I've decided to migrate permanently to Spacebattles and AO3. This will be the last chapter I upload to this site for the foreseeable future. For the next chapters you can read it either in AO3 or Spacebattles. Thanks.
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Volume 2 Chapter 1 (III)
o-0-o
When Kayoko rose from her slumber, she didn't anticipate any deviation from the usual routine. That meant another day of tackling odd jobs with her friends in Problem Solver 68, striving to wrap up whatever tasks had landed on their plate.
She wasn't exactly pessimistic, more inclined toward realism, yet she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that, once again, they might end up with nothing to show for their efforts due to unforeseen hitches.
Despite Aru's optimistic claims that today would break the mold—apparently, they had landed a gig from an underworld big shot—Kayoko couldn't shake the sinking suspicion that things would ultimately go south. It seemed destined to follow the familiar script of disappointment. Such occurrences were practically routine each time they took on a task, though Kayoko seemed to be the only one who noticed the recurring pattern.
She suspected Mutsuki might have caught on too. However, Mutsuki, always the mischievous one, seemed content as long as things stayed entertaining.
Regardless of the risk posed by the Prefect Team following their recent run-in, Kayoko decided, post-face wash, to sneak into Gehenna's campus for some much-needed supplies. It was a gamble, but their own resources were dwindling—a fact apparently lost on everyone but her.
Luck seemed to favor her when, despite the campus being on high alert, both the Pandemonium Society and the Prefect Team appeared preoccupied with pursuits unrelated to her intrusion.
She might have spoken too soon, however, because fate had other plans. Before long, she crossed paths with Sensei once more, this time he was cradling a small girl.
The child seemed oddly familiar, but that wasn't the foremost thought racing through Kayoko's mind. Suspicion reared its head, prompting her to fix Sensei with a cold stare.
"Sensei," Kayoko began, her voice measured. "I know you have your quirks, but I'd like to believe you're better than this."
Sensei's confusion was palpable. "Hmm?"
With a sigh, Kayoko pressed on. "Sensei, I'll be direct: you haven't added 'kidnapper' to your résumé, have you?"
Sensei's protest was swift. "What in the bloody palace are you talking about!?" he exclaimed, his voice almost rising before he composed himself. "What brought this on, Kayoko?"
Kayoko folded her arms, a furrow forming on her brow. "It's the circumstances, Sensei. The Pandemonium Society and the Prefect Team are in a frenzy, sirens wailing, and lo and behold, you're here, cradling a little girl."
Sparda-Sensei winced imperceptibly. "There's a reasonable explanation for all of this..." he began, then hastily corrected himself, "...well, perhaps not a reasonable one."
That was all the confirmation Kayoko needed.
With determination, she fished out her phone. "You've got one chance to come clean, Sensei, or I'm ringing up the Prefect Team."
"Hold on, don't rush into things, Kayoko," Sensei urged. "I'm confident we can resolve this peacefully."
Kayoko's frustration mounted, culminating in an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, what are you doing here, anyway?"
The little girl nestled in Sensei's embrace chimed in, her tone brimming with accusation. "Don't be mean to Spada-Ojiichan! Ibuki and Ojiichan are going on an adventure together!" she declared, her charming pout aimed squarely at Kayoko.
"Ibuki?" Kayoko echoed, her brow furrowing. "As in... the one and only Ibuki from the Pandemonium Society?" she inquired.
Sensei nodded in affirmation.
"Heehee~! Ibuki is the Pandemonium Society's number one mascot!" the girl proclaimed proudly, a sense of importance in her voice despite her diminutive stature.
A throbbing headache pulsed in Kayoko's temples as she processed the information. "Sensei, it's only been four days since Millennium, and now you're mixed up with the Pandemonium Society?" She leveled an icy stare at Sparda-Sensei.
"Kayoko, your glare could melt ice," Sensei remarked with a wince.
With a resigned sigh, Kayoko replied, "I think I've got the gist of the situation now, Sensei."
"You do?" Sensei inquired.
"Yes, and—" Kayoko started, only to cut herself off abruptly. With one final glance at Sensei and Ibuki, she pivoted on her heel. "Why am I getting involved in this?" she mused resignedly. She just prayed she wouldn't end up regretting her choice.
