Editing PuiPui:Volume1 Chapter2

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==Chapter 2: Solomon's Treasure==
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'''Chapter 2: The Treasure of Solomon'''
   
 
In the dorm room the next morning, Jin donned his uniform in a refreshed mood.
 
In the dorm room the next morning, Jin donned his uniform in a refreshed mood.
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Looking out the window, he gave a big stretch. The morning's breakfast had also been quite wonderfully delicious. Yuuya was also in a good mood, listening to music with his headphones.
 
Looking out the window, he gave a big stretch. The morning's breakfast had also been quite wonderfully delicious. Yuuya was also in a good mood, listening to music with his headphones.
   
"You organized the room pretty quickly. Sorry about yesterday, blood just rushed to my head that's all."
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"You organized the room pretty quickly. Sorry about yesterday, blood just rushed to my head is all."
   
 
Yuuya apologized to Jin, moving his headphones down to his neck and letting the sound spill out.
 
Yuuya apologized to Jin, moving his headphones down to his neck and letting the sound spill out.
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Despite all the trouble Sierra had brought upon Jin, it was still thanks to her that all the boxes were gone. It would have been troublesome for the Genie of the Lamp to have helped out...at least that's what he thought.
 
Despite all the trouble Sierra had brought upon Jin, it was still thanks to her that all the boxes were gone. It would have been troublesome for the Genie of the Lamp to have helped out...at least that's what he thought.
   
(I really should have shown more thanks for yesterday. Because I can't call her again.)
+
''I really should have shown more thanks for yesterday. Because I can't call her again.''
   
 
The lamp had been put in a box, and then sealed into the deep recesses of a desk. This was for safety. That way Sierra wouldn't be called out from the lamp being accidentally rubbed. It solved everything.
 
The lamp had been put in a box, and then sealed into the deep recesses of a desk. This was for safety. That way Sierra wouldn't be called out from the lamp being accidentally rubbed. It solved everything.
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"This incense is a type of citrus fruit. Calling an upperclassman an old lady, the first years this year sure have a lot of courage."
 
"This incense is a type of citrus fruit. Calling an upperclassman an old lady, the first years this year sure have a lot of courage."
   
In shock, the two could only shake. A tall slender figure wearing a traditional <span class="plainlinks">[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/G_Blaize_Kokiu_Nague_2.JPG Kendo Gi and Hakama]</span> was holding a bamboo sword. With long hanging hair, the young man stared down with cold, strict eyes. Behind him, and wearing their school uniforms, were four members of the Skinhead group. They were the dorm head's right hand guardsmen, subordinates under his direct control, and all were third year students at the dorm.
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In shock, the two could only shake. A tall slender figure wearing a traditional <span class="plainlinks">[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/G_Blaize_Kokiu_Nague_2.JPG Kendo Gi and Hakama]</span> was holding a <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinai Shinai]</span>. With long hanging hair, the young man stared down with cold, strict eyes. Behind him, and wearing their school uniforms, were four members of the Skinhead group. They were the dorm head's right hand guardsmen, subordinates under his direct control, and all were third year students at the dorm.
   
 
The scent had risen from the Kendo Gi which Ukyou was wearing. Incense used to be burned in the Heian Period to provide kimono's with a pleasant smell, and it seemed Ukyou had these traditional hobbies.
 
The scent had risen from the Kendo Gi which Ukyou was wearing. Incense used to be burned in the Heian Period to provide kimono's with a pleasant smell, and it seemed Ukyou had these traditional hobbies.
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Ukyou was the head of the Kendo club. He was pale from practicing indoors all the time, and as time continued that feature began to grow more and more pronounced. Yuuya shook from his uncontrollable fear of him.
 
Ukyou was the head of the Kendo club. He was pale from practicing indoors all the time, and as time continued that feature began to grow more and more pronounced. Yuuya shook from his uncontrollable fear of him.
   
“S-Sorry, please forgive me.”
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“S, sorry, please forgive me.”
   
 
“You trash, well, it's true you're in the Light Music Club. For the sake of winning the girls you buzz around like a mole cricket! If you keep up the flirting, I'm going to beat you up!”
 
“You trash, well, it's true you're in the Light Music Club. For the sake of winning the girls you buzz around like a mole cricket! If you keep up the flirting, I'm going to beat you up!”
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“Yeah, well I haven't broken any of Tachibana Dorm's rules yet! You just want to get to the punishing!”
 
“Yeah, well I haven't broken any of Tachibana Dorm's rules yet! You just want to get to the punishing!”
   
“J-Jin, hurry up and apologize!”
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“J, Jin, hurry up and apologize!”
   
 
Yuuya was being encircled by the protection squad. However Jin had leapt out powerfully like a bunny, evading capture.
 
Yuuya was being encircled by the protection squad. However Jin had leapt out powerfully like a bunny, evading capture.
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Ukyou gripped Jin's chest, pulling him close. The smell of tachibana incense filled the air.
 
Ukyou gripped Jin's chest, pulling him close. The smell of tachibana incense filled the air.
   
“We protect the rules and order of the dorm, so show some more respect to your upperclassmen. This is an order from your senior, and you aren't allowed to speak out against it. Araki Jin, normally you would be sent off to be punished but......since you're a new student, we'll just take away your meals.”
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“We protect the rules and order of the dorm, so show some more respect to your upperclassmen. This is an order from your senior, and you aren't allowed to speak out against it. Araki Jin, essentially you would be sent off to be punished but......since you're a new student, we'll just take away your meals.”
   
“T-Take away my meals?”
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“T, take away my meals?”
   
 
Jin's raised voice held a bit of hysteria.
 
Jin's raised voice held a bit of hysteria.
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Dinner at the dormitory started at six, and unless everyone was there no one could start eating. Also, that time was closing time for the dorm, so from that point on no one was permitted to go out. Those were the rules for meals, so outside food couldn't be brought in later. Consequently, withholding meals actually meant that until the next day's breakfast, there would be nothing to eat. Yuuya pressed his forehead in shock.
 
Dinner at the dormitory started at six, and unless everyone was there no one could start eating. Also, that time was closing time for the dorm, so from that point on no one was permitted to go out. Those were the rules for meals, so outside food couldn't be brought in later. Consequently, withholding meals actually meant that until the next day's breakfast, there would be nothing to eat. Yuuya pressed his forehead in shock.
   
“In this situation what are you going to do for food! Why didn't the guys with the dorm head say anything about him taking food from you?”
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“In this situation what are you going to do for food! Why didn't guys with the dorm head say anything about him taking food from you?”
   
 
“I know, meals are the basis for human life after all.”
 
“I know, meals are the basis for human life after all.”
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“Shhhh! You may think it's fine to say stuff like that, but that's what lost you your food! Back when I was in my second year of junior high, I stepped on his shadow, and did you know I got punished just for that?”
 
“Shhhh! You may think it's fine to say stuff like that, but that's what lost you your food! Back when I was in my second year of junior high, I stepped on his shadow, and did you know I got punished just for that?”
   
“Sounds like an anachronism.”
+
“Sounds like anachronism.”
   
 
“His entire household is extremely old fashioned, they're like nobles. Especially from the weak position of a second year junior high student.”
 
“His entire household is extremely old fashioned, they're like nobles. Especially from the weak position of a second year junior high student.”
   
A stand was put out in front of the dorm's entrance hall, with packages of onigiri stacked up. They were bentos for the boarding students. There were five second year junior high school boarding students distributing, bowing their heads each time they handed one out.
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A stand was put out in front of the dorm's entrance hall, with packages of onigiri stacked up. They were bentous for the boarding students. There were five second year junior high school boarding students distributing, bowing their heads each time they handed one out.
   
