Side Story 2, Earth – Cultural Festival 1: Hayami Eitaro & the Formation of the Kappa Alliance
Author: かっぱ同盟／友麻碧
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n3862be/
Translated by Gumihou
Author’s Note: Attention please. Please note that this story is connected to Side Story 2. Please check out the other side stories HERE.
I am Hayami Eitaro.
A second-year student at Aoyagi High School and the president of the [1] UMA Research Society, otherwise known as the Unidentified Mysterious Animal Research Society.
“In short, for this year’s cultural festival, the location for the Cultural Clubs will be moved from the main building to the old building,” the Vice-President of the Student Council said with a smug look on his face.
Screams of outrage could be heard from the people of the Cultural Clubs.
I screamed too.
For this year’s exhibition, we planned to put out an exhibition on the Kappa sightings report which we took over from last year’s club.
Everyone in the room knew the difference in terms of foot traffic between the main building and the old building.
“Don’t mess with us!! Why do we have to give up the rooms that we, the Cultural Clubs had been using until now just for the Sports Departments!!?” President of the Art Club and Chairman of the Cultural Club Union, third-year Kuroki-senpai shouted as he slammed a hand on his desk.
By the way, even though he was part of the Art Department, he looked like the son of a yakuza, or rather, like a lackey of a yakuza organisation. What’s even shocking is that he was also the patron of the much weaker Cultural Clubs.
He looked a bit scary, but he was an indispensable protector of the Cultural Clubs.
However, the current Student was kind of troublesome, since they did not yield to Kuroki-senpai’s intimidation tactics.
Especially Vice-President Ayano Sakuma, a second-year girl with an idol-like face who won Miss Aoyagi High School as a first-year student. She was a charismatic girl who did some modelling work and was voted in as vice president through the strength of her popularity alone.
She was known affectionately as Aya and believed that ‘Cuteness is Justice’. In short, she believes that she could get away with anything because she was cute.
She was also the manager of the soccer club and was particularly involved in all kinds of events. She was a more visible member of the student council compared to the practically invisible ‘diligent student’ president.
“But you know, Kuroki-senpai~ Do you remember last year’s cultural festival? You had the second and third floor to yourself at the main building, but, how should I say it? Your exhibitions are kind of lacking? Like, hmm, dull?”
She frowned exaggeratedly, her figure-eight-shaped body tilted just so. Not to mention, the way she dragged out her words was really annoying…
[3] …must be what Kuroki-senpai must be thinking! I mean, I’m not the type to think about such things…
“Which is why we have decided to mobilise the classes and put up a modern exhibition with stalls on the main floor, exhibitions that would attract more people and meet the current demand. It is what the customers look for now. Isn’t that right? Mister President?”
Speaking of which, the Vice-President was writhing in place, twisting her hair around one finger as she stared up at the President.
“Uh, uhum,” The President looked overwhelmed. He was sweating behind his thick glasses, I’m sure of it. Hey, aren’t you coercing him? Is this even allowed?
[2] The Vice-President was staring at the President as she twisted her hair around her fingers. Her wavy hair was tied up in an off-centre ponytail to the right of her head with her pink ribbon, which looked very cute-
“Excellent point!! In short, the Cultural Clubs’ presentation could be described with just one word, dull!” [2] The President shouted.
[2] I gaped at the obvious manipulation happening in front of me.
“Well~ it’s not like we’re stopping you from making any kind of exhibition~” she said. [2] “You just need to be a teensy bit more entertaining~”
In fact, there was no refuting her words. Even Kuroki-senpai had trouble finding a counterargument.
“Also~ Hayami-kun of UMA Research Society.”
“…Yes?” I was unexpectedly targeted by the Vice-President.
Her large round eyes were as cute as ever. Because I rarely get to speak to such beautiful people thanks to my plain appearance, I felt happy to be spoken to directly.
“Ah, actually~ Well, it’s kind of difficult for me to say this, but we’re one classroom short for the Cultural Clubs. Still, since you barely had any visitors last year, you want to think about not setting up any exhibition at all. Still, if you really want to, you can share a space with one of the other Cultural Clubs, right~”
“… …”
I take it back.
I take everything back.
This woman is evil!
She’s not cute at all!
“… …”
The other Cultural Club presidents jeered and booed the Vice-President, but I was lost for words, unable to think of anything to say…
Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~
“-and that’s the situation!!!”
“… …”
After the Cultural Festival Meeting ended, the first place I headed to was the room where the mysterious ‘Confession Club’ was situated.
The club was one of the seven mysteries of Aoyagi High School, located at the end of the second floor of the old building. To be honest, it was quite a trek just to get there.
It was unclear what kind of confession the club made or the significance of their so-called ‘confessions’. The club was founded by three first years who entered Aoyagi High just this year and, well, to be honest, the shocking thing was not the club itself, but the people who founded it.
