answered his challenge to the death. The marching forces of the giants crossed swords with the forces of the dead. Steel met steel and shed sparks, blood spurted like fountains, and the war cries, mixed with the death agonies covered the place. “I lost.” Hikaru repeated once more. “And quite utterly at that. Even after I made an army made out of heroic spirits that I gathered in Valhalla, they didn’t prove to be much use in the end. I had prepared as I could for Ragnarok, but I failed to preserve the age of gods.” “Can’t be helped.” Norn said quite indifferently. “Both wisdom and bravery have their rises and falls. Like, as long as something exists, it can’t escape the end. We call ourselves gods so selfimportantly, but that’s the kind of existences we are, in reality.” “You are quite pragmatic, Norn.” “I’m a goddess of time and destiny, after all. That’s natural.” I see, Hikaru nodded in response. Well, some things were indeed like that. The sense of values of the gods was quite lackadaisical compared to the human ones. Their proximity to primordial and the greatness that comes with power made them act that way. “...So?” Hikaru asked the main question. “What is this? The scene I’m seeing right now──if my memory serves me correctly, Ragnarok should have ended long ago.” “This is Ragnarok the Second.” Norn said. Even with the scene of the ceasing world before her, she was still acting the same. For her who governed everything about time, every concept was equal, be this moment or another, the downfall or the rise, or even life and death. As she was someone who nurtured Yggdrasil──the very world itself, both existence and nonexistence were equally precious for her. “I don’t know about the human world, but we gods wouldn’t perish just by losing once, y’know. We are doing it all over again, naturally. We’ll do it as
many times as needed, until we win.” “Is this the so called parallel world theory?” “Uhhh, I guess you could call it that?” “Then, is it more like a world that loops again and again? The one that would go on for eternity until it find the most optimal conclusion.” “Uhhh, I guess that wouldn’t be wrong either?” “Oh, I got it. This is basically the imaginary Ragnarok space as the three sisters called it.” “Well, that’s kinda different too.” “...Okay, I give up. I have no idea.” “Well, like, you don’t really have to understand it.” Norn laughed and Hikaru shrugged his shoulders. “Even I can’t understand it and I have soaked myself in the Fountain of Wisdom. We gods really act all high and mighty, but we are actually quite insignificant.” “But that simply means that this world is that much profound, doesn’t it?” “I’ve been thinking about this since long ago, but aren’t you the strongest, Norn? Since you govern over time, doesn’t that basically mean that you hold the key to every possible phenomenon?” “But in exchange, I can’t do as I please. As this power has restrictions, the reason I separate into three sisters is also for the separation of powers, as humans call it.” “By the way, you were also there in that dream I saw. I spend fun days along with Urdr, Verdandi and Skuld.” “There is a thin line between dream and reality. Looking from that world, this world would be the dream instead. Moreover, I am the goddess of time and destiny. Past, present and future all fall within my field. I suppose I would be neglecting my duty if I didn’t exist everywhere, or I guess I should say it would be a contradiction.” “I see. Then that other world is not a dream but a reality, huh──And in short, what happens on this side can interfere with that side.” “Exactly. If this world perishes, so will that one. They are like the two sides of a coin, so if one side is damaged, the other one wouldn’t continue to exist either.” Norn laughed and Hikaru shrugged his shoulders. “Well, for Odin-sama, this reality is more like a transient illusion. Nothing
really changes even if you know the truth.” “You are right. I have work to do in that world──although, if I go there I would forget everything about this.” “Well, that’s not a problem. Me on that side guides you in her own way, right? And moreover, me on that side and me on this side aren’t exactly identical beings.” “You are so confusing.” “Please forgive me on that part.” “We are the same in that regard after all, right?” “Eeexaactly.” Norn laughed and Hikaru shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I’ll be going now. It’s about to reach the part where Loki defeats Heimdall.” “As expected, even you can’t stand and watch how your world ends, can you, Odin-sama?” “I’m going now to prevent that from happening. In order to obtain the possible future in the worlds of possibilities──In order to find that one in a million, one in a billion hope, my being has crossed the dimensions. Leaving all my power and memories behind.” “Yup. Well then, I’ll leave the other world in your hands. You understand what needs to be done right, Odin-sama?” “I do very well. One is to regain my memories and power in that world.” “And another?” “To join in marriage with Loki and overwrite the Ragnarok future.” “Yeaap. A perfect answer.” Norn laughed and Hikaru shrugged his shoulders. “But you know. Who would have thought that the best kind of solution would be for me to marry Loki.” “There is a concept of political marriage in the human world. Loki is like Hisoka from Hunter × Hunter, so depending on how you handle it, he can end up as either the ally or the enemy.” “But Loki is fundamentally a guy.” “That’s just how it is circulated in the human world, isn’t it? There’s no real distinction between a man and a woman in the gods’ world. And the fact is, Loki was reborn as a girl in that world.” “And took on that clumsy tsundere attribute, on top of it.”
