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Chapter 98: A Week Before Vacation
Chapter 98: A Week Before Vacation
Chapter 98: A Week Before Vacation
Second-year summer vacation.
A week before its start, the atmosphere at Ichijo Academy was full of energy.
With the final exams, which were like the last gateway to summer vacation, completely over and the preliminary grading done, there was a sense of total relaxation.
Of course, anyone who failed even one subject had to attend supplementary lessons during the summer vacation, but such fools were rare at Ichijo Academy.
After all, Ichijo Academy was a prestigious private high school with a considerable range of academic abilities; it wasnt an easy school where someone who had completely given up on studying could enter.
And now, members of Group D, including me, whom I became friends with during the school trip, were gathered together, discussing where to go for the summer vacation.
Going to the beach sounds good, but where should we go?
How about somewhere close? If its too far, the travel time will be tiring.
If we take the Shinkansen, itll be quick. Its actually faster than driving.
If were planning to stay overnight and not just a day trip, its better to avoid the peak season. Accommodation will be really expensive.
Oh, come to think of it, theres a villa in Okinawa under my dads name.
But we need to take a plane to Okinawa
Too many cooks spoil the broth, as the saying goes, and despite discussing for nearly 30 minutes, we still hadnt decided where to go.
Then Rika, who was next to me, asked,
Ryu-chan, where would you like to go?
Huh? I dont mind anywhere, really. But Id prefer somewhere we can go with our student allowances, I guess.
I had saved a fair amount by helping out with house chores, but it wasnt enough to splurge recklessly.
And I guess the same went for the Class President, Ayase.
Ichijo Academy was famous as a school for the wealthy, but not all students were rich.
Then Sakamoto, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, raised his hand and said,
I agree with Kims opinion. My parents are on a business trip abroad, so a trip that costs a lot of money will be difficult for me.
Yaguchi, sitting next to him, also timidly raised her hand and said,
How about Onjuku Beach in Chiba? My relative runs a guesthouse there. We might be able to rent rooms cheaply.
Sounds good. Chiba is close to Tokyo, too.
Theres a zoo and an amusement park nearby, so theres plenty to do besides going to the beach.
We might even see Kumamon, whom we sadly parted with.
Like a lie, the haphazard discussions until a moment ago quickly became concrete with Yaguchis single suggestion.
Ayase, who was acting as the meetings coordinator, pushed up her glasses.
So, have we definitely decided to go to Onjuku Beach this summer?
She asked, glancing around at everyone.
Originally from another class but having naturally joined our group, including Karen, all seven of us met eyes, but no one offered a different opinion.
Its decided then. Lets now decide how much to collect for the trip fund.
And thus, our destination for this summer was decided.
At that time, in Brooklyn, New York.
The finals of God of Fist, known as GOF in the Western world and Kwonshin Daehoe in the East, were being held.
God Of Fist.
This unlimited class fighting tournament, first held in 1999, about 18 years ago, takes place every three years, making this year the 7th edition, a tournament with its own storied history.
The tournaments official sponsor was the Russian mega-corporation Easter Egg Company, and its head, Ivan Vladimirovich Romanov, had been hailed as the worlds strongest fighter, having won the first to third tournaments.
And now
A new legend was being born at Brooklyn Stadium.
Ah! So strong! The American player Michael cant even resist Mei Lings smooth and flowing combo attacks!
Has there ever been a female competitor this strong before? Mei Ling from China is truly powerful!
She showed relentless momentum, not stepping back even against a large male opponent.
Her body, refined through constant training, shone beautifully on its own.
Having mastered the Eight Extremes Fist to perfection and reinterpreted it in a modern style, she delivered the final punch (Yiquan) to Michaels chest.
Thud!!
With a sound like a giant tree falling, the American, Michael, finally fell backward.
After three years since the 6th GOF in Berlin, the final winner of the 7th GOF was Mei Ling from China.
Waaaaah!
The stadium erupted with excitement over the unprecedented result of the first female champion in the 18-year history of GOF.
As Michael, who had fainted, was carried out on a stretcher, the waiting announcer came up to conduct the winners interview.
Mei Ling, after a hard-fought battle to become the ultimate winner of GOF, how do you feel right now?
Holding the microphone, she spoke with a tone still filled with excitement.
This honor goes to my master and father back in my home country. Without their teachings, I probably wouldnt have made it this far.
It was a clichd speech, but no one had anything to criticize about it.
She had proven herself to be one of the strongest fighters on the planet.
The announcer nodded and asked Mei Ling,
Having won the GOF, the dream of all fighters, what is your next goal?
Then Mei Ling paused for a moment and then answered.
There are exactly two fighters whom my master could never defeat in his lifetime. They are the famous God of Destruction Ivan and Black Yaksha Fuma Kotaro.
However
As the saying goes, Blue comes out of the indigo but is better than the indigo. To prove that I have surpassed my master, I will head to Japan.
Japan? Who is there?
Mei Ling responded with a meaningful smile to the question.
Thats a secret.
That day, newspapers featuring Mei Lings victory interview sold like hotcakes.
And it sparked the curiosity of many spectators.
Who could be the opponent that Mei Ling, considered the strongest fighter of the current generation, wished to fight?
Those unaware of the situation thought she would challenge the previous generations strongest, the God of Destruction and Black Yaksha, but those in the know quickly realized she was referring to the Diamond Yaksha.
The confrontation between Mei Ling, the strongest female fighter who stood out even among the unlimited class monsters, and the high school student who defeated Ivan, known as the strongest fighter of the modern era.
Ahead of this centurys battle, a dream match, the eyes of the world were turning towards the Far East.
At that time, in the student council room of Ichijo Academy.
Lady, the setting at the villa is complete.
Now, all that remains is to entice Kim Yu-seong, who will otherwise spend a lonely summer vacation.
The master, Saionji Kumiko, receiving reports from her two loyal followers, laughed, covering her mouth with a widely opened fan.
Hehe, the plan is perfect.
It was a secret plan in preparation since last months first Kim Yu-seong Countermeasure Committee meeting.
Project S.U.V. was finally ready to stretch its wings.
A three-night, four-day vacation on an isolated island with our familys villa, trapped due to severe weather cutting off all boats. Shinji, you have a cunning side.
Thank you for the compliment, Lady.
Moreover, Lady, we have about fifteen swimwear designs from a famous designer. Please choose one, and well bring the final product before the day of the operation.
Minami, youve done well too. Thanks to the efforts of both of you, I feel like we can make it happen this summer.
Saionji Kumiko said this, pressing firmly over her left chest.
The affection she had been harboring since the day she was saved by Kim Yu-seong a year ago.
The time to express it had finally arrived.
Indeed, as Shinji had mentioned before, she only had about half a year left.
Even if they started dating now, the actual time they could spend together would surely be very short.
But even so, Saionji Kumiko didnt want to lie to her own heart.
After all, it was Kim Yu-seong, the object of her affection, who had freed her from her cage.
Just wait a little longer. Ill confess in style.
Saionji Kumiko made this promise to herself, then was surprised by the swimwear designs Minami showed her.
Because all of them were quite revealing.
A-Arent there any rash guards?
Minami then asked with a serious expression,
Lady, didnt you want to appeal to Kim Yu-seong?
Eh.
Chastised by Minamis remark, Kumiko decided to be a bit bolder, considering she would only wear it at a private beach.