The ruins behind the shopping street lay far from the crowds, a desolate and remote area rarely visited by anyone.
It covered a broad stretch of land with complicated terrain, perfect for hiding a large force.
"They probably haven't set up any large scale traps or fortifications."
Shizuko analyzed the situation for us. "If they were bringing huge amounts of building materials into the ruins, the surrounding shopkeepers would have noticed immediately. But even so, we can't let our guard down."
"Normally, those unruly Street Mouryo delinquents wouldn't have the patience for this kind of tactical preparation. But with Date Meowru commanding them, there might be ambushes along the path."
At that moment, on the narrow road leading toward the ruins, five students surrounded me protectively, scanning the area and advancing with caution.
Judging from our current lineup and the typical combat ability of the Street Mouryo, even if dozens of enemies ambushed us, it would pose no real threat.
And since the Street Mouryo's numbers were limited, most of them were likely waiting inside their base, relying on the advantage of home ground. Even if they wanted to set an ambush, they could only spare a small portion.
Still, I couldn't help wondering what tricks Date Meowru had prepared beyond these hired troublemakers.
Then again, maybe things wouldn't be that simple. I reminded them.
"If we really do get ambushed soon and there are a lot of enemies but they all fall apart in one hit, you must not pursue too far."
This was directed mainly at easily fired up Shizuko, straightforward Kaede, and Pina, who liked imitating her chivalrous film heroes.
"Ah, Pina understands! Boss means the enemy might use our desire to end the incident quickly to lure us deeper into a trap!"
Pina grasped it immediately. "Pina saw that tactic in a yakuza movie! The protagonist turned the whole situation around that way even when at a huge disadvantage!"
…Setting aside why her references were always film related, wasn't that an ominous comparison for our situation?
And why was I still being called Big Boss?
Keeping cautious, we approached close enough to glimpse the main structure of the ruins when suddenly, battle cries erupted from both sides of the road.
Next came dozens of Street Mouryo girls in pale yellow kimonos and masks, bursting out from cover where natural terrain and abandoned wreckage had formed hiding spots.
"Go! For the great ambitions of our master! Defeat them quickly and cleanly!"
Then, in the blink of an eye, the students on our side, long prepared, crushed them effortlessly and sent them scurrying back behind cover.
"Yawn… anyone could tell this place was perfect for an ambush. Anyone would be on guard…"
Beside me, Tsubaki yawned as she lifted her heavy shield with one arm, blocking the bullets flying toward me.
A flurry of metallic clangs rang out, but her seemingly delicate arm held steady, as if she were holding a sheet of foam rather than a reinforced shield under fire.
Meanwhile, her other hand fired repeatedly in the opposite direction, suppressing the enemies trying to peek out from behind cover.
A few stray rounds slipped past, but they barely consumed any of Arona's battery.
With the Inner Discipline Club president and powerhouse guarding me like this, I felt completely at ease.
Compared to her, the other two in the same club were weaker, but Mimori moved with elegant precision, and Kaede was lively and utterly capable of suppressing any ordinary delinquent.
As for Shizuko and Pina, there was nothing to worry about at all.
Pina swept through with machine gun fire, while Shizuko charged straight into the enemy with her shotgun. I couldn't see the details from here, but judging from the continuous screams and pleas for mercy, she was venting several days' worth of pent up rage.
I almost felt like reminding her to consider her public image as the mascot girl. After all, rumors tend to spread, even about someone like me who only held simple conversations with students.
"Damn it, we can't beat them at all… Should've gone to enjoy the festival instead…"
A Street Mouryo girl crouched behind cover sounded defeated. Her companion whispered encouragement.
"Don't be scared! All this was foreseen by our master! Our goal is to drain the enemies' ammo supplies and stall for time!"
"That's right! The master's hidden move is about to activate!"
The first delinquent paused. "So uh… what exactly was the master's plan again?"
And just then, the battlefield shifted.
A sharp whistling approached fast. Before I could react, darkness blocked my vision as my head was pushed into something soft and warm.
A split second later, a blast thundered behind us, sending a shockwave that staggered both me and Tsubaki, who had shielded me with her body.
