Considering the mysterious network within the Misaka Sisters' brains, Natsume Sonoko could probably guess the specifics of the situation.
Anyway, playing rock-paper-scissors over a network connection—was that all about internet speed? Then the one who lost must've had the slowest connection.
Maybe soon, or at some point, they'd figure out which Misaka Sister had the fastest network speed.
Standing at the apartment entrance, Natsume Sonoko naturally didn't live here. Tokiwadai Middle School didn't just allow students to live anywhere outside the dormitories.
Not only that, but even things like hair and fingernails were collected and managed by dedicated staff. Dieting was also prohibited, though hardly anyone paid attention to that rule.
Almost forgot—this apartment hadn't been set up yet. It was completely bare, without even bedding or daily necessities, just an empty building.
Looks like she couldn't leave just yet. She had to get these things done first. What a hassle. Might as well tackle all the annoyances in one go.
Just as Natsume Sonoko was hesitating, the first winner of the rock-paper-scissors match finally emerged.
The one who took first place was that mathematically skilled Misaka 10000—an easy number to remember, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile always playing on her lips.
She was like the other Misaka Sisters, yet somehow different.
She felt happy about winning and disappointed about losing—really, wasn't that just like any human?
Even as Sisters, they were developing their own emotions over time. Treating them as nothing more than lab equipment was just cruel.
Staring at that face so similar to Misaka Mikoto's, a new thought surfaced in Natsume Sonoko's mind for the first time.
The reason Sonoko was going to such lengths wasn't just because of vague influences from her past life memories—her friendship with Misaka Mikoto played an indispensable part. If someone could help, maybe Misaka Mikoto wouldn't have to suffer so much.
Heck, she'd even entertained the idea of solving the problem behind Misaka Mikoto's back.
It might have been unrealistic—after all, what could a Level 4 like her do when even the Level 5s were powerless? Wasn't that just overestimating herself?
And as for the Sisters themselves, until now Sonoko had mostly seen them as shadows of Misaka Mikoto, overlooking their own unique spirit.
Only now did it suddenly hit her—they weren't really any different from anyone else she knew. At most, they were still figuring out their emotions.
"Congratulations, Misaka-san."
Natsume Sonoko set her bag down and paused, looking toward Misaka 10000 not far away.
"Hmph, Misaka 10000 gladly accepts this student's congratulations," Misaka 10000 said as she walked over, her expression shifting slightly.
The Misaka Sisters always referred to themselves as "Misaka," but when other Sisters were nearby, they'd include their specimen number to avoid confusion.
"Well, I now pronounce you as floor manager. I'm handing you the key to the third room on the second floor," Sonoko said, pointing toward the key already inserted in the door.
"Floor manager… Misaka 10000 expresses fondness for this title," Misaka 10000 replied, that peculiar smile returning to her face. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly, and her eyes drifted unconsciously to the side.
So that expression meant she was proud. Seeing it again, Sonoko felt a sudden sense of understanding.
"In that case, Floor Manager Misaka 10000, since your room was the first to finish electing a manager, your room will be in charge of buying the daily supplies everyone needs." Sonoko's tone took on a note of authority as an idea struck her.
"Misaka expresses happiness regarding the procurement task but must adhere to her biological clock and prepare to rest."
Misaka 10000 spoke very seriously, already taking a slight step back as if to retreat to the room she'd just won.
"Not so fast, Floor Manager Misaka 10000. As the Dorm Supervisor of this Misaka Apartments, I have the authority to require you to handle the shopping. Otherwise, I'll have to revoke your Floor Manager title."
Sonoko imitated the stern manner of her own dorm supervisor, while also appointing herself as the new supervisor of these Misaka Apartments.
As the largest—and only—investor in the apartment, volunteering as supervisor shouldn't be too unreasonable, right?
Even though she still held the title of temporary Judgment member, she was practically unemployed at this point.
Now she'd gone and found herself another position.
Honestly, Natsume Sonoko was really quite hardworking.
And this little apartment? She'd named it "Misaka Apartments." An apartment full of Misaka Sisters—what else would you call it? "Sister Apartments"? Please.
"Natsume-san is the Dorm Supervisor? Misaka 10000 expresses shock at this revelation."
Misaka 10000 took another step back, her eyes widening dramatically—the first time she'd ever shown such clear and total surprise.
Among the knowledge implanted in the Misaka Sisters' minds, Dorm Supervisors in student housing were always women aged twenty-five or older.
For a still somewhat simple-minded Misaka 10000, this raised serious doubts about Sonoko's actual age.
It was as if her worldview had been shattered—even if the Misaka Sisters hadn't fully formed a worldview to begin with.
And the moment that doubt arose, every Misaka Sister in the middle of a rock-paper-scissors match froze, their hands suspended mid-air.
Apparently, one of the Sisters had shared that shock with the entire network. Soon, a flood of opinions poured in from the other sisters.
If you sent one of these sisters to apply at a place like the UC News Club, she'd probably churn out a 10,000-word article in under three minutes.
Of course, Natsume Sonoko had no idea about the wild thoughts running through the Misaka network.
Instead, she assumed her authoritative tone had done the trick, and she couldn't help but let a smug expression show—even her usual slightly vacant look couldn't hide it now.
This felt nice. So this was what being a dorm supervisor was like. If she couldn't find a job in the future, maybe she could apply to be one.
By then, that strict Dorm Supervisor at her school would probably be retired. Being a Dorm Supervisor at Tokiwadai didn't sound bad—room and board included, plus the occasional chance to tease Shirai-san or Misaka Mikoto.
Not that she'd ever have trouble finding a job, of course. Natsume Sonoko liked to think she was plenty capable.
"Understood. Misaka 10000 no longer holds any dissatisfaction regarding the procurement task and firmly supports Supervisor Natsume's decision."
Misaka 10000 had recovered from her shock, her face now completely serious.
"Good, good. In that case, Misaka 10000, gather the sisters from your room and let's make this quick so we can get back soon. The other Misaka Sisters can clean the rooms once their rock-paper-scissors matches are over."
Natsume Sonoko nodded and patted her young comrade Misaka 10000 on the shoulder. Even though 10000 was quite a bit taller, that didn't undermine the supervisor's authority one bit.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.