Love Soldier Caroline

**Love Soldier Caroline** (Love Soldier キャロライン, *Love Soldier Kyarorain*) is a one-shot manga created by Yuto Sano. Initially introduced as a one-shot, it became part of the collection of short stories featured in Gessan Mini Spring 2017. This particular story was distinguished as one of the three chosen works from the Gessan Rookie Award, with its selection announced on August 31, 2016.

## Plot

A woman currently experiencing harassment from two men calls out for Caroline. To her rescue comes Caroline, striking a pose and announcing her arrival with the phrase "Love Soldier Caroline has arrived." The sight of Caroline frightens the two men, but despite their fear, they cannot evade her vengeful counterattacks on behalf of the distressed girl. These retaliatory actions include a Hip Explosion attack and a Boing Spanking maneuver that employs her arms. After subduing the men, the grateful girl she rescued embraces Caroline and expresses her gratitude.

In her current location, Caroline is engrossed in observing her reflection in a mirror, concerned about her noticeable stomach. She ponders that appearing this way might hinder her chances of marriage. Amid her contemplation, her cat named Protein enters the scene, prompting Caroline to embrace the feline warmly. She proceeds to feed Protein, continuing until the afternoon.

While distributing the cat's food, a television program announces an upcoming guest: Takeyama Shigeo. He is set to appear in a new drama titled "Moonlight Sonata" on Monday nights at 9 pm. Caroline's face lights up with enthusiasm as she reacts animatedly to this news, revealing her deep admiration for Shigeo. She indulges in a daydream about having a date with someone as attractive as him. Eventually, she realizes the time is already 12:17 and decides to leave in a hurry due to her tardiness.

A gathering of men has convened with the intention of challenging Caroline. She's recognized as a guardian of women globally, and they attribute various relationship challenges to her actions. They believe that even men who possess attractive appearances, financial stability, and respectable professions struggle to find romantic partners due to her influence. To counter this, their plan involves resolute determination to confront and overcome her.

Caroline is presently engaged in her skincare routine while awaiting the commencement of Takeyama Shigeo's show. She notices that her cat, Protein, has left her abode. Just as Shigeo and his co-actress are about to share a kiss on-screen, a cry for help reaches Caroline's ears. This serves as her signal to transform and promptly set off.

Upon arrival at a deserted location, Caroline is met by six men, with one in the center holding Protein. Amid her concern for her feline companion, she's unexpectedly shot by one of the men. She uses her bare hands to shield herself, affirming her intent to administer punishment. Employing her "Peach Tornado" technique, a spinning kick is aimed at the men. Subsequently, she employs the "Love Guard" and "I Wub You Hold" techniques. One of the men, concealed by a hoodie, brandishes a bomb switch, threatening Caroline that he would set the warehouse into fire with her. Reacting swiftly, Caroline approaches him, only to discover his resemblance to Shigeo. This resemblance gives her pause, but before she can react, she's struck by the man wielding a baseball bat.

Considering the potential repercussions, Caroline recognizes that allowing someone resembling Shigeo to cause harm could lead to further troubles for young women. This realization reinforces her determination to fight as the Love Soldier. Even as she continues to endure hits from behind, Caroline spots a nearby shaver. Protein comes to her aid by obstructing the man's vision, granting Caroline the opportunity to shave. Following this, she assumes the Metamorphose pose, pleads for the man's pardon, and holds his face, causing comedic chaos amid his fearful protests. Her ultimate attack, the Fairy Kiss, causes the man to collapse onto the bomb's switch, activating it.

Amid the aftermath, the man ponders his fate as Caroline concentrates on her grooming, holding a mirror. As the bomb's countdown approaches its end, Caroline gathers all the men and carries them to safety. The man, confused by her actions, inquires why she saved them. Caroline's response that she's a love soldier prompts gratitude from the man. In a light-hearted remark, she adds that he's her "take-out meal," transforming the situation into a comedic exchange.

## References

 "Love Soldier Caroline Official Website". *Pixiv Website*.