Konata Doesn't Want To Be The Female Lead

After going through another round of written tests, U.A.'s entrance exam finally came to an end. Although Konata hadn't been too nervous beforehand, she still let out a huge sigh of relief after putting down her pen.

Unlike the others who had to wait several days for the results, the moment she set her pen down, the shameless system's prompt appeared:

[Mission—U.A. Entrance Exam Complete. Reward: Skill - Appraisal.]

[Appraisal: Cooldown 1 second. Can only be used on males. Allows the user to view the target's affection level towards the host.]

"..."

After three seconds of stunned silence, Konata silently picked up her pen again and drew a giant middle finger on her scrap paper.

She was convinced this system was absolutely messing with her on purpose.

—

The next day.

Since it was her rare day off, Konata slept until almost noon. Still in her pajamas, half-asleep and rubbing her eyes, she made her way to the bathroom to wash up—when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Eh? Don't tell me it's the landlord here for rent? But I already paid this month…"

Muttering to herself, toothbrush in one hand and comb in the other, Konata shuffled over and opened the door.

"Konata, I came to—kero!?"

Standing at the door was the petite figure of Asui Tsuyu, who visibly flinched upon seeing Konata's current state. Without hesitation, Tsuyu darted inside and firmly shut the door behind her.

"Do you seriously only wear a thin nightgown at home!?"

"What's the problem? It's not like anything's showing. Only perverts would be interested in a flat little loli like me, right?"

Mumbling around her toothbrush, Konata casually replied while standing in front of the mirror.

"But at least wear underwear! What if the person knocking wasn't me, but some creepy guy with bad intentions!?"

Sitting on Konata's tiny bed—the only furniture in the room—Tsuyu lectured her seriously.

"Daijoubu daijoubu~ If anything really happens, I'll just blast them with my ultimate move. I can't get electrocuted to death anyway. Besides, the only people who ever come here are you and that terrifying landlady who looks like everyone owes her eight million yen."

After hastily washing her face with a towel, Konata flopped down on the bed but suddenly thought better of it and got up to draw the curtains.

The weather today was beautiful. Golden sunlight poured in through the window, instantly making the cramped room feel warmer and brighter.

"By the way, Tsuyu, why'd you come over today?"

Only after finishing all that did Konata remember to ask about the real reason for the visit.

"...Could you at least change your clothes first?"

"I'm not planning on going out, so changing is such a pain…"

"I'll treat you to lunch."

"Gimme one minute!!"

The moment she heard the word "food," Konata sprang to life like someone had wound her up, changing clothes at record speed until she stood in front of Tsuyu, full of energy.

"Let's go! I know this ramen place that's—"

"Wait. Are you seriously going out dressed like that?"

Tsuyu interrupted her before she could finish.

"Eh? What's wrong with this outfit?"

Looking down at herself, Konata asked in confusion.

Because she never had much money, she always picked clothes based on price rather than style. So right now, she was wearing a mismatched outfit: an oversized white T-shirt nearly down to her knees, a baggy blue jacket with sleeves swallowing her hands, and a pair of men's shorts that looked like capris on her tiny frame.

"These clothes obviously don't fit you at all."

Barely able to hold back her urge to tsukkomi, Tsuyu sighed.

"But they were cheap!!"

Konata blinked innocently, answering like it was only natural.

"Listen, this whole outfit only cost me less than 1,000 yen. It's a steal! I'm thinking of buying another set later."

Tsuyu: "…"

For the first time, Tsuyu could truly feel just how broke Konata really was.

In the end, under Tsuyu's firm insistence, Konata changed into a proper-looking outfit. Although she still felt uncomfortable in skirts, the power of habit was strong.

—

"Battle costume design? What's that?"

In a ramen shop packed with customers, the two sat down while waiting for their food. Tsuyu finally explained the real reason she came over today.

"A battle costume is the outfit heroes wear when they're on duty. It's a symbol of being a hero. U.A. works with multiple clothing companies to design special suits tailored to each student's Quirk and needs. That way, the sponsors cover most of the cost, so you don't have to spend much. Didn't you know this?"

Tsuyu gave her a helpless look—this was exactly why she'd come to remind her.

"That sounds expensive…"

Slumping over the table, Konata looked thoroughly uninterested.

Deciding to ignore that comment, Tsuyu pulled out a notebook and handed it over.

"This is the design I made for my own battle suit. It's made to match my Quirk better. What about yours? Have you thought of anything?"

"Hmmm…"

Studying the notebook's drawings, Konata fell deep into thought.

"A battle suit tailored to my Quirk… lemme think…"

"I think you should focus on electricity resistance, and also maybe something to help you with that move that needs coins to fire. You could—"

Since Tsuyu already knew a lot about Konata's abilities, she enthusiastically offered suggestions.

"Actually… I think I don't need a battle costume."

Konata suddenly nodded to herself, looking serious.

"Because I already have a spirit outfit."

---