Because of their weak position as underclassmen, their job as second years was to prepare the meals. Shopping, breakfast, lunch and bentos, and also dinner, each of the three meals had a system made for it. There was also the dish washing group. It had been arranged so that there would always be around ten first year high school students, with thirty junior high second years, so that there would always be people to take care of the work.
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Because of their weak position as underclassmen, their job as second years was to prepare the meals. Shopping, breakfast, lunch and bentous, and also dinner, each of the three meals had a system made for it. There was also the dish washing group. It had been arranged so that there would always be around ten first year high school students, with thirty junior high second years, so that there would always be people to take care of the work.
   
 
Jin and Yuuya both reached out their hands towards the bundles, when a boy on duty shook his head. The first year student had a serious expression on his face.
 
Jin and Yuuya both reached out their hands towards the bundles, when a boy on duty shook his head. The first year student had a serious expression on his face.
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<span style="font-size: 200%;"><center>* * *</center></span>
   
   
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“Together with my eighty-five yen......there's not even enough to buy bread.”
 
“Together with my eighty-five yen......there's not even enough to buy bread.”
   
“If it's 'Alf Layla,' they use tabs.”
+
“If it's 'Alf Lyla', they use tabs.”
   
“'Alf Layla'?”
+
“'Alf Lyla'?”
   
A thousand nights......that's what it means in Arabic. It was a phrase found in Arabian Nights, where it was used as 'One Thousand and One Nights.'
+
A thousand nights......that's what it means in Arabic. It was a phrase found in Arabian Nights, where it was used as 'One Thousand and One Nights'.
   
 
“We're at the back of the place. The food is cheap yet delicious. You've never been?”
 
“We're at the back of the place. The food is cheap yet delicious. You've never been?”
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><center>* * *</center></span>
   
   
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“Jin, you know her? Which kindergarten is she from?”
 
“Jin, you know her? Which kindergarten is she from?”
   
“......Ai-Aika?”
+
“......Ai, Aika?”
   
 
Jin was surprised for a moment, when the girl......Kasumi Aika, suddenly fell on her face. With both hands thrown out in front of her, it looked as though she had dove for home base. Jin rushed over to her side.
 
Jin was surprised for a moment, when the girl......Kasumi Aika, suddenly fell on her face. With both hands thrown out in front of her, it looked as though she had dove for home base. Jin rushed over to her side.
   
“Aika! A,-Are you alright?”
+
“Aika! A, are you alright?”
   
“Just now......she tripped when there was nothing to trip on...”
+
“Just now......there was nothing that would make someone fall...”
   
 
Yuuya muttered with stiff eyes. Aika picked herself up, and turned to face Jin.
 
Yuuya muttered with stiff eyes. Aika picked herself up, and turned to face Jin.
   
[[Image:Puipui_vol01_069.jpg|thumb]]
 
 
“Onii-chan, we finally meet!”
 
“Onii-chan, we finally meet!”
   
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“How do you know Aika?”
 
“How do you know Aika?”
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[[Image:Puipui_vol01_069.jpg|200px|thumb]]
   
 
“Wasn't she in Zadou Sierra's car yesterday? I thought she was in kindergarten, but could it be she's in middle school?”
 
“Wasn't she in Zadou Sierra's car yesterday? I thought she was in kindergarten, but could it be she's in middle school?”
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After Yuuya's question, Aika was embarrassedly hiding behind Jin's back.
 
After Yuuya's question, Aika was embarrassedly hiding behind Jin's back.
   
“W-Wait, why are you hiding?”
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“Wa, wait, why are you hiding?”
   
 
“Don't get too close. She's not very immunized against guys.”
 
“Don't get too close. She's not very immunized against guys.”
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“......You probably, just fell onto the level ground like you did just now.”
 
“......You probably, just fell onto the level ground like you did just now.”
   
“Being able to ride in Sierra's car, was like a dream. Because of my nervousness, I was being careful about what we were talking about.”
+
“Being able to ride in Sierra's car, was like a dream. Because of my nervousness, I was being careful about what we were talking about.”
   
 
“Hmmm...... It's nice that such a selfish girl can show some kindness.”
 
“Hmmm...... It's nice that such a selfish girl can show some kindness.”
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“That's because, Onii-chan moved here so suddenly.”
 
“That's because, Onii-chan moved here so suddenly.”
   
Aika puffed out her cheeks.
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Aika puffed out her cheek.
   
 
“I asked auntie if I could transfer to this school, and she said if there's a vacancy in the new students entrance exam it would be okay.”
 
“I asked auntie if I could transfer to this school, and she said if there's a vacancy in the new students entrance exam it would be okay.”
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Yuuya walked off first, as Aika latched herself onto Jin's shoulder.
 
Yuuya walked off first, as Aika latched herself onto Jin's shoulder.
   
“It's just as he was saying, Onii-chan. Sierra-sama is beautiful and kind, so all us middle school girls want to be like her.”
+
“That guy weaves when he speaks, Onii-chan. Sierra-sama, who's such a beautiful and kind person, even if we're in middle school, and even if we're younger, we all still want to be like her.”
   
“......I simply can't imagine that we're talking about the same person.”
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“......I didn't think you would think of her the same way the others do.”
   
 
Thinking about how Sierra had appeared from the lamp yesterday, Jin crossed his arms.
 
Thinking about how Sierra had appeared from the lamp yesterday, Jin crossed his arms.
   
(It couldn't be that there's a different person with the exact same first and last name, right......?)
+
''There's no way that person is different from who we're talking about now is there......?''
   
 
“She brought me back yesterday. In reality Sierra-sama, even though she is a beautiful person with a lot of money, she's really kind, and I'm becoming more and more of a fan of hers.”
 
“She brought me back yesterday. In reality Sierra-sama, even though she is a beautiful person with a lot of money, she's really kind, and I'm becoming more and more of a fan of hers.”
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Aika asked, with her head tilted to the side. Performing that motion her hair shifted over her face. With that, Jin remembered he didn't have his bento, at the same time his stomach rumbled loudly.
 
Aika asked, with her head tilted to the side. Performing that motion her hair shifted over her face. With that, Jin remembered he didn't have his bento, at the same time his stomach rumbled loudly.
   
“A-Ah. I didn't have any plans......I don't have a bento to eat......”
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“A, ah. I didn't have any plans......I don't have a bento to eat......”
   
 
Hearing that, Aika happily clapped her hands together, followed by grabbing onto Jin's arm.
 
Hearing that, Aika happily clapped her hands together, followed by grabbing onto Jin's arm.
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Aika brought her flushed face up to look at Jin. It was a sight for the gods......but because of how it looked to have Aika plastered to his arm, he was growing more nervous as he furrowed his eyebrows.
 
Aika brought her flushed face up to look at Jin. It was a sight for the gods......but because of how it looked to have Aika plastered to his arm, he was growing more nervous as he furrowed his eyebrows.
   
“Ah, nah......it's better if you don't cook. Back when you were in elementary school, you'd cut your fingers and get all kinds of wounds, remember? Even now, it seems like you've been getting an occasional scrape.”
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“Ah, nah......it's fine if you don't make it. Back when I was in elementary school, I cut my finger, and you don't want to get any new cuts. Even like just now, coming here you got hurt.”
   
“I'm fine now. After entering the school, the reason I haven't been able to search for you until now is because I've been on kitchen duty at the dorm the whole time......even though I've gotten hurt, I've been getting better and better.”
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“Geez it's fine. Because ever since entering the school till now while searching for you, I've always been on cooking duty at the dorm but......even though I got hurt, I got better and better.”
   
“Hmm. I thought it would be impossible for you to live as a boarding student, but it seems you're doing okay.”
+
“Hmm. I thought it would be impossible for you to live as a boarding student, but it seems your doing okay.”
   
 
“Geez, I'm in middle school after all. I'm not a kid anymore.”
 
