Underdoctor - 4

 Location: Dojo

Kuro: Hahaha, I completely forgot that happened.

Souma: This is no laughing matter! Kiryuu-dono, at that time, I was so worried that you might have died, to the point where I felt my blood run cold...! Though I am rather glad that you were just sleeping…

Kuro: I slept the whole day after that. That reminds me, you and Hasumi carried me all the way back to my house then, didn’t you?

My sister told me. Thanks.

Souma: Nay, it was nothing. It was simply the natural thing to do—

Ah, no. But…!

Kuro: Well, if anything, it’s pretty good that I was able to finish all the costumes in time, yeah?

Souma: It is certainly a good thing, or rather, it is not that that is the issue here… I worry for your physical condition, Kiryuu-dono.

And thus for that very reason! I had thought that surely this time I simply must prevent you from overburdening yourself, but— 

Kuro: Oi, don’t let your energy get a hold of you. I’ve got a needle; you might endanger yourself.

I’m not overdoing it all that much this time. This stuff isn’t anywhere near as taxing as what I was working on then. So calm down, okay?

Souma: …? Is that truly the case?

On the contrary, a simple glance at the bundles of cloth scattered about the dojo makes it appear as though you are making roughly the same amount of clothes as you were then…does it not?

Kuro: Hm? Ah, I just wanted to try a few things out. Well, anyway, it’s nothing to worry about, Kanzaki. Just put yourself at ease.

Souma: …… (Staring at him intently)

Kuro: What? You don’t trust me, huh. Well, guess there’s no denying that I am having a little bit of trouble.

But I already said I’d do it, so there’s no way I can just call it quits. Plus, Halloween went great, so it’s fine.

Souma: How typical of you to say such a thing! I am quite well aware that you are unable to terminate such an agreement. However, I simply cannot allow myself to continue to overlook your current state.

What I would truly like is for you to rest your body, but… How would you like to compromise and divide the work between the two of us once more?

Kuro: Divide up the work…? That’d be a big help, but you can’t sew, can ya?

Souma: That is correct! And so I would like to assist you with things apart from sewing, Kiryuu-dono!

Although this is not much different from the time you had spent working for the “Harowiin Paati” just the other day… I vow to assist you much, much more than I had then!

Well then, Kiryuu-dono! You may request whatever you please of me!

Kuro: Wha!? Didn’t I tell you to not let your energy get a hold of you? Don’t blame me if ya prick yourself on the needle.

So you wanna help, huh…? Best thing I can think of for you to do is to tidy up that pile of scraps over there.

Souma: As you wish! I shall put them in order at once!

Kuro: Sorry again for all the trouble. You’re a big help.

Souma: Just whatever do you mean? Such a thing is no trouble at all. I am almost nearly finished.

Kuro: Kanzaki’s helping me out now, so I guess that means I can get back to my own work, huh?

Knew this wouldn't look good together… But maybe if I use somethin’ other than this… Wonder if this material would be better…?

But that doesn’t work right either. What to do…

Souma: Kiryuu-dono. Is there something troubling you?

Kuro: Hm? Ah. Was I thinking out loud?

Souma: Mhm. It appears as though you have been quite deeply troubled for quite some time now…?

If there so happens to be anything that gives you difficulty, I would like for you to feel free to consult me! Although I may not be of much assistance… It is said that if one attempts to think through their dilemmas alone, sooner or later they shall reach an impasse!

If the two of us work together, the range of ideas from which you have to choose should broaden considerably, much more so than if it was you alone.

Furthermore, you may be able to devise a splendid idea from our conversation!

Kuro: Yeah, that’s true… Well, take a look at this costume for me, then.

I’m stressed out about this part here. I think it’d look nice if it was a little more flashy, but none of the fabrics I got here look right.

Like… Look, if I use this fabric, it makes it more flashy, but that makes it look pretty tacky too, don’tcha think?

Souma: Hmm, I see. I am not very knowledgeable in regards to the design, but I certainly do feel that there is an air of unfashionableness.

Kuro: Right? I’ve been worrying about what to do with this part for a while now.

Souma: Can you not simply use the same fabric as you have been using elsewhere in the design?

Kuro: Well, I could go the simple route and use the same stuff I’d been using as the main material of the outfit, but… I feel like that wouldn’t let it realize its full potential.

Plus, they’re really expecting my best on this job. I can’t just give them somethin’ sloppy and poorly made, can I?

That’ll be a kind of costume where you’ll be able to pick out all my mistakes.

Souma: Hmm. I understand your feelings well, Kiryuu-dono.

Hmm… Ah. I had only thought of this from a simple glance at the costume, but would you consider using material used in making kimono?

