Counsel and Probing

Back on the other side, just after Itozawa and the others had quietly followed Kamuro out, Sakayanagi's brow lifted slightly, and a barely perceptible depth flickered in her eyes.

She turned and called toward the doorway in a calm, indifferent tone, "Kanzaki, do I really have to come and fetch you myself?" Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried far enough for him to hear.

At Sakayanagi's call, Kanzaki's expression didn't change in the slightest, as if he'd expected this moment all along.

He slowly stepped out from around the corner and walked unhurriedly into Class A's classroom.

His movements were smooth and natural, showing no sign of nervousness or awkwardness. Instead, he seemed completely at ease, like two old friends meeting at an agreed-upon spot for a pleasant conversation.

Sakayanagi welcomed Kanzaki with a gentle gaze, the corners of her mouth lifting into a warm smile.

Her posture was relaxed, and she leaned slightly toward him. The subtle gesture revealed her trust and fondness for Kanzaki. "Kanzaki, what brings you here?"

There was a hint of teasing in her voice.

Of course, she knew why he was here, but she didn't care in the least.

Kanzaki smiled faintly, entirely at ease, as if their conversation were nothing more than casual small talk.

"I was just passing by, so I thought I'd see how you were doing. What, am I not welcome?" He sounded lighthearted, as though he didn't care whether she suspected him.

He slipped his hands into his pockets and leaned slightly to one side, looking relaxed. But a hint of wariness lingered in his eyes, ready for any probe Sakayanagi might make.

Sakayanagi looked him over, amusement in her expression. "You can never hide what you're thinking, so stop pretending." She leaned closer. "I heard you've been spending a lot of time with Itozawa from your class lately. Does he have something special about him?" Her sharp gaze seemed to search Kanzaki's reaction for the slightest clue.

Kanzaki shrugged, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Itozawa's an interesting guy. We just talk now and then." His voice was calm. "But it looks like even you've been caught off guard by him. What, did he bully you like those other people? Want me to take care of him for you?"

His tone was three parts teasing.

He knew Itozawa couldn't have offended her in that way. Otherwise, Sakayanagi would already have him firmly in her sights.

Sakayanagi gave a cold laugh. "You really don't know a good thing when you see it. I'm looking out for you. Those people in Class B aren't as simple as you think."

She was concerned about Itozawa because Kamuro had told her afterward that he was the one who'd instructed Kamuro. That was what had made her curious about him.

But when she'd gone to her father's office to look through the school records, she hadn't found anything unusual. So she'd decided to use Kanzaki as her way in.

Naturally, she couldn't tell him the truth and give him a chance to laugh at her.

A glimmer of amusement flashed through Kanzaki's eyes. "Sakayanagi, if the people in Class B aren't simple, does that mean the people in Class A are? You seem even more relaxed than I am."

Sakayanagi smiled and dropped the subject, choosing instead to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Kanzaki, do you remember our bet from last time?"

"Of course, Sakayanagi," he replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "I rarely get the chance to see you caught off guard. I'll remember this one for a long time."

The corners of Sakayanagi's mouth lifted slightly, confidence in their wager shining in her eyes. "Then since you came here today, I'll give you a chance to admit you've lost. What do you say?" she challenged, leaning forward slightly as if trying to read the answer in his expression.

Kanzaki shook his head lightly. "No. I'm still curious to see how you plan to get the students in Class B to talk." His voice was calm, but the challenge in his eyes was clear. "Don't worry. If you win, I'll honor the bet. But unfortunately, it looks like you won't be winning this time."

Sakayanagi bit down on her silver teeth. She'd been too hasty back then, so now all she could do was try to bluff Kanzaki into dropping the matter.

"Oh? Is that so? But I've heard there's been some unrest in Class B lately. Perhaps that's my opportunity." Her voice carried a note of confidence, as if she already had some crucial information.

Kanzaki's eyebrows lifted slightly, a flash of surprise in his eyes that he quickly concealed. "Unrest? I haven't heard anything." He replied casually, trying to hide his inner turmoil. "But even if you do know something, I don't think you'll succeed."

Sakayanagi laughed softly, a hint of smugness in her eyes.

It seemed they still hadn't discovered what she'd done.

"Let's wait and see, Kanzaki. I'm looking forward to watching you lose the bet."

Kanzaki smiled faintly, anticipation of Sakayanagi's challenge in his eyes. "I'm looking forward to seeing you fail too, Sakayanagi. After all, this is a rare opportunity."

Seeing that she couldn't shake Kanzaki's resolve—and that she'd gotten the information she wanted—she stopped pressing the point and brought up another topic instead. "Kanzaki, aren't you worried about the two people who went to follow Kamuro? You know what I'm capable of. Aren't you afraid she'll set them up?"

Her posture was relaxed, and she leaned slightly toward Kanzaki. The subtle gesture revealed her trust and fondness for him, while also putting pressure on him.

Kanzaki smiled lightly, perfectly at ease, as if Sakayanagi's provocation didn't bother him.

"If you can uncover Itozawa's true capabilities, I'll really have to thank you."

Kanzaki's voice was light, and the smile on his face showed his faith in Itozawa's abilities, as well as how little Sakayanagi's provocation affected him.

"Let's wait and see."