“Geez, I'm in middle school after all. I'm not a kid anymore.”
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“Yeah, I guess you've really grown up from that time when you were just like a baby. I guess you don't use diapers anymore then huh.”
 
“Yeah, I guess you've really grown up from that time when you were just like a baby. I guess you don't use diapers anymore then huh.”
   
“D-DIAPERS WHAT THE HECK'S WITH THAT!?”
+
“D, DIAPERS WHAT THE HECK'S WITH THAT!?”
   
 
“You don't wear pampers now do you?”
 
“You don't wear pampers now do you?”
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“♪ChiChinPuiPui, pain pain, hurry up and fly to the mountain top.♪”
 
“♪ChiChinPuiPui, pain pain, hurry up and fly to the mountain top.♪”
   
Having often done the spell for her when she was younger, even though it was the same chant, he didn't feel the same sort of embarrassment with Aika. Jin thought nothing of it as he finished the incantation.
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"Having often done the spell for her when she was younger, even though it was the same chant, he didn't feel the same sort of embarrassment with Aika. Jin thought nothing of it as he finished the incantation."
   
 
“Ehe. Onii-chan look, it's being effective.”
 
“Ehe. Onii-chan look, it's being effective.”
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“It's confusing for me, but......Onii-chan, you'll definitely find it. When you do, show it to me, k?
 
“It's confusing for me, but......Onii-chan, you'll definitely find it. When you do, show it to me, k?
   
At the same time, the problem of Sierra was revolving in Jin's head. A smiling face like this came to mind. A beautiful girl with money and an excellence record, and one day could suddenly use magic......what kind of wish could be granted, and why, did she sometimes appear sad.
+
At the same time, the problem of Sierra was revolving in Jin's head. A smiling face like this came to mind. A beautiful girl with money and an excellence record, and one day could suddenly use magic......what kind of wish could be granted, and why, did she sometimes appear sad.
   
 
Even though it was fun to go together with Aika, Jin was feeling heavy. Wondering what to do, he still had no idea.
 
Even though it was fun to go together with Aika, Jin was feeling heavy. Wondering what to do, he still had no idea.
   
   
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<span style="font-size: 300%;"><center>* * *</center></span>
   
   
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Finally realizing this, he noticed that out of everyone in class, she really did stand out. Anyway, who knows how many people were circled around her. With a bright smile, she was speaking elegantly. As though they were attendants, they surrounded the Ojou-sama. If Sierra was compared to others, in terms of kindness, certainly he was starting to see what Yuuya and Aika were talking about.
 
Finally realizing this, he noticed that out of everyone in class, she really did stand out. Anyway, who knows how many people were circled around her. With a bright smile, she was speaking elegantly. As though they were attendants, they surrounded the Ojou-sama. If Sierra was compared to others, in terms of kindness, certainly he was starting to see what Yuuya and Aika were talking about.
   
(This is strange......what I saw yesterday, did I mistake her selfishness?)
+
''This is strange......what I saw yesterday, did I mistake her selfishness?''
   
 
Looking at Sierra's surroundings, he noticed all the boys were staring at her with burning eyes.
 
Looking at Sierra's surroundings, he noticed all the boys were staring at her with burning eyes.
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Upon Jin entering the classroom, Sierra turned her eyes towards him. Jin was taken aback. Prepared for something like what happened yesterday, he put himself on guard, but instead Sierra returned to talking with the other girls, taking no notice of him.
 
Upon Jin entering the classroom, Sierra turned her eyes towards him. Jin was taken aback. Prepared for something like what happened yesterday, he put himself on guard, but instead Sierra returned to talking with the other girls, taking no notice of him.
   
(Hah?)
+
''Hah?''
   
 
Receiving a tap on his shoulder, Jin blinked his eyes in surprise. Yuuya was taking his seat, with his thread thin eyes turned towards Jin.
 
Receiving a tap on his shoulder, Jin blinked his eyes in surprise. Yuuya was taking his seat, with his thread thin eyes turned towards Jin.
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“Everyone's fascinated by her.”
 
“Everyone's fascinated by her.”
   
“Even if they are, it doesn't seem like anybody is talking to her though.”
+
“Even if they are, it doesn't seem like any body is talking to her though.”
   
 
“Well, everyone knows they can't catch her, so all they can do is watch her in awe. Someone that would talk to her with their own voice, doesn't exist right?”
 
“Well, everyone knows they can't catch her, so all they can do is watch her in awe. Someone that would talk to her with their own voice, doesn't exist right?”
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Thinking about the Sierra from yesterday, he didn't think that was so. But, looking at the Sierra of now, he could understand Yuuya's desire to get closer.
 
Thinking about the Sierra from yesterday, he didn't think that was so. But, looking at the Sierra of now, he could understand Yuuya's desire to get closer.
   
(Are all the guys in class like that?)
+
''Are all the guys in class like that?''
   
 
Inundated with such complex questions, Jin hugged his chest. Not wanting to speak up and instead keeping silent, he had one thing that he wanted to ask. After Sierra had left his room, he was wondering what had happened to all those cardboard boxes.
 
Inundated with such complex questions, Jin hugged his chest. Not wanting to speak up and instead keeping silent, he had one thing that he wanted to ask. After Sierra had left his room, he was wondering what had happened to all those cardboard boxes.
   
(I don't even know her phone number......but calling out now wouldn't be right.)
+
''I don't even know her phone number......but calling out now wouldn't be right.''
   
 
Sierra as well, seemed to want to keep yesterday a secret, so she probably hadn't told anybody anything. Looking for a suitable time to voice his thoughts, Jin patiently waited for the right moment.
 
Sierra as well, seemed to want to keep yesterday a secret, so she probably hadn't told anybody anything. Looking for a suitable time to voice his thoughts, Jin patiently waited for the right moment.
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<span style="font-size: 200%;"><center>* * *</center></span>
 
   
   
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“Please take mine as well!”
 
“Please take mine as well!”
   
The middle school girls were surrounding Sierra nervously with high tension. Saying, “Eh, Thank you,” and, “well then, let's all eat together,” a kind smile had risen on her face, which showed her ability to cope while remaining courteous, while at the same time Jin and Aika were intermittently turning their gaze in her direction.
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The middle school girls were surrounding Sierra nervously with high tension. Saying, “Eeh, Thank you” and, “well then, let's all eat together,” a kind smile had risen on her face, which showed her ability to cope while remaining courteous, while at the same time Jin and Aika were intermittently turning their gaze in her direction.
   
 
The cupcakes Aika had given, had risen when baked to resemble the color of a fox, while they gave off a sweet vanilla scent. Holding them, they were steamy and warm. Jin admired how well done the cupcakes were.
 
The cupcakes Aika had given, had risen when baked to resemble the color of a fox, while they gave off a sweet vanilla scent. Holding them, they were steamy and warm. Jin admired how well done the cupcakes were.
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In her anger Aika turned scarlet. Aika always tended to show her emotions on her face instantly, as she always had since they had known each other as kids, so they could chat leisurely without worries. In comparison with the stressful situation he was in with Sierra yesterday, Jin really felt much more relaxed and at ease now.
 
In her anger Aika turned scarlet. Aika always tended to show her emotions on her face instantly, as she always had since they had known each other as kids, so they could chat leisurely without worries. In comparison with the stressful situation he was in with Sierra yesterday, Jin really felt much more relaxed and at ease now.
   
Watching Aika attentively, Jin dropped cupcake after cupcake into his stomach, when Yuuya and some other boys' voices cut through.
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Watching Aika attentively, Jin dropped cupcake after cupcake into his stomach, when Yuuya and some other boys voices cut through.
   
