Soul In A Single Stroke

Original Release on May 29, 2026

Characters

Writer

Akira

Translation

citrinesea

Proofreading

Pardon, please forgive the intrusion.

I uncovered some students breaking the rules, so I was caught up giving them a lecture.

I guess this is a prime example of, “the pot calling the kettle black”. I shouldn’t be talking, as someone who lectured someone else so pompously about being late.

Hello, Keito. You are the same as ever, each sentence of yours is a page, isn’t it?

It’s not like I hate your long talks, but I can’t say they aren’t irritating either. You do know that what makes a monarch a monarch is whether his people love him, don’t you?

Hm, Eichi. Is it just you here? What happened to the others?

Heheh. Lately, there haven’t been any hugely important school events either, so naturally, the student council has just as much free time as that allows.

There was no real need for us to assemble, so based on my judgement, I let the others go prioritize unit activities and such.

You can’t forget that we’re idols at the end of the day, right? I’d figured that I wanted them to prioritize their practices over deskwork.

And I’ve been able to return to Yumenosaki Academy like this,

I’ve been processing all that boring deskwork to make up for my absence.

But you’re probably just going to lecture me again about doing things without consulting you or something, hm?

Hmph. You are the head of the Student Council, Eichi. We are your hands and feet, who follow your judgements.

… More importantly, why is the transfer student here like it’s normal?

She’s thrown the rules of the academy into utter disorder, part of a faction of rebels who have defied the student council, you know.

Being amiable is your merit, but if you’re too careless, she’ll end up betraying you when you’re not looking.

I’d like for you not to be so prejudiced against her. We’re all fellow comrades here in Yumenosaki Academy, aren’t we?

Opening the doors wide and hearing the voices of the masses. That is the Emperor I wish to be.

In what world would there be an Emperor who happily drinks tea given to him by an assassin.

Eichi, shouldn’t you be restricting your caffeine intake like the doctor ordered?

Won’t you just overlook one more cup? I am a fan of the tea she makes for me, you know. Ahh, how delicious ♪

Like you don’t have a care in the world… Honestly, you’re incorrigible

You get the best results from war when you make use of the weapons your enemies drop and turn foes into allies. Think about it like that, please.

I do have an interest in Transfer Student-chan.

So I reached out to her for this little tea party. She’s brilliant, you know

I did have her help me with work while she was here, though. You don’t need to be here, we’ve already dealt with just about all the usual work.

Hm, is that right… It’s good if she’s useful but you, don’t get too arrogant, Transfer Student.

For as long as these glasses on this face of mine are black,1 I won’t let you do as you please.

You wouldn’t be able to see in front of you if your glasses were black, Keito.

Well, if that’s how you feel, you know you can go do unit activities too, right?

I won’t leave the two of you alone by yourselves, just thinking about it makes my stomach ache.

… It looks like you two peacefully are working on paperwork together, but didn’t you finish the student council paperwork?

Yes. This is moreso for a hobby.

As a matter of fact, I am practicing doing my signature. While I was hospitalized, I forgot to think about what my personal signature should be.

I’m working on getting my fingers used to the feeling of writing. I tire out quickly, with my weak disposition, so when I try to get used to writing, I am trying to find ways to minimize my energy consumption if only just a little.

How about that? Don’t you think that’s constructive of me?

Hmph. Well, it’s a necessity. Your largest shortcoming is your lack of endurance, after all.

My unit has muscleheads in it, so I could ask those guys to help you train?

I’d just drop dead if I were to do a training session with Kiryu-kun and Kanzaki-kun, I don’t know how you manage it.

Just watching their ordinary routines makes my head spin, personally.

Oh? What is it, Transfer Student-chan? Done already?

“Done already,” you say… What’s that picture, Transfer Student? Were you drawing something?

Why are you jumpy, Keito? Being too accusatory like that to such a cute girl is rude, you know.

Anyways, it seemed like she had quite the affinity for the arts. There’s a deadline this weekend for a poster-making contest, so I encouraged her to participate.

When I told her that she’d get prize money if she won, she seemed to get pretty fired up about it.

Ahh, I see. I understand, she’s certainly pretty skilled.

It’s still amateur, though. Well, it’s good to be diligent.

Eichi, give me some tea. We’ve talked so much, I’ve gotten thirsty. While you’re at it, give me an autograph board as well. I’ll practice my signature too.

You’re making yourself at home? Good. Alright, here you are ♪

Thank you. Now then, first I’ll break up the ink. I suppose this will be great practice for using a brush too.

And why exactly do you carry around a calligraphy set, Keito? Here, why don’t you use a modern art pen like me and Transfer Student-chan.

I’m more accustomed to using a brush and ink on calligraphy paper.

They say that tools you’re accustomed to are the best, and relying on tools is second-rate. I’m talking to you, Transfer Student.

Oooh, a lecture, hm? I shouldn't have given you the empty air to do so.

Listen to him closely, Transfer Student-chan. This is the esteemed advice of the great painter Mizuhanome-sensei, Yumenosaki Academy’s best and brightest.

… How do you know that name, Eichi?

Just who do you think I am? I am your childhood friend.

Isn’t Mizuhanome the pen name you chosen when you wanted to become a mangaka so long ago ♪

But why “Mizuhanome,” as the son of a temple?

It’s precisely because I’m the son of the temple that I chose such a Shinto pen name to hide my identity…

Wait, no, I am not Mizuhanome. And I don’t draw manga in my free time, Eichi.

Now, now, you don’t need to be shy. For someone so good, you really should make use of it more.

Even if it’s just adding a little drawing with your autograph, wouldn’t that make people happy?

Drawing is a mere pastime, and my art doesn’t even match the image of AKATSUKI.

… Hm, what is it, Transfer Student? What, why are you staring at me?

“I’m a big fan!” you say…

Ahaha. Keito, don’t you draw posters for school every now and then? It seems that after seeing all of those, she’s become a total fan of yours ♪

Looking at Transfer Student-chan’s drawings, it’s clear where your influences lie.

Isn’t that wonderful, Keito? Your first fan as a mangaka. While we’re at it, why don’t you give her an autograph?

M–Mnmn… Well, I don’t mind being liked, but… Keep this a secret from the other guys, or I’ll be a disgrace.

It can’t be helped, so I’ll just sign it around here… ♪

Looks like someone’s pleased~ Keito— No, Mizuhanome-sensei, it seems like you’re getting closer with her, hm? If anything, it feels as if I’m the third-wheel here, how lonely. Fufufu ♪

Shut it. I’m just practicing my signature, Eichi. You never know when or where you’re going to need to give it.

Honestly, how incorigible…♪

Translation Notes

↑ This is a play on the phrase 目の黒いうち (as long as my eyes are black), which means "as long as I live."