The same day as the previous chapter, At Sakurazaka Highschool Schoolgate, 7:48 A.M
Just in time! Shinji said enthusiastically.
What class are you in? Arata asks Izumi coldly.
Class 3-C! From now on, I, Izumi, is officially a member of Class 3-C! Spinner said enthusiastically.
Let's go inside, we might get late. Granger said authoritatively.
Right! They've said in unison.
They all started running inside the gate.
"She's our classmate now? Why do I feel a sense of familiarity here? This is exactly how our battle with Angeline started...when she transferred here in Sakurazaka Highschool. Who really are they? Are they really innocent? Also, I can feel murderous intent within the two of them especially for Amane. One thing is still for sure though, they're suspicious and as long as the bounties in our heads still exists everyone is suspicious." Arata taught to himself, adjusting his glasses.
At Sakurazaka Highschool 3rd year building hallway, 7:52 A.M...
We're going to part ways here, thank you for your assistance today. Granger said sincerely, giving them a warm smile.
You're pretty much welcome, Ma'am Amane! Shinji said enthusiastically.
They parted ways.
They seem to be so kind! Luckily, they're in our neighborhood! Shinji said cheerfully.
Shinji, listen to me well! Arata said authoritatively Don't trust them just yet, I can feel something within them. We don't know they're also bounty hunters that will do anything to claim our bounties, be on your guard. Arata said authoritatively, adjusting his glasses.
What? You mean you're suspecting them? I know that we should keep our guard up on everyone but...come on, can't you see? They're obviously good people! Have you forgotten how they interacted with us earlier, is that a work of a bounty hunter?! You know, You've been increasingly paranoid since the bounty announcement. Shinji said, annoyance evident in his voice.
You're the one who can't see things thoroughly, you've been blinded by them already? just because they've showed you some kind of kindness and generosity you're just going to trust them that easily? Have you forgotten what we've been through in the past because of that TRUST thing? You are the one who's blind and have forgotten things, Shinji...not me. Arata said coldly, frustration evident in his voice.
Arata entered the classroom with a subtle scowl.
Arata, I...Shinji said, regret evident in his voice. He gradually cuts words off, clenching his fists.
Arata immediately approaches Kaori.
What's the matter? Are you two fighting over something? Kaori asks warily.
Forget about that, there will be two new faces here in school. One new transfer student and One new English Teacher, I can anticipate that they'll introduce them to y'all later on. I want you to be on your guard everytime around those two, let's communicate using social media everytime we're in school just to be safe. Arata whispered authoritatively.
I got it! Kaori said confidently.
Arata sat down on his seat next to Shinji, not batting an eye on him.
Arata...Look, I- Shinji's words got cut off when Kaori suddenly calls his name and gestures him to come over to her.
Shinji took one last glance to Arata before going to Kaori.
What's the matter, Kaori? Shinji said, forcing a smile.
I should be the one asking that question! What happened to the two of you? Have you two had some fight or something? Kaori said, concern evident in her face.
We just got a bit of a misunderstanding because of probably you already know. Shinji said hesitantly.
About the two new faces? Kaori asks warily.
It's my fault after all...But, that won't stop me to get to know those people! Shinji said hesitantly.
It's alright, just be on your guard. I get the reasons behind Arata's words, It's not just mere paranoia...I know, when he suspects something or someone it always turns out to be right. I trust his judgement here, Shinji...Arata is right, please... don't trust people too easily just because they showed you a moment of goodness. Kaori said calmly.
You're right, I was just being too emotional...I don't know what has gotten into me. Shinji said warily.
It's alright, Shinji! Let Arata be for now...Give him some time and space to think things over and calm down. Then, later you can tell him that you are sorry. Kaori said sincerely.
You're right, I'll do that. Thank you, Kaori! I'll be even more vigilant from now on...I won't let a small moment of goodness take my trust that easily again. Shinji said sincerely.
That's good! Kaori said enthusiastically.
They both chuckled.
In the Sakurazaka Highschool's Faculty Room...