"Kayoko?" Sensei's voice called out.
"This isn't the best spot to talk. Come with me, Sensei," Kayoko instructed, gesturing for him to follow.
o-0-o
Situated a brisk 20-minute stroll from the nearest train station and six kilometers away from Gehenna's bustling main campus stood a weathered, five-story edifice. Its weary exterior belied the bustling activity within, as the sole occupants claimed residence on the topmost floor. Despite its age, the building had been maintained to a reasonable standard, boasting functioning utilities such as running water, plumbing, and electricity. However, the absence of hot water in its pipes necessitated trips to the nearby public baths for those craving warmth during their showers.
This peculiar location might prompt one to wonder why anyone would choose to lease space in such a downtrodden area. For the occupants of the top floor, the answer was simple: affordability. Their office was a ready-made solution, offering a modest yet comfortable setup at a rent they could manage.
Equipped with a cozy pair of sofas, a sleek glass-topped table, a single executive desk and chair ensemble, and a charming street view, the office exuded a certain charm. Adorned with firearms proudly displayed on the walls, it possessed an ambiance befitting a band of cold and calculating outlaws.
Or at least, that was the image they aspired to project. Unfortunately, their dreams of living out the life of cold, hard-boiled outlaws were hampered by the harsh reality of financial constraints, particularly as the month drew to a close, bringing with it the looming deadline for rent payment.
For the leader of this motley crew of outlaws, the impending rent payment was a source of endless anguish, especially considering she had recently inked a deal that turned out to be far from lucrative.
She was a girl with long, straight, shoulder-length pink hair, adorned with bangs that partially obscured her eyes. Two horns protruded from the back of her head, colored a rich wine red with intricate golden accents. Her attire consisted of a crimson Captain's coat adorned with gleaming buckles, paired with a crisp, long-sleeved white shirt, a matching red ribbon adorning her neck, and a professional office skirt, complemented by gold-strapped high heels.
Her halo, a distinctive feature, comprised two concentric circles—a smaller one slightly tilted to her left, encircled by a larger, irregularly shaped ring with dashed edges and side stripes, resembling a crescent moon. Together, they formed an eye-like symbol.
Her name was Rikuhachima Aru, the boss of Problem Solver 68.
Currently, she found herself clutching her head in frustration over a grave error she had committed.
"Aaah! How could this happen? They promised to secure our livelihood for the next few years, but then this happens?! Just when I thought the job was a goldmine, it turns out the payment will be trickling in over five years in measly installments! And they would even cut a percentage from that as taxes?! On top of that, we're expected to provide our own equipment for the mission in Abydos! With no additional remuneration?! And if we dare to back out, they'll slap us with a bill equivalent to four years of payments! Who in their right mind signs such a contract?! Oh, wait, I did!" Aru internally screamed in frustration.
The job Aru had signed them up to entailed leading a vanguard unit to reclaim territory unlawfully seized by a faction of unruly students. While she now realized the folly of not scrutinizing the contract's details before affixing her signature, she felt her hands were tied. After all, the impending rent deadline loomed, and their collective pockets harbored nothing more than a measly 100 yen.
The terrifying thoughts of them spending their nights in a tent in random parks again pushed her to impulsively sign this horrible contract.
"Hey, Aru-chan," a voice chirped.
Aru's attention snapped to the playful figure perched on her table, sporting a mischievous grin. This girl boasted shoulder-length silver locks, adorned with a long side ponytail fastened by a black floral scrunchie, and a pair of captivating plum purple eyes.
Her halo, consisting of two crimson circles, featured four spikes forming a crosshair on the outer ring, while a delicate four-petal flower adorned the center. Adorning herself in a modified Gehenna Academy uniform, she sported a black and red tank blazer embellished with gold buttons and an insignia on her left sleeve. Beneath it, a red frilly dress peeked out, paired with a tucked-in white shirt. A black thigh strap encircled her left leg, and she completed the ensemble with black combat boots featuring striking red toe caps.
This girl's name was Asagi Mutsuki, her childhood friend and chief of staff of Problem Solver 68.
