"That's what happened?"

"Well… that's pretty much the gist of it."

"Right."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I was expecting a convoluted explanation from you. Not a simple one."

"What can I say about it? The whole affair has been straight as an arrow for Sakurako, as far as I can remember."

It is early in the morning, much earlier in the morning. By this point of the day, students have come to school, though not as many as of current. The peaceful yet liminal school atmosphere was too trivial to consider a busy school day. A teacher and a couple of student councils committee are already present at the gate to greet the oncoming students. Of course, many of the students who came, while they put their stuff in class, shifted their focus for the food stalls and other knick-knacks and final decorations for the opening of the joint school competition.

As was the case with Nishigaki, had she not been informed that Shiba is coming over early to school for an explanation. The halls within the building's perimeter are empty, 'course finds comfort of privacy when they are inside the unused chemical laboratory. Shiba had been spooked by the spot at first but found herself relieved that Nishigaki isn't up to anything good, well, isn't up to making other inventions. The door had been locked behind them to prevent persona non grata from overhearing by accident.

"So after meeting you for the first time," Nishigaki explained. "You told her to come back for a little training. And she did, so you can teach her how to shoot a gun. Is that right?"

"Yes, that's right."

Nishigaki stares at her for a moment, and then she shakes her head. "How could you drag her into doing something like this, Shiba?"

Shiba shrugs with a defeated look. "I do not have an excuse."

"I don't accept that answer," Nishigaki sternly replied. "Just- how could you?"

"I understand that you are upset with me," Shiba replied with her head bowed. "But I already know that girl is persistent the moment I stare into her eyes."

"You didn't even tell her to stop!" Nishigaki retorted.

"She infiltrated my illegal establishment and almost stole a gun from me," Shiba reasoned, swaying her arm wide to the left. "And I need to add. She had already killed people before she came to me. How do you know Sakurako can stop herself from treading herself deeper into that path?"

Nishigaki holds her hips, and Shiba adds. "I tried to convince her before. She won't budge."

"Well, didn't you try to force her?" Nishigaki asked.

"W-what the hell kind of person do you think I am?" Shiba asked, staring preposterously at her. "I don't even know how to force kids the way you expect me to do."

"Ah, right, you're a gun dealer who has no problem giving anyone a gun they don't deserve," Nishigaki sighed. "I never thought I'd be saying that casually."

"Do you know other comfortable ways to put that out?" Shiba sarcastically asked.

"So, Sakurako is working dirty for you?"

"Well… at a point, per se."

"What do you mean by that point?"

"If what you're referring that she's working as another criminal, then no," Shiba explained, wrapping her arms around her chest. "However, I do admit that I helped her get jobs put out by members of the authorities and civilians alike. Akin to a bounty hunter, you could say."

"Huh," Nishigaki paused. "They pay well?"

"Extremely well for a child like her," Shiba replied. "It's a good fortune for her future."

"That explains her lucky streak on lottery," Nishigaki then sat down at her desk. "What of those small things? There was news that the Sentinels, I'm assuming it was you, stopped a robbery at a residence."

"We happened to pass by."

"Do you now?" Nishigaki sighed. "Does she has any upcoming work from you?"

"No, as far as I can tell," Shiba replied. "Looking for work suited for her is going to take some time."

"Any kind of work?" Nishigaki reiterated.

"She stays away from any work involving criminal activity," Shiba responded.

"So she still sticks to her morality."

"I am sensing that was a compliment."

Nishigaki smiles, looking up at her. "She's gullible, but she still knows what's right from wrong."

"Yes," Shiba agreed, leaning onto the desk. "But she doesn't seem to understand the concept of necessary evil."

Nishigaki frowns. "Like what you do now?"

Shiba looks away and stands off the desk. "I wouldn't dare to say that either."

"Wonder why you decided to be a teacher when your gun smuggling business pays well."

Shiba bows her head, still not wanting to look back. "We had messed up—a shitty mess at that. Things went wrong with a political party back in the US of A, and we had to lay low. Figured if I acted as a teacher for a while at an unpopular school would get the Interpol to lose my track, which it did."

"What kind of mess is that?" Nishigaki raised an eyebrow.

"Well, a Democrat enlisted my services to take care of his political opponents," Shiba replied. "We asked for payment after the deed was done, and instead, he told the police of our operations and solely shifted the blame on us. In the end, we end up killing the Democrat and fleeing the country. What we didn't know at the time was that he had connections in the Interpol, and they were pissed."

"And you end up here, of all places."

"Yeah," Shiba wiggled her arms wide and turned at her. "Sounds lame, isn't it?"

"It sounds quite adventurous for me," Nishigaki replied. "Maybe you could tell me that story one day."

"If you really don't mind it, I could," Shiba shook her head.

"Yeah, but maybe later," Nishigaki stood up and looked at the clock. "I need to prepare the opening ceremony for the competition."

"Oh?" Shiba raised an eyebrow. "I'll help you."

"I don't think I'll be needing any help," Nishigaki replied.

"Well, I was a teacher of this school," Shiba shrugged. "It's my day off as well. Might as well get a chance to see if I can help around."

"Not because of Sakurako?"

Shiba simply smiles. "I would be lying if I say no."


The competition had started, and boy was the place lively. Many Nanamori students have made their way out to set respective stages for each different competition. Even some students who were a part of the cafeteria duty for today had racked their hands on deck to make various snacks for those willing to spend money and time for fun for what little games provided. Takoyakis, candies, yakisobas, kebab- wait, kebab?

Ah, it seems Chizuru's other friends have taken a liking to Turkish delight.

Digressing from that, the visitors were also as excited as the Nanamori students. The visitors are mainly comprised of students from Nagibara Middle School. You cannot mistake it by their distinctive dark red skirts and collar of their white serafuku and their cyan sailor neck-tie. From the looks of it, the Nagibara students were beyond thrilled, beyond excited, quite impatient to finally sow their sights on the competitions.

The students aren't the only visitors, and as it turns out, families have also been invited to watch the competition. Only some of the families that could come, one should add. Families of both opposing schools have come to watch, to appreciate, and to cheer their children on their competition.

For Sakurako's case, it seems that she's a little disappointed that the school forgot to announce the family part a little bit late a week ago, which was announced yesterday. Of course, her sisters had bothered to make their way into her school. But soon, she would find her sisters won't be the only ones visiting the school.

Himawari's mother and little sister, Kaede, have come around to witness the competitions. Akari, Chinatsu, and Yui have their sisters coming over. Ayano has her mother come to watch the competition. From what she heard from Chitose, she said that her grandmother is coming over for the competition.

"That is a lot of students, don't you think?" Himawari commented.

"Huh?" Sakurako misheard. "The Nagibara students?"

"Yes," Himawari sighed, sitting next to Sakurako at the stairs next to the field. "Have you visited their school?"

"Once," Sakurako admitted, almost leaning against the steps. "The building is colored in light red, with purple for the columns and stripes, and the rooftop was brown."

"When did you visit?" Himawari curiously asked.

Sakurako darts a glance at her before staring at the marathon field. "A few days after that stunt I pulled during the sleepover."

"Oh," Himawari frowned and got her thinking. "Did Misaka-chan show you her school?"

"I found it using GPS."

