COTE: New Game+

Vol. 0 Chapter 11: An Associate, An Annoyance, An Ally, An Adversary

Kiyotaka's POV

"Yamashiro Harumi?"

I could only chuckle slightly.

"It really sounds strange for me that you don't know this girl at all."

"Really? Was I close to this girl in your original timeline?"

"I wouldn't say that. She was definitely one that annoyed you more than anyone else."

"Who is she, anyway?"

"Yamashiro Harumi was a first year in our third year. She thrives in chaos, simple as that. She likes messing with everyone, regardless of who they were. She was a nuisance to all of the classes, and she was considered public enemy number one. The only person that could ever thwart her in any meaningful capacity back then was me, and believe me, she was one of my toughest enemies. If I were to make a comparison, she's like the Joker to my Batman, though a lot less bloody, and she's a lot less evil."

"I can't believe you of all people is saying that."

"I'm saying it for a good reason. In all honesty, I am sure to get a lot of opposition from the time travelers in the Coalition with this."

"I never thought you would be making such a choice, then."

"Despite how troublesome she is, I cannot deny how grateful I am to her for her contributions during the Red Sunday, so that is why I can put aside all of my reservations about her and recruit her wholeheartedly."

"Red Sunday?"

"Don't ask."

"Then I won't. Besides recruitment, what are you up to, Ayanokouji-kun?"

"You're not even a formal member of the Coalition yet, Sakayanagi. Why should I tell you?"

"I can just ask my son about it."

"Shin does not know what I'm up to. In fact, none of them besides Lelouch knows. It's still in the developing phase, after all."

"It? What sort of plan are you and Lelouch-kun making?"

"I'll just tell you the name of our plan."

I heaved a deep sigh, then told her the name.

"Zero Genesis."

*****
Ishigami Residence, Nagoya

"As I expected, it's quiet here. There's a temple nearby, after all."

I remarked as I observed the premises of the Ishigami compound. To be honest, I did not know whether I would be able to meet with Ishigami Kyoko today or I would just be refused at the door, but I suppose there is no harm in trying.

Fortunately, my fears are unfounded as a servant quickly opened the gate for me and Matsuo, allowing us to both enter the premises. Surprisingly enough, we were brought straight towards the room of Ishigami Kyoko. It was something that slightly confused me, given that we should be nothing more than passing acquaintances at best, or strangers at worst. There is no reason for her to let me get so close to her at this point.

I put myself on guard, thinking that something was off about the situation. When we reached the door to her room, the servant knocked and told the occupant about us, which prompted the girl inside to give us permission to enter.