Chapter 55: Her Strong Influences.
—OoOoO—
"Is it possible that you are different too, just like me?"
The words that flowed smoothly from the little girl's mouth made Hachiman and Haruno feel a jolt. Their breaths hitched for a moment, and their eyes widened slightly. They were stunned, then looked at each other as if to ensure they were on the same wavelength. However, Hachiman's soft exhale calmed his thoughts, preventing him from assuming anything further.
'Damn it. Because of all the events that have happened lately, I immediately thought that this girl was also a jujutsu sorcerer and had experienced bad things as soon as I heard her question.'
"We don't quite understand what you mean. Would you mind explaining, dear?" Haruno asked with a smile.
Tsurumi Rumi lowered her head for a moment before staring at where everyone was gathered to work together to prepare lunch.
“They really are a bunch of fools,” said the little girl.
Honestly, neither Hachiman nor Haruno expected their guest to suddenly utter such an insult out of the blue. However, neither of them bothered to reprimand or even interrupt her.
"That black-haired girl who looks fierce and bossy over there doesn't look stupid. She’s quite the opposite and extraordinary.”
"Oh, you mean Yukino-chan? She's my little sister, you know? It's nice to hear her praised by a cute girl like you," Haruno replied with a hint of enthusiasm.
Rumi lowered her head again. However, this time, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She never imagined the person she referred to would be her conversation partner's sister. However, the compliment from a woman as beautiful and charming as Haruno made her blush and feel nervous after so long.
'Oh, no. This woman is hazardous. With just a little compliment and a smile, she can ensnare this little girl,' Hachiman thought.
"Anyway, they all look so dumb. That's why I do just fine without needing stupid people to act like they're the most powerful."
Tsurumi Rumi continued her words with difficulty, as if the praise she received from Haruno almost extinguished the fire in her chest.
'Is this really what I think it is? In the case of a girl who is ostracised by her peers in her class,' Hachiman thought again silently. 'She thought she was fine because everything would be alright once she entered middle school and went to a new school. However, those who bullied her would also go to the same school, and make everything go back to the beginning like a suffocating loop.'
Hachiman sighed with his eyes closed.
'Like hell I can say that to a kid.'
“You must have had quite a journey, huh? And it seems like you have a lot to say about them. Could you share those experiences with Onee-san here?”
With her eyes radiating a glimmer of hope, Rumi looked at Haruno, who was still faithfully squatting in front of her.
"It's happened a few times. Someone would be left out, and we would stop talking to them. But eventually, it would always end, and then we would talk again. It was almost like a game. Someone would come up with the idea, and then we would just sort of start doing it."
Rumi lowered her face like a weight had fallen on her neck.
"However, at one time, a girl I used to talk to a lot got left out, and I sort of stayed away from her, following what the other kids were doing. But suddenly, I was in that position, and the girl I had previously avoided avoided me back and joined the others. It was as if our positions had been swapped, or could it be a form of revenge and self-defence on her part?”
Nothing in this world fit the classic mould of the villain, which Hachiman got from the message Souseki Natsume wanted to convey in his novel. He believed that people had no doubt that they were good people. However, once something they stood to benefit from was threatened, they would quickly bare their fangs to the others. They tell themselves they weren't evil and look for reasons to justify themselves when they did something bad. In order to maintain their internal consistency after their role reversal, they reverse your view of the world instead.
People they used to call "cool" were now regarded as "full of themselves". Those whom they respected as "smart and wise" you view with contempt, deeming them to be "looking down on people who aren't as academic". People they used to describe as "energetic and active" were now labelled as “annoying, overacting, and overexcited”. In rendering their judgment on this upside-down world, they wielded their so-called sword of justice.
'If that's not a lie, then what the fuck is it?'
Despite his reputation as apathetic and lacking empathy, Hachiman always had a soft side regarding children. However, he couldn’t deny that the chaos of today's society also stemmed from the children's negative personalities, which were never corrected simply with the excuse of "they're just kids" or "let them learn from their mistakes."
'Of course, they’ve to learn from their mistakes. But who’ll be responsible for the harm done? Sometimes, many people emphasise that mistakes are a learning process, but almost no one teaches children how to take responsibility for their mistakes.'
Japan was renowned for its culture and manners, which highly value discipline and politeness. In many aspects, this was undoubtedly a good thing. However, because it had become a cultural practice practised by almost everyone, it also suggested that kids did it out of social norms rather than a fundamental understanding of why they should do it. As a result, these polite behaviours become merely a facade.
“So, what are you going to do, Hikigaya-kun?” Haruno asked, turning to the boy.
“Me? Why me?”
Hachiman raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question suddenly directed at him.
“I'm just curious. If it were you, what would you do?”
