In the scorching heat of summer, while out on an errand, finding a shady spot to relax and sip a chilled, sweet-and-sour drink was truly delightful.
Even the nearby sounds of repeated explosions, screams, and maniacal laughter seemed almost pleasant to hear…
"Keheheh hehehe...." A deranged, piercingly shrill laugh rang out, like some creature from a horror story, followed by frantic screams:
"Summer is here! Summer! Friendship! The sea! Swimsuits—! Where… where is my youth—! ₳₳₳₳ⱧⱧⱧ!"
Rubbing my ears, I thought perhaps next time I should be more cautious before judging such things.
"Tsurugi-senpai, your condition today is exceptional," commented Mashiro beside me, sighing in admiration.
Since our JTF president displayed such efficiency and control even against ordinary mobs, Mashiro, despite being a capable girl with a cute bob haircut, had almost no chance to shine.
She then sighed, patted her cheek, and perked up:
"Honestly, although I'm exhausted from back-to-back tasks, in front of a senior like Tsurugi-senpai, I can't say discouraging things."
"Don't push yourself too hard either."
"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your concern, Sensei. But after the seniors graduate, it'll be my turn to lead the Justice Task Force, so I must strive to match your example!"
If I recall correctly, another first-year Justice Task Force member I know, who had once said similar words, was now bedridden though only due to a simple cold.
Knowing Mashiro's stubborn nature, I didn't press further. Instead, I turned my gaze to the distant figure cutting through the battlefield like a force of nature, laughing wildly while effortlessly taking down delinquent students, her movements so fast they were hard to follow with the eye, and felt a twinge of doubt.
Do I really have to mimic Tsurugi to get some brownie points…?
On my other side, Hasumi, who had been silent and furrowing her brow, seemed to be thinking the same. Of course, it's also possible she was just contemplating whether to skip a dessert or two to help with her diet after witnessing Tsurugi's agile movements.
As I idly speculated on the girl's thoughts, Hasumi's communicator beeped.
Then, a gentle, cheerful voice came through the device that Hasumi held:
"Hello, Hasumi-senpai~ Just now, someone somewhere somehow stole one of the school's backup tanks—"
Startled, Hasumi exclaimed, "What did you say…!?"
"We're a bit short-handed here, can you come—"
Suddenly, Ichika shouted, "Whoa, what a drift!? What kind of skill is that!?"
…Wait a moment. Considering what Ichika just said, does that mean the bold criminal brazenly carried out a crime at Trinity's main campus while driving a tank? Or was it during the Justice Task Force's pursuit?
The only similar driving skill I've ever seen was from Hifumi, but she was driving only the supply department's little lamb vehicle.
"Our side is in chaos too… uh, Koharu is still at school—" Hasumi paused, then slapped her forehead. "No, Koharu is resting due to her cold…"
Mashiro reminded her: "Koharu is technically still part of the Make-Up Work Club."
Yes. Although all Make-Up Work Club students had successfully passed the third evaluation exam, Trinity has its own school privileges.
In short, because dismantling the department would require an even more cumbersome procedure, the school council decided to simply retain the Make-Up Work Club after discussion.
Of course, this was after removing the part about automatic expulsion for failing.
For convenience, Hifumi, Azusa, Koharu, and Hanako, though no longer needing remedial lessons, summer training, or facing expulsion, are still nominally part of the Make-Up Work Club until the next class's Make-Up Work Club members are confirmed.
Except for Koharu, no one really objects.
Finding an opportunity to shine, Mashiro's eyes glittered:
"Senpai, leave it to me!"
"This…"
Hasumi hesitated, glanced at the excited Tsurugi, pondered briefly, and nodded:
"Well, I guess it's fine to leave this to Tsurugi… I'll go too! Sensei, what do you think?"
"Hmm…" I hesitated, shaking my head regretfully. "Although I'd like to see who's stealing the tank, leaving Tsurugi alone would be too lonely for her."
Besides, I was hoping to sneak a little more rest. If I went back with them to Trinity, I'd probably end up having to direct things again.
Kivotos has no shortage of excitement to watch.
"…I should have considered this more carefully," Hasumi smiled faintly at me. "Alright, Tsurugi, I'll leave it to you. Mashiro, let's go."
"Yes! See you later, Sensei."
The two Justice Task Force girls hurried off.
I continued to observe Tsurugi solo leveling all the troublemaking delinquent mobs.
Eventually, the smoke cleared, leaving only one figure standing on the battlefield.
After another eerie scream, Tsurugi's sweeping movements slowed, her expression shifting from bloodthirsty excitement to confusion and… disappointment?
I emerged from my hiding spot. "Good work, Tsurugi."
"Ah, Sensei, you too."
The girl, who at normal times had a brooding, almost reserved style rather than a manic one, quietly asked, "Where are Hasumi and Mashiro?"
I explained what had just happened. She nodded knowingly:
"Then once the Remedial Knights arrive, we should head back quickly."
Due to limited personnel, the Justice Task Force had cooperated with the Remedial Knights to handle the injured students.
Hearing Tsurugi's words, a strange feeling hit me.
At that moment, a familiar gentle voice suddenly interjected:
"They've already arrived. The others will be here soon. Sensei and Tsurugi, it's fine to head back now."
Though I had anticipated something like this and knew Serina's signature style of appearing and disappearing, I still jumped slightly.
Tsurugi remained calm, nodding to Serina: "Then we leave this to you."
Serina smiled sweetly. "Yes, the Remedial Knights will take good care of the injured."
After greeting Serina, I returned to Trinity's main campus with Tsurugi.
On the way, I hesitated but couldn't help asking, "Did something happen?"
"Eh?"
The exhausted Tsurugi raised her head.