My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 175

"Aren't you going to buy some souvenirs?"

"Buying it now would just be a burden; I'll buy it before I go back."

"I see. So, have you decided what you want to buy?"

"I guess so, but they're all things Komachi wanted. Oh, by the way, do you know where I can pray for academic improvement?"

Please, Xueji Encyclopedia.

Yukino blinked and turned her head to one side.

"You wish for Komachi to pass the imperial examination with flying colors?"

"Um."

She smiled when she heard my answer. As her brother, I'm so happy that my little sister is loved by so many people.

"Let me think..."

Yukino sat down in the empty seat next to me to think. It was indeed strange to let her stand and talk, so I moved aside a little.

"Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is quite famous."

"Tenmangu Shrine? I'll remember that."

Use your free time on the third day to go and take a look around, and buy a good luck charm while you're at it. After all, it costs a lot of money to have someone pray for you, and it's hard to bring back the demon-repelling arrow. The prayer ema (votive plaque) probably won't be effective unless it's written by the person in question.

"...I understand you're worried about Komachi. So, how's the progress of Tobe-san's request?"

Oh dear, I've accidentally gotten lost in my own world.

"It wasn't very smooth, but it wasn't bad either."

Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita lowered her gaze guiltily.

"I'm sorry, I'm in a different class, so it's difficult for me to help you."

"Don't worry about it. I'm in the same class as him, and I couldn't help him either."

"Please take this to heart..."

We were talking when Ms. Hiratsuka happened to walk by. She was wearing a coat over her suit jacket and sunglasses. It's evening now, why is she wearing sunglasses?

She looked visibly panicked when she spotted us.

"What...how did you all get here?"

"I just came down to buy a drink. But teacher, what are you doing here so late?"

"Um...no, you can't tell anyone, you absolutely have to keep it a secret!"

Ms. Hiratsuka kept emphasizing that she couldn't tell anyone, and her shy appearance was quite girlish, which made my heart flutter. I couldn't help but want to shout "The teacher is so cute~" in my mind, but unfortunately, her next sentence completely shattered that idea.

"Actually... I was planning to... go out for ramen..."

No, this person is hopeless. Please give me back the butterflies in my stomach I felt earlier.

Yukino and I stared blankly at the teacher, who suddenly seemed to remember something, crossed her arms, straightened her body, and took off her sunglasses. It seemed those sunglasses were for disguise.

"Hmm... alright, it's perfect that you're here."

"What's the meaning?"

Yukinoshita didn't understand what the teacher was saying, and a question mark appeared above her head.

Hiratsuka-sensei smiled gently at her, then looked at her with a mocking expression.

"Yukinoshita can't possibly tell the secret, but unfortunately, I can't trust you."

"That's so unfair..."

Sure, I'll definitely tell everyone, even though I can't find anyone to tell.

Seeing my protest, the teacher coughed slightly and added:

"So, I'll pay you hush money. How about I treat you to a bowl of ramen?"

...Ramen? Do you mean you want me to come along?

So, I haven't tried Kyoto ramen yet. And, perhaps because I'm still developing, my dinner has already been digested, and just hearing "ramen" makes me feel hungry.

"Since the teacher says so..."

The teacher nodded in satisfaction.

Wow~ I can't wait to try Kyoto ramen! I started letting my imagination run wild when Yukinoshita suddenly stood up.

"Then, I'll go back to my room."

She bowed respectfully to her teacher, Hiratsuka, and turned to leave. The teacher called out to her.

"I'll come with you under the snow."

"Need not……"

Yukino turned to the side, looking at the ground with some embarrassment. The teacher smiled and told her:

"Don't worry, just think of it as an extracurricular activity. Besides, it's not that late yet."

"But this kind of clothing isn't very convenient."

She still refused to give in easily, spreading her hands that were clutching her slightly long sleeves as if lifting her skirt in greeting. Upon hearing this, the teacher took off her coat and threw it at her.

"This one is for you to wear."

Wow! That move was so cool! I think I'm going to fall for the teacher! I take back my previous comment, "The teacher is so cute," now it's "The teacher is so cool!"

"It seems I have no right to refuse..."

"yes."

Yukinoshita finally gave up, let out a short sigh, and obediently put on her coat.

"Okay, let's go."

Professor Hiratsuka, wearing high heels, led us stylishly into the Kyoto night.

× × ×

I had only walked a few steps out of the hotel when I realized how cold the night wind was, and then I remembered that I had come out wearing my indoor clothes.

"It's a bit cold in Kyoto."

Ms. Hiratsuka smiled as she looked at my clothes.

When they reached the main road, the teacher raised her hand, and a taxi that happened to be passing by immediately stopped.

"Get in the car, Yukinoshita."