“Hey. It's obvious none of us would have received anything, but why is it you're the only one who gets cupcakes!”
+
“Hey. It's obvious none of us should have received anything, but why is it you're the only one who gets cupcakes!”
   
 
“Because we were in the same neighborhood as kids.”
 
“Because we were in the same neighborhood as kids.”
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Smiling in a friendly manner, the boys couldn't help but be excited.
 
Smiling in a friendly manner, the boys couldn't help but be excited.
   
“I-Itadakimasu, Itadakimasu!”
+
“I, Itadakimasu, Itadakimasu!”
   
 
In a moment, all the boys were separated from Jin, and like hyena's, they madly snatched the cupcakes stacked at Sierra's seat. After the guys had left, Aika emerged from behind Jin's back.
 
In a moment, all the boys were separated from Jin, and like hyena's, they madly snatched the cupcakes stacked at Sierra's seat. After the guys had left, Aika emerged from behind Jin's back.
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Trying to apologize, Aika's shoulders had dropped. Jin remembered something.
 
Trying to apologize, Aika's shoulders had dropped. Jin remembered something.
   
(That means Aika heard something about me yesterday? Did this all happen before I got home yesterday, on that road?)
+
''That means Aika heard something about me yesterday? Did this all happen before I got home yesterday, on that road?''
   
 
With a poker-face smile, Sierra turned to Jin.
 
With a poker-face smile, Sierra turned to Jin.
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“I didn't know. You two have already met.”
 
“I didn't know. You two have already met.”
   
“We were in the same neighborhood. Onii-chan was really nice, and helped teach me how to study!”
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“We were in the same neighborhood. Onii-chan was really nice, and helped teach me how to study!”
   
 
Aika boasted of this, as her eyes twinkled with pride. Sierra turned her gaze towards Jin. She seemed to be smiling nicely, but under it Jin could sense something as though she were telling him “freakin' explain!”
 
Aika boasted of this, as her eyes twinkled with pride. Sierra turned her gaze towards Jin. She seemed to be smiling nicely, but under it Jin could sense something as though she were telling him “freakin' explain!”
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“Don't say mean things about Onii-chan!”
 
“Don't say mean things about Onii-chan!”
   
Unintentionally she had yelled out in a loud voice. Before Aika had been really shy, so suddenly snapping out like that she had really startled the guys, stopping them in place. Aika was just as surprised with herself, turning beet red and covering her mouth with her hand.
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Unintentionally she had yelled out in a loud voice. Before Aika had been really shy, so suddenly snapping out like she had really startled the guys, stopping them in place. Aika was just as surprised with herself, turning beet red and covering her mouth with her hand.
   
   
   
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<span style="font-size: 200%;"><center>* * *</center></span>
   
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Reaching a stopping point, Sierra had lead Jin around to the back of the gymnasium. There were no windows, and it was in the blindspot of a fence, so nobody would be able to see.
 
  +
  +
Reaching a stopping point, Sierra had lead Jin around to the back of the gymnasium. There were no windows, and it was in the blindspot of a fence, so no body would be able to see.
   
 
“Well then, here is fine.”
 
“Well then, here is fine.”
Line 587: Line 598:
 
Standing before him, Sierra was shaking. The smiling mask from earlier was off, revealing her true anger. Having confirmed his expectations, Jin slumped his shoulders dejectedly.
 
Standing before him, Sierra was shaking. The smiling mask from earlier was off, revealing her true anger. Having confirmed his expectations, Jin slumped his shoulders dejectedly.
   
[[Image:Puipui_vol01_087.jpg|thumb]]
 
 
“You've done well to turn my place into a trash mansion, commoner!”
 
“You've done well to turn my place into a trash mansion, commoner!”
   
Line 594: Line 604:
 
“You're, just completely different from how you were before!”
 
“You're, just completely different from how you were before!”
   
“Isn't it useless to act cat-like in front of you? But you know my embarrassing secret, so you'll have to disappear.”
+
“Isn't it useless to act cat-like in front of you? But you know my embarrassing secret, so you'll have to go away.”
   
 
“You're still like a cat, with those offensive claws you have.”
 
“You're still like a cat, with those offensive claws you have.”
   
“There's no way I'll act like a cat for someone who turns other people's mansions into trash heaps!”
+
“There's no way I'll act like a cat for someone that turns people's mansions into trash heap!”
   
 
“It couldn't be helped. But I really owe you my thanks, because it kept me from getting kicked out.”
 
“It couldn't be helped. But I really owe you my thanks, because it kept me from getting kicked out.”
Line 606: Line 616:
 
“That's why, act a little more like a cat for me.”
 
“That's why, act a little more like a cat for me.”
   
Exhaling, Jin began to worry about his possessions. Sierra didn't seem as angry, causing Jin to think she might have thrown out all the items.
+
Letting out his breath, Jin all of a sudden started to worry about his things. Sierra didn't seem as angry, causing Jin to think maybe she might have thrown out all the items.
   
 
“Then......what happened to all the stuff?”
 
“Then......what happened to all the stuff?”
Line 614: Line 624:
 
“Who knows.”
 
“Who knows.”
   
“No way, you threw them out?”
+
“No way you threw them out?”
   
 
“What would you do if I did throw them away?”
 
“What would you do if I did throw them away?”
Line 624: Line 634:
 
“After that spider came out of that filthy junk, did you think I would just let the stuff lie around in my beautiful room?”
 
“After that spider came out of that filthy junk, did you think I would just let the stuff lie around in my beautiful room?”
   
  +
[[Image:Puipui_vol01_087.jpg|200px|thumb]]
“Hey, hey, hey, what did you do?”
 
  +
  +
“Hey hey hey, what did you do?”
   
“That junk, you don't need it.”
+
“Thank junk, you don't need it.”
   
 
“Those were my dad and his friend's books!”
 
“Those were my dad and his friend's books!”
Line 652: Line 664:
 
“You're really touchy after all. I'm wanting to hear this more and more.”
 
“You're really touchy after all. I'm wanting to hear this more and more.”
   
“M-My parents story is actually kind of annoying. They're just university Professors. They're both archaeologists studying......”
+
“M, my parents story is actually kind of annoying. They're just University Professors. They're both archaeologists studying......”
   
 
“Well well. For an impertinent commoner, it seems your household is pretty elite.”
 
“Well well. For an impertinent commoner, it seems your household is pretty elite.”
   
“I don't know about elite but, the research subsidiary from the country wasn't enough, they had to cover the leftover expenses on their own. They're searching for Solomon's Treasure.”
+
“I don't know about elite but, the research subsidiary from the country wasn't enough, they had to cover the left over expenses on their own. They're searching for the Treasure of Solomon.”
   
  +
“Treasure of Solomon?”
“Solomon's Treasure?”
 
   
 
Sierra's eyes widened.
 
Sierra's eyes widened.
   
“Last year, there was a rumor of its whereabouts, so to pay for the dig, we ended up selling our house where we lived. Because of the excavation, we lost our home and I ended up having to transfer to this school because they have a dorm for the students. Then they gathered up all the junk in the house, and sent it to the dorm.....geez! There's no money to even rent a storage shed.”
+
“Last year, there was a rumor of it's whereabouts, so to pay for the dig, we ended up selling our house where we lived. Because of the excavation, we lost our home and I ended up having to transfer to this school because they have a dorm for the students. Then they gathered up all the junk in the house, and sent it to the dorm.....geez! There's no money to even rent a storage shed.”
   
 
Jin seemed to be spitting as he spoke. Listening intently to that story, Sierra's eyes were sparkling, as she moved in on Jin.
 
Jin seemed to be spitting as he spoke. Listening intently to that story, Sierra's eyes were sparkling, as she moved in on Jin.
   
“Your problems don't matter. However, about this Solomon's Treasure....”
+
“Your problems don't matter. However, about that Treasure of Solomon....”
   