Himawari looks on with disbelief. "I'm surprised you didn't get lost with it."

"I'm not that stupid," Sakurako replied absently.

"And so it seems," Himawari replied back.

Sakurako then turns at her with a small smile. "You did well on that poem."

Himawari returns a smile. "What do you think of my poem?"

"Bountiful beauty. The dances of leaves and petals one cannot turn a blind eye," Sakurako reiterated. "You have been impeccable with your phrasing."

Himawari lets out a chuckle. "You remembered a part of my poem."

"It was easy to remember."

"Mm," Himawari nodded. "Do you think I'll win the poem?"

"I'm sure you'll get first place," Sakurako replied. "I don't mind if you get second or third place, though."

"Very reassuring," Himawari half-sarcastically replied.

"Sakurako."

They both turn to see a certain black bald American above them. "Ah, George-san! We're glad to see you here," Himawari greeted happily.

"Ms. Himawari, Sakurako," George nodded back. "I have to say; your nature poem was brilliant, Ms. Himawari."

"Thank you, George-san," the bluenette replied. "I've been working on it for three days."

"Must've been hard to think about it," George commented.

"When did you get here?" Sakurako asked.

"At the start of the poem competition," George sat beside Sakurako. "Didn't your sisters come here too?"

"They're buying some takoyaki from the food stands," Sakurako faced forward, noticing the watching crowd cheering the marathoners.

"Oh, those by the building?" George asked.

"Yes," Himawari then noticed the competing marathoners. "Oh, there's Yui-senpai."

"Hmm?" George redirected his attention to the field.

They saw Yui is making a curve run on the marathon track, taking the lead on the run. And behind her is Misaka, taking second place and catching up on Yui. Sakurako leans her head forward, never expecting Misaka and even Yui to run that fast. Now to imagine them running with a rifle like Sakurako's AK, it must've been a hell of a leg day.

The crowd is cheering loud, flailing their hands up to motivate the last two runners. "Keep running, Yui!" Himawari screamed to the back of her lung.

Sakurako had never felt so tense with those two almost passing each other, and Sakurako screamed as well. "You can do it, Misaka!"

"Eh?" Himawari turned almost immediately. "You're supposed to support Yui."

"Huh?" Sakurako got confused. "Misaka is also our friend."

"Yeah, but you're supposed to support the representative of our school."

"Oh, ok," Sakurako then screamed again. "Reach first place, Yui-senpai!"

Those few seconds felt like a minute upon those two last runners reaching the finish line and closely watched who reached the line first. Sakurako barely sees who got first place from where she is sitting. But when those two crossed the line, Yui was the only person to reach her both fists in the sky. And that was clear enough for them who was the winner.

"Woah, that is one good runner," George complimented. "She could beat my sergeant in a running contest."

"I think you're overestimating her," Himawari replied, unconfident of his remark.

"Well, she oughta get a medal for that," George then stood up. "I'm going to buy some food. Do you need anything?"

"No, we're good, George," Sakurako lifted an open palm.

"If you say so, miss," George nodded. "Tell Yui that was a remarkable run."

"I'll keep that in mind, George-san," Himawari gave a thumbs up.

George then left, leaving the two to their own devices. With nothing else to do, the wavy blonde and the bluenette decidedly to come over the two last-place runners. Saoki, Furoda, and Kyouko were there. And the most adorable moment of all, Yui's cousin, was there. Her name was Mari, if Sakurako's memory serves correctly. A relatively innocent little girl with dark brown hair with two small twintails, though her dull brown eyes had given the impression of indifference to the surrounding people.

Yui is the first to notice the two girls coming over. "Oh, Sakurako, Himawari."

"Yui-senpai, Misaka-san," Himawari greeted.

"Hima-chan! Saa-chan!" Furoda excitedly welcomed with wide arms.

"Konnichiwa," Saoki waved a hand, at which Himawari returned a bow.

"I'm glad to see you both here," Himawari smiled.

Then Kyouko welcomes in. "Hiya, Sakurako!"

"What now, officer failure?" Sakurako sarcastically asked, which forced Yui to spit her giggles.

On the other hand, Misaka and Saoki merely smirked at the insult. Whereas Himawari and Mari only glance with confusion.

"Owh, I'm not that bad of an officer!" Kyouko pouted into a silly face.

"Yeah, obviously," Misaka commented amusingly. "Can't even last a second after going through a door."

"I could ask George to borrow a gun to shoot you," Sakurako offered, the concept of which left sweat on everyone.

Though, Mari seems to be bright with wonder. "A gun?"

"A toy gun," Yui rephrased her question. "So, how did we do?"

"To be honest, Yui-senpai," Sakurako answered. "You and Misaka could outrun a race car."

"Really?" Misaka raised her eyelids. "I don't think we were that fast."

"No, you were so damn fast," Furoda flatly responded. "I don't think I can keep running at that pace for so long."

"Yeah," Kyouko agreed. "You both looked like hippopotamus out there!"

Yui's eyes turn dull. "Shouldn't it be cheetah?"

"Congratulations for taking the first place, Yui," Sakurako then turned at the dark-purpled student council. "You too, Misaka. I'm glad you made it second place."

"Why, thank you, Sakurako," Misaka wiped her forehead with her forearm. "I didn't think I could keep up with Yui back there."

"Eeh, Misaka nee-chan," Mari called. "Why do you say that? I think you exercised well like Yui nee-chan."

"I don't exercise that often," Misaka replied. "Mari-chan, was it?"

"Hai."

"It's just that I do run that fast," Misaka giggled to Mari's adorable features. "You have such a cute sister, Yui-san."

"She's my cousin, actually," Yui replied.

"Oh, your cousin?" Misaka was startled a little. "She's quite young for a cousin."

"I do," Mari nodded. "But Yui nee-chan is like a big sister to me."

"Say, Sakurako," Yui digressed. "Your sisters are also here, aren't they?"

"Yes, they're here," Sakurako replied with a nod. "They're buying some food right now."

Yui then turns to Misaka. "You wanna get some snack first after this?"

"Yeah," Misaka drank her bottle of water. "That whole running burned my stomach."

"Yui onee-chan," Mari called. "Can you buy me cotton candy then?"

"Of course, Mari-chan," Yui answered. "I was thinking about getting one as well."

"Um, by the way," Kyouko placed a finger on her chin. "Did you guys hear about Rise-san got rescued?"

"Oh, I heard that from Nishigaki-sensei yesterday," Himawari commented, expressing relief. "I can't believe it until I see her myself."

"It must be a scary experience for her," Yui commented sourly. "I can't imagine why someone would kidnap her."

"Right, Misaka told us about it," Furoda then looked at the mentioned girl. "A detective was involved in finding her, right?"

"Yes," Misaka nodded. "Though, she wasn't the one who rescued her."

"Huh, who rescued her?" Saoki winced her eyes. "A stranger?"

"Well," Himawari paused. "Rise-senpai claims that the Sentinels rescued her."

While Furoda and Saoki are well surprised because they weren't well informed, Mari interjects in on the subject. "The Sentinels? Aren't they the heroes who stop criminals in the city?"

"I'm not sure they can be called heroes, Mari," Yui replied.

"But they saved people, nee-chan," Mari commented. "Is it because they have guns?"

