This is the worst.

　What Yuto thought, he couldn't help but let it spill out of his mouth.
　Then Yuto wrinkles his brow and bites his navel.
　Mizuho must have the same feelings as Yuto. She made a fist with her hand and shook her shoulder slightly.
　With the information brought by Hanaren, the number of people who cursed Mizuho and Marion's friend, Houzuki Akiko, was oddly narrowed down to a large extent.
　

''Such a powerful organization.......that the state was involved.

　Marion said with a snarl, her slightly dark golden eyebrows furrowed in the center.
　Nina, who was also a Millimer and had seen political interests and movements up close and personal, seemed to be able to see what was going on somehow, so she just stared at Mizuho and the others in silence.

'Yuto, what's bothering you?　You say you're dealing with a country and you're doing this unreasonable thing?

'It's true. It's unforgivable. But it's not.

'I didn't expect Akiko-san to be involved in a national tussle...'

　Mizuho also let out a frustrated voice. Mizuho's straightforward sense of justice intensified Mizuho's anger at the fact that a high school girl, Houzuki Akiko, who had absolutely nothing to do with such matters and didn't even know it, was being tormented by the state's conflict of interest.
　However, Mizuho wasn't short-sighted enough to act in an intuitive manner with that.

''Hey, what's going on!　Everyone.

　When Ichigo raised his voice, Marion turned her body to Ichigo with a pained expression.

'I can't move poorly with this. In order to get rid of the curse, we have to cut off the main source of the curse, but when the other party is a powerful nation, we can't even get in. Besides, if we take a hard line, it could lead to a war between the agency and the competent forces that China holds. As I recall.........China has formed a powerful unit of tiger's ability 'Dark Night's Leopard'. Rumor has it that there are a number of rank B ability holders in the agency...

Nah....

　Ichigo kept his mouth shut at Marion's explanation.
　Yuto shifted his gaze to Hualen.

'Snake Eaters, what is the agency planning to do about this situation?

He said that the Japanese government is now in secret contact with the Chinese to try and calm the situation down. In the meantime, those of us who have been asked to do so, the Snake Eaters have been told to focus on preventing any further damage from occurring.

'Does that mean ... that the Japanese government will make some kind of concession to China on its energy development and get them to back off?

Perhaps.

'Oh my God!　The Japanese government can't even make it back!　What kind of a mafia is this, that they suddenly put a curse on you because they don't like you, and if you do what they say, they'll remove the curse!　You're not going to listen to those people!

　Ichigo scratched his head, feeling annoyed.

'The Japanese government doesn't have a hoarder of abilities. Some of these situations have agencies take care of that for them... and we have a good relationship with the agencies in that sense...''

'But, Mr. Marion, it's not worth it if you're just getting beaten up. It's hard for that dependable agency to operate, isn't it?　Are you going to keep going like this for the rest of your life?　The Japanese brass!

　It was good to say that what Ichigo was saying and the unwillingness he was feeling right now was natural. Because it's also what everyone here is thinking.
　Suddenly, Mizuho stood up and everyone looked at her.

'Until then, Akiko-san told me to be patient with you... that's what you're saying. Akiko-san, who has done nothing wrong, is being tormented and even debilitated.

　Yuto bit his own lip at Mizuho's squeezed tone of voice, and Yuto himself bit his lip.

''Fine I'll go into the agency tomorrow and ask them what they plan to do. What's the point of this.......and I still don't feel good about keeping quiet like this.

Mizuho-san....

　Marion can understand how painful it is for Mizuho to feel. But the agency's answer is what you can imagine. Perhaps it won't be in the form that Mizuho is seeking. And since she knows that it's not Mizuho who doesn't notice it, she couldn't say the words to take over.
　The anger and frustration that showed on Mizuho's expression also showed it. Yuto could see the inner workings of Mizuho's heart from her expression and clenched his fist.

''Ah, Taku!　What a situation......... The era of justice winning is over? Yuto, do you think you can't move after all?

　Ichigo stood up too as he spat out the words.
　Ichigo's words weighed heavily on Yuto. Yuto crossed his arms as if he was thinking about it and looked downward, which he was not. Ichigo stared at Masato's figure and clicked his tongue.

''Hey, Yuto, how can you be stronger than a normal human?　No, how can you be strong? I don't know if you're dealing with a huge organization or a country, but what's the point of being strong if you're just standing by and watching the unreasonableness go by?

　Yuto jerked and the area around his temples moved, but his body remained silent without moving.

With this, the gifted are just handymen.

　Mizuho says something in frustration at what Ichigo says to Yuto, but she shuts up, and Marion gives him a sinking look.
　Seeing the reaction of each of the three people with their respective abilities, Ichigo lets out a sigh.

(I'm provoking you, but is this what the feisty Shitenji-san is doing too........ (You're so tied up, aren't you?)

　And knowing that he was being too harsh on the people with abilities, not knowing much about their circumstances, Ichigo turned to face Yuto and the others.

