Chapter 1

## THE DARK-HAIRED TYPE

* Chapter Cover
* Colored Panel

**English:** May 11, 2023

## Chapter Chronology

**"THE DARK-HAIRED TYPE"** (黒髪イケメン, *Kurokami Ikemen*) is the 1st chapter of You Chiba's manga series, *Kindergarten WARS*, appearing in the first volume and serving as the opening chapter for the entire series.

## Color Spread

### Cover

The teachers, including Principal Erina, Doug, Rita, Luke, Mack, Silvia, and Una Mauri, found themselves encircled by the children from Kindergarten Noir. The children clung to them, and some of them held dangerous weapons. In the background, the school bus of Kindergarten Noir was visible.

### Panel

Rita found herself encircled by the Kindergarten Noir children on the school's playground. They were cheering for her, seeking her attention. Rita was dressed in her standard attire: a white long-sleeved polo shirt with a necktie, complemented by the school's black apron bearing the word "Dandelion" on the front, signifying her role as a teacher from the Dandelion Class.

## Summary

Spade is a highly skilled contract killer, willing to eliminate anyone, regardless of age, for the right price. His current assignment is to target a child, the son of the owner of Amazoness. This child attends a reputedly secure kindergarten, known for its exceptional safety record and the protection it offers to children of influential individuals. From a nearby building, Spade carefully observes the kindergarten, attempting to discern any distinguishing features or vulnerabilities that set it apart from other seemingly ordinary kindergartens.

Meanwhile, Rita, a dedicated kindergarten teacher, joyfully interacts with her students on the school grounds. The children playfully tease Rita, who is in high spirits after reading her horoscope, which predicts an encounter with her destined soulmate on this particular day. Unbeknownst to her, Spade watches her and the children closely, still contemplating his imminent attack. Just as Spade takes aim with his sniper rifle, preparing to bid farewell to his intended target, he is astonished when Rita swiftly blocks the bullet with a small hand shovel. This unexpected defense leaves Spade bewildered, questioning how she could have anticipated his presence and successfully thwarted his attack. The intense gaze from Rita, even from a distance, sends a shiver down Spade's spine, convincing him that she is no ordinary kindergarten teacher.

As Spade hurriedly made his way through the building, racing up the stairs, he was swiftly intercepted by Rita. She wasted no time in questioning him, directly asking if he was an assassin, sending a shiver of fear down his spine. Fearing for his safety, Spade deployed tear gas to create a diversion, allowing him to make his escape through a nearby door. However, his attempt to flee was abruptly halted by Rita's powerful abdominal kick, inflicting severe injuries that left him temporarily unable to stand. With Rita aiming a gun at his head, Spade believed his fate was sealed. Resigned to his circumstances, he chose to disclose his true identity as a professional assassin, removing his mask to engage in conversation with Rita.

Observing Spade as he unveiled his face, Rita found herself flustered by his captivating appearance. Her mind drifted to her earlier horoscope reading, which had hinted at an encounter of great significance, causing her cheeks to flush with excitement. In that moment, Spade became the embodiment of the handsome men she had longed to meet, particularly drawn to his dark hair. Still captivated by Spade's allure, both in appearance and voice, Rita introduced herself and made it clear that she would spare him if he promised to refrain from harming any of the children. Curiosity getting the better of her, she couldn't resist asking if he had a girlfriend. Spade, confused by the question, seized the opportunity to manipulate Rita's infatuation, suggesting that she had fallen for him. Emboldened by this idea, he boldly proposed that they become a couple, further fueling Rita's excitement, even as she maintained her grip on her handgun.

As Spade subtly suggested the idea of getting to know each other better, aiming to lower Rita's guard, she continued her questioning. She inquired about Spade's preferences for rolled omelette, how he enjoyed his stew, taiyaki, and karage. Each of his answers seemed to align perfectly with Rita's expectations, further reinforcing the notion of their fateful connection. However, just as Rita appeared to be on the verge of letting her guard down, Spade, concealing a knife behind him, prepared to make his move. In a final attempt to gauge his compatibility, Rita posed a question about whether he watched movie credits. His response, confessing that he didn't pay attention to them and simply left the theater while smiling. Sensing the need to return to her duties promptly, she abruptly shoots Spade in the head without any hesitation, prioritizing her work obligations.

Upon returning to the school grounds, Rita was greeted by the school principal, who praised her exceptional achievements. Despite being at the school for only a week, Rita had successfully neutralized five intruders. However, her recent encounter with the attractive assassin left her emotionally shaken, leading her to shed tears. The principal referred to her as "Convict No. 999," the former legendary assassin, much to Rita's embarrassment and blush-inducing flattery. While reminding Rita of the top-secret nature of their mission, emphasizing that their freedom would be granted after a full year of protecting the kindergarten children, the principal also warned of the dire consequences should anyone attempt to escape.

Rita nonchalantly brushed off the reminder, expressing her understanding of the situation. Instead, she lightheartedly requested that the principal introduce her to someone once she completes her assignment. However, being a military veteran, the principal admitted her inability to assist Rita in that regard. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rita knelt down and wept. Moved by her tears, the children approached Rita and offered comfort. The child who had been targeted by Spade earlier presented her with a flower, symbolizing solace. Reflecting on her troubled relationship with her father, who had disregarded her plea to abandon the life of killing, Rita recognized herself as the protector of the child. With gentle affection, she patted the child's head and expressed gratitude for the flowers.

This particular kindergarten caters exclusively to the children of prominent individuals, including politicians, CEOs, oil magnates, and Hollywood stars. Unfortunately, being from such influential families makes these children susceptible to targeted threats from assassins, kidnappers, and various other dangers. Consequently, the kindergarten experiences frequent attacks, and tragically, many teachers have lost their lives in the past while protecting the children.

To address this critical issue, the government has initiated a classified operation that involves recruiting convicted criminals to serve as guardians for the kindergarteners. In exchange for their participation, these individuals receive a reduced sentence. Rita is among the specially selected individuals enlisted for this task, becoming one of the school's unique recruits.

The kindergarten itself goes by the name *Kindergarten Noir* and is safeguarded by the most formidable criminals in existence, rendering it the world's safest kindergarten.

## Quick Reference

### Chapter Notes

* In this chapter, Rita is introduced as a teacher belonging to the Dandelion Class. She is identified as Convict No. 999 and forms part of the Special Recruit program. This initiative, overseen by the government, is shrouded in secrecy and involves recruiting individuals with criminal records to serve as guardians for the Kindergarteners. In exchange for their service, these individuals receive a reduced prison sentence and assume the role of a Kindergarten teacher in the presence of the children.
	+ Rita, a former renowned assassin, has a vulnerability when it comes to attractive men.
* It was disclosed that from a very young age, she received instruction in the art of assassination from her guardian, and her existence has been defined solely by this deadly skillset, leaving no room for a life beyond it.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Rita**Debut
**Spade**Deceased
**Client**1st Appearance
**Erina Winkler**1st Appearance
**Amazoness Son**Debut
**Mack**1st Appearance
**Silvia Scott**1st Appearance
**Doug**1st Appearance
**Una Mauri**1st Appearance
**Luke Smith**1st Appearance