“So, what exactly are you trying to say, Hayami-senpai?” asked the club president, Oda Makiko.
Oda-san was a girl with the type of beauty that was the polar opposite of the Vice President’s. From the moment she enrolled, she had been the talk of the entire school. Indeed, when I looked at her from this angle, she certainly was cute with her clear complexion and slightly slanted eyes.
“Oda-san… [4] um, will your club be putting up any exhibition? I noticed that you were not at the meeting today,” [2] I tried.
“It’s not that kind of club,” [4] said Saiga Tooru with a frown.
Saiga-san was a tall and irritatingly handsome youth with black hair and eyes. [4] I guess the girls liked his aloofness, or maybe they liked that he was not a player. Anyway, he was super popular with girls from the first to the third years.
Anyway, he just seems like a nasty, unfriendly guy.
“Hmm, isn’t the Student Council a little forceful, though? And the teachers allowed it?” [4] The genius of the first year, Shizuo Yuri had a troubled smile on his face.
The boy had the air of a young master, and he oozes wealth and elegance with an affluent air of sophistication. I understand that he occasionally participated in the Tea Ceremony Club, and I’m pretty sure he was invited by them to oversee the tea ceremonies.
Of the three people in the room, the one I saw most was this [2] young master.
“Um, the Cultural Festival is mainly organised by the students. Since it coincides with our neighbour, Kita High’s Cultural Festival, the Vice-President wants to make this year’s festival more flashy since Kita High usually steals customers with their overly flashy booths…”
“Is that so? A worthy goal, but it’s sad to see the Cultural Clubs dismissed as ‘dull’ just like that. Especially since this is meant to be a Cultural Festival, isn’t it?”
[2] I sweated where I sat in front of these three juniors. Despite them being younger, they exuded an aura that was beyond their age.
Their intensity could be felt even as they sat there quietly, obviously thinking about something.
[2] “As of last year, the Cultural Clubs get to use the main building. It has the best location for attracting people with large classrooms ideal for exhibitions. However, it looks like the Sports Clubs will be given two rooms per club for them to set up both a stall and some kind of popular exhibition with large-scale mock-ups and putting out their most popular athletes as promoters or something. Last year, UMA Research Society’s exhibition did not receive even a single visitor, but, but I still think it’s not right for the Vice President to dismiss us like this! Please allow me to borrow your power!!!”
“… haahh…”
“Why not give it a go? Let’s do an exhibition for the Cultural Festival. I always did feel that our clubs have a lot of similarities~” I wheedle. [5]
“… …”
There was a subtle air of tension between the three of them.
However, I refuse to give up, I can’t lose!
“Still, the UMA Research Club doesn’t have a room for an exhibition, right? Where are you planning to put up your exhibition…” Oda-san said.
“That’s totally fine! Kuroki-senpai is rallying the Cultural Clubs for us!” I punched the air with my fist, trying to sound confident.
If anything, the three first-years looked even more sceptical.
Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~
“Welcome, members of the Confession Club. Do take a seat at any of the [6] chairs over there.”
“… …”
I entered the art room which the leader of the Art Club had designated as the meeting place, with the three members of the Confession Club. Presidents of other Cultural Clubs of Aoyagi High School had already gathered in place, their faces still deep red with anger from the meeting earlier.
Kuroki-senpai sat at the centre of the circle of chairs, looking sturdy and composed, emitting an incredible aura of dependability with his unusually solid body and slicked-back hair.
He may look like this, but he was really the President of the Art Club. He was someone who loved to draw beautiful things.
“Um, so, what’s going on…” Oda-san began.
“First-year Oda, there is no need for you to be so tense,” Kuroki-senpai said as he snapped his fingers, and one of the Art Club members hurried forward to serve tea.
Well, it’s just a convenience store bottle of afternoon tea (lemon flavour). It was something that was always served whenever I visited Kuroki-senpai. I guess they keep a stock of the drink.
The members of the Confession Club, with Oda in the lead, looked around warily. Still, they stayed in place.
I heard Saiga mutter ‘I hate troublesome things’, to which Yuri whispered back, ‘Let’s listen to what they have to say first’.
“First, to the members of the Cultural Department. Though it was due to the Student Council’s oppression that we lost our sole platform for presentation, it is my inability to argue back that we have now been castigated to this old building where hardly anyone goes! Please accept my apologies!”
Kuroki-senpai had gotten off his chair to kneel in the middle of the room as he apologised.
Members of the Cultural Department all rushed to wave his apologies away.
“It’s not your fault, Kuroki-kun!!”
“Don’t blame yourself, Kuroki-kun, have confidence!!”
“Senpai, it is fine so long as you try!”