Guided by the teacher, who acted like a doorman, Yukino pulled her coat up, nodded to her, and got into the car.

Then, the teacher told me to sit down first.

"It's your turn to get in the car."

"It's alright, please go first, teacher."

I chose to politely decline her offer.

"Oh?" The teacher was both surprised and pleased by my reaction. "Oh dear, so ladies first? You've finally grown up. But you don't need to worry about that."

"Uh...no, no matter how old you are, you're still a lady! You should have more confidence in yourself!"

The teacher smiled and stretched out his iron claws, grabbing my head.

"...because the mortality rate is highest for those sitting in the very middle of the back seat."

"It hurts so much! It hurts so much!"

I was shoved into the car like that. Besides striking techniques, the teacher has added more diverse attack methods; it seems we've both improved.

"...You're so stupid."

"Shut up! That's my unique gentleness."

"In the end, you still didn't understand the meaning of gentleness..."

Ms. Hiratsuka was the last to get in. The taxi was rather cramped; three people in the back seat would have been too crowded. Luckily, Yukinoshita and the teacher were both slim, so there was actually some extra space. Thank goodness… I would have been really bothered if the three of us were pressed tightly together.

"To Ichijoji Temple."

After the teacher explained the destination, the driver started the vehicle.

Those who admire Miyamoto Musashi may have heard of the place name Ichijoji. The famous Shimomatsu in that area is said to be the site of his duel with Yoshioka. However, it is said that their duel was not a historical event, but rather a story fabricated by later generations.

Ichijoji is a major battleground for Kyoto ramen, with many famous restaurants gathered here.

We chatted about these things in the car, and soon we arrived at our destination. Taking a taxi is so fast, faster than a salamander (Note 49 is a line from the female protagonist of the 1996 Super Nintendo game "Dragon Slayer").

As soon as I got out of the taxi, I was instantly stunned by the magnificent scene before me.

"It's...it's the main branch of 'Tenka Ippin'..."

That's right, it's "Tenka Ippin," not the adult magazine "Deluxe Beppin" (Note 50: the original text is "デラペつぴん," which sounds similar to "Tenka Ippin"). It's said that their broth is incredibly thick; not only do chopsticks stand upright in it, but the broth also clings to the noodles, so after finishing the ramen, all the broth is absorbed.

I was so moved that I trembled all over, and then Yukinoshita behind me asked:

"Is it a well-known store?"

"Yes, although they have branches all over the country."

"Since there are branches all over the country, is there any need to come here specifically?"

What Yukinoshita said is very true. However, that's not all that moved me.

"But... there's no branch in Chiba. Chiba is the only one left out of the entire Kanto region... why is that...?"

Throughout the long history of Hachiman (lasting approximately seventeen years), Chiba was praised by (myself) as "the promised paradise." Nevertheless, it was not yet perfect. The missing piece was precisely "the best under heaven."

"Actually, they used to have a shop in Chiba."

Professor Hiratsuka came over after finishing his appetizer.

"He-Here she is! The living encyclopedia of Chiba ramen, and a mature woman ready for marriage!"

"Hachiman, the last few words are superfluous♪"

"It hurts so much! It hurts so much!"

The teacher, with a beaming smile, burrowed my head until it felt like it was about to split open.

"Although there are branches all over the country, visiting a directly operated store, which is also the headquarters, always evokes a deeper feeling. Moreover, once it develops into a chain store, it's hard to guarantee that the taste will be consistent across all branches nationwide. I've always wanted to come here and eat here at least once."

Ms. Hiratsuka finally let go of my head and gazed at the store with deep emotion.

"Okay, come on in."

Luckily, there were plenty of empty seats in the store.

The teacher, Yukinoshita, and I sat down in front of the counter in turn.

"Extra rich ramen".

The teacher ordered without even looking at the menu. I also want to try the legendary "Tenka Ippin" signature ramen.

"I'm super intense too."

"..."

Only Yukina remained silent. I glanced over and saw her looking anxiously at the guests around her, unable to utter a single word.

She tugged at my sleeve.

"That thing... is it the broth?"

Her expression was almost one of terror. Okay, I can understand. But if you're scared off by this level of broth, you'll never be able to eat at Narita-ya. Narita-ya's broth isn't even broth; it's practically just drinking the fat from the back of the dog—it's incredibly delicious.

Ms. Hiratsuka was amused by Yukinoshita's reaction and showed her the menu.

"We also have lighter soup bases here; you might prefer that one."

"Ah, it's okay, just seeing the pictures makes me feel full..."

Yukinoshita shook her head repeatedly, timid as a cat stepping into unfamiliar territory.

"Really? Then, shall I get a small plate and share some with you?"

After Hiratsuka-sensei made that suggestion, Yukinoshita, though still looking nervous, finally nodded.