“That’s the specialty of the Trickster, after all. It was always hard to guess how things would turn out when it came to him, so I say nothing’s changed.” “I couldn’t agree more.” Hikaru watched as the world before his eyes headed towards its ruin. Loki. The most wicked evil god in Asgard. Heimdall who opposed him was the god of light in charge of protecting Asgard, but it was obvious at a glance that he was having a hard time against him. Even the owner of the Gjallarhorn was at a disadvantage against the assaulting calamity that had turned into an avatar of ruin. Loki. He bared his fangs like a demon, like a mad beast, and laughed loudly with bloodshot eyes as he swung his bloodstained sword, someone who was once his friend and a sworn brother. Many things had happened. And due to them, he had turned hostile, and brought about Ragnarok──but that is a story for another time. If he had to sit and wait for the destined Twilight to come, then why not try clinging to to that one possibility, however infinitely small it may be. Odin and Loki. And if it was possible for them, who ended up parting ways, to walk handin-hand once again, that would surely bring with it a bright future for all the comrades that had been divided into friends and foes. “By the way, Norn.” “What’s up?” “Before I return to that world, care to lend an ear to my monologue? Rather than monologue, maybe it’s more like idle complaints? Or even a consultation? Depending on how you look at it.” “Sure, sure. What do you wanna talk about?” “About the past. Not of this but that world.” “Sure sure. Go ahead, go ahead.” “My name is Oogami Hikaru. And as I said before, I am a normal human. I was born in a relatively normal family, grew up relatively normally and had been living a relatively normal life.” Thus, he started his narration, as he gazed towards the Ragnarok unfolding before his eyes.
Etching it all deep in his mind, his own failure, and the miserable and catastrophic future. “And well, I have a childhood friend that I like, and down to earth parents that let me do as I please; honestly, I’m blessed in every way──In addition, the fact that I’m originally Odin makes me quite an oddball. But even so, my life still falls under the “Normal” category. Even if I get in disputes, they are never the matters of life and death, and even if sad things happen, they wouldn’t make me lose all my hair either. Each and every day is like a bath at the perfect temperature. I was happy. I was truly blessed with luck. I am fully aware that there aren’t many people who lead a life like my own. I haven’t been born with any handicaps that dragged me down, and nor have I ever looked for people happier than me with bloodshot eyes and thrown curses around. I was satisfied with what I had. I was blessed to be born with such a fate, after all. If everything went smoothly──and I think there was nothing that could really happen with such a life──then like any other normal person, I would date my childhood friend, and I would get married and make a family with her, then we would have children, raise them, then I would grow old, and finally, I would pass away surrounded by my family. I think I have obtained the greatest happiness possible, with all my being, all my power and all my soul. It’s worthy of the guts pose. That was quite unexpected, huh. But yes, my face at that time would probably have the most peaceful expression with the best smile you could find. But you see, Norn. I’m going to say something really harsh now. It was really, really boring. It was awfully, unbelievably boring, to the point that I thought I would die of too much yawning. No, I understand how that sounds. I did say it, after all. That I was going to say something harsh. The gluttony at its best, or the haughtiness of someone