"Mari-chan," Sakurako replied. "Even though they save people, the Sentinels are still breaking the law. Stopping the criminals are supposed to be the police's job, and they're not allowed to have weapons."

"But what if the police couldn't stop the criminals in time?" Mari asked. "What am I supposed to do then?"

"We report to the police about the criminals and wait for them to arrive," Sakurako answered.

"But what if they couldn't arrive?" Mari asked again. "What if the criminals decided to hurt me?"

"Yeah, what if they decide to steal my rum raisin?!" Kyouko added in, oddly with fear.

"Then buy yourself another, cheapskate," Sakurako retorted with annoyance, which placed a smirk on Yui's face. "As for you, Mari. If it comes to that, it's best for you to find a safe place and hide. Or escape, if you can."

"But what if I can't escape and I have to fight the criminal?" Mari asked again.

"Well…" Sakurako thought for a moment. "Then you find a pencil and stab his groin."

*PLAK*

Her honor, Himawari, strikes down her head with a slap of thunder, and the girls, especially Yui and Kyouko laugh their asses off their exchange. Mari remains frozen, still processing what just happened before her eyes. And Himawari is still fuming with steam and stifling her mouth from speaking indescribable and inappropriate remarks. Poor Sakurako is holding onto the back of her head, pretty glad that no bumps are showing up on her head.

"What the heck are you trying to teach her?!" Himawari screamed, catching the attention of students and visitors alike.

"Ow," Sakurako, despite Himawari's rage, dares to turn in her direction. "I was just speaking from experience."

"What kind of imaginary experience is that?!" Himawari retorted.

"Well," Misaka interjected. "That is actually useful advice."

"You can't be serious, right?" Yui asked, still giggling. "How can you stab someone with a pencil?"

"As long as it is sharp, you can defend yourself," Misaka had shed a sweat though, remembering how Sakurako told her she killed a man with a pencil. "It… doesn't have to be the… groin, though."

"Groin?" Mari asked. "Do you mean the thing we use to pe-?"

"Yes!" Sakurako quickly replied. "It is very painful to the criminal and us. You don't have to stab there if you feel uncomfortable."

"I see," Mari nodded. That is useful."

"What are you even trying to teach her, Saa-chan?" Saoki asked awkwardly.

"She asked how to defend herself," Sakurako turned at her. "That's what I'm teaching her now."

"It must be so exciting for Rise-san to meet the Sentinels in person," Kyouko digressed with wonder.

"I don't know, Kyouko," Furoda doubted with a shrug. "If I were there, I would feel quite threatened since they have guns."

"I think they're good people, Furoda-san," Yui replied. "But yes, I think their interpretation of justice is misleading, and it can cause quite a stir to the people."

"I wonder if something drove the Sentinels to do their vigilantism," Himawari placed a thumb on her chin. "Though the news said they operate in the evenings, they managed to lower the crime rate in this city by a small amount."

"For a tiny group, that's actually an achievement," Saoki added.

"Yeah, but how did they find it out who kidnapped Rise?" Misaka asked, turning to Sakurako. "She was kidnapped like a few days ago, right?"

"Yes," Sakurako bowed her head a bit. "Rise-senpai doesn't know how the Sentinels found out about her circumstances, but they found her and saved her."

"She told you about it?" Kyouko asked with a raised brow.

"I convinced her to tell me what happened," Sakurako admitted. "The kidnappers almost sold her out."

Everyone gasps, but Mari still doesn't understand the context and only stands there to listen.

"That's so horrible!" the thought of it horrified Furoda. "How did the Sentinels stop them?"

"They shot them."

Although Sakurako had answered with a grave tone, the indifference on her face unnerved everyone, and they gave a paralyzing glare in her direction.

"I see," Yui wiped her sweats on the forehead. "Did she mention where she was when the Sentinels saved her?"

"A port," Sakurako replied. "I think there was news about a shootout at that port yesterday, but I haven't watched it."

"Oh, I think I saw it before," Kyouko replied. "I think it was the port due north of the city."

"Oh my, that one?" Himawari looked surprised. "I heard the police found a number of girls in a container almost got sold out."

Sakurako flinches at that particular statement. She hasn't checked the news yet yesterday nor even this morning. She didn't even ask Shiba or her other friends about what happened at the port. Had she not taken the job as an armed escort, those girls' fates will worsen, and Rise could become one of those girls. To hear that the police recovered those girls, Sakurako sighs out with massive relief and looks up at the sky. Sakurako was also glad that Shiba didn't have to give the guns to them since Jin, one of the men Sakurako vowed to hunt and killed, was there.

"My God," Misaka turned to Sakurako again. "How is she doing now?"

"She's trying her best to be fine," Sakurako replied. "Not to mention that they did… that to her."

Yui winces her eyes. "What do you mean by 'that?'"

Sakurako opens her mouth, but no words come out. There's a moment of hesitation before she decides to close her mouth and bows her head. However, it seems Himawari and Misaka gradually realize the brutal truth she's about to say. Sakurako realized she shouldn't have added that.

"Don't tell me…," Himawari choked on her words. "They…."

Sakurako couldn't answer it. She doesn't want to answer it. The blonde Oomuro looked in her direction with downcast eyes, the light barely reflecting her pupil. The tense silence soon has the other girls followed up with an answer they never wanted to hear. It was rather wise not to answer on Sakurako's part as it could worsen the atmosphere.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing," Saoki agitatedly turned away. "She doesn't deserve that."

Furoda wraps her arms around herself. "If she had been rescued much earlier, that would never happen to her."

The air slowly turns stale, even with the clamoring crowd around them cheering and chatting about the competitions. Even Mari, who's been silent this whole time, felt the tension she had never felt. None could say a word to break the silence, and even Sakurako doesn't know how to break this tense silence.

Thankfully, Kyouko was there to brighten things up. "L-let's change the topic. What was the next contest?"

"Well…," Yui paused, trying to get comfortable with the change. "The next contest would be drawing contest."

"Ah, right!" Kyouko suddenly smiled brightly. "I should be getting ready for it."

"That's even worse."

Everyone turns in her direction. "What do you mean?" Kyouko asked.

Sakurako almost jolts out her eyes. "You forgot?"

They stare at her for a while until the three Nanamori students finally feel the dread written in their darkened eyes. Saoki doesn't know why they looked that way. However, Misaka and Furoda seem to remember what she refers to, though they don't know how worrisome it is.

"Well, crap."

"Language, Kyouko nee-chan," Mari reminded her.

"Well, looks like you need to get to it then," Misaka then looked to Yui. "How about we buy some snacks for ourselves before the contest?"

"Good idea," Yui then looked at Sakurako. "You coming too, Sakurako?"

"Sure, I don't mind a snack," Sakurako looked at Himawari. "Do you want anything, Hima-chan?"

"Hmm, I want to check out that kebab stand," Himawari replied. "It does look out of place, but it seems delicious."

"All set, then," Yui agreed with a smile. "Then let's-"

"Misaka-chan!"

A particular Nagibara student comes over to them, and Misaka responds. "Is there something you need?"

"The coach is looking for you," the student replied. "Please follow me."

"Oh, I see," Misaka turned to her friends. "You go on ahead. I'll catch up with you."

