Haichiman's Super Strength

"It's a face I've never seen before."

"What impression do you have of Kamuro-kun?"

Arisu Sakayanagi strolled slowly toward Keyaki Shopping Center, her hand held by Masumi Kamuro while the other held a small mirror. She glanced into it, observing the dull, lifeless eyes of someone tailing them from a distance.

The tracking skills weren't bad, perhaps effective against ordinary people. But against her, Sakayanagi Arisu, it was nothing. More importantly, it was clear that the school had just concluded a special exam, and someone was already trailing her. This meant a class was targeting Class A.

Was it Ichinose? Ryuuen? Or perhaps the childhood friend from her dreams?

The thought brought a hint of excitement to Sakayanagi's smile. Their speed of action was impressive, promising a lot of entertainment ahead.

"Knowing is one thing," Kamuro Masumi replied hesitantly. "But I think that's Hikigaya Hachiman from Ichinose's class. I saw him during the uninhabited island exam, but it seems unlikely, right?"

"Even if Ichinose wanted to target Class A, I doubt she'd send someone to tail us. Everyone knows she's too straightforward and kind-hearted to use such underhanded tactics. With her style, she'd focus on hard work and fair competition during exams."

"Is that so?"

Sakayanagi continued to watch Hikigaya's reflection in the mirror, her curiosity growing.

"I hear high praise for Ichinose from you and others in the class. But I don't believe there are absolutely good people in this world."

Sakayanagi's information on Ichinose mostly came from other people. Despite her skepticism about truly good people, she admitted Ichinose must possess some admirable qualities to earn such universal admiration.

"You'll understand when you meet her yourself," Kamuro said.

"Well, I'll certainly do that."

Sakayanagi's gaze returned to the mirror, her amusement not waning. "But your assessment makes sense, Kamuro-san. If there's any misunderstanding, it could cloud our judgment. Let's put him to the test."

"How?" Kamuro glanced back, frowning slightly. Hikigaya's tracking skills were decent, keeping a safe distance that made it difficult to confirm he was following them.

"Isn't it simple?" Sakayanagi's smile widened as she spotted Mashima-sensei nearby. "No one would choose to follow a schoolteacher, right?"

"True!" Kamuro nodded. Students had no reason to trail a teacher.

They quickened their pace, heading toward Mashima-sensei.

"Sensei~"

Behind them, Hikigaya Hachiman hesitated as he watched the two girls approach Mashima-sensei.

"That petite girl with white hair must be Arisu Sakayanagi from Class A, right?" he muttered to himself.

Sakayanagi was the kind of person Hikigaya instinctively wanted to avoid, so he remembered her quite well. The other girl? Well, if she was with Sakayanagi, she had to be another member of Class A.

"What are they doing talking to Mashima-sensei?" Hikigaya wondered. His thoughts wandered as he concocted ridiculous scenarios.

"Could Mashima-sensei have an inappropriate relationship with a female student? No... but what if?" Hikigaya's imagination spiraled. "Today's high school girls can be terrifying. If you're falsely accused, your career could be over!"

His concern for Mashima-sensei grew. But then he rationalized that it wasn't so strange for Sakayanagi to talk to a teacher. Still, better safe than sorry.

He continued his observation but soon saw the trio slip into a narrow alley and disappear from sight.

"No way... Could Mashima-sensei really be—no, that's crazy."

Determined to uncover the truth, Hikigaya hurriedly followed, his curiosity now fully piqued. The alley was narrow, barely allowing two people to walk side by side.

He spotted a small iron gate and turned the handle. To his surprise, it opened easily, revealing a classic-looking bar with several tables arranged neatly around it. Sakayanagi, Kamuro, and Mashima-sensei sat at the bar, seemingly waiting for something.

"Welcome to Tenchiapin!" a cheerful voice called out.

"Ohhhh." Hikigaya's eyes widened in amazement.

He'd stumbled upon a hidden gem. Tenchiapin was renowned as a top-tier ramen restaurant with chains across the country. There was no branch in Chiba, so discovering this place was like hitting the jackpot.

With a 10% discount, too. Not a massive cut, but it showed they were mindful of the store's hidden nature. If the discount was too generous, it would attract unwanted attention.

He took a seat one spot away from Sakayanagi. "Just ramen. Nothing to worry about."

"Please give me a super thick wire ramen. Thank you!" Hikigaya ordered eagerly.

"Got it! One super thick wire ramen!"

Hikigaya observed as Sakayanagi and Kamuro received their orders first. The thick, rich broth shimmered under the lights, practically inviting him to dig in.

He was impressed when Sakayanagi took her first sip of the rich, fatty broth without hesitation. Her delicate throat moving as she swallowed seemed oddly charming.

"So, the infamous Arisu Sakayanagi is a ramen lover too?" Hikigaya mused. "I didn't expect her to be this cool."

His admiration for her grew, his own ramen arriving shortly afterward. The aroma hit him instantly. The broth was almost pure fat, yet it brought him pure happiness.

"The noodles are cooked just right, chewy, and perfect."

Soup: 4.5 stars.

Noodles: 5 stars.

Side dishes: 4 stars.

Hikigaya nodded in satisfaction as he continued to eat, thoroughly enjoying the meal.

Mashima-sensei finished his ramen and stood up. "I'll be going. Don't stay out too late."

"Sensei, won't you sit for a while?" Sakayanagi asked with a smile.

"It's improper to linger too long in a ramen shop," Mashima-sensei replied sternly. "If you want to chat, go to a coffee shop. Letting ramen go cold is an insult to its craftsmanship."

"Wow, he gets it," Hikigaya thought. "Unlike those annoying couples who make ramen shops their date spots."

After Mashima-sensei left, Hikigaya quickly finished his bowl and pressed his hands together in prayer. "Ramen god, forgive me for my disrespect. I'll come again tomorrow."

As Hikigaya left the shop, he noticed Sakayanagi and Kamuro heading toward the dormitory. Trying to avoid being noticed, he increased the distance between them.

Meanwhile, in the elevator, Kamuro spoke with a serious expression. "He's still following us. It looks like Ichinose is making her move. What should we do next?"

Sakayanagi's lips curled into a smile. "Isn't it obvious, Kamuro-san? If they want to start a war, then let's give them one."

"Since Ichinose wants to compete with me... Let the war begin!"

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