"So it was you, with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, who led Anti-Skill here?"
Though she hadn't even spoken yet, just by seeing the barely-contained displeasure in Shirai-san's gaze, one could easily guess what she was thinking.
"Hehe, don't sulk like that, Shirai-san. Natsume-san must be under a lot of pressure herself."
"And didn't Yomikawa-sensei say she wouldn't interfere with the plans we've already made?"
Inside Judgment Branch 177, the ever-understanding angel Uiharu was doing her best to smooth things over between her two teammates, whispering softly near their ears.
Even though they shared a relationship of mutual reliance and trust, and had been working together on missions these past few days, they often seemed to be butting heads lately, frequently arguing fiercely over the smallest issues.
Fortunately, the presence of a certain authoritative Anti-Skill member not far away kept everyone's voices unconsciously lowered.
"Uiharu, this is a very serious problem."
Letting out a sigh, Shirai-san stated with righteous seriousness.
"I have to say, Natsume, you're far too easily influenced."
"Didn't I remind you before? If you get caught, just deny everything until the end. If you don't change this, you'll just get tricked again someday. I'm truly worried about your future."
Shirai Kuroko glanced at Yomikawa-sensei in the distance, then looked at a certain round-faced girl, before shaking her head and sighing with a tone of exasperated disappointment, putting on the airs of a senior Judgment veteran.
If one ignored Shirai Kuroko's own history of repeatedly pulling fast ones on her round-faced teammate, her words actually sounded quite constructive.
"Several key members of 'Skill-Out' have records of being caught by Anti-Skill. Especially Hamazura Shiage, who, according to Anti-Skill records, was arrested by this same Yomikawa-sensei fourteen times in a row. Do you realize what that means?"
"If the armed group finds out this teacher is involved, our plan will most likely be compromised."
Shirai Kuroko recalled the various records she'd reviewed while investigating this armed group and continued speaking with a weary tone.
The blue-haired Anti-Skill teacher, known as a delinquent's nightmare, was enough to strike fear into the hearts of certain groups of troublemakers.
"Eh, that's not the reason at all! Right now, it's just Yomikawa-sensei's personal involvement; it hasn't escalated to the whole Anti-Skill system."
"Even someone like you, Shirai-san, was accepted by the armed group. I think having Yomikawa-sensei join us should be fine too. I believe even the Skill-Out members can tell if someone means well. They wouldn't sabotage a situation that benefits everyone just because one person who wants to help is involved."
Unconsciously straightening her neck, Natsume-san tried to explain her viewpoint.
The fact that Natsume Sonoko had already considered some potential complications showed she was truly taking this matter seriously.
However, this was the first time Natsume-san had heard about Yomikawa-sensei's extensive arrest record regarding 'Skill-Out,' which suddenly made her feel a bit guilty.
So Yomikawa-sensei's professional skills were that formidable? She had completely overlooked that aspect.
"You few, come here."
The voice of Yomikawa-sensei came from the side, interrupting a confident certain Level 5.
"You've been turning in so many perpetrators to the Anti-Skill building lately that even the most careless person would guess you're dealing with issues in a gray area."
Yomikawa-sensei wore a faint smile as she looked down at the Judgment girls with their varied expressions.
These girls were probably the most… enthusiastic and unorthodox volunteers within the Judgment system.
Natsume Sonoko, trying her best to look obedient (the new mascot who joined on a whim), Shirai Kuroko with her reluctant expression (the infamous, practically-skilled chestnut-haired twin-tailed girl), and Uiharu Kazari, looking slightly awkward (the girl with the flower ring, lacking in physical prowess but unmatched in determination).
How embarrassing. Her computer was still logged into the Anti-Skill database.
Under the teacher's gaze, the flower-ringed girl in the group felt rather hesitant.
But she'd heard Yomikawa-sensei was a very kind person; she probably wouldn't get angry, right?
Really now, the others had arrived at such an inconvenient time. She'd been in the middle of washing her red teacup and hadn't had time to close the files properly.
"To be honest, I've always opposed students getting involved in these incidents. But I also know what some students are going through, and I have no right to criticize those who step up to protect everyone."
"This time, I won't spout any lofty, buzzkill speeches. We can talk about other things after dealing with these assault cases."
Yomikawa-sensei crossed her arms and spoke with decisive efficiency, her stern demeanor hinting at a certain helplessness.
Anyway, scolding them now is useless. She'd only managed to find an opening through Natsume-san.
Problem students and overly enthusiastic students were both headaches. Better to just focus on resolving the case first.
"Then get moving. The sooner we catch those guys, the sooner you can start writing your reflection papers. Also, I'll be giving you some necessary practical combat training these next few days to prevent injuries due to lack of technique."
Yomikawa Aiho continued.
"Such young girls shouldn't be so listless. Even espers can't neglect learning physical skills."
"Yes, I'm talking about you. Natsume-san, if I recall correctly, due to your special admission, you've never participated in a single Judgment training session. That's very dangerous. To handle various emergencies, you must know how to deal with danger. You also need to learn some self-rescue and first aid methods."
--+--
It was utterly unexpected, but the period leading up to October became the most diligent time of a certain round-faced girl's life.
Her days were filled with the usual school routine, but every afternoon, she not only had to ask Misaka-senpai for guidance on electromagnetism, but she also had to learn various Judgment techniques under Yomikawa-sensei's supervision.
Although this period was also interspersed with the arduous task of catching perpetrators, it paled in comparison to the intensity of her studies.
Whoosh! Whap!
Her soft fists cut through the air as Natsume-san practiced the Judgment combat techniques she'd recently learned.
Accompanied by the distinct sound of swirling air currents, a move christened the "Super Amazing Incredible Supreme World-Fission Ultimate Terminator Strongest Fist" was unleashed, complemented by dazzling visual effects of a raging storm, torrential rain, and thunderous lightning, creating an effect of cataclysmic destruction.
With one punch, the skirts of two girls in front of her rustled violently from the gust.
Unsurprisingly, this fist technique was a powerful hybrid born from combining Judgment combat skills with Sogiita Gunha's 'guts' philosophy—even the naming convention was strikingly similar.
Although Natsume-san had originally wanted to call it "Sweet Critical Strike," intending to pair it with her "Love Love Kick" as a combo.
"My, what astonishing power! As expected of Natsume-san!"
"However, we are still on school grounds. It would be best not to do this again."
Hokaze-senpai maintained her ladylike smile, though the corner of her eye twitched slightly as she tried to smooth down her wind-tossed skirt, striving to appear composed.
While she'd heard Natsume-san was learning some Judgment combat techniques lately, the actual effect was… rather hard to praise.
And this clearly had nothing to do with the word 'combat' anymore, did it?
After resolving the White Ghost incident, Hokaze Junko had been spending these past few days instructing Misaka-san on methods to control the electrical currents within her body. Later, they were joined by the round-faced girl seeking Misaka-san's expertise on electromagnetic theory.
--+--
T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL