Chapter 16

## Chapter Chronology

**“Up Against the Wall”** (詰 (つ) んだ, *Tsunda*) is the sixteenth chapter of the *Kill Blue* manga series, written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki.

## Summary

Juzo and Kotatsu are currently engaged in a gun training session in a wooded area. Despite Juzo's younger self appearance, he continues to excel, prompting Kotatsu to acknowledge him as a legendary hitman. However, Juzo admitted that his skills have declined in his younger form, although he retains his knowledge and experience.

Kotatsu expressed relief that Juzo's abilities remain intact in his youthful state although he cautioned Juzo against displaying excessive prowess, as he did during the Futsal Match with Tenma. Such behavior could draw attention from their Home Economics Club peers, potentially jeopardizing Juzo's cover. Given Juzo's incomplete reports to the head boss, Kotatsu emphasized the importance of discretion for the success of the mission, his financial stability, and Juzo's personal safety, an essential exercise caution in this regard.

In the Home Economics Club room, Chisato approached Noren and Juzo with a request for a double date with her and Tenma. She felt pressured by Tenma's persistent requests for a date and didn't want to be alone with him. To address this, she agreed to the date on the condition that Juzo and Noren would also accompany them. Yamaoka expressed disapproval of this decision, as Chisato usually takes the lead as the club's leader. She encouraged her to assert herself and not feel obligated to grant Tenma's requests simply due to his persistence. Chisato hoped that one date would satisfy Tenma and put an end to his pursuit.

Noren found herself waiting at Shibuya Station in disguise, trying to avoid the increased attention she was getting due to her father's challenge being featured in the news. However, her main concern was discovering Juzo's secret, a mission she had made a priority for their upcoming date. Chisato was the second to arrive, dressed in ordinary attire. Tenma followed, still wearing his training gear, which surprised Chisato, who had expected him to be flawless both inside and out. She realized that while Tenma had impressive physical strength, it wasn't immediately evident from his usual everyday appearance. Despite this, Tenma appeared cheerful and enthusiastic about his date with Chisato. Noren playfully commented that Chisato might end up giving in to dating Tenma.

Juzo was the last to arrive, dressed in a formal manner with a blazer and clutch bag, an attire unusual for someone his younger self's age. Noren couldn't help but react to his choice of clothing, remarking that it went beyond a matter of style. Juzo explained that he had ensured the sizes were correct, though that wasn't the issue Noren was pointing out. Kotatsu recalled his concern about what Juzo would wear for his double date with Chisato, with Noren as his supposed partner. He reassured Kotatsu that he would be in his everyday clothing, which eventually didn't fit the fashion of his body's current generation. As Chisato observed them, she commented on how they all looked like a motley crew, with herself being the only one dressed in normal attire among the four of them.

As the four of them strolled, Tenma shared his plans for the day, which included shopping and watching a movie. Juzo was also interested in the shops, particularly a department store, which caught Noren's attention. While passing by a ramen shop, Noren couldn't resist expressing her desire to try the ramen there. Chisato smoothly transitioned into a casual conversation about ramen, which surprised Noren a bit. Tenma declined the ramen offer since it wasn't part of his cheat days, and Juzo, feeling a bit hungry, suggested checking out a nearby diner. Noren couldn't help but react again to how Juzo mentioned "diner," which she found quite characteristic of him.

As the four of them enjoyed their meal and completed their shopping, both Juzo and Tenma bought new clothes for themselves. Now, they were on their way to the movies, with Tenma visibly excited and having a great time, a sentiment that Chisato couldn't help but share.

On the other hand, Noren, who had been closely observing Juzo's every move, found herself analyzing her observations. She noticed that Juzo wasn't behaving oddly but rather seemed to be acting the wrong age. Despite his physical appearance as a middle schooler, his demeanor and actions resembled those of a middle-aged man. This led her to consider the possibility that he might be an older individual who looks young, a notion that Kotatsu had also picked up on while monitoring them.

After a short while, Juzo experienced a sudden pain in his chest, and he sensed a significant change in his body. He began to feel weak and collapsed slightly. When he opened his eyes and touched his face, he realized that his hand no longer felt like that of a child's. It dawned on him that he had reverted to his adult self, which came as a complete and shocking surprise!

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* Kotatsu cautions Juzo about displaying excessive prowess, emphasizing discretion for the success of their mission and Juzo's safety.
	+ Juzo's gun training session with Kotatsu highlights his legendary hitman skills, despite his younger appearance, but he admits his abilities have declined due to it.
* Chisato requests a double date with Noren and Juzo to manage Tenma's persistent date requests, aiming to satisfy him with one date.
* Noren, Chisato, Tenma, and Juzo prepare for their date, with Chisato being the only one dressed normally among them.
* During the date, Noren observes Juzo's behavior, noting that despite his appearance, his actions resemble those of an older man.
* Juzo experiences a sudden change, realizing he has reverted to his adult self.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Juzo Ogami**
**Kotatsu Nekota**
**Chisato Shiraishi**
**Noren Mitsuoka**
**Yamaoka**
**Tenma Tendo**