"What is it, Mutsuki?" Aru inquired, sensing a foreboding undercurrent beneath Mutsuki's grin.
"Should we start plotting our escape again?" Mutsuki teased, her smile widening. "You look like you're on the brink of collapse from poring over those papers, Aru-chan!"
"Urgh!" Aru staggered, caught off guard by Mutsuki's astute observation. "W-what are you implying, Mutsuki? A seasoned outlaw like myself never wavers, no matter the challenge!"
"Hehehe~ Aru-chan's trying to play the tough guy, what a riot!" Mutsuki chuckled.
"M-Mutsuki!" Aru sputtered, a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks.
Aru's eruption only fueled Mutsuki's laughter, the sound echoing through the office. However, amidst the mirth, Aru's keen eye caught a glaring absence.
"Wait, Mutsuki, where's Haruka?" Aru queried, her tone tinged with concern.
"Haruka-chan? She was here just a moment ago..." Mutsuki's voice trailed off, her finger pointing toward the neglected corner of the office where Haruka was sitting. However, a quick scan revealed Haruka's absence. "That's odd. Where could she have disappeared to?"
A sudden realization dawned upon Aru as her gaze fell upon a peculiar sight. The cardboard boxes stacked in the corner, typically housing their supply of C4 explosives, now sat ominously empty.
A wave of dread washed over Aru. "Mutsuki...please don't tell me..."
"Hehehe...I think so..." Mutsuki confirmed, a sheepish expression crossing her features as she scratched her cheek.
Haruka...she must have devised a plan to retaliate against their client by plotting to bomb their office, an act of retribution for cornering Aru with their unreasonable contract demands!
"We must stop her!" Aru exclaimed, urgency lacing her words as she bolted toward the exit. The mystery of how Haruka managed to evade detection each time she slipped away never ceased to baffle Aru.
If only Kayoko were present, Aru couldn't help but muse, she would have surely thwarted Haruka's plans. Alas, Kayoko was currently out at Gehenna Academy, procuring supplies.
Yet, as luck would have it, fortune decided to smile upon Aru for once.
Just as she reached for the door handle, it swung open, revealing none other than Haruka, accompanied by Kayoko.
"H-Haruka! Kayoko!" Aru's expression lit up upon seeing the unexpected duo, her relief palpable, particularly at Kayoko's timely intervention.
"Boss," Kayoko began, her tone steady and matter-of-fact, "I'm assuming you didn't sanction this, but I need to confirm: we're not planning to attack our client, correct?"
"Of course not, Kayoko," Aru affirmed, her voice resolute.
Kayoko released a weary sigh and turned to Haruka. "You see?"
Without delay, Haruka dropped to her knees, her forehead making contact with the floor in a fervent display of contrition. "I'm sorry! I'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorryI'm sorry!" she repeated in a frantic stream, the rapid-fire apologies echoing through the room. Aru hurriedly joined her, attempting to coax Haruka to her feet, for she was inadvertently blocking the doorway. However, her efforts were interrupted by an unexpected observer.
Just then, a voice interjected, its tone calm and collected. "How frightening. Only a true outlaw could compel someone carrying a stash of C4 explosives to kneel and plead for forgiveness."
As Aru's gaze lifted to meet the speaker's, she found herself staring into a pair of piercing blue orbs, captivating in their intensity.
The man's appearance epitomized the archetype of an outlaw in Aru's mind. His slicked-back white hair exuded an air of effortless coolness, while his sharp gaze held a hint of danger, capable of rendering a person speechless with a single glance. His countenance, simultaneously cold and charming, struck Aru as eerily familiar—almost like a male counterpart to Kayoko.
The notion briefly flitted through Aru's mind: could this man possibly be related to Kayoko?
"Ojiichan! Ibuki knows what this is! This is Seppuku, isn't it?!" exclaimed a small girl, her voice brimming with excitement as she clambered onto the man's back.
In an instant, the image of the imposing outlaw was shattered by the infectious energy of the child, as she animatedly interacted with him.
The girl prattled on, her enthusiasm undiminished. "Are you rehearsing for a play? Ibuki wants to see what kind of performance you'll put on!" she chirped, darting over to join Haruka with unbridled energy.
