Although no one knew what Red Ponytail had done, since Yachiyo, the shop owner, said it was nothing bad, they could only take her word for it. After a brief rest, everyone immediately set out for the school mentioned in the rumors.
As for Red Ponytail, she remained in the Adjustment Shop as before. This time, just to be safe, they had Iroha give Red Ponytail an order and promise that they would definitely come back for her when it was over. Although they did not know whether Red Ponytail understood Iroha's words, she merely sat there quietly without saying a thing—there was nothing else they could do.
"No Witch reaction."
Standing on the dark, narrow-looking staircase, Yachiyo stared at the Soul Gem in her hand while Momoko took out a pen and wrote her and Yachiyo's names on the steps.
"We'll write our names on the Breakup Staircase, make up, lure out the Witch, and then take it down!"
As she spoke, Momoko clenched her fist tightly.
"With Yachiyo and me, we won't go down easily even if we're attacked."
"I have no objections."
Yachiyo nodded slightly at Momoko's plan, then looked again at Rena Minami and Iroha Tamaki behind her.
"That girl didn't follow us, did she?"
"Ah, no."
Iroha hurriedly looked behind her, then nodded after confirming no one was there. Honestly, she knew Red Ponytail had a habit of appearing and disappearing without warning, but this time... it seemed she really had not followed them.
"Good, then let's move out!"
"..."
Meanwhile, back in the Adjustment Shop, Red Ponytail still sat quietly on the sofa without moving. There was no change in her vacant eyes. Then, after an unknown amount of time had passed, the dull light in her eyes suddenly flared.
Damn, I finally connected!