"This is bad!"
Shido and the others immediately felt the seriousness of the situation. Yoshinon was Yoshino's emotional anchor; without it, she might have become deeply unstable. Shido debated whether he should step in, even if it meant getting scolded, to retrieve the puppet for Yoshino.
However, Yoshino reacted differently than expected. Instead of crying or causing a scene, she bowed her head. "I... I'm sorry... I shouldn't have done this. I caused trouble for the teacher." Although her eyes glimmered faintly with tears, she still held them back, her pitiful appearance evoking sympathy.
"Well," Kuriu softened slightly upon seeing her reaction, "at least you know how to admit your mistakes. But this kind of thing doesn't belong in class. I'll hold onto it for now and return it after class."
"O-okay," Yoshino replied, her gaze fixed on the now-lifeless Yoshinon. "Please don't handle it roughly."
"Yoshino," Shido thought, seeing her composed reaction. "She's really grown up. If this were before, it could've turned into a big mess. She's become much braver now."
Suddenly, the disguised Miku strode angrily up to Kuriu. "How can you treat such a sweet girl like this? Hand the puppet back to her immediately!" She wrapped her arms around Yoshino protectively. "There, there, don't cry. Let me comfort you."
"Please… don't hurt me," Yoshino said softly, recognizing the person as Miku. She shook her head. "This was my fault. I'll listen to the superintendent's instructions."
"Yoshino, you're such a good girl," Natsumi said, turning her attention to Kuriu. "But you, stop bullying her!"
"I've had enough of this nonsense!" Kuriu's face turned even darker. "In all my years in education, I've never seen such brazen defiance from students. It's clear this school needs a thorough overhaul."
The students and Tama-chan froze, their expressions grim. They knew exactly what Kuriu's words implied—he might request a special reform committee to oversee the school, turning it into a virtual prison for the students.
Natsumi and the others glowered with dissatisfaction, but before anyone could respond, a sultry voice echoed from the doorway.
"My, my. Who's been bullying our dear Yoshino?"
Everyone turned to see a girl with jet-black hair like polished obsidian, alabaster skin that seemed translucent, and lips curved into a crescent-shaped smile.
"And who might you be?" Kuriu asked, suppressing his anger out of courtesy.
"I'm Kurumi Tokisaki, Yoshino's sister," she replied, her eyes glinting dangerously. "I heard someone was giving my little sister a hard time. Would you happen to know anything about that?"
"Kurumi, don't stir the pot!" Shido called out, his anxiety growing. He was stunned by her sudden appearance but knew this was not the time to focus on that.
"Tokisaki?" Tama-chan blinked in surprise, recognizing her.
"Shido, Teacher, please leave this matter to me," Kurumi said with a sweet smile.
"You?" Kuriu's composure faltered slightly as a chill ran down his spine.
"Superintendent Kuriu, correct?" Kurumi said, her tone playful. "I've heard you're quite strict with students, unwilling to let even minor infractions slide."
"That's correct. Only by maintaining high standards can students improve," Kuriu stated firmly.
"And how do you handle your own mistakes, Superintendent?" Kurumi asked, her voice taking on an edge.
"What do you mean?"
"Surely you haven't forgotten what you did a few days ago, have you?"
"What… are you talking about?" Kuriu's expression tightened with unease.
"Let me remind you," Kurumi whispered so only he could hear, "hosting several men at your house for a 'group activity.' Quite the hobby you have, Superintendent. Don't tell me you've forgotten?"
"How do you know about that?" Kuriu stammered, his face pale.
"I know everything," Kurumi said with a mischievous smile. In truth, she had obtained the information from a Ratatoskr subordinate.
"What's your goal here?"
"Simple. Let's not pursue any of the unusual incidents in today's open class."
Kuriu hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "I admit my actions could ruin my reputation," he said, "but I still stand by my belief that students must be strictly disciplined, and all inappropriate behaviors must be eradicated."
"Oh?"
"However, today I'll turn a blind eye to these matters," Kuriu conceded.
"Now that's a smart decision," Kurumi said, her smile widening.
Raising his voice, Kuriu addressed Yoshino. "My earlier actions may have been harsh, but they were for your own good. Please focus on your studies. Here, take your puppet back, but try not to play with it during class."
He handed Yoshinon back to Yoshino.
"Now that's more like it," Natsumi said.
"Thank you, Superintendent," Yoshino said, slipping Yoshinon onto her hand.
As soon as Yoshinon came to life again, it exclaimed, "I'm back! Being grabbed by that old man was pure torture!"
Kuriu bristled but restrained himself upon seeing Kurumi's icy gaze.
Yoshinon pinched Yoshino's cheek. "Did you miss me while I was gone?"
"A little," Yoshino admitted. "But I'm stronger now. Even without you, I won't cry."
"You've really grown, Yoshino."
"Yes, I'm not a crybaby anymore," Yoshino replied confidently.
Watching her chat with her puppet as though nothing had happened, Kuriu felt a bead of sweat drip down his temple. He stood and opened his mouth to speak.
"And what would you like to say now?" Kurumi asked, her tone dangerously calm.
"I, uh," Kuriu faltered, realizing he was about to stir trouble again. "I meant to say… let's begin the class. Right, Teacher?"
"Y-yes, yes!"
Tama-chan quickly nodded. She had also been on edge, sweating profusely. Relieved that the situation had de-escalated, she sighed in relief and prepared to start the class. Just how much time did they waste by doing all these sorts of nonsense? She felt like going home already.