Though the reason behind Shirai-san's sudden withdrawal remained a mystery, life, as it tends to, went on.
Breakfast required a focus on nutritional balance, so a meal rich in protein and carbohydrates was the optimal plan the maids had devised for Tokiwadai's students.
Taking a small bite of her fried egg, saving the disliked yolk for last, Natsume-san's mind drifted to something important.
"Misaka-senpai, have you managed to resolve your electricity discharge issue?" she asked, looking up.
She recalled Misaka-senpai had previously been troubled by abnormal electrical discharges, and that a certain teleporter had even suggested a seemingly promising idea.
Something about constructing a field on the body's surface that could interfere with internal processes—a so-called bio-electricity interference formula—meant to monitor the discharges and enhance various physical functions.
"Not yet. It'll probably take a bit more time," Misaka Mikoto replied, a hint of gloom settling on her features.
"I asked Hokaze-senpai for help after school yesterday, but then that 'ghost' prank incident happened. Since most of the victims were members of Shokuhou Misaki's clique, Hokaze-senpai ended up incredibly busy."
"As for the first-year, Arisugawa-san, I didn't run into her at all yesterday."
The frustration on her face became more pronounced as she remembered the significant problem she still carried.
Hokaze Junko was a third-year senior, and Arisugawa was a first-year. Aside from occasional encounters in P.E. or life skills classes, their paths rarely crossed.
Much like how Natsume-san generally moved within first-year circles, rarely interacting with second-years like Misaka-senpai or Juufuku-san during class hours, instead frequently running into Shirai-san.
But because she needed a favor, Misaka Mikoto had taken the initiative to chat during yesterday's P.E. class, incidentally also receiving that nightmare-inducing Indian Poker card from the older girl.
"I see," Natsume Sonoko gave a slight nod.
"Actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you, Senpai," she said after a moment's hesitation, having recalled a matter she'd pondered last night.
"I was hoping I could consult you about some questions regarding abilities."
"Regarding abilities?" Misaka Mikoto's face immediately showed confusion.
If it were about academic problems, that would be normal. After all, she was a second-year senior with top-tier grades.
But when it came to abilities, she was baffled. Her own ability and Natsume-san's seemed completely unrelated.
Natsume-san's ability was thermal, having nothing to do with an Electromaster. Could it be about some derived effects?
"Wait a moment."
A distinctive, icy voice cut between the two Level 5s, drawing the attention of Juufuku-san sitting directly across.
"Onee-sama, Kuroko also has some questions regarding abilities she wishes to consult you about."
Placing her hands on the table, the listless expression finally vanished from Shirai-san's face, replaced by one of extreme displeasure directed squarely at the sudden, strange request from the bun-girl.
Even if Onee-sama had treated her feelings so roughly, she was still her Onee-sama. She absolutely couldn't let some unrelated person get close.
The thought sent a pang through Shirai Kuroko's heart.
A heartfelt confession lasting several minutes at Onee-sama's bedside, the daily ritual of admiring Onee-sama's beautiful sleeping face, even opening her arms, ready for a loving good morning hug...
But Onee-sama had said something so hurtful: 'Like hell I would.'
Even if Onee-sama had been half-asleep, perhaps even feeling coerced and unwilling, the feeling lingered.
'Snap out of it, Shirai Kuroko,' she told herself, shaking her slightly muddled head in self-encouragement. 'There's no time for sadness now. You must take action, drive away that bun-girl.'
"Get lost," Natsume-san retorted bluntly, her own displeasure mounting. "What kind of ability-related questions could a Teleporter possibly have to consult about?"
The sense of utter bafflement grew stronger. She simply couldn't follow Shirai-san's train of thought.
"Natsume-san," Juufuku-san said worriedly, gently tugging at the bun-girl's sleeve, sensing the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
Why had they suddenly started arguing?
And also, Misaka-san really is so popular.
Fortunately, the worrying scenario didn't materialize. It didn't escalate into a peak showdown between the girls, like finding a deserted intersection to trade barbs while dancing the cha-cha.
In the end, Misaka-senpai agreed to both juniors' requests for guidance, even though Shirai-san's was purely manufactured.
As usual, they opted to walk to school instead of taking the bus. After breakfast, Natsume-san and the others set off on foot.
Juufuku-san, mumbling something about needing to lose weight lately, joined the walking group. One point for the pedestrian team.
With the Daihaseisai not long over, remnants of the event's banners and slogans were still visible along the way.
Incidentally, Tokiwadai Middle School had ultimately clinched first place in the overall standings of this year's Daihaseisai, beating their rivals Nagatenjouki Academy by a narrow margin—an achievement undoubtedly owed in no small part to Natsume-san's hard work and sweat.
Buoyed by this major news, the students of Tokiwadai had been wearing bright smiles and seemed in high spirits these past few days.
This held true even for Natsume-san, as it likely meant no grueling week-long sports training camp for next year's Daihaseisai.
However, upon arriving at school, Natsume-san noticed a palpable sense of tension and unease among the students.
It seemed related to the prank incident from the previous day. The culprit, some white 'ghost,' was still at large, and the number of victims was growing.
Rumor had it the suspect liked sticking small notes on victims' backs, with blatant messages like 'Stay away from Onee-sama' or 'Onee-sama belongs only to me.'
Just hearing a bit about it from classmates during lessons, a familiar scent wafted through the air.
If not for the fact that 'Onee-sama' wasn't exclusively Shirai-san's catchphrase, and considering she'd been outside working on their 'project' together yesterday, Natsume-san might have volunteered for overtime to apprehend her own teammate, launching a righteous campaign to uphold public morals.
The light of justice shines upon the land...
"Since it's school-related work, Makigami-san and the others will handle it," she mused. "But most of the victims this time are members of the Shokuhou Clique... Could it be that Gaouin-senpai from before?"
Natsume-san lowered her head, lost in thought. That Gaouin Tsukasa-senpai had certainly left a deep impression.
But she rarely felt the compulsion of a Judgment member, and quickly dismissed the thought. Pranks and ghosts were far too childish. She had no desire to get involved.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon!
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.