"Ok, Misa-chan," Saoki nodded, then Misaka left, following that student.

"Well, I should get going," Kyouko then took her leave and waved a hand. "I'll see you in the art room."

"Got it, Kyouko," Himawari acknowledged, then turned to the Oomuro blonde. "Let's go to the food stall."

Sakurako merely nods as they begin their journey off the marathon tracks.

"Planning to splurge your allowance, Sakurako?" Yui joked with a smirk.

"Are you asking because you think I brought a lot of money?" Sakurako asked back. "I only brought 10000 yen."

"That's still a lot, Saa-chan," Now Himawari shed a sweat. "Then again, you kept winning those lotteries."

"Shouldn't you get changed, Yui nee-chan?" Mari asked with concern.

"Later, Mari," Yui replied. "I wanna buy something for you."

"Ok."

"So what do you want to buy, Sakurako?" asked Furoda, leaning in as her orange-blondish braid swinging happily.

"I want to try that kebab too, I guess," Sakurako replied. "I hope it's delicious."

"Where do you think kebab is from?" Himawari asked, still facing forward.

"From Turkey the last time I checked," Sakurako replied. "Chizuru told me she and her friends want to make something uncommon. And this is what they come up with."

"Do you think the ingredients will be hard to come by?" Yui asked with a raised eyebrow.

"She said something about using tortilla to make the kebab," Sakurako replied. "But I don't know what tortilla looks like."

"Oh, tortilla?" Yui leaned her head back. "That does sound uncommon. I don't know where I can find that either."

"I think the baking shop down near the Okinaya Salon sells that particular item," Saoki replied.

"Oh, Yokairin's baking shop?" Yui asked with slight surprise.

"Yeah, that one."

"That's quite far from where I live."

"For how much?" Sakurako curiously asked.

"500 yen per pack, I heard," the four-eyed replied, much to Sakurako's satisfaction.

"That's affordable," Sakurako then looked at Yui. "You want to ask Chizuru about the recipe?"

"You just read my mind," Yui patted the side of her own head.

"Are you planning to cook together?" Himawari asked, astonished that Sakurako still wanted to cook.

"Someday," Sakurako replied. They journeyed through the field until they reached the food stands.

There are several food stalls set up in a couple of organized rows. Most prevalent were takoyaki, candies, sushi, yakisoba, yakitori, and many more. Although, few stands actually sell souvenirs such as stickers, bracelets, knitted gloves, even key chains that looked like anime characters from well-known shows. And the crowd, both families and students alike, are so rowdy at the stalls. Sakurako even saw George on one end of the stalls buying a hot dog for himself, quite typical for an American, the blonde guessed.

"Oh, one more thing," Sakurako quickly said. "Do me a favor."

"What is it?" Furoda asked.

"Don't tell Rise what I told you what happened to her," Sakurako replied. "She does not need to hear any more of that."

Once again, Himawari is so glad that she considers their senior friend. "We'll keep that in mind, Sakurako."

A slight turn to the left, the blonde spotted that particular stall. "There."

"Ah, good," Saoki clapped her hands.

They walk over to the stall and find two girls are attending the stall. One is responsible for wrapping the food, while the other is responsible for cooking the kebab. The stove being used is called a Teppanyaki grill, a sort of stove with its top entirely flat, suited well for barbeque and burgers. Furthermore, two flat short spatulas are involved in flipping the kebab to cook all its sides. And there's a particular grilling device that spins the large chunk of meat on a metal stick, though they don't know what to call that. Sakurako recognized the girls, who were actually Chizuru's classmates.

Sakurako looks at the short maroon-haired girl, straight at her blue eyes. "Takane, ohayou."

"Ah, Sakurako," the said girl greeted back, then looked over to the rest of the gang. "I see you brought some friends."

Himawari sniffs the aroma emitting from the cooked food. "It smells great. Did you use butter for it?"

"A lot of them," the other girl with chocolate eyes and light brown hair, tied to a low bun, replied as she cooked. "It tasted best with butter than oil. So you guys want to buy one?"

"Make two for us, please, Haruka," Himawari raised two fingers as she answered.

"Make that three!" Furoda added in, skipping next to the bluenette.

"I want one too," Saoki added as she corrected her glasses.

"Count me in as well," Yui then looked to Mari. "Do you want me to buy this one, Mari?"

"Mmm," Mari came forward and asked. "Is it delicious?"

"Very. I already ate one myself," Takane replied.

Mari then turns at Yui. "Buy me one, nee-chan."

"Hai, hai," Yui nodded. "How much for one?"

"That would be 400 yen," Haruka replied, finished cooking one and her bun swinging sideways a little.

"Alright then, make six for us," Himawari smiled, placing her hands below the stomach.

"Coming right up!" Takane replied as she began filling and wrapping the tortilla.

Sakurako looks around the stall but notices someone is absent. "Where's Chizuru?"

"She's going out to buy some supplies," Haruka flipped the kebab. "We're running short of sauces."

Sakurako stares at her confusingly. "Sauces can run now?"

"No, she said that the sauces are almost empty," Saoki corrected with her eyes dull.

"Oh, I see," Sakurako straightened her back.

"Hey, Sakurako, I heard you and Chizuru already made a short film for a later contest," Takane stated. "I heard it was a mix of action and horror film?"

"Yes, I guess," Sakurako shrugged, hesitated on the horror part.

"What's the film all about?" Haruka asked, cooking another batch of kebab.

"Sorry, I cannot spoil the movie for you," Sakurako responded.

"Aw," Takane was already dejected by the reply. "What about the title?"

"Hmm…," Sakurako contemplates for a moment. Guess a title won't hurt. "Dark Contact."

"Oh?" Furoda looked a little startled. "That's kinda creepy name."

"Well, we tried our best to come up with a title," Sakurako admitted, flailing her arms to the sides. "And that's what we can come up with."

"It must be fun to make a film," Takane added with a smile. "Like those actors in TV shows."

"I don't know," Yui scratched her cheek. A sweat is trailing on it, probably due to the marathon. "It feels so embarrassing to be acting in front of the camera."

"Nishigaki-sensei said you did just fine," Sakurako added as she turned.

"She did?"

"Yes, she said that you were so cool in acting."

"Aah, I guess I should thank her for the compliment."

"Alright, we won't keep you long," Haruka replied, then prepared the batches in special kebab-shaped paper containers. "Six kebabs are ready!"

Each girl collects 400 yen, making it a total of 2400 yen. Sakurako is rather glad that she has loose change to spend instead of straight-up 1000 yen. Soon, they departed from the stall and stood off the path where people come and go between stalls. They then eat their kebabs, tasting the buttery tortilla and delicious filling of freshly grilled meat and vegetables and sauces. Its fantastic taste had Himawari paralyzed with fleeting, enchanting deliciousness, while Yui is so startled by how tasty it is.

"This is actually brilliant," Yui commented, a little muffled by her munching. "The fillings and the buttery tortilla are so juicy!"

"This snack could defeat a burger if they wanted to," Himawari then turned at Sakurako. "What do you think?"

"We definitely need to try this recipe," Sakurako immediately turned to Yui. "We need to buy that tortilla."

"Agreed," Yui nodded. "Can you ask Chizuru about the recipe later? I'll let you know if I buy a tortilla one day."