Kuroki-senpai stood out with his powerful body and slicked-back hair, radiating the aura like that of a Yakuza kid. However, members of the Cultural Clubs all knew that he was someone who was willing to put his whole heart and body into protecting the Cultural Clubs, no matter what.
He was a surprisingly popular character.
“… …”
However, members of the Confession Club were freshmen who had just joined the school this year and had no way of knowing this. They looked surprised and bewildered by the situation.
“Um, so, why are we here exactly…?” Yuri prompted, breaking the heartfelt atmosphere.
Kuroki-senpai slowly returned to his seat and suddenly resumed his haughty attitude.
“As to that. The Cultural Clubs have come [3] together for a project. We will never forgive the Student Council for belittling the importance of culture like that. All of us here feel the same way. However, it is pointless to have each club put up the same old exhibitions as they have every year. Therefore, we have decided to change things up. This year, we shall be unifying our exhibitions!”
“And… that is…?”
Oda-san asked, looking baffled.
“A kappa.”
“… …”
All three fell silent before leaning in for a whispered discussion among themselves.
Naturally, they had no idea what was going on.
“[3] Listen well, everyone. We, the Cultural Department, have been granted the second and third floors of the old building. The clubs that had pledged to participate in this project are as follows: Art Club, Home Economics Club, Tailoring Club, Photography Club, Film Making Club, Tea Ceremony Club, Flower Arrangement Club, Robotics Club, Gardening Club, Drama Club, Tap Dance Club, UMA Research Society… Confession Club… As for the Light Music Club and Brass Band Club, they received different treatments from the Student Council as stars of the cultural festival and were granted a different location from us. Speaking of which, members of the Mountaineering Club have also pledged to collaborate with us as part of the Cultural Club Alliance! Applause!”
Clap clap clap
Speaking of the Mountaineering Club, since they only have two members, they can’t take part in tournaments because they don’t have enough members. Therefore, even though they were officially part of the ‘Sports Club’ group, they were scouted by Kuroki-senpai for their ability to set up and take down tents quickly.
For people who enjoy mountaineering, the pair of them were kind of laid-back.
“As for the theme, [3] we, the Cultural Club Alliance, have decided to focus on the Kappa project because we were moved by UMA Research Club President Hayami’s pitiful condition. Therefore, each and every exhibition shall feature elements of the Kappa! In short, we shall dye the entire old building green!”
“Is that your plan…”
“Indeed, First-year Saiga. The Film Making Club will be making a horror mystery movie about the research and capture of Kappas. The Drama Club, Mountaineering Club and Tap Dance Club will be participating in the making of this movie. Naturally, the Art Club shall participate as artists and create pieces featuring the Kappa!”
“What does the Tap Dance Club have to do with…”
“At the finale, once the Kappa is captured, the research team will all tap dance together in celebration! Performers must undergo hard training this summer to learn the steps.”
“… …”
For some reason, I got the impression that I had heard about this movie somewhere.
“The Home Economics Club, Tea Ceremony Club, Flower Arrangement Club, Gardening Club, and Tailoring Club will create an elaborate traditional Japanese tea cafe spanning three classrooms. The main focus shall be matcha tea and traditional Japanese desserts!”
“Because it’s green?”
“That is exactly so, First-year Yuri!!” The president of the Tea Ceremony Club, two seats away from Kuroki-senpai, winked at Yuri.
“The Robotics Club, Manga Club, Art Club, Photography Club, and UMA Research Society will create a haunted house-style exhibition room. If we can arrange it so that the tour will eventually lead the visitors to the screening of the movie, it will be perfect! What do you think? Fun, right?!”
“Well, it certainly sounds like an ambitious project…”
“Right?!”
Kuroki-senpai appeared quite pleased and confident.
I sipped at the lukewarm lemon tea from a paper cup and took another look around at this peculiar place.
Everyone looked enthusiastic about the project, despite the limitations set by Kuroki-senpai. Although it felt a little silly to have the Kappa as the common theme, everyone was eager to the point that they nearly exuded a green aura.
As someone who had planned to put up a Kappa exhibit on my own, this was an incredibly moving sight.
“So, I understand the general outline, but what does any of this have to do with us?”
“‘What’ you ask? Well, you are our customer-attracting pandas!”
“Hah?”
“That’s right. Flashy items should be displayed at the most prominent spots! In short, we must have our pandas in place!”
“… …”
[2a] All three members of the Confession stood up. With a ‘Please excuse us’, they started to leave.
All of the members of the Cultural Clubs held their heads in frustration at Kuroki-senpai’s insensitive words. [2a] Before the three people could leave, Kuroki-senpai shot forward to block their way, desperately shouting, ‘Wait! Wait!’