"Eh, no, this is-" Haruka began, her expression troubled as she attempted in vain to prevent the girl from encroaching upon her space.
For someone as timid and insecure as Haruka, Ibuki's boundless energy and cheerfulness must have felt almost unbearable.
Wait, Ibuki?
Aru's gaze slowly shifted towards Kayoko. "Ibuki...as in that Ibuki? From the Pandemonium Society?"
Kayoko nodded, her eyes closed in a pained expression. "That Ibuki."
Aru's entire being turned white in that instant.
"W-w-w-w-w-what is she doing heeeeeerreee?!" Aru's internal scream was muffled, barely contained within her mind. She refused to embarrass herself in front of their unexpected guests.
"T-then, then, since Ibuki called this man Ojiichan...does that mean he's her grandfather?! B-but, he looks so young!" Aru mused silently as she scrutinized the man before her.
Kayoko, seemingly sensing Aru's thoughts, opened her mouth to respond, but she was preempted by another voice.
"Sensei?"
Aru and Kayoko turned toward the source of the interruption, only to find Mutsuki no longer lounging nonchalantly on Aru's desk.
"Yes?" Sensei replied, his gaze shifting to meet Mutsuki's, his expression calm yet slightly guarded.
"Oh, wow, it really is Sensei! What's a bigshot like you doing here?" Mutsuki inquired cheerfully
"Sensei?" Aru murmured in disbelief before realization struck. "Sensei?! As in the Sensei?!"
"That Sensei," Kayoko confirmed.
"K-Kayoko? When did you get to know Sparda-Sensei?" Aru's astonishment was evident in her voice.
"Well, before that...Boss, I think you should allow them in first. The situation is rather...complex," Kayoko advised cautiously.
"O-of course," Aru acquiesced, her mind racing with questions as she stepped aside to usher Sensei and Ibuki into the office.
o-0-o
As Sensei and Ibuki settled into the guest chairs, Aru's mind raced with self-critique. "What a blunder! To think I displayed my uncool side in front of Sensei and a member of the Pandemonium Society… No, no, I can still salvage this. I just need to demonstrate my true outlaw charm, and they'll surely forget that little sideshow. Yes, I can do this!" Aru silently bolstered her confidence.
"So…" Sensei interjected, breaking the silence. "You all seem to be acquainted with us, but allow me to reintroduce ourselves. This spirited young lady here is Ibuki," Sensei gestured towards Ibuki.
"Yaay~! Tanga Ibuki, nice to meet you all!" Ibuki exclaimed, her hand shooting up energetically.
"As for myself, I am Sparda, the Sensei from the Independent Federal Investigation Club, SCHALE. Though Kayoko has graciously offered us refuge, I would still like to seek your approval, as the leader…um…" Sensei's words trailed off as he locked eyes with Aru.
"Rikuhachima. I am Rikuhachima Aru, the leader of Problem Solver 68. It is truly an honor to finally meet the rumored Sensei," Aru stated confidently, her words laced with a hint of pride. Inwardly, she congratulated herself, "I did it! I managed to say it without flubbing it!"
"I see. Rikuhachima Aru…is it?" Sensei inquired, a warm smile gracing his features. "You have a truly wonderful name."
"Eek?!" Aru was taken aback, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Eh? What's this? It's unfair, isn't it? The contrast between his usual calm demeanor and that smile is simply too striking! Also, what's with that smooth host-like line?! Don't tell me… is Sensei secretly a host in a nightclub?" Aru's thoughts raced, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment.
"Anyway, Sensei," Aru began with a clearing of her throat, steeling herself for the conversation ahead, "I'm sure you've heard of us from Kayoko, but let me reiterate: we are willing to undertake any task our client requests, for the right price. Anything. If the compensation is adequate, we are prepared to delve into the depths of the underworld itself to fulfill your requirements," Aru concluded, her tone firm and unwavering.
"I...I said it!" Aru inwardly praised herself, a surge of satisfaction coursing through her. "I've always dreamed of delivering such a cool introduction! And to Sensei, no less! This should surely bolster my outlaw charm, right?" she mused, seeking affirmation within herself.
