At Tokiwadai Middle School—
Shokuhou Misaki sat elegantly in a garden pavilion, sipping tea with a satisfied smile.
Lowering her gaze, she looked over the "results" of her recent efforts—
And nodded in approval.
"Fufu… as expected of my ability."
"To think I could refine things to this level…"
Sitting across from her was Mitsuari Ayu.
Compared to how she used to be in the lab—
Her figure had clearly changed as well.
She was now almost on par with Misaki.
Nearby—
Kozaku Mitori and Hokaze Junko watched the two with speechless expressions.
"…Using your powers to develop your bodies…"
"…You two are seriously something else."
Junko let out a sigh.
"Honestly, you don't need to go that far."
"Izumi-sama would like us no matter what, wouldn't he?"
Misaki immediately shot her a glare.
"Junko, be quiet."
"You're the closest to Izumi, of course you'd say that!"
"You used to have the best figure—no wonder he liked you so much."
"That guy is a total hentai—he loves big boobs!"
She crossed her arms, clearly dissatisfied.
"…Now that we've caught up, he'll definitely see us in a new light."
Her tone carried a hint of jealousy.
Junko could only sigh helplessly.
She didn't argue.
But her cheeks flushed faintly as she thought of Izumi.
There was a reason she was so close to him.
After all—
She had already given herself to him.
That was why their relationship was so intimate.
It was a secret she hadn't told anyone.
Even her current figure—
Was largely thanks to him.
Just as she was about to say something—
Her phone buzzed.
"…Hm?"
She glanced at it.
Then blinked in surprise.
"…It's from Izumi-sama."
After reading it, she raised an eyebrow.
"He wants us to come back."
"…And Misaki—he specifically asked for you."
Misaki froze—
Then immediately got even more annoyed.
"See?!"
"He didn't even call for me directly—he went through you!"
"Just as I thought, he really does like you more!"
"Hmph!!"
Junko's lips twitched.
She decided not to respond.
Without delay—
The group quickly prepared to leave.
They hadn't returned to Talent Workshop for quite some time.
If Izumi was calling them back now—
It had to be important.
After leaving the school, they took a taxi straight to Talent Workshop.
The moment they entered—
They ran into Mugino Shizuri.
Mugino glanced at Misaki and Ayu—
And clicked her tongue.
Misaki raised an eyebrow.
"…Level 5, #4—Meltdowner?"
"…What is she doing here?"
Wasn't she part of the Dark Side?
Had she joined Talent Workshop too?
Her confusion deepened.
But Mugino didn't bother explaining.
She simply nodded briefly—
Then left with Frenda and the others, heading out for shopping.
Misaki didn't press further.
Instead, she continued deeper into the facility.
If she had questions—
She'd just ask Izumi directly.
But then—
She saw someone unexpected.
"…Eh? Misaka Mikoto?"
Mikoto turned at the sound of her name.
"…Shokuhou?"
"What are you doing here?"
Misaki rolled her eyes.
"What do you mean what am I doing here?"
"I came from this lab, you know."
"More importantly—you. Why are you here?"
Mikoto blinked—
Then remembered.
…Right.
Shokuhou had been part of this place before.
Her face flushed slightly.
"I'm… here for ability development."
"…So…"
She glanced toward the side.
Standing there—
Was Himejima Akeno.
She was quietly observing the group.
Her gaze lingered on Junko for a moment—
Before she smiled.
"My name is Himejima Akeno~"
"Nice to meet you all."
The others quickly introduced themselves as well.
After brief exchanges—
Akeno spoke again, smiling.
"You're here to see Izumi, right?"
"He's over there."
"Just head straight in."
Seeing her act so naturally—
Almost like the hostess of the place—
Misaki felt a twinge of discomfort.
…Who is this woman?
Why is there another one?
Unable to hold back, she asked:
"…What exactly is your relationship with Izumi?"
Akeno's smile deepened.
"I'm his woman."
"We sleep together every night, you know."
The moment those words fell—
Everyone froze.
Their faces flushed instantly.
"W-W-W-WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!!"
Mikoto reacted the most violently, practically exploding.
"Ara ara~ how shy."
"That won't do, you know?"
"As girls, we should be a bit bolder~"
Akeno giggled.
"Now then, let's continue your training."
She grabbed Mikoto—
And walked off without another word.
Misaki stood there, stunned.
"…Second one?"
"…That jerk!!"
Her face turned red with anger.
For some reason—
She felt incredibly irritated.
Junko, on the other hand, looked at her with pity.
…You've taken a very narrow path, Misaki.
Misaki huffed and turned away.
"I'm going to ask him myself!"
She stormed off toward Izumi's location.
The others exchanged glances—
Then followed.
But when they arrived—
They froze.
Izumi was standing there—
Seemingly coaxing a small girl to open her mouth.
Beside him—
Was a stunning, provocatively dressed woman.
"…What the hell is going on here?"