Chapter 53 Cat Wild's Energy is Severely Insufficient
The gunfire on the training ground gradually subsided. The final round of shooting ended, and the smell of gunpowder mixed with the summer heat slowly dissipated.
Under the instructor's unified command, Furuya Rei deftly ejected the magazine and checked the gun, his movements as fluid as breathing, just like his posture when he was shooting.
The target was automatically pulled back, with bullet holes densely clustered in the central area. A decent result, but there's room for improvement, according to Rukawa's harsh assessment.
The instructor announced the end of class, and the tense atmosphere on the training field instantly relaxed. The police academy students stretched their wrists, stiff from holding guns for so long, and began chatting in small groups. The surrounding noise suddenly intensified.
"Wow, Furuya!" Hagiwara Ken pointed at Furuya Rei's target with two fingers, praising him without reservation. "Really impressive, your marksmanship is unbelievably stable! Maintaining this accuracy while shooting dynamically, you're exceptionally gifted!"
After all, this was the first time their class of police academy students had tried moving targets, and Furuya Rei's near-perfect score was truly amazing.
Rei Furuya tilted his head slightly, but there was no smugness on his face. "Thank you, Hagiwara. It's just a matter of practicing harder. You're not bad either."
He knew his own situation best; he and Morofushi Kagemitsu had been practicing shooting for much longer than other police academy students, so there was nothing to be proud of in achieving this result.
—Although Rei Furuya had a high accuracy rate when he first started practicing shooting, showing that he had a great talent for shooting, it is clear that Rei Furuya was strict with himself and would not become arrogant or complacent.
He praised Kenji Hagiwara in return, then looked at Jinpei Matsuda and Wataru Date, saying that the three newcomers were doing a really good job.
Just as Furuya Rei was thinking of Matsuda Jinpei, the other man strolled over slowly with his hands in his pockets.
He stopped next to Kenji Hagiwara, his expression saying, "Let me see what you're capable of." His gaze first swept over Rei Furuya's expressionless face, then fell on the conspicuous target in front of him.
Then, as was his habit, he frowned and examined the target paper for a few seconds, as if trying to find some flaw. After a long while, he reluctantly pouted, as if after a difficult internal struggle, and snorted out from his nose, "Hmph, so-so. Although he's a blond bastard, his marksmanship is barely passable."
That being said, Matsuda Jinpei had already acknowledged Furuya Rei's shooting skills, because there was really nothing to criticize about them.
"Hey, Jinpei's words are really harsh."
Kenji Hagiwara drawled out, grinning as he exposed his childhood friend, "Just now, I wonder who it was who secretly clicked their tongue when they heard Furuya get a perfect score? They looked quite unwilling, didn't they?"
"?" Furuya Rei suddenly looked at Matsuda Jinpei, feeling embarrassed now that he had been exposed.
As expected, only Hagiwara can handle Matsuda. He'd like to see how Matsuda reacts. But, is it inevitable that every childhood friend pairing will have a cunning one? He couldn't help but feel that Hagiwara's cheerful way of exposing Matsuda earlier resembled Hiro's mischievous side.
"Huh? What nonsense are you spouting, Hagi!"
Matsuda Jinpei reacted strongly as expected. He suddenly raised his head and glared fiercely at Hagiwara Kenji, his ears turning slightly red.
Oh, so everyone now knows that Kenji Hagiwara wasn't lying.
Kenji Hagiwara smiled innocently, as if he hadn't suddenly betrayed Jinpei Matsuda. He even winked at Jinpei Matsuda.
Don't be shy, Jinpei.
—It was more like Hiro suddenly spitting out black sesame seeds without warning. Rei Furuya, standing to the side, felt a pang of sympathy and instantly empathized with Jinpei Matsuda at that moment.
Matsuda Jinpei: "..." Who's shy?!
He looked away, irritably scratching his curly hair, and said in frustration, "Fine, this blond bastard's marksmanship is pretty good, okay?"
That's rare!
Everyone stared at Matsuda Jinpei in surprise; it was rare for Matsuda Jinpei to be so arrogant towards Furuya Rei.
From the moment they entered the police academy, Matsuda Jinpei and Furuya Rei had some differences in their personalities. Although they became friends after an unexpected incident, their friendship, forged through conflict, was clearly not ordinary.
They are the legendary "opposing lane" friends, but the emphasis is actually on the opposing side.
"Tch." Matsuda Jinpei grimaced uncomfortably and avoided everyone's gaze.
He just praised a blond jerk, what's so surprising? Don't make a fuss!
Just then, Date Wataru walked over, laughed, and patted Matsuda Jinpei and Furuya Rei on the back: "Well, you guys are all very capable! It seems like our class is full of hidden talents."
As he spoke, his eyes swept over Kenji Hagiwara and Hiromitsu Morofushi beside him; he was paying attention to everyone's grades.
Yes, everyone is doing well.
Then he smiled and patted Matsuda Jinpei on the shoulder again: "But it's really not easy to hear good things about Furuya from you, Matsuda."
"Squad leader!" Matsuda Jinpei was caught off guard by the two unexpected pats and stumbled. He muttered in dissatisfaction, "This is an objective evaluation, an objective evaluation!"
I'm not trying to be nice to Rei Furuya!
Besides, does it mean that if he hadn't praised Furuya Rei before, Furuya Rei himself wouldn't have had any problems at all?
Matsuda Jinpei whispered, "Who told that blond bastard to always have such a sour face, like everyone owes him millions... It's just annoying to look at!"