"I can do that," the blonde replied before munching her kebab again.

"Mmmm~!" Furoda was full of joy. "I think I just found a new favorite snack."

"This is yummy, nee-chan!" Mari commented happily despite her dull eyes. "I want to buy one again!"

"Didn't you say you want to buy candy?" Saoki asked.

"Yeah, but…," Mari trailed off, disappointed to know that Yui might not want to buy another one.

"Hey, Mari-chan," Yui called, crouching. "We're planning to make kebab one day after Sakurako-chan asks the recipe. Do you mind waiting for it?"

"Ooh!" Mari-chan's dull eyes glimmered. "Don't worry, nee-chan. I am patient."

"Good then, Mari," Yui then stood up. "How about we finish this up and buy some candy? After that, I get changed and watch the next competition."

"Good idea, nee-chan," Mari nodded.

Sakurako remains silent as the others chat along with each other. Not after two minutes later, they finished up their snacks and dumped the paper containers into the trash can available outside the stalls. Sakurako and the group then escort Yui and her cousin to the nearest candy shop near the trash cans. The tomboy and the little girl bought themselves cotton candy for each.

"I think we should get to the art room," Himawari suggested. "I want to see what Kyouko and Chinatsu draw."

"Well… if you're sure about it," Sakurako hesitated.

"Please don't think too much about Chinatsu, Sakurako," Yui assured.

"Ok," Sakurako turned her head away but quickly cast narrow eyes. "What's going on there?"

"Huh?" Saoki asked before all of them turned in the direction Sakurako is staring.

Some students from both schools appear to be watching a scene outside of their sight near the tennis field. But the worrisome look on their faces had Sakurako suspect something wasn't right. Without thought, she walks ahead of her group, almost to a jog, she might add. Since Sakurako is wearing the student council armband, the students quickly gave way for her to pass. Once she reaches the front row of the watching crowd, she is horrified by the scene before her.

Four particular Nagibara students are harassing a student of Nanamori. Worse of all, the student they harass is Akari, whimpering as she's cornered onto a wall. The four Nagibara students, some had angry looks, another couple had their smug on their faces. And Sakurako immediately tightened her fist.

"A-Akari!" Himawari almost shouted.

"What is- oh, not again!" Furoda's comment made the group turn their heads.

"You know them?" Sakurako asked.

"They're a bunch of bullies," Furoda scoffed. "We already have them reported and even punished, and yet they took it as a day job. They even got away from what they did."

Akari is innocent in her eyes. To see them verbally hurting and intimidating her is despicable to Sakurako. Sakurako immediately walks forward, but Saoki grabs her hand and manages to stop her.

"Hey, are you sure?" Saoki asked concernedly. "They will hurt you."

"That's why I want to stop them," Sakurako responded sharply.

"Mari, stay here," Yui ordered, staring at Sakurako as her razor eyes agreed to her declaration. "Let's go, Sakurako."

Sakurako storms toward the bullies, with Yui walking in tow. "Hey, stop that!"

The bullies turn in their direction and notice Sakurako's student council armband first. "Oh, a student council? Whatcha doing here?"

"Stop harassing her," Sakurako ordered.

"What makes you think we're harassing her?" asked the bully, probably the one leading her group. "We were having a friendly conversation here."

"Akari, is that true?" Sakurako turned in her direction.

"N-no," Akari whimpered. "They called me and asked me to give them some money. I didn't give them any and tried to excuse myself. I don't know them-"

"Shut up, redhead!" a bully cornering Akari retorted.

"Hey, don't talk to her like that!" Yui warned, pointing at the bully.

"Or what?" the lead bully responded. "You gonna go and cry it to the teachers?"

"Stop it," Sakurako ordered. "Leave her alone."

"Oh, c'mon," the other bully sneered. "We're trying to make friends here."

"You didn't want to make friends with-"

*PLAK* the bully cornering her slaps her. "I said shut it, redhead!"

"HEY!" Sakurako stormed toward them, but the bully caught her and pushed her back to the ground.

"A weak girl like you became a student council?" the bully leader snorted. "Pathetic-"

"How dare you!" without control, and on a sudden stroke, Himawari charged forward and punched her in the face.

And with that, a fight began. Yui, Himawari, and Sakurako versus the four Nagibara bullies. That girl who's been cornering Akari is forced to withdraw and join the fight. Akari is now free and runs toward Furoda, Saoki, and Mari, who stayed back. Everything happened so fast that Sakurako didn't have time to think of something and immediately stood up and got back into action.

Despite being good at running, Yui has no problem dodging attacks of a bully's trying to punch and kick her; her slim, athletic body definitely helped her in this situation. As for Himawari, she wasn't as sporty as Yui, but she had a solid temperamental strength to beat the wicked girl. However, though she attacked the lead bully first, her attention was on someone who cornered Akari back then. Sakurako was the only person who had to deal with two people simultaneously, and given the lack of her ability to defend herself by hand has been detrimental to this situation.

Sakurako didn't utter a word nor a curse and just attacked the lead bully. She swings her head left and right to avoid her fist, though she still suffers hits on her chest. With a small window of opportunity, her left forearm covers her head, and her right hand eventually hits her chest. Before Sakurako could send another blow, she was kicked from the right side by another bully and tumbled onto the floor. Sakurako quickly stands up but immediately gets her face punched by that same girl. Sakurako was sprawled on the floor, and as she tried to get up, the lead bully eventually kicked her stomach and sent her rolling to the left side.

The spectators watched on, shocked, amazed, and probably helpless on what to do in this situation. Yui and Himawari take a quick glance at Sakurako, and they were distraught for a second before their opponents almost took advantage of this. Sakurako kept impounded by the stomping of her two opponents, leaving her no choice but to protect whatever body she could from injury.

"What kind of fight is that?!" the lead bully mocked. "A Nanamori student council like you is so soft. What a loser!"

Sakurako only yelps in pain as the barrage of kicks continues, eventually dirtying her uniform and bruising a small part of her face, her arms, and probably her body. This pain was too much to handle. She's starting to feel despair in this fight. She just couldn't get up and fight back in this state.

"Sakurako!" Himawari screamed, taking a hit to the shoulder before fighting her opponent back.

"No!" Yui shouted, turning her head just in time to dodge a hand striking from above her head.

"Come on, bitch! What are you gonna do now?" the lead bully taunted, just a second of pause before kicking her, and they both looked down on her. "Are you gonna cry? Oooh, so sad. Your mother isn't here to help you! A piece of trash like you shouldn't even be in the student council!"

The declaration had stabbed the blonde's heart like a diamond knife. She was numb to pain for a couple of seconds. She could have cried now; this pain her body has to endure is too much for someone like her, and she even had no choice to leave a tear from her eyes. But… that despair immediately turned to anger, anger at the mockery that has been said to her. This pain, she already suffered worse, and it was of her own doing.

The kicking soon stops, the lead bully watches on as Sakurako tries to get off the ground partially. "Don't like sleeping on the ground? I guess I should help with that. What do you think?"

"I agree," the other bully made a smug, staring dangerously back at the downed Sakurako.

"No!" Himawari screamed, dodging before looking back. "You leave her alone!"

Sakurako grunts as she can see the lead bully's shoes on her right.