 
“I said all this against my will, but what do you mean none of my problems matter?”
 
“I said all this against my will, but what do you mean none of my problems matter?”
Line 676: Line 688:
 
“Afterwards I can leisurely level up as the Genie of the Lamp, and get all the money I want.”
 
“Afterwards I can leisurely level up as the Genie of the Lamp, and get all the money I want.”
   
“As for money, sweat from your forehead is in your hands, it seems like it's really valuable, huh?”
+
“As for money, sweat from your forehead is in your hands, it seems like it's really valuable huh?”
   
 
“That's a commoner's logic.”
 
“That's a commoner's logic.”
Line 686: Line 698:
 
“Don't know, that's why it's being searched for.”
 
“Don't know, that's why it's being searched for.”
   
Upset with the greedy Sierra, that was all Jin replied with. Looking for his true meaning, Sierra searched his face. Jin noticed how the miniskirt from the maid uniform suited her well, but the school uniform's skirt suited her just as much. If her outward appearance was this graceful, then why......was her inside like a curse from heaven?
+
Upset with the greedy Sierra, that was all Jin replied with. Looking for his true meaning, Sierra was searching his face. Jin noticed how the miniskirt from the maid uniform suited her well, but the school uniform's skirt suited her just as much. If her outward appearance was this graceful, then why......was her inside like a curse from heaven?
   
“Really? I'll get a cut of what's taken, you're not deceiving me?”
+
“Really? I'll get a cut of whats taken, you're not deceiving me?”
   
 
“It's too late, as it's a bit hazy about what happens after it's found.”
 
“It's too late, as it's a bit hazy about what happens after it's found.”
Line 696: Line 708:
 
“How the heck do you know that I'm always reading archeology books?”
 
“How the heck do you know that I'm always reading archeology books?”
   
Surprised at Jin's question, Sierra shut her mouth, and becoming red, turned away.
+
Surprised at Jin's questioning, Sierra shut her mouth, and becoming red, turned away.
   
“Th-That's uhm, I hear a lot of gossip from people. All day, people talk about a weird guy that just reads books all the time.”
+
“Th, that's uhm, I hear a lot of gossip from people. All day, people talk about a weird guy that just reads books all the time.”
   
 
“Well sorry for being weird.”
 
“Well sorry for being weird.”
Line 708: Line 720:
 
“David...David as in the statue of David?”
 
“David...David as in the statue of David?”
   
Like the image found in many textbooks, Sierra mimicked the pose of Michaelangelo's statue of David. The pose of David against the Philistines was heroic and soul-stirring, but when Sierra did the pose, she instead looked pretty cute. At a loss as to why he would think this, Jin pushed it from his mind, continuing on with his story.
+
Like how it is found in many textbooks, Sierra was mimicking the pose of Michaelangelo's statue of David. The pose of David against the Philistines was heroic and soul-stirring, but when Sierra did the pose, she instead looked pretty cute. At a loss as to why he would think this, Jin pushed it from his mind, continuing on with his story.
   
 
“David unified Israel, overcame the surrounding countries, established the Capitol of Jerusalem, and amassed wealth for the kingdom of Israel.”
 
“David unified Israel, overcame the surrounding countries, established the Capitol of Jerusalem, and amassed wealth for the kingdom of Israel.”
Line 714: Line 726:
 
“If that was the second king, then what about the one from the first generation?”
 
“If that was the second king, then what about the one from the first generation?”
   
“After Moses led the Israelies out of Egypt, they wanted to have their own king, so the leader then, Samuel, anointed Saul to rule as the first king. David was a servant to Saul, but, after killing a hostile nation's great warrior, Goliath, he became famous, later becoming king after Saul's death. And then to house the ten commandments given by God to Moses, a temple in Jerusalem was built by David's son, Solomon.”
+
“At the time after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they wanted to have their own king, so the leader then, Samuel, anointed Saul to rule as the first king. David was a servant to Saul but, after killing a hostile nations great warrior, Goliath, he became famous, later becoming king after Saul's death. And then to house the ten commandments given by God to Moses, a temple in Jerusalem was built by David's son, Solomon.”
   
 
“That came out pretty well. You're like a global history teacher.”
 
“That came out pretty well. You're like a global history teacher.”
Line 720: Line 732:
 
Sierra complimented Jin after listening to his story. For the normally selfish Sierra to show this attitude, Jin was perplexed.
 
Sierra complimented Jin after listening to his story. For the normally selfish Sierra to show this attitude, Jin was perplexed.
   
“Pretty much everyone calls you a weirdo because of those books you're always reading though.”
+
“Pretty much everyone calls you a weirdo because of that book you're always reading though.”
   
 
And, increasing her sarcastic comments, Sierra returned to her usual self.
 
And, increasing her sarcastic comments, Sierra returned to her usual self.
Line 746: Line 758:
 
Letting out a tired breath, Jin continued his explanation.
 
Letting out a tired breath, Jin continued his explanation.
   
“After the kingdom of Israel divided, the northern kingdom was invaded by Assyria, and the southern kingdom, Judah, was invaded by Babylon, and the citizens were taken as captives. Some time later, they returned from captivity and rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem but, after that, the kingdom of Rome came and destroyed it, scattering the people, then World War II, and until Israel was re-founded as it is today, the people wandered as vagrants. In other words, things like Solomon's Treasure, the 10 Commandments that were kept in the temple, were either taken away by Assyria, Babylon, or the Roman Kingdom, or else were hidden by the exiled Israelies, and it's the location of that hiding place we don't know. Not to mention, for a long time people have also been searching for the 10 Commandments.”
+
“After the kingdom of Israel divided, the northern kingdom was invaded by Assyria, and the southern kingdom, Judah, was invaded by Babylon, and the citizens were taken as captives. Some time later, they returned from captivity and rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem but, after that, the kingdom of Rome came and destroyed it, scattering the people, then World War II, and until Israel was re-founded as it is today, the people wandered as vagrants. In other words, things like Solomon's Treasure, the 10 Commandments that were kept in the temple, was either taken away by Assyria, Babylon, or the Roman Kingdom, or else it was hidden by the exiled Israelites, and it's the location of that hiding place we don't know. Also, for a long time people have also been searching for the 10 Commandments.”
   
“The 10 Commandments were lithographed, weren't they. So they're just stone, I don't care about that.”
+
“The 10 Commandments were lithographed weren't they. So they're just stone, I don't care about that.”
   
 
“You have the Roman history's comprehension, so I must look pretty good.”
 
“You have the Roman history's comprehension, so I must look pretty good.”
Line 754: Line 766:
 
“Forget that, going back to Solomon's treasure, what kind of stuff is it? Things like money and jewels?”
 
“Forget that, going back to Solomon's treasure, what kind of stuff is it? Things like money and jewels?”
   
With her eyes opened wide and sparkling, Sierra brought forth a feverish appearance.
+
With her eyes opened wide and sparking, Sierra brought forth a feverish appearance.
   
 
“In the palace, golden tableware was used, and also......Solomon's ring is really famous.”
 
“In the palace, golden tableware was used, and also......Solomon's ring is really famous.”
Line 764: Line 776:
 
“What's Kenryoku?”
 
“What's Kenryoku?”
   
“If a person stamped something with it, those orders would be followed, that's its powerful meaning. That's the duty of a seal on a ring. In the old days, when an envelope was sealed, wouldn't the hanko be pushed into candle wax, sealing it? To prevent loss, people in the past would put the hanko into a ring. Using this kind of sealing ring, King Solomon could seal spirits into jars, by closing the jar and stamping it with the hanko, and if he wanted, he could even make the spirit serve him.”
+
“If a person stamped something with it, those orders would be followed, that's it's powerful meaning. That's the duty of a seal on a ring. In the old days, when an envelope was sealed, wouldn't the hanko be pushed into candle wax, sealing it? To prevent loss, people in the past would put the hanko into a ring. Using this kind of sealing ring, King Solomon could seal spirits into jars, by closing the jar and stamping it with the hanko, and if he wanted he could even make the spirit serve him.”
   
