Constant Variable (Senku x Reader)

19: The Age of Energy

"We have a few months to finish it," Senku noted as he stared at the roadmap.

Behind him, Kohaku asked with crossed arms, "What do you mean?"

"That's how long we have before Tsukasa's full-on assault," you answered with a small frown.

The scientist nodded in agreement and glanced over at Gen to ask for his opinion on the matter, "What's your take, mentalist?"

"Let's see...Thinking like Tsukasa-chan..." the bi-coloured-haired teen hummed, his brows furrowing in contemplation as he mimicked said person's voice. "We control the revival fluid. The more time that passes, the greater our advantage in manpower. Yes. But it's Senku we're up against. If we give him too much time, he'll start mass-producing gunpowder."

"Your voice imitations are way too accurate," you commented, shuddering as a sliver of fear licked at the base of your spine at the reminder of calm, amber eyes that hid a depth of killing intent.

The rest of the group wore grim looks as they nodded their heads in agreement. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Chrome, and he turned to Senku with wide eyes, a hint of concern in his voice as he asked, "Aren't Taiju and Yuzuriha in danger if Tsukasa finds out you're still alive?"

"Won't they be killed?" Kohaku piped up, voicing her worry as well.

His lips were curled into a relaxed grin as the green-haired scientist replied, "That won't be an issue."

Putting on a smile, you reassured the two, "Senku's right. They won't be in danger because those two are potential hostages to them. And it's not like Tsukasa to waste such a good opportunity like this."

Senku let out a chuckle as he held up his hand, mimicking the action of how one would hold a phone as he explained, "The rules of the game are simple. We're going to make cell phones to take Tsukasa down with a preemptive strike. Our deadline is spring."

Determination was shining in everyone's eyes as they turned to the teen, their voices in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Thus, this began the arms race between the Kingdom of Science and Tsukasa's Kingdom.

Time skipped

The sun was high in the clear, blue sky with the occasional cloud drifting by as a gentle breeze blew, the burning star stretching out its golden arms to bathe the earth in a warm glow. It was the perfect day to be out and about, the Ishigami village was buzzing with activity with its fellow occupants getting their work done.

"It sure makes a difference having so many people to help," Chrome commented cheerfully as he took in the busy sight while carrying a bunch of logs in his arms, the same went for Kohaku, Senku and you.

"It's all because Senku won the seat of the village chief," Kohaku added, barely breaking out a sweat despite carrying a large piece of wood.

You hummed in agreement, a small smile on your face as you adjusted your arms to have a better hold on the chopped woods that you were carrying. Meanwhile, Senku was falling behind, unable to keep up with the fast pace of the other three as he struggled with his own heavy load.

"Good news indeed," the scientist said, sounding breathless as beads of sweat dripped down the side of his face. "We're taking on the huge task of making cell phones in the stone world. There's a mountain of hurdles we need to clear."

"Oh, yeah!" Chrome turned to the green-haired teen with wide, sparkling eyes, his nose flaring with excitement as he asked, "That cell phone thing! Tell me how it lets you talk to people really far away! C'mon, tell me! Hurry up!"