"Have a good night, moron," the lead bully taunted, lifting her foot up and-

*CLING-TING*

The lead bully pauses as she and her friend look on with confusion at the metal tube rolling off toward them from underneath the blonde. "What is that?"

Only a mere question caught the attention of the tomboy and the bluenette. Ignoring their opponents, they look at what appears to be a metal tube just before the lead bully's feet. Not even a split second later, they realized the impending doom soon befell upon them.

Yui immediately screams in horror. "FLASHBAAANG!"

Yui and Himawari suddenly drop to the ground, facing the opposite from Sakurako with their ears muffled. The bullies stand there with increasing confusion at the paranoia. What they failed to notice, however, was that some Nanamori spectators had recoiled at the warning. The lead bully turns her head back at the tube and is about to ask when-

*BANG-TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING*

Suddenly, a flash of heavenly bright white filled their vision as if blind. The deafening sound almost sounded like a bell continuously ringing on a consistent extreme high pitch. Even if any of them were to scream, it was in vain, drowned out by the constant ringing in their ears. Recovering their eyesight would also take a long time since they are so close to the blast. The whiteness felt it lasted for hours on end till it, thankfully, gradually dissipates after a few seconds, for the spectators, that is.

Since Yui and Himawari looked away and muffled their ears, they were little affected by the blast. Despite the slight hearing loss, they stand up and look back at the bullies, only to find the scene has been turned around 180 degrees. On the other hand, Furoda, Saoki, Akari, and Mari, alongside the spectators, drop their jaws before the scene that is unfolding.

The bullies are still in a daze, nauseous by the high pitch in their ears. Even if they could open their eyes, they were effectively in pain and could do nothing but to cover their eyes. Two of the bullies are already on the ground in pain, but it wasn't just from flashbang. They saw Sakurako was already on her feet, unleashing hell on the last two bullies, including the leader, with the retractable baton in her right hand.

Sakurako flails her weapon left and right, sometimes hitting and not hitting her targets. But her aim was eerily precise, aiming for the head, chest, shoulders, arms, just anything she could hit with all the energy she had. The bullies are defenseless as they scream in agony, sometimes immediately cut short every time they get hit. Every time the bullies are about to fight back, Sakurako's fiercely hits their arms to prevent them from attacking. Although fierce, the spectators could tell Sakurako was exhausted.

With a sloppy but hard swing, she hits the bully on her right by the head; blood spills from her mouth as she drops almost unconscious. The crowd gasps and is startled by the takedown as Sakurako feasts her eyes upon the leader of the bullies. She immediately strikes her like she is using a hammer on a nail. However, that girl blocks her attacks with her entire left arm. Sakurako could feel her arm is getting tired, and her attacks begin to feel sloppy, but she keeps striking her, again, again, and again until she kneels on the ground. With a last strike, she strikes her arm, and with that, her arm finally falls, and Sakurako is finally able to score a strike on her head.

The crowd gasps once again as the bully lies on the ground, screaming and groaning in pain and covering her face. Sakurako only stands there, looking at her opponent with tireless fury as well as regaining lost breaths for herself. Himawari and Yui barely moved. Never had seen her so vicious in a fight. Himawari recognizes the baton she had bought but never thought she would see the day Sakurako would use it. But the damage she inflicted upon these wicked girls… she has no words to describe it.

Without a minute wasted, Sakurako immediately kneels on top of the bully and raises the baton above her head. By this point, the lead bully has finally regained her vision and saw the impending doom before her eyes. Sakurako finally sees the bully begins to cry, and opens a palm at her.

"P-please…."

The bully finally begs. Unfortunately, Sakurako was already beyond mercy, could not hear her, and failed to see her crying. Himawari is instinctively about to jog when Sakurako commences her strike. Suddenly, a hand holds firm onto Sakurako's arm. Startled by the touch, she quickly turns her head right to see the black American beside her. Yui and Himawari were a bit surprised that he came out of nowhere. Sakurako looks onto his sunglasses, and she can tell there is grave concern behind that eyewear.

George says something to her, but all she can hear is just the constant ringing in her ears. The blonde looks back at the bully she's about to hit and the others on the ground. It would seem she finally realizes the human devastation she had caused, and she could have… killed any of them. Losing herself in her thoughts, she unwillingly but guiltily opens her hand and lets the baton drop.

Sakurako finally stands up wearily with his help, but when he asks again, she replies. "I can't hear you."

George tightens his thick eyebrows and glances at Yui, who replies. "She used a flashbang."

The American leans his head back, turns at Sakurako, and asks once again with a louder voice. "Can you hear me now, Sakurako?"

The blonde turns her head. "A little."

Himawari comes over to her aid and asks as loud as George. "Are you alright?"

"I'm… I'm fine," Sakurako hesitantly responded.

George picks the baton and looks at the bluenette. "How close was she to the blast?"

Himawari shakes her head. "Too close."

"That's bad," George knelt to look at Sakurako's face. "I need to check you as soon as possible."

"What happened here?" they turned their head at the new voice, finding Misaka became bewildered by the scene. "Why are they- Sakurako?!"

Misaka comes running toward her. "What happened!? Sakurako, are you alright?!"

"What?" Sakurako wearily asked back.

"She almost can't hear you," Himawari replied, which horrified Misaka.

"Hey, what is- holy smokes!" they turned at the new voice, who belonged to Nishigaki, with Kitamiya, and to Sakurako's surprise, Shiba at her side. "What the heck happened here?!"

Shiba looks straight at Sakurako and jogs toward her. "Dammit, Sakurako, are you hurt?!"

"What?" Sakurako responded, wincing her eyes.

George immediately answers. "She used a flashbang, madam."

"She what?!" Kitamiya asked aloud, stunned rather than furious.

Nishigaki looks at each down Nagibara student, crying, groaning, pleading in agony, before looking back at George. "She did all this?"

"She did," Himawari answered, turning everyone's head in her direction. "But Yui and I had fought with her for a while."

George hands over the baton to Kitamiya, which Misaka deadpans at the weapon Sakurako had mentioned before. Kitamiya looks back at him, and he tilts his head at the blonde. Kitamiya looks at her momentarily then back at the baton. Kitamiya can only pull a deep sigh before shaking her head at the blonde.

How can a student council do such a thing?


One hour after the conclusion of the fight, everyone has gathered around in the teacher's room, assuming those involved regained their hearing and sights after a while. All of the teachers of Nanamori, including the formerly Shiba, were there. Alongside them were Sakurako's entire group at the time, including Mari, and Sakurako's sisters were there as well. The bullies were facing the opposite group, and behind them were Misaka's very own teacher and the lead bully's furious-looking parents. Ayano and Rise were happened to be there as well after hearing what had happened. The only one who was absent was Akari, who opted to be accompanied by her sister instead of facing the bullies herself, and Sakurako can't blame her for her fear.

Not forgetting George, standing firm with such an authoritative pose that even the Nagibara bullies couldn't dare to curse at Sakurako. Himawari, Yui, and Saoki recount what had happened near the tennis field and figured that they would have a better argument than what Sakurako or Furoda could explain. Tsubasa, kitamiya, Shihoko, Nishigaki, and Shiba attentively listen to the whole story. Safe to say, none of the teachers were happy with what they heard.

