Chapter 32

## Chapter Chronology

**"FAIR AND SQUARE"** (真剣勝負, *Shinken Shōbu*) is the 32nd chapter of You Chiba's manga series, *Kindergarten WARS*.

## Summary

After finishing their fight with Haruo, Hana and Doug rescued Lyla, who had snagged her uniform on a post. Fortunately, she was unharmed, as she hurried over to Doug, despite his battered appearance. Together, they made a decision to head to where Rita was located, ensuring they wouldn't miss their scheduled meeting with the Chrysanthemum, Silvia and Luke.

Doug assumed Rita would be fine considering it was her, in contrary to her current state while facing Natsuki, whom he didn't consider particularly exceptional. Natsuki made a passing comment using his paper scoop. However, Rita's worry wasn't about being defeated by Natsuki. Instead, it was about her inability to effectively combat him due to being distracted by his attractiveness—Rita's weakness was handsome men. As Natsuki moved, she was captivated by his distinct and appealing features. This marked the first time she could clearly see a man's actual appearance since she usually dispatches attractive assassins she encounters.

Natsuki became aware that Rita had ceased attacking and was simply dodging his moves while gazing at him. Rita hesitated to eliminate Natsuki because of his striking appearance, but for Natsuki, it was a matter of survival with no personal animosity; both were seasoned professionals. They mutually acknowledged this and resumed their conflict. However, Rita noticed that Natsuki's techniques had become sharper and swifter. Natsuki had held back earlier due to their proximity to their goldfish shop, but now that they were farther away, he could unleash his full abilities. Rita also decided to go all out but found herself in a dire situation as her left shoulder was severely injured by reinforcement bars, leaving her vulnerable to Natsuki's attacks. Feeling trapped and realizing she might not survive, a sudden memory surged in her mind from her past when she was referred to as Jane Doe.

This recollection took her back to an interrogation she experienced while confined by the police. A woman was promising her rewards upon completing a mission they were assigning her. This woman encouraged Rita to infuse purpose into her mission, set goals for herself once she gained freedom, indulge in delicious food, fill her days with happiness, potentially date a charming partner, and most importantly, not to give up on finding her happiness. This memory filled Rita with hope as she readied her gun while Natsuki's impending attack suddenly dispersed into chaos.

As Natsuki comes to the realization that the fight has concluded, he feels a sense of regret, considering that some shops were destroyed in the chaos. He worries about the damage caused and hopes his younger brother Haruo hasn't caused excessive destruction in the town, knowing they lack the funds to cover all the expenses. Thus, he decides to leave the area. However, before he can depart, he hears movement behind him. Suddenly, he's shot in the left shoulder, jolting him.

Rita, not too far away, reveals that she aimed for Natsuki's head but he managed to narrowly evade the shot, which impresses her. In turn, Natsuki realizes that Rita had purposefully shot her own shoulder earlier to free herself from being trapped. Rita asserts that she cannot afford to die just yet; she is determined to find her happiness, insisting she won't perish until she secures a relationship with an attractive boyfriend.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

**Lyla**
**Hana Bradley**
**Doug**
**Natsuki Inomoto**
**Rita**
**Rita's Friend**Debut