"In truth, Hachiman took something very important from me..."
Komachi's eyes widened in surprise as she absorbed Shizuka's statement.
Could it be... could it be that her beloved Onii-chan had been *intimate* with this Onee-san?
This was certainly an unexpected twist in the tale.
Of course, Komachi had already discussed with her brother the assurance that even if he got married someday, he wouldn't cast her aside, and they could continue living together. With that understanding, Komachi wasn't concerned about her own future.
However, she couldn't help but worry about Hachiman's romantic life. Despite his recent signs of transitioning into a "normie," who knew what lay ahead in his love life? He hadn't confirmed having a girlfriend yet, and there was no certainty he wouldn't end up alone. Therefore, hearing about this Onee-san who claimed to have had a romantic relationship with him was a bit disconcerting.
Yet, it struck her that this Onee-san appeared significantly older than her brother. Komachi hadn't anticipated Hachiman's interest in older women, but as long as her Onii-chan was happy, she would support him. In her ideal scenario, they would start a family, and Hachiman's newfound wealth from writing novels would ensure a comfortable life. Plus, she'd have the joy of being an aunt.
With all these thoughts swirling in her mind, Komachi's smile towards Shizuka grew even brighter. She was already treating her as a potential future sister-in-law.
"Don't worry, Onee-san."
"If my Onii-chan did indeed have a romantic relationship with you, I'll make sure he takes responsibility."
"Even if there's a child involved, you don't need to worry. Onii-chan can certainly provide."
"Huh?"
Shizuka was momentarily puzzled by Komachi's words. Responsibility? Child? What was she talking about? Where did the child come into this?
But then, Shizuka realized what had led to this misunderstanding and quickly connected the dots.
Could it be that this girl thought Hachiman had, well, been *intimate* with her, and today she had come here to confront him?
With this realization, Shizuka's face flushed with embarrassment, and she hurriedly clarified.
"N-No, Komachi-chan, you've got it all wrong. It's not what you're imagining."
"Oh, it's not?"
Hearing Shizuka's words, Komachi's expression fell with disappointment.
Seeing her like this, Shizuka couldn't help but be taken aback.
Is this what kids are like nowadays? Or maybe I'm just getting old?
No, no, I'm only twenty-seven; I'm still young, I'm still young...
But at this moment, the most crucial thing was to clarify the situation thoroughly.
Collecting herself, Shizuka continued, "Actually, I'm Hachiman's homeroom teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka."
"Yesterday, I bumped into Hachiman while I was having dinner. I had a few drinks, so he prudently took my car keys to prevent me from driving."
"So today, I just came to retrieve my car keys."
"Oh, so you're Onii-chan's homeroom teacher. My apologies for my earlier rudeness."
Upon hearing Shizuka's explanation, Komachi finally grasped the situation. She looked at the elegant Shizuka and couldn't help but be a bit surprised.
She hadn't expected her Onii-chan's homeroom teacher to be so youthful.
"No, no, I should be the one apologizing. I didn't explain myself properly earlier."
With the misunderstanding resolved, both Shizuka and Komachi let out sighs of relief.
However, Shizuka couldn't shake a faint sense of disappointment. What was this peculiar feeling? Did she truly have a desire to get married?
"But, Onee-san, your timing is a bit unfortunate. Onii-chan just went out, and he won't be back until around 4 or 5 this afternoon. If you don't mind waiting, you can stay at our house."
Hearing Komachi's kind invitation, Shizuka hesitated briefly.
"Um... wouldn't that be inconvenient? Maybe I should come back another day."
"Not at all! Our parents are away on business trips, so it's just me at home right now. Having Onee-san over would be great, and we can chat while we wait for him."
Knowing that there was no one else at home, Shizuka's heart warmed, and she agreed.
"Alright then, I don't have anything urgent to do, so I'll wait here for him."
"That's great! Onee-san, would you like to play some games?" Komachi asked as she retrieved two controllers from under the TV.
"No problem at all! Just so you know, I'm quite the gaming expert," Shizuka replied with a twinkle in her eye. As a gaming enthusiast herself, she couldn't resist the opportunity to play.
Komachi connected the game console to the TV, and the two of them embarked on a spirited gaming session, enjoying each other's company while they waited for Hachiman's return.
.........
The room resounded with the rhythmic clash of wooden swords, accompanied by the somewhat labored breathing of the young man and woman.
"Hachiman, you're really skilled at this."
"The intensity of your attacks keeps increasing. I'm starting to have trouble keeping up."
Despite their exhaustion, Saeko wore a contented expression. After an exhilarating match, she felt her battle spirit had been thoroughly sated.
"It's getting late. Let's call it a day, Saeko."
Compared to the girl drenched in sweat, Hachiman appeared much more at ease. After all, his Level 3 physique provided him with enhanced stamina and endurance.
"Agreed. Thanks for training with me, Hachiman."
Saeko's breathing steadied as she returned to her composed demeanor.
"Haha, thanks for sparring with me, Saeko. I feel like I've gotten closer to the Sword Master level."
That much was true. An afternoon of training had boosted his sword proficiency by over a thousand points. While he still had a long way to go to reach the fifty-thousand-point threshold, the growth in proficiency was significant, propelling him one step closer to the coveted Sword Master level.
"Hachiman, why don't you take a shower before you leave?" Saeko's face beamed with a gracious smile.
Uh, again?
Hearing her suggestion to take a shower, Hachiman couldn't help but wonder.
