This chapter is updated by Novels.pl
For the Magicians dealing with the depressing mood from the aftermath of the terrorism, yesterday's Valentine's Day was a long-awaited day for the Magic High School and Magic University students to safely show their feelings.
However, the ti they could be intoxicated in such an atmosphere, was only a day.
Friday, February 15th 2097 A.D. What all Magicians, high school students, university students, civilians at large and people related to magic feared, finally co to a head.
No perhaps it should be said that it had co to start.
At 11 A.M. in the morning, in front of the Magic University main gates. The demonstration by the anti-magician organization, included plans to break through the university gates with brute force and engage the police there.
As a bank for vast amounts of intelligence pertaining to national defense, entry into the Magic University was already tightly controlled for unrelated personnel. The police stopping the forced entry by demonstrators was not them siding with the magicians but a matter of national policy.
However, the people holding negative sentints against the Magicians failed to understand this. Or, rather, they did understand but purposely chose to misinterpret the situation. So of the demonstrators made use of their strength, falling to violence.
Initially, they were knocking against the policen in groups. Upon being pushed back by the police officers, they intentionally fell down, construing themselves as victims of abuse of authority. Subsequently, what followed was only to be expected.
"Ahh Those guys, so they've finally started."
Looking at the news displayed on the large screen in the canteen, Leo said this helplessly.
"They're too much, honestly"
It's unclear if it was accidental or planned but after pulling out those over-excited protesters waving the demonstration cards around, even the other protesters started throwing stones at the police officers-Mikihiko frowned upon seeing this. (The road leading up to the Magic University gates didn't actually have stones, the stones were picked up by demonstrators from the weed-proofing sheet by the tree, then thrown)
The broadcast cut to a live feed of the thugs among the demonstrators being pulled aside.
"The number of people arrested so far is 24. Is that number large? Or small?"
This question was raised by Masaki, who had joined Tatsuya's lunch group, since he did not know the situation in the capital.
"Compared to the number from the anti-war protest before, the number is small, but compared to recent events it can be considered on the larger side."
Tatsuya answered Masaki's question.
"However, Tatsuya. It looks like the number of people throwing stones compared to before has doubled."
Without thinking, Honoka interjected. She has, these few days, been very enthusiastic.
"If they wanted to arrest everyone present there, the police would need many more officers there."
"Even if they can't arrest them on the spot imdiately, the caras on the streets would have captured them. Hence there's no need to be anxious, arrests can be made after the fact as well."
Having relatives who were police officers, as well as having lots of fellow disciples affiliated with the police, Erika followed up on Tatsuya's comnt.
"Eh? Erika, that, is that your brother?"
Zealously watching the news, Leo queried Erika while staring at the screen.
However when everyone's eyes turned to the screen, the feed had already cut to the reporter.
"Those should be counted as civil law cris too Plus it's a case related to magicians, I'm afraid he was probably called here to deal with the thugs."
Actually having discovered Toshikazu even earlier than Leo, Erika replied indifferently.
Although not really out of consideration for the brother and sister's poor relationship, Mikihiko changed the subject.
"Exactly how many people here participated in the protest?"
"Neither the police nor the dia has released the numbers"
As Mizuki said, the governnt not releasing the number of protestors was already sothing to be expected for a long ti. As for the dia, they could have analyzed the pictures taken from above in the air to roughly approximate numbers but perhaps out of consideration for the police, they did not do a report on the total numbers. As for the organizers' published numbers, nobody would believe them.
"From the pictures on television, it's probably about 200 people, plus minus."
"So in total, about 300, 400 It might be more than 500 people."
In reply to Tatsuya's estimates, Masaki inferred the scale of the protests before sighing.
"People have the freedom to think for themselves, but despite that, for the side being viewed as enemies, it's really disheartening to see this."
"I feel the sa."
Responding to Masaki's complaints, Miyuki concurred. In the next second, Erika angrily shouted "What!?".
On the television feed, lawyers were criticizing the actions of the police in making the arrests.
"What's with 'This is encroaching on the freedom of speech'! 'Freedoms of assembly and association must be respected as well'!? That's a failed attempt at illegal entry and obstruction of performing of public service!"
"Although I agree with what Erika said the number of people giving the sa excuses as those lawyers is probably substantial."