Kuro: Kimono fabric…?

Souma: Mmh. I believe it shall look quite charming were you to use silk crepe around this area. Ah, you may also try using habutai silk— I believe that should allow you to capture the attention of many, hm?

Kuro: Kimono fabric, kimono fabric… I’ll put some color contrast here… Yeah, this might be pretty good. Thanks, Kanzaki. Great idea.

Souma: You truly think so?! I am so immensely pleased that my idea could be of use to you, Kiryuu-dono ♪ 

Kuro: That’s settled, so now we’ve gotta get some kimono fabric. Usual place should be fine, but they don’t have many options when it comes to stuff for kimono…

Souma: If that is the case, what say you of visiting the kimono shop that is purveyor to the Kanzaki household?

The selection of textiles at that shop is none short of plentiful, and I am sure you shall be able to find something that will measure up to your standards.

Kuro: Really? Sounds great.

But is it the type of store they’d let guys like me into without any warning? Lots of stores like that are “members only” type places, aren’t they?

Souma: Hmm? Though I do not believe that should be of concern... It is certainly a shop with which I am quite well acquainted?

Well then, I have decided that I, as a person of influence, shall attend the shop in tandem with you, Kiryuu-dono! Then you should have nothing to fret over.

Kuro: That’d be a big help. Sorry for asking so much of you, Kanzaki.

Souma: Whatever do you mean? I have firmly decided to spend this day devoting myself to assisting you, Kiryuu-dono.

Aside from that, this should serve as a pleasant break for you. It is just as if we are killing two birds with one stone.

And so, let us head downtown before this day draws to a close!

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Proofread by 310mc and Amagiiz.

Souma Kanzaki: 2021 Birthday Stories

 

Souma: Hasumi-dono~! Your thoughtfulness has truly left me deeply moved!

Keito: Whoa?! Kanzaki, don’t run around like that while you’re carrying a cake! What are you going to do if you run into someone?!

Souma: My apologies! I am simply so overjoyed that I cannot quell this enthusiasm of mine…

Hasumi-dono, was it truly you who had ordered this sword shaped “keeki” for me?

Keito: ...Yeah, it was me. I happened to come across this made-to-order cake place where you could order a cake in any shape you like, so I asked for one in the shape of that treasured sword of yours.

Souma: Fufu, it is wonderfully made. I shall cherish this “keeki”, and preserve it as if it were my own prized possession...♪ 

Keito: Cut that out, it’s perishable. We’ll just take a picture of it— that way you can eat it.

Kuro: Kanzaki, happy birthday.

Thanks for doing that sword dance for us earlier.

Huh, it’s your birthday, but it turns out that we’re the ones having fun here.

Souma: Nay, ‘tis not the case. As long as you are enjoying yourself, Kiryuu-dono, then I am as well.

Being able to spend my time in such a manner as this, sharing laughter and smiles with you and Hasumi-dono— with everyone— is what I truly love.

And thus, I would like for today to be a day which we can both enjoy… ♪ 

Adonis: Happy birthday, Kanzaki.

Souma: Adonis-dono! I thank you for coming. Fufu, I am elated that you, my dearest friend, have come to celebrate my birthday ♪ 

By the way, that which you carry under your arm— what is it?

Adonis: It’s a log of prosciutto ham. It’s your gift.

Souma: “Puroshutto hamu”...By “log”, do you mean that is is timber? The shape is quite strange for timber, but... 

Adonis: No, it’s a dry-cured ham. I’ll cut it up, and we can all eat it together.

Hajime: Kanzaki-senpai, happy birthday ♪ 

I made a sachet just for you. If it’s alright with you, I’d love for you to accept it ♪ 

Souma: “Sashe”...? Ah, you are referring to a small scented pouch, yes?

Hajime: Yes, that’s right. I’m sorry for saying it in a way you aren’t accustomed to hearing.

Souma: There is no need for you to apologize. I was able to gain some new knowledge, courtesy of you.

This “sashe”... Mm, what a wonderful fragrance. I give you my thanks, Shino.

Kaoru: Ooh, looks like the party’s still going. Glad I was able to make it in time~

Heeey, Souma-kun. Happy birthday ♪ 

Souma: Hakaze-dono…? Have you perchance come to celebrate my birthday?

Kaoru: Yep. You’re my cute junior from the Marine Life Club, after all~♪ 

Souma: Though I am far from happy to hear you refer to me as a “cute junior”, or anything of that sort…

Today is my birthday. And so I shall attempt to be genuine in expressing my gratitude that you have come to celebrate. Thank you, Hakaze-dono.