Only then did I realize a grenade had been hurled our way, and Tsubaki had blocked it at the last second.
Pulling free from her chest, I frowned and looked toward the end of the path we had come from. There I saw a very familiar beat up pickup truck rolling into view.
A sense of foreboding rose in my chest, confirmed moments later by the excited cheers of the Street Mouryo.
"They're here! The legendary Dark Cuisine Five Tiger Stars of Kivotos' underground culinary world!"
"We're saved!"
"Lion Head Izumi! Tiny Junko! Blue Eyed Crocodile Akari! Explosion Celestial Sage Haruna! And their elusive leader, Cloud Piercing Dragon Fuuka, who controls every situation from the shadows!"
"To think our master even managed to recruit the Five Tiger Stars! I'll follow that master for the rest of my life!"
"Can the master's Four Heavenly Kings triumph against the Festival Department and the Weirdos Club? Absolutely! Easily!"
Kaede yelled back indignantly, "Who are you calling the Weirdos Club! And didn't you just list five people? Why are you calling them the Four Heavenly Kings!"
The Street Mouryo girl snorted. "Shows how ignorant you Weirdos are! Four Heavenly Kings have always consisted of five members!"
Listening to their cheers and remembering seeing Junko this morning, I fell silent.
Just what were these girls showing up for?
After that initial sneak attack failed, the Gourmet Research Society, always polite in their own way, did not launch a follow up strike. They parked the supply pickup, turned off the engine, and stepped out.
Four girls exited the vehicle, though I could see one more wriggling silhouette still inside.
Even without seeing the face, I knew exactly who that was.
So why had they kidnapped Fuuka again?
I looked up at the sky, feeling the situation grow more chaotic by the minute.
In any case, the Gourmet Research Society had now officially joined the battle.
"Haha! You're finished!" a Street Mouryo girl taunted, peeking out. "Give up already! Faced with these unmatched warriors, you stand no… yikes!"
Shizuko, who had just returned from her rampage, fired a shot behind her without looking, sending the girl diving back behind cover.
Peeking weakly again, the girl muttered under her breath.
"D-damn it… how dare they act tough against the Gourmet Research Society… They'll get what's coming…"
But when she looked again, she froze.
Her eagerly awaited reinforcements were standing not far from us, but instead of attacking, they were waving cheerfully.
"Ara∼ Sensei, fancy meeting you here. Hehe∼"
At the front, Haruna greeted me with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon, Sensei. Since we noticed you were here, we decided not to continue attacking."
Behind her, Akari also smiled and bowed.
Izumi spoke with her mouth stuffed full of food, and Junko gave a curt nod with her usual haughty expression.
The battlefield atmosphere instantly turned harmonious. The Street Mouryo probably only felt awkward.
Seeing their friendliness, I matched their tone.
"Hello, everyone. What brings you all here?"
"Hehe∼ as you can see, we were hired."
Haruna answered gracefully. "Since the client already paid a generous advance, unfortunately, even with you here, we must fight."
Clearly, they respected me to some degree, but not enough to reject a commission.
Besides, it wasn't me they were fighting, but the students receiving my help.
I paused. "…If I recall correctly, aren't you all still in detention?"
"Mm, thanks to Fuuka's vehicle, we managed to shake off the Prefect Team's pursuit∼"
Poor Fuuka, poor Hina.
Truthfully, I didn't want to fight the Gourmet Research Society here. Forget the uncertain outcome, even a victory would cost time and resources.
Was there a way to talk them out of this? Only two methods remained, persuasion via pressure or persuasion via reward.
Threatening to report them to the Prefect Team might scare them a little, but it would destroy our relationship. Not worth it.
So bribery it was.
"Before we begin… may I ask what Date Meowru paid you?"
Haruna tilted her head thoughtfully. "Mm∼ it's fine to tell you. Hehe∼ the only reward that can move us Gourmet Research Society members is, of course—"
"It's meal vouchers for several famous restaurants in Hyakkiyako∼"
Akari pulled out a stack of tickets, smiling brightly. "With these, we can enjoy the local specialties for free∼"
Haruna nodded. "Indeed. And though far less important, there's also a significant commission after the job is complete."