Nobody refuted Mikihiko's ominous prediction.
"Inagaki-kun, are you alright?"
Toshikazu asked with an expression that did not show much concern, "I'm fine."
Inagaki replied with a dishonest attitude.
In actuality, the news broadcasted yesterday at noon had been purposely cut and edited to beco that video.
In the video feed, police officers were suppressing the thugs who were using the demonstration cards as weapons. However, in the midst of that, in order to prevent onlookers from entering the driveway, the police had set up a human wall but were instead beaten up by so thug wielding a blunt instrunt.
Perhaps they were trying to rescue their companions who were arrested.
That thug was caught by one of the alert plainclothes police officers mixed in with the crowd of onlookers, it just so happened to be Inagaki.
Because Inagaki had used magic while capturing the thug, the man was still in a state where he could not be questioned.
Hence, his ties to the group of protestors was still unclear till now. Although it couldn't be concluded that they were definitely connected.
The assailant with the hidden weapon could have been related to the anti-magic protests, but no one reported as such, yet it could also be seen as not letting the thugs be seen as connected to the protests by viewers. Such intentions were obvious.
The police officer who was almost assaulted sustained no injuries because of Inagaki. Inagaki, who protected him, however, though luckily not suffering any fractures, had pretty serious bruises left on his hands. Most importantly, however, injuries of this degree were very common in the Chiba dojo.
Moreover, Inagaki was also one who was able to beco the next head's left and right hand man through his ability. He was only forced to receive the blow with his hands in order to protect the police officer as well as the onlookers around from being hit by the blunt weapon, yet he was able to cleverly dodge in a such a way as to prevent heavy injuries.
From Toshikazu's perspective, there was so obvious swelling in another spot.
"Eh? Inagaki-kun, was your head hit too?"
Toshikazu, surprised, asked Inagaki who was holding his forehead while frowning. The parts hit by the thug should have only been the wrists. For soone with Inagaki's level of skill, it was impossible to be hit when catching soone by surprise.
"No, while listening to the police inspector's story my head started to hurt"
"You It seems like you once again need to properly relearn to be respectful to people with a different rank."
After that short spurt of verbal abuse, Toshikazu said "If you are feeling unwell, it's fine to go ho" while leaving his side. Lately Toshikazu had seen Inagaki perform that gesture of grasping his head many tis. This ti, he tried to distract him from it with a joke but Toshikazu truly felt worried for Inagaki.
That night, there was a fairly intense conversation about the incident on the news with both people in favor of and against Magicians. That was not to say that there was a specific program where both pro-magicians and anti-magicians debated each other. On various channels, fairly heated debates started happening.
Carrying on the tradition of using channels in the analogue broadcasting ti period, the famous congressman, Kanda, harshly criticized the way the police handled the situation.
"The demonstrators did go a bit too far, however, it is clear that the police went too far by haphazardly arresting people. The police officers were equipped with both helts and shields, and were perfectly prepared to defend themselves. Not a single police officer got hurt in the confrontation with the demonstrators."
"To be fair, one of the police officers in plain clothing received a beating. However, that police officer who did not have anything get broken and only got bruises, retaliated against normal citizens by using magic to attack. That was clearly excessive when taking into account the power of a magician's attack."
"I think that police officers should be even more cautious when using magic than when using guns. I am against the use of magic in all situations. I plan to propose a bill to the parliant to increase restrictions on the use of magic and the punishnt for it. I want Magicians to first ask for the approval of a superior before being allowed to use magic."
During the broadcast of the cable and the internet Culture Communication Television Network, Cal-net, Congressman Ueno, who advocated for the rights of Magicians, calmly answered the casts questions who wanted to remove the rights of magicians.
"Since the beginning, the Magic Universities have been severely restricting outsiders from freely coming and going. They deal with a lot of research for the country and important requests for national defense. They did not respond harshly to the anti-magic doctrine demonstrators."
"The demonstrators did not only swing around tal placards as weapons, but they also threw stones. In that situation, it was likely that not only the students from the Magic University would've gotten hurt, the people passing by as well could have gotten hurt. The police cannot evade the claims of negligence when they left the insurgents from the anti-magic doctrine alone previously."
