Perched atop a pillar, a man observed the entire debacle with his sniper rifle. Hearing his headset ring, he clicked the button on it to answer.
"So," began the voice from the other end. "Do you get what I'm saying?"
"Yeah, I got you," the man responded. "Nothing that kid did down there aligned with the laws of physics or reality. And I could feel his bloodlust from all the way over here. He's definitely no stranger to murder."
"Well, that goes without saying. I did see him kill almost all of his classmates, after all. Though, I'm still working out the kinks on how exactly he made such a realistic illusion, seeing as those students are still alive."
"Trying to apply logic to these types is a waste of time and energy. We already have one overpowered psycho on our plate, and I don't need another, Aikurou."
"I agree, my friend. However, it hasn't been determined yet whether or not he's on the side of our enemies."
"I know where you're going with this, and let me stop you there. How do we know this isn't simply the Grand Couturier in disguise?"
"Though that is a possibility, it's highly unlikely. Yes, their personalities are quite similar, but I sense a difference in style. Those screws of his are not something I could see her using in any capacity. Besides, she wouldn't get all dressed up just to act like herself. You and I both know what kind of person she is. Though, there is a possibility I might be wrong. Still, I want to explore an alliance with this person."
"An alliance? Are you off your rocker!?"
"Maybe. But I see it every day. With each passing second, we are losing to COVERS. Each second, our bases are getting exterminated by Ragyo's forces. Perhaps, if Nudist Beach had a trump card of its own, we might stand more of a chance."
"Ugh, I get what you're saying, but-" The moment he focused his scope on Kumagawa, the man's heart skipped a beat. "Oh shit!" He proceeded to hide.
"Kinagase, what's wrong?"
"That freak. He knows I'm up here. I focused on him, and he stared right back at me. This is getting out of hand, Aikurou. Grand Couturier or not, your friend there is absolutely not someone I want to get involved with—not in the slightest."
"Kumagawa, what are you staring at?" asked Mako.
"『…I thought I saw a fly buzzing around.』"
Mako laughed. "You're funny. C'mon, let's head home."
Aikurou Mikisugi, who had been observing the school grounds from the second floor of the club building, watched as the two left the campus.
"If you're going to be that way, fine. I'll continue observing from here on. And if I can prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he could be an ally to us, only then will I make my move."
"Have you finished running the background check, Inumuta?"
"Almost finished, ma'am. This guy has a lot of transfers. His most recent one was Suisou Academy, but…"
"But?"
"That place shut down a few weeks ago. And there are strangely very few records of him outside of his school career. Almost like they've been intentionally purged. Oh, but it does appear that he was the acting student council president at that school."
"Eh, you think he's trying to target your position?" asked Uzu. "These former student council president types tend to be the most hungry for power. No offense, of course."
"None taken, Sanageyama," replied Satsuki. "What else have you found on him?"
"Like I said, nothing much on his personal life. He's got a whole chain of schools he's been transferring from, however."
"So, a delinquent on top of a former student council president?" stated Nonon. "This guy is turning out to be quite the character."
"He's definitely a delinquent," confirmed Gamagori. "That's for damn sure."
"Uh, guys? I think you need to see this."
Everyone but Satsuki moved in closer to view Houka's monitor.
"This better be good, dog," said Nonon.
"What am I seeing here?" asked Uzu.
Adjusting his glasses, Houka began. "The following illustration on the screen is a map of all the schools our enigmatic friend has transferred to before coming here. Like I said, the number delves into the double digits in the very least." He started typing rapidly. "Now, I'm sure I informed you all that Suisou Academy closed a few weeks prior to his transfer here. The closed academies will hereby be represented by a red X." Clicking a button, Houka allowed his program to play out.
As it did, Uzu's eyes widened. "Whoah, whoah, whoah, you've gotta be kidding me. All of them!?"