 
“Serve him, could that mean......my ancestor was sealed into that lamp by Solomon?”
 
“Serve him, could that mean......my ancestor was sealed into that lamp by Solomon?”
   
“My Mom and Dad think Solomon's Treasure is somewhere in the Middle East, and continue to search there. But......the way I see it, there's a strong line to the treasure being somewhere in Babylonia. Later though, Babylonia flourished into Mesopotamia, which is now current day Iraq, and Mesopotamia's capitol of commerce is today's bustling center in Baghdad. The original Kugo Harp from there is stored here in the Shōsōin Institute.”
+
“My Dad and Mom think Solomon's Treasure is somewhere in the Middle East, and are continuing to search there. But......the way I see it, there's a strong line to the treasure being somewhere in Babylonia. Later though, Babylonia flourished into Mesopotamia, which is now current day Iraq, and Mesopotamia's capitol of commerce is today's bustling center in Baghdad. The original Kugo Harp from there is stored here in the Shōsōin Institute.”
   
The Shōsōin Institute is a building located in Nara near a place known as the Todaiji Temple, a wooden building on stilts. There is a Buddhist statue of an Emperor of Japan and other such things, taken from the Tenpyou Era of the arts.
+
The Shōsōin Institue is a building located in Nara near a place known as the Todaiji Temple, a wooden building on stilts. There is a Buddhist statue of an Emperor of Japan and other such things, taken from the Tenpyou Era of the arts.
   
 
“In other words, both Babylon and Japan were part of the Silk Road. Iraq and it's neighbor Iran, have glass bowls handed down from ancient day Persia, and the Shōsōin Institute also has the same type of cut-glass bowl recovered from an emperor's tomb. So I think Solomon's Treasure could also have made it to Japan in the same way but......my father and his team won't even listen to my opinion. What do children know, that a specialist couldn't have already figured out through research, is what they think.”
 
“In other words, both Babylon and Japan were part of the Silk Road. Iraq and it's neighbor Iran, have glass bowls handed down from ancient day Persia, and the Shōsōin Institute also has the same type of cut-glass bowl recovered from an emperor's tomb. So I think Solomon's Treasure could also have made it to Japan in the same way but......my father and his team won't even listen to my opinion. What do children know, that a specialist couldn't have already figured out through research, is what they think.”
Line 778: Line 790:
 
“I thought so too when I was little, until I started to read the books my dad would bring back and began studying archeology. If it was just information, my dad and his team wouldn't lose. That's why, when I started looking for the treasure myself, I was able to discern the information through what my dad and his team had.”
 
“I thought so too when I was little, until I started to read the books my dad would bring back and began studying archeology. If it was just information, my dad and his team wouldn't lose. That's why, when I started looking for the treasure myself, I was able to discern the information through what my dad and his team had.”
   
After explaining all that to Sierra, Jin sank back into his own thoughts. As Sierra watched him lost in his own thoughts, he seemed to be lost in imagination. His eyes were searching a time and place far from here. Sierra also couldn't begin to guess at that far distant world, yet he lifted the palm of his hand up, looking out over the vivid landscape as if he could see it.
+
After explaining this much to Sierra, Jin sank back into his own thoughts. As Sierra watched him lost in his own thoughts, he seemed to be lost in imagination. His eyes were searching a time and place far from here. Sierra also couldn't begin to guess at that far distant world, yet he lifted the palm of his hand up, looking out over the vivid landscape as if he could see it.
   
 
Sierra was looking around absent-mindedly, when she noticed Jin jump out of his thoughts.
 
Sierra was looking around absent-mindedly, when she noticed Jin jump out of his thoughts.
Line 794: Line 806:
 
Flustered, Sierra changed the subject.
 
Flustered, Sierra changed the subject.
   
“I'll help too so, let's go searching! With all the money left in the house we'll hire people, then using infiltration tactics we'll dig, and find it quickly. As for division, I'll get 80% and you can have 20%.”
+
“I'll help too so, lets go searching! With all the money left in the house we'll hire people, then using infiltration tactics we'll dig, and find it quickly. As for division, I'll get 80% and you can have 20%.”
   
“Wha, don't go deciding stuff yourself!”
+
“Wha, don't go deciding stuff to suit yourself!”
   
 
“Ownership over lost property, isn't it after half a year whoever finds it keeps it? Solomon never took back his treasure so, it's fine if I find it.”
 
“Ownership over lost property, isn't it after half a year whoever finds it keeps it? Solomon never took back his treasure so, it's fine if I find it.”
Line 808: Line 820:
 
“What's with that! I even came as a maid for you, and that's all you got? How rude!”
 
“What's with that! I even came as a maid for you, and that's all you got? How rude!”
   
“You want to be a maid, you don't want to be a maid; which is it!”
+
“You want to be a maid, you don't want to be a maid, which is it!”
   
 
After being yelled at by Jin, Sierra stopped her snarling, and shut her mouth.
 
After being yelled at by Jin, Sierra stopped her snarling, and shut her mouth.
Line 824: Line 836:
 
Cheerfully Sierra seemed to be floating while walking, without touching the ground. Jin could only shake his head to the side.
 
Cheerfully Sierra seemed to be floating while walking, without touching the ground. Jin could only shake his head to the side.
   
“It's not that simple to find, I've been looking already. Ever since I was in junior high, I was going everywhere during breaks and vacations searching, but there's still nothing to show. Even if we used infiltration tactics, where would you even start.”
+
“It's not that simple to find, I've been looking already. Ever since I was in Junior High, I was going everywhere during breaks and vacations searching, but there's still nothing to show. Even if we used infiltration tactics, where would you even start.”
   
 
“So after all a commoner is pretty unintelligent.”
 
“So after all a commoner is pretty unintelligent.”
Line 835: Line 847:
   
 
Jin looked at Sierra in wonder.
 
Jin looked at Sierra in wonder.
 
“You know, you're pretty sharp.”
 
 
“Heh, that's obvious. It's different when compared to a commoner's intelligence, isn't it?”
 
 
“Yeah, pretty much.”
 
 
“That sounds nice, so flatter me more.”
 
 
“Don't push it!”
 
 
Jin pulled a cell phone from his pocket.
 
 
“Let me ask my dad. If it's in Japan, then it might have been bought by an antique shop, or lent to a University.”
 
 
Shaking, Sierra watched Jin. She just noticed something written at the bottom of the phone screen when, “Power is cut” came out of the phone in a dry, announcer's voice. Surprised, Jin turned his gaze to the phone.
 
 
“Power is cut?”
 
 
“What about the time difference?”
 
 
“It should be around seven in the morning......they would have woken up, and eaten before the excavation. Actually, in the middle of the excavation there should be a lot of communications, so for the phone to give out, I wonder what happened.”
 
 
He tried to contact his mother's cell phone, but this one had the same power failure.
 
 
“......Maybe power can't reach all the way out into the sticks. If that's the case, then it doesn't look like there will be any communication until the excavation is over.”
 
 
“When will the excavation be over?”
 
 
“When they give up, or find something.”
 
 
“But, isn't Solomon's Treasure in Japan?”
 
 
“Probably. But, those two definitely won't give up, so they probably won't be coming back for a long time.”
 
 
“Then, it'll be an eternity before we can contact them!”
 
 
“That's why I've been searching myself. Geez, they have to make life so hard!”
 