"Currently there are already strict rules on the use of magic. In this incident, the detectives complied completely with those rules while arresting the perpetrators. On top of that, they had to bind the legs and feet of those people because they interfered with their duty of protecting the safety of citizens. If they had not done that, I think that the citizens could have gotten hurt."
"It has been scientifically proven that completely overpowering people by way of magic is safer than by using gas or a stun gun. It would be a loss for society if the public were to see magic techniques as the enemy. It is rely superstitious."
Kouichi had an expression that looked like a teacher who was grading the exam of an average student while watching the broadcast together with Mayumi.
"Only congressman Ueno seems composed. I wondered if he would bring up any more extre claims."
While being forced to watch the broadcast together, Mayumi responded with a murmur without trying to hide her displeasure.
"Do you think that Ueno-sensei's argunt is bad?"
Kouichi turned an amused look to his eldest daughter, Mayumi, through his lightly tinted glasses.
"Congressman Kanda is a clown, however, it seems like it's beco more common for the audience to take such exaggerated speakers more seriously. It is the mark of a childish and idiotic know-it-all to decide things from an emotional speech, but the general public conveniently stops thinking and joins in on the surge of emotions. It is a shrewd thod, but I think that person can easily deal with the situation."
"I also think that Ueno-sensei is playing the crowd in a rather lackluster way."
"He is expected to cool things down, not rile people up. Both parties should try to calm the situation."
Mayumi frowned after hearing the words of her father who normally did not say anything bad about people.
"What should we do now, father?"
"First, we observe. It was unexpected of Cal-net to be on our side, however, let's see if they call out that actress this ti."
"That actress? Could it be you are talking about Sawamura Maki-san?"
Mayumi hadn't heard that her father knew who was backing that perforr. Speaking of that prominent actress, it had not occurred to her that Sawamura Maki had visited this house last year in April.
"Yes. I know about her."
"I don't really know a lot about her So, why see if they call out Sawamura Maki-san?"
"She is the daughter of the Culture Communication Network's chairman."
"Ah, so it is like that."
Mayumi responded in a relatively sweet tone to the revelation of her father.
After having watched the sa broadcast with the politicians' performances, Takuma called up Maki.
"Oh, Takuma. Is sothing the matter?"
Maki seemingly sounded like she had been surprised by the sudden call. If it had been the Takuma from a year ago, he would've probably said sothing like "Don't play dumb with " in an unhappy voice. However, even if those were still his real feelings, he seed to be able to hide them now.
"Sorry for calling at this hour. I wanted to give you my thanks."
"Your thanks?"
While hearing the doubt in her voice, Takuma was able to hear so slight noises in the background.
"If you are in the middle of work right now"
"I'm in between photoshoots so I don't mind. So what is it?"
Even though Maki was laughing Takuma did not want to trouble her, so he kept it short.
"Congressman Ueno was on your cable network. The host also seed quite favorable to Magicians. Was that your doing? I'm honestly thankful."
"What for sothing like that?"
Maki let out a disappointed laughing voice.
"It is true that I advised my father to not take an anti-magic stance, but that wasn't just because of your request, you know. There have been so new developnts, and if you don't keep up with them, you could lose profits. Father is an entrepreneur so he just made so calculations. We also did a favor for Ueno-sensei so you really don't need to thank .
"You still helped
out, I'm truly grateful."
"Is that so? If that's the case, then I look forward to you returning the favor."
"Ah, you can ask
anything."
Takuma apologized once more for bothering her during work before hanging up.
It might be obvious, but a lot of people were also unhappy because the mass dia didn't take a one-sided stance on anti-magicians.
The fugitive, Gu Jie wasn't only unhappy, but he was also impatient.
The main goal for his act of terrorism was to entangle the Ten Master Clans and the citizens, changing the public's opinion so that Magicians would be seen as enemies. Gu Jie also predicted that the Japanese magicians who got cornered by this change in public opinion would evade criticism by using the Ten Master Clans as a scapegoat. His plan was to then use the Ten Master Clans to remove the Yotsuba Family from society.
Dividing the Magicians was certainly effective in creating an opening against the Ten Master Clans, but at the mont, Gu Jie realized that things would quiet down before anything could happen.
"Like this, there is no aning to it. It is not over until I make those people who have stolen my revenge from
suffer like I did."