“Move aside, senpai. We are pretty busy…”
“Please wait, First-year Oda. It is a waste for you to leave. You are too precious to us. It’s not like we want you to wear Kappa costumes or anything, but, we want you to utilise your blessed talents and take part in our project-”
“Do excuse us,” [2] Oda said firmly, cold eyes staring at Kuroki-senpai.
“Wait, wait, wait!!” Kuroki-senpai appeared unmoved by her cold gaze as he shouted, “Bribe!!”
At this moment, Maruyama, Art Club’s first-year ace, stepped forward. Her red-rimmed glasses glinted as she stood in front of Oda-san.
“Oda-san, on behalf of the Art Club, I present you with this bribe.”
“…!? “
In Maruyama’s hands was a large bag. It was a family pack of assorted snacks, the kind that sells for around 500 yen per bag and is filled with nostalgic treats!!
But what good would that do?
“… …”
Oda-san had stopped trying to move away.
“Oi, oi, oi, don’t tell me you’re actually falling for that! Can’t you see that you’re being baited?”
Saiga-kun looked impatient as he tried to urge Oda-san towards the door.
However, Oda-san did not move at all!!
“Well, since we’re technically part of the Cultural Clubs, there’s no harm in participating, right?” said Yuri.
“What are you talking about? You just want to make tea, don’t you!!?”
“Now, now, Tooru-kun. [2] It’s not like you have to do much. All you have to do is stand in front of the pop-up cafe, and female customers will come flocking in.”
All the girls from the Art Club nodded eagerly.
Saiga-kun looked increasingly apprehensive as he cast a desperate glance at Oda-san. She was his last hope.
However, Oda-san’s gaze was taken up by the family pack of snacks held by Maruyama
“See? See? I knew that Oda-chan had a weakness for these kinds of things!” [2] Maruyama said smugly. “Say… Oda-chan, if you become the poster girl for the Japanese-style café, the Home Economics Club members will probably let you try out all sorts of things, you know? Tasty things~”
“T-tasty things…”
[4] The phrase ‘tasty things’ had a strangely powerful impact.
Saiga-kun’s desperate ‘Oi, stop it, Maki’ was in vain. Oda-san accepted the bribe. She had a frustrated look on her face, but despite that, she clutched the bribe tightly to her chest.
With this, the Cultural Club Alliance’s victory was completed.
“Awesome!! Now, the theme of the Cultural Club Alliance is ‘Have You Seen Our Kappa?’ There will be a stamp rally! Only by stopping at each and every exhibition will the customer find the Kappa at the end of it!”
“Wait, what’s a Kappa again?”
The Kappa Alliance was already collapsing even as it barely began…
Anyway, plans for the Cultural Festival must be settled before the summer vacation starts. That was when members of the Cultural Clubs had to answer the Student Council’s call for a ‘glamorous’ performance.
I watched as everyone in the room got caught up in the fervour of planning.
The current theme was green. A most brilliant and mysterious colour indeed.
It was kind of surreal, actually, seeing everyone getting together to put the Kappa Alliance project together. It was a grand exhibition that only Cultural Clubs could perform.
Some people may be tempted to ask just what the purpose of this exhibition was, but I believe that so long as we, the Cultural Clubs, could produce something of quality enough for people to say that our exhibition is interesting…
In short, I, Hayami Eitaro, the sole member of the UMA Research Society, will be taking on a supervisory role for this year’s Cultural Festival.
Kappa, kappa, kappa.
Would my knowledge of Kappa be of use for this mysterious Kappa Alliance?
As for the mysterious trio from the Confession Club, just what kind of influence would they have on this project?
For now, let us revel in the green of our youth.
[Gumihou: The last bit was a bit punny, since being ‘green’ almost meant ‘youthful’]
[1] The term “UMA” typically refers to Unidentified Mysterious Animals (creatures), which can encompass a wide range of phenomena, including cryptids, mythical creatures, and folklore animals. In the context provided, it is not explicitly stated whether the UMA 研究会 researches aliens specifically or Japanese folklore animals.
[2] Add detail
[2a] Added detail to the ‘leaving’ part, because it was needed beyond just ‘The Confession Club members tried to leave, saying, “Excuse us.”’’
[3] More in character thoughts and dialogues
[4] Adjust detail
[5] I really have no idea who said this, but leaned on Hayami Eitaro. Also made the speech pattern matched his way of speaking.
[6] It was originally デッサン椅子 or ‘drawing chair’, but even when I googled デッサン椅子 I couldn’t get anything but people showing how to draw chairs. Therefore, let’s stick with plain ‘chair’
Come join kitchennovel’s subscription!
Or, you can still support us through Patreon or tip us via Kofi~!
Although… it’s, um, you only get half the benefits… but, the decision is in your hands!
Do also comment at Novelupdates and raise our ratings!