 
Jin vented his anger out on the gymnasium's wall. Sierra wrapped her arms tightly around herself, staring at Jin. Their circumstances were kind of similar. With such strong willed parents, Sierra could kind of understand Jin's feelings.
 
 
“That's why......it'll work out.”
 
 
Sierra said in a soft voice. But as she didn't usually speak softly, it was hard to hear.
 
 
“What did you just say?”
 
 
“Ah. No that's, uhm, what I mean......”
 
 
Sierra quickly stopped speaking, becoming flustered.
 
 
“T-That's - you look like some dead common servant; but to get Solomon's Treasure, we just need to raise the level of the Genie of the Lamp. So, hurry up and call me today as well!”
 
 
“W-Wait! Call you, but you can't even do anything!”
 
 
“That's right, yes. If I'm called out someplace the public can see, then I'll get a sniper to erase you.”
 
 
“Do celebrities intermingle with people in those kind of jobs?”
 
 
“Ah, that's right. I forgot the most important thing I had to ask.”
 
 
Turning herself towards Jin, Sierra firmly planted her feet.
 
 
“I didn't know that you were acquainted with Kasumi Aika.”
 
 
“Aah. Yesterday you took her back home in a car right?”
 
 
“She already told you about that?”
 
 
Drawing close to Jin, Sierra stared up at him with fierce eyes. For some reason the mood felt rushed. She was facing up, with her large eyes reflecting the light of the sky as she breathed deeply. Afraid of asking what she was thinking, she was pressing against her chest as she swallowed her saliva, preparing her heart for what she wanted to ask.
 
 
“Something else.....anything, you didn't hear anything else?”
 
 
“Something else?”
 
 
“That is......anything, about myself? Like something I talked about?”
 
 
“Nothing, why?”
 
 
Unsure as to why he was being drilled to such an extent, and sensing something strange he tilted his head to the side.
 
 
“Really?”
 
 
Again probing Jin, Sierra had on a scary expression. With her drawn close and calmed down some, Jin shifted away.
 
 
“Yeah, it's true.”
 
 
“......I see.”
 
 
With a hand to her chest, Sierra let out a breath of relief. Whatever it was, Jin's intuition told him it must be something pretty big. However, for example, if the hiring fees get transferred to the Swiss bank account of that sniper, he might end up with some kind of deadly snake bite, so instead he took the warning and figured that the best thing he could do was to stop asking.
 
 
“That's right, yeah. There was one more.”
 
 
Sierra pulled a small book out of her pocket. On the back cover of the old-looking book, the stamp of “Harusha Academy Library” was imprinted. Sierra tossed the book to Jin.
 
 
“This was in with all the books you abandoned at my place.”
 
 
“Ah, sorry. I forgot where I'd put that.”
 
 
Taking the book with both hands, Jin had a premonition.
 
 
“......Wait so, you must have looked through all those books.”
 
 
“Hah. I mobilized the maids, and they organized them into the archives.”
 
 
“Eh!?”
 
 
Surprised, Jin opened his eyes in astonishment.
 
 
“I thought you threw them away......you didn't?”
 
 
Sierra was staring at Jin as though trying to bore a hole in him, when she quickly turned her face away.
 
 
“Hm, hmpf. Don't get the wrong idea, it wasn't for your sake. It's just that it would be unthinkable for that filthy junk to be thrown away from our house. That good enough!?”
 
 
“Either way you still held onto them.”
 
 
With all his energy, Jin turned his smiling face towards Sierra.
 
 
“It really helped. Thanks.”
 
 
Sierra's face turned red. But like blowing out a fire, Sierra returned back to herself, wondering what was next.
 
 
“The return date for that book was last week! Just go and return it!”
 
 
“Why did you go to MAX TENSION all of a sudden?”
 
 
Whatever it was Sierra was thinking about, Jin couldn't read it.
 
 
“Anyway, that's that and today you'll call me out as well. A little later!”
 
 
Angrily, Sierra left the area by the gymnasium, walked into the school yard, and was noticed by Konoe Ukyou. He had come to the gym wearing his Kendo uniform, for the Noon Kendo Practice, and was casually checking the back entrance to the gym to see if it wasn't locked.
 
 
Sierra hadn't seen him, as he had been hidden by the shadow of a tree. With her getting further away, Jin chased after her.
 
 
“Wait a minute, what did I say about making decisions by yourself......”
 
 
“Araki Jin?”
 
 
Surprised, Ukyou had unintentionally raised his voice. Jin turned his own surprised gaze towards him.
 
 
“Ah, Dorm Head. Why are you here?”
 
 
“That should be my line. What are you doing at the rear of the gym?”
 
 
Ukyou gave him a cross-examination, causing a look of tension to cross his face. Since there wasn't much of a threatening attitude, Jin was a bit surprised.
 
 
“What am I......nothing, really...”
 
 
“If you weren't doing anything, then why are you even in this remote place! Don't lie to me!”
 
 
Ukyou waved his bamboo sword around angrily. He was always angry, but it was the first time Jin had seen the usually level-headed Ukyou with blood pulsing in his face.
 
 
“But, I really wasn't doing anything.”
 
 
Ukyou was surprised by Jin's response. With that, he turned back into his original self, clearing his throat with a cough.
 
 
“W-Well, that's fine then, as long as you aren't trying to smoke secretly. Just like your guys' parents, I have to watch over the lives of each of the boarding students.”
 
 
“......Well, thanks for that.”
 
 
Anyhow, thinking that Ukyou's manner was a bit strange, Jin looked at him more in depth. It seemed Ukyou was worried about something, shown by the tone he used, and the sweat he was perspiring. Whatever it was he was worried about, Jin couldn't even place a finger on it.
 
 
While Ukyou was in that strange state, two high school first-year girls came over. With short skirts and dyed hair, they made their way over in a skylarking manner. Ukyou turned his gaze, and rose his voice to a shrill pitch.
 
 
“Kyaa~, Ukyou was looking over here!”
 
 
“Ukyou-sama, we're freshmen from the high school division......we were thinking of joining a club.”
 
 
At this, Ukyou's thin eyebrows lowered.
 
 
“......Do you have any experience with Kendo?”
 
 
“Nope, none at all. That's why, we were hoping Ukyou-sama would teach us personally.”
 
 
“Yeah, yeah. For dieting, a little bit of sports is good, right?”
 
 
Looking at the two obviously flirtatious girls with distaste, Ukyou pulled himself up to his full stature.
 
 
“......Leave. If girls enter, the Dojo will become dirty.”
 
 
“Wh-What was that?!”
 
 
The girls angrily raised their voices to a shrill pitch. However, in complete dismissal of them, Ukyou took out the key to the gym, and walked into the instructor's room. Turning themselves away, the two lifted their cursing voices.
 
 
“What the heck! Even with a good face and money, you're really disappointing!”
 
 
“Acting cool saying it's a Dojo, but it's just the gym! If it's the gym, then people are only going to enter for P.E.!”
 
 
Jin watched the girls in amazement as they stamped their feet.
 
 
(So the rumors about the Dorm Head really are true.)
 
 
Jin wasn't really sure, but he thought that according to current trends, the two of them must be pretty cute, yet Ukyou remained calm and collected through the whole scenario, not even losing his cool for a second. Jin passed from shock into admiration at Ukyou's thoroughness.
 
 
Earlier in the morning, Ukyou had called out to Yuuya, mentioning him being in the Light Music Club to chase girls, and to say such a thing gave off a repelling feeling......but for the male of marriageable age to continue to protect order in the dorm, it seemed he thought he needed to be that strict all the time.
 
 
(If he found out that a girl, Genie of the Lamp as she may be, had trespassed into the dorm......I surely would have been kicked out without even being able to complain.)
 
 
In any case, there's no way I can summon Sierra now...Jin thought.
 
 
Just then, the two angry girls turned to Jin, and began venting their anger at him.
 
