"Hmm."
"A face I haven't seen much."
"Kamuro-san, any impression?"
Arisu Sakayanagi walked slowly toward Keyaki Mall with her cane, while her other hand pulled out a hand mirror.
She observed the ghost-like "dead fish eyes" behind her.
Such tracking skills weren't bad. They might work against an ordinary person, but against her, Arisu Sakayanagi, they were slightly lacking.
More importantly, the school had just finished the explanation of the special exam, and someone was already tailing her.
This meant a class had already aimed at Class A.
Was it Ichinose, Ryuen, or that childhood friend from her dreams?
Thinking of this, Arisu Sakayanagi couldn't help but feel a bit of pleasure. They moved so fast; it should bring her quite a bit of fun.
"I know him."
Masumi Kamuro said with some hesitation: "He seems to be Hachiman Hikigaya from Ichinose's class. I saw him during the Uninhabited Island exam, but... it should be impossible, right?"
"Even if Ichinose wanted to target Class A, I don't think she would send someone to tail us."
Even people from other classes knew clearly that Ichinose was a straightforward "do-gooder"; she definitely wouldn't do something like sending someone to tail them.
With Ichinose's style, she would likely just work hard and take the exam seriously.
"Is that so?"
Sakayanagi continued to pleasantly observe the man in the mirror.
"Whether it's from you or people in the class, I often hear high praise for Ichinose."
"However, in my view, there are no absolute 'good people' in this world."
Clearly, because of her mobility issues, Class A was still primarily led by Katsuragi. Sakayanagi wasn't very familiar with Ichinose. Most of her evaluation came from others.
Even if she didn't believe absolute good people existed, to receive such support and high evaluation from so many people, Ichinose must have some merits.
"You'll know once you meet her."
"Yes, I will."
Sakayanagi looked at Hachiman Hikigaya in the mirror and said: "However, Kamuro-san's judgment also makes sense. It's not a good thing to let a misunderstanding influence judgment. Let's test it out a bit."
"Okay, how?"
Masumi Kamuro looked back and furrowed her brows.
She had to admit, Hachiman Hikigaya's tracking skills were quite high. Hanging back so far made it hard to tell if he was actually tailing them.
"Isn't this perfect?"
Sakayanagi looked at Instructor Mashima not far away and smiled: "No matter what, no one would choose to tail a school teacher, right?"
"True!"
Masumi Kamuro couldn't help but nod.
Under no circumstances would a student have a reason to tail a teacher.
The two of them quickly picked up their pace and walked toward Instructor Mashima.
"Teacher~"
And behind them, watching the two high school girls suddenly approach Instructor Mashima, Hikigaya was momentarily stunned.
That petite girl with white hair should be Class A's Arisu Sakayanagi, right?
Sakayanagi was definitely one of the people he absolutely didn't want to contact.
Therefore, Hikigaya had a deep impression of people he needed to "respect from a distance."
The other one...
Well... he didn't remember.
But since she was with Sakayanagi, she should also be a member of Class A.
What were these two suddenly approaching Instructor Mashima for?
While he was pondering, he saw the three of them cluster together and walk toward Keyaki Mall.
Damn it, Instructor Mashima, what's going on with you?
Could it be that Instructor Mashima has some inappropriate relationship with high school girls?
No way, Instructor Mashima!
Don't underestimate high school girls today; they are terrifying existences. If you happen to be framed, your career will be over!
Hikigaya couldn't help but feel worried for Instructor Mashima.
Just kidding.
They are in the same class.
It wasn't strange for Sakayanagi to have business with Instructor Mashima.
Since he didn't plan on interacting with these people anyway, Hikigaya didn't take it to heart.
But soon, he saw Instructor Mashima, Sakayanagi, and the other girl turn into a small alley and disappear from sight.
"No way."
Hikigaya was simply shocked.
Could it be that Instructor Mashima really has an inappropriate relationship with students?
I will definitely report this!
Hikigaya quickly picked up his pace to follow, but he couldn't find the figures of the three.
The narrow passage only allowed two people to pass side-by-side.
Hikigaya observed the surroundings. On the other side was another street, but halfway through, he found an iron door.
He experimentally turned the handle, and it opened easily.
What met his eyes was a classic "flavor concentration" (Ichiran-style) counter, with a few dining tables nearby for people to use.
Sakayanagi, the others, and Instructor Mashima were sitting at the counter waiting for something.
He didn't expect a small alley to contain such a hidden gem.
"Welcome to Tenkaippin!"
"Oh~~~"
Hikigaya was instantly amazed.
Truly lucky.
As expected, the sense of surprise from hidden shops was immense. To think it would be in a place like this.
And it was actually Tenkaippin, a titan of the ramen world!
Even though they have chains nationwide, they somehow don't have a branch in Chiba. Hikigaya was suddenly full of anticipation.
And there was a 10% discount!
Although it wasn't much, Hikigaya felt it was probably a consideration for the shop's hidden nature.
If the discount was too high, these shops would probably be known by the whole school within a day.
Looking at the seats at the counter, Instructor Mashima, Sakayanagi, and the others had already taken three. There were also several middle-aged corporate slaves.
As expected.
These corporate slaves had all experienced these shops during the trial period.
Only two seats remained.
After a moment's hesitation, Hikigaya still sat down next to Arisu Sakayanagi, leaving one seat between them.
It's just eating ramen; there shouldn't be any problem, right?