"Correct," answered Houka. "Precisely, every single academy that the person, known as Kumagawa Misogi, transferred to had closed down approximately one month after his transfer. And despite these academies being high profile, prestigious institutions, I can't find a single bit of data denoting any reason or events that could be a possible cause for their closing. They simply all ceased to function one month after his transfer to them—as if they had never existed, to begin with. I'm sure both you and I see this as more than just a mere coincidence. Right, Lady Satsuki?"
Satsuki, who was sipping her butler's tea, placed the cup back in its accompanying saucer and said the following…
"Whatever intentions he has for Honnouji, we must remain ever vigilant. We must not allow ourselves to become another Suisou. Ira, have the disciplinary committee watching him 24/7. If he makes a move that is even remotely suspicious, have them notify me immediately."
Gamagori bowed. "By your order, ma'am, it will be done."
"Nonon, Uzu, ensure that he doesn't disturb your sectors. If he does, you are free to take disciplinary actions if needed."
The two nodded.
"Uzu, continue with your background check. I don't want you to leave any stone unturned. If you find anything incriminating—perhaps, a possible weakness—that is information that must be handed to me immediately."
"Understood."
Satsuki took another sip of her tea. It was not above the Grand Couturier to fabricate such an extraordinary past using REVOCS' near-limitless resources. If Satsuki really wanted to ascertain that they were indeed two different people, she would have to meet the devil herself.
She stared pensively at her reflection in the tea. But even if she did determine, beyond a reasonable doubt, that they were two separate individuals, and that Kumagawa's interests were not aligned with COVERS—was he still someone she wanted to ally herself with? No, was he even someone she would want to associate with at all, ally or enemy?
If the pattern of his past encounters with the previous schools were true, then that meant that she had precisely one month to deal with this issue. Otherwise, Honnouji would apparently be shut down for an unknown reason—and with it, her plan of rebellion against the life fibers.
"Die!"
The Nudist Beach agent continued shooting and shooting. To no avail…
"Now, now, that isn't very nice of you."
However, the smiling figure simply dodged the needles with inhuman reflexes. Within a matter of a second, she somehow closed the distance between her and him. And in that instant, the Nudist Beach agent could feel a sharp object penetrating his torso. It was in an area that was non-lethal, but that didn't stop it from hurting like hell. Immediately, the man dropped to the ground, clutching his body in a fit of agony.
"I just wanted to ask you some questions about your boss, but you had to get all grumpy."
"Go to hell."
"Again with the grumpiness." Stabbing the needle into the open wound, the cutesy figure twirled it around playfully as the other screamed in pain. "If you keep being so impolite with me, I might have to have a chat with your parents about how they could raise such a rude son."
"N-no, please. Anything but that."
Ring, ring. Pulling a flip phone from her pink corset, the girl put it against her ear and answered.
"Yello?"
"Good evening, Grand Couturier. It's Rei."
"Of course. I recognize that staunch secretarial tone from anywhere. Is it something important? I'm kind of in the middle of something."
"I would not take you away from your duties if it wasn't."
"Oh, no need to get so formal with little ol' me. What is it?"
"A direct order from Lady Satsuki. She wants you to meet her at Honnouji ASAP."
"Really? From Satsuki herself? Usually, whenever I come over, it's a surprise. This is the first time she's inviting me over herself. Oh, I'm so excited, I can't wait!"
"Aaaaaagh!"
"Oh, but I have to get somethings settled first. Duty, business, and all that jazz. Let me tidy things up a bit, and I'll head over pronto."
Ending the call, Nui Harime gazed down at her torture victim, her bright features contrasting heavily with his pained expression.
"Welp, looks like I'll have to cut our little play session short. I just got an important assignment, and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world! But before I leave, how's about I leave you with a parting present?"
The present, in question, was several grenades with their pins pulled. As soon as he saw it, the agent closed his eyes and accepted his fate.
As the grenades exploded behind her, Nui casually walked away. Only one thing was on her mind at this moment…
"I do so ever wonder what it is Satsuki has in store for me."