Is she planning another ambush in the bathroom this time?
Casting a somewhat skeptical glance at Saeko, Hachiman lacked the power to read minds, leaving him unable to decipher her inner thoughts.
However, since he was already here, there was nothing to lose.
Having made up his mind, Hachiman nodded with a smile.
"Well, I'll take you up on that offer."
"Don't mention it. Follow me, Hachiman." Saeko smiled faintly, turning to lead the way.
Hachiman followed behind the girl.
Due to sweating profusely during their training session, her kendo uniform clung to her body, accentuating her physique.
The sight of her well-rounded buttocks swaying left and right inadvertently caught his attention, making him feel a bit parched.
Sensing the gaze behind her, Saeko's lips curled into a charming smile.
It seemed she still had quite an appeal to Hachiman.
After their last encounter in the bathroom, she had contemplated her feelings for him.
Compared to other guys, Hachiman held a more significant place in her heart.
Saeko didn't mind making him her husband.
With clarity about her feelings, she didn't hesitate. In her view, if she became Hachiman's wife, they could support each other in both kendo and life.
As Saeko's thoughts meandered, the two reached the bathroom door.
It was the same bathroom as last time. Opening the bathroom door, Saeko smiled and said, "Feel free to use it, Hachiman."
"Hmm, thanks, Saeko."
Nodding at the girl, Hachiman walked inside, casually closing the bathroom door behind him.
As he entered the bathroom, Hachiman began to wash himself before settling into the bathtub. He didn't particularly mind if Saeko had planned to surprise him again. At worst, it would be a back rub, and he wasn't losing anything. Besides, receiving a massage from a girl was a form of indulgence.
As expected, not long after he got into the bathtub, the bathroom door was opened once more.
Turning his head, he glimpsed a well-proportioned silhouette through the hazy mist.
"Saeko, why did you come in again?"
Seeing the girl slowly approaching him, Hachiman looked somewhat exasperated.
"I came to help you wash your back, of course," Saeko replied with a seductive smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Do you really need to dress like this for giving a back rub?" Hachiman sighed, feeling a bit weary.
"Don't tell me you don't see me as a man."
This time, the girl wasn't even wearing a swimsuit, only a bath towel wrapped around her body.
"How could that be? Hachiman, I've just experienced the strength of a man firsthand."
Doing her best to imitate Hachiman's nonchalance, Saeko continued to approach.
"Hey, hey, we were just sparring, don't make it sound so strange."
"Okay, okay, let's not dwell on that. Let me help you with your back."
Ignoring his quips, Saeko had already reached the edge of the bathtub.
"Alright."
Since it wasn't the first time, Hachiman didn't resist this time.
He fetched a stool and positioned himself, facing his back toward her.
Seeing that he was ready, Saeko took a long towel, folded it neatly, and approached his back.
Kneeling down on both knees, she gently pressed the towel onto Hachiman's back, her skilled hands moving it up and down.
"How's the pressure, Hachiman?" Saeko inquired.
"Ah, it's good."
As time passed, Hachiman found himself completely at ease, relishing the girl's expert touch.
However, not long after, the rough texture of the towel disappeared, replaced by a smoother sensation.
Wait a minute...
Today, she didn't wear a swimsuit, did she? That means...
He turned his head slightly and caught a glimpse of something white and well-rounded.
"Saeko, did you—"
"Don't worry, I'm definitely wearing a swimsuit properly," Saeko interrupted with a coy smile.
She subtly adjusted her upper body, revealing that she was indeed clad in a daring bikini.
But the thing is, whether she wore it or not, there wasn't much of a difference, and it was even more enticing this way.
Her swimsuit only covered the essentials, leaving large areas of snow-white skin completely exposed before him.
Due to her long-term practice of kendo, she sported two perfect lines on her abdomen, and her toned physique resembled that of a female leopard, exuding a captivating and untamed beauty.
After flaunting her swimsuit, Saeko pressed herself tightly against Hachiman's back once more.
Her arms enveloped his chest, and she brought her enticing red lips close to his ear, her breath caressing like orchids.
"You don't need to think about anything else, just enjoy, Hachiman."
With her smooth skin gliding up and down his back, combined with her soft yet slightly resilient curves, Hachiman felt his blood surging and his "cannons" beginning to charge.
Hey, hey, this back rub isn't exactly relaxing. It's making me more uneasy.
Soon enough, Saeko noticed this too, and the sliding on his back gradually ceased.
Just as Hachiman thought the back rub was finally over and he could breathe a sigh of relief, Saeko took a step toward his front.
"Hachiman, it seems like your front needs some attention too."
At this moment, Hachiman seemed to grasp Saeko's intentions, and he was about to voice his reservations. However, Saeko didn't give him a chance to speak. She directly seized his heightened sensitivity.
"Saeko, what are you attempting..."
With his sensitive area in her firm grasp, Hachiman's voice quivered.
There was no denying it. No matter how resilient a man might be, this area was always sensitive. For the sake of his future well-being, he couldn't afford to make any rash decisions.
"It appears that this area of yours could use some relaxation too, Hachiman." Feeling the warmth in her hand, Saeko's own voice wavered momentarily due to shyness, but she swiftly composed herself.
"Don't fret; you can entrust this part to me."
With a slightly seductive smile on her lips, the young woman gradually lowered her head.
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Hey guys, as this chapter boasts nearly 2,000 words, with precisely 1,900 to be exact, might we consider revisiting the top ten once more?