君の世界に色はあったかい

Keito: I appreciate it. For some reason I end up being thirsty whenever I read. 

 

Souma: Perhaps because you were unaware of the fact that you were reading aloud in a low voice, Hasumi-dono... It's commonplace for your mouth to become dry when speaking at length.

 

Keito: Hmm. I didn't realize that until you said it. I was reading these documents out loud to get a feel for the rhythm. 

 

I appear to be doing it out of habit even when it isn't necessary. Taking the time to observe each and every word is one of the rules of reading.

 

Eichi taught me how to speed read, but it feels like you don't retain anything with that method.

 

Especially when it comes to short novels and haikai¹. It isn't good enough just to be satisfied with only roughly grasping at the concepts within.

 

Souma: Fufu. While a novice like myself may not be able to express an opinion that sounds plausable, if you think so then it must be so, Hasumi-dono.

 

Keito: ... Kanzaki. Come closer.

 

Souma: Mh? In what way? Are you going to pat me on the head?

 

Keito: I wouldn't mind. Assisting with the Student Council's work when you're not a member... — to tell the truth, you helped us a great deal.

 

The students becoming active again is all well and good; thanks to your efforts our responsibilities haven't doubled or nearly tripled as a result.

 

We can't exactly go against everyone's wishes now that our influence is waning.

 

A machine that can't run unless it's well-oiled, unable to bear the weight of such a heavy load... how incorrigible. 

 

Well, this happiness we couldn't have possible wished for is preferable when compared to the time when everyone was like a corpse.

 

That said. Is something bothering you, Kanzaki?

 

Souma: Hm? Why would you think so?

 

Keito: You have split ends. .... that demeanor of yours is typically flawless. You're definitely feeling stressed out, aren't you? 
 

Why not go somewhere to relax and enjoy yourself for a change? I won't mind.

 

The Student Council is without a doubt extremely busy, so I've provided a getaway for you just in case... — things should calm down within two weeks.

 

Souma: Fufu. Attending you to you; nay, being of use to you is my happiness. It may sound idealistic, but that's what I want to say from the heart.

 

Keito: ... I see. Forgive me, Kanzaki.

 

Souma: Such is life. I'm fortunate to have finished this with only a few split ends. In better times I would've cut my stomach after fighting a losing battle. 

 

Keito: Indeed... but this losing streak doesn't spell the end for us either.

 

Our wounds from DDD live are shallow, thanks to Eichi having us withdraw as soon as possible. There's still time to stage our comeback.

 

All of this is just the beginning... it's going to get busier from here-on out, Kanzaki.

 

Souma: Aye. I can only hope. I trust that my ancestors would be proud of the fact that I'm able to live as a warrior in this age without war. 

 

Koga: Oraahh! Make way, Four Eyes... !

 

Keito: ... I may be a virtuous priest, but that disrespectful behavior of yours makes me wish I could knock you hard with a khakkhara², Oogami. 

 

Look up "manners" in the dictionary. If you can read, that is.

 

Koga: Aahn? Quit your naggin'! You've got the same ol' sharp tongue, huh. Want me to cut it out for ya?

 

Souma: .......

 

Keito: Settle down, Kanzaki. He's just being playful. I'm in no distress.

 

Well? What do you want? Did you come here to catch us in tears and sneer at us after managing to bring about a revolution?

 

Koga: Hah. Like you'd cry over somethin' so small... — you had your tear ducts removed the same time as your umbilical cord am I right, Merciless Four Eyes?

 

Keito: Enough. Just stop combining "Four Eyes" with words that have a bad meaning.

 

Rei: Kukuku. The closer you are, the more you fight is what some say... how long are the two of you going to keep up this banter?

 

Keito: Sakuma. .... what are you planning? It's not like you to make a move on your own.

 

Rei: I can every once in a while; I'm a living creature, after all. And it's not as if I'm here on a special errand or anything. I merely came here to present my proposal like one normally would. 

 

An extremely natural act for an idol of Yumenosaki, no?

 

Keito: Hmm. I suppose. ... on the other hand, it's bizarre for you to be behaving so normally.

 

As leader of UNDEAD you'd obviously have to come here to submit your proposal.

 

... I can't help but distrust you when you always find a way to make everything you do profound.

 

Rei: Kukuku. You needn't read into it too much... there is nothing that is strange in this world³, Hasumi-kun. 

 

Keito: Hearing that from you is irritating, to say the least. But if all you wanted was to turn in this proposal of yours, why is Oogami here?

 

His presence isn't needed. Is he attached to a lead?

 

Koga: I ain't some pet dog! I went with him 'cause I was curious. I'm not gonna get in your way or trash the place, so just ignore me.

 

Keito: Hmm... well, no matter. I'm busy so I don't have time to be concerned over every little thing.

 

Show me your proposal. I'll examine it fairly and stamp it with my approval if it's respectable enough.
____
¹ A genre of linked verse poems that contains forms like haiku and senryū.
² The ringed staff of a Buddhist priest that's typically used either in prayer or as a weapon.
³ A quote from Natsuhiko Kyogoku's novel <i>The Summer of Ubume</i> in which the protagonist basically asserts that there is no supernatural, just things we don't yet understand. It's a fancy way for Rei to imply he has no ulterior motives.