Chapter 9

The bus was moving.

"There are so many trees..."

This is right in the middle of Tokyo. Yet, an unexpected landscape stretches before my eyes.

"That's because there are development restrictions within the special zones."

"Development restrictions... I see."

Wealth from all over Japan is concentrated in just four special zones.

In the case of the Tokyo Special Zone, it includes an eight-kilometer radius and the reclaimed land by the bay.

The total area is about 200 square kilometers.

Think of it as about a third of the 23 wards of Tokyo or half of Yokohama City.

Within this area, 100,000 people live. The population density is quite sparse.

"Why are there so few cars on the road?"

"Owning a car within the special zone is a kind of status symbol. The maintenance costs are enormous, and it's more convenient to use driverless taxis, so not many people own cars."

"Ah... I see. Automation has reached its peak here."

General vehicles are prohibited from entering the special zones. Even commercial vehicles find it difficult to get permission.

Instead, conveyor belts run underground to transport goods, and fully automated driverless taxis can be used for relatively cheap travel.

There's not much point in owning a personal car.

Driverless taxis can only move on main roads, but they work perfectly fine in the well-planned town.

In fact, even the mansion I live in doesn't have a car.

"Even the groceries you buy are delivered to your home before you get back."

I nodded in understanding.

When you shop, you can choose automatic delivery.

The goods are automatically delivered to your house using underground conveyor belts.

With the smartphone you used to send the items, you can easily unlock and retrieve them.

Everything is unmanned.

Even with a small population, a comfortable life is possible here thanks to advanced mechanization.

"By the way, about the farewell party... I'm sorry."

While searching through my memories of Makoto, I realized that the three of them had planned a farewell party during the spring break.

Of course, the original owner of this body wasn't in the mood and had been visiting the shrine frequently, praying fervently.

"No, it's okay. I knew it would be difficult."

She had called and messaged me several times, but I didn't answer.

"I was really deep in thought... So, how about we go somewhere next time?"

"Wh-What? R-Really?"

I tried to say it naturally, but Makoto's reaction was more enthusiastic than I expected.

She was staring at me intently.

"Um, how about we go somewhere with the four of us?"

I was taken aback by her enthusiasm.

"Yes! Rie and Yoko will be happy too! Let's go! Yes, yes!"

The other passengers on the bus looked enviously at Makoto, whose mood had lifted.

Residents of the special zones are thoroughly educated to be humble towards men.

A single complaint from a man can result in eviction from the special zone, so they tend to be overly cautious.

No one wants to lose this privileged life due to a momentary lapse in judgment.

That's why the bus passengers envy Makoto for being invited by a man.

This is a twisted part of society, a drawback due to the extreme shortage of men.

The bus slowly moved forward and stopped in front of Izuki High School.

I pressed the stop button and got off the bus. Makoto followed me.

Since we got off together, it means her school isn't in this direction.

"Which way is your school, Makoto?"

"Um... this way, maybe?"

"But that's the direction we just came from."

I was exasperated by Makoto pointing in the opposite direction.

"It's okay. It won't take long."

I had known from the morning that she had been waiting for me, and she seemed quite worried.

"Okay, I'll go now... but please keep in touch, okay? For sure."

"Sure, I understand. We're going out together, so I'll definitely contact you."

Makoto blushed and smiled, a strange expression of happiness.

"Thank you, Makoto. Don't be late for your entrance ceremony."

"Thank you for worrying. But it's okay. I still have time."

Makoto started to cross the road.

She was probably going to take a bus on the opposite lane.

At this moment, I remembered the words of the goddess.

"She will be happy just by you waving at her," the goddess had said.

Makoto had prioritized checking on me over her own entrance ceremony today.

She was probably rushing to her school now.

I wanted to convey my gratitude to Makoto.

Maybe a small prank would be okay for that.

No, this is a thank you. A thank you for coming all the way here.

Yes, a thank you.

"Makoto, come here for a moment."

"Huh? What is it?"

I beckoned Makoto, who was about to cross the road, and placed my hand on her waist.

Not only that, I pulled her closer and whispered in her ear.

"Makoto, thank you so much today."

"Wh-What!?"

I could feel her body stiffen.

I laughed and pushed her back.

"See you. Your bus is coming. Don't miss it."

"..."

Makoto turned stiffly and started walking robotically.

It was endearing how her right hand and right foot moved in unison.

Makoto, who had crossed the road, looked back at me, her mouth opening and closing.

I smiled and waved, and the bus arrived.

"Alright, let's go."

It's time for the entrance ceremony.

I feel like my popular life is about to begin.