“By the way, Mamoru-kun.
What are your thoughts on the act of theft?” “Where is this coming from all of a sudden?” It was after school on the day of their swimming class.
On the way home, Arisu abruptly dropped that topic on Mamoru out of nowhere.
“It is merely simple curiosity.
Let us say, for instance, shoplifting.
If someone were to commit such an act right before your eyes, what would you do?” “…Does this have anything to do with you dropping by the convenience store constantly over the past few days?” There was a convenience store situated along the path between the school building and the student dorms.
For the past several days, Arisu had made a habit of repeatedly visiting that store on her way back.
What she bought was always perishable fresh pastries.
Since those were hard to stock up on, frequent visits weren’t inherently unnatural in themselves.
However, to Mamoru, her actions looked very much like she was inventing excuses just to stop by the store.
Just as he was growing suspicious that something was up, she brought up this topic.
“My, do you perhaps suspect that I am plotting to shoplift, Mamoru-kun?” “Not really.
I don’t think that.” Not because he believed Arisu was a paragon of moral virtue, but because a petty act like shoplifting simply didn’t suit her style.
“Consider it a simple poll of your personal views.
Please answer without overthinking it.” ‘A poll, huh…’ Since she clearly had no intention of explaining her motives, Mamoru figured he had no choice and decided to give it some serious thought.
Looking up at the sky, he pondered for a long moment before finally opening his mouth.
“…To tell you the truth, I don’t really care much.” “You do not care?” “If I actually happened to be present when it took place, I might step in to stop it.
But as far as this hypothetical conversation goes, the person involved is someone whose face and name I don’t even know.
I’m not softhearted enough to waste genuine mental energy worrying about a complete stranger.” Mamoru’s goodwill was generally directed toward the people right in front of him.
Even if someone was suffering somewhere out in the world, he didn’t go so far as to ponder what he could do for them.
Therefore, when speaking in hypotheticals like this, he couldn’t vividly picture what kind of action he would take.
“In short, you have no interest in the concept of crime itself?” The moment he heard those words, Mamoru almost burst out laughing.
To question a jujutsu sorcerer—someone who lived outside the boundaries of human law—on the morality of crime was amusing, to say the least.
“Judging a crime and handing out punishment aren’t my job.
That’s a right belonging to the victim.” To Mamoru, the law was less of a rigid set of rules and closer to a general moral guideline.
He didn’t believe in ignoring everything wholesale, but he certainly wasn’t bound by it either.
The moment a system failed to enforce its authority properly, he couldn’t help but view it with far less gravity than a normal civilian would.
Or perhaps that was true for any jujutsu sorcerer.
“On the flip side, if there isn’t any actual harm done, I don’t see a reason to make a massive deal out of it.” By the time they reached this point in the conversation, he could already make a reasonable guess as to what Arisu was aiming for.
‘She probably spotted a student about to shoplift and wants to grab some leverage on them.’ The targeted student was unfortunate, but it was also a mess of their own making.
Mamoru had no intention of offering any unsolicited opinions on Arisu’s actions.
He wasn’t taking Arisu’s side, but he had no reason to sympathize with a shoplifter either.
“If we happen to stumble upon a scene like that, do whatever you want, Arisu-san.
If I had to add one thing, it’d just be to make sure the stolen goods get returned.” The fact that Mamoru had seen right through her intentions was likely within Arisu’s expectations as well.
In response to his words, a confident, audacious smile spread across her face.
“Fufu, I see.
Then let us proceed with that approach.” While the two were talking, the convenience store had already come into view right in front of them.
Even though they were heading to a convenience store, Arisu looked remarkably like a child on her way to buy a brand-new toy.
Though Mamoru had just stated he felt no sympathy for the shoplifter, imagining what was about to unfold made him feel like pressing his palms together in a silent prayer for Arisu’s new toy.
“Welcome!” Greeted by the chime of the door and the clerk’s automated welcome, the two stepped inside.
They strolled through the aisles, exchanging casual small talk.
“Look, Mamoru-kun.
They have a newly released strawberry roll cake.
Doesn’t it look delicious?” “Yeah, looks good.” While pretending to browse products during their chat, they meandered through the store, but Arisu didn’t seem to be paying special attention to any particular student.
