Chapter 39: May I visit your home next time?

Quite a few days had passed, but the rumors surrounding Ishikawa Yuka showed no signs of subsiding.

Logically, after this much time, everyone should have grown tired of it, or a new piece of gossip should have replaced it.

But the current situation was as if someone were constantly adding fuel to the fire, as if afraid it might go out.

Within the Ōka Association, Yuka had finally managed to establish friendly relationships with several core members.

Since the leaders of each faction within the Upper Five families—Noyama, Ishikawa, Kurohara, and Matsuyama—had reached a consensus, no one brought up those past incidents to her face anymore.

Of course, there were surely those who remained unconvinced or held a grudge, but after more than a month, those voices had indeed gradually faded.

Yuka understood that to thoroughly dispel the rumors, she had to prove herself through actions and let time wash everything away.

Therefore, whether at the Academy or in the Ōka Association, she intentionally acted alongside those involved, such as Nogami Hiroki, Kurohara Masahira, Anmiya Marina, and Matsuyama Shoko.

The logic was simple: as long as the parties involved, Nogami Hiroki and Matsuyama Shoko, appeared close to her, those absurd rumors would naturally fall apart.

Although some might suspect that the Ishikawa family used their power to pressure the Matsuyama family of the Lower Seven, the most crucial point was that the young master of the top-tier Noyama family—the arrogant Nogami Hiroki himself—was on good terms with her.

That was the most powerful counter-argument.

There was no way the Ishikawa family could coerce or control the higher-status Noyama family.

Since the “victim,” Nogami Hiroki himself, was on good terms with her, the rumors detrimental to Yuka naturally lost their ground.

To be sure, she had indeed hit him, and she didn’t deny that.

But as long as she and Nogami Hiroki had reconciled, what right did outsiders have to criticize?

To prove this point, despite being somewhat reluctant, she began to speak and act alongside Nogami Hiroki frequently.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, her normal interactions with Nogami Hiroki were the best form of clarification—look, even after a physical altercation, there’s no problem between us.

The effect was indeed significant, and the heat of the rumors concerning her, Shoko, and Hiroki gradually died down.

However, it had only “cooled down” and was far from “disappearing.”

This was very eerie.

Logically speaking, was it even possible?

The parties involved had reconciled, yet the rumors continued to spread as if they had a life of their own; no matter how she thought about it, it was strange.

“It’s certainly strange. Even after all this time and with the involved parties being so close, the fact that the rumors won’t dissipate is very abnormal.”

Inside the returning car, her brother Yota expressed the same view after hearing her concerns.

“Do you think so too, Brother…?”

It was indeed too unnatural.

“It’s been a month, and yet the rumors themselves…”

Yota seemed to want to say something, but he swallowed the words at the last second.

There were some things that couldn’t be stated too clearly.

Yuka understood this logic, but she often found herself blurting things out or acting directly; in that regard, she truly admired her brother’s composure.

‘Is this truly the mindset a sixth-grade elementary student should have? Could he be a reincarnator too?’

“Come to think of it…”

Her unconscious whisper caught her brother’s attention.

But she hadn’t intended to say anything; she had just accidentally let the sound out.

“Ah, no… it’s nothing.”

“…Is that so?”

Yota didn’t press further.

He saw that his sister didn’t want to talk and knew asking was useless.

Yuka indeed had no intention of telling anyone; she wouldn’t speak no matter who asked.

The rumors had been circulating for nearly a month.

This also meant… she had been in a cold war with her mother for nearly a month.

Since that incident, she hadn’t spoken a single word to her mother.

Her father and brother continued to speak with her as usual.

But her mother, since then, had treated her entirely like thin air.

Even when the whole family ate together, her mother never opened her mouth.

Perhaps when Yuka wasn’t present, her mother would speak with her father and brother, but as long as Yuka was there, her mother remained resolutely silent.

This matter had to be resolved as well… but while she thought about it, she had no clue.

She thought time would fade everything, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Or rather, because it had dragged on for so long, she didn’t even know how to break the ice anymore.

Sigh… why was everything so troublesome…

She had thought the life of Ishikawa Yuka would be easy, but it turned out to be nothing of the sort.

If anything, troubles emerged one after another; looking at it this way, perhaps being an ordinary citizen with a modest background would have been more comfortable.

She often heard that “the wealthy have their own troubles,” and it wasn’t until she was personally in this position that she truly understood the meaning of those words.

Yuka entered the dojo alone and bowed to her master.

“Sensei, I look forward to your guidance today as well.”

“Mhm.”

While practicing the Toraiwa Style martial arts, she suddenly wanted to hear the master’s opinion.

“Sensei.”

“What is it?”

It seemed the master was in a good mood now and wouldn’t scold her for being distracted during training.

She briefly explained the situation, mainly supplementing the subsequent developments and seeking advice.

As a side note, if one dared to speak casually when intense focus was required for training, they would definitely be harshly disciplined.

Yuka wasn’t stupid; after being at the Toraiwa Style for so long, she had at least that much discernment.

She only spoke because it was a time when communication was permitted.

“…That is the situation. What do you think, Sensei?”

“Without a doubt, someone is spreading rumors behind the scenes.”

This was a consensus among nearly everyone who knew the facts.

The question was: Who? Why? And how could the impact be thoroughly erased?

“Then what should I do?”

“If you want to resolve it quickly, catch the culprit and expose them publicly. If you can’t do that, then the involved parties must interact publicly even more actively and let the facts speak for themselves.”

