The Decoy Doll
Its full designation was:
Emergency Security Use – Simplified Replica-Type Artificial Doll 〈Dimension-Coreless-Interface Mk-VII〉.
Incidentally, “Tsukumo” had slapped on this fancy-sounding name upon completion—there was no deeper meaning. It was just because it sounded cool.
Since “Dimension~” was too long, it was shortened to its initials, earning the nickname:
〈Decoy-kun – Mark Seven, Nameless Type〉.
This nickname was used so often in daily life that Tsukumo had already forgotten its official designation.
Now, let’s briefly explain Decoy-kun’s nature.
This decoy doll required a two-step preparation process.
First, programming the actions of a specific individual in advance.
It involved inputting responses one by one—”If X happens, react like this.”
Though a time-consuming task, much like how the confetti from the [Confetti Bracelet] was handmade, Tsukumo actually enjoyed meticulous work like this.
Well, being a child, there were times when boredom struck all at once.
Since the programming was preloaded, it couldn’t mimic the behavior of anyone outside the expected subject.
In the case of the Mark Seven, Nameless Type, that subject was Tsukumo alone.
Additionally, overly complex actions or responses were impossible—
simply because programming them was too difficult.
This was the reason behind the “Simplified Replica-Type” moniker.
Second,
reading the user’s memories and thought patterns.
Unlike the preloaded data, this step involved scanning the user’s brain upon activation.
Without accounting for recent experiences and thoughts, the decoy doll wouldn’t be able to fulfill its role properly.
By implementing these two steps, Tsukumo succeeded in drastically improving Decoy-kun’s accuracy.
The Mark Seven was in a league of its own compared to the First through Sixth Models.
At the same time, this meant the doll could be used even if the “pre-programmed subject” and the “actual user” were different people.
During the 10th Branch Tour, the former was Tsukumo, and the latter was Ibuki.
In short, a being had been born—one with Ibuki’s tastes and thought patterns, yet reacting and speaking like Tsukumo.
Yes—a monster who was an angel-obsessed otaku like Ibuki, yet blurted out thoughts unfiltered like Tsukumo.
“Big sis, you’re so pretty!”
“…………Huh!?”
This happened while Ibuki (the real one) was locked in a deadly battle with Rui in the skies.
◇◇◇◇◇
Shinonome Mayano.
A soft-spoken, gentle “big sis”—or so Ibuki had dubbed her in his mind.
She was Excia, the Winged Guardian, an angel with considerable fame even among her countless peers.
So why had Ibuki, the angel otaku, never heard of her?
The reason was shallower than a tide pool.
Because Ibuki didn’t watch TV.
Shinonome Mayano was the singing host of the children’s show “Let’s Play with Big Sis!”, making her wildly popular among kids.
In short, she was the “Singing Big Sis.”
That was precisely why she had been chosen for this tour group—where 99% of the attendees were literal toddlers (with Ibuki being the sole exception).
While the children (regardless of gender) adored her, the otaku whose “holy grail” was elsewhere hadn’t even noticed.
Given her role, she rarely appeared in combat scenarios, so even in “Watayume”, she had little screen time. ,br>Thus, Ibuki and she had zero overlap.
—Naturally, there were no memories to inherit.
“Creepy Onii-san” (Decoy Ibuki-kun) was also completely clueless about her—Shinonome Mayano.
So, he began his mimicry by voicing what “Ibuki” felt in the “Tsukumo-like” unfiltered way.
◇◇◇◇◇
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“Big sis, you’re so pretty!”
After Izayoi was subdued and Hinata had left, as the group moved from the hall toward the elevator area—
By sheer coincidence, he said this to Mayano, who, despite being the guide, wasn’t leading the group but instead fidgeting nervously beside him.
“…………Huh!?”
At first, Mayano blinked in confusion, not processing his words. But the moment she did, her cheeks flushed like a traffic light switching colors.
“Ah, umm… th-thank you… very much…?”
Shrinking like a shy flower,
Mayano was bewildered.
(Wh-why… am I feeling so hot all of a sudden…?)
This was a first for her.
By nature, Mayano had a calm disposition, and in this modern era, she was unusually popular among men.
In a society where female supremacy often led women to look down on men, Mayano treated them as equals—making her a rare gem in their eyes.
Being complimented on her looks wasn’t new to her.
Heck, she’d even been confessed to by male co-stars—whether they were the “Singing Big Bro” type or male idols.
In those cases, she could always politely but firmly decline, guilt aside.
But now?
A single compliment had her face burning and barely able to muster a “thank you.”
Just a smile from this younger man had her averting her gaze in a fluster.
(Ahh… what’s wrong with me…?)
Come to think of it, why was she even walking next to him?
She’d just been following the group’s flow, but before she knew it, her glances at him had led her right to his side.
It was utterly inexplicable.
Then, she realized something.
She’d been referring to him as “him, him” this whole time.
She didn’t even know his name.
The moment that thought crossed her mind, a wave of loneliness rippled through her chest.
“Um…”
“?”
“Ah, n-never mind…”
Before she knew it, she’d called out to him—
but with no idea what to say next.
Tilting his head, he looked every bit the embodiment of the “kyoton” sound effect.
(S-so cute…!)
Her maternal instincts tingling at his childlike gesture, Mayano opened her mouth.
“Could you… tell me your name—?”
“M A Y A N O – S A N ?”
“Eeek!?”
A voice like fingers tracing her neck slithered up from behind.
Tearing up slightly, she timidly glanced back—
“Mayano-san, is something wrong?”
There stood her junior, Hinata Soehi, wearing a smile so bright it could make sunflowers turn away.
It was terrifying. Even though she was smiling.
“S-Soehi-san, this is, uh—”
For some reason, Mayano floundered for an excuse, her eyes darting around—until a figure stepped between them.
“Hinata-chan!”
It was him.
“You’re an angel today too! So cute!”
“Hweh!? Wh-what’s with you all of a sudden, mister!?”
His high-energy approach sent Hinata into a flustered panic.
Watching the oppressive atmosphere vanish from the girl, Mayano secretly sighed in relief.
And then—she felt her heart race.
(Just now… did he protect me…?)
She gazed dreamily at the cheerful, slightly childish young man doting on Hinata like a little sister.
He is bright, cheerful, and a little childish.
(And… he’s cool too…)
She recalled his actions during the emergency earlier—when the electronic door had malfunctioned.
He’d kicked it open effortlessly, despite it being something even most Winged Guardians couldn’t destroy.
The humility in his apology afterward and his gentle smile when thanked—all of it left a very favorable impression on Mayano.
(Ah…)
Her eyes followed as he patted Hinata’s head.
Envious of the blushing girl, Mayano made a decision.
(Maybe I’ll ask Isana-san about his name…)
Not that it would change anything.
Chiding herself even as her heart pounded, Mayano couldn’t help it.
—Little did she know, she’d meet him again in the most unexpected place.
—And even before that, she had no idea Vice-Branch Chief Isana would look up to the heavens in exasperation when asked his name with Mayano’s flushed face.
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