"I understand the situation," Hina said. "I'm fully behind this treaty, so I'll cooperate no matter what."
"Thank you," Nagisa replied over the remote call. "By the way…"
"What?" Hina asked.
"This only came to light because of her efforts… so, um, maybe go easy on her?" Nagisa said.
"Exactly, Hina Sorasaki!!" Makoto interjected. "It's thanks to this Makoto-sama's hard work that we—GAAAH!?"
"You met with Arius to sabotage the Eden Treaty without my approval," Hina said, tightening her grip. "This is your punishment. Hmph!"
"NGAAAHHH!!" Makoto wailed.
Two days after Mash's meeting with Makoto, Trinity's leader Nagisa, Gehenna's leader Makoto, and Gehenna's Disciplinary Committee Chairwoman Hina held a remote conference. After hearing the details, Hina pledged to help stop the missiles.
Makoto, the MVP for uncovering the plot, was still getting her due punishment. Hina had her in a camel clutch for acting recklessly without consultation.
"Given our relationship, it's unavoidable," Hina said. "But I wish you'd talked to me. We're from the same academy, same year, after all."
"Heh, heh," Makoto gasped. "Don't you get it, Hina? By taking charge, I'll boost my approval ratings, surpass you, and claim my era—!"
"Hmph!" Crank!
"NGHAAAAA!!" Makoto screamed.
"I'm not letting you take over," Hina said. "But… I'll admit, I'm impressed, Makoto. You've got a kind heart after all."
"Don't… misjudge… me, Hina…" Makoto wheezed. "I just… didn't want to win… that way… it wouldn't… feel good—NGHAAA!?"
"Fine, we'll leave it at that," Hina said, releasing her. Pop!
"Ugh… my back…" Makoto groaned, collapsing.
(She took Hina-san's move and stayed conscious? Makoto-san's pretty incredible…) Nagisa thought.
Hina stepped off Makoto's back and faced Nagisa's image on the screen. Makoto, unable to stand, lay flat on her back.
"I said I'd help intercept," Hina said, "but where exactly, and how?"
"There's an open area a bit away from the cathedral where the signing will happen," Nagisa said. "We plan to make full use of it."
"You've coordinated with the other factions?" Hina asked.
"Yes," Nagisa said. "Some argued to postpone the treaty, but that's too late."
"Gehenna's on edge before the Eden Treaty, right?" Hina said. "I heard anti-treaty students are causing trouble."
"Yes… it's embarrassing," Nagisa admitted.
"If we back down now, they'll underestimate us," Makoto said, still on her back. "Our pride won't allow it. Plus, this is our chance—to crush Arius in one go."
Makoto's serious tone, despite her position, earned nods from Hina and Nagisa. The cycle of hatred—Arius's relentless grudge—would only perpetuate conflict. They had to strike now.
"And above all," Nagisa said, "we must stop them to protect Teacher."
"Teacher's ready to reach out even to Arius, who want to kill him," Hina said. "They have no intention of accepting."
"That's just who he is," Makoto said. "You know that better than anyone, don't you?"
"…" Hina fell silent.
Mash would save anyone, friend or foe, prioritizing others over himself. Hina understood this, but Arius's murderous intent stirred complex emotions in her.
"Reaching out to those who want to kill him…" Nagisa said. "I don't think that's wise. They have clear hostility, intent to kill. Reconciling with them feels… unrealistic."
"Exactly," Makoto said. "I think so too. But pushing through anyway? That's Mash Burnedead."
"Teacher's on my mind… a lot," Hina said. "But let's shift focus. Equipment, positioning, the day's plan—let's discuss those now."
"Agreed," Nagisa said.
"I've got a rough idea of when and where," Makoto said. "Here's my plan—"
Though worried about Mash, they had to act quickly to devise the best strategy. Setting Mash aside for now, Hina and the others continued their discussion.
"The attack plan for the signing ceremony was exposed to Gehenna and Trinity, and they stole the anti-Teacher weapon intel," Kurofuku from Gematria said, chuckling. "Quite the disaster, huh?"
"If you're here to mock me, leave," Beatrice snapped. "I'm not calm right now."
At Arius Branch School, Beatrice, outwitted by Makoto, spoke with Kurofuku. Saori stood nearby.
"Mock you? Perish the thought," Kurofuku said. "But what now? With the plan exposed, can you still attack?"
"Yes, we'll proceed as planned," Beatrice said. "But not the same way."
"You mean… that?" Kurofuku asked.
"Exactly," Beatrice said. "I planned to use it later, but we have no choice now."
"And if the missiles are intercepted?" Kurofuku asked. "You'll use that weapon?"
"Of course," Beatrice said. "It's our ultimate means to defeat him."
Beatrice smirked, and Kurofuku held two photos of the weapons Beatrice intended to use.
"Through mystique research, we enhanced its strength and power—a hypersonic cruise missile, equipped with a halo-destroying warhead, capable of reducing a 3km radius to ashes. We call it the Mystery Missile."
(Pretty straightforward name,) Kurofuku thought.
"His fists might shatter it, but that means taking the blast at close range," Beatrice said. "Even if he survives, damage is certain."
"What about interceptive missiles?" Kurofuku asked.
"Useless—they'd be deflected," Beatrice said. "Only his fists can destroy the Mystery Missile."
"…Right," Kurofuku said.
"What's with that pause?" Beatrice demanded.
"Nothing," Kurofuku said. "And the main event?"
The other photo showed a figure with unnaturally pale blue skin, white angelic wings, and bandages around its head, resembling a nurse… or rather, a thing.
"Maestro says it's nearly complete," Kurofuku said.
"Excellent," Beatrice said. "Heh heh heh, the ultimate anti-Teacher weapon—this goddess renders all attacks meaningless."
"I'm excited to see how much damage it'll do to him," Kurofuku said.
"Look forward to it, Saori," Beatrice said.
"Yes, ma'am," Saori replied.
"This failure was partly my fault," Beatrice said. "So I'll overlook it. But in return—"
With an inhuman expression, Beatrice shouted, "No matter the means, no matter the cost… we will kill Mash Burnedead!!"
"Understood," Saori said.
"It'll be a delight… the day I claim your body, Teacher," Beatrice said.
"…"
Beatrice's words meant nothing to Saori. Her plans, her actions—none of it mattered. Saori was driven by one thought:
(I must deny that man.)
But that wasn't all. In her mind were her family.
(His ideals are childish, dreamy, meaningless… I can't let him taint Azusa with that dangerous thinking. It's all futile—that's the truth.)
To take back her family, to save them—
Saori would eliminate Mash.
The day of the decisive battle was near.
The fates of Arius and Mash would be sealed that day.
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