ToroKoko Rideable Minecart High School 9th Book
You will come to regret this -Poison Potato
Track 1
A Festival, And The End Of Summer?!
"O-Ok, this should do it...!". I pulled the ends of the sash for my pink yukata. "Uuee... I think for once I got it right on my own". I looked in the mirror, putting my hair up a bit to one side as best I could and slipping in a hairpin. "This looks nice."
"Hey, Ume-chan, Shiori and Ringo are here!", I heard my mother call up. "'Kay!". I skipped downstairs to the door, slipping my sandals on and grabbing a blanket as I went, and opened it. "Yo, Umechii!".
"Good evening Ringo-chan, Shiori-chan". I stepped outside and we started walking. "Uhuhu... So, you got us souvenirs, right Umechii?!". I sighed. "I-I forgot to give them to you yesterday huh? I got some chocolate hazelnuts... O-Oh, if you want to meet back up at my house after the festival I'll give them to you". We started walking again, reaching the bus stop and getting on.
"Uuee... I-It's crowded". We found somewhere to stand for the uneventful bus ride to Shin Ojimachi, and it wasn't long before we got to our stop, stepping off in Midorimachi. I stretched my arms, almost dropping my blanket, and Ringo took a deep breath. "Uhuuu, finally we can breathe again, Umechii!". I giggled. "Oh, Shiori-chan, you know where the shrine is, r-right? Because I kinda...". She sighed. "Yeah. Geeze, sometimes you're hopeless, you know". I pouted. "Uuueeee... Y-Yeah, I do know...!".
Shiori laughed uneasily and adjusted her glasses. "...Ah, sorry. D-Don't cry, ok?". Ringo giggled. "Uuuuhuu, you're heartless, Shiorin! Saying such a thing to a girl like Umechii...!". Shiori delivered a chop to her head. "Sometimes I'm tempted to make you cry on purpose". We started walking, coming to the long stairway up a hill to the shrine and making our way to the top. "We should find somewhere for the blanket first."
"Umeko-chan!". I turned around to see Subaru, Yasuko, Ran and a younger girl. "Hey Subaru-chan", I looked back at Shiori and Ringo. "Oh, I don't think you've met Yasuko-chan or Ran-chan in person have you?". Shiori adjusted her glasses again, closing her eyes and furrowing her brow. "I believe I've met Kimura-san". I tilted my head. "Uuee? Did y-", I remembered something. "Oooooh... R-Right."
"Huh, what's that about, Shiorin?", Ringo asked, but Shiori just ignored her. Yasuko bowed. "Good evening. I'm Yasuko Matsuoka. Nice to meet you". Ran shrugged. "Ran Kimura". Ringo bowed. "Ringo Yutani! Nice to meet you guys!".
"Ok! We should-", the other girl bowed and cut Subaru off. "I'm Shuko Hashibami; Subaru's my older sister. Pleased to meet you". Subaru frowned. "Ehe, yeah... She insisted on coming... Anyway, we've gotta save a spot for watching fireworks! We can sit together, right?!". We started walking again, and I noticed Subaru seemed to be inspecting my hair. "Ehehe, a plum blossom hairpin, huh?! I love it!". I giggled. "Thanks". We soon found a spot on the hillside, unfolding our blankets.
"This is a unique pattern", Shiori commented as she helped me spread it out. "Oh, I got this in America... Yasuko-chan said it's an old Spanish pattern I think?". Subaru leapt up, finished laying out their blanket. "Alright! Now it's time for food and games! Cmon, cmon!". The seven of us started walking towards the festival market.
"Oh, Shuko-chan, how old are you? Uuee, i-if you don't mind me asking...".
"Fourteen", she answered. "You're going to be starting high school then, right? Are you thinking of applying to Shin Ojimachi?".
"Maybe, or maybe I'll apply to Akaiwa or Midorimachi."
"Oh, so you might be my underclassman next year!". Something else occured to me. "W-Wait, that means I-I'm going to need to be a role model for the first year students?!". I sighed. "Uuueee...". Subaru put her finger to her chin. "Hey, actually, what made you girls wanna go to Shin Ojimachi when there's a school in Akaiwa?".
"I wasn't impressed with the clubs there when I went to the open house, especially the redstone club", Shiori answered. Ringo giggled a little. "Uhuhu... Akaiwa's blazers are ok, but girls in sailor fuku really do it for me!". Shiori glared at her, pulling her ear. "Do you ever think of anything besides stuff like that?".
Ringo sighed. "Shioriiiinnn...". She smiled, putting her hands behind her head. "I guess my other reason was I wanted to keep going to school with Umechii and Shiorin. Getting to see them in those uniforms is just a great bonus!". Shiori rolled her eyes, and I hoped I could get away with not speaking up.