Hachiman narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Haruno with a probing gaze. Clearly, the woman wasn't asking because she was seeking input on a solution. In fact, he was certain that Haruno already had steps to solve the little girl's problem. However, no matter how hard he thought about it, he couldn't find a reason for the question.
'Was it meant to be a test? But why?'
Hachiman closed his eyes, reorganising his thoughts to focus on what needed to be done.
Tsurumi Rumi's problems were complex and couldn’t be viewed from a single perspective. Just from her brief story, Hachiman could discover the many layers hidden beneath. It wasn’t just about the girl being ostracised, but also her eroding self-confidence. She might say she was fine for now, but it would clearly impact her future.
'Doing everything is obviously impossible. Moreover, we're only here for three days and won't see each other again after that. The only thing we can do is do something about her group of friends. However, with limited time, there's only one way to fix this.'
“Hikigaya-kun.”
Hachiman jolted back from his thoughts when he heard Haruno call his name.
“You'll be doomed to fail if you think you can do it alone in such a time, you know?”
“What's that even mean?” Hachiman muttered.
Haruno smiled kindly while tilting her head.
"There are things you can do, and there are things you can't. Even if you believe what you're about to do is the most effective method, you'll never solve the underlying problem if you force your way without careful consideration."
“Then why did you ask my opinion in the first place?” the guy grumbled.
Hachiman felt uneasy with Haruno's smile. Although it seemed sincere, he couldn't tell if she genuinely meant it. Furthermore, it was as if she could read his mind about what method he would use.
"That's because you're a good guy. Just seeing you seriously consider my question proves it," Haruno replied sweetly.
Hachiman reflexively covered the lower half of his face, pretending to scratch it gently when in fact he was only trying to hide the blush that had appeared on his cheeks. Meanwhile, Tsurumi Rumi remained silent, watching the two interact with a blank stare, as if she were just a fly circling between two birds communicating with their beautiful chirps.
"So, what do you want me to do?" the boy asked without looking at Haruno.
"I'll discuss this with the staff to find the best solution. I'm better at organising things than you, after all."
Hachiman furrowed his brows upon hearing Haruno's last sentence. However, he remained silent and let Haruno finish her sentence first.
“Then, since you’ve a higher EQ than I, I'm sure you can find the best solution for Rumi-chan’s other problem, the core one that I assume you already know about.”
In other words, Haruno wanted to split the task into two parts. She posed the bullying and its emotional impact into two distinct dimensions, which must be addressed in parallel and comprehensively. Understanding her and Hachiman's strengths, she decided that sharing the task was the best option. Only then would their proposed solutions truly address the underlying issues.
“I understand what you mean, but why are you still here? Why don’t you go and meet the staff?”
“Well, they’re busy right now. I’ll find time to discuss this later,” Haruno replied, glancing at the teachers who were still watching their students, “Besides, I wanted to know what you proposed to Rumi-chan so I could convey it to them right away.”
Hachiman sighed softly upon hearing that. Of course, he understood that it would be better, as it meant Haruno was hearing the proposal firsthand, without withholding information. That way, she could immediately assess the proposed idea and see Tsurumi Rumi's reaction firsthand. However, for Hachiman, it somehow made him a little nervous to be directly scrutinised by Haruno.
“Fine, you do you,” replied the droopy-eyed boy.
“W-wait! Can you hear me out first?”
However, Tsurumi Rumi interrupted the two, causing Hachiman and Haruno to turn back to her.
"Don't report this to the teachers! It's not a matter worth making a big deal out of!"
Hachiman stared blankly at the little girl. He understood what she was trying to convey. In the world of children, reporting to an adult was tantamount to admitting defeat and weakness. That foolish, useless pride often destroyed their futures, even though they instinctively knew that adults were the best people to ask for help. It was also what brought Tsurumi Rumi to them. Although she only acted as if she wanted to chat with people she considered equals, she was screaming inside and hoping for a helping hand.
“You must have thought everything would be fine as long as you could endure it and things would go back to normal if you went to a new place in middle school, right?” Hachiman asked in a tone he made as friendly as possible.
The boy crouched next to Haruno, levelling with Rumi to look the girl straight in the eye.
"Listen, that's actually a pretty good idea, but it's inefficient and ineffective. You need to go to a school far from your neighbourhood because the kids who ostracised you will most likely go to the nearest one. Besides, people like them are everywhere. Even if you get away from the kids in your class, you'll run into people like them somewhere."
Rumi lowered her head and stared at the ground blankly.
“I said it's fine, didn't I? I'm fine being alone, and there's nothing wrong with being a loner,” the girl replied.
“Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m a loner myself, after all,” Hachiman commented, “However, there’s a big difference between being a loner because you chose that path of your own free will and being one because society forced you to be.”
