Chapter 84: Hymn Of Courage
Systema (Russian Military Martial Art).
It was a Russian military martial art. Aleksandra Ivanovna Romanova, daughter of the Destructor Ivan, trained in the Kadochnikov branch of Systema.
The Kadochnikov branch was characterized by its strong influence from another military martial art, Combat Sambo. Unlike typical fighting styles, it involved training in weapon techniques and responses to various situations.
Thus, anything in her hand, be it a pen or a book, could become a weapon.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Aaargh!
As Sasha twisted one boys arm, she aimed the gun at his leg and fired three consecutive shots.
Even though they were rubber bullets, the model gun was designed to closely resemble a real firearm, making it extremely painful upon impact.
As the boy, clutching his bruised thigh, fell, Sasha coldly searched for her next target.
Crazy bitch!
This time, a rather large guy charged at her.
Wary of being shot, he took off his coat to use as a shield.
Then, he recklessly rushed toward Sasha.
His approach was like that of a bull in a bullring, sadly sharing the same trait of not being able to see ahead.
Sasha mercilessly shot at the opponents thighs.
Argh!
The delinquent, hit in both thighs with rubber bullets, obviously crumbled due to pain, and Sasha did not miss this opportunity.
She used his coat against him, wrapping it around his neck and arms, then went behind him and pulled hard, putting her weight into it.
Gurk! Gah!
The fairly large boy tried to escape the restraint, but it was impossible to break free from Sashas weight and hold, especially in a position where his muscles couldnt exert proper strength.
Eventually, Sasha released the hold just before the boy, choking and foaming at the mouth, passed out.
Then, she finished with a kick to the groin.
!!
Every man could empathize with that terrible pain. The boy fell with a silent scream, and Sasha spat out the gun she had been holding in her mouth to resume a ready-to-fire stance.
Her overwhelming combat skills were honed through sparring with Ivans subordinates, including Boris.
Seeing this, it was clear that no one could dispute Sasha being the daughter of the Destructor, Ivan.
Karen, who fought alongside her, also demonstrated incredible fighting skills, not typical of an average high school girl. However, she was somewhat less capable compared to Sasha.
After taking down nearly ten delinquents in an instant, Sasha pointed her gun at the leader, whose confident demeanor had now shifted to visible dismay, and asked,
Still want to continue?
At that, the blonde delinquent with piercings clicked his tongue and ran away alone, leaving his fallen comrades behind.
What a pathetic man to the end.
Sasha muttered this and then put the black model gun back into her handbag that was on the ground.
Arriving a bit late, Karen removed her blood-stained knuckles and said,
He was quite good with his body.
Brushing her disheveled silver-blue hair over her shoulder, Sasha replied,
Because Im perfect.
If anyone else had said that, it would seem like a princess complex, but since Sasha was truly a perfect warrior and scholar, Karen couldnt argue with her.
Instead, she pouted her lips and muttered,
Annoying woman.
Rika, watching the brawl unfold before her eyes, couldnt help but admire.
Unlike herself, who couldnt do anything, Sasha and Karen had fought head-on against a dozen delinquents.
Are you okay? Class President?
As Sasha walked over and asked, the Class President, who had been hiding behind Rika, awkwardly nodded.
Yes, yes. Thank you for your help, Sasha.
Helping each other is natural among friends in Russia.
After saying that, Sasha turned to look at Rika, who had shielded the Class President.
And Rika, you did well too.
Rika was the most surprised to hear that.
Eh? But I didnt really do much like you guys
But Sasha shook her head.
You showed me brilliance that only humans can show. And I am expressing my respect for that.
Brilliance only humans can show?
Sasha nodded and said,
Knowing righteousness and the path, not running away but confronting a disadvantageous situation to save a friendthat is what they call courage in Japan, right? I admired the courage you showed today.
Sasha said this and then playfully poked the bewildered Rika in the chest.
Ah!
Rika, making a strange noise and blushing, covered her chest with her hands, while Sasha chuckled and said,
Thank you for saving the Class President, my friend, Rika.
