(Ahmed leaves the principal's office with quick steps, while Misaki and Honoka remain with the principal. His heart was beating fast—not out of fear of the upcoming confrontation, but out of worry for Yoshika, who knows nothing about what is going on.)
He walks through the school hallways with hurried steps until he reaches the elementary school building. He stops in front of Yoshika's classroom, then politely asks the teacher for permission.
Ahmed (in Japanese): "I apologize for the interruption, but I have an important matter regarding Yoshika."
The teacher looks at him with surprise, as he had heard about what happened over the past few days. He nods his head in understanding, then calls out:
Teacher: "Yoshika, someone is waiting for you."
Yoshika raises her head from her notebook, and as soon as she sees Ahmed at the door, a small smile forms on her face. She gets up quickly, carrying her small bag.
Yoshika: "Ahmed-niisan! Did school end early?"
Ahmed gently pats her head and smiles a calm smile, trying not to pass his tension on to her.
Ahmed: "Not yet... but I want you to come with me for a moment."
Yoshika looks at him with curiosity, but she trusts him without hesitation. She holds his hand, and they walk together through the school hallways. Along the way... Yoshika was looking at him from time to time.
Yoshika: "Did something happen to Honoka-onee-chan?"
Ahmed stops for a moment, then smiles reassuringly.
Ahmed: "Don't worry... your sister is fine."
Yoshika breathes a sigh of relief, then smiles again as she squeezes his hand.
After a few minutes... they reach the principal's office. Ahmed opens the door quietly. Honoka raises her head, and as soon as she sees her sister, some of the anxiety disappears from her face. Yoshika runs toward her quickly.
Yoshika: "Onee-chan!"
Honoka bends down and hugs her tightly, as if she needed this hug more than anything else. Misaki smiles as she watches the scene, while the principal stands in silence, his conviction growing that what they are about to do shortly will not be just an ordinary visit, but an attempt to rebuild a family torn apart by mistakes.
The principal looks at everyone, then says in a firm tone:
Principal: "Before we go... you must regain some of your strength."
Ahmed turns to him attentively.
Principal: "We will not start this confrontation while you are exhausted or hungry. Take them home, have lunch, and when you are ready... we will set out together."
Ahmed nods his head respectfully.
Ahmed: "Understood, sir."
The four of them leave the principal's office, while the principal's words remain echoing in their minds.
The confrontation was drawing near... but this time, they wouldn't face it alone.