Yukinoshita Yukino was a perfect example of this. She was a perfect queen, towering above everyone else with an air of absolute power that insisted no one was her equal. Her beauty, grace, and over-the-top intelligence make those around her envious, prompting them to try to bring down the ice queen. However, none of their efforts bear fruit. Instead, it only further emphasised their insignificance in front of Yukinoshita Yukino.
This woman could walk with her head held high, regardless of gossip. In fact, when she was in the right environment, people admired her like an untouched flower atop a snowy mountain. She chose the path of a loner because no one could withstand the pressure she exerted. However, once someone was willing to cross that line, that one person would be worth far more than a hundred.
Unfortunately, not all loners possess these qualities. In fact, Yukinoshita Yukino was the extraordinary one, a small sample of the total number of loners in this world. Most people become loners because they experience isolation, become unable to cope with pressure, and ultimately lose their self-confidence, leading them to withdraw from society.
“Then, what should I do?” asked Rumi while playing with her fingers.
Hachiman smiled genuinely at the question, something he rarely showed.
"It's simple. If people here don't want to befriend you, why don't you find someone who’ll accept you elsewhere? Like joining a sports club, for example?"
Rumi looked at the guy with a questioning look, as did Haruno, who raised an eyebrow.
“Why a sports club? Like, exactly why?” asked the short-haired woman.
“Just like her classmates get along because they’ve got the same topics to gossip about, friendships will be easier to form if you’ve the same mindset."
Hachiman paused for a moment, looking at Haruno. However, he was sure that the woman had understood the reasoning from the start, and that the question was intended to stimulate Tsurumi Rumi to become more involved in the discussion.
"And above all, sports are where people come together with a common goal. Whether it's health, winning competitions, or even being the best, they all strive with a strong mindset."
“Oh… that sounds amazing, Hikigaya-kun! Doesn't it sound fun to fight alongside people to win something?" Haruno responded with as much enthusiasm as she could muster.
Hachiman raised his eyebrows, surprised enough by the woman's response to leave him speechless. Haruno knew how to respond by naturally acting to pique her target's interest.
“But I'm not good at sports,” Tsurumi Rumi muttered.
“It's fine, isn't it? Everyone starts from scratch when they start something new. After all, your main goal is to seek new experiences with new people, right?”
It wasn't Hachiman, but Haruno who gave that reply.
“Even if you say that, I don’t know which one to choose,” the little girl muttered with her head down.
“How about martial arts?”
Hachiman's suggestion made the girl lift her head, looking at him with eyes that showed confusion.
"I know it sounds strange for a girl your age," Hachiman continued, "However, martial arts is a sport where you can experience greater positive effects on your body. The struggle and sweat you shed to achieve something with your teammates will feel more genuine, and you'll be able to understand each other better."
What Hachiman said wasn't just sweet words or sugarcoating. It could be said that he experienced it all firsthand. For a jujutsu sorcerer, blending in with normal society was incredibly difficult. However, being with his fellow sorcerers, fighting together and risking their lives on various missions, gave him a sense of belonging and a place to share his feelings.
Even though it didn’t involve risking one's life, martial arts had a similar mindset to the daily lives of sorcerers. They train, struggle, laugh, and sometimes cry together. The pain they experienced, whether in training or competition, only deepened their bond. Furthermore, practising martial arts regularly also fostered self-confidence. Exercising, hitting the gym, and practising martial arts could be incredibly therapeutic for someone who lacked that.
"Oh, I hear martial arts are quite popular among teenage girls these days," said Haruno, still playing her role.
"Well, that's it. Regardless of the circumstances, self-defence is essential for everyone. However, you also have to be discerning when choosing a martial art. Because women have a different muscle structure from men, Judo is the best choice."
"Oh, Judo, huh? That sounds fun!" Haruno responded again, trying to pique the girl's interest. "It doesn't focus on punches and straights but takes the opponent to the ground and submits them. It's not too brutal but very effective for self-defence.”
Haruno truly delivered on those words perfectly. She didn't exaggerate, sticking to the merits of what Hachiman proposed. Looking at the pair, they truly looked like a salesman and a paid reviewer working well together.
Despite that, there was no bias in the boy's words. Somehow, laypeople judge and assume that striking-based martial arts were the best and more stylish, but grappling-based martial arts like wrestling and Judo were more effective for self-defence. Of course, the best self-defence was avoiding trouble on the street, especially when outnumbered. However, there were times when one must take action. Besides, constantly avoiding wasn’t good for self-confidence.
'Well, although I prefer to run away when facing an opponent I can't possibly beat, sometimes, fighting against all odds can also happen.'
Hachiman remembered when he decided to face Geto Suguru, who raided Tokyo Jujutsu High last year, which only ended in a one-sided massacre.