Or had the target simply failed to show up today?
Just as that thought crossed his mind, a female student entered the store a short while later.
‘If I recall…
that’s Kamuro, right?’ Recognizing the familiar face, Mamoru immediately realized she was Masumi Kamuro from Class A.
And in that exact moment, the way Arisu looked at her shifted into a sharp, analytical gaze, letting Mamoru know that she was indeed the target.
‘Still, what is she planning to do now?’ Since she had gone through the trouble of coming all the way here, she was likely certain that Kamuro was going to shoplift.
Was she planning to catch her red-handed, or let her walk and confront her afterward?
Pondering such thoughts while keeping an eye on Kamuro, he engaged in harmless chatter with Arisu for about five minutes.
After wandering around the convenience store for a while, Kamuro exited the shop without buying a single item.
‘Hm?
She just walked out normally.’ Because of the risk of raising suspicion, Mamoru hadn’t kept his eyes fixed on her the entire time.
There were moments when she was completely hidden behind the dead zones of the shelves.
Normally, however, if someone were attempting to steal, guilt alone should have caused a few suspicious twitches or nervous behaviors.
Yet, to Mamoru’s trained eyes, her movements showed no such signs.
“I suppose I shall refrain from buying anything today after all.
Shall we head out, Mamoru-kun?” “Hm?
Ah, yeah.” Putting on a natural front, the two left the convenience store, following after Kamuro.
“That was a splendid display of technique.” With those words from Arisu, Mamoru understood that Kamuro had indeed stolen something just now.
“Did you see it?
I didn’t spot anything suspicious.” “I did not catch the decisive moment myself, either.
However, there is no doubt that she stole something.” Faced with Arisu’s claim—that she hadn’t seen it, yet was entirely certain—Mamoru cast a dubious glance at her.
“You’re awfully confident.” “While she appeared to be selecting items, her actual focus was directed toward her surroundings.
Considering that she spent the last few days checking the locations of the security cameras, and today she refrained from doing so, her scouting phase was clearly already complete.” “…I don’t think that counts as proof that she actually went through with it, though?” “Her bag’s zipper.” “Huh?” “When she entered the convenience store, I verified the position of her bag’s zipper.
It was completely closed at first, but when she exited the store, it was slightly open.
Normally, if someone notices an open zipper, they close it.
It does not open further on its own unless items are being put in or taken out, does it?” “You picked up on all that?” “Once I had a rough idea of her goal, I made a point to check any place where items could be stashed.” Mamoru knew she possessed exceptional insight and observational skills, but he found himself genuinely impressed by her capabilities all over again.
While the evidence felt a bit flimsy on its own, Arisu’s face overflowed with absolute conviction.
Aside from the grounds she had just listed, her eyes had likely caught other subtle anomalies as well.
“So, what now?” “First, let us initiate contact with her.
If you would, Mamoru-kun.” “Me?
I said you could do whatever you wanted, but I don’t remember agreeing to get dragged into it.” “My deepest apologies.
At my walking pace, it is difficult to catch up.
I shall handle the talking, so please.” “…Fine, guess I have no choice.” Even while he hesitated, the distance between them and Kamuro continued to widen.
Getting entangled in Arisu’s schemes went against his preferences, but having walked alongside her this far, a certain degree of involvement was unavoidable.
With a heavy sigh, Mamoru picked up his pace to catch up to Kamuro.
“Kamuro-san.
Could you wait up a second?” Calling out to Kamuro’s back as he closed the distance, Kamuro turned around.
Spotting Mamoru, her brow furrowed in annoyance as she opened her mouth.
“What do you want?” Caution flickered in her eyes—whether because a boy she rarely interacted with had called out to her, or because of the lingering guilt of having just shoplifted.
“Nothing from me, personally.
It’s just that Arisu-san wanted to talk to you for a moment.” Meanwhile, Mamoru kept any trace of suspicion off his face, gesturing with his thumb toward Arisu, who was standing a short distance behind.
“Arisu?
You mean Sakayanagi?
What business does your girlfriend have with me?” Hearing Kamuro’s words, Mamoru pressed a hand against his forehead and slumped his head, holding back a headache.
