Chapter 45: The Limit, The Breaking Point

Kurumi is Chiyoko's imouto (little sister).

### Relationship Evolution

Kurumi and Chiyoko apparently have a hit or miss relationship with one another, typical of many siblings.

### Lessons Learned

Whether simple or complex, you can solve many problems if you 'put your mind to it'.

[THE] LIMIT, [THE] BREAK[ING POINT]

CHAPTER 45 OF THE MANGA

(Chapter Note---This chapter introduces a new character, Chiyoko's imouto (little sister), Kurumi.)

## Previously

Sibling troubles seem to be the highlight of this section of the story. Previously, Akira Asaba had a visit from his big sister. She surprisingly found out that Akira likes to cross-dress as both a fantasy anime battle maiden Dark Lord, as well as an ordinary teenage girl called Kaiya. Big sis is puzzled at first, not believing the motivations and reasons that Akira has to cross-dress. However, she soon comes around to the idea, as she discerns that Kaiya is, or can be motivated, to become what she always wanted---a cute, happy, docile little sister to fawn over and to dress up just like a real living doll! Chiyoko has a little sister, too, and sibling differences are also apparent from their reactions to one another.

## Chapter Overview

Kurumi has always been in the shadow of her older sister, Chiyoko, especially when it comes to academic pursuits. Chiyoko hardly ever studied, yet she passed with 'flying colors'. Kurumi has to study like 'all get out', and yet barely manages to pass her courses. So one evening at home, Kurumi is plugging away at math, with Chiyoko playing loud anime music next room over, causing Kurumi to go bonkers. Kurumi yells at Chiyoko, then returns to her studies. Chiyoko is remorseful, and later offers her little sister tea and snacks. The favoritism continues next morning when Chiyoko cooks Kurumi a 'bang up' breakfast, and serves it to a very sleepy Kurumi. But today is the day of the exam tests. Therefore, Kurumi is urged to eat the breakfast to get her going. She does, yet it seemingly sends smoke and flames out of her mouth. Kurumi is surprised and annoyed, however, she notices that she is revved up and roaring to go. "Look out world, here I come!" She blasts off like a rocket ship for school, and in the classroom, hits the tests like Rocky at his best. Kurumi puts up a valiant effort, however she conked out toward the end of the test session and falls asleep at her desk. Oh well! At least with most of her tests completed, she scored higher than she usually does!

## This Chapter's Story

Kurumi is in her bedroom, deep in thought. She is preparing for her mid-term math exams, but is having an especially difficult time understanding the homework math problems that she is to solve. Loud music is coming from the next room over, adding to the difficulty and confusion of the homework. Soon, her concentration cracks, as she throws up her arms, and shouts---

" I DON'T GET IT !!! AND FURTHERMORE....... "

Kurumi bursts into Chiyoko's bedroom next door, and shouts to her that she is being too loud !!! And what is up with this poor excuse for music? Chiyoko jumps up and says that she is working out her anime girl poses. Kurumi comments that something like that is way too nerdy, pure stupidity, and can she be quite for a change? Kurumi states that she is having a math test tomorrow, and it is such a pain trying to study for such tests. Chiyoko apologizes, but immediately 'puts her foot into her mouth' by telling Kurumi that she never bothered to study for any tests, so she wouldn't know anything about that.

***" UNBELIEVEABLE! I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU !!! "***, screams Kurumi in her mind. *"WHATEVER...."*, she screams out loud!

The bedroom door slams closed, as Kurumi makes her exit. Chiyoko remarks to herself that grade schoolers sure have it hard these days.

Back in her own bedroom, Kurumi is still fuming about the fact that her sister hardly ever did any studying for her tests, yet she always passed with 'flying colors'. Yet worse, she, Kurumi, has to study like the 'dickens', or she would never have a chance at passing. Plus the math tests are especially hard for her to comprehend and solve. Kurumi tries to look on the bright side, thinking that if she studies, and passes, Mom and Dad will praise her for her hard work.

After a while, there is a knock, knock on Kurumi's bedroom door. Who could that be? It is Chiyoko, apologizing for what happened earlier, and bringing with her iced tea and snacks. Likewise, Kurumi apologizes for yelling earlier, and thanks big sis for the treats. Buy the way, Kurumi asks, can big sis help her with her studies? Sure, no problem! Thus the two siblings join forces to accomplish the goal of solving the problems and passing the tests.

Next morning, the day of the math tests, Kurumi gets up late, but is so, so sleepy. Thankfully, Chiyoko is already up and has made breakfast. Such a surprise! Where is Mom? Sleeping! But today is a special day, so it begins with a special breakfast, intones Chiyoko. Kurumi states that she did not know that big sis could even cook. Chiyoko urges Kurumi to 'eat up', so that she can 'ace' the tests. This Kurumi does. But what the hell? Soon, it seems as if flames are shooting out of Kurumi's mouth. Ack!!! Three alarm fire! What is this awful stuff in her mouth? It is intrusively sweet, spicy, salty, and so, so sour, all at once! Kurumi tells herself that sis is no good at cooking, not at all! But then an unusual feeling creeps across Kurumi. Her eyes are wide open, and she feels as if she just ingested rocket fuel. She is burning up with energy! Chiyoko asks Kurumi if she is okay, after a meal that was 'so awful'? But Kurumi is 'fired up' now, feeling really alive, and pledges that the test will be a 'piece of cake'! Dressed in a pretty t-shirt and a white pleated mini-skirt, she grabs her backpack, and blasts off out the front door. Apparently, her sleepy mood, combined with the vile food, caused her brain to release 'high power' chemicals and adrenaline, to ignite her senses and determination. She shouts a goodby to big sis as she goes on her big adventure. Chikoyo tiredly leans on the kitchen table, and tells herself that she does not know whether or not to be happy about Kurumi's outcome.

Later this morning, at elementary school, the testing teacher passes out the test papers to all the students. Kurumi gets her blank test papers, but is so revved up and 'firing on all cylinders', that she tells herself that she is ready, and can think clearly now! She can solve all of these problems, big sis, all of them right here and now! She is smart like big sis after all this time. Rawr! LETS GO!!!

A little after the three-quarters time limit on taking the tests, the teacher comes by Kurumi's desk. Awwww! She has conked out and is fast asleep! The effect of the 'awful' breakfast did not last long enough to finish the entire bank of tests.

## Chapter Lookback and Commentary

Walking home from school late that afternoon, Kurumi tells herself that she finished most of the test, leaving only the last page blank and unsolved. She comforts herself with the thought that at least she scored higher that she usually does. So many mixed feelings, so many odd thoughts ......

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**Manga Fans Commentary**

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(Click on Chapter 46: Makeup to be taken to the next chapter.)

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