43 years earlier, Gu Jie was driven out of his holand by a single failure. He, who held great power and fa for an Ancient Magician, lost everything in a short ti and got erased socially.
In the middle of his heart being torn by humiliation, Gu Jie swore that he would take revenge.
He wanted to thrust the Magicians of the Kunlunfang Institute era who exiled him into the sa wretched circumstances that he experienced and laugh at their grief and resentnt.
He couldn't think of another way to avenge himself.
However, enacting his revenge beca impossible. The people whom he wanted to take revenge on were crushed by the Yotsuba.
Having lost the target of his vengeance, having his opportunity stolen, he turned to those responsible.
To banish the Yotsuba from society just like he once was.
"I won't kill them. I don't want to kill them. It would be best if they lived miserably crawling through the mud."
The suicide bombing attack was the final plan for that purpose.
To deny the usefulness and contribution from the Yotsuba, the Ten Master Clans and all of the Japanese Magicians, to steal their status, their honor and pride from that place.
After he could witness that pitiful sight, he would only want to find a quiet place to die. However, if that plan failed, he wouldn't concoct another plan. He did not plan to rot while he was bringing his revenge to fruition.
At any rate, he needed to get out of this country at once. He did not have the ti to slowly plan for his next attack. Gu Jie was aware that he only had a small amount of ti left.
The reason why Gu Jie could continue to escape was thanks to the many connections that Zhou Gongjin, who lived all over the place, had prepared.
Not being able to quickly use Hliskjlf was a serious wound, however, Gu Jie had always thought that it was dangerous to rely heavily on that tool. He should rely more on his blood companion than that unidentified tool. He reaffird that belief yet again.
Ti was ticking so he wouldn't spend ti erasing his tracks, and for the purpose of leaving the country as fast as possible, he needed strong pawns under his own control. It wouldn't do if their potential wasn't higher than the reinforced magicians he had stolen from the Japanese army.
Gu Jie then rembered that his familiar had carved a seal on a pupil from a magic clan with high potential.
The person's character wasn't an issue, and it seems like it would be fine if that person from that clan beca my puppet'.
By using that pupil as bait, he could fish for his teacher. Gu Jie continued working out his plan.
Saturday, February 16th. The anti-Magic Association held another demonstration today. However, this ti, the target wasn't the Magic University. Their course was heading from the central governnt agencies to the National Parliant. Unlike yesterday, no one turned violent.
However, that didn't an that they did not cause any trouble. There was an incident 400 kiloters west of Tokyo that occurred at Second High in Nishinomiya. Two high schoolers were attacked by anti-Magicians on their way back from school.
"Onii-sama?"
"Tatsuya-san?"
Having heard of the incident, Tatsuya returned to First High and was greeted by the surprised voices of Miyuki and Honoka.
"I ca back after hearing about the incident at Second High." Tatsuya dispelled their questions in a single sentence.
"What are the details of the incident?" And, moreover, returned a single question.
"The female students were attacked by hoodlums on the way back from school, however, they were safe thanks to other students rushing over to help them. rely by being repelled, the hoodlums were fairly severely wounded because the students mistook the strength of their magic. By the way, Minami-chan is connecting to the audio conference channel of Second High."
Just as Miyuki finished her explanation to Tatsuya, Minami reported that she had connected to the line of the president.
Nodding to Minami, Miyuki talked into the microphone.
"First High Student Council President, Shiba Miyuki, here. Second High, can you hear ?"
"Second High Student Council Vice-President, Kudou Minoru, here. I can hear you loud and clear."
The voice that responded through the speakers belonged to the person with whom they perford a joint operation with last fall at Nara, Kyoto.
"Minoru-kun, you beca Second High's Vice-President, right?"
"Yes, surprisingly, it seems like I beca the Vice-President. By the way Miyuki-san, won't you switch your video connection on?"
"Eh, I don't mind."
It was good manners to not start a video eting from the start. It speaks for itself that suddenly connecting to a cara on the corner of a terminal could sotis be embarrassing.
Before long the conversation was switched to video after initially having connected by voice. After less than a second, Minoru's face was reflected on the large screen inside the Student Council Room.
The sound of people taking deep breaths could be heard around the room many tis.
