Heimer set down the teacup.
"What about that person?"
"I recall saying before I left last time that the next time I descend, if she is ready, I want to see what kind of surprise she can bring me."
Heimer was indeed quite interested.
After all.
Narukami Koharu's potential was in no way inferior to Kirukiru Amou and Inaba Tsukuyo.
Especially since, with her current strength alone, she could already be considered the pinnacle of swordsmanship in this world.
"Regarding that matter, please rest assured, Deity."
Hearing these words.
Fujibayashi Yoshino's expression also became noticeably serious.
"Lord Huchun has shown no intention of backing down."
"In fact..."
"After I truthfully conveyed Your will to her..."
"Lord Huchun has already begun activities."
"Activities?"
Heimer raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"Lord Huchun said that since she is to follow a true god and head to a world full of the unknown..."
"Then..."
"She must first put a perfect period to her time in this world."
"Thus, Lord Huchun chose to challenge the various powerhouses of this world."
"She said she wants to trample all those who call themselves strong under her feet and utterly crush their pride."
"Only when she truly stands at the peak of this world and is certain there are no more opponents worthy of her blade..."
"Will she come before you without any distractions."
As she finished speaking,
Fujibayashi Yoshino lowered her head deeply.
"According to the latest intelligence received,"
"Lord Huchun has already swept through the entire Underground Fighting World of the Kanto Region over the past few days, and even took down several famous Yakuza organizations along the way."
"Just as she said,"
"She is completing this farewell ceremony at the fastest possible speed."
"Furthermore..."
"She asked me to convey a message to you."
"Please wait for a short while."
After hearing these words,
The office fell into a brief silence.
Only the old wall clock made a "tick-tock, tick-tock" sound.
A moment later,
"Heh..."
A light chuckle escaped Heimer's lips.
"I see."
He had originally thought Narukami Koharu was simply bellicose.
He hadn't expected...
For her to have this kind of... should he call it arrogance, or a unique sense of ritual?
However,
Heimer did not dislike this personality trait.
On the contrary,
This obsessive drive to become stronger, this madness that borders on total devotion, was exactly what Orario needed most.
"Then tell her."
Heimer stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the campus which, though lively due to the Five Swords' return, still seemed somewhat small.
"Since she wants to put a period to it, then make it a perfect one."
"There is no need to be too hasty."
"I will be waiting for her on the other side."
"Waiting for her to... achieve the title of the strongest in this world."
"Yes!"
Fujibayashi Yoshino bowed deeply once more.
At this point,
"It's about time."
Heimer turned around and glanced at the wall clock.
One hour.
For a cross-world visit to see loved ones, it was indeed quite brief.
But for these girls who had already decided to embark on a new journey,
This one-hour reunion
Should have been enough for them to sever their final hesitations and turn that longing into the motivation to move forward.
"Take good care of this place for me."
Heimer nodded to Fujibayashi Yoshino.
"After all, this is their home."
"If one day they are tired, or wish to return,"
"I do not wish to see this place turned into ruins."
"Please rest assured."
Fujibayashi Yoshino looked up, her gaze resolute.
"As long as I, Fujibayashi Yoshino, am still here,"
"Aichi Coexistence Private Academy will forever be the home for all of you."
...
...
In the courtyard,
The oval gate of light that had been floating quietly on the lawn, emitting a soft white glow,
Now began to flicker unsteadily.
The light waxed and waned.
"Ah... time's up."
Hanasaka Warabi was the first to notice the change in the light gate.
Her voice, which had been enthusiastically boasting about her heroic deeds, came to a sudden halt.
The surrounding lively atmosphere also seemed to have been hit by a pause button, cooling down instantly.
The sorrow of parting surged into their hearts once more.
"Big Sister..."
Tanihara Kinu tightly gripped Hanasaka Warabi's sleeve, her eyes turning red again.
"Do you have to leave so soon?"
"I haven't finished talking yet..."
"Silly girl."
Hanasaka Warabi took a deep breath, a smile returning to her face as she reached out and vigorously ruffled Tanihara Kinu's hair.
"Even though the stories aren't finished..."
"I still have to go and create even more and even greater stories!"
"What do those small scenes matter?"
"In the future, I'm going to be the woman who is the strongest Adventurer in that world!"
"When that time comes..."
"I will bring back more stories that would make even the gods marvel, and tell them all to you!"
With that,
Hanasaka Warabi turned around without hesitation and waved her hand with her back to the crowd.
"I'm off!"
"You lot, guard this place well for me!"
"If I come back and find you're gone, I'll hold you all responsible!"
"Yes!!!"
Tanihara Kinu, Higashitsune Tsunemi, and Saruwatari Nico shouted at the top of their lungs through their tears, waving desperately.
...
On the other side,
Rin released Mozunono Nono's pinky finger.
"I'm going."
"Remember our promise."
"Mm!"
Mozunono Nono nodded vigorously; although tears were still flowing, her gaze was no longer lost.
...
At the entrance of the dormitory office,
Inaba Tsukuyo gave Maria one last hug.
"Goodbye, Maria-sensei."
"Take care, Tsukuyo."
Maria watched as that slender figure walked toward the light gate.
...
One after another,
The girls bid farewell to their former bonds.
Carrying that reluctance, but with an even firmer conviction,
They stepped once more into the light gate leading to the unknown and to new challenges.
As the last figure disappeared into the light,
Hum—
The light gate suddenly contracted, finally turning into a single point of light.
It vanished completely into the night sky,
Leaving behind only the empty lawn.
Tanihara Kinu sniffled and rubbed her face haphazardly to wipe away her tears.
Looking at the now-empty lawn, she turned to look at Higashitsune Tsunemi and Saruwatari Nico, whose eyes were also red; her voice was thick with congestion, yet it carried a certain grit.
"Stop crying! Big Sister said we can't lose face for her!"
"Who's crying? It's just sand in my eyes!"
"Since Big Sister is going to become the strongest in that world, then we have to guard this turf well."
"Exactly."
"When Big Sister comes back next time, we must let her see a stronger version of ourselves."
Mozunono Nono, meanwhile, remained standing under that cherry blossom tree, looking down at the pinky finger she had just used to make a promise with Rin; her finger curled slightly, still feeling the lingering warmth.
Then, she clenched her fist tightly, her gaze becoming incredibly resolute.
-------------------------
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