Chabashira Sae's Silence

[Objective: Kanzaki Ryuji (Refresh)]

[Affection: 31 (Neutral) → 33 (Neutral)] - Acknowledges Toudou Shizuka's listening and shared indignation.

[Skill Tree Refresh: Rational Analysis and Decision Making B-rank (Active, Anger towards injustice)... Sense of Justice (Principled): B-rank (Active)...]

Toudou Shizuka sneered inwardly. Chabashira Sae's "understanding the situation" probably just meant a casual question at the shop. How could Yamamoto, a shrewd man, ever admit to anything?

A simple "denial" with no "evidence" became her perfect excuse to shirk responsibility. Her A-rank Rule Enforcement seemed to only apply to what benefited her, or what minimized damage to her class within the "rules."

Protecting students? In her eyes, it was likely far less important than class points, especially without "evidence."

"This is truly going too far," Toudou Shizuka agreed, her face showing sympathy for Sakura and confusion at Chabashira's actions. "Sakura must have been terrified. That shop assistant didn't even get a warning, and they might do it again..."

"Exactly!" Kanzaki Ryuji's gaze sharpened. "Allowing such behavior is condoning potential danger! It's not safe for other students either! Teacher Chabashira, as the homeroom teacher, this handling of the situation is simply dereliction of duty!" He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "It's a shame we're not in Class D; we have no right to interfere."

Toudou Shizuka watched Kanzaki's righteous indignation, her thoughts racing. Kanzaki's Sense of Justice and Principled nature (B-rank) had been triggered, which was good. At the same time, this provided an opportunity to intervene.

"Kanzaki," Toudou Shizuka lowered her voice, testing the waters cautiously. "Although we can't directly interfere, Sakura is a fellow student. She encountered such unfairness and potential danger... Could we perhaps... find a way to remind Teacher Chabashira to take this matter 'more seriously'? For example, under the guise of concern for a fellow student's safety, provide her with some... clues?"

Kanzaki Ryuji's eyes narrowed as he looked at Toudou Shizuka. "Clues? Toudou, do you have clues?" His Rational Analysis Ability immediately kicked in.

Toudou Shizuka didn't answer directly, merely hinting, "After Sakura left that day, I bought something at the shop. That shop assistant... was very unstable emotionally, and his words still lingered on Sakura, his attitude was also quite hostile. I just felt it would be too hasty for Teacher Chabashira to drop the investigation just because the other party 'denied' it. Perhaps she needs a little... 'reminder'?" He implied he might have some information, but didn't explicitly mention a recording or video.

Kanzaki Ryuji pondered for a moment, then pushed up his glasses, a gleam flashing behind the lenses. "You're right. Letting it go will lead to endless trouble. Teacher Chabashira needs to be reminded of her responsibilities. Toudou, if you have more specific information, or if you're willing to go with me to report to Teacher Chabashira, I will support you. Under the name of Class B students concerned about campus safety."

[Kanzaki Ryuji Affection +3 (Acknowledges his willingness and strategy to uphold justice). Current: 36 (Neutral) -> Target 45 (Approval).]

[Simulation Points +5 (Promoted key event progression). Current: 55 points.]

Toudou Shizuka felt a sense of relief. With the support of Kanzaki Ryuji, the Class B Vice Class Leader, approaching Chabashira Sae under the guise of "concern for a fellow student's safety" would seem reasonable and not abrupt. Kanzaki's Sense of Justice and Principled nature became the best cover and assistance for his intervention.

"Alright," Toudou Shizuka nodded, his eyes firm. "For Sakura's safety, and for the campus environment, I think we should talk to Teacher Chabashira. How about... after school today? What do you think, Kanzaki?"

"Certainly," Kanzaki Ryuji agreed without hesitation. "I'll prepare my wording. The location will be the corridor outside the Teacher's Office; it's relatively quiet there."

The plan was set. Toudou Shizuka watched Kanzaki Ryuji's retreating back, then glanced at the System Interface, noting the Affection value inching closer to 45 (36/45), and the 55 Simulation Points.

After the afternoon classes ended, Toudou Shizuka and Kanzaki Ryuji met as planned in the quiet corridor of the teaching building leading to the Teacher's Office.

"Kanzaki, Toudou? Did you need something?" Chabashira Sae's distinctive, metallic, cold voice rang out. He seemed to have just emerged from his office, a document tucked under his arm, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the two blocking his path. His A-rank Aura Intimidation silently permeated the air.

Toudou Shizuka could clearly feel Kanzaki Ryuji's body tense for a moment beside him, but he quickly adjusted his breathing, pushed up his glasses, stepped forward, and spoke in a neither servile nor overbearing tone, his words clear and logical:

"Teacher Chabashira, apologies for the interruption. We are here regarding Sakura Airi. We understand she reported being harassed by a shop assistant at the 'Precision Electronics Workshop' on the Commercial Street, but it seems the matter was not properly resolved. As fellow students, we are concerned about this and worried about potential Safety Hazards within the school. We hope to provide you with some additional information to prompt a more serious investigation."

Chabashira Sae's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, his gaze growing colder. He looked at the two Class B students before him, especially the seemingly quiet and gentle Toudou Shizuka. Toudou stood half a step behind Kanzaki, his head slightly bowed, his posture respectful, but Chabashira Sae's B-rank Insight made him vaguely sense that beneath the student's calm exterior, something was hidden.

"Sakura Airi?" Chabashira Sae's voice was devoid of emotion, with a formulaic coldness. "I have already understood the situation. The shop assistant denied any harassment. Sakura Airi is introverted, her statement was unclear, and there is a lack of substantial evidence. This matter is closed." His words were decisive, carrying an undeniable finality, and he turned to leave, intending to walk around them.

Kanzaki Ryuji's expression darkened, about to argue.

Just then, Toudou Shizuka slightly raised his head, his gaze calmly meeting Chabashira Sae's cold, scrutinizing stare. He didn't speak, merely pushed his glasses up slightly. The lenses, under the corridor's ceiling light, reflected a brief, sharp gleam. (The scheming frog is always patting your belly)

Chabashira Sae's steps halted. He looked at Toudou Shizuka, at his calm, unruffled eyes, and the fleeting gleam behind the lenses that seemed to see through everything. An extremely faint sensation of being seen through, like a cold snake, instantly slithered down his spine. His A-rank Rule Enforcement made him keenly aware of some... signal of potential threat? Did this quiet student from Class B know something? Or... did he have something?

Toudou Shizuka still remained silent, maintaining that calm, subtly probing gaze. The air seemed to freeze, and only the faint breathing sounds of the three could be heard in the corridor. Kanzaki Ryuji also sensed the subtle shift in atmosphere and glanced at Toudou Shizuka with some surprise.