"After she slapped Akari," Tsubasa reiterated, reviewing what she heard from the three. "Sakurako immediately went to her, then Nobuko pushed her off, mocked her, and then you attacked her."

"Yes," Himawari nodded. "That's when the three of us start to fight."

Misaka sternly turns at the lead bully, namely Nebuko. "Is that true?"

That bully slowly shakes her head. "N-no-"

"IS THAT TRUE?!" Misaka asked again, now aloud.

Knowing the many witnesses, with her parents and teacher behind her group of bullies, she forces herself to nod. "Y-yes…."

"Then what happened?" Shihoko asked, more concerned rather than angry.

"Himawari and I were doing well on our own," Yui explained. "But Sakurako had to fight Nebuko and her other friend on her own."

"And you were kicked to the ground," Ayano turned at the blonde. "And I gather they began stomping on you?"

Sakurako simply nods but can't take her eyes off the floor.

Her sisters were, more or less, pissed. "How dare you!" Nadeshiko hissed at Nebuko.

"Calm down, now," Nishigaki urged. "I understand your anger, but let's not be hasty."

Kitamiya shakes her head. "For how long they hurt you on the ground, Sakurako?"

"A minute, I think," Sakurako replied, caressing the bruise on her face. "They were… about to stomp my head before I used the flashbang in front of them."

Nebuko's parents and Misaka's teacher look on with confusion. "A flashbang?" the father of Nebuko asked.

"A stun grenade that Nishigaki-sensei made," Shiba replied calmly, though shivered a little being next to her. "It's harmless, but it has a quite adverse effect."

"Doesn't it make people blind?"

Everyone turns at Mari, and even George turns at her. "From where did you hear that?" Furoda asked.

"I watched Yui nee-chan play a police game before," Mari flatly replied. "She said that flashbang can make people blind and deaf for a while."

"Yeah, I did explain that," Yui scratched her head.

"While that is true, close proximity would be extremely dangerous," George politely responded. "Too close, on Sakurako's and Nebuko's case. If misused, it would possibly cause permanent blindness and hearing loss if it is being used too often."

"I see," Kitamiya responded, now looking straight at Nishigaki.

Nishigaki raises her hands. "I'll find a way to tone it down if you want."

"Never mind that," Kitamiya sighed, leaning on her chair. "It's still a miracle that those effects were temporary."

Rise speaks something, though her unheard voice has many heads scratching.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Hanako asked.

"She said that after that blast," Nishigaki translated. "How did Sakurako manage to get up while still affected by it?"

"Yeah, how?" Yui shed a sweat. "The last time you did that to me, I could hardly stand up."

Sakurako notices the look Shiba gave, a gloomy one at Yui. Understandably, she would have some questions about it, but that would be for another story.

"I… I don't know," Sakurako jumped her hand on her thigh. "I just… got up, use my baton, and hit them while they can't attack."

Tsubasa picks the baton on the desk and examines it, retracting and opening it. "This is a pretty sturdy weapon. Where did you get it?"

"I bought it from a gift shop when we're on a school trip to Kyoto," Sakurako explained, which caught Kitamiya off-guard.

"That is true. I was there when she bought it," Himawari added to her answer.

"I see," Shiba nodded. "Well, from what I saw back near that tennis field, I'd say you have done some severe damage to these girls, yes?"

"Yes."

"And you have done that out of desperation?"

"Yes."

"It doesn't explain why you would want to bring a baton and a flashbang to school in the first place," Nadeshiko commented.

"I don't have a reason, to be honest," Sakurako almost whispered. "I just felt I need to use them, just don't know when."

Everyone looks at each other to contemplate, at which Yui asks. "Is it some sort of paranoia?"

"Y-yes," Sakurako unwillingly replied. "Intuition, I guess. With all that widespread crime going on in the city."

"I understand," Ayano turned at Saoki. "According to what you said, Sakurako was about to hit Nebuko again even after she's wounded on the ground."

"Yes," Saoki nodded. "Before George came just in time to stop her."

"What reason you have for almost knocking her out even when she can't fight anymore?" Misaka's teacher asked.

Sakurako gives a glance at the said bully before looking away. "I don't know. I was too angry. I couldn't think anything. And even then, I couldn't hear she asked me to stop."

"George?" Shiba called for his opinion.

"Flashbang has a psychological effect on the brain," George replied. "Even if she could register what is around her, it temporarily ruined her process of thought. And I should add, she was temporarily deaf at the time."

"I see," Misaka wraps her arms around herself, looking back at the teachers of Nanamori and Nagibara. "So, what is your decision on this matter?"

"First of all, Nebuko and her friends are already wrong from the start for blackmailing and even hurting Akari to give them some money," Kitamiya concluded. "Sakurako and her friends tried to order them to stop harassing Akari, but it's already clear that Nebuko and her group do not care for any broken rule and the well-being of our students. And things went downhill after Kamawa slapped Akari, yes?"

"Yes, sensei," Sakurako nodded.

"Now, while you did beat them single-handedly to defend yourself, you're also in the wrong for almost hurting Nebuko when it's clear she's already hurt, whether you intended to or not."

"Yes, sensei."

Kitamiya looks at the teacher behind Nebuko and her gang. "I would suggest putting your students here in detention for what they have done to Akari and Sakurako."

"I will see to it, Kitamiya-sensei," the Nagibara teacher replied, stern, but something in her voice made the bullies shiver.

"And Sakurako," Kitamiya called. "It's clear to me that you have tried to protect your friend from harm, so there will be no punishment for you. But as for the case of the flashbang, I would ask you to not bring any of them to school anymore unless you have a reason to."

"I understand," Sakurako replied. "What about the baton?"

"Well, it seems you can fight well with it," Kitamiya looked at the weapon Tsubasa was holding. "But for the sake of your own well-being, we will confiscate this baton for the time being. You can have it back after the competition is finished."

"I understand," Sakurako nodded. "What about Himawari and Yui?"

"They helped you fight them off for your friend, didn't they?" Kitamiya replied. "I do not see a reason why they should be punished."

All of Sakurako's friends and relatives finally breaths out a sigh of relief. Sakurako herself was more glad that she could finally put this problem to rest. It seems that she won't be seeing these bullies again from this moment. Sakurako, Yui, Furoda, Saoki, Mari, and Sakurako's sisters left the room, accompanied by Shiba behind them. George, the student councils of both schools, including Himawari, and the rest of the teachers stayed back, probably giving a severe lecture to the bullies.

"I didn't expect the day to turn out like this," Shiba commented,

"I agree," Nadeshiko turned to Sakurako. "Although, I'm glad that you took action to save your friend."

"I just had to," Sakurako responded despondently.

"I think we should get your injuries checked first," Furoda suggested.

"The infirmary is not that far," Yui replied. "Let's go."

"I'm glad that was over," Saoki breathed out in relief. "I never knew you were that tough, Saa-chan."

"I'm… not that tough," Sakurako denied, though doubtful of her comment.

"No, you are so tough, Sakurako nee-chan," Mari assured her. "I wish I could be as tough as you one day."

"Looks, you have become her model, onee-chan," Hanako commented. "Just don't teach her some weird stuff."

"Like stabbing someone in the groin with a pencil?"