"Ok, so what about you, Umeko-chan?!". I looked off to the side. "Uuee... I-It's embarrassing though...".
"Actually", Shiori added. "You never told me or Ringo-chan why either. Weren't you applying to Akaiwa?". I gulped. "I a-actually kinda flunked the entrance exam for Akaiwa, b-but the application period for Shin Ojimachi ran longer and I managed to take that exam and pass...".
Subaru sheepishly ruffled her hair. "Ehehe... Oh, oh, look! Grilled squid! It's just not a festival without grilled squid!". She ran up to the stall and looked over her shoulder. "Hey, do you girls want any?!", she yelled back. Ran and I raised our hands, and she slapped down 600 yen and came back with three skewers, handing two to us. "Ok, what's up next?!".
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone who looked familiar in line for grilled chicken as we walked, and looked over. "Hinagiku-chan?". She glanced over as the vendor handed her two skewers. "Oh my, is that you, Umeko-chan?". Me and the others stopped and she walked toward us, handing a skewer to another girl who followed her. "...Maitake-san?".
Maitake raised her hand. "Yes. Fuyumi Maitake". She turned toward Shiori and Ringo, bowing. W-Wait, what's with her hairpin?. "Ummm...", I started. "M-Maitake-san, is that a UFO hairpin...?". She stared at me blankly for a moment. "Of course."
"What's up Hina-chan?!", Subaru asked. "Hey, do you and Fuyumi-chan know each other from somewhere?!". We got moving again. "Ah, actually, we're neighbors!", Hinagiku replied. Maitake stopped, walking over to a stall, and Subaru glanced over. "Oh! Goldfish scooping! Another classic!".
I looked in the water. "T-They're not moving...?".
Subaru walked up. "Oh! I think they're using toy goldfish now, so it's more humane!". She handed over 100 yen and with a bit of fishing scooped up one of the toys, flashing a peace sign. "Cmon, you've gotta try Umeko-chan!". I shook my head. "I-I'm no good at festival games...". Maitake was still staring at the fish tank. "Were you playing, Fuyumi-chan?", Hinagiku asked. She nodded and handed a coin to the vendor. She promptly broke her net.
"Too bad; would you like to go again?". Maitake hesitantly gave him two more coins. "Thank you very much!". She tried again, only for the net to break a second time, the vendor handing her a third net. She knelt down, calmly surveying the the fish for a few seconds before scooping for one. She finally got a fish in the net, but once again it snapped.
I finished off my squid. Uuee, s-she might be worse than I am at scooping real goldfish... Maitake stepped away from the stand, still expressionless but I imagined she must be feeling dejected. "Oh, I've always enjoyed these games!", Hinagiku said, stepping up. She paid and took her net and bowl. "Wish me luck". She reached in, swishing the net. "Uueee, t-two fish in one scoop...?!". She quickly nabbed a half dozen before the net tore.
"Oh my gosh, I figured I'd be rusty not having played this since last year's festival". She grabbed one out of the bowl, handing it to Maitake. "You should take one, Fuyumi-chan". Maitake cupped her hands and took it. She nodded and it looked like she blushed a little.
Ringo leaned forward as we walked. "Uhu, those two make a nice couple, huh?!". Shiori sighed.
"Stop being so meddlesome, Ringo-chan."
"Alright!", Subaru shouted. "Next is shooting! Ehe, they've got a lot of anime figures, huh?! That's unusual". She slapped a 500 yen coin down on the table. "I guess Yasuko-chan would be good at this, huh?", I mused. Ringo tilted her head. "You think so? She doesn't seem like that type".
Subaru took a few shots but missed each time. "Aaagh!", she slammed her fist down on the table. "Watch me, I'm gonna hit one of those N*nd* Petites if it's the last thing I do!". She took her last two shots, finally hitting something with the cork. The vendor handed her the box and she flashed a thumbs up. "Ehe, I'll take it!". She stepped away. "Aaah, I can't wait to see what's inside though!". She tore it open. "Oh, it's... Uh, that girl?". Ringo leaned over. "Rin Hoshizora?". Subaru shrugged. "Yeah, that sounds right."
"Ah, I suppose I will play". Yasuko stepped up, as did Shiori. "Uhu, win this one Shiorin! You can do it it!", Ringo cheered. They both paid and picked up the cork guns. Shiori glanced over at Yasuko and straightened her glasses. The two of them started shooting, both of them hitting prizes with pinpoint accuracy until Shiori missed her last shot.