“…Just so you know, she and I aren’t dating.
As for her business with you, ask her yourself.” “Right, whatever.” Even at Mamoru’s response, Kamuro acted completely uninterested.
As the two exchanged those words, Arisu caught up to them a moment later.
“Thank you for waiting.” “What do you want?
Make it quick.” The moment Arisu arrived, Kamuro cut straight to the point with an annoyed tone.
“My, were you in a rush?” “Does that have anything to do with you?” “Fufu, no, forgive me.
If you are in a rush, let us settle our business swiftly.” Watching Arisu’s audacious smile from the side, Mamoru pondered the situation.
While Arisu seemed entirely certain about this matter, there wasn’t a single piece of physical evidence.
If her deduction was correct, the stolen item should be inside Kamuro’s bag, but they couldn’t exactly forcibly search it.
Even if they insisted they saw it happen, if Kamuro asked, “What did I steal?”, they wouldn’t be able to answer.
How was she going to open this conversation?
Just as Mamoru was wondering, Arisu opened her mouth with complete composure.
“You shoplifted, didn’t you?” ‘Straight to the point, huh?’ Though he kept his expression neutral, Mamoru was inwardly dumbfounded by her absurdly direct opening.
“You appeared to have memorized the camera positions after scouting the store several times.
Was this your first time doing it at this school?
Or is this already your second or third?” “And what makes you so sure I stole something?” “Yes, well.
You did not seem to pay us any mind, but I am entirely certain.
If I were not, I hardly would have opened with ‘You shoplifted, didn’t you?'” In truth, even if she was convinced, without having witnessed the exact moment, she didn’t possess a shred of actual proof.
Yet Arisu’s delivery overflowed with so much confidence and conviction that it completely concealed that fact.
“Right.
You’re actually spot on.” Surprisingly enough, Kamuro admitted to her actions without a fight.
“So what if I stole something?
Going to tattle to the school?
If you do, next month’s points might drop for you guys too, you know.” By now, the idea that daily behavior affected monthly point distributions was a shared understanding across Class A.
This incident was an infraction that clearly violated those bounds.
“Indeed.
In that case, you might find yourself resented by the rest of our classmates.” Faced with Kamuro’s defensive pushback, Arisu responded with equal force, as if saying “So what?” Instead, she flipped the threat on its head by highlighting the massive fallout Kamuro herself would face.
“Do whatever you want.” Yet even against Arisu’s imposing attitude, Kamuro acted as though she couldn’t care less.
“Now, now, do not be in such a hurry.
Reporting this is simple enough, but before that, allow me to ask a question.” “Huh?” “Your technique was remarkable.
What surprised me most was your sheer composure.
Normally, a person buys at least a cheap item like gum or candy to alleviate their sense of guilt.
Yet you showed no such inclination.
That is clear evidence that shoplifting like this has become a routine habit for you.” ‘Is this girl a criminal psychologist or something?’ Mamoru—listening from the side—entertained the useless thought that she could probably make a living as a detective if she wanted to.
“Like I said, do whatever you want.” Grown sick of having herself calmly dissected, Kamuro shoved her hand carelessly into her bag and pulled out a canned beverage.
‘Of all things, booze?’ Spotting the packaging, Mamoru felt a wave of exasperation.
Shoplifting on its own was bad enough, but underage possession of alcohol was a double whammy.
If this came to light, it would cause a massive disaster.
“Go ahead and report it already.” It seemed less provocative and more self-destructive.
Ignoring her words entirely, Arisu asked a completely unrelated question.
“Do you regularly consume alcohol?” “Huh?
…No.
I’m not even interested in alcohol.” “Which means that to you, shoplifting is not an act meant to make your daily life easier, but strictly an act to savor the sensation of guilt and thrill.” “I get that you’re great at calm analysis, so why don’t you just hand me over to the school already?” “Are you truly fine with that?
As I mentioned earlier, if this comes to light, you will face suspension at minimum—not to mention losing your place in our class entirely.” “And?” “It has only been a week since enrollment.
There are still plenty of enjoyable and unenjoyable experiences waiting ahead, you know?” “If you aren’t going to report it, I’ll do it myself.” ‘Yeah, this isn’t someone you can control just by holding a secret over her head.’ Watching Kamuro actually pull out her phone, Mamoru thought to himself.
