"It looks like we're getting a transfer student today." Mai recalled Satoru Gojo's announcement in class yesterday.
"I heard-"
Panda's tone turned conspiratorial.
"This transfer student stuffed four of his classmates into a locker."
"Did he kill them?" Maki's voice came from the back of the group.
She carried a long object on her back, wrapped in a red carrying case-her cursed tool.
"No, apparently they were seriously injured." Panda waved a hand.
"Whoa! That violent?" Mai's mouth formed a small O.
Maki raised a hand and tugged at the strap securing the cursed tool to her back.
"Whatever." Her voice was flat. "If he's too cocky, we'll just beat some sense into him."
Mai faltered for a step.
"Sis-" She leaned forward slightly, tilting her head toward Maki, her eyes narrowing into two curved crescents.
"Why are you still so violent? Careful, or nobody will want you."
Maki stopped walking. She slowly turned her head toward Mai.
Mai's smile gradually stiffened. She had already begun backing away.
Maki raised her hand. It moved so fast that Mai's eyes barely caught its path. She only felt a gust sweep over her head, and then-
Thonk-
Mai raised her hands to cover the spot where she'd been knocked, her lips jutting into a pout.
"You're asking for it." Maki withdrew her hand from Mai's head and let it fall to her side, then turned and continued walking.
Rubbing the top of her head, Mai hurried after Maki and followed behind her, muttering, "Violent woman."
Maki didn't look back, but the corner of her mouth curved up slightly. "Keep up, or we'll be late."
"Tuna mayo?"
Inumaki's voice came from the middle of the group, slightly muffled. His uniform was zipped up high, leaving his eyes and forehead exposed. His pale hair