Hashimoto Masayoshi's Choice (Interlude)

The time pulls back to the day of the match against Ayanokoji.

Oreki had already set a trap to figure out Kiyoko's physical strength and intelligence.

Her arm muscles were well-developed.

The force behind her tennis swings was also significant.

Physical strength estimated at S.

As for intelligence...

Being able to deduce the truth in a short amount of time, her thinking and observation skills should be at an above-average level.

Hmm, a bit tricky.

But only a bit.

And as for her physical strength, Oreki had already thought of a way to deal with it.

Afternoon.

Time unknown.

Hashimoto Masayoshi was carrying a birdcage back to the dormitory.

Although he didn't understand why Sakayanagi made him do such a thing, since he had become Sakayanagi's subordinate, he might as well do as she said.

"Caw caw--"

"Sigh... I know, I know."

Hashimoto Masayoshi stopped in his tracks.

He found a random, hidden spot.

After taking out a few french fries, Hashimoto Masayoshi began to feed the crow.

"Caw caw~ (a joyful cry)"

The crow satisfiedly snatched up a french fry.

Then it swallowed it directly.

"Why do I, the great me, have to feed a stupid bird like you."

Hashimoto Masayoshi complained with dissatisfaction.

But complaints aside, he still took out a second french fry to feed it.

"Caw caw! (an uneasy cry)"

"..."

Hashimoto Masayoshi stopped what he was doing.

He clapped his hands.

"You've been following me since just now; is there something you need?"

After a brief silence.

Oreki walked out from the corner of the wall.

"Nice to meet you."

"Spare me the pleasantries, let's get down to business."

"Is that so? Then I'll keep it brief: come over to my side, Hashimoto Masayoshi."

"Hahaha... is today April Fool's Day? That's a pretty funny joke."

"Whether it's a joke or not, you'll know soon enough."

"Oh?"

"Your current task is to train the crow to learn how to place a tennis ball on the steel frame of the gymnasium. Am I right?"

"...Where did you find out about this?"

Hashimoto Masayoshi's expression became noticeably serious.

He was like a different person compared to a moment ago.

This matter was no small thing; if the task Sakayanagi assigned him was known by others, then Hashimoto Masayoshi would have to think carefully.

Whether to choose Sakayanagi, or to choose Katsuragi.

Someone who couldn't even manage counter-surveillance wasn't worth his service.

"How about you calm down a little?"

"Fine, I'll listen to what you have to say for now."

And so, Oreki told Hashimoto Masayoshi about him helping Sakayanagi.

However, he still kept a lot of things hidden.

If he had to say...

He probably only gave a brief explanation of the Crow Project.

"So that's how it is. No wonder Sakayanagi suddenly started keeping a crow."

"Mhm. So, you can make your choice now."

"No... not yet. You understand, the risk is too high."

"Is that so? That's a pity."

"???"

Hashimoto Masayoshi stared blankly as Oreki turned and walked away.

What kind of development was this?

Usually, this is the part where you start negotiating terms, right?

What is the meaning of flipping the table right away?

"Hey, wait!"

"What? Don't tell me you've changed your mind?"

"Not exactly..."

"Then let's not waste each other's time. Goodbye."

"This guy..."

Hashimoto Masayoshi didn't try to stop Oreki again.

If he wants to leave, let him leave.

He wasn't going to fall for any desperate attempts to keep him.

A few days later.

Specifically, last night.

Hashimoto Masayoshi toyed with a coin while looking over the documents in his hand.

"A miscalculation, indeed..."

"I didn't expect this method to actually work."

"So Sakayanagi failed to recruit him? Interesting..."

Oreki Houtarou.

In just one day, he helped Sakayanagi resolve the gymnasium incident.

And the method he used was quite ingenious.

Furthermore... Ryuen Kakeru from Class C also seemed interested in inviting Oreki to collaborate.

But it seems he was rejected.

Hashimoto Masayoshi looked thoughtful.

"Ding--"

A familiar sound echoed.

Without even thinking, it had to be a message from Sakayanagi Arisu.

After all, at this hour, most of the people Hashimoto Masayoshi knew were out at karaoke or similar gatherings.

"She wants me to protect him? I never expected our Lady Sakayanagi to have a girlish side."

"Especially when that kid is currently spending time with another girl."

"Whatever, I wanted to go take a look anyway."

Hashimoto Masayoshi quickly replied that he had received the message.

He still had to keep up appearances.

Soon, he disguised himself as a museum staff member on duty.

According to Sakayanagi, Oreki Houtarou should have just left the Literature Club.

It seems to be Shiina Hiyori from Class C.

Hashimoto Masayoshi hadn't paid much attention to this girl.

Probably because she lacked any real presence.

"Found him."

He hid behind a streetlamp.

Before his eyes...

Oreki hurried down the stairs.

He looked like he was in quite a rush.

He was probably trying to find Sakayanagi Arisu to explain everything.

Hashimoto Masayoshi thought to himself.

He was long since accustomed to this sort of thing.

There were only two possible outcomes.

One was making up as if nothing had happened.

The other...

Getting hacked to death.

Tsk, now is not the time to be thinking about such things.

Hashimoto Masayoshi straightened his clothes.

Soon, he waved his right hand and shouted loudly:

"Hey! Student over there!"

But no matter how much Hashimoto Masayoshi shouted, Oreki showed no intention of stopping.

This couldn't help but make him curse inwardly.

Consequently, Hashimoto Masayoshi picked up his pace and stepped directly in front of Oreki.

"Student, could you wait a moment, please!"

"...What is it? I'm very busy right now."

Oreki looked impatiently at the bespectacled man before him.

Covering himself up so thoroughly...

How suspicious.

"Sorry, sorry."

"Make it brief."

"Well, could you let me see what's in your messenger bag?"

"Why should I show you?"

"I figured as much... but that makes sense, after all, you are the target of the young lady of the Sakayanagi family."

Hashimoto Masayoshi feigned a look of deep disappointment.

This sentence was not merely a probe.

The goal was to clarify one thing.

Namely, what kind of relationship existed between Oreki and Sakayanagi Arisu.

The reason he did this was likely to prepare for the future.

"?" Don't joke around."

"I am terribly sorry, please give me another chance."

"...Speak."

"Please let me help you deal with that old man."

Hashimoto Masayoshi bowed to make his request.

He had specifically followed Oreki that afternoon.

That was before Sakayanagi Arisu had sent her message.

Therefore, he knew that Oreki had been harassed by that old man from the art gallery.

This was not difficult.

Because...

He himself had been disgusted by that old man as well.

It was a rare opportunity, and he could take this chance to get rid of that old geezer.

"...Goodbye."

"Eh? Please, trust me! Let me handle this matter."

"You're really a nuisance..."

"I'm begging you!"

"Sigh, take it, take it, and stop bothering me."

Oreki made a copy of the file and shared it via his phone.

He left quickly.

He was afraid that Hashimoto Masayoshi would continue to pester him.

Once Oreki hurried off toward Sakayanagi Arisu, Hashimoto Masayoshi took off his hat and glasses.

"An interesting fellow..."

"Fine, I'll join your side."

"I hope you can successfully lead me to graduate from Class A, Oreki Houtarou."

--To be continue