Himawari irritatingly shut her eyes. "You don't have to bring that up."

"Oh?" Yui widened her eyes at an oncoming stranger with a dark-purple long-sleeve shirt and black pants. "Sumida-san?"

"Well, you guys are already here," Sumida said, stopping in front of them. "I guess I missed that whole discussion back here."

"I see you overslept," Shiba commented with a smirk.

"I just got off from work," Sumida irritatingly replied. "Never thought I would see you working as a teacher again, Shiba."

"You wish," Shiba scoffed a bit. "I was just helping out my old friends, this and there."

"That's surprisingly kind of you," Sumida replied, genuinely complimenting her. "And I believe you're here to watch the competition?"

"Yes," Shiba replied with a nod. "To see if we win that film contest, to be specific."

"I see," Sumida nodded. "The teachers already concluded their decision, I assume?"

"They did," Nadeshiko nodded. "They should be lecturing those bullies by now."

"Looks like I need to get going then," Sumida replied. "I'll catch up with you. And Sakurako, get your injuries checked."

"Yes, Sumida-san," Sakurako nodded before the detective ventured on toward the teacher's office.

When they begin to walk again, Sakurako turns at her eldest sister. "You told her?"

"Yeah," Nadeshiko answered. "She was worried sick to hear you had a fight."

"Did she?" Shiba giggled. "Looks like she's getting fond of her."

"I guess so," Nadeshiko turned at the students. "What is the next contest?"

"Volleyball," Furoda replied. "After that, tug of war, and then the short film contest."

"Oh, right, I should get ready for that tug of war," Saoki reminded herself.

"I think we should get a drink," Mari suggested.

"But I need to get changed first," Yui replied. Everyone just realized she's still in her gym clothes.

"Why don't you come with us, Mari-chan?" Hanako offered. "We're about to buy some drinks too."

"You do?" Mari turned at Yui. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all. Go on ahead."

"Yay!"

Himawari smiles. "What about you, Sakurako? Would you want to get some drinks after we visit the infirmary?"

Sakurako returns her look at the bluenette's golden eyes and eventually gives her a smile despite her bruised cheek. "Do they sell coffee here?"


Early evening. Nanamori Auditorium.

After watching Saoki's class win the tug of war, they are led by the school officials to the auditorium for the film contest. Students and families alike sat in what chairs were available there while the rest stood. Sakurako and her sisters managed to find the chairs for themselves; as for Sumida and Shiba, they said they wanted to watch with the teachers. Yui and her cousin, Chitose, and Chizuru sat on the row in front of Sakurako and the sisters. They are currently in the middle of the speech, the host being Shihoko herself on the stage.

"So we will watch three different movies depending on the champions?" Hanako asked.

"Yeah," Chitose turned behind her. "Now I'm getting nervous."

"Me too," Sakurako eased herself. "I wonder if our movie is any good."

"We can't say anything about it until we see it," Nadeshiko said.

"Agreed," Yui turned around. "To be honest, I'm having goosebumps now."

"It doesn't look that bad to me," Chizuru said. "At least we tried our best."

"Sure," Sakurako took a deep sigh, leaning against her chair before focusing back on the stage.

"Excuse me."

Everyone turns their head to the right, a young woman whose face looks a lot like Akari, and her waist-length hair has the same color as Akari. Her eyes seem to be permanently shut, strangely. She is wearing a white buttoned shirt and a long blue skirt.

"Are you Sakurako, by any chance?" the woman asked.

"Oh, yes, that is me," Sakurako replied. "Who are you?"

"Sakurako!" she looked behind the woman, surprised to find Akari was there. "This is my sister, Akane Akaza."

"Oh, your sister?" Nadeshiko asked, then looked back at the woman. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Akaza-san."

"Likewise, Oomuro-san," Akane greeted back, then looked at Sakurako. "Akari said that you saved her by fighting off the bullies."

"I did," Sakurako nodded.

"I just would like to say," Akane said as she smiled. "Thank you for saving my precious little sister, Sakurako."

Sakurako awkwardly nods, unsure what to answer for a while. "I won't let anyone hurt her just because they can."

"You certainly have a noble heart, Sakurako," Akane replied, still keeping her warm smile. "Do you mind if we sit here?"

"Not at all," Sakurako replied, to which the Akazas sat down.

"I heard that you signed up for a short movie contest," Akane stated.

"We did," Yui replied. "We're waiting to see if we win it."

"And with that, I will name the champions of the short movie contests."

All eyes turn at Shihoko, expectant of the result of the contest.

"In third place, Sonada Kimawi-san and her team from Nagibara Middle School. With an adventure-themed movie titled, A Bird's Feather."

Cheering heard from most of Nagibara students, and then Shihoko continues. "In the second place, Yui Shimaze-san and her team from Nagibara Middle School. With a drama movie titled, Behind the Mask."

While the Nagibara students cheered again, Yui was caught off-guard by a similar name. "I didn't expect to hear someone with the same name as mine."

"Must be quite startling," Hanako commented to Yui.

"Wow, the Nagibaras must be so good at making movies," Chitose commented.

"Ara ara," Akari looked with concern. "I wish anyone from our school won this contest."

"Makes you wonder what kind of quality they have that this school doesn't," Akane commented with a curious frown.

"Now, for our very first champion of this contest…."

They tentatively look on with high expectations can't wait to find out who the winner of this contest is. Shihoko's deep sigh is heard through the mic, then continued.

"Is from Nanamori Middle School. Sakurako Oomuro and her team. An action/horror thriller movie titled, Dark Contact."

Sakurako herself, including her team, relatives, and friends, widened their eyes so vast that their eyes almost jolted out. They just couldn't believe what they heard, and it was so jarring for Sakurako that she dropped her jaw. All of the Nanamori students cheered, in fact, much louder than what Nagibara students could.

Somewhere, at the teachers' seat row, Shiba, Nishigaki, George, and Sumida are more than happy that Sakurako and her team got first place. Shiba happened to sit between Sumida and Nishigaki during this event. Watching the crowds is getting rowdier as ever.

"Well, all that filming really pays off in the end," Sumida commented with her arms wrapped on her chest.

"You know," Shiba said. "It's kinda not bad that we worked together for a kid's movie."

"Well, this is not a kid's movie," Sumida responded. "At least we didn't end up fighting, huh?"

"Hey, don't forget about me," Nishigaki interjected, relaxing on her seat with her hands as a pillow for her head.

"I'm not really surprised that our idea actually worked," George added. "The girls did well for their movie."

"This movie won't happen if it wasn't for you as well, George," Sumida said, patting his shoulder. "If you weren't there, the girls will probably don't know how to use a gun prop properly."

"I guess being in the army has its perk after all," George returned a smile.

"Hey, guys, heads up," Nishigaki called the three. "Looks like the movie is about to start."

"You did check the video Maru made, right?" Sumida asked.

"I double-checked everything, detective," Shiba assured. "I assure you, we don't want the movie turned into a mess now, do we?"

"That's good then," Sumida nodded. "Let's enjoy it then."

Shihoko raises her hand, motioning the students to silence their cheers. "And now, without further ado, we introduce you, Dark Contact."

After the curtains open and reveal the massive blank screen, the lights within the auditorium turn off. And from then on, the movie… begins.