指切り
Yubikiri (Pinky Promise)


Uzuki: To make sure we avoid a repeat of last night, I'll do my best not to leave your side, today.

After folding the futon and changing my clothes, I am about to head to the dining hall when Uzuki-san speaks.

Kei: Eh?

Uzuki: If following you around the clock would be an eyesore, I could take that into consideration and work on our strategy instead, but - how does that sound?

Kei: Ah, I don't think that would be a problem. You know so many things, you're really interesting to talk to, and you're really pretty, so being together would be more like a sight for sore eyes---

Ahh, I'm really getting ahead of myself...

Kei: ......At any rate, it's fine with me.

Uzuki: I see, that's good to hear.

Kei: But, are you okay with it?

Kei: After all, Uzuki-san, you still have to find Kei-kun, right? If so---

Uzuki: Kei-san, it's all right.

Uzuki: Having chosen to involve myself with others, it's only natural to have such a handicap, anyway.

Kei: Uzuki-san, you're so serious, it's silly, almost...

Uzuki: I'm often told I'm not an interesting person.

Kei: No, no. What I'm saying is, because you're so serious, you end up fulfilling both extremes, so you're a very interesting person.

Kei: It's like an "all or nothing" extremity. Maybe I could put it a better way...

Uzuki: ............

Kei: Ahaha, I guess I'm the one who needs to get serious, huh?

Uzuki: ......Is that it? I see.

For just a moment, her expression softens.

Uzuki: Well then, as that extremity, I'll make a promise, to devote all the power of my body and spirit to protect you.

Facing me with truly sincere eyes, she cuts into me with her straightforward words.

Kei: Does that mean I can really trust what you're saying, or that I can't trust it at all?

Uzuki: As for which side I lean toward, I'll leave that for you to decide.

Kei: That should be obvious---

I think Uzuki-san would truly give her all to protect me.
But, I have nothing I can do in return.
If only Uzuki-san was an oni, I could give her power.

Kei: There's... no way I can repay you.

Uzuki: You've already given me more than enough, but, if that's the case, you can promise me one thing.

Kei: Eh?

Uzuki: Could you hold out your finger?

Kei: Eh?

I hesitate for a moment, but do as I'm told.

Uzuki: Just your pinky finger is fine.

Kei: Ah, umm, right.

Right, right, when you're told to hold out your finger during a promise, it's definitely yubikiri. What am I getting so anxious about...
From embarrassment or whatever else, I can feel my face turning red.
All unnecessary fingers, from my thumb to my ring finger, wrap softly over the cool palm of my hand.

Kei: A-......

Trembling as if my heart had gone on vacation, my remaining pinky finger accepts that of Uzuki-san.
Swirling with the red blood beneath, our two fingers firmly knot together.

Uzuki: I promise. I will protect you without fail.

Uzuki: I will not break my word.

Uzuki: So I want you to promise. No matter what happens, to believe in me.

Kei: ......Believe in you?

Kei: Promise or not, I believe in you, Uzuki-san.

Uzuki: Even if I say I'll win against him, or the Master of Hemidzuka? (TN: She means Nozomi and Mikage's "Nushi-sama.")

Kei: That would be......

Uzuki: A promise is a type of spell from mythological times, called Ukei. The thought (I no Chi) residing in your words (Koto no Ha) will give me power.

Koto no Ha - Koto no Ha - Kotoba--- (TN: Kotoba is the modern Japanese word for... words. The first "Koto no Ha" is essentially "edge of speech." The second, "leaves of speech.")
As people change their will into words, they freeze a vague notion into a concrete form.
If power rests in ones will, then one's will, changed into words, is a strong power set into motion.

Uzuki: That's right - when you make a promise with someone important to you, you want to protect it no matter what, right?

Being able to say something like this so seriously, I can't help but think of how cool Uzuki-san looks now.
And, somehow feeling embarrassed, I meekly lower my head in a nod.

Kei: ......Okay. No matter what happens, I'll believe in you, Uzuki-san.

Yet, I form my words clearly as I answer.

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