Rikas expression softened involuntarily at Sashas first genuine smile.
Hehe, its nothing.
As a warm atmosphere naturally flowed between them, Karen, who was watching from the side with dissatisfaction, interrupted.
Hey! Why dont I get any praise?
Then Sasha looked at Karen and said,
You did well, too, Red Hair.
Kyaah!
Frustrated by Sashas teasing refusal to call her by name, Karen genuinely got annoyed, prompting the three of them to burst into laughter.
It was about ten minutes later when we joined up with the girls.
We were a bit late because we had to get a promise from the delinquent who ran away alone, leaving his followers behind, not to bother our school kids again.
Thank goodness youre safe, Class President.
Yeah. It would have been a disaster if Rika and the others hadnt helped.
The Class President said this, nodding his head, and then looked at Rika and Sasha.
It felt like their closeness had suddenly increased compared to before.
Sakamoto and Yaguchi, who had joined later after receiving a call from Satoru, also expressed their relief after hearing what happened to the Class President.
What should I do if everyone missed lunch because of me? You must be hungry.
You wont die from missing one meal. We can handle it with some spirit.
Satoru said this with a bright smile, and everyone nodded in agreement.
Then, the Class President hesitated for a moment before bowing his head deeply again and said,
Everyone, thank you so much.
Come on, stop it now. Youre making us feel uncomfortable.
Rika said this and soothed the Class President, who nodded and straightened up.
I checked the time on my phone.
It was 1:50 PM.
With only 10 minutes left until the meeting time, it was an awkward time to eat anything.
So, looking around, I happened to spot a convenience store on the first floor of the observatory.
Since we cant just not eat anything, how about we buy something and eat it in the car?
Hearing this, everyones gaze turned to the convenience store.
Gurgle!
At the sound of someones stomach rumbling, we tacitly agreed and headed toward the convenience store.
Eating delicious food at a travel destination was nice, but wasnt it more important who you eat with?
After visiting the marine ecology park and returning to our original campsite, we had to immediately partake in the next event without a moments rest.
A treasure hunt throughout the entire recreational forest.
It lasted about an hour, and with prizes like a latest model laptop for first place, a home gaming console for second, and 10,000 yen in school cafeteria vouchers for third, everyone was eagerly searching.
However, as it was almost natural that everyone but me wins in such treasure hunts, despite searching for about an hour, Team D only ended up with dozens of losing tickets.
After the treasure hunt, we struggled again to prepare dinner, but unlike yesterdays curry, todays menu was barbecue.
After grilling pork belly, neck meat, and sausages brought from home, the sky had already darkened.
It was time for the much-anticipated campfire.
The boys who had found partners in advance scattered to join them, and the unchosen onesthe loserssat in a corner, swallowing their tears.
Normally, I would have been among them, but today was different.
It was because I had been asked to be a dance partner during dinner.
When I inquired whether the mornings dispute among the three had been resolved, it appeared that today there had been a concession.
Whooosh!
Ah, its started.
Satoru, who had fortuitously partnered with a girl from another class, exclaimed, Ill be back! and dashed off with a joyful expression.
Then, standing up, I approached Rika, who was waiting for me in front of the tall pile of firewood, and asked,
Have you been waiting long?
Rika shook her head, murmuring, Uhm.
I just got here too.
What about Sasha and Karen?
Those two said theyd watch from somewhere else since they dont really have partners.
It was a pity on such a rare occasion as a campfire.
Thinking this, I extended my right hand to Rika and asked,
Its my first time dancing. Will it be okay?
Rika nodded with her usual bright smile,
Its fine. Folk dance isnt that hard!
Seeing her confident assurance made me a bit nervous, but I said, Please take care of me.
Stepping on feet wasnt lethal, so there was no need to spoil the excited mood.
We danced quietly, facing each other in the shadow of the flickering log fire.
From what I heard from Satoru later, it looked like Beauty and the Beast from a fairy tale.
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