The preparatory bell for class rang at just the right moment, coming to Minoru Kuroe’s rescue.
Yui Yuigahama turned around and saw her classmates all looking like they were watching a show, realizing that the current setting wasn’t quite appropriate.
With her cheeks flushing slightly, she stuck her tongue out and hurriedly trotted back to her seat.
Before long, accompanied by the ringing of the official class bell, the homeroom teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka, strided into the classroom carrying the roll-call booklet and lesson plans.
Well, she was probably their homeroom teacher…
right?
Hiratsuka-sensei wore a white lab coat over a crisp black professional suit, her long black hair loosely draped over her shoulders.
Although she was an older single woman, she held surprisingly immense authority among the students.
Never mind how that authority came to be.
“Settle down, everyone.”
Hiratsuka walked up to the podium and tapped the desk with the roll-call booklet.
The classroom, which had been buzzing with whispers, went instantly silent.
Hiratsuka’s sharp gaze swept across the entire class, ultimately lingering for a moment on the empty seat that originally belonged to Toru Sakata.
“Before we begin class, I have an announcement to make.”
Hiratsuka’s voice wasn’t loud, but it reached every student’s ears clearly.
“Regarding what happened after school yesterday, I’m sure some of you have already heard some rumors.”
“I am officially reporting the outcome here: Sakata-kun, due to severe violations of school rules, suspected embezzlement of class funds…”
“…as well as extremely malicious conduct like using illegal means to take secretly recorded photos and coerce female classmates, has been expelled by the school administration following an emergency overnight meeting!”
The moment those words were spoken, the quiet classroom instantly exploded into noise.
“Expelled?!”
“My goodness, secret photos and coercion?!
Sakata usually looked like such a sunny person…”
“You can know a person’s face but not their heart.
How disgusting!”
Listening to the surrounding classmates’ chatter, Yumiko Miura bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes slightly red, though she felt far more relief and lingering horror.
If it weren’t for Minoru Kuroe, she really didn’t know what would have happened!
Hiratsuka coughed heavily, suppressing the commotion in the classroom.
“Additionally, because a large number of secretly taken photos of other female students were recovered from his cloud drive as ironclad evidence, Sakata was officially detained by the police last night and will face the full extent of the law.”
“The school will never tolerate such scum!
I hope everyone takes this as a warning!”
Hiratsuka paused, her gaze suddenly shifting toward Minoru, who was sitting in the corner with his chin resting on one hand, spacing out.
“At the same time, I want to give a special commendation to Kuroe-kun.”
Hiratsuka’s tone softened slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. Find the original chapter at g.com.
“Faced with a classmate in crisis, he stepped up without a second thought.
This spirit of standing up for justice is worthy of recognition.”
The entire class’s gazes instantly converged on Minoru all at once.
Faced with these looks, Minoru felt a bit awkward.
“However—”
Hiratsuka turned the conversation, her tone carrying a bit of helplessness.
“Kuroe, your intentions were good, but your methods were far too violent!”
“It’s fine to act out of justice, but next time you encounter something like this, call the police or find a teacher immediately!
Don’t run wild just because you’re strong, understand?”
Minoru replied honestly, “Understood, Hiratsuka-sensei.
I’ll definitely control my force next time.”
“…”
Hiratsuka’s lip twitched.
Was this kid’s focus really on controlling his force?
Shaking her head, Hiratsuka refrained from saying anything more, flipping open the lesson plan to begin the class.
…
The morning’s classes went by quickly.
When the dismissal bell rang, Hiratsuka packed up her teaching materials.
Right before stepping out of the classroom, she suddenly stopped and turned to look at Minoru.
“Kuroe, come out for a moment.
Come to my office.”
With that, she clicked her heels and left the classroom with a *tap-tap-tap*.
Although Minoru was somewhat puzzled, he still stood up and followed her out.
He followed Hiratsuka all the way to the faculty building.
Hiratsuka’s desk was carelessly piled high with various documents and a few poorly hidden manga books, looking slightly messy.
Of course, a faint smell of smoke hung in the air, making Minoru pull a slight grimace.
“Have a seat.”
Hiratsuka walked to the water dispenser, poured two cups, and handed one to Minoru.
“Thank you, Sensei.”
Minoru took the paper cup and sat down on the sofa.
Hiratsuka pulled over a chair and sat opposite Minoru.
Only now did she get her first close look at the youth’s face.
No parents, living alone, average grades, no club affiliations, and hardly talking with his classmates.
A textbook “loner.”
Yet this very loner had not only erupted with terrifying strength yesterday, but had also displayed wisdom and composure far beyond his age.
“Sensei, did you call me here for something?” Minoru took a sip of water, meeting Hiratsuka’s gaze calmly.
“Nothing much, I just wanted to talk.”
Hiratsuka pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket.
Just as she pulled one out to light it, she looked at Minoru across from her and stuffed it back in with a tinge of annoyance.
“Regarding yesterday’s incident, Hayama privately told me the detailed process.
Including how you forced Sakata to spill every single crime.”
Hiratsuka narrowed her eyes slightly: “Honestly, I’m a bit surprised.”
“To get someone that cunning to confess everything crystal clear, how on earth did you pull it off?”
“Maybe his conscience kicked in?” Minoru spouted nonsense with a straight face.
“Or maybe he was moved by my grace?”
Hiratsuka rolled her eyes, clearly not believing a single word.
Moved by grace?
Do you think you’re a magical girl?
Still, she didn’t dig deeper into the matter.
After all, the outcome was good, and Sakata received the punishment he deserved.
“Whatever, regardless of what method you used, I want to thank you again for saving Miura-san.”
Hiratsuka sighed, her expression turning serious.
“Still, Kuroe.
I looked over your file.
You live by yourself, and you’re always a lone wolf.”
“I didn’t pay much attention to you before, which was my oversight.”
“You possess such incredible strength and a sense of justice, but if you keep straying outside the collective, it’s very easy to draw unnecessary trouble.”
Minoru raised an eyebrow, sensing a double meaning in Hiratsuka’s words.
“Hiratsuka-sensei, what do you mean?”
Hiratsuka suddenly flashed a meaningful smile.
“I want to give you something to do.”
“I happen to know a place that is perfect for you to shine.”