Principal Nezu... or rather, Mr. Nezu, is apparently a world-renowned figure. A mouse being a "great man" of the world? The thought did cross my mind.
However, after hearing of his achievements later on, I was convinced. I was also forced to understand that when a "world-renowned figure" gets serious, the impossible becomes reality overnight.
The other day, after I happened to find that Special Grade Cursed Tool, I intended to bring it home with me. I wanted to give it a "test swing"—blunt instruments don't exactly have "test cuts." But my wish wasn't granted. Playful Cloud was confiscated by U.A.
Their reasoning was that since it was enshrined on school grounds, ownership belonged to U.A. High School. Something about how taking school equipment off-site is a violation, and while they didn't know who put it there, blah blah blah. The explanation was so long it refused to enter my brain. I was hungry, so halfway through, I simply stopped caring and let it flow out the other ear.
...Well, from the teachers' perspective, it's a precious tool for dealing with Cursed Spirits. I understand their desire to analyze it with "modern science" to help with counter-measures. I understand, but if a Curse comes to steal it back, it's game over for them. Do they even realize that?
As I was pondering this, they asked me to stay overnight at the school as a security measure. Since I'm the only one who can deal with a Curse if one attacks while they're analyzing Playful Cloud, I had no reason to refuse. I wanted to avoid a situation where a Special Grade tool I finally found went missing, after all. I had no choice but to cooperate fully.
When I contacted my mother and father about it, they were fiercely opposed. Himiko went even further, aggressively demanding to Aizawa and the other teachers, "I'm staying too!!" Somehow, she managed to pry permission out of them. I stayed out of that fight. If Himiko hadn't said it, I would have demanded it myself anyway.
Also, the dinner they provided was nothing but a disappointment. They gave us bento boxes, but they weren't good. Himiko ate hers with a smile, but to me, Himiko's own cooking is several times more delicious. I've officially learned that Lunch Rush's food is... underwhelming.
And then, the next morning, Nezu showed his true colors. After spending the night in the school building with Himiko, I was summoned to the Principal's office. With Himiko in tow, of course.
Waiting for me in the office was a sight that took me by surprise: a collection of Cursed Tools.
The number wasn't massive, but it was startling nonetheless. Apparently, after learning of the existence of Cursed Tools through Playful Cloud, Nezu had spent the night sourcing every "reputable" or "haunted" ancient weapon currently existing in the modern world and had them delivered. All in one night? Are you insane, man?
He just laughed and said it cost a fair bit of money. "World-renowned figures" truly are something else.
"How is it? Are there any here that look useful?" Nezu asked.
"A few... but most are so old they're on the verge of breaking... yawn..."
I'm so... sleepy. I barely slept last night. I spent the night on watch while Himiko used my lap as a pillow, and nothing happened. Perhaps I should have just slept... If my mother hadn't poked her head in halfway through the night to check on us, I wouldn't have even gotten a nap.
Am I really supposed to attend class in this state? Truly?
That's going to be quite painful... but until the analysis of Playful Cloud is finished, I can't let my guard down. Besides, I don't want to be away from Himiko. If the League of Villains is after me, then my parents and Himiko are nothing but weaknesses for them to exploit.
I'd like to believe my mother is safer since she can at least see Curses, unlike my father or Himiko. No, that's just wishful thinking. I only have one body. I can't protect all three of them at once.
To be honest, this uncertainty is nothing but a source of anxiety. Hmph... it's no good to exhaust my spirit by overthinking. That's exactly what the enemy wants. And yet, I can't help but worry. It's a predicament.
"The ones that are usable... mmm... these. Let my parents hold these two daggers... Since the villains are after me, my family needs a means of self-defense..."
No, I'm tired. So tired. I want to sleep right here. My brain isn't working.
...Useful tools... a few katanas, a small club. A wide-bladed wakizashi... these should do. They're all low-grade tools, but they're better than nothing... at... all...
It's no use. My eyelids are heavy. I mustn't sleep here. I can sleep after today's classes are over and I'm back home. No, until the analysis is done... or rather, until the security is perfect...
------------------------
There are already 70+ chapters available on my Patreon!
The story will continue to update 1 chapter per day on Webnovel,
while early access chapters are posted on Patreon.
Maybe it's not worth it today but it could be later
[email protected]/Kazenova223
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"