who has it all, call it whatever you want. That’s how it actually is so I can’t complain. But it’s still the truth nonetheless, hence why I say it. I’m confessing without trying to cover it. That peaceful happiness was boring to the point that I got fed up with it. I accepted that peace, I was thankful for that good luck, but somewhere deep down, I always kept thinking: I hope this world just breaks apart. I hope everything turns upside down, all sense of values get reversed, and both the peace and tranquility just gets blown apart. Somewhere if not here, someday if not now, I want to see it with my eyes, experience it with my body. And then, my wish came true. Urdr, Verdandi and Skuld──Norn appeared before me. I have finally obtained the “unordinary life” that I always dreamed of.” Hikaru said, with a gentle smile on his face, the expression of peace and tranquility that he never let go of. “And so?” Norn urged him, “How did it feel for your dearest wish to come true?” “It was scary.” Hikaru answered immediately. His face still full of calm. Maintaining his constant expression of peace and tranquility. “When the world finally gets overturned, only then you realise the significance of the situation. After all, it’s not proper anymore, my current life, that is. I’m honestly worried whether Sakura can properly follow me along. Now I feel nostalgic of the times where I used to spend days in delusion. Those delusions actually came true, and yet I’m still perplexed at myself who had finally obtained that ‘unordinary life’──What do you think? I’m really strange, after all, aren’t I?” “Yup.” Norn nodded. With her usual gal-like face which made it look as if she wasn’t thinking about it at all. “You’re really strange. If your wish came true, you should be making merry with your hands raised, y’know. I’ll ask this just in case, Odin-
sama──Hikaru-cchi couldn’t be thinking of returning to his former life, right?” “Nope, he isn’t.” “Then, you already have the answer, right?” “Yup. I will stick to the position I was given. I will live my life as the reincarnation of Odin to the utmost.” “Right~? There’s clearly no other option there, is it? What Hikaru-cchi is saying is basically asking for the impossible, isn’t it? As they say, honey is sweet, but the bee stings.” “You sure cut me down with a single stroke.” “I’m just saying the truth. Well, Odina-sama has always been the most humanly god among us. That’s why you were able to instead ‘stand at the top of the gods.’” “But I ended up causing Ragnarok, in the end.” “Well, you can reflect on that as you like. The possibility to rewrite the future of the demise has been left in the shape of Oogami Hikaru. As the representative of both gods and humans, you can go ahead and follow the path you wish to follow.” “You always point out the truth.” “So, is there anything else you wanna talk about?” “Nope.” Hikaru shook his head.
And then, he continued, while observing the disastrous scene of the final war with a calm and tranquil expression. “That’s all. We are ending the talk here. Thank you, for listening to my silly complaints.” “You’re welcome.” “But still, I can only leave things to take their own course. I won’t have my memories or my power when I return there, anyway.” “Having them would instead make you too overpowered . We are the way we are now exactly because we are neither all-powerful nor all-capable.”
“That’s also true. ...Then I’ll be going now. I am a transient existence now, I can’t materialize here for too long.” “Sure, sure, see you later. ...Well, don’t be too stiffly and take it easy. This has been sort of an experiment from the start, and Odin-sama on that side is something like a mayfly, so to speak. It won’t be a problem even if there are no fruits. To be extreme, there’s also the choice to stay in that world without returning here, and live a fun and happy──” Hikaru couldn’t hear her words to the end. He once again fell into slumber, all while thinking about what tomorrow would bring for breakfast.