"...Y-You weren't kidding, Umechii", Ringo said, looking astonished, while Subaru pouted. The vendor handed over the prizes, a few boxes of cookies and a stuffed animal for Yasuko. "Eeeh, Yasu-chan, you didn't even aim for the N*nd*s!". Yasuko chuckled. "Those aren't really my kind of thing."
Ringo leaned over to look at Shiori's armful of prizes, four of those little figures Subaru wanted. "Uhuhu, are these nothing but L*ve L*ve figures Shiorin?!". Shiori blushed. "I-I was just focusing on shooting. I couldn't care less what show they're from". Ringo grinned. "Uhu, so this is Shiorin's guilty pleasure, huh?!". Ran poked her head in. "Ah, no, one of these is K*nC*ll*". She smirked and Shiori glared at her.
I saw Shuko turn to walk away and look over her shoulder at Subaru. "Oneechan, buy me takoyaki". Subaru turned around. "Aagh, Shuko-... Ehe, actually I wanna eat takoyaki now too...!". I started to follow her, but someone crossed her path and she stopped.
The girl glanced over her shoulder and turned around. "We meet again, Subaru Hashibami!". She grinned, baring her fang. M-Mugino?. Subaru looked annoyed. "Hey, what's your deal?!". Above the trees I saw the first few fireworks go off in the night sky. "Huh?! All I did was greet you, Subaru Hashibami. You upset?!". The boy with her walked between the two of them.
"Now now, l-let's not get out of hand". Mugino grumbled and he ruffled his hair. "Ah, I guess I didn't introduce myself that other time", he bowed. "Kazunari Urita, student council vice president". He waved and pushed Mugino along as he walked off. "S-Sorry if Ruri-chan was bothering you again."
Subaru sighed. "Aaah, of all the people to run into...". She giggled. "Ehe, whatever! We should get that takoyaki and watch the fireworks". She flashed a peace sign. "Ok, cmon girls!".
Track 2
A Big Crisis For The Club?!
I opened the door to see Yasuko and Ran chatting and some papers and a laptop spread out on the table. "Good afternoon, Umeko-san", Yasuko greeted me.
"Good afternoon. It's nice to finally be back in the clubroom, huh? Even if it means having classes and everything again...". She chuckled. "Yes, it is. Ah, maybe you know something about this; isn't there a shooting range in Akaiwa?". I sat down, a little taken aback. "Uuee, w-where did that come from?".
"Ah, I suppose that's a fair question", she answered. "Me and Yasu-chan were talking about that the other day", Ran added. I shrugged. "I wouldn't know about something like that at all". She closed the computer. "I guess that isn't something you're very interested in, is it?". I shook my head.
"Oh, what sort of paperwork are you doing, Yasuko-chan?". She straightened some papers. "We need to get in the report of any club activities and expenditures for July and over the summer vacation filed with the student council by Saturday". I tilted my head. "Shouldn't Subaru-chan be here for that since she's the president?". Yasuko chuckled a little again. "Subaru-san has plenty of strong suits, but doing paperwork isn't one of them."
I couldn't help but giggle a bit when I thought about it. Something else occured to me. "Where is she, actually?".
"Busy with her part-time job", Ran replied, closing the manga she'd been reading and turning to me. "So I'm not going to go easy on you today, Umeko-chaaan". I giggled again. I feel like I'm starting to get her, kinda, even if her jokes are still weird. I leaned back in my chair. Yasuko and Ran went back to what they were doing and I glanced at the time and my text messages.
"A-Anything interesting happen lately?", I tried to break the silence. "Besides studying and Ran-san's birthday I haven't done much since the festival", Yasuko answered. I sat up straight. "I-It was Ran-chan's birthday...?". Uuee, I guess maybe she still doesn't feel close enough to tell me or something. Ran shrugged. "The 19th. I don't think it's that big a deal."
Something seemed weird to me but I couldn't think of what. "When is yours Yasuko-chan?", I asked. "Oh, it's December 23rd."
"Mine's March 10th". I realized what was weird. "W-Wait, so that means Ran-chan is the oldest?". She nodded. "Ah, I guess you might not expect that."
"Really?", Ran, asked. She smirked a bit. "Just having big boobs doesn't make you more mature, Yasu-chaaan". Yasuko rolled her eyes. Uuee, t-this again?
"I-I was wondering something actually; are we using powered carts like we saw at Cassie-san's house?". Ran glanced over. "We'll install power rails eventually. Cheaper than buying fuel and it's faster."