 
“Hey, you over there, what the heck are you looking at!”
 
 
“Ah, nothing. I'm just getting up.”
 
 
Jin was regretting the fact that he hadn't gotten away earlier.
 
 
(I don't get how girls can have mood swings like that, geez this is stuff I'm just not good at.)
 
 
Even though Jin was thinking about leaving, the girls had lashed out in a dark mood at whoever was there, and that person was reeling from hunger pains. They weren't even letting him run away. In such a difficult situation, Jin's face contorted.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heading towards them, came a lone girl from the junior high school. Jin remembered who she was. She was the girl that had been sitting at the counter in the Library Room when he had borrowed the book. For current times, her name was rare as it was simple, so he was able to remember it...She was Honda Satoko, a student in her third year at the Junior High School.
 
 
She had dark hair that was quite long. It reached down her back to her waist, and hung low over her eyes, and because of this long hair, her facial expression was indistinguishable.
 
 
“Ku~ku~ku. That's why I didn't say anything, my upperclassmen.”
 
 
Adjusting herself, Satoko gave an eerie laugh. Startled, the two girls drewback.
 
 
“W-Why did you come out from back there?”
 
 
“Do you understand it now? My prediction was correct. So you see it would have been good if you had taken my good luck charm. Kukuku......”
 
 
Satoko again let out her soft chuckle. The two girls glared angrily at her.
 
 
“Shut it! No matter how it would have been, the ones that would have dumped that guy who thinks men are superior would have been from this side!”
 
 
“You would have dumped him......All the evidence says that would have been strange...The rejection came from that side didn't it?”
 
 
Jin was lost in confusion, watching the two. Things like the last bit of pride of someone rejected, the inexperienced Jin could not understand.
 
 
“Thanks for your big meddling! Besides, who would want some disgusting lucky charm for help!”
 
 
“Freakin' annoying, let's go!”
 
 
With that angry mood, the two headed off. Satoko turned her face to watch them go, looking pityingly after them.
 
 
“I should have sprinkled some of my love potion on them......made from the black powder of a fried black newt.”
 
 
“If you put that on someone like them, there's a one-hundred percent chance they would completely hate you.”
 
 
Jin spoke in a firm voice. Satoko swung around, stretching out her hand towards Jin.
 
 
“Well this is perfect anyway. Senpai, please return that book you borrowed.”
 
 
“Ah, s-sorry.”
 
 
Jin took the book he had in his hand and returned it to Satoko. Taking the book in both hands, Satoko hugged it to her chest with both arms as though it was of extreme importance.
 
 
“The check-out time on this book was supposed to be just until last week on Friday. You have to be more careful about delays.”
 
 
“You remember things pretty well.”
 
 
Jin blinked his eyes in admiration. The library, used by both the High School and the Middle School, was built separate from the main school buildings. As it was common use, there were a lot of people that would use it, so because of that it was pretty large. Furthermore, whenever the students living at the dorm were free, a lot of times they would borrow a book from the library.
 
 
In other words, every day some hundreds of students would come to borrow books. So the fact that someone could remember everything about each of the High School students who came was really surprising. Thinking “That's right, if it's her memory power...,” Jin turned to ask Satoko a question.
 
 
“I'd like to read as much as I can about the text Arabian Nights, so is there anything in the library?”
 
 
[[Image:Puipui_vol01_109.jpg|thumb]]
 
Thinking about looking up the route the lamp might have taken to reach Japan, this was what Jin asked Satoko. Holding the book to her chest, she tilted her head in thought.
 
 
“Arabian Nights? Yes, if it's a request from senpai, then I can search the archives.”
 
 
“No, you don't have to, I can look it up myself. The book archives are huge after all. Sorry.”
 
 
“It's fine. Just leave it to me, Ku~ku~ku...”
 
 
“Wha, why did you start laughing?”
 
 
Jin asked with an eerie feeling. In reply, Satoko changed the direction of the conversation.
 
 
“Those two were going to confess to the student council president so, I just told them to give up."
 
 
The student council president......that was Ukyou. He was also the dorm head. Certainly he did have a good face, he was also tall, so with just looks, Jin could understand if only a little why the girls all liked him so much.
 
 
“But you know, the surviving girls will hate him.”
 
 
“For now, that seems to be the case.”
 
 
“'For now'......what's that supposed to mean?”
 
 
Satoko didn't listen to Jin's question, ignoring him.
 
 
“As for the president's horoscope, the planets are in a bad position, his biorythm is also at its worst, and when the deer bones were put into the fire, cracks of misfortune appeared. So in his current state, the decision to confess came at the worst possible time.”
 
 
“Probably, it's just the curse of the deer.”
 
 
“All the books in the library about predictions, I've read them all. There is now nothing anymore which I do not know.”
 
 
Satoko's words were hard to understand, yet still eerie and mysterious. Slowly raising her hand, she pointed it at Jin.
 
 
“That said......I have already secretly predicted something about you.”
 
 
“Why do you suit your own agenda around others?”
 
 
“If there is something you desire, let me tell you the consequence. Kukuku......”
 
 
Satoko's shoulders were shaking with her laughter. Her eyes were hidden so, her real intention couldn't be see, as only a light smile surfaced on her lips. Jin, who was never one to get too agitated, found himself shivering all along his back.
 
 
“No, it's fine. It'll work out somehow.”
 
 
“My predictions are correct you know......Kukuku.”
 
 
While laughing in a humble voice, she had stuck some kind of paper onto Jin's back. Shocked, he peeled the paper off. On it, some kind of strange charm was written on it. As a blood vessel showed itself on Jin's temple, he glared at Satoko with twitching eyebrows.
 
 
“Hoy, just what did you, what kind of incantation is that?”
 
 
“Ah, you found out? Don't worry about it.”
 
 
“It's an impossible probability.”
 
 
“Do you have pain in your collarbone?”
 
 
Shocked at what Satoko had just said, Jin lifted his hand to press against his left shoulder.
 
 
“For that person as well, I was waiting eagerly......Kukuku.”
 
 
“What's with that “kukuku” gibberish? Anyway, don't stick weird things on me!”
 
 
Thrusting his finger before Satoko, Jin began letting fly a flurry of words. Smiling, Satoko turned herself towards Jin's back, waving goodbye by fluttering her hands.
 
 
“Kukuku......I understand now. Please use the library again. Ku~kukuku.”
 
 
Holding the book to her chest, she continued to smile as she gave her farewells.
 
 
With the keys in hand, Ukyou came back from the gymnasium. Seeing Satoko standing there fixedly, he gave a start.
 
 
“W-What is a girl doing out in a place like this! There are no girls allowed in the Kendo Club!”
 
 
“It is okay. After all, I am not planning on joining a club.” Satoko said, standing firmly before Ukyou.
 
 
Though with her eyes hidden, it was impossible to tell where she was looking, or what she was thinking. Ukyou also picked up on the eerie feeling, and drew back a step.
 
 
“W-Well then...what are you doing? With girls loitering around, it'll be a distraction during practice, so hurry up and disappear!”
 
 
“Understood. Ku~ku~ku.”
 
 
“What are you laughing at!”
 
 
In disregard of Ukyou near hysterics, Satoko headed off.
 
 
“...In the middle school, huh. There's someone I don't know. Because of this, stuff like that weird girl......”
 
 
Ukyou took a deep breath to release his disdain. But, suddenly lifting his face, and leaning on his shinai as though it were a walking stick, he looked off towards a place that couldn't be seen, and just stood like that for quite some time.
 
 
 
<noinclude>
 
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|-
 
| Back to [[PuiPui:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
 
| Return to [[PuiPui|Main Page]]
 
| Forward to [[PuiPui:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
 
|-
 
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</noinclude>
 

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