CHAPTER ELEVEN Next Morning. Oogami living room. “I saw a dream.” Hikaru recalled the events of the last night while sitting at the table. “You see, last night, me and Sakura slept together.” “Oh dear.” “Oh my.” “And? And?” The three sisters enquired in curiosity. Kako lined the plates up on the table, while Ima put the pot on the burner and Mirai poured the tea for him. It was the usual scene for the Oogami family. What was different from usual, however, was the presence of Miyamoto Sakura who sat with her head bowed and was breaking out in a cold sweat. “Please tell us the specifics, Hikaru-san,” said Kako. “I’d like to hear in full detail, Hikaru-sama,” said Ima. “Tell us every tiny detail, okay, Hikaru-oniichan, “ said Mirai. “No well, it was a dream so I can’t recall much details, but,” Hikaru smiled wryly as he drank his tea, and continued, “I remember Sakura whispered “I love you” to me.” “““Kyaa────────?!””” The sisters shreaked shrilly, meanwhile Sakura’s shoulders twitched. “And after she whispered those words, she started rolling around in embarrassment.” “““Kyaa────────?!”””
“She was grinning a lot. She was so lovestruck you wouldn’t expect it from her normal self.” “““Kyaa────────?!””” “And then she went for the kiss.” “““Kyaa────────?!””” “She poked my face to confirm whether I was actually asleep. Then brought her face close to my nose to be even sure, and even checked my heartbeat by touching my chest, and then she drew her lips close to me.” “““Kyaa────────?!””” “And she wasn’t aiming for my cheeks or anything but a genuine kiss. But well, when there was only a paper-thin, a hair-thin of space left, she suddenly backed out. But after going that far, it’s practically a kiss already. Don’t you agree, Sakura?” “──Just why the hell do you remember everything?!” Sakura yelled. “Weren’t you fully asleep?! You definitely were, weren’t you?! So why do you remember it, isn’t this strange!” “Yup, I was. But I remember it for some reason.” “What do you mean ‘for some reason’?! If you are sleeping, then forget about it! And moreover, why are you running your mouth about what happened yesterday, are you trying to make me die from embarrassment or what!?” Sakura grasped Hikaru’s neck and shook him, while Hikaru went “ahaha it hurts, it hurts” in protest. “But that’s so lovely,” Kako said with an ecstatic expression. “It seems the bride training was worthwhile,” Ima nodded eagerly. “It’s quite an exciting result, I totally didn’t expect that!” Mirai cheered innocently. “But this basically means that we have to continue the training, right?” “Of course, Kako-neesama. Next time it has to be not ‘practically a kiss’ but an ‘actual kiss’.” “Rather, Sakura-oneechan, why not just live with us?” “Mirai you are a genius. That’s exactly right, Sakura-chan should just live here.” “Cohabitation as they call it. And then you can climb the stairs of adulthood from there.”
“Wow! That sounded so erotic!” “Of course! It would definitely turn into something erotic. When that happens, it would only be a matter of time until they go beyond kissing.” “I just thought of something good. Let’s set up a hidden camera this time. That way we can enjoy Sakura-san’s embarrassed face, and we’d have something to laugh about all the time.” “Ima, are you a genius by chance? This is an idea worthy of being called a discovery. Let’s use it then. Can we buy a hidden camera on Am*zon?” “Hey, hey, I just realized this. If we are doing that, why not use our goddess’ authority and get X-ray vision? And observe them when they sleep together.” “Mirai you really are a genius! Let’s use that idea too. We’ll leave the hidden camera to save the data while we observe them in real time. This way, we can perfectly──” “Aagh, you are so annoying. I’m getting headaches from you all talking one after another. Just merge into one! “““Transfoorm!””” The three sisters united and the goddess of time and destiny, Norn appeared in their place. “Now then, let’s leave Sakura-cchi’s bullying here. Let’s eat now. We are having Hikaru-cchi’s favorite curry, even more delicious after leaving it for a day.” “Aw yea, I was waiting for it! I really like the curry you leave for some time to increase its deliciousness, after all! The meat, vegetables and sauce all amalgamate, and the saltiness rounds out, increasing the flavouring from the proteins──It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a dish packed full of all the joys of life.” “Hikaru-cchi, what do you want for the topping? A pile of fukujinzuke and the a lot of shaved parmigiano?” “Yup, I’ll go with that! But today, can you add something like fried onions on top of that?” “Sure sure, fried onions it is. They are sweet and fragrant, they will surely add to the flavor.” “And while we are at it, maybe add some fried garlic, too.” “Uwah, that’s just heinous! You want that despite the fact that you are going to school! But garlic really is delicious, maybe I should go for it too.”