‘Hmm… Sensei’s thoughts are exactly the same… I guess there’s no other way…’

“If you want to take your time, then continue as you are, proving yourself through actions. However, if it were this old man, I would add a few more measures on top of that…”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

She thought the master would give the same advice, but it seemed he had other ideas.

“It’s nothing major. If the opponent is fighting an information war, then we shall simply accompany them to the end.”

“Um…?”

Yuka had an ominous premonition.

Moreover, the master had that ‘about to be mischievous’ look on his face; every time he looked like that, nothing good followed.

“Don’t just prove it through actions; spread news that is favorable to us at the same time. Drag the mastermind out and set a trap for them in return.”

“Uh…”

‘It’s easy to say, but can it really go smoothly?’

Besides, she had no intention of retaliating or punishing the person spreading rumors…

“Do you not believe this old man? If you leave it to me, I can overturn your public image, catch the culprit, and drive them into a complete dead end in three days. How about it?”

‘What do you mean “how about it”… this old man is smiling like a total villain!’

Come to think of it, ninjas were originally a profession for espionage, intelligence gathering, and information manipulation.

Although games and anime always depicted them as superhumans fighting with ninjutsu, they actually performed inconspicuous work behind the scenes.

“I have no intention of seeking revenge, nor do I wish to trouble you with such a major undertaking, Sensei…”

“Hmph… fine. If you ever have a need, just say the word.”

‘Why are you looking so disappointed… do you really want to bully a primary schooler that badly?’

Even if there was a struggle between families, the other party was just a child.

Even if someone truly spread rumors, she didn’t want to do anything to them.

As long as those strange rumors disappeared and everyone treated her normally, she would be content.

It was just… it seemed she really could only take her time and rely on her own actions to prove herself…

There were no shortcuts to gaining trust; once lost, it was by no means easy to win back.

She understood this truth, but she never imagined that she would be so distressed over interpersonal relationships while only in the first grade…

She realized deeply once again that she was truly not suited for this world of the wealthy.

The next day during lunch, Yuka was eating with Shoko’s small group when Shoko suddenly dropped a bombshell.

“Miss Yuka! Can we go to your house to play next time?”

“…Huh?”

Yuka’s chopsticks paused, and she froze entirely.

‘Shoko? Coming to my house? To play?’

“Can we all go together too?”

Keiko chimed in excitedly upon hearing this.

After all, they had spent a lot of time together over the past month, and most people in Shoko’s group could already converse naturally with Yuka.

Even Tachiki, who was usually more reserved, was on much better terms than before, or at least they could eat and chat together like this.

“Keiko… you should read the room… I finally had a chance to be alone with Big Sister Yuka…”

Shoko was muttering quietly on the side; Yuka decided to pretend she didn’t hear.

“Uh… well then, why don’t you all come over together next time? Although there isn’t much to do at my house…”

“I’m going! I’m going!”

“I want to go too!”

As soon as she spoke, everyone chimed in.

Only Tachiki hadn’t clearly stated her position yet, so Yuka looked toward her.

“Then… I suppose I’ll… go and take a look as well.”

“Alright. Then you are all welcome to come and play.”

‘Great! Even Tachiki is willing to come.’

If Tachiki alone hadn’t come, it might have caused trouble again.

However, Yuka felt that Tachiki didn’t hate her, so it probably wouldn’t come to that.

Playing together with girls… wait!

She had just agreed on impulse, but what exactly were they going to play?

What do first-grade girls play? House? Marbles? Catch? Cat’s cradle? Jump rope?

She had no idea…

“It was supposed to be just me and Big Sister Yuka playing alone…”

Shoko was still muttering…

True, playing alone with Shoko sounded nice, but playing together with everyone would surely be fun too, right?

The only problem was she had absolutely no idea how to play or what to play…

Furthermore, her daily schedule was packed to the brim.

Initially, she had rest days, but ever since that incident at Nogami Hiroki’s party, all her free time had been filled with Toraiwa Style training, and it had continued until now.

The master still felt the training time was insufficient and always wanted to add more; returning to her original schedule was impossible.

“So, which day would be good?”

“Hmm… I’m a bit busy during the latter half of this week…”

“My free time is in six days, ten days, and…”

‘Hmm? Hmm?’

‘What is this conversation? Are these really first-grade primary schoolers?’

They actually began checking their schedules and discussing which days they were free… good heavens…

She remembered that when she was in primary school, it was much more casual: “Let’s go play at so-and-so’s today!” “Okay!” It was usually like that…

Were these children already living lives with packed itineraries and strict management at this age…?

“Hmm… let’s set it for the Thursday after next.”

“That works.”

“Yeah, that day is fine for me.”

Everyone confirmed their schedules and noted them down on the spot.

Uh… this behavioral pattern was nothing like a gathering of first-graders…

Watching their professional-like exchange, Yuka suddenly…

“Ah!”

“Eh? What’s wrong? Is that day inconvenient for you, Yuka?”

Keiko asked with concern as Yuka suddenly cried out and stood up.

“No… it’s not that. Please don’t mind me. Ohoho…”

‘Oh no… according to my current schedule, that day is exactly a Toraiwa Style training day…’

If it were any other class, it might be fine, but asking the master for time off by saying “I’m going to play with friends”?

She had no idea how the master would react… she might not even survive that day.

Being scolded would be the least of it.

The real problem was that her current Toraiwa Style training was already at its limit; if she had to compress and complete all of that day’s training in advance to clear a day, she would absolutely die of exhaustion!

But right now, everyone had just settled on a date and was looking forward to it with great excitement; she truly couldn’t bring herself to pour cold water on them.

While secretly distressed, Yuka made up her mind: it seemed she could only brace herself and go plead with the master.