Parameter Supremacy: The Man Who Seizes a Harem Through Sheer Effort.

Episode 58: Training Camp – Day One.

Early morning on the first day of camp. The sky was overcast.

Normally at this hour I’m the only one awake, but today the house was already bustling with activity. It made sense—kendo club training camp started now, and not only I but Moe too would be participating as manager. She hadn’t submitted the participation form, but apparently the advisor had pulled some strings to make it work.

Moe and I, already changed and ready, sat at the dining table eating the breakfast Midori-san had prepared. I scoop rice into a sheet of nori, wrap it, then wash down the salty seaweed with a gulp of miso soup before taking a bite of tamagoyaki to refresh my palate. Midori-san’s breakfasts lean heavily toward traditional Japanese fare—gentle flavors that feel kind to someone like me who usually lives off convenience-store side dishes. Before I knew it, I’d grown completely accustomed to life as a freeloader in the Isshiki household.

After finishing, Moe and I brush our teeth side by side and finish preparing. The whole time, the white cat Milk weaves between Moe’s legs. Masaya is still asleep, so we keep our voices low as we say “We’re off” to Midori-san. Then the two of us step out of the house together.

There’s still plenty of time before the school meet-up. We decide to walk at a leisurely pace—until I notice the second-floor curtains of the house across from the Isshikis swaying unnaturally. “What’s that?” I wonder. Before I can think further, Moe suddenly tugs my hand.

“Ryuuji-kun, let’s hurry〜”

Startled by the sudden pull, I completely forget about the curtains.

We stroll toward school. Moe has already settled comfortably into her manager role; the tension from her first day has vanished, replaced by obvious enjoyment.

As we walk together, we spot Shiina waiting at the crossroad ahead, a large bag at her feet. Normally I walk to school with Shiina alone, so seeing her here while I’m with Moe feels strangely off-kilter.

“Morning〜”

Shiina’s cheerful greeting is returned by both of us.

“Morning〜”

“Good morning.”

The three of us fall into step toward school. Shiina looks just as happy as Moe, though every so often she glances at me and blushes. Understandable—tomorrow night I’ll finally be giving her my answer to her confession. Of course she’s nervous.

We arrive at school soon after. Not only the kendo club but students from other clubs sharing the same venue and schedule have already gathered. Several microbuses are parked near the gate.

Scanning the area, we spot the advisor and a few club members already assembled. We join them, exchange greetings, and a few minutes later the full kendo club finishes roll call, boards our assigned microbus, and departs.

***

On the bus, Shiina takes the window seat and I sit on the aisle side. After a brief moment of hesitation, Moe pulls down the auxiliary seat beside me and sits. Silence settles over the interior.

“Hey, Isshiki. There are still open seats—why don’t you sit somewhere else?”

Advisor Kawaguchi-sensei speaks up, but Moe replies without missing a beat,

“Ryuuji-kun’s arm is injured, so I have to take care of him〜”

Sensei stares, mouth half-open in disbelief, then sighs faintly.

“Fine. Kayano, can you move?”

Shiina glances at him.

“I need to discuss Inter-High main-tournament matters.”

Her tone leaves no room for negotiation. Kawaguchi-sensei exhales again.

“Then you three—move to the very back row.”

I bow apologetically to the seniors already seated there. They give warm, knowing smiles and shift over without complaint.

***

I’ve always liked bus rides. Whether on school trips or vacations, there’s something special about traveling in a sealed space with friends toward a shared destination.

At the service area midway, we buy snacks within the short break and chat over them. Another enjoyable stretch of time. Summer break had only just begun, so the highway was mildly congested—but even the traffic felt like it was stretching out these pleasant hours.

In the end, we reached the training camp lodge on the shore of a lake in Yamanashi in about two hours.

Stepping off the bus, the humid air carried the thick scent of trees. Coming from a coastal town, the absence of salt in the breeze felt almost unreal. Beyond the private road leading from the lodge, the lake glittered under the summer sun. A few fishing bass boats floated on the water, and distant figures cast their rods.

We receive room assignments from the advisor and head to the lodging building to change. Since I’m here strictly as manager, I slip into gym clothes and a tracksuit, then chat with my roommates.

Lunchtime arrives soon after. In the attached cafeteria, we serve ourselves curry and find seats. Because we came straight from the rooms, I end up eating with classmates my age. Shiina and Moe sit with the girls, both looking cheerful.

After lunch, the first day’s practice finally begins. Moe and I arrive at the outdoor training area beside the gym a little early to prepare. By the time we finish mopping and making ice water, members from kendo, judo, and other clubs using the space start arriving in waves.

