The Omnipotent Super Chuunibyou - Chapter 2
The two playing catch and chase, until they came to a steep, three-hundred-meter-long curve. This stretch of road was called Detective Slope, named after the “Sakata Private Investigations” signboard that had once piqued the curiosity of grade school students. But that wasn’t important; what mattered was that his house was just a short distance down Detective Slope, while Eriri’s family villa was further up. The two usually parted ways at this cross street.
“Ugh, ugh, ugh…” Hasegawa Izumi spat out the gold hair in his mouth and turned to look over his shoulder. “Why are you still following me? It’s time to go home.”
“What’s with that attitude?” Eriri snapped, then hmphed lightly. “I want to visit your place today, so I can see Kobato. Is that not allowed? What if Kobato’s living conditions are terrible? I promised Uncle and Aunt I’d take care of you two after they left the country for work, so technically, I’m your guardian now!”
“Your mother, Aunt Sayuri, is the legal guardian, so stop pretending you’re someone you’re not. Besides, I’d never mistreat anyone, especially not Kobato. My little sister loves my cooking more than anything.”
Hasegawa Izumi narrowed his eyes.
“You cooking? When did you learn it? And why didn’t I know it?”
Eriri looked at him suspiciously.
“In my dreams,” he replied offhandedly.
And so, Eriri followed him to a two-story house not far from Detective Slope.
Hasegawa Izumi took out a key and unlocked the door, and the two stepped inside.
“Kukukuk, I’ve been waiting for you, no wonder I couldn’t find you in the lair of blood, you were out hunting, I see. Is your offering prepared…?”
The speaker was his little sister, Hasegawa Kobato.
The girl with the blond hair and blue eyes wore a gothic Lolita outfit reminiscent of a maid’s uniform. As she spoke, she turned, holding her right hand up to her right eye, making a scissors gesture.
Eriri, who had been preparing to greet her, froze in place.
Kobato hadn’t expected Eriri’s arrival, and her smug expression froze as well.
“Kobato’s also got Chuunibyou? We’re doomed!” Eriri’s expression grew grave as she realized the severity of the situation.
It’s already hard enough dealing with Izumi, okay?! Now it’s twice the fun… No, wait, I meant twice the pain.
As they say, “You are who your friends are.”
Therefore…
“It’s all Izumi’s fault!” Eriri turned her ire on her childhood friend.
“Kobato wanted to see the true nature of this world, and as her elder, Eriri, you should be happy for her, not blame… Besides, this has nothing to do with me. Kobato just received a ‘revelation’ is all.”
Hasegawa Izumi shot back.
“Huh? So I’m the problem now?”
Eriri stared blankly. If things kept going on like this, she’d lose sight of reality.
“I’m heading home.” She didn’t stay long at the Hasegawa residence, worried that if she did, this environment would eventually affect her too.
“My apologies, Kobato. I was just out buying books with Eriri.”
His response disappointed his sister.
“Hmph, wasting time on stupid mortals. You’ve really fallen, haven’t you?” Kobato turned back to the TV, her delicate frame quivering.
———
Early morning, before the sky had lightened…
Inside a room, the ceiling light suddenly came on.
The sleeping person’s eyes had opened at some point. They glowed faintly, and he reached out to touch the brilliant radiance within them.
“All of this happened by chance, but this chance was determined by the world’s will long ago.
“The universe has its origins, but it has no end—it is infinite.
“Planets also have their origins, but they gradually approach extinction by their own power—it is limited.
“The wisest man is also the greatest fool. History shows us that fish living in the sea do not know of the world on land, and when they gain wisdom, they also walk toward death.
“Humankind’s desire to surpass the speed of light is even more laughable than a fish hoping to live on land.”
“Then, can I assume that the greatest thing in this world is to reach an infinite realm from the limited body of humankind?”
Gradually, the light in Hasegawa Izumi’s eyes faded.
As if nothing unusual had happened, he lifted the quilt, got dressed, and walked out the door.
Today was the first day of school. He had to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunch for his siblings.
About a month ago, his archaeologist father had been sent overseas for work, and his mother had planned to accompany him, but he hadn’t wanted to leave, so he stayed in Tokyo, and his little sister Kobato had chosen to stay with him.
And so, after discussing the matter with their parents, who confirmed his ability to live independently, they entrusted him with her care.
Though he’d taken on a lot more responsibilities since then, taking care of himself and a useless little sister, it had also meant a great deal of freedom.
“Kobato, time to get up.”
After setting out breakfast on the table, he called toward Kobato’s room.
“Kukukuku… As a result of my other half’s prayers, I have awoken from my long slumber.”
Kobato rubbed her sleepy eyes, the strap of her nightgown hanging loose over her left shoulder, and said with an affected tone.
“There was no prayer.”
He shot his sister a glance.
Outside the house, within the fence.
Hasegawa pulled his bicycle upright and was about to get on when he heard a creaking noise from below.
“Eh? It’s broken?” He lowered his head to inspect it, mumbling to himself. He must have gone too fast during his race last time, causing it to fall apart.
This was a problem, though, because he’d planned to take Kobato to school first, but fixing it would definitely make them late.
“Sorry, looks like I won’t be able to take Kobato to school today,” he said, turning to his sister.
“Kukuku, my dear brother, do you really think I need your escort? I can manage on my own,” Kobato replied stubbornly.
“I see. Well, then, Kobato can go to school by herself from now on, okay? At least I don’t have to worry about this sort of thing anymore.” He grinned.
“Uh… Of course! I am the True Ancestor Vampire, Leylis Vi Felicity Sumeragi, and no matter what enemies I encounter, I can handle them with ease.”
Kobato bit her thin lip, but she still spoke firmly.
“Safe travels!”
Hasegawa watched his sister walk away into the distance.
The middle school wasn’t far from their house, so he didn’t need to worry about her safety, and it was about time he let her test her courage on her own. After all, how else could she become a True Ancestor Vampire?
Smiling, he headed toward the nearest trolley stop.
As he began this new chapter of high school life, he hoped to find like-minded individuals with whom to embark on an adventure into the unknown!