The mbers who did not go on the preliminary inspection or went to the thesis competition saw Minoru's face. Be that as it may, a beautiful face on par with Miyuki's from the opposite sex was enough to overwhelm the girls apart from Miyuki.
Minoru lightly opened his eyes because he was surprised after seeing Tatsuya in the Student Council Room of First High. Minoru had heard from his family that Tatsuya was assisting in the search for the terrorists. However, he knew that it wouldn't be appropriate to ask him any questions about that now.
"This is sudden, however, Vice-President Kudou."
Since she was talking to the Student Council of another school, Miyuki used her best tone of voice to ask a question.
"Could you tell
the details of the attack that happened to one of your school's students?"
"Certainly, President Shiba."
Minoru also responded in a tone of voice fitting for the Vice-President of Second High.
"About an hour before now on the way from our school to the station, first-year female students from this school got surrounded by 6 n who appeared to be around 20 years old."
Having heard that story, the mbers of the Student Council, the Chairman of the Public Morals Committee, as well as a female mber from the Public Morals Committee all knitted their brows at the sa ti.
"The n started preaching Humanism' doctrine to the girls in a loud voice. Only God is allowed to perform acts of miracles, everything that twists the established natural providence of God is an act of the Devil. Humans must live rely by the power that has been given to them' they proclaid."
Thus, hearing the claims of the religious assailants, it beca clear that they were a cult that distorted the ideology of existing religions.
The students repeatedly and firmly asked them to step aside, however, the n did not release them from their encirclent. The students used the cri prevention buzzer on their portable terminal and one of the n then proceeded to try and confiscate her terminal. The situation then turned into a scuffle.
The functionality of the cri prevention buzzer included in the portable terminal is not only limited to letting out a loud sound. It also had the functionality to call the ergency number along with information about their location. It was easy to understand the reason why the n tried to obstruct the use of the buzzer.
"Having heard the disturbance, other students ca running over. Three first-year students and one second-year student. The second-year student pushed his way through the wall created by the assailants, and the first- year students followed through the gap he created, then they got into a brawl with the cult followers. Their opponents were larger and on top of that, it seems like they also knew Chinese martial arts. At the mont that the second year student got knocked down, the girls from the first year finished their magic and made the cult followers powerless."
"How were the injuries?"
"The second-year student's nose was broken, his eardrum got ruptured, his ribs got cracked and he had internal bleeding in various places in his body. There was also damage to his internal organs, it seems like a fairly serious injury. One male first year student broke his collarbone and another one got a concussion. It seems like he took a blow to the back of his head. No other male or female student seems to have any other injury that stood out."
"How about their opponents?"
"The magic used was Spark' and Press'. One person's pulse beca irregular because the effect of Spark', while another person fell down, hit his head and cut the inside of his mouth, so it seems like he also broke a tooth. The rest got so bruises and scratches from being pushed down by Press'."
"I heard that the side of the criminals bore serious injuries, however, but isn't the second year student the one with more serious injuries?"
Minoru showed a slightly bitter smile because of Miyuki's remark.
He regained his composure and the bitterness disappeared from his smile.
"The irregular pulse right after having received the magic attack seed quite severe Even though I know that so people's blood pressures easily beco irregular, the degree of the damage caused by the electrical attack was unknown before investigating. I think that turned into the story of A severe injury'."
The reaction of the First High students was separated in those who felt relief and those who let out a bitter smile.
Incidentally, Miyuki was in the group who felt relief and Tatsuya in the group that let out a bitter smile.
"If that is the case, it does not seem like the first year students went too far in their self-defense, right?"
"Now the President and one of the Vice-Presidents are going to the police together with a teacher. I can't confirm if they know if they will return but it probably shouldn't be a problem right?"
"Is that so. Well then, could you please inform
of the result when the president cos back? Just sending an email is enough."
"Understood. I will inform you by email."
"Please do, Vice-President Kudou."
"Yes, certainly. Well then President Shiba, no, Miyuki-san. I'll be taking my leave."
"Yes. Farewell Minoru-kun."
Cutting of the television eting switch, Miyuki turned her head towards Tatsuya.
"Onii-sama, it is as you heard. Like Minoru-kun said, it seems like using magic for self-defense is still a delicate subject."