At 1:30 p.m., kendo practice starts. After warm-ups comes running. Wearing dogi in this sweltering heat is pure hell. Moe and I time laps as managers while checking in with the advisor for instructions.

Once the torturous run ends, the members shift to basic drills. I join in at the edge of the area, limiting myself to leg and footwork that doesn’t strain my arm. When basics finish, everyone clusters around the water jugs for hydration. Moe distributes cups, pouring drinks for the members.

“Ryuuji-kun, here you go too.”

Even though I’d done basic drills myself, I shamelessly accept the water.

“Thanks.”

When I check the jug, it’s running low. I decide to make more ice water while I’m at it.

After the break, technique drills begin. Moe, who will continue as manager, has been assigned record-keeping by the advisor. I stand beside her—still inexperienced—and explain key points to note and each member’s characteristics. She writes diligently, pen moving steadily.

Technique practice ends with geiko—free sparring. At peak fatigue, the members’ intensity reaches its zenith. Shiina remains in excellent form; after sparring the girls, she joins the boys without hesitation. Impressive as always.

Practice concludes around 4:30 p.m.

Everyone cleans the training area together. Moe and I collect the sweat-soaked dogi from the changed members and begin laundry. Moe washes the powerfully odorous summer gear without so much as a grimace. The sight feels fresh—and oddly heartwarming.

***

With manager duties done, I return to the lodging room, protect my right arm, and head to the bath with the other members.

Bathing with the club is a first for me, and the air feels distinctly youthful. In the changing room we strip, wash thoroughly, then sink into the tub. Exhausted sighs escape everyone.

And then come the teenage boys. Club talk is quickly sidelined for discussions of crushes, who’s cute, and unabashed dirty jokes. Apparently, among this group, I rank first in size. I let the commotion wash over me while exhaling in the hot water.

“Hey, Sagara—you dating Kayano?”

A senior a year above asks.

“No, we’re not.”

I answer calmly.

“But you’re close, right? You go home together, sat next to each other on the bus today…”

The others nod, half-jealous.

“You’re not gonna date her?”

A classmate presses.

“Nope.”

Short and final. The members laugh with faint disappointment—“Figures.” Shiina is popular not just in kendo but among athletic guys in general.

“But still—”

Another senior speaks up.

“You’re pretty close with the new manager Isshiki too, huh?”

A chill runs down my spine. The jealousy of unpopular sports-club boys is terrifying.

“Yeah. We’re friends. Same class and all.”

I try to end the conversation before it gets messy, but—

“This morning on the bus, Isshiki was super stubborn about the seat…”

All eyes fix on me, sticky and accusing. No good excuse comes to mind.

“Just friends.”

I say only that and leave the bath.

***

“But back in middle school, Kayano and Isshiki were always glued to that Satou guy, right?”

One member mutters while soaking. He’s from the same middle school as the four childhood friends. The others react immediately.

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard. Satou’s harem, wasn’t it?”

“Right. There was that Tsukishiro girl too. Everyone was jealous, but they were all childhood friends—no gaps to slip into. Always together.”

“Huh. What’s that Satou guy up to now?”

“Same class as the three of them, I think. Wonder how he’s doing.”

“Well, against Sagara he doesn’t stand a chance.”

Laughter ripples through the group. They agree, then trickle out of the bath toward the rooms.

***

Bath time ends; dinner follows. We head to the cafeteria and sit—boys and girls separate as usual. White rice, fried chicken, tamagoyaki, salad, cold tofu, miso soup, and watermelon for dessert. A high-protein lineup perfect for closing out the first day of camp.

After eating, reflection meeting begins immediately. The advisor uses Moe’s notes to give advice to each member. When my opinion is asked, I share honestly. Shiina nods along to my words, but her expression seems a little strange.

***

Meeting ends, followed by free time before lights-out. I sit alone in the lodge lobby, sipping carbonated water from the vending machine and reading a novel on the worn faux-leather sofa. The room had already erupted into portable mahjong; I slipped out for some quiet.

“Huh? Ryuuji?”

The voice and the way she says my name tell me instantly it’s Shiina. I turn.

“Good work.”

She smiles brightly.

“Good work.”

“What’s up?”

I ask.

“I just… needed to calm down a bit.”

“Haha. Same here. They started a mahjong tournament in the room.”

“Mahjong? They’re allowed to bring that?”

“Apparently a compact set. I don’t know the details.”

“I see.”