“...Actually, you two, you suddenly switched that earlier topic like it’s nothing...while I remained humiliated here...but well, I’m still glad that it changed…” And as such, they started their breakfast. It was their usual scenery at the usual table. “““ Idatakimasu !””” Three (or perhaps five) of them said in unison. And the curry proceeded to quickly disappear into their stomachs. “Ah, so tasty. It frustrates me to admit it, but this curry is just delicious… If only I could become able to make something like this.” “It’s easy when you get used to it. If you try, you will be able to make it, Sakura-cchi.” “I wonder about that… I am fully aware that I have no sense for cooking. Even when I make a cup ramen, it ends up tasting weird…” “I think that’s already a talent of its own, Sakura. Why not work on improving that talent instead?” “No, no, what good would improving it do. There’s no use to it, is there?” “Hmm...how about becoming a performer as the girl with the world’s worst cooking ability?” “Definitely not. I do have pride in myself you know.” “Wouldn’t it be fine to just keep your pride away from that? There’s what people call ‘the right person in the right place’. I think it’s interesting, you know? Dedicating yourself to a single genre.” “Don’t ask the impossible. And actually, who would even ask for such a talent. And honestly speaking, wouldn’t it be quite bad instead if my cooking became even worse? I mean, look, I’ll become your bride before long…” “Don’t worry. When we marry, I’ll be the one in charge of cooking.” “Gah!” “And with that, let’s just marry already, Sakura. You can ease off with the bride training, I’ll take care of all your troubles.” “Ah, okay, sorry, and thank you──or not! As I said, I have my pride too! I can’t become a bride if I can’t at least do the minimum!” “Sakura, your reasoning is quite old-fashioned. Isn’t it fine even if we don’t fall in the general marital relationship. I will work and make money, and do the cooking, cleaning and laundry. I’ll do my best you know, as long as it’s for you.”
“Uwah, that sounds like marrying into super wealthy family! Are you saying I should leave everything to my husband and play all I want? Uggh, what should I do, if you are going to give me such favorable treatment, I’m willing to marry you right this moment──AS IF! What am I, a kept woman?! I keep saying it, but I have my pride, you know?! Actually, you… you are totally thinking that I’d fail no matter how much effort I put, aren't you?! That’s why you are saying that, is that it?!” “Ahahaha. Of course not, maybe. Ahahaha.” “DAMN YOU! Put some more trust in me! Even I can become better if I try hard! At least a bit! If I pour my sweat and blood and undergo a hellish training, even I can reach the point where I can at least make a cup ramen!” “Ahaha, stop it Sakura, it hurts. Stop strangling me already, I can’t breathe.” “*whistle!* it’s been hot here all morning. And the curry raised that heat even more, so can you please keep down your show there?” “And here it is! Someone who makes fun from the side! I’ll say this here, but we’ve been doing relatively well before you three sisters appeared! I had no rivals, and if you left us be we would have properly married each other one day! In around ten years, probably!” “Uwah? That optimistic thinking of yours makes even me displeased. We can bet on this if you want, but there’s no way you can survive in this day and age with that kind of thinking. Hikaru would’ve gotten himself another girl, and even you would’ve found another guy.” “Definitely nooot! Hikaru is the only one for me! I have not even the slightest interest in other boys!” “Eh, really? I’m not really convinced there, you know?” “It’s trueeee! I’m not lying! I can bet my life on it!” “Hmm, I feel like you are lacking in seriousness there, y’know? Like, you can say whatever you want with your mouth, but if you are serious, I’d like some kind of proof maybe?” “I don’t need any proof to show my seriousness! I mean, I like Hikaru! No, I love him! Because I’m so cowardly I’m dragging it on, but if the situation permits it, I’d marry him right this mom ──WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU MAKING ME SAY?!” Norn teased Sakura as she successfully fell for it. Observing the happy exchange of these two, Hikaru thought to himself.
