Volume 3 - CH 5.4

The backstage of the photo studio was filled with excitement.

A makeup artist was skillfully applying makeup to Shiori, enhancing her already lively and cute appearance. Shiori was a cheerful and energetic girl, and the makeup added a touch of allure to her.

As I munched on the snacks brought in as treats, I couldn’t help but gaze intently at the makeup artist, trying to learn her techniques.

“Yuki, this outfit is just too embarrassing!”

“It’s actually less revealing than a swimsuit.”

“Wearing something this skimpy on the battlefield feels wrong…”

“Throughout history, dancers have dressed like this.”

“…But why does dancing increase our abilities?”

“Well, because it’s fun to watch the movements!”

“It’s not the case!”

Shiori blushed, but bringing up these concerns right before the performance wasn’t helping. There was no turning back now, especially since her outfit was custom-made to fit her perfectly. It was a one-of-a-kind piece, and it cost quite a bit. Of course, we had to contribute to cover the expenses.

“I never thought I’d end up cosplaying like this… My sister would laugh at me.”

With a wry smile, the fresh and handsome guy started changing into his costume. Once Shiori finished her makeup, she headed to the dressing room.

“Mihou is also good-looking and nice. I can’t believe I can show such a figure to Suzune. Yukito Kokonoe, thank you very much!”

Himura-senpai, or rather, the brave senpai, is in full heroic mood, dressed in a gore-glazed costume.

This full-armored hero was designed to sacrifice mobility for extreme defense, known as the Defensive Model. He excelled in defense and was essential in guarding the goal area.

“But basketball…?”

I wondered if it was a typo, and they meant “Banuke” instead of “basket.” Maybe I should try creating a clone…?

As I flipped through the reference materials, I noticed every detail was meticulously designed.

The adults’ bad joke knows no bounds. As a result, there is nothing but gain for us, so we don’t mind, but will it ever see the light of day one day……?

We were about to begin the filming for a WEB CM. We had two versions, one for fifteen seconds and the other for thirty seconds.

It all started with an inquiry from a company that reached out to my social media account.

I was approached by a major sportswear company to create a special edition of basketball shoes called “Bunnyman Model,” or the so-called “Bash.” The collaboration goods are set to be released this summer!

Initially, it was just only the Bunnyman, but after the incident involving the expulsion of Himura-Senpai and his subsequent rise to fame as the “Hero,” gaining nationwide recognition, they decided to create a “Hero Model” as well.

In addition, the cheerful and handsome Kouki and the exceptionally athletic and beautiful Shiori, who often appear together in the videos, have also attracted a lot of attention.

Since we’re all together, they decided to produce them as a team called “Snow Rabbits.”

This is all just pure mischief. Thanks to the greedy scheming of the adults, the project progressed at lightning speed.

But with that decision, Bunnyman, Hero, and then them, Kouki and Shiori, with no unique nicknames, felt a bit lacking in character.

So, we brainstormed together with the staff and came up with this idea!

“Reincarnated as a Basketball Team” – Let’s abbreviate it as “ReiBasu” (Rei = Reincarnation, Basu = Basketball).

Search for the hashtag “#ReiBasu”!

The commercial is also based on this concept, but instead of being reincarnated into another world, we are transmigrated from a fantasy world of swords, magic, and basketball into the modern world. It’s an outrageous setting!

This groundbreaking solution gave each of us unique characteristics – “Hero” Himura-Senpai, “Sword Saint” Kouki, and “Dancer” Shiori formed the party of the Hero, Sword Saint, and Dancer.

Originally, Shiori was set to be a magician, but it just didn’t suit her at all. I mean, come on, Shiori as a magician? No way! We even considered making her a martial artist, but I put a stop to that idea. Sure, she’s physically strong, but she’s still a girl. It would be pitiful to turn her into a brute character.

Think about it, the “Dancer” fits her appearance much better than a martial artist, right? Hehehe, unanimous decision (except for Shiori).

So, that’s how the five types of “Bash” shoes were decided to be released.

What, you say there are only four types? Well, just wait a minute.

Don’t you think a princess is essential for an isekai setting?

When I think of a princess, I imagine someone with beautiful, long hair.

It was only natural for me to approach my sister with this idea. It was the perfect follow-up to the part-time job offer.

“…I feel a bit uneasy about this.”

With a noble aura and wearing a gorgeous dress, Yuri finished changing and revealed herself.

The guys cheered. There was a stunning beauty right there before their eyes.

She looked just like a princess who had transmigrated from another world. [SSR / 8-Star Princess Yuri]

“As expected of Yukito Koknoe’s sister. It suits you!”

“Do you think so? I don’t want to hear any insincere compliments.”

“Onee-san, you look super pretty!”

“It suits me? But remember, I’m only your princess.”

She patted my head. It seems like she has come to terms with things lately. Yuri has been in a good mood.

