Nino: "…!? Wait, this photo!?"
Gohan: "Eh? Photo?"
Nino: "Look! This one, this one!"
Gohan: "…Ah…"
It was the picture taken with my family before the Cell Games.
Back then, Dad felt different from usual.
He told me to study hard, suggested going shopping together, and it was his idea for us to take a family photo.
Though he was in Super Saiyan form when we took it, so calling it a proper "family photo" feels a bit off. But it was the only picture with all of us together.
Other than that, there were only baby photos of me. No others where the whole family was there.
Looking back now, maybe Dad had a sense that he would die. That's probably why he wanted to do the things he hadn't before… things a father should do.
But the reason he died was because of me…
…No, Dad would definitely say:
"It's no big deal! Don't worry about it! From now on, the Earth's protection is up to you all!!"
…That's what he would say…
…Wait, hold on? I'm showing this photo to Nino right now… ah!?
Nino: "Hey you! When was this photo taken!?"
Gohan: "Uh… a few years ago, I think…"
Nino: "Who's this kid!! He's totally my type… W-wait!? No doubt about it!!"
Gohan: "Eh?"
Nino: "This kid must be the one who fought in the Cell Games!!"
Gohan: "…Eh!?"
Itsuki: "Ah, if you look carefully, the hairstyle and face really do look alike."
Nino: "Why do you even have a picture of him!?"
Gohan: "Well…"
Thankfully, she hadn't realized it was me. That was a relief…
Gohan: "He's actually an acquaintance of mine. He once helped me out… I was the one who took this photo!"
If I said relative, they might start doubting I was normal. This was the safest excuse.
Nino: "Hmm~? Then do you know his contact info or something?"
Gohan: "Eh? Well of course (since it's me…)"
Oh no!? I almost slipped up…
Nino: "Tell me!! I gave you my address, so hurry up and tell me!!"
Gohan: "N-no way! You can't just give out someone's address to a stranger!!"
Nino: "…That's true."
Phew… she accepted it.
Itsuki: "Nino, why are you so desperate?"
Nino: "Because he's my first love."
Itsuki: "Eh!? Really!?"
…So Nino fell in love with me… in my Super Saiyan form…
No way…? I've been in Super Saiyan form around her before… Ah…!
Nino: "…Wait, that guy who fought in the Cell Games… wasn't he really strong?"
Gohan: "Eh? W-well, I guess… lifting cars and stuff was nothing… ah!!"
Why did I dig my own grave like that…
Nino: "I knew it!! So the one who appeared back then was just him all grown up, right!? No wonder he's exactly my type!!"
…Not good… I'm totally exposed. Luckily, she hasn't realized it's actually me, so I'll take that much.
Nino: "Well, it's amazing my first love turned out to be your acquaintance. Here, take it back."
Gohan: "Ah, thanks…"
…Absolutely must never transform into a Super Saiyan in front of Nino again.
That night…
Uesugi Fuutarou
Yo! How's studying going? Here's a mountain of homework! No slacking, do it properly!!
Along with piles of assignments came what sounded like the girls' collective cries of despair…
Meanwhile, Yotsuba, who had turned down the basketball club's invitation, and Fuutarou, who quietly followed her out of concern…
Fuutarou: "Alright, once I get Itsuki and Nino's addresses, we're done…"
Yotsuba: "Yup! Then Ichika, Nino, Miku, and Itsuki make four!"
Fuutarou: "…Hm? Four?"
Yotsuba: "Ah—!! I forgot to give you mine!!"
Fuutarou (inner thought): As expected, she really is an idiot…
Later, the two exchanged their missing addresses, and at last the two tutors successfully obtained all five sisters' contacts.
The next day…
"Midterms start next week. Reminder, same as usual: below 30 points is failing. Review properly, don't slack off!"
Finally, midterm exams. This would be the time to show the results of mine and Fuutarou's efforts. Of course, not our own scores, but the scores of our five students.
Fuutarou: "Itsuki! You're working so hard! Even studying during break, amazing!!"
Oh? Fuutarou was desperately praising Itsuki. That was unusual for him.
Fuutarou: "I heard you even study on your own at home? Never late, never absent, never forget materials. Since we're classmates I know—you're the most diligent of the five!"
Itsuki: "R-really…?"
Gohan (thoughts): She really is. Itsuki listens most attentively in class, and asks questions often.
Though she struggles with studying, she hasn't given up because of it, and instead keeps working hard. That's admirable.
Fuutarou: "Ah! You're just too stupid though!!"
…Uh oh.
(End of Chapter)
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