''I don't even know the situation, and besides, it's useless, it's not my place to say it....... I said it knowing that I, Shitenji-san, Marion-san, was having the hardest time. Shitenji-san, Marion-san, I'm sorry. And Yuuto too........

　Ichigo apologized to Mizuho and the others and crumpled up his own hair with one hand.

''Well, for now, I guess we'll just have to wait for Shitenji-san to get in touch with the place called the agency and report back...''

　Marion and Nina dropped their eyes at Ichigo's powerless mumbling, while Marion and Nina also stood up.

''No it's just as Ichigo said.

What?

What?

　Marion, Nina, and Mizuho also turned to look at Masato.
　Yuto stood up vigorously as he thought he had opened his mouth.

'Thank you, Ichigo, I'm awake now. I didn't become strong enough to let the unreasonable in front of me pass by. Knowing something like this and not doing anything about it, I will always regret it!

　

''Ha!　Shut up, Yuto!

Oh, I'm sorry!

　Ichigo and Yuto bumped each other's elbows.
　Mizuho was surprised by the sudden change in the direction of the conversation at Yuto's words.

''Hey, Yuto!　What the hell are you going to do about it!

'Mizuho-san, no, it's still the same.

What?

'As ever, we'll identify this sorcerer and get in there!　Fortunately, we were able to narrow it down to somewhere in the Chinese military establishment.

Yuto-san....you can't be serious.

　Marion's face turned pale.

He said, "If you think about it, the Chinese are taking advantage of the fact that there is no evidence to support their actions, and after getting ordinary people involved, they are forcing the Japanese government to make concessions, aren't they?　Then.....

So if we don't have proof, anything is OK with you?

　With a big smile on his face, Ichigo nudged his left palm with his right fist.

'Oh no!　It's absurd!　No matter how much you think you're Yuto-san, you don't even have to leave any evidence against a great power... Moreover, are you planning to fight with the Dark Night Leopard all by yourself?　I disagree!　It's too reckless.

No, Marion. As expected, I'm not going to go into an all-out battle with the enemy's psychic forces. Rather, what I have in mind is to infiltrate the enemy undetected and destroy this spell catalyst without harming the Chinese ability holders. That way, this spell should be lifted, and the opponent shouldn't be able to openly make it difficult for us.

'I'm telling you that's absurd!　Even though the other party is far inferior in terms of strength, it's not the same as Surt's sword from last time, right?　There's no way you can do that against a large number of skilled and capable people and a large army of nations!

　At this time........Nina's eyes widened at what Marion was talking about.

(Surt's sword?　Different from last time...?　What kind of........what are you doing at Millimer.......?

　Nina can't help but stare at Masato's profile with a feeling of.......discomfort boiling up in her heart. It was an uncomfortable feeling that bubbled up like the tears that naturally flowed when Yuto came to sit next to her.
　There, Mizuho takes a step forward from Marion's side with an expressionless but sharp gaze.

''Yuto I'm going to ask you one thing.

　Yuto stared into Mizuho's serious and force-filled eyes.

''You have... confidence... don't you?''

'....Yes. My Sendo ability is good at covert action, you see. Once I know where they are, I'll be sure to ... well ... show them.

　The two look at each other. And those few seconds of silence between Yuto and Mizuho are broken by Mizuho's bitter smile.

''Alright I'll trust you Yuto. I'm your employer, so I'll go with your idea.''

'Mizuho-san!　No!　This isn't even an operation!

''Hmmm, Marion, it's okay. Besides.........look at this Yuto's face.

!

　Marion looked at Yuto at Mizuho's suggestion.
　And...immediately let out a loud sigh. Marion's expression as she let out that sigh clearly showed resignation.

''I understand........I guess it's useless to say anything to Yuto-san now....... But, Yuto-san.

Yeah?

Please refrain from doing anything rash. I'm worried about you. You are always reckless all the time........and it's not just about you.

　Being gazed at by Marion's crystal clear, moist blue eyes, Yuto gets a thrill.

''Yuto-san.......are you planning to go alone again this time?''

　Nina, who is trying to think on the side, huffs at Marion's words. When Ichigo noticed Nina's condition, he looked at Nina curiously.

''Yes, no, Marion, I haven't thought that far ahead yet. I'll think about it after I've identified the other party's location...''

I'm going, Masato.

　Mizuho raised her voice as she crossed her arms.

''I'll go with you.''

　Marion reacted instantly to Mizuho's words.

''No, that's........no!

　The power in their eyes caused Yuto to back away involuntarily. I'll definitely follow from Mizuho and Marion!　The determination to do so was palpable.
　Hanaren, who was watching this exchange, nodded her head.

''I think you can do what you want with what you just said. It has nothing to do with me. However, if all three of us are away from the academy during that time when we go to the other sorcerer's place, no matter how much the other party doesn't detect us, they will suspect us. It could be circumstantial evidence even if there was no proof. It would be troublesome if they caught our attention.

!

'Oh....'

　Mizuho and Marion's eyes widened at Hanaren's point.
　Yuto nodded widely at Hualen's point.

