Splitting the Army

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day's classes. Ando and Shibata met outside the classroom, deciding to head to the gymnasium for practice. They hoped that extra training would improve their supernatural abilities and physical fitness.

"I feel like I can do better," Shibata said, packing his bag. "I want to go to the gym and practice a bit more."

Ando nodded, her eyes showing firm determination. "Me too. I think I need more practice to master my abilities."

Afterward, the two exchanged a smile and walked toward the gymnasium together, ready for their extra training.

Meanwhile, Itozawa, Ichinose, and Kanzaki planned to observe Sakayanagi and his group from Class A.

They cautiously approached Class A's classroom, trying not to draw attention.

Through the window, they saw Sakayanagi talking with Kamuro. Sakayanagi's expression was serious, as if he were entrusting Kamuro with something important.

Suddenly, Sakayanagi whispered something to Kamuro, who nodded and quickly left the classroom, heading in another direction.

Seeing this, Itozawa quickly made a decision: they needed to split up. One group would follow Kamuro, and the other would monitor Sakayanagi. "Kanzaki, you stay here and keep an eye on Sakayanagi," Itozawa whispered, his voice carrying a hint of decisiveness. "Ichinose and I will go together. Our abilities can complement each other, and I can protect Ichinose."

Kanzaki didn't ask further questions. He trusted Itozawa's judgment and quickly left to follow Sakayanagi.

The reason for having Kanzaki monitor Sakayanagi was twofold. Firstly, Kanzaki alone was enough to deal with Sakayanagi.

Secondly, even if he didn't know they had met before, his familiarity with the original work made him understand their unusual relationship. He believed Kanzaki could talk his way out of trouble if discovered.

As for why he was acting with Ichinose, well, those who know, know.

Itozawa and Ichinose followed Kamuro, maintaining a safe distance to avoid detection.

Itozawa's gaze was sharp, locked onto Kamuro's figure. His steps were light and steady, minimizing any attention from those around them.

Ichinose walked beside Itozawa, her expression serious and focused. She knew her role wasn't just to be protected; her abilities might be needed to help when necessary.

They followed Kamuro's route, traversing the campus corridors and paths. Itozawa periodically scanned their surroundings, ensuring no one else noticed their actions.

Their movements were natural and unforced, like ordinary students strolling through the campus.

Kamuro seemed oblivious to being followed, her pace relaxed, as if enjoying the leisurely time after school.

Itozawa and Ichinose remained vigilant, knowing that any small oversight could lead to the failure of their mission.

As time passed, Kamuro entered the library. Her figure disappeared behind the library doors. Itozawa and Ichinose exchanged glances. They knew they couldn't just wait here; they had to continue the pursuit.

A hint of decisiveness flashed in Itozawa's eyes. He whispered to Ichinose, "We can't let her out of our sight. We have to follow her."

Ichinose nodded, her expression serious and focused. She knew the library was a complex place, filled with bookshelves and reading areas, which offered them cover but also increased the difficulty of tracking. "We need to be careful. There are many people in the library, and eyes everywhere. Don't get caught," she warned.

Itozawa and Ichinose cautiously entered the library, their movements natural, like ordinary students looking for materials.

The library was quiet and solemn, with only the rustling of pages and soft footsteps. Their eyes quickly scanned every corner, searching for Kamuro's trace.

They noticed Kamuro heading toward the depths of the library, where the bookshelves were taller, the light dimmer, and there were fewer people.

Itozawa and Ichinose maintained a certain distance, their steps light, trying to avoid drawing Kamuro's attention.

They used the bookshelves as cover, sometimes hiding, sometimes moving quickly, always staying out of Kamuro's line of sight.

Itozawa's gaze was fixed on Kamuro's figure, while his ears keenly picked up any unusual sounds around them.

Ichinose followed closely behind. Her abilities were activated by Itozawa, and she kept pace with Kamuro. Although she couldn't perceive details yet, at least they wouldn't lose her.

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

Itozawa and Ichinose quickly hid behind nearby shelves, their movements swift and silent. Itozawa cautiously peeked out, observing Kamuro's every move, his brain working rapidly to figure out Kamuro's possible intentions.

Ichinose was responsible for monitoring the surroundings, her eyes scanning the library to ensure no one else noticed their actions.

Her heart beat slightly faster, but her expression remained calm. She knew any nervousness could compromise their stealth.

Kamuro finally took a book from the shelf. She opened it, appearing to search for specific information.

Itozawa and Ichinose exchanged a look. They knew this was a critical moment and they had to remain absolutely quiet and alert. They held their breath, waiting for Kamuro's next move, ready to take appropriate action at any moment.

Just as Itozawa and Ichinose were intently observing Kamuro's every move, a faint sound came from beside them, instantly tensing their nerves.

"What are you two doing?" a voice sounded near their ears.

Itozawa cautiously turned his head. Behind them was Shiina.

She had appeared beside them at some point, a look of curiosity and confusion on her face.

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

Shiina's eyes widened. She looked at Kamuro, then at Itozawa and Ichinose, seemingly processing the information. "Do you need help?" she asked softly, a willingness to assist evident in her voice.

Ichinose nodded. She knew that one more person meant more strength, especially in such a complex environment.

"We need you to help monitor the other exit, in case Kamuro suddenly leaves," she instructed softly, pointing to another exit of the library.

Shiina nodded, understanding her task. "Okay, I'll keep an eye out. If she heads that way, I'll let you know immediately," she replied softly and then moved silently toward the designated spot.

Itozawa and Ichinose refocused their attention on Kamuro. Kamuro seemed unaware of their presence, still engrossed in the book in her hands.

Itozawa let out a sigh of relief. He was surprised by Shiina's appearance, but after weighing the pros and cons, he felt her addition was beneficial. After all, Class C and Class B had no conflicting interests when facing Class A.

Moreover, he wished that Sakayanagi's secret machinations would become widely known. The more people who knew, the more channels for dissemination.

Not to mention, Shiina, who was only second to Ichinose as a little angel, had asked for their help. What reason did he have to refuse?

They continued to quietly observe Kamuro, while remaining alert to their surroundings. Shiina's addition gave them more confidence. They knew that as long as they stayed vigilant, they had a chance to uncover Kamuro's secret.