The Infinite World of Weapon Girls

In front of a vending machine in a corridor inside Tokiwadai School.

A petite little girl, dressed in a pure white nun's habit embroidered with gold, was smacking her lips and looking expectantly at another girl who was opening a soda can for her.

The girl had a delicate and pretty face, and was much taller than the little girl in the nun's habit beside her. She had long, bright brown hair, and behind her somewhat tacky glasses, her eyes were clear and captivating—who else could it be but Feng Zhan Binghua?

The girl in the nun's habit is named Index, and she is a good friend of Kazezan's for quite some time.

A year ago, Tina "died." A year later, the trainer returns with a way to revive her, but only if Tina's body is brought back to the City of Reincarnation.

...Therefore, Kazezan was very disappointed and did not get to see Tina for the first time after her rebirth.

Throughout the year, Kazezaki thought that he would have a hard time getting through the loneliness and isolation after leaving Tina, but reality was not like that... because Misaka Mikoto and the others became good friends with him because of Tina, and later he also met Index, the little yellow book. In several battles against foreign magicians, he formed a deep friendship with Index and Kamijou Touma.

"Index, are you still not over your can phobia?"

Feng Zhan handed the opened drink to Index, who excitedly said "thank you" and took it. Then she put in some change and ordered a soda for herself.

Index gulped down a mouthful, then burped, wiped her mouth, and glared at the vending machine resentfully, saying, "...If it weren't for Binghua, I wouldn't even dare to come to a vending machine. These damn things have swallowed at least a thousand yen of my money so far!"

Feng Zhan said with a wry smile, "That's because Index didn't even see the 'Under Repair' sign several times before inserting the coin."

"It's because that sign is hung too high..." Index pouted, downed her drink in one gulp, and threw it into the trash can. "—Kaze-zaki! I'm hungry!"

“…Okay, okay.” Feng Zhan gave a wry smile and followed Index out of the school.

You're asking about Touma Kamijou? Oh, something happened, he's in the hospital.

Kamijou didn't want Index to keep watching him, but thankfully Kazakiri Hyouka was there to keep her company.

"Speaking of which, Binghua, the first time we met was right here, when you suddenly appeared and taught me how to use the vending machine, right? Hehehe... So, am I the first person to meet Binghua?"

Index turned around, walking backwards as she asked her with a smile.

Binghua shook her head in denial, and even rolled her eyes at Index, advising, "...Be careful when you walk, don't bump into anyone."

However, the little girl in the nun's habit ignored the advice and persisted in her question: "...Isn't that right?...Ah, I almost forgot, the first people to see Hyoka were Misaka and the others, right?"

How should I put it? There were indeed many people present when I appeared that time, but if I had to rank them, Binghua would have her own order in mind.

Seeing Feng Zhan Binghua's hesitant gaze, Index couldn't help but be surprised: "...Isn't that right?" Index lowered her eyes and muttered to herself, "Then who could it be..."

It would be strange if you could see the road if you walked backwards, and because of Index's problem, Kazezan was also distracted.

So, Index, who was walking backwards, unexpectedly bumped into a pair of graceful and beautiful legs. Then, a pair of small hands pressed down on her arms to steady her body.

Index was a little startled. After regaining her balance, she quickly turned around and apologized, "Ah, I'm so sorry, I really am... Eh eh eh eh eh!!!!" Her voice suddenly trailed off, and Index's eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed, "It's Mikoto-chan!"

Looking behind him, "...and Kuroko-chan!"

"Index, did you not listen to Kazezan again? Be careful when you walk. This time you bumped into me, but next time you might be the one getting hit," Misaka Mikoto said with a smile.

"Ugh, I know..." Index stuck out her pink tongue, trying to get away with it by being cute.

"Hey, did something good happen today? This is the first time I've seen Mikoto and Kuroko so happy on their way to school... They usually look so listless."

Kuroko flew into a rage, stepped forward, and pinched Index's cheeks with both hands, pulling them into flat, round shapes: "...We love studying, okay! Don't talk nonsense!"

The reason I'm so listless is because I didn't get into my older sister's bed last night... Although I can be absent-minded when I'm studying, I would never admit that to the kids.

After Kuroko let go, Index rubbed her cheeks with a wronged expression.