"Even if it's not deed to be a cri this ti, the problem of whether it's appropriate or not still remains, right? There is no clear standard yet for the degree of magic use that is allowed for varying degrees of danger. Worst case scenario, the use of magic could be altogether forbidden by a judge."
"Shiba-senpai, isn't that too unreasonable? If such a ruling were to happen, wouldn't that an that in the end, magicians don't even have the right to defend themselves?"
Izumi rebutted after Tatsuya's pessimistic prediction.
"It would be fine to use thods of self-defense not involving magic."
However, when Shizuku presented her hypothesis, Izumi was not able to make a new objection.
Having heard the answers of Minoru, the regular eting ca to a close. After returning ho, Tatsuya sat down at the dining table.
"Seeing how much damage was done to both sides, will they realize it was a legitimate case of self-defense?"
"Yes it's not clear yet. I feel like Onii-sama's prediction from earlier really hit the mark."
Tatsuya and Miyuki both had the sa worry. Finding the right criteria to set limits on Magician could lead to a judge outright forbidding the use of magic for self-defense, purely based on his ideological standpoint.
"I think it would require so ti to request clearly written rules about using magic as self-defense through the Magic Association. Assuming that it would be granted."
With regards to existing laws, removing the cases where the use of magic was allowed for the duties of governnt officials and civilians who acted as agents for official business, it was actually fairly ambiguous. If there was a situation where there was an urgent need for the public good, the interpretation of the wording becos quite broad.
That is, historically, when magicians have been used as a tool by the governnt. the governnt had freely used magic to preserve public order and quell disasters, and thus the regulations were fairly equivocal.
However, this ti, it would beco clear if it was insufficient to protect a single magician.
If Magicians hadn't beco a tool for the country, chaos could have very well taken hold by this juncture.
"It is not certain that First High's students won't be targeted. Minami."
"Yes, Tatsuya-sama."
Minami who stood in the kitchen entered the dining room after Tatsuya called out to her.
"Minami, when I'm not close to Miyuki, try to do as many things together with her, if possible. Try to not leave her side even more than you have been before."
"Yes."
"From now on, try not to receive any magical attacks and don't use any magic that would injure your opponents. Also avoid Reflection'."
"However, Tatsuya-sama. Even Isolation' reflects the strength of an attack to the original caster. Using it together with Deceleration' with my amount of magic power will lower the duration of my shield remarkably."
Alongside Minami's objection, Miyuki ca to help. "Onii-sama. What if I take charge of Deceleration'?" However, Tatsuya's reaction was not positive.
"No In that situation your magic power would erode Minami's shield. You would also be splitting your concentration between the control of my seal. In that situation, small adjustnts would be difficult right?"
"That is I don't deny that"
Miyuki responded disappointedly.
"Anyways, being the next Head of the Yotsuba Family, it would be bad if you used magic on civilians. Leave everything to Minami."
Watching Miyuki nod, Tatsuya returned his gaze to Minami.
"If a situation occurs where it seems that Miyuki will be attacked, wherever you are, I will co dashing over as fast as I can. Therefore, just try and hold out until I get there."
"Understood. I will leave it to you, Tatsuya-sama."
Honestly speaking, the difficulty of Tatsuya's request was fairly high. However, above maid work, the protection of Miyuki was more important.
Minami nodded resolutely to Tatsuya.
Despite it finally being Sunday, I had to et that annoying guy in the morning
Thought Erika as she returned from her long run. Just then, her older brother, Toshikazu, was going out and she t him by the gate.
It did not seem like Toshikazu was going out to play. He was in his work clothes, a coat and a suit. However, Erika did not think this was suspicious. It was not an exaggeration to say that the work of a detective didn't stop on a Sunday. Or, at least, the detectives affiliated with the Chiba Family all felt that way.
Without saying anything or looking at him, she tried to sneak past him. "Erika."
Nevertheless, she was still stopped just as she had anticipated.
Erika didn't like this brother who was from another mother. And, thus, wasn't also good at dealing with her father.
She still rembered being knocked down ti and ti again until she couldn't stand up again from her childhood during practice.
She got irritated rembering the various tis where she got ridiculed in a joking voice. It was frustrating to her that his words accurately revealed the hidden thoughts in her heart.