Rei Furuya raised an eyebrow, but before he could retort, he heard Hiromitsu Morofushi's amused voice coming from beside him: "Zero has been keeping a straight face, probably because he's severely lacking in some kind of energy."
For example—the cat's energy is severely insufficient.
“Right, Zero?” Morofushi Kagemitsu smiled meaningfully at Furuya Rei, who understood.
"Ahem." He coughed lightly, looking embarrassed.
Police academy training is a closed system, and students are only allowed to leave the campus on weekends. He hadn't seen Nekono Ikuya for several days, so he was feeling a bit down.
It's perfectly reasonable to have a long face, especially on Mondays when I can't help but have one, right? Not at all surprising!
Rei Furuya said seriously, "Yes, Hiro is right, I'm a little low on energy."
Huh? The observant Kenji Hagiwara noticed the knowing smile on Hiromitsu Morofushi's face, and Rei Furuya's seemingly calm demeanor, which was anything but peaceful...
There are stories here that they don't know!
Kenji Hagiwara noticed, but he didn't ask for the time being. He wanted to observe the situation further.
"What kind of answer is that?" Matsuda Jinpei said, crossing his arms in dissatisfaction.
Could it be that, just like him and Hagi, Furuya and Morofushi are also having a secret, childhood-friendship-like conversation?
I didn't understand.
Matsuda Jinpei was displeased.
Having no childhood friends whatsoever, Date Wataru simply took it literally.
"Lack of energy? Are you hungry after the valley?"
He glanced at his watch, then exclaimed in alarm, quickly reminding everyone, "Hey everyone, we need to hurry! The cafeteria's about to open. Come on, let's go! If we're late, all the good food will be gone!"
After saying that, he took the lead and rushed out.
Never underestimate police academy students who are young, energetic, and undergo a lot of physical training every day. This statement is more effective than any mobilization.
Matsuda Jinpei immediately put his displeasure aside and shouted, "The squad leader is right, let's go, let's go!" and started walking. Hagiwara Kenji also smiled and followed closely behind Matsuda Jinpei, joining the group rushing towards the cafeteria.
He paused his observation and went first! Of all things, eating is the most important; getting to the cafeteria is the priority.
Furuya Rei looked at the group that had suddenly become noisy with a bit of helplessness. A smile flashed across his eyes as he looked at Morofushi Kagemitsu beside him.
Uh, Morofushi Kagemitsu had also run far away at some point, leaving only a dotted line outlining his figure to indicate that he had just been there.
A lonely wind blew by, swirling up the solitary leaves, and in the blink of an eye, only Furuya Rei remained.
Rei Furuya's eyes widened: "???"
No, you?
That's way too fast!
"Zero, hurry up! What are you standing there for?" Morofushi Kagemitsu's voice came from ahead.
Of course it'll be soon! If you're not enthusiastic about eating, there's something wrong with your thinking. Eat up! Eat up!
My stomach is already rumbling.
Even on his way to pounce on his prey, Morofushi Kagemitsu didn't forget to remind Furuya Rei, showing that he still has some childhood affection for Furuya Rei.
Childhood friends are still the best! Rei Furuya immediately quickened his pace, "Coming!"
He smiled and followed the noisy figures ahead, running with them towards the cafeteria.
The sun was shining brightly at that moment.
...
In the police academy cafeteria, Rei Furuya and others were sitting together, eating and chatting.
Suddenly, Kenji Hagiwara's eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something interesting. He moved closer to everyone, lowering his voice but unable to hide his excitement.
"Hey everyone, are you free this weekend? There's a fantastic social event this weekend, and several lovely girls I know will be there. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, everyone come!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent. The four members of Furuya lowered their heads, showing no interest.
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"Huh?" Kenji Hagiwara was taken aback. This wasn't what he expected. Were people not interested in the matchmaking event?
He started to select his men, and the first one he naturally chose was his childhood friend. He nudged Matsuda Jinpei with his elbow: "Jinpei, how about a get-together?"
Matsuda Jinpei moved his plate away, replying without looking up, "Hagi, you really enjoy social events. But allow me to refuse again, my renovation is only half finished, and I want to finish it this weekend, so—I'm not going!" He continued eating intently.
"Don't be such a spoilsport!" Kenji Hagiwara said casually, undeterred. It didn't sound like a complaint, but rather like an affectionate remark.
He didn't ask Matsuda Jinpei what he was modifying, because Matsuda Jinpei could modify anything; modification was Matsuda Jinpei's hobby.
Kenji Hagiwara was already used to his childhood friend's decisive rejection, and immediately turned his expectant gaze to others, such as Rei Furuya beside him.
"Social gatherings can expand your social circle and are an important way to improve your interpersonal skills." He put his arm around Furuya Rei's shoulder. "And Furuya, aren't you even a little curious? Lots of cute girls will be there!"
When suddenly pulled into an embrace, Rei Furuya's body stiffened slightly, but he quickly broke free from Kenji Hagiwara's grasp.
Even if Kenji Hagiwara's words are incredibly eloquent, and even if there are really many cute girls participating in the matchmaking event, it has nothing to do with him.
Because he already has a boyfriend.
Moreover, Furuya Rei thought, no matter how cute the girls at the matchmaking event were, could they be as cute as Ikuya in her gender-swapped form, Okatori? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and given that Ikuya Nekono was already exceptionally beautiful, Furuya Rei felt it was impossible.
“Sorry, I’m not going either,” Rei Furuya said.
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