"Please give me an order of super-rich ramen, noodles cooked 'wire-hard' (kane-age), thank you!"
"Understood! One super-rich ramen, wire-hard!"
Hikigaya quickly threw his worries aside and ordered Tenkaippin's signature ramen.
He checked the pepper, white sesame, pickled mustard greens, and other condiments.
A moment later, the staff brought out three bowls of ramen and placed them in front of Sakayanagi and the others. Since they arrived first, it couldn't be helped.
Hikigaya just took one look.
There weren't many toppings; it was likely Tenkaippin's signature.
The same super-rich ramen as his.
The thick fat covered the soup, reflecting the bright lights, as if a pair of chopsticks wouldn't fall over even if inserted into it.
"Gulp..."
As expected of Tenkaippin.
Hikigaya swallowed his saliva just looking at it.
What was more impressive was probably Sakayanagi and that other girl. You should know that girls are usually intimidated by a soup base like this.
Even though it was just a prejudice, it was actually delicious to eat.
However.
That Sakayanagi and that girl could order such ramen without hesitation meant they were clearly regulars in the ramen world.
As expected of the Class A boss, Arisu Sakayanagi.
Hikigaya felt an inexplicable sense of awe toward her. Does a petite girl really like eating ramen like this?
At this time, Masumi Kamuro was exchanging glances with Arisu Sakayanagi.
What should we do? Do we really have to eat this thing?
"What is it, Kamuro-san, what are you waiting for?"
Feeling Hikigaya's scrutinizing gaze, Sakayanagi picked up her chopsticks, pinched a small section of noodles, and put it in her mouth.
Immediately, Sakayanagi's beautiful eyes brightened, and she took several successive slurps.
Her throat moving as she swallowed looked inexplicably charming.
As expected.
Sakayanagi is still a girl after all.
Impressive, Sakayanagi.
Hikigaya felt even more admiration and, at the same time, some relief.
As expected, there is no one in the world who would hate ramen—except for Kikyo Kushida, who likes selling tea.
At this point, the waiter also brought the super-rich ramen to him.
Hikigaya couldn't wait and first used a spoon to taste a mouthful. It felt like drinking back fat—it was a burst of happiness.
Although it couldn't compare to Naritaya, it was still top-tier in the ramen world.
Then, Hikigaya began to taste the noodles. The noodles were cooked perfectly and were very chewy.
Soup: 4.5 stars.
Noodles: 5 stars.
Toppings: 4 stars.
Hikigaya quickly gave his evaluation in his heart and began to enjoy the food.
"Then I'll be going first. Don't stay out too late."
"Eh, Teacher Mashima, won't you sit for a bit longer?"
"It's not good to sit in a ramen shop for too long."
Just then, Instructor Mashima, having finished his ramen, stood up with a stiff expression to leave.
Chatting in a ramen shop is a forbidden act. If you want to "shine," you should go to Starbucks.
Not only will the soup get cold, but the noodles will also get soft.
Unfortunately, there are just those people in the world who ignore the rules and like to be noisy and show off their affection in ramen shops.
As expected of Instructor Mashima.
Hikigaya couldn't help but feel a shred of respect for him. This is what a teacher should be like, much better than a certain teacher who spends all day hungover.
Compared to him, Sakayanagi and that "what's-her-name" were really too immature.
Although girls do eat a bit slower, they had finished, yet they were still chatting in the shop.
Sakayanagi actually dared to be disrespectful to the God of Ramen.
She will suffer divine punishment sooner or later.
Thinking this, Hikigaya remembered that he hadn't put his hands together just now to show his sincerity. Would he also suffer divine punishment?
It was just once; it should be fine, probably?
"I'm finished."
Looking at the empty porcelain bowl, Hikigaya put his hands together, intending to make up for his disrespectful act just now.
I'll come back tomorrow!
I hope the God of Ramen can forgive me!
Just then, Arisu Sakayanagi and the other girl also stood up to leave the ramen shop. Hikigaya didn't think much of it and followed them out.
Looking at the two in front of them, they seemed to be heading back to the dormitory.
It would be troublesome if Sakayanagi confronted him. Hikigaya actively increased the distance, falling about ten meters behind them.
Returning to the dormitory building, he saw the two enter the lobby.
Hikigaya hesitated for a moment; he still didn't want to take the same elevator as them.
For such dangerous figures, it was better to avoid them.
Retreating isn't shameful.
Hikigaya turned toward the vending machine; he would buy a can of MAX Coffee and wait for them to go up first.
Seriously.
Why hasn't his proposal for adding more elevators been passed yet?
The efficiency of the student council led by Nagumo Miyabi is really too poor.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side.
"It looks like he really is tailing us. I didn't expect Ichinose to move so fast. What should we do next?"
Inside the elevator, Masumi Kamuro pressed the floor button and said with a serious expression.
Although Hachiman Hikigaya might think he was well-disguised, in their eyes, he was full of flaws.
Not only did he follow them into the ramen shop, but he was also constantly observing her and Sakayanagi. Turning away at the dorm was likely because he judged it wasn't necessary anymore and wanted to avoid suspicion.
"Interesting."
A pleasant smile played on Sakayanagi's lips:
"Isn't this very simple? Since the other side has chosen to start a war, why would we choose not to accept the challenge!"
"Since Ichinose wants to compete with me! Then..."
"Let the war begin!"