The morning started with an email from the event committee, inviting two Level 5 espers to give the oath at the opening ceremony of the Daihaseisai.
Then, at school, she got pulled aside to discuss some baffling matters.
According to Natsume Sonoko's original plan, she should be filling the gap left by the injured Shirai-san, conducting a full-time, close-range observation of Misaka-senpai, not sitting here discussing the willingness of oath-takers with a teacher.
Seriously, out of all the people in Academy City, why did it have to be the Level 5s?
This certain bun-girl had absolutely no sense that Level 5s were supposed to be student representatives for Academy City. Instead, she just felt the trouble piling up.
Only the thought of her scholarship offered any comfort to Natsume-san's fragile heart.
Natsume-san hated being the center of attention. It made her skin crawl, instantly stripping away any sense of security. Thankfully, that feeling was mostly confined to the School Garden.
It had been a while since she became a Level 5, but contrary to her initial belief that she'd get used to it, the pressure just kept mounting.
And now, being an oath-taker for the Daihaseisai opening ceremony? She wouldn't just be facing everyone in Academy City, but a worldwide broadcast.
For a certain bun-girl, it sounded like a complete nightmare.
"Thank you for the recommendation, sensei, but I must decline."
After only a brief moment of thought, a look of firm resolution settled on Natsume Sonoko's face, her eyes shining intently as she looked at the teacher across from her.
This was Natsume-san's 'determined' look. Once she reached this state, it was nearly impossible to change her mind.
Natsume-san was digging her heels in. She didn't offer any vague 'I'll think about it' reply, but refused the invitation outright.
Just picturing herself standing on that podium made her resolve even stronger.
"What a shame," Nagasawa-sensei shook her head, looking disappointed. "In that case, between Misaka-san and Shokuhou-san, which one would you recommend, Natsume-san? The choice will now be between those two."
Nagasawa-sensei's tone softened, shifting from a discussion to a more casual conversation, as if she genuinely wanted to hear Natsume-san's opinion.
Tokiwadai Middle School had three Level 5s, but since both oath-takers couldn't be chosen from Tokiwadai, it was a choice of one out of three.
"That? I recommend Misaka-senpai."
After a moment's consideration, Natsume-san answered very seriously.
Both Shokuhou-senpai and Misaka-senpai were fine people, but Natsume Sonoko felt Shokuhou-senpai didn't seem like the type who'd want to participate in such an event—she didn't even take P.E. class.
Misaka-senpai, on the other hand, was not only athletically gifted and excellent in all areas, but her easygoing personality seemed better suited for it.
"Misaka-san, is it? I believe the Daihaseisai staff have already been in contact with her. She hasn't explicitly refused yet."
The teacher-advisor nodded, seemingly accepting Natsume-san's suggestion.
Leaving the staff room, Natsume Sonoko quietly closed the door behind her, a clear look of relief instantly washing over her face.
--+--
"Misaka-san, even though this is just practice, I'll give it my all!"
Rarely seen without her fan, Kongou-senpai stood blushing on the track, a binding strap already tied around her right ankle. On the other end, Misaka-senpai was finishing her warm-up stretches.
"Kongou, I'm counting on you."
Finishing her stretches, Misaka-senpai turned and offered some words of encouragement.
"Leave it to me! I won't let Shirai-san's request go unanswered!"
Nodding vigorously, today's Kongou-senpai was just as full of energy as ever.
Apparently, ever since Shirai-san was hospitalized, the partner spot for the three-legged race with Misaka-senpai had been empty. But now, Kongou-senpai was helping out.
"Natsume-san, over here!"
A girl's voice called from a distance. It was the voice of a certain bun-girl's partner, Kakehana-san. They had also been signed up by the school for the three-legged race.
"Sorry I'm late, the teacher needed to see me about something."
With a somewhat apologetic look, the bun-girl explained as she pulled the binding strap from her pocket.
--+--
"You know, Natsume-san seems a bit off today."
School bag slung over her shoulder, Misaka-senpai stared curiously at the slightly peculiar underclassman beside her, her mind whirring.
Once again, they were among the first students leaving the School Garden, with hardly any other students around.
The staff managing the School Garden entrance and exit were almost used to it by now.
These two Tokiwadai Level 5s always seemed to have much more free time than the other students, rushing off outside the moment school ended.
The taller one spent her free time darting off to arcades, while the shorter one, when not shopping, was buying manga from convenience stores or the underground mall.
They might seem idle, but they were good kids.
Beep. Verification passed.
Skillfully opening her bag, taking out her ID, swiping it, and greeting the administrator sister with practiced ease, Natsume-san walked outside with a light step.
Even though her mind was weighed down with matters, school was out—time to be happy. Her mood meter automatically got a five-point boost.
The moment they stepped out of the School Garden, a security robot whirred past them. Its built-in camera rotated a few degrees, cross-referencing their information.
"Misaka-senpai, where are we going next?"
Natsume-san's face was blank, giving no clue to her mood.
The bun-girl was meticulously executing her plan: stick by Misaka-senpai's side and wait for the hidden enemy to show themselves.
It was like waiting by a tree stump for a rabbit; Misaka-senpai was the stump in this plan.
As the two of them walked on, the 'thermal radar' in Natsume-san's mind was running at full power, observing the movements of the people around them.
If that 'Member' group or the mastermind behind the scenes really intended to do something bad to Misaka-senpai, Natsume Sonoko would be the first to know.
It was the same with Reiko; she was keeping close to the Misaka Sisters.
She'd have to restrict Reiko's free time a little for a while. 'I'll make it up to her with more snacks another day,' she thought.
"Reiko, how's things on your end?"
"All normal. Misaka 9982 is attempting to create a new culinary dish."
It almost sounded like she was talking to herself. Natsume-san was keeping a constant tab on both situations.
"Do you have any plans today, Natsume-san?"
Slowing her pace a little, Misaka-senpai asked curiously.
She had a strange feeling. Today, Natsume-san seemed especially clingy.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.