Whatever I was in my past life, and regardless of being reincarnated, this scene before my eyes is the current reality. Be it Odin or the world of Norse Mythology, they aren’t so important right now. We should live for the present. For this irreplaceable, dazzling time. Perhaps this happiness won’t last long, but that’s exactly why we have to make the most out of it. Fortunately, we stumbled upon these fun circumstances. So let us of er our thanks to it, and live our lives as happily–and if possible, a little bit pervertedly, too–as we can. ...But before that. With the empty plate in his left, and the cleanly licked spoon in his right hand, and a face beaming with smile. Oogami Hikaru announced his wish in a loud voice. “But still, this curry is really delicious. Seconds please!”
AFTERWORD Hello, I’m Suzuki Daisuke. I wrote the first volume of the new work, “Just a Story About Sakura-chan Being Cute”. As it normally goes when writing a new book, my worries began by asking myself, just what should I write? Some have a lot of things they want to write, and some have nothing coming to their minds──each author has their respective problems, but for me it was the following: I started writing and all, but I have no idea how to continue it. ...That’s because, I started writing this book by following the “start by writing the the most supreme scene full of skin exposure” concept, you see. And when I crammed all that in the first chapter, beyond that spread a wasteland where not even shepherd’s purse was growing, and it sort of turned into a “Chapter 1 - End! That’s all!” kind of thing. It is sometimes hard to write the continuation of a story where the period was struck, and after seeing the end, however imperfect, it is quite inevitable that the author’s pen also stops. That said, I am a joke of a professional myself, so I am unable to deliver the stories that weren’t included in the book. I rack my nonexistent brains, thinking how to write beyond that period. I continue to write despite being in a dire state, thinking where I should put the true period. Now, what kind of story was born on that “wasteland where not even shepherd’s purse was growing,” you might ask? Getting straight to the point - an extremely fun love comedy. The knack of life is to stop worrying about things and just start. Once you start, you can leave the rest to the you of tomorrow──Having to deal with
the mess the me of yesterday left behind, the me of today can affirm those words with a self-satisfied face, and with that, I’ll be ending this afterword here. Now, I bid you goodbye, praying that we can meet once again before long. 2019 X Day Suzuki Daisuke
EBOOK BONUS Miyamoto Sakura is cute. What part of her is cute, you ask? It’s everything, starting from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, without missing anything──Everyone who knows her would unanimously say so, but here’s a critical blow. It’s the nurse outfit. And I’m not talking about the orthodox nurse outfit, but a specially made one. A nurse outfit is cute. It is full of cuteness. A white nurse cap and a similarly white apron. And when you talk about nurses, the syringe is a must. Let’s have her pose while holding it. Now, behold. Miyamoto Sakura + nurse outfit it is. The contest of Cute + Cute it is. It stands to reason that by adding cute to cute, it grows even stronger, however the base is Miyamoto Sakura, after all. It wouldn’t end with a simple addition, and instead, an explosive synergy will be born. In other words, it would be the big bang of cuteness. Using culinary terms, it would be an all you can eat feast. I’m repeating it, but the base is Miyamoto Sakura, after all. It wouldn’t just end with cuteness, at that point. You could call her a breathing social phenomenon, or a walking influencer, it’s that kind of cuteness we are talking about. The “Come on, you can’t do that, Mr. Patient. Tsk tsk!” kind of expression is quite nice too. Frankly, it sends shivers down my spine. Now, let’s conclude.
This is “Just a Pinup Of Miyamoto Sakura Being Cute” for “Just a Story About Miyamoto Sakura Being Cute”. Please do check and accept this bonus that appeals to the existence value by using a total of thirteen instances of “Cute”. PS A comment from Miyamoto Sakura “The nurse outfit is certainly cute, but being so delighted about it is kinda creepy.”
1. Shimamura - Japanese retail store for clothes that are considered to be “cheap but lame”.