In the end, Haruno left with lingering doubts and concern.
She then called Shizuka.
"Yukino really has such a difficult personality."
She shook her head helplessly.
"For some things, acting on your own is fine.
But when it comes to your own safety, shouldn't you at least tell your family and ask for help?"
"Ah…"
But…
"Even if Yukino refuses to say anything, I have other ways to find out."
Her insider at Shuchiin will report everything to her!
"That's right—you, Shizuka!"
Hiratsuka Shizuka: "Huh?"
After hanging up the phone, Shizuka was speechless.
So your sister's life matters, but your best friend's doesn't?
I really don't want to get involved in the supernatural…
Sure, she used to fantasize about being the heroine in a hot-blooded manga, but—
Actually encountering supernatural events? No thanks!
Still…
"Just keeping an eye on Yukino's movements should be fine, right?"
She hesitated but eventually made up her mind.
Yukino was her student, after all.
As a Sensei, helping her students solve problems was her duty.
The next day.
Kyoto.
Just as naturally as ever, Yomi returned to the Bureau.
She didn't think there was anything strange about entering as a devil.
But her superior clearly thought otherwise.
Jinguji Ayame stared at Yomi with a complicated expression and a heavy heart.
She had already heard the news from Natsuki Minamiya the day before.
She knew what had happened, though at first, she couldn't believe it.
But now…
Yomi had really become a devilband come back to her!
Jinguji Ayame rubbed her temples, feeling a dull ache in her chest.
Her favorite officer had gone out on a mission and come back… as part of a devil's Peerage?
Though it wasn't exactly her fault…
After all, just facing a being like Hagoromo Gitsune.
Even if it was just a tail. They were lucky to make it back alive.
Still…
She couldn't accept it.
Another promising human taken by a devil!
Jinguji Ayame was furious.
Ever since devils gained the ability to reincarnate other races using Evil Pieces.
The already-scarce pool of human talent had grown even smaller!
And what's worse…
The devils not only welcomed new Peerage members openly, they even charged for it!
Seriously!
It was outrageous!
At the root of it all.
This was that damned gap witch's fault!
She asked her to help find someone, and she summoned a devil?
Well…
Yomi summoned him herself…
Can't blame her too much.
Survival comes first.
Jinguji Ayame didn't blame Yomi but she did have a headache.
"What are your plans going forward?"
Yomi blinked in confusion. "What I was doing before… I'll just keep doing it?"
Jinguji Ayame: "…"
"Your devil master didn't give you any specific instructions?"
"Um… he said to just do what I normally do…"
"…Alright then."
Jinguji Ayame was thoroughly confused.
What did this devil mean?
Infiltrating human institutions with his Peerage members?
What was his goal?
But…
There was no real way to refuse.
Yomi had always been a useful asset and now, as a devil, she was likely even more powerful.
She was tempted.
Even witches who'd signed contracts with devils were still in service.
So being a Peerage member shouldn't be a big deal.
"Alright."
Jinguji Ayame agreed decisively.
"But… it'll be hard to explain to your family, right?"
At this, Yomi paused for a moment.
"It doesn't matter."
They're not important.
——
Afternoon.
Yukino took a deep breath, standing in front of the door to the Supernatural Investigation Club.
She had sat alone in her classroom until five in the afternoon, struggling with her thoughts.
And now, she had finally made up her mind.
She was going to sell herself.
From last night to now, she had realized something after all the internal conflict and hesitation.
True strength is admitting your own weakness.
In the past, she'd always prided herself on being strong.
But she had been blind to her fragility.
The old school building incident had ripped that illusion away.
She knew her limits but still refused to acknowledge them.
She forced herself to confront danger, forced herself not to rely on others.
But now.
She was finally ready to admit it.
True strength was the courage to accept her weakness.
"Huu…"
Goodbye… to the cowardly me!
With resolve in her eyes, Yukino opened the door to the Supernatural Investigation Club without even checking the situation inside.
She bowed and declared loudly:
"President Lynn! Please let me join!"
"…"
Yukino had gathered all her courage to shout those words that had weighed on her heart.
But…
Silence.
A long silence.