Wishing it wasn't such a thorn in her heart, Erika wondered what he needed from her. Since becoming a high school student, she had abandoned trying to reconcile things.
"What is it?"
The most Erika could do was to look at him with a pouting face. "There's sothing I want you to listen to."
However, the usual sarcasm didn't co. "So, what is it?"
She still thought her tone of voice was angry but her pouting face disappeared while she answered the question.
Toshikazu was not concerned by Erika's rebellious attitude. He felt like he didn't have the ti to mind because it was different every ti.
"You haven't seen Inagaki?"
"Inagaki-san?"
Because of the unexpected question, Erika unintentionally thought about it seriously.
"I haven't seen him lately. What tifra are you looking for?"
"From yesterday to now."
"Yesterday?"
Erika frowned because she didn't understand Toshikazu's intention. Is there a reason to worry about a healthy adult who hasn't shown up for a day?
Toshikazu averted his gaze after Erika turned to him with a strange look, sensing his discomfort.
"After that guy took the day off yesterday I haven't been able to contact him."
Having sensed the need for an excuse, he explained uncomfortably while turning away.
"Inagaki lives alone right? Couldn't he have suddenly fallen ill?"
"He also isn't at ho. Where on earth could he be loitering around"
"You even went over to his house."
Toshikazu turned his back to Erika's quip.
"A-Anyways! If you see Inagaki contact , as soon as possible and also inform my colleagues."
Colleagues, that is to say, the students of the Chiba doujou.
Toshikazu quickly left Erika behind as she mumbled "Well, that fine but" After a little while, Erika had taken a shower and finished eating dinner, then she entered the dojo.
Neither her father nor older sister were inside. Erika had aid for this opportunity to train without them in the dojo. The sisters had a different mother and a bad relationship, living perfectly isolated from each other even within the Chiba Family.
Even though it was Sunday morning, there were a lot of students practicing. In the center, were young n in their twenties. Veterans from the sa generation as Inagaki could also be seen.
Having suddenly rembered her talk with Toshikazu, Erika went closer to them to have them listen to the story.
"Naitou-san, Kadota-san, do you have a minute?"
Erika asked the two while one was swinging a wooden sword and the other was giving advice.
"Oh, Erika-san, good morning."
"Ah, you ca Erika-san."
Having heard her call out, the two people stopped practice swinging and looked at Erika.
"So why I called out to you the two of you both joined around the sa ti as Inagaki-san, right?"
"Yeah."
"Although, Inagaki-san is still a bit older."
"That doesn't change anything, right."
After Erika emphasized an age difference of only two years, Kadota gave her a cold look.
However quickly realizing she was not making any progress, she changed her mind.
"Well then, it seems like Inagaki-san has been missing since yesterday, so have you two heard anything?"
"Missing?"
Naitou who was the sa age as Inagaki and probably the closest to Inagaki in the dojo, frowned his eyebrows in doubt.
"Hmm, that's weird. From his character I wouldn't think that there would be a task so urgent that he wouldn't even leave a ssage behind."
"Inagaki-san isn't as thodical as Naitou-san." with a thump, a fairly harsh sound resounded from Kadota's head. "Stop joking around."
"I am just glad I didn't get hit by the wooden sword."
"Yeah, yeah, leave the playfulness out of this."
Erika turned unamused eyes to Kadota who, in spite of getting hit on the head by a fairly powerful strike from Naitou's fist, didn't show a lot of pain.
"So, the both of you don't know anything right?"
"We don't. Attention!"
After Naitou turned his head that looked towards Erika he yelled towards the center of the doujou in a loud voice.
"Raise your hand if you have seen Inagaki today or yesterday!"
No one lifted their hand.
"No one knows where Inagaki is!?"
This ti, two young n passed twenty lifted their hands.
"I haven't seen him yesterday, however, the day before yesterday I saw him around my ho town."
After he said that, other people nodded as well. "You guys live in Kamakura right?"
"Yeah."
"It seed like he was looking for sothing. I thought he was doing an investigation so I didn't call out to him."
"You didn't notice anything else?"
"I only glanced at him Sorry."
Naitou turned to Erika.
Erika returned a nod to Naitou. "Got it. Resu practice!"
Removing his gaze from the students who resud practice and simultaneously yelled out "Yes!
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