"I see...then, since we're embarking on an adventure while playing a game of hide-and-seek with the Pandemonium Society, would you be willing to assist us in evading them while I 'settle' some matters with them?" Sensei proposed, his gaze steady and unyielding.
"Evading the Pandemonium Society?" Aru echoed, her mind racing with possibilities. Then, a pang of remembrance struck her as she recalled her earlier oversight with the contract. "By the way, Sensei, while we are indeed prepared to undertake any task for a suitable compensation, that does not mean we will accept any job haphazardly. We must first ascertain the specifics of the assignment before proceeding further," she added, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.
"T-This is it!" Aru internally exclaimed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "This is what I should have done before signing that contract! Uuuuu! If only I could turn back time and rectify my mistake..." she lamented silently, a pang of remorse gnawing at her conscience.
A ripple of laughter broke through the tension, drawing Aru's attention to Mutsuki, who was chuckling heartily. "Kufufufu~, Aru-chan, you're trying too hard to act cool in front of Sensei!" Mutsuki teased, her laughter ringing through the room.
"M-Mutsuki!" Aru exclaimed in exasperation, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Aaaah! Why does she have to ruin my cool moments?" Aru inwardly lamented, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. However, her irritation was swiftly replaced by confusion as Mutsuki rose from her seat and approached her.
"Hey, Aru-chan?" Mutsuki began, leaning in to whisper into her ear.
"W-what?" Aru whispered back, her curiosity piqued by Mutsuki's sudden change in demeanor.
"It's fine, Aru-chan. Sensei's not going to deceive us," Mutsuki reassured her.
"Mutsuki?" Aru's brow furrowed in confusion, uncertain of Mutsuki's intentions.
"After all~, if he does, then he'd be outed as a kidnapper, right, Sensei?" Mutsuki quipped, directing her gaze towards Sensei with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Sensei twitched, caught off guard by Mutsuki's unexpected remark. Wait, kidnapper?
"What do you mean, kidnapper?" Aru's eyes narrowed as she turned her gaze to Sensei, seeking clarification.
"After all...Sensei is asking us to help him avoid the Pandemonium Society, right? While he's bringing along a member of that club~," Mutsuki pointed out, her tone tinged with mischief.
"I also haven't heard why you have Ibuki with you, Sensei," Kayoko interjected, her expression serious as she sought further explanation.
Sensei appeared conflicted for a moment, his features reflecting the weight of his internal deliberations, before he finally relented with a resigned sigh. "Alright, let me tell you what happened," he conceded.
And thus, Sensei recounted the sequence of events leading up to their encounter – how he found himself inadvertently caught up in the schemes of the Pandemonium Society, the president's attempts to coerce him into aiding her quest for world domination, and his subsequent 'kidnapping' of Ibuki as a retaliatory measure when they attempted to use her as leverage against him.
After Sensei finished recounting his tale, a moment of contemplative silence settled over the room, interrupted only by the soft exhale of breaths. However, the tranquility was swiftly disrupted by the unmistakable sound of Mutsuki's laughter.
"Ahaahahahahaaaa~! That's totally messed up! What a riot, Sensei!" Mutsuki chortled, unable to contain her amusement at the absurdity of the situation.
"I agree," Kayoko remarked with a measured sigh, her expression betraying a hint of disappointment. "Sensei, while I can empathize with your frustration dealing with that worthless raccoon, you're supposed to be the adult in this scenario. Why would you stoop so low as to impulsively react in the same manner as she would?" Kayoko questioned, her tone gentle yet firm, as she sought to understand Sensei's rationale behind his actions.
Sensei could only hang his head low, a palpable sense of regret weighing heavily upon him as he uttered, "I'm reflecting on my mistakes."
"You should be," Kayoko responded, her voice carrying a note of stern admonishment, a reflection of her disappointment in Sensei's lapse in judgment.
Meanwhile, the leader of Problem Solver 68 harbored a markedly different sentiment upon hearing Sensei's admission.
