chapter 26
26
8. Toyotomi Mitsuhide’s Injury
A month after thanking Toyotomi-kun, it happened suddenly.
“…Toyotomi-kun.”
Toyotomi-kun, who had been absent from school for a while.
I panicked, thinking my frailty had passed on to him, but that wasn’t the case…
“Toyotomi-kun, he quit… He can’t do kendo anymore…”
“…………”
Toyotomi-kun’s body had become unable to do the kendo that was his passion.
The painful sight of bandages forced itself into my view, and the lively sparkle in Toyotomi-kun’s eyes was completely gone.
“Why did this have to happen…?”
“It’s officially recorded as an injury from club activities. But the truth is…”
“What’s the truth? It’s strange, isn’t it!?”
“The new club leaders destroyed his right shoulder. They were jealous of Toyotomi’s success and intentionally crushed his shoulder with a door. He can’t raise his arm above his shoulder anymore.”
Even I, who am frail, can do things that Toyotomi can’t.
Is there any story more shocking?
“…What’s that? It’s his own fault for being weak. That’s no excuse to ruin Toyotomi’s future, right? And why aren’t the club leaders held accountable?”
“If this gets out, the club could be disbanded or suspended. He’s not telling the truth to protect the club.”
“Damn it, the kendo club should just fall apart…”
“That statement means you’re telling me not to do kendo either.”
“…………Sorry.”
“I’m the worst for just watching it happen. But Toyotomi said, ‘I want you to do your best in the tournament and get results for me, so let’s say I got injured due to my own carelessness.’ He’s staying silent by his own will.”
I’ve only seen Toyotomi practice kendo a few times, but his movements were so cool.
I was deeply saddened that I wouldn’t see his brave figure anymore.
However, time flows on.
Gradually, Toyotomi began to regain his brightness.
He couldn’t do kendo, but maybe he found a different passion in life.
And then, spring came.
I ended up in the same class as Toyotomi.
—
“Look, Toyotomi! Check out this gravure! Aren’t these boobs crazy?”
“Idiot, you should be focusing on the armpits, the armpits!”
“Wow…”
Toyotomi, age-appropriate, is also wonderful!
“No, that’s not how it should be!”
“Eh?”
“Toyotomi, you’ve become so lame… The thread of kendo has been cut, and now you’ve turned into a creepy otaku… All your coolness has vanished.”
“Wow, you’re talking big for someone who’s still part of the kendo club…”
“You, your mouth has gotten nastier as Toyotomi has fallen…”
Although we ended up in the same class, I continue to spend my days unable to speak to Toyotomi.
Even when our eyes meet, I look away.
“Alright, today we’re going to change seats!”
A jolt of electricity ran through me at the teacher’s announcement.
This is it!
If I can just draw Toyotomi-kun’s seat next to mine in the lottery!
“This is it!”
Yes.
That’s how I ended up drawing the seat next to Toyotomi-kun!
“Sorry, Yumi.”
“Waaah!”
Minako’s seat was next to Toyotomi-kun’s.