Upon seeing that it was Misaka and Kuroko, Kazakiri Hyouka was a little surprised. After a moment of surprise, she bowed slightly and greeted them, "Good morning, Mikoto and Kuroko..."

Mikoto didn't rush to class. Instead, she stared at Kazakiri Hyouka, whose expression seemed a little strange, for a while, then turned to Index and asked, "What did you say to Kazakiri?"

Index stopped her aggrieved expression, raised her large green eyes, and replied:

"I didn't say anything... I just asked who was the first person to see Kazakiri... But it's so strange, it wasn't me, nor Misaka, so who else could it be..."

Misaka understood, then raised her gaze to look directly at Kazakiri Hyouka, and asked with a smile, "...Thinking of her again?"

Without denying it, and without needing to deny it, Feng Zhan's eyes welled up slightly, and he nodded gently: "Mm..."

……

Memories flash back to a year ago, to the night when an ethereal and beautiful song emanated from Tokiwadai, and to fulfill a girl's wish to meet another "self," Kazezaki appeared—

Her pupils reflected the snow-white silver-haired girl, and the other girl's pupils reflected her, as if the two of them were the only ones left in the world.

Her fingertips touched the fingertips of the girl's outstretched hand in a daze, and pure white light, like a miracle, burst forth brilliantly from the point of contact, weaving together like the light of the sea. Thus began the story of the three.

He was plundered by her body and her emotions with the most unreserved and passionate attitude, but every time Tina left temporarily, she would ruthlessly abandon him as if it had never happened... This tragic love affair, where his heart was torn apart by a thousand ants, was both painful and itchy, and it played out as scheduled every day after that.

Even though he formed a life-and-death friendship with Index, it couldn't shake the place that girl held in his heart.

……

Kazakiri Hyouka is an aggregate of AIM force fields, so what seemed like a long recollection was only a fleeting moment in her mind. When she came to her senses, Misaka Mikoto was still right in front of her.

"Sigh—" Kuroko sighed, her tone a mixture of envy and jealousy, "...How should I put it?...She's such a sinful woman!"

“She’s back.” Mikoto said with a smile, staring into Kazan’s eyes.

"ah…!!!?!"

Like a thunderbolt striking his body, Feng Zhan inexplicably trembled, a hint of madness flashing in his wide, probing eyes.

"Yes, I ran into Tina on the way here. She checked the goods for you, and they're definitely genuine..."

At this point, Misaka Mikoto's lips curved into a smile, captivating yet tinged with a hint of jealousy: "...The first thing Tina did upon returning was to rush to find you."

The girl with long brown hair looked somewhat lost, and tears quickly welled up around her trembling pupils.

Misaka Mikoto then said with a wry smile, "...If it weren't for the fact that Kuroko and I couldn't escape today's exam, we would have specifically asked for leave. However, I made a promise with Tina to invite Ruiko, Uiharu, and Kazezaki out tonight to celebrate together."

"...Hmm, now that he knew she was back, Kazezaki must be eager to see her, right? She should still be in the plaza at Tokiwadai, the place where the songstress competition was held. Kazezaki should know where that is..."

Feng Zhan even went so far as to save the time to say thank you. Upon hearing the location, she immediately took off running towards the square.

Index didn't react for a moment, staring blankly at Misaka and Kuroko, then turning her head to watch Kazakiri Hyouka's retreating figure disappearing into the crowd. Suddenly, she froze, then chased after Kazakiri.

The pure white nun's habit fluttered in the breeze as Index chased after her, her face flushed and breathless, reaching out and shouting, "...Hyouka...slow down!...It's too fast!!"

Feng Zhan Binghua usually follows obediently behind little Index, so this is the first time we've ever seen Index chasing after Feng Zhan.

It's truly unimaginable what kind of person could make the usually calm and collected Feng Zhan Binghua so anxious and out of control, wanting to meet him.

A few minutes later.

A girl wandering in the bustling Tokiwadai Plaza was aimlessly searching for something in the crowd. Since she had no way to contact Kazakiri Hyouka directly, she could only resort to this clumsy method.

The next moment, the crowd behind the girl was suddenly pushed aside, and a girl with brown hair rushed into view, ran over, and hugged the girl from behind with all her strength and courage.

