Chapter 131: Offline Gathering
Two months after all those referred to as "SAO survivors" were released—
At the time, when Asuna's father, Yuuki Shouzou, decided to stay on as CEO, he faced intense criticism from the media and society. However, as investigations deepened and it was revealed that everything had been Sugou's unilateral actions—and with RECT headquarters, under Shouzou's leadership, allocating internal reserve funds to fully assist the victims—the tone of public opinion gradually shifted to: "This is what taking responsibility truly looks like."
The situation quickly settled down, and finally, today, Asuna completed her rehabilitation and was being discharged.
"All right, Asuna, let's go."
"I'm going to miss seeing you two so lovey-dovey every day. You worked so hard these past two months—congratulations on your discharge, Miss Asuna."
"Asuna-chan, be happy, okay? Also, congrats on leaving the hospital!"
"Congratulations!"
"Doctors, nurses—thank you all so much."
Although only Hachiman came to accompany Asuna on her discharge day, her parents had discussed the arrangements with him the day before when they visited, despite their extremely busy schedules. So Asuna didn't mind at all.
As they exited the hospital, Hachiman held Asuna's hand and led her toward the parking lot.
"Huh? Hachiman-kun, where are we going?"
"Hmm… right over here. Come on, get in."
"Eh?"
Hachiman opened the door of a white sedan parked in the lot. After helping Asuna into the front passenger seat, he got into the driver's seat himself.
"Wha—? When did you get a license?!"
"Actually, while helping with your rehab, I also attended a driving school nearby. Since school hasn't started yet, I had free time."
"I see…"
"Besides driving school, I also received strict training from the butler Tsuzuki-san in Haruno-neesan's courtyard. All to graduate on time and make today possible."
"So you were doing all that quietly… What about this car?"
"I bought it."
"Whoa… You still have that amazing drive."
"I didn't have enough savings, so I borrowed a bit from Haruno-neesan and bought it in installments. It's a cheap car, but it's definitely mine. The front passenger seat is reserved just for you, Asuna. Ah—though I might have to give Komachi rides sometimes, but it's basically your seat."
"Mm!"
Asuna's eyes sparkled as she fastened her seatbelt. Thinking that this would be her seat from now on, she was so happy she wanted to kiss Hachiman's cheek—but the seatbelt restrained her.
"Mmm… I can't reach…"
"Haha."
Asuna beckoned with her finger. With a resigned expression, Hachiman leaned his face closer, and a triumphant Asuna gave him a satisfied smile.
"Mhm~"
"You're not a little kid anymore, you know."
"Doesn't matter! Let's go!"
"Okay, okay."
Hachiman turned the key and started the engine.
"All right, we're heading to Agil's café."
"Mm! How's everyone doing?"
"You'll finally get to see Liz, Asuna."
"Yeah! I've seen everyone else during their hospital visits, and although I saw Liz in-game, this is the first time we're meeting in person. I'm so excited!"
"Argo might not be able to come."
"Haruno-neesan and Miss Argo are both super busy, huh…"
After RECT Progress disbanded, ALO's operations were transferred to a new company under the Yukinoshita Group. Because of the handover, Haruno, who served as a liaison, was absurdly busy every day.
Argo was hired personally by Haruno.
She had to assist with government work and was bossed around by Haruno constantly. When Hachiman asked why she hired Argo, Haruno answered with a mischievous smile:
"Because it's more fun this way."
As they talked, they reached their destination. Hachiman parked the car awkwardly in the lot, contacted Agil to say they'd arrived, and the two walked toward Agil's café.
"This is the place."
"Wow, it has such a nice atmosphere."
"Fits Agil, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, I can't explain why, but it definitely feels like him."
"Let's go in—everyone should already be here. Oh, right! Let's use our in-game names today."
"Okay!"
The two cautiously opened the café door and peeked inside.
"Sorry we're late… huh?"
"No one's here?"
Food and half-finished drinks were messily laid out on the tables, but the room was empty. Just as they walked in, confused, their friends hiding behind the counter and the entrance suddenly jumped out and set off party poppers.
"You're late, Hachiman!"
"Hachiman-kun! Asuna!!"
"Yo, Hachiman—was the drive smooth?"
"Asuna's still gorgeous! But man, every girl here is a beauty! Why is it always like this around Hachiman…"
"Asuna-san! Long time no see!"