Beads of sweat began forming on her forehead.
Why… why no response?
Was she not sincere enough?
Or—
Was she not even qualified to join Lynn's Peerage?
Or maybe…
Lynn simply didn't want her?
Yukino's thoughts spiraled into panic.
For the first time, she realized.
What if Lynn didn't accept her?
She had been struggling over whether to become his Peerage member.
But she never considered.
Would Lynn even want her?
Why would he?
Just because she was cute?
Okay…
She had thought that way before.
But now…
A growing anxiety surged in her heart.
It wasn't that Lynn needed her.
It was she who needed Lynn.
Cute?
Weren't all of Lynn's Peerage members cute?
Weren't they all beautiful girls?
Besides…
She lowered her gaze.
Even her body was no longer whole.
"…Hmm…"
"Eh?"
"Is that… Yukinoshita?"
"What's she doing?"
Voices in the hallway snapped Yukino out of her spiraling thoughts.
She stood up abruptly and looked inside.
Empty.
The Supernatural Investigation Club was empty.
Seeing this, she exhaled in relief, but her legs gave out slightly, and she leaned on the doorframe for support.
"Eh? It really is Yukino!"
Yukino turned her head stiffly and saw Yui approaching with a blonde, busty girl.
"Yukino, you…"
Yui's expression was complicated.
She said just yesterday she wouldn't join the Supernatural Investigation Club.
So what was she doing at its door now?
Yukino felt awkward under Yui's gaze.
"It really is Yukino?"
The blonde girl looked amazed, it was the first time she'd seen Yukino in this state.
Total headline material.
Yukino turned away coldly.
Miura Yumiko.
Her expression remained blank—emotionless.
She didn't care about being seen in an embarrassing situation.
But Yui's eyes.
Made her feel a little uncomfortable.
"I've got something to do. I'll leave now."
Yukino turned away and left immediately.
"Wait, Yukino!"
Yui instinctively reached out.
"Eh?"
Miura Yumiko was surprised and quickly said,
"Yui, didn't you say you were going to join?"
Before she could finish, Yui rushed back and covered her mouth.
Yukino paused, turned around, and looked quietly at Yui.
Feeling Yukino's gaze, Yui froze for a moment.
Then turned to face her.
Didn't we agree?
They fell into silence for a moment.
"…Yukino, can we talk?"
"…Okay."
Yukino nodded softly.
"Wait!"
Miura Yumiko stepped forward with a sour expression. "Yui, you're abandoning me now?"
"Uh…"
Yui froze. "Yumiko, it's… hard to explain what comes next, so…"
Could you stop following me?
She didn't say that part.
"Hmph!"
Miura Yumiko scoffed in frustration, unwilling to back down.
"I want to see what's so mysterious!"
Yui sighed deeply.
Yukino glanced at her and gave a light warning.
"We won't be responsible for what happens next."
"Tch, who needs your protection?"
But…
The more they tried to hide it, the more curious she got.
What the hell was going on?
——
Faculty Guidance Office.
Natsuki Minamiya sat in a chair, holding a folding fan, looking at Hana with suspicion.
"This is the Peerage member you said can use aura (Life Flame)?"
She looked like an ordinary student.
And…
As a teacher at Shuchiin, could there really be a talent hidden from her eyes?
"What? You don't believe me?"
Natsuki didn't reply, but her expression clearly said it all.
"Wanna bet? If I win, you become my Peerage member."
Natsuki's face darkened instantly.
"You perverted freak. I swear I'll have you arrested one day."
"Eh? Is Natsuki-chan going to join Master's peerage, too?"
Hana looked shocked.
Smack!
The folding fan slammed down on Hana's head.
"Ow!"
"Don't call your Sensei by name—and don't add '-chan'!"
Putting the fan away, Natsuki glared at her.
"And who said I agreed to become part of his Peerage?"
Hana rubbed her head and mumbled.
Everyone targeted by Master eventually becomes..…
Natsuki-chan won't escape either…
Thanks to her interruption, the bet was dropped.
But…
Natsuki had no intention of betting with Lynn.
"Let's go. I'll take you to that idiot."
(To be continued.)