Izumi sniffled. "Uu… I need it to pay my debts…"
Junko muttered in annoyance. "I've said it already. The exhibit was clearly damaged by Millennium students. Why are we the ones paying for it…"
Because you were the real culprits? Although… well… Millennium's C&C tactics were a bit rough.
"Hold on!"
Shizuko suddenly exclaimed. "Those vouchers were from Date Meowru, right? They're a special privilege he has as shopping district head. Once we defeat him and expose his schemes, he'll be removed from office!"
Haruna frowned. "So?"
Shizuko crossed her arms. "Which means all your vouchers will become worthless!"
Silence fell immediately.
I wasn't sure if this rule truly existed or if Shizuko had made it up just now.
Judging from the sweat on her forehead and twitch at the corner of her mouth, the latter seemed likely. But the Gourmet Research Society girls did look troubled.
All except Haruna.
"Hehe∼ so that's all?" Haruna blinked. "Even if that happens, if we defeat you here, wouldn't everything work out anyway?"
"…Fair point. But then, what if I also happen to be the famous owner of Momoyo Hall? What then?"
"…Oh?"
Seeing Haruna's eyes narrow with interest, Shizuko exhaled in relief and put on her business smile.
"If you want to experience Hyakkiyako's finest cuisine, our Momoyo Hall is always open. And of course, you'll be welcomed by the cutest mascot girl, yours truly∼ Shizuko∼"
Haruna lifted a brow. "Momoyo Hall… I've heard that name."
"I found it," Akari announced, already searching on her phone. "It's definitely a famous café."
"Ara~ ara~, I didn't realize our opposition was so distinguished. How rude of us."
Haruna always extended respect toward culinary artisans. For example, her affection for Fuuka bordered on siblinglike devotion.
Shizuko nodded eagerly and added an incentive. "Yes yes∼ and if you retreat now, next time you visit our shop, I'll treat you to a completely free meal∼"
Haruna clearly wavered, though she still shook her head. "A tempting offer. But if you lose, the promise becomes void, right?"
Shizuko faltered, but Kaede protested loudly.
"We won't lose! We're definitely going to win!"
"Hehe∼ trying to negotiate while claiming absolute victory doesn't make you sound very convincing∼"
Haruna's insight cut deep and true.
The problem was clear: we could not guarantee victory.
Which meant someone respected by Haruna needed to speak up, someone whose promise she trusted.
That someone was me.
"Haruna, about the financial damages last time, I'll speak to Millennium on your behalf. And for this incident… I'll owe you a favor. Is that acceptable?"
The proud foody girl looked at me, amusement sparkling in her ruby eyes, then shook her head firmly.
My heart sank, until she added her answer.
"No need for favors. We still haven't thanked you for your support. Hehe∼ since our club advisor says so, we'll withdraw. Right, everyone?"
Haruna turned to the others.
Akari nodded with a smile. Izumi nodded repeatedly. Junko huffed but dipped her head in reluctant assent.
"All in agreement∼"
Haruna faced me again, her eyes gleaming with unreadable light.
"So, once we treat you to something delicious, we expect you to take us out for a meal as well."
I understood immediately. An invitation to a date.
I nodded brightly. "Of course. I'll choose a restaurant worthy of the occasion."
"Hehe∼ I look forward to it∼"
After that, Haruna's smile tightened slightly as she addressed Shizuko.
"And I look forward to your promise as well. I'm very strict about food, you know?"
Considering she blew up restaurants she disliked, she had every right to say that.
Shizuko answered confidently, "No worries∼ Hyakkiyako's Momoyo Hall will definitely satisfy you∼ nya, nya∼"
I wondered whether I should warn Shizuko about the Gourmet Research Society's habits. Then again… maybe it was better not to.
And so, the Gourmet Research Society withdrew without a fight. Only after their old pickup rattled off into the distance did I remember Fuuka.
I could only hope she was safe.
Having witnessed all this, the Street Mouryo also slipped away quietly. After regrouping briefly, we resumed our advance.