After a strict discussion with mom, it was decided that she would sleep in my room three days a week and in her room for the rest. Please, just sleep in your own room.

Yuri seemed to have been really against the idea of studying abroad. She doesn’t even like going overseas in the first place.

It appears that she took it quite seriously as an older sister. My apologies for the inconvenience.

“Aren’t the reactions too different compared to when it was my turn?”

Himura-Senpai seems dissatisfied, but Kouki is giving high praise.

Of course, of course. Yuri is a beauty, after all.

“After the CM shoot is over, let’s do some role-playing in these outfits in another world.”

“What exactly?”

“Right….How about this? You save me from a group of goblins who are about to assault me in this world where we got transmigrated, and then you make a dunk!”

“What an innovative concept!”

I shouldn’t have asked. I regret it. What kind of world is this “ReiBasu” exactly?

After Yuri finishes changing with composure, Shiori, in her dancer outfit, comes out blushing.

With a mysterious veil covering her mouth and a bikini-type top, she wraps the lower part of her body with a cloth like a pareo. The audience marvels at Shiori’s mysterious appearance.

“Hmm, it’s kinda naughty.”

“You shamelessly harassed me without even trying to hide it!?”

Shiori freezes in place, but I really want her to dance and buff us.

In a fantasy world, there’s always an existence of absurd armor with seemingly no defensive capabilities. The bikini armor is the prime example, and Shiori’s outfit lacks any protection as well. She won’t survive a single blow.

And now, the whole “ReiBasu” cosplay group is assembled. It’s surreal.

We already have several events lined up this summer to wear these outfits. Shiori is on the verge of tears.

By the way, besides the CM, we’ve signed sponsorship deals as well.

The contract requires that during our warrior training, each of us wears the designated Bash shoes. Whenever we go for training, someone always records a video and uploads it. It’s the ultimate form of promotion.

And it’s not just shoes; we have collaborated with an apparel brand as Bunnyman individuals.

They are releasing T-shirts, hoodies, towels, and various other Bunnyman goods with our logo on them. The smoothness of these collaborations is somewhat eerie.

In no time, Bunnyman has become completely independent of me.

My followers are forming a meaninglessly chaotic community. Maybe that’s why the staff gets nervous when meeting with them. I’ve become a legendary mysterious figure. When I go for meetings, company executives come to greet me one after another.

Thanks to this, my credibility and influence are through the roof.

We’ve already finished shooting a gravure and an interview for a basketball magazine featuring the Snow Rabbits. I stayed true to the setting and used “Usa” as my signature phrase in all the written text. That’s professionalism for you.

The media requests for interviews keep pouring in, but I only accept specialized basketball magazines.

Needless to say, the extra income has become outrageous. It’s like I’m seeing dollar signs.

At this point, I don’t even think about doing part-time work during summer vacation to earn money. I’ve heard that Bash reservations are already coming in.

Bunnyman, who was supposed to avoid standing out, has become a slightly suspicious figure spotted around the neighborhood, an internet phenomenon, and now even appears in commercials. The most outstanding figure in history.

It’s deeply moving, and I can’t help but think again… How did it all end up like this?

“Huh?… Nee-san, is this script correct for me?”

“Yes, it is.”

After finishing the 15-second commercial shoot, we moved to an outdoor court for the 30-second version.

The CM transitions from the “Otherworld Edition” to the “Modern Edition.” It’s a two-part commercial set-up, where the 15-second version is shown on video-sharing sites, and the full 30-second version can be viewed on the official website.

It leaves viewers curious for more and leads them to access the official website for the continuation.

In the Otherworld Edition’s ending, we get transmigrated back to the modern era, and the stage shifts to a basketball match once again.

Inside the location bus, I check my script and find out that, for some reason, my last five seconds are blank.

After confirming with Kouki and the others, they all have the same lines, each adjusted to our respective roles, except for the last part. The stage directions simply say “blessing.”

“Yuri, the lines for us at the end are like ‘Eeeeeeeeeehhhhhh?!’ Is this okay?”

“What does it mean?”

Shiori and Hot-blooded Senpai ask for confirmation. I don’t understand why only I have no lines.

“Yukito, I know what this is. This is the prelude to a huge storm… Right!?”

The handsome guy stammers. The script was worked out between me and the staff, and my sister was the one in charge.

She volunteered to help, and her angelic character is truly something. Originally an outsider, she might have felt alienated.

After multiple meetings, she boasted that it turned out to be the best content. The staff also praised it as “this will definitely become a hot topic,” but I can’t see a single scale of that yet.

As we arrive at the outdoor court, we start preparing for the CM shoot with a slight unease. Something’s off. I feel a shiver down my spine.

[Yuri PoV]

(You don’t longer need me… That’s true, right?)

I mock myself inwardly, trying not to show it on my face. I never imagined a day like this would come.

The days when I used to suffer from sleep deprivation seem like a lie now. It’s all thanks to my little brother.