Aru's internal monologue erupted with excitement, her admiration for Sensei's audacious actions igniting a fervent sense of awe and reverence within her. "W-w-w-w-what a true outlaw!" she exclaimed inwardly, her admiration palpable. "To retaliate so daringly against the Pandemonium Society and administer a taste of their own medicine—how remarkable, how fearless! This is it! This is the epitome of what an outlaw is meant to embody!"
With stars shimmering in her eyes, Aru gazed at Sensei, her admiration evident in her expression, prompting Kayoko to approach her with a gentle hand placed on her shoulder.
"Boss," Kayoko began, her voice soft and gentle.
"W-what?" Aru turned to face her, curiosity etched into her features as she awaited Kayoko's explanation.
"I believe I understand what's running through your mind, but he's not quite the individual you perceive him to be. I can attest to that; I spent considerable time with him just a few days ago," Kayoko elaborated carefully.
"What do you mean?" Aru inquired, her interest piqued by Kayoko's cryptic statement.
"Let's just say...he's cut from the same cloth as you. Someone who always seems to attract trouble," Kayoko responded simply, her words carrying a weight of implication.
"I-I don't attract trouble!" Aru protested, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realized she had unwittingly drawn attention to herself, earning a perplexed glance from Sensei and Ibuki.
"A-anyway, Sensei," Aru coughed, attempting to regain her composure. "While you've certainly come to the right place for this kind of issue involving Gehenna," Aru began, striving to sound composed and collected, "unfortunately, we currently have our hands tied with a job in Abydos."
Sensei's interest was piqued at the mention of Abydos. "Abydos? How unexpected. I had plans to visit there myself this week before...well, before this..." Sensei's voice trailed off, his expression momentarily clouded by recollection. "But, if it's not feasible for you, I won't press the matter," he continued with a gracious nod. "Well, then, Ibuki, shall we depart? We shouldn't impose any further on these fine ladies."
"Okay, Ojiichan!" Ibuki chirped cheerfully, her enthusiasm undiminished.
As Sensei and Ibuki rose from their seats and made their way toward the exit, Sensei paused, casting a parting smile over his shoulder. "I wish you the best with your current assignment. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or visit SCHALE."
Aru flinched imperceptibly at Sensei's departing words. Just as they were on the brink of opening the door, she hesitated, a fleeting uncertainty flickering across her features. However, before she could act, Mutsuki interjected, raising her hand in a gesture that halted everyone in their tracks.
"Here! Here! Aru-chan, Mutsuki-chan has a suggestion!" Mutsuki exclaimed, her interruption bringing the group to a standstill.
"A...suggestion?" Aru echoed, her curiosity piqued by Mutsuki's mysterious proposal.
Mutsuki grinned mischievously. "Why don't we invite Sensei to join us? I mean, imagine the chaos that could ensue with Aru-chan's antics paired with Sensei's presence. It's bound to be quite the spectacle, don't you think?"
"Mutsuki!" Aru exclaimed.
"But it's not a bad idea, right?" Mutsuki persisted. "Sensei only needs our help to evade the Pandemonium Society, so bringing them to Abydos could work in our favor. We can fulfill our job while aiding Sensei and gain points with SCHALE at the same time. It's like hitting two birds with one stone, Aru-chan."
"T-that's..." Aru hesitated, contemplating Mutsuki's proposition. Indeed, it seemed plausible. Sensei had simply requested their assistance in evading the Pandemonium Society, and given his evident capabilities, Aru felt reassured that he could handle any potential threats.
Glancing toward Kayoko and Haruka, Aru sought their input. "Kayoko. Haruka. What are your thoughts?"
Haruka was the first to respond, her voice trembling with deference. "I-I-I-I'll support whatever decision you make, Aru-sama!"
"Likewise. I'll abide by your decision, Boss," Kayoko affirmed, her gaze shifting to Sensei. "But," she continued, her tone firm, "I do have one question, Sensei: what's your endgame here?"
"Kayoko, is it just me or are you glaring rather intensely at Sensei?" Aru interjected, puzzled by the intensity of Kayoko's stare.
"Well...considering we'd essentially be aiding in the abduction of the Pandemonium Society's mascot, I believe we're entitled to some clarification regarding Sensei's intentions," Kayoko explained, her tone unwavering.