Feng Zhan, his delicate body trembling slightly, whispered something in the girl's ear over and over again, his voice choked with sobs.

A moment later, feeling ashamed of her impulsive actions, she took a step back, separating their bodies. However, the girl she was embracing turned around and lovingly wiped away her tears—a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Index ran over, panting, so exhausted she could only barely support herself on her knees. When she looked up and saw this scene, the little girl's eyes showed a slight sense of relief, but also a hint of sadness.

"So, Kazan has someone he likes... That's great," she murmured.

That year, Tokiwadai, spring.

[229 Return?]

Numerous facts have proven that liking Tina doesn't necessarily bring good fortune.

For example, there's the dark turn of the Holy Emperor due to his longing for her, the hopeless love that Kazakiri Hyouka had but ultimately couldn't be with, and the character of Kazakiri Gunha, whom Misaka Mikoto described as "Kuroko's single thought ruined Kazakiri Gunha's life."

It was Shirai Kuroko who conceived the idea of ​​introducing Tina to Shirai Gunha.

Even now, Xiaoban Junba still can't forget Tina. He receives many love letters, but he pretends not to know them all until his mailbox is overflowing. Only then does he burn them because of this life that is completely unrelated to women. This has even led to rumors that he is gay.

And Kazezan is destined to face separation after a deep love.

However, the feeling of falling in love with Tina is sacred and fortunate; it is the feeling of being extremely infatuated and wanting to possess her after having tasted the sweetness; it is the infatuation of growing thinner and thinner without regret, even knowing that the ending will be a sad one.

……

Tina planned to spend the last twenty-odd days in Academy City.

When she first arrived here a year ago, she forged deep friendships with everyone in Academy City and created many wonderful memories. Due to the accident involving Truena, she chose self-destruction to save Truena, and as a result, she was unable to properly say goodbye to everyone.

...Therefore, this time spent in Academy City can be considered a proper farewell to everyone.

Yes, it is also a complete farewell—because once I go back, I really can never come back.

"Binghua... I'm so sorry to her. Back then, I was only thinking about myself and couldn't help wanting to see you, but I didn't consider her feelings at all."

The voice of genuine guilt echoed in Tina's mind.

Now that things have come to this, Tina finally understands that Feng Zhan accepted all of their willful interactions in the first person. One can imagine how potent the love poison this act had inflicted on Feng Zhan Binghua!

Otherwise, he wouldn't have burst into tears the moment he saw Tina. The intensity of Kazezan's emotions left Index, who was standing to the side, speechless for a long time.

"...No, it has nothing to do with (the real) Tina, it's all my fault, if it weren't for me..."

"Alright, Tina's nonsense ends here. Besides, the damage is done, and there's no point in taking responsibility anymore..."

“Sigh,” Tina sighed, “It was all because of Hyouka that I was able to meet Tina in the first place. Logically speaking, I should be thanking her, but instead, Tina took away her heart and soul… Although I really wanted to make it up to Hyouka, and even wanted her to stay by Tina’s side forever, Hyouka is a collection of AIM force fields, and simply… she can’t even leave Academy City.”

“So there’s nothing we can do about it.” Tina’s eyes also dimmed.

"There's no other way, but..." Tina thought to herself with a smile, "We can use these last twenty-odd days to create more wonderful memories for Binghua!"

"...But what if that turns her into a second Holy Emperor?" Tina asked with lingering fear.

"Based on my understanding of Kazakiri Hyouka, it shouldn't be... but my Tina is so charming, maybe it really is?"

"what?"

Tina's charming words made the girl open her mouth in surprise for a moment.

"However, the Holy Emperor's path to becoming the all-powerful king for Tina can be seen as a prelude to his descent into darkness. Moreover, he has not shared many beautiful memories with Tina, and he cannot even find a place to place his longing. So, it is only natural that the Holy Emperor would turn to the dark side, right? ... In comparison, Binghua, whose situation is completely opposite, should have no reason to undergo such a drastic change in appearance."

Tina hesitated for a moment, then quickly added:

"Moreover, Feng Zhan Binghua has more good friends than the Holy Emperor. Even if Tina leaves, she won't be alone."

As expected of the thoughtful and intelligent Tina, her meticulous analysis convinced the girl.

Finally, Tina nodded seriously and smiled faintly: "I'll do whatever you say."

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