"Ah, with powered rails it's easier to control them automatically too", Yasuko added. "Oh, I see". I leaned back again. The room was quiet enough that I started to focus on the sound of the clock ticking. "Uuee... It's kind of boring without Subaru-chan, huh?".
"Yeeeaahhh", Ran responded. I sighed. "I guess I'll leave early today."
___
"Umeko-chan, Umeko-chan! Bad news!". I looked at the door to see Subaru, looking out of breath for once. I closed my bag and stood up. "Uuee... W-What is it?". I walked over and followed her out of the classroom and down the hallways. "For some reason the student council wanted to talk to us! That can't be anything good, right?! Especially since it was that Mugino girl who came and told me!". We came to a door, and I noticed Mugino leaning up against the wall next to it, seeming like she was trying to look cool.
"You're not getting out of trouble this time, Subaru Hashibami!". She turned and looked at us with her usual tooth-bared smile, and Subaru glared at her. "Aaagh, what's your deal with me all the time anyway, shrimp?!". Mugino looked about ready to explode, but Subaru ignored her, opening the door and walking in.
"Uuee... H-Hey Mugino-san...". She glared back at me and huffed. I followed Subaru in, taking a seat next to her, and Mugino hurried in and took her seat on one side of the table to our right, across from Urita. Across from us was another girl, with long black hair and her hands steepled in front of her mouth. I guess she's student council president Wakagi?
Subaru grinned sheepishly and ruffled her hair. "Ehe... So what is this about?".
"A few things, Hashibami-san", Wakagi picked up a piece of paper. "I understand you're building a new minecart rail between the school and Akaiwa town?". Subaru nodded. "Yeah! It's gonna be the longest at any school in the country! Ehe, well, except for Hokkaido actually."
Wakagi continued. "Also, you spent 126,000 yen from the club budget on a plane ticket to America for Takenaka-san?". Subaru looked uneasy. "Ehe, yeah... Hey though, it was a club trip to study minecarts in practical use!". I glanced over at Mugino, who had a bit of a smug look on her face. "And your club has only four members?". Subaru nodded again. She seemed to be thinking the same thing I was thinking now. Wakagi put down the paper and crossed her arms. Subaru gulped.
"Given that your membership has been consistently low and is presently only four students, and your managment of your club budget, the student council has decided that after this semester's midterm exams the minecart club will be dissolved."
Subaru stood up. "But... But...!". She slammed her hand down on the table. She was almost crying. "Why...?! Why won't you do anything to save the school?! Why don't you even care about it?!". Mugino jumped out of her seat, looking mad. "Hey, you don't get to talk to Tomoko-senpai like that!". Urita stood up as well. "Now now, we can talk about this calmly, right everyone? Let's just sit down, ok?". Mugino reluctantly sat back down, followed by Urita. Subaru didn't budge.
"What do you mean by that, Hashibami-san?". She pointed her finger in Wakagi's face. "I heard you say the school was closing next year! And that it wasn't much of a loss to you!". Wakagi brushed her hair over her shoulder. "It's an old school without much money and it's out of the way for many students.". She clasped her hands again. "I can't do anything about that, so I'd rather work to make student life better for as long as the school remains open. Besides, the administration hasn't made any decision. The school certainly won't close before all current students graduate."
Wakagi stood up and walked away. "I'm sorry, Hashibami-san. For what it's worth, the student council will make another evaluation next month before making our final decision". Subaru sat back down, looking crushed.
Urita ruffled his hair. "I know this is upsetting, but like Wakagi-senpai said, the club will only be dissolved based on our next evaluation. If you can find a fifth member we'd definitely reconsider". Mugino pouted a bit and shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, maybe."
"Ah, by the way", Urita added. "I guess you wanted to build part of your rail in Akaiwa?". Subaru nodded. "If Wakagi-senpai is open to it, I think the student council could go to the administration to see about getting permission from Akaiwa town". Mugino stood up again. "Huh?! Seriously, Kazu-kun?!". She turned to us. "No offense but I bet that's not gonna happen!". Urita stood up and ruffled his hair again. "Ah, well, anyway, good luck Hashibami-san."
Track 3
A Transfer Student In Class 1-1?! First Side
I tried to stifle a yawn as I walked into the classroom and took my seat by the window, gazing out. "Uuee... What are we gonna do now?".
"Morning Umechii!". I looked over at the door. "Good morning Ringo-chan, Shiori-chan...". Ringo hopped up and sat on my desk. "Good morning", Shiori replied. "You're here early, huh? You usually aren't here before me or Ringo-chan". I yawned again. "Uuee... I didn't sleep great...". Shiori adjusted her glasses. "Oh, that's not like you. Are you feeling alright?".