'Though, with how I’m now, I'm quite confident that I can beat anyone as long as it's not Gojo-sensei and Hiratsuka-sensei.'
Tsurumi Rumi's eyes darted occasionally, trying to weigh the boy's proposal. She was still unsure of her decision, but the occasional glances she gave Haruno indicated that the spark of interest within her was already starting to burn.
“If you’re still in doubt, why don’t you try it out first?” asked the short-haired woman.
"Try?"
Haruno nodded slowly.
"You can try it for a month, then decide afterwards. I can recommend a dojo with a good training program for children your age."
Rumi raised her eyebrows, but she quickly narrowed her eyes.
“Onee-san, don't tell me that you do Judo, and your words just now were an attempt to influence me."
The statement was so unexpected that it made Haruno blink a few times with surprise flashing in her eyes.
“Hahaha. You really are a smart girl, eh, Rumi-chan?” Haruno replied with a small laugh, “Yes, I do Judo and some other martial arts, and I still practice diligently even now.”
That wasn't entirely a lie. Haruno was quite skilled in Judo and Kickboxing, and had studied Taekwondo for a while. Although her formal training lasted only during high school and a short time after graduation, she had recently been honing her fighting skills again since becoming a jujutsu sorcerer.
"That's why I agree with this Onii-san and highly recommend you try joining a Judo school if you want to start doing some sports," Haruno suggested.
Seeking new experiences and meeting new people through sports, Rumi had never considered such a path. All along, the only solution she could think of was to hold off until graduation and go to a junior high school far from her neighbourhood to start fresh. However, talking with these two people, especially after hearing Hachiman's remark that hypocrites could be anywhere, made her realise that she would just run around for the rest of her life if she didn't decide to do something.
However, the question remained. Would she be able to pull it off? A question that would never be answered without trying.
"Okay, I guess. I'll ask my parents' permission after this," Rumi said in a low voice.
Hachiman and Haruno stared at each other. While a wide smile spread beautifully across the woman's face, Hachiman pursed his lips. However, expressions of satisfaction were clearly etched on their faces.
“Then, let me know when you have decided to join, and I’ll inform the dojo staff right away,” Haruno replied.
With that, the first problem was pretty much resolved, although the details of its development still needed to be followed up. This solution would never have occurred to Hachiman if Haruno hadn't been by his side. For him, fixated on efficiency, coupled with the time limit, he might have resorted to more extreme measures, which could have even tarnished his own reputation and wouldn't necessarily have solved the root of the problem. However, he had to admit, thanks to Haruno, he had learned a lot from this case.
Hachiman glanced at Haruno, realising how strongly she had influenced his life.
“Is there something wrong with my face?” Haruno asked.
Hachiman immediately turned his face away, a little embarrassed because the woman caught him stealing glances at her.
"No, nothing. It's just…."
The boy tried to deny it, but his conversation with Ruri replayed. After speaking and advising a little girl not to keep running away, he was now trying to justify his own cowardice.
“I mean, I’m glad you’re here. Or else, I might have messed it up,” the guy said, covering his mouth, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.
Haruno was quite surprised to hear those words, her eyes widening. It was rare for a tsundere like Hachiman to swallow his pride and say what he truly felt, but of course, she was very happy to hear it.
“Wow, you truly can be this cute, eh, Hikigaya-kun?”
—To Be Continued—
Author Note: Well, my JLPT test finally finished a while ago, and I have some time to get back to writing. However, I couldn't write much in this chapter for several reasons. Might this chapter be a warm-up? Lol.
First of all, I want to say a big thank you to all of you who have been patiently waiting for me. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me, guys.
Second, let's get into the story. Unlike the canon version, this chapter is about what would happen if Haruno got emotionally attached to Hachiman and went to this summer camp. Considering those two variables, it doesn't make sense for everything to go according to the LN version. That's why Haruno prevented Hachiman from making a decision that could damage his reputation and helped him think of a solution. Something that wasn't in the LN, where everything was on Hachiman's shoulders.
As such, Hachiman suggested encouraging Tsurumi Rumi to attend a Judo school to regain her confidence and gain new friends and experiences. That being said, this is actually an experience I've had. Of course, I wasn't the one ostracised like Rumi. However, it was my nephew. Like, the son of my cousin. So, I suggested that his parents enrol their son in gymnastics and take him to the dojo where I train in Judo.
I couldn't say he stopped being ostracised because of that, though. However, after observing him at school for a while, he seemed unintimidated by the people who ostracised him and more active in his activities outside school. So, whatever it is, self-defence is extremely important, and I believe everyone should learn it, regardless of gender or age.
That's all from me. Once again, thank you for patiently waiting for me. I look forward to seeing you later in the next two weeks.