Sensei released a weary sigh, gently guiding Ibuki back to her seat before addressing the group. "It's nothing too intricate, really. I simply..." He glanced at Ibuki, a tender smile gracing his features as he affectionately patted her head, eliciting a joyful giggle from the young girl. "We're planning to build a sandcastle together, aren't we, Ibuki?"
"Yep!" Ibuki chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect.
Sensei nodded, his expression softening. "Indeed. I just require a few moments of tranquility to complete our sandcastle. And, perhaps, I may extend an invitation to someone from the Pandemonium Society to engage in a civil and rational discussion while we're there."
"And that someone is?" Kayoko asked, curious.
Sensei's response was succinct. "Iroha."
"Wise choice," Kayoko remarked, nodding in agreement. "She's rational, alright."
Ibuki's eyes widened in excitement. "What? What? Are we inviting Iroha-Senpai, too, Ojiichan?" she asked eagerly. "Ibuki wants you to know, Iroha-Senpai is the cleverest person around! We can definitely make a great sandcastle with Iroha-Senpai's help!"
Sensei chuckled softly. "I have no doubt about that."
Kayoko turned to Aru, awaiting her decision. "So, what's your verdict, Boss?" she asked, her tone expectant.
Aru pondered for a moment, weighing the options before her. With a smirk, she delivered her answer.
o-0-o
"Well, that went better than I expected," Sparda murmured to himself as he assisted in loading the boxes of explosives into the truck that Kayoko had, ahem, "borrowed" from Gehenna Academy.
He hadn't known what to anticipate when Kayoko brought him to their base of operations, but thus far, the girls of Problem Solver 68 had proven to be quite agreeable.
Sure, there was that one girl - Haruka, if he recalled correctly - with striking purple eyes, tousled shoulder-length hair adorned with hair clips, and a stylish navy hat. Despite her hasty actions with the explosives, she seemed more like a typical nervous youngster eager to please her peers.
Then there was Mutsuki, who seemed to find amusement in everything. Her zest for life was a refreshing sight, indicating a youthful spirit that Sparda found quite uplifting.
Lastly, there was Aru herself. Sparda couldn't help but find her utterly charming. Despite her outward appearance as an outlaw, there was an undeniable innocence about her. Her mannerisms and demeanor were simply endearing, making it difficult for Sparda to view her as anything but sweet and caring.
Yes, they were all perfectly normal, healthy, and utterly charming students, in his eyes.
Sparda paused, a realization dawning on him. "I think... my perception of 'normal' has been thoroughly skewed."
A teasing voice interrupted his thoughts from behind. "Oh, really?" Spinning around, he found himself face to face with Mutsuki. "I'm curious, Sensei. What does your idea of 'normal' even look like?"
"First and foremost, instead of getting entangled in gunfights and similar activities, you girls would be attending school and focusing on your studies," Sparda declared.
"Booo~! That sounds soooo dull!" Mutsuki groaned, her expression a playful pout.
"Perhaps. I never had the opportunity to attend one myself, so I can't say for certain," Sparda admitted with a chuckle. "Oh, by the way, thank you for your assistance earlier."
"Hmm~? I didn't really do anything, though," Mutsuki responded, tilting her head in confusion.
"If you hadn't said what you said back then, we might not be having this conversation now," Sparda acknowledged with gratitude.
Mutsuki chuckled. "Kufufu~, Sensei, you're giving me too much credit. I'm just here to have a good time, after all."
"Is that so?" Sparda's voice held a trace of amusement. "Anything else you need from me?"
"Here," Mutsuki offered him a sleek black handgun. "I noticed you don't carry firearms, so you might need this."
"To be offered a handgun by a student... Truly unexpected," Sparda commented as he accepted the weapon. "Thank you."
"It's no big deal, Sensei. Besides… I'm eager to witness your gun-fu skills in action again. Kufufu~ Can't wait!" Mutsuki said cheerfully before heading back towards the office.
Alone now, Sparda couldn't help but murmur, "What an intriguing thing to say, right, Arona?"
There was no reply.
"Arona?" Sparda checked his uniform's inner pocket, growing slightly anxious as he realized what he was missing.