Let me introduce you all to a new faculty member! The Principal said delightfully You may enter now! The Principal said delightfully.
Granger entered the Faculty Room.
Greetings, My fellow teachers! My name is Amane and from now on I'll be the new English Teacher for the 3rd year department, It's nice to meet you all. Granger said confidently.
"Wait... Isn't the woman from the mall before? I will not ever forget that subtle moment that our gazes met. The same level of murderous intent that I felt that day is still present...Who is she?" Takahiro taught to himself, scratching his head.
Everyone introduces themselves to Granger and now it's finally Takahiro's turn.
"Wait, Isn't he the man from the mall...If he's just a teacher here then he'll probably pose no threat at all maybe I just got paranoid from that moment. But, why in this exact moment...that exact feeling is resonating back to me?" Granger taught to herself, adjusting her shades.
My name is Takahiro, Science and Mathematics teacher also the class adviser of Class 3-C. Takahiro said calmly with his usual stern expression.
Oh, nice to meet you! My daughter will also be a part of your class from now on! I am sure you'll be her favorite. Granger said with feign enthusiasm.
I am flattered. Takahiro said coldly Anyways... Takahiro leans closer Nice to meet you again Takahiro whispered coldly I'll be going to my class now! Takahiro said coldly.
Takahiro shoots Granger one last glance.
"I am definitely going to keep an eye on you." Takahiro and Granger's minds running the same taught
Takahiro exits the faculty room to go to Class 3-C classroom.
I am sorry about him, Ms. Amane! he can be too uhm...extreme sometimes. The Principal said hesitantly.
It's alright, Sir. I definitely understand! Granger said confidently.
"Seems like our disguise as a mother-daughter is paying off." Granger taught to herself, adjusting her shades.
In Class 3-C Classroom...
Takahiro enters the room with his usual stern expression.
Alright, sit down in your damn chairs! Takahiro said sarcastically.
Everyone immediately runs back into their seat as soon as they heard his voice.
Takahiro observes the room to know whether they are complete or not.
Seems like no one dared to cut class again today, that's good. Takahiro said sarcastically.
Everyone laughs except for Arata as usual who just stared at him with dead eyes and also Angeline.
The three have a intense eye contact.
After moments of silence and tension, Takahiro broke off the eye contact and clears his throat.
We will have another transfer student that will join us starting today. Takahiro said coldly You may enter now. Takahiro said authoritatively.
Spinner enters the room with enthusiasm.
Nice to meet you all! My name is Izumi! I will be a part of this class starting today! I hppe we can get along well and noce to meet you all! Spinner said enthusiastically.
Her mother whom you'll meet later will also be your new English Teacher here. Takahiro said coldly.
"So, this is the woman that Arata and Shinji are talking about, Huh? I, myself, don't feel good around her. I don't know why." Kaori taught to herself, forcing a warm smile.
Shinji just takes a quick glance at Arata who's still hasn't bat an eye on him.
"Wait, is that who I think it is? Spinner? Mother...I am pretty sure that Takahiro's referring to Granger and if they're both here I am pretty sure that Tatsuhiro is also here somewhere out there. And, if they're here that's just means that they're after Arata and Shinji's bounties." Angeline taught to herself, shock evident in her face.
Spinner roams her eyes around the room...until, it landed on Angeline.
"What? Angeline is here too? I didn't think that the CIA will be involved in this case too? If she's here that must only mean that Donovan and Lori is also here and some or worse her entire CIA Squad is here too. If she's really involved in the case of the Harmony Duo...then, our pursuit on them will be even more harder and dangerous than we perceived. I am pretty sure that Madame Granger also won't expect this sudden revelation." Shock and bewilderment also evident in Spinner's face.
Arata is just watching them silently from his seat.
"Angeline and Izumi? Do they know each other...based on their reactions, I am pretty sure that they're familiar with each other. I hate to do this and have further interaction with Angeline because she is obviously my adversary...But, I'll definitely try to find out." Arata taught to himself, adjusting his glasses.