"You look so well, Asuna-san."
"Hachiman! Asuna! You're sooo~ late!"
"Big bro! Big sis!"
"Damn you, senpai… you two really are a perfect match…"
Hachiman stood frozen for a moment, then hurriedly apologized:
"S-Sorry! Still not used to driving—mostly got delayed in the parking lot."
"It's been so long, everyone!"
Today's attendees, in speaking order, were: Kirito, Leafa, Agil, Klein, Silica, Yukino, Yui, Komachi, Iroha—and the just-arrived Hachiman and Asuna. Liz, who hadn't spoken yet, now timidly stepped forward from the back.
"Liz!"
"Asuna! I guess this is technically our first real-life meeting?"
Calling Asuna's name, Lisbeth rushed to her.
Asuna hugged her tightly in return, joyful that they had finally met.
Then the group started a party-like gathering—though "like" a party, because the men and women sat completely separately.
It wasn't due to bad relations—it was simply that this was the first time all the female members of "Team Hachiman" were together, and they were deep in excited conversation.
Hachiman glanced over at the women's side, saw that everyone was getting along, and let out a breath of relief. Among the men, everyone except Klein looked composed.
Agil was married, and it seemed Kirito and Lisbeth were almost dating. Needless to say, the only single man left… was Klein.
"Hachiman, about what we discussed…"
"Oh, they've been waiting a long time over there. You ready with work stuff?"
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I've finally got room to breathe—ready any time."
Klein had finished rehab but couldn't yet return to full-time work. He insisted on waiting until he was fully recovered before meeting the person Hachiman wanted to introduce—this manly attitude won over even Takizawa-sensei.
"All right, I'll set it up."
"Leave it to you."
"So… is spring finally coming for Klein? Kirito, want to bet?"
"Hmm… I'll bet on success."
"Oh! My spiritual brother! You really believe in me?"
"No—I'm just betting on the long shot."
"Hey now!?"
"What are you two whispering about?"
Hearing Klein's loud voice, the women joined them.
"Actually, I was gonna introduce Klein to Takizawa-sensei…"
"Wait—that teacher?"
"Hey! I get your concern, but don't call her 'that'!"
"Takizawa-sensei and Klein, huh…"
"Even Yui-chan…?"
"Hachiman, I'm suddenly nervous. N-Not because I'm unhappy about it! I'm just worried—I've hardly dealt with women. What if I mess up…?"
"Listen, Klein. Yeah, Takizawa-sensei has… issues. But just be yourself. I believe in you. You can do this."
"Yeah! Leave it to me!"
"Wow, Hachiman-kun, that was unexpectedly cool…"
"Klein will manage. Outsiders, stay out of it."
"True enough."
"Hey Agil, I'll take a hot milk."
"Coming right up."
"I'll have one too."
"Wait a sec."
Two cups of hot milk were placed on the counter. As Hachiman drank and rested, he noticed the person beside him blowing furiously on her milk.
"Just as I imagined… cat tongue, huh?"
"I've been scared of hot things since I was little."
"People afraid of heat really can't help it, huh… Argo—Argo!? When did you get here!?"
"Yo."
"Wait, it's Argo! Long time no see!"
"Just happened to be free, so I came."
"Miss Argo!"
Asuna hugged Argo happily.
"Oh? Asuna-chan's this affectionate?"
"Because… because you gave hope to me when I was imprisoned. I always wanted to thank you."
"There, there. You did well."
When Hachiman introduced Argo to Yukino and the other ALO group members, the party mood grew even warmer.
Kirito relaxed seeing Leafa bond with Lisbeth, and Hachiman was relieved seeing Yukino and Yui chatting happily with Asuna.
The two men exchanged glances and shared a knowing smile—though it didn't suit either of them at all.
Unknowingly, three hours passed. Hachiman stood and gave a toast:
"The party's lively, but it's about time to wrap up. Everyone here is a treasured comrade and friend. Uh… I can't say anything fancy, but to put it plainly: please continue looking out for us."
Thus, Hachiman and Asuna—who had lost two years of high school life to SAO—gained something irreplaceable: lifelong companions.
Their story would now continue through ALO activities, and their many friends would remain by their side.
The long series of incidents triggered by SAO finally came to a close— But the story of Hachiman and Asuna would go on—