"Oh, right," he mumbled, remembering that he had left the Schittim Chest and his phone on a table back at SCHALE.
How would he reach out to Iroha now? Or, more importantly, how upset would Arona be with him that he forgot about her?
o-0-o
In the command center of the Prefect Team room at Gehenna Academy, two restless students awaited updates from the Pandemonium Society regarding the turmoil and commotion stirring within their ranks.
One of them, with her long silver hair styled in twin tails adorned with black bows, stood beside her counterpart, a girl characterized by her striking shoulder-length ashen blue hair and matching eyes. The latter wore a black headband, embellished with a red and black ribbon, fastened elegantly to the right side.
These two individuals were none other than Shiromi Iori and Amau Ako, respectively.
Following the departure of the Head Prefect, Hina, to assess the unfolding situation firsthand, Ako had spirited Iori away to assist in gathering vital information. Despite Iori's protests that Chinatsu would have been the better choice for the task at hand, Ako remained steadfast in her decision, arguing that Chinatsu's temperament made her better suited to aid Chairwoman Hina, being more patient and level-headed than Iori.
"And do you consider yourself patient and level-headed, Ako-chan?" Iori quipped, unable to resist a teasing jab.
Ako's gaze sharpened, her tone taking on a hint of menace as she replied, "What was that, Iori?"
"N-nothing," Iori stammered nervously, backpedaling at the sudden shift in Ako's demeanor.
As Ako's frustration simmered, she found herself biting her nail in agitation.
"Those dumb raccoons..." Ako muttered, her voice tinged with irritation. "They know they're inept at everything except for causing headaches for Chairwoman Hina. But to be this foolish... The Prefect Team is clearly the most capable of handling whatever mess they've stirred up, yet they dare withhold information from us?"
"You're letting your emotions get the best of you, Ako-chan," Iori remarked, her tone tinged with concern.
Ako was on the verge of snapping back at Iori, but before she could, the door swung open, and a member of the Prefect Team rushed in, panting heavily.
"Senior Administrator Ako! Field Captain Iori! I have urgent news to report," the girl gasped out between breaths.
"What is it? Have you discovered anything significant?" Ako inquired, her frustration momentarily overshadowed by the urgency of the situation.
The girl handed her tablet to Ako with a sense of urgency. "Please, take a look at this. It's footage from a nearby parking lot taken two hours ago."
Ako and Iori peered at the screen, observing a trio consisting of a girl with white hair, a man with slicked-back white hair, and a young girl with lopsided twintails.
"Wait... aren't they..." Ako trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper, but Iori swiftly seized the tablet from her.
"Sensei? That's him, isn't it?" Iori exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What's he doing here?"
Ako snatched the tablet back, her brows furrowing in concern.
Ako's thoughts raced as she processed the implications of the footage. "Sensei? Are we talking about SCHALE's Sensei?" she queried, seeking validation from Iori.
Iori's response was solemn, a simple nod conveying volumes. "Yes, that's him."
Returning her focus to the screen, Ako's expression shifted to one of contemplation. "He's accompanied by Ibuki from the Pandemonium Society... and the third person is... oh? What mischief could Kayoko-san be orchestrating this time?"
As the footage unfolded, revealing the trio boarding a truck and speeding off, Ako's mind worked overtime, piecing together the puzzle involving SCHALE, the Pandemonium Society, and Problem Solver 68.
"SCHALE... Pandemonium Society... Problem Solver 68..." Ako mused aloud, her tone tinged with concern.
"Ako-chan?" Iori's voice snapped her out of her reverie.
"Do we have any information on the truck's destination?" Ako inquired urgently.
"Y-yes! Approximately 38 minutes ago, the same truck was spotted heading towards Abydos!" the girl replied.
Ako's breath hitched in her throat. "SCHALE... Pandemonium Society... Problem Solver 68... Abydos!" she exclaimed, connecting the dots.
"Iori, get ready to move out. I'll inform the Head Prefect of our target's location," Ako instructed briskly.
"To where?" Iori questioned.
"Where else? Abydos."
o-0-o
End of Chapter
A/N: Next chapter...a meeting of fate will occur in Shiba Seki Ramen.