I leaned back in my chair. "I'm kinda worried about some club stuff I guess... W-We might get shut down...". Ringo blinked. "Eeeeehhhhh?!", she shouted, leaning in to my face. "Why's that, Umechii?!".
"Uuee... We only have four members right now, and I guess the student council was upset about the club budget...". I sighed. "I-I'm sure Subaru-chan will think of something, so I'm gonna try not to worry too much."
"Well, if you say so...", Ringo stood up and I laid my head down on my desk. "Uhuu, anyway, I wonder what that transfer student is gonna be like?!". I looked up again. "Transfer student...?".
"You didn't hear about that, Umechii?! I think they were supposed to be starting at the beginning of the semester but there was some sorta hold-up", Ringo answered, heading to her desk. "Weren't they transferring from a school overseas?", Shiori asked. Her and Ringo took their seats as the last few students filtered in.
Our homeroom teacher walked in and cleared her throat. "Before we start I'd like to introduce a student who will be joining us today". She turned to look at the door and a girl, with her dark brown hair tied up in a very long ponytail, stepped in.
She took a piece of chalk and wrote out her name in kanji before scrawing hiragana alongside it. She bowed. "My name's Naoka Katsura. Nice to meet y'all!". Kansai dialect? "Thank you, Katsura-kun; you can take the open seat in the back row. If you'd take attendance now Kusanagi-kun...". Shiori stood up and Katsura walked back and took her seat diagonally behind me, one seat over. Another uneventful few hours of classes before finally lunchtime came.
I opened up my lunchbox as I listened to a little bit of Katsura's conversation with the group of students who'd gathered to talk to her. "Where'd you go to school before you transferred?".
"I went to a girls' school in Korea since I started junior high; my dad had to move there for work", she answered. "Eeh, was that tough?!". I took a bite of omurice. I think I'm getting better at cracking the eggs lately... "A little, but it wasn't that bad. The languages are actually kinda similar, so I guess it just came naturally for me somehow."
"Are you from Osaka originally?", another girl asked. "Guess y'all can tell pretty easily, huh?". I took another bite and absentmindedly fiddled with my pencil. "Were you in any clubs? What sorta stuff are you interested in?".
"Maybe it's weird but I've always been interested in things like how machines work... I did taekwondo a little too". My pencil slipped out of my hand and fell on the floor. "Uuueee...", I turned around in my chair and leaned over to pick it up. "Hey, you're Umeko Takenaka-san right?". I grabbed the pencil and looked up at Katsura. I nodded. "Y-Yeah."
"I guess we're kinda neighbors, huh?". I ruffled my hair. "Uuee, yeah."
___
Subaru slumped down on the table as I took a seat. "Aaaagh! What are we gonna do, guys?! How can we find a new club member in the middle of the second semester?!". She banged her fist on the table. "That Mugino girl is ruining my life!". She lifted her head. "I had a dream she interrogated me over katsudon and found out about my part-time job last night! Aaaah, if she's watching to see me slip up I'm just gonna have to quit...!". Ran seemed gloomier than usual and even Yasuko looked a bit down.
"Ah, that's probably for the better anyway", Yasuko replied. "Eheee, I guess I don't need the extra money anymore, but...". She sighed. Ran flipped through her book. "How much have you been spending on gachas, Subaru-chan?". Subaru ruffled her hair. "Ehe, it isn't that much. Aaah, don't make fun of me like Yasu-chan does, Ran-chan!". She sighed and turned to me. "Hey, anything interesting going on, Umeko-chan?".
"Nothing really. Oh, I guess a girl transferred into my class, so...".
Subaru seemed to cheer up a bit. "Oh, cool! What's she like? Did you talk to her much?". She put her finger to her chin. "Meeting a transfer student is a turning point a lot of the time, huh?! Did she say anything to you like-", she lowered her voice. "'Do you value your life like it is? Do you love your friends and family? Then never change who you are, Umeko Takenaka!'?! Or tell you she's an esper sent by a secret organization to monitor someone in this school?!".
Ran giggled quietly. "Uuueeee... W-What are you talking about...? I mean, there was nothing like that at all...", I responded Yasuko chuckled. "Ah, most normal people might not know your anime jokes, Subaru-san". Subaru ruffled her hair again. "Ehe, it's not like either of those shows is obscure really."
"I-I do watch some anime sometimes I guess, l-like D*r**mon...". Subaru snapped her fingers, seemingly not noticing what I said. "Oh! I know what we're gonna do!". She leapt out of her seat and jabbed her finger in my face. "Alright, Umeko-chan! Your mission is to recruit this girl to join the club!" ...Uuee?