Arisu might have initially viewed this as an easy chance to gain a obedient pawn, but to Kamuro, something of this level didn’t work as leverage at all.
Though Arisu herself seemed to be thoroughly enjoying Kamuro’s reaction.
Either way, having her contact the school right here was troublesome for Mamoru as well.
Given his need to save points, having the class evaluation plummet because this incident blew up would be a major headache.
Though he originally had no intention of stepping in, Mamoru realized he had no choice.
Approaching the two without making a single sound, he moved with lightning speed, stopping Kamuro’s hand as she tried to shove the item back into her bag and smoothly snatching the alcohol can from her grip.
Because the movement was so seamless, neither girl could react immediately.
They simply stared at Mamoru with wide eyes.
“For now, I’ll return this to the store.
Kamuro-san, instead of getting so defensive, why don’t you hear her out first?” Knowing Arisu, she likely had a plan to talk Kamuro down even without his intervention.
However, there was a chance Kamuro might act rashly out of heat-of-the-moment frustration and ruin the process.
As Mamoru spoke to soothe her, Kamuro shot a sharp glare in his direction.
“…Hear her out?
What am I supposed to do after listening to her?” “That’s for you to decide, Kamuro-san.
Making a conclusion before even hearing what she has to say isn’t the way to go.” Even as they spoke, Kamuro kept her grip tight on her phone, attempting to pull it out, but Mamoru kept his hand firm over hers.
After a moment, feeling the tension drain from Kamuro’s hand, Mamoru slowly released his grip.
“…” She looked thoroughly displeased, but she had managed to compose herself enough to listen.
Though she didn’t offer a verbal reply, she shot a look at Arisu that silently said, “Get on with it.” “…Then, to reiterate.
Kamuro-san, I have no intention of spreading your secret around.
In exchange for keeping it safe, however, I would like you to assist me in various matters.” “So basically, you want me to become your servant?” For some reason, even though Arisu was the one speaking, Kamuro shot a accusatory glare at Mamoru as well.
“Could you not lump me in with ‘you guys’?” “You’re not denying the ‘servant’ part, are you?” ‘Yeah, I can’t deny that part.’ To avoid the deadpan gaze Kamuro shot at him, Mamoru looked off in a completely random direction.
“Calling someone a servant sounds so terribly unpleasant.
I simply want a reliable friend I can comfortably count on.” ”Sounds completely fake.” Watching Arisu turn her face away with a dramatic, hurt expression, Mamoru and Kamuro’s inner thoughts lined up perfectly.
In fact, Arisu immediately turned back around as if nothing had happened, clearing her throat with a quiet cough.
“Jokes aside, Kamuro-san.
I cannot forbid the act of shoplifting itself.
No matter how much I admonish criminal behavior from a moral standpoint, it would hardly resonate with your heart, would it?” “Well…
yeah.” A bitter expression mixed into Kamuro’s face as she nodded.
Deep down, she recognized that shoplifting was wrong.
Her seemingly self-destructive attitude likely stemmed from a self-loathing for indulging in it despite knowing better.
“However—if you remain with us, I assure you that you will not be bored.
We may be able to fill the void in your heart—the one that currently can only be satisfied through shoplifting—with something else entirely.” The smile on Arisu’s face as she spoke was just as brimming with confidence as before, but it lacked any overbearing pressure.
Instead, it was a smile that seemed to take pride in what lay ahead.
What Kamuro thought upon seeing Arisu’s smile at that moment was something only she would ever know.
However, to state only the final outcome: from that day forward, her shoplifting acts never came to light ever again.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Author’s Note: To jujutsu sorcerers, the law is closer to a moral guideline than a strict rule.
While it might not hit the absolute core, I think I managed to land a fairly reasonable angle on it.
What do you think?
Also, a random side note: I initially considered playing around with the chapter title a bit this time, but I decided against it because it felt like it would stick out awkwardly from the rest of the titles.
By the way, the original title I came up with was: Chapter 14: Looks like a kid, brains of an adult!
His name is…
I’m sure you can guess who that was referring to!