I was always involved in some kind of commotion since I was a child. I said I would protect my little brother and had a strong determination to do so.

But before I knew it, there was no longer any need for me to protect him.

(I’m sorry… I feel bad for Yukito, but I can’t go back to the way things were.)

What we have is not a reset but a remake.

Instead of starting over, we’re recreating ourselves into something new.

I almost committed murder, but it was my little brother, the one I intended to kill, who saved me.

It’s impossible. There’s no way I could harm my brother. There’s no need for me to protect him. Because he is so strong and brave. It’s an arrogant misunderstanding. From that day until today, I was the one being protected.

I filled the blank with many words. It was fun and heartwarming. That child revealed his true feelings to me without hiding anything, just as it was.

—He cared about me. He didn’t hate me.

From them, I felt cherished. I was never hated.

That alone made me feel so rewarded. My heart was warm.

I didn’t force myself to believe that I love my little brother. On the contrary, it was the opposite. I believed that I was hated. I thought I deserved to be resented, that I should be hated.

But it wasn’t like that. Just like back then, I was liked. I was loved.

Once I learned that, I couldn’t control my feelings anymore. Holding back was impossible.

The fourth attempt at murder. I can no longer delude myself into thinking that I might kill my little brother.

I was arrogant. The blade I wield is not something that could reach that child. I don’t possess such power.

Yukito gave me the comfort I longed for more than anything.

He told me that I could love him. He accepted that it was okay to love him.

He even let me wear the wedding dress, didn’t he?

What kind of gentle demon is Yukito to make me feel this way?

Yukito often compares me to an angel, but if angels are opposite to demons, then indeed, it’s like defying a taboo.

There was no hesitation to taste the forbidden fruit.

Everything feels so fresh and new. I never imagined a day like this when the world would appear so colorful.

Looking down at my elegant self, it might be a woman’s dream, but to be honest, being a princess isn’t really my style. However, because Yukito chose me, I will confidently play the role of a princess.

I don’t know what Yukito’s intentions were in choosing me as the princess.

But I can’t just be a princess waiting for a hero in a castle.

—Wait. I will prove that to you.

Bunnyman’s shot missed, and he fell to his knees.

“That’s… impossible…”

The confrontation with the evil demons that had plunged the world into chaos had come to an end. The hero, the sword saint, and the dancer were covered in wounds, yet their expressions overflowed with the joy of victory.

“Our fate ends here!”

The long-lasting battle between Bunnyman and the Hero Party reached its conclusion.

Transmigrating to another world and facing their strange destinies, the final chapter of their extraordinary encounters came to an end.

Exiled and revived from the depths of despair, the hero’s determination shattered Bunnyman’s ambitions.

…Even though I wrote the script myself, what is this?

As I returned to my senses, I couldn’t help but calmly provide some commentary. I quietly waited for that moment.

“Now, hero. Finish this!”

The dancer urged for the final blow. This could be seen as Bunnyman being defeated, leading to a happy ending.

You might think that’s how it goes. But it’s not supposed to be like that.

We were approaching the climax. In my dress, I hurried to where Bunnyman had fallen, trying not to trip.

My little brother lacks a sense of crisis. Kusu, well, that’s what makes him cute.

He entrusted me with the script without any doubt, even though he could have questioned it. He even gave me the role of a princess.

Does that mean I’m a princess to Yukito? If so, I’ll live up to those expectations.

Everything is so dear. Every single thing. I realized there’s no limit to these feelings.

I had given up. I thought I was no longer needed.

Even now, I can’t forgive what I did. I doubt I’ll ever be able to forgive myself.

Still, the one who saved me was none other than my little brother.

As I look at the painting hanging in my room, I practice my smile in front of the mirror every day.

I want to get as close as possible to that child’s ideal. To become a proud big sister he can rely on.

I have received far too much. To repay it, I dedicate my entire being, my heart and soul. My life itself is a tip and a stake.

I swear to love my little brother until the end of my life.

Once I’ve made up my mind, there’s nothing to fear. My heart is clear.

I forced myself to believe I loved him, and now I’ll keep forcing myself to love him and that’s fine.

A life like this is surely enjoyable. It was until now, and it will be from now on, all for you.

There is no one in this world who could make me happier than you, Yukito.

“Bunnyman, I love you!”

I embrace him with all my strength. Yukito stumbles a bit from the force, but I catch him securely.

His muscles feel firm and strong. Without realizing it, he has become so robust.

I whisper into his ear, just for him to hear.

“I’ll show you the results of my practice.”

“Eh?”

I kiss my little brother on the lips, and our tongues intertwine. It’s a serious kiss, where our saliva creates a thread as we lock lips for five seconds.

[EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH?!]

As scripted, voices of congratulations (?) resounded from behind.

“W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-WHAAAAAAAT?!”

“—-I told you. I meant it.”

I whisper again and smile. With the best smile I can muster.

I hope this feeling will be conveyed to the one and only person I love.