strange incidents in Chiba Prefecture, and everyone would fully cooperate with them. Although their credentials made them appear to be directly under the Ministry of the Environment, savvy local officials knew that they would be essential allies for the region and could not be offended.

Although they do not receive the salaries and benefits of civil servants, they can only obtain funding from the Special Affairs Bureau and the Ministry of the Environment through government appropriations.

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes at him: "He's just a different kind of secret police officer, what's so lamentable about him? He's affiliated with the Special Incidents Department under the Ministry of the Environment. He just has a certificate, he doesn't even have the benefits of a civil servant, he's not really part of the civil service system at all."

She also expertly analyzed for Fujimaru Ritsuka: "To put it bluntly, if you are interested in politics in the future, whether you want to take the bureaucratic route or run for office, this resume may be discriminated against by both general civil servants and special civil servants."

Fujimaru Ritsuka fiddled with the document in her hand, smiled, and said nothing.

Japan's system is actually similar to that of the British Empire, which had its own unique national circumstances. In this country, so-called politicians are often those who are accountable to the public and actively participate in public elections. They don't need to have a deep understanding of specific matters and often rely on others to handle the operational aspects. For example, Japan's prime minister and the heads of his appointed departments, prefectural governors, mayors, and even members of parliament are all civil servants in special positions.

Those who handle the actual operations, rising through the ranks within the civil service through examinations, are the ordinary civil servants. In a sense, they are the bureaucrats who drive Japan's daily administrative affairs. Promotions are based on internal performance evaluations, making it difficult for politicians to intervene. To outsiders, they are the true political elite; after all, no matter how absurd politicians may be, having money, territory, and prestige is enough for them, while the actual work is done by the lower-level bureaucrats.

While they cannot be said to be irreconcilable enemies, there is still constant struggle amidst compromise.

Although Fujimaru Ritsuka thinks... the bureaucrats are quite good at shifting blame. When they achieve something, the social reputation is attributed to the politicians above them, but if they mess things up, the blame is also shifted to the politicians above them first. No wonder they bow so skillfully.

Just then, a series of announcements came from the street, and Fujimaru Ritsuka looked over.

In Japan, gubernatorial elections for prefectures, provinces, and cities are generally held every four years, starting in March. Now it's May, and campaign vehicles are already being used for electioneering.

"Please support me! I'm going to transform Chiba Prefecture into a kingdom of magic and fantasy, turning it into an earth-shattering Disneyland!"

"I want to have the banknotes circulating in Chiba Prefecture printed on my face."

"Tokyo councilwoman Yuriko, I love you so much~~"

Amidst the bizarre election campaign materials, Fujimaru Ritsuka even spotted a candidate on a vehicle with a face painted white (or pink) and bright red lips, resembling the DC Joker.

He pointed strangely at the campaign vehicles, looking bewildered: "Are these the candidates running for governor of Chiba Prefecture? I think I understand why there are rumors that civil servants and politicians don't get along. If this were my boss, I'd be speechless too."

Yang Nai covered her mouth and shook her head: "Those guys are being way too obviously rigging things now. Of the eight people who participated this time, five of them are just here to cause trouble. They've made this all too ugly."

Fujimaru Ritsuka and Yukino understood a little after hearing this, while Yui Yuigahama raised her hand and said, "Hey~ Haruno-sensei, I don't quite understand."

"Hmm? Why are there so many candidates who don't take elections seriously?" Yang Nai asked her with a smile. "If eight people run for office, and only three are reliable, do you think the success rate would be much higher?"

"Hiss~~" Yui wasn't really stupid, she was just a little slow on the uptake. She could only gasp and think that the adult world was really something else.

“However, some people can pull off a stunt that is both good and bad.” Yukinoshita Haruno pointed to the clown candidate. “You know what? This guy’s speech is full of all sorts of absurd things, like turning Chiba Prefecture into a Disney ocean, forcibly demanding that garbage be renamed Star Fragments, protesting Tokyo’s insistence on naming it and building the Chiba landmark Tokyo Tower, and demanding that the yakuza not be called Yazaku but Olaf. But every single problem he points out is a sore spot for Chiba.”

