Two-Pronged Strategy

The final bell rang, and the day's classes were finally over. Ando and Shibata met outside the classroom and decided to keep practicing at the gym. They hoped extra training would improve their abilities and physical fitness.

"I think I can do better," Shibata said as he packed his bag. "I want to practice at the gym a little longer."

Ando nodded, determination in his eyes. "Me too. I think I need more practice to master my ability."

They exchanged a smile and headed to the gym together, ready for some extra training.

Meanwhile, Itozawa, Ichinose, and Kanzaki planned to go to Class A and observe Sakayanagi and the others.

They approached Class A's classroom cautiously, doing their best not to attract attention.

Through the window, they saw Sakayanagi talking with Kamuro. Sakayanagi looked serious, as if he were giving Kamuro some important instructions.

Suddenly, Sakayanagi leaned close to Kamuro's ear and whispered something. Kamuro nodded, then quickly left the classroom and headed in another direction.

Seeing this, Itozawa made a quick decision. They would have to split up: one group would follow Kamuro, while the other kept watch on Sakayanagi. "Kanzaki, stay here and keep an eye on Sakayanagi," Itozawa said quietly, his voice tinged with resolve. "Ichinose and I will go together. Our abilities work well together, and I can protect him, too."

Kanzaki didn't ask any questions. Trusting Itozawa's judgment, he quickly left to follow Sakayanagi.

As for why he'd asked Kanzaki to watch Sakayanagi, one reason was that Kanzaki alone was enough to deal with him.

Another reason was that, even though he didn't know the two had met before, his familiarity with the Original Work still told him their relationship was anything but ordinary. He believed Kanzaki would know how to talk his way out of it if he was discovered.

And as for why he wanted to team up with Ichinose—well, you know how it is.

Itozawa and Ichinose followed behind Kamuro, keeping a reasonable distance so they wouldn't be noticed.

Itozawa's sharp eyes stayed fixed on Kamuro. His steps were light and steady as he did his best not to draw anyone's attention.

Ichinose stayed by Itozawa's side, his expression serious and focused. He knew he wasn't just there to be protected; his ability might be needed to help them, too.

They followed Kamuro along the route he took, through the campus corridors and paths. Itozawa kept checking their surroundings to make sure no one else noticed what they were doing.

They moved naturally, without acting suspiciously, like ordinary students taking a stroll around campus.

Kamuro didn't seem to realize anyone was following him. He walked at an easy pace, as if enjoying the leisurely time after school.

Itozawa and Ichinose stayed alert. They knew even the smallest mistake could ruin their operation.

As time passed, Kamuro entered the library and disappeared through its doors. Itozawa and Ichinose exchanged a glance. They knew they couldn't just wait outside; they had to keep following him.

A look of resolve flashed in Itozawa's eyes. He spoke quietly to Ichinose. "We can't let him out of our sight. We have to follow him in."

Ichinose nodded, his expression serious and focused. He knew the library was a complicated place, full of bookshelves and reading areas. It offered them cover, but also made following Kamuro more difficult. "We have to be careful. There are a lot of people in the library. We can't let anyone spot us," he warned.

Itozawa and Ichinose entered the library carefully, moving naturally, like ordinary students looking for reference materials.

The library was quiet and solemn, with only the sound of pages turning and soft footsteps. Their eyes quickly swept over every corner as they searched for Kamuro.

They noticed Kamuro heading deeper into the library, where the bookshelves were taller, the light dimmer, and fewer people lingered.

Itozawa and Ichinose kept a reasonable distance, moving lightly and doing their best not to draw Kamuro's attention.

They used the bookshelves for cover, sometimes hiding and sometimes hurrying forward, always staying out of Kamuro's sight.

Itozawa kept his eyes fixed on Kamuro while his ears keenly picked up on any unusual sounds around them.

Ichinose followed close behind. Itozawa had activated his ability, allowing him to stay right on Kamuro's trail. He still couldn't sense him precisely, but at least they wouldn't lose him.

They saw Kamuro stop in front of a row of bookshelves, apparently searching for a particular book.

Itozawa and Ichinose quickly ducked behind a nearby shelf, moving swiftly and silently. Itozawa peered out, watching Kamuro closely as his mind raced, trying to figure out what Kamuro might be after.

Ichinose kept watch over their surroundings, scanning the library to make sure no one else noticed them.

His heart beat a little faster, but he kept his expression calm. He knew any sign of nervousness might compromise their cover.

Kamuro finally took a book from the shelf and opened it, apparently searching for specific information.

Itozawa and Ichinose exchanged a glance. They knew this was a crucial moment and had to remain absolutely quiet and alert. Holding their breath, they waited for Kamuro's next move, ready to act if necessary.

Just as Itozawa and Ichinose were focused on watching Kamuro, a faint voice suddenly sounded beside them, making both of them tense up.

"What are you doing?"

Itozawa cautiously turned his head. It was Shiina.

She had appeared beside them without their noticing, her face showing a hint of curiosity and confusion.

Itozawa's heart raced. He quickly assessed the situation, then answered in a low voice. "We're following Kamuro. He might be involved in something we want to know about."

Shiina's eyes widened. She looked at Kamuro, then at Itozawa and Ichinose, seemingly trying to process what she'd just heard. "Do you need any help?" she asked softly, sounding willing to lend a hand.

Ichinose nodded. He knew another person meant more help, especially in a complicated place like this.

"We need you to keep an eye on the other exit, in case Kamuro suddenly leaves," he instructed quietly, pointing toward another exit from the library.

Shiina nodded, understanding what she needed to do. "All right, I'll keep watch. If he heads that way, I'll let you know right away," she replied softly, then moved silently to the spot he'd indicated.

Itozawa and Ichinose turned their attention back to Kamuro. He didn't seem to have noticed them and remained absorbed in the book in his hands.

Itozawa breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Shiina's appearance had surprised him, but after weighing the pros and cons, he decided her joining them would be beneficial. After all, Class C and Class B had no conflict of interest when dealing with Class A.

Besides, he would be more than happy for the truth about Sakayanagi's schemes to become common knowledge. The more people who knew, the more channels the information could spread through.

And besides, Shiina was a mini angel, second only to Ichinose. How could he possibly turn down her offer to help?

They continued watching Kamuro in silence, remaining alert to their surroundings. Shiina's joining them gave them greater confidence. They knew that as long as they stayed vigilant, they had a chance of uncovering Kamuro's secret.