'Ah, that's possible. But I have an idea about not leaving any evidence behind.'

　Mizuho frowned, prompting Yuto's thoughts.

''What's that?''

'We won't leave any evidence in enemy territory. But I can think of what Snake Eaters said. So I'll make a perfect alibi so that me, Mizuho-san and the others won't be suspected. A perfect alibi that we haven't left the academy even once. Plus, at the same time, I'll also be able to serve as a guard for Ichigo, Nina-san and Mari.

　Ichigo raised his eyebrows at Yuto's suggestion.

''Hey, Yuto, can you do that?　It's not a very convenient plan.........wait a minute....　Oh, my God. No way!　Hey, you!

　Ichigo turns pale and starts to shake his body, rattling.

'Yeah, I'll have my friends help me out.

Noooooooooooooooooo!

Ichigo please follow up with my friends.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!　I can't do it!

　Mizuho and Marion also flinched at Ichigo's madness, wondering what was going on.

'No, we don't know the identity or purpose of the people who directly attacked us today. I'm honestly afraid of leaving Ichigo, Nina-san, Mari and the others behind when we make our move. Nina-san.

Yes!

'I want Nina-san to follow up with my friends, with Ichigo... well, with Mari, too.

"...?　Yes, sir!　I understand. I don't know what it is, but I'll do whatever I can to help!

'Nina!　Don't take it easy!

　Nina half-eyes at Ichigo, who says to cling to her with tears in his eyes.

''And Mari, please...''

　Yuto turns back to Mari and sweat runs down his forehead as he sees her there, still mumbling and broadcasting like a broken radio.



'Well, okay. I'll explain to Mari later. And the more members I can follow, the better.

　Beside him, Ichigo is on his knees, holding his head and staring into the distance with his pupils open.

''Aaaaah.... A fun, cackling high school girl's life with the ladies.......how did this happen....... Oh, I can see it, I can see it so much more!　A huge hellscape involving this female academy!

'Hey, Ichigo!　We're not going to let justice win the day!　And you're overreacting, see, you're probably more mature than you were... maybe?

"Questioning...　Yuto!

　Ichigo pounced on Yuto.



　After a while, Ichigo regained his composure and became more mature with a look of exhaustion.

'Enough........I give up. A lot of things........''

　All of them look at the pure white Ichigo and have trouble handling him.
　A white snake outside of Hanaren's contracted person gazes at Ichigo from the side.

''Yuto........remember. This resentment will surely........

'Don't say that in front of me...'

'Haha, I'm done. I'm not alone this time. You'll have to explain to Shirasawa-san about it, right?　What do we do?

'Yes, but in this state.... I'll talk to you later.

　Masato and Ichigo shifted their eyes to a stunned Mari, who was regularly making her face bonk red.
　For some reason, Mizuho and Marion also felt like they were no strangers to each other, and they looked at Mari, their faces slightly twitching now because of how stunningly broken they were.

''Well, I'll tell you about it, too. And the tragedy before...''

　As he said this, Ichigo looked at the white snake that Hualen had put out, which still continued to show itself and was still staring at him. That's where Ichigo got a look of realization.

Hmm, looking at it like this, it's kind of cool!''

　Then the white snake seemed heartily happy, swirling heavily and moving away from Hualien.
　As I continued to stare absentmindedly at it, wondering where it was going, the white snake moved towards Mari. Then, right near Mari's face, the white snake stopped.
　
　As expected, Mari turned her face in the direction of the twitching cheek, as if she was tickled, as if she was huffing and puffing.

''.........?''

　Mari and the big white snake looked at each other at close quarters.

''........''

.... (Snake God)

'Oh, he likes Mari. It's unusual for her to like someone she's never met before.

　Hualien raised both palms of her hands up with a shrug, as if she was flat but surprised.
　

''Gi.........''

'Oh....'

Gahhhh!

'Gah, Mari, you're not girlie enough........ You should react in a cute way there, caw.

Oh, my God!　Nanny!　Snake!　Big snake!　Yuto, help me!

　Mari screamed, and before she knew it, she jumped up from in front of a snake as big as she was in front of her.
　Then, without a second thought, she hugged Yuto.

'Nowa!　Hey!　Calm down, Mari!

　Seeing this, Mizuho, Marion, and Nina's veins swelled up all at once on their foreheads.

''Shh, Shirasawa-san, again!

I can't allow it to happen again!

You're using too much zero distance!

　They struggled and tried to rip Mari off of Yuto, and Yuto got involved, and all five of them fell on the spot with Yuto underneath them.
　Ichigo looked at that Yuto with half-eyes... and then shifted his gaze to Karen.

''Well, that's a nice touch. Oh, speaking of which........Karen-chan.

You're already calling me by my name.

Well, that's okay. Karen-chan!　And it's prettier that way.

....

　Hualien blushes for a moment.

''What is the name of this snake god?　This is so divine, is that a hard name to come by?

Nolokichi.

What?

Nyorokichi. That's a good name I gave him.

I'm soooo sorry!

　It was Ichigo, the loudest voice of the day.