"Then let the actual candidates seriously and earnestly address those serious issues raised?" Fujimaru Ritsuka nodded, sensing that this person knew how to play the game. "First, make some startling and absurd statements, but also hit the nail on the head to attract a lot of attention, and then seize the opportunity to direct that attention to the actual candidates?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka had a look of having learned something, feeling that she could imitate some of the techniques.

"Well, they probably don't think that much about it. That guy was just there to cause trouble, and his name is Kawai Taro (pronounced like 'kawaii' in Chinese). And most of the questions he asked were only marginally answered by the other candidates."

Fujimaru Ritsuka was filled with awe: Goodness, Joker, you're protecting Chiba City in your own way.

A 300 million yen campaign fee isn't something everyone can afford to ignore.

After watching the spectacle for a while, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others began to agree with Haruno's words: compared to those oddballs over there who kept repeating that their girlfriends were the cutest, and those who confessed their love to Tokyo senators, the clown candidate Kawai Taro was already pretty good, provided that one could understand the ironic meaning hidden in his bizarre words.

As the promotional vehicle drove away, Fujimaru Ritsuka and his friends finished their entertainment and were preparing to leave.

At that moment, Fujimaru Ritsuka sensed that there were slight ripples in the air, and in a daze, he saw a strange face mocking modernity and civilization.

A voice told him: Is this so-called rationality and civilization just such utter nonsense? Is this so-called liberation of nature and democratic self-governance just such a farce?

Shaking her head, what she had just seen receded from her memory like a tide. Fujimaru Ritsuka only remembered feeling a sense of dissatisfaction and mockery towards the current election.

But isn't this normal? It feels like child's play too~ I remember someone saying that maybe one day there will be idol prime ministers and adult girlfriend idols, so that at least prime ministers who step down quickly can still generate some economic benefits through gimmicks.

85. Is the lap pillow really that silky smooth? Let me try it!

Fujimaru Ritsuka followed behind the chatting and laughing girls. The idea that had just come to her spurts her like a persistent shadow, lingering in her mind, gradually growing stronger, and taking root.

He began to ask himself in a low voice: Should such ridiculous and wasteful behavior exist?

In the interplay of reason and morality, humanity has accumulated a series of social rules that bind everyone. Like a dense net covering every individual, it's difficult for anyone to escape these constraints. The more highly developed a society becomes, the more alienated people become, and the further they stray from the happiness they should enjoy. In this concrete jungle, everyone is merely a ubiquitous cog in a machine, busily and pointlessly operating, just to earn a few scraps of paper to fill their stomachs and survive.

But how is this any different from ancient times? Sometimes, running freely across the wilderness, feeling the wind from who-knows-where, and listening to the songs of girls from afar is more joyful than being crammed into the subway.

Fujimaru Ritsuka's steps slowed down, and his thoughts jumped faster and faster, as if he were trying to quickly resist a conclusion and head towards that mysterious and desolate, unknown past.

As his thoughts wandered aimlessly, a crimson glow interrupted his progress.

A sharp pain, as if a red-hot iron had been pressed against the back of his hand, rose from his mind like an icy wall—it was reason, the superego, cognition, intellect, as hard as steel, with a chilling radiance, blocking out the winds that had blown from the distant past.

"What's going on! Fujimaru, wake up."

He heard urgent questions from his ears, and Fujimaru Ritsuka recognized Yukino and Yui through his blurry vision. He was panting and unable to answer.

He felt a lightness in his body as he was lifted to a nearby bench. Although he didn't regain consciousness immediately, he could still hear the whispers of the people around him.

"What happened to this boy? He suddenly collapsed, it startled me."

"Ha, I think I just saw a red light. Could it be that someone is testing experimental weapons?"

Why don't you just say that ghosts or monsters are appearing?

"That sounds reasonable."

"No, look at those pretty girls around the boy, they look so nervous. I think it's the ox that's exhausted."

...The last one, don't let me wake up and see you again.

Despite trying to force himself to think this way, the fatigue in his brain made it difficult for him to fully wake up. He could only lie there with his eyes half-closed, and then he felt himself being gently lifted up, his head resting on a delicate and fragrant thigh.

Fujimaru Ritsuka slightly twitched her eyelids and decided not to fight against the fatigue in her brain—goodbye, I'm going to rest on my lap for a while.