On the private jet heading to Tengu City.
"Hey, Karen, look at Westcott. Why hasn't he said a word?"
In her memory, Westcott was usually the strong, silent type, but she was always diligently working or something. Seeing her just sitting motionless by the plane window, staring blankly at her computer, was a first for Yoshino.
"Yoshino, you haven't spent much time with Westcott. He's just like this, you'll get used to it."
Shaking her heads, Karen and Ellen weren't particularly concerned about Westcott's behavior. Over the years, they had practically given up on the possibility of Ryuya being alive.
Initially, they had actively searched for traces of Ryuya, traveling all over the world. But after consistently failing to find him, the two sisters had gradually fallen into despair.
Make the world... know pain!
Believing Westcott's words held truth, over the years, besides searching for Ryuya and the Spirit of Origin, DEM had vigorously developed technology. Their favorite pastime became judging the world's politicians, celebrities, businessmen, and officials based on their own standards.
"Sir, do you know who the biggest criminal element is in your city?"
"Madam, what do you think your city still needs for development? What are your views on the current administration?"
Like angry young activists, they investigated corrupt officials worldwide. DEM had indeed uncovered a vast number of wrongdoers who had slipped through the net.
To some extent, DEM had contributed significantly to global technological progress and social development in recent years.
Corrupt officials and organized crime groups worldwide also felt the Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads.
Consistently dedicated to making the world feel this peculiar kind of pain, Karen and Ellen hadn't spent much time with Westcott in recent years.
In fact, even now, they and Yoshino were still unaware that Westcott was actually female.
Dismissing Westcott's behavior as normal for her, Karen and Ellen showed little enthusiasm for the trip to Tengu City, acting rather indifferent about whether they went or not.
"Yoshino, look outside quickly, the weather is really nice!"
In the stuffy cabin, apart from the sound of the ventilation system, the only other noise came from the sole non-human, non-Spirit entity: the rabbit puppet named Yoshinon.
As Yoshino's independent alternate personality, Yoshinon looked at the scenery outside the window, expressing considerable delight.
"The weather outside?"
Having grown into a sweet, youthful young woman with a charming style, Yoshino turned her gaze to the sky, which matched the color of her eyes.
She sighed softly, wondering if she would be able to enjoy such a life if Ryuya hadn't healed her back then.
"Hello?... What? You don't say? I understand."
Just then, Westcott's private phone rang. Seeing that Westcott, still lost in thought, showed no interest in answering, Ellen picked up the phone.
After listening to the person on the other end, Ellen hung up.
"Westcott, Elliot is also heading to Tengu City. It seems he got the news too."
Having parted ways with Elliot years ago due to ideological differences, with Ellen, Karen, and Westcott insisted on purging humans who didn't cherish their lives, while Elliot believed all humans deserved salvation, even those who had strayed into darkness, they hadn't been in contact for a long time.
Hearing that Elliot was also going to Tengu City surprised Karen and Ellen. It was hard to imagine their old friend leaving his comfort zone… it was quite rare.
"Elliot is coming to Tengu City too?"
Her eyes snapped open, deep purple pupils gleaming with thought. After a brief silence, Westcott suddenly smiled.
"What are you laughing at, Westcott?"
Thinking Elliot's appearance would just cause trouble for them, Ellen and Karen asked, puzzled.
"Laughing? Ellen, Karen, how many years have we known each other? When have you ever seen Elliot engage in futile efforts or pursue things he isn't sure about?"
Hearing Westcott's words, Ellen and Karen hesitated, then looked at Westcott with expressions of disbelief!
"So you mean..."
"So, Elliot must have also received some confirmed information, which is why he's setting off for Tengu City."
"Since even Elliot is making a move, the news about tSenseipossibly being in Tengu City becomes much more credible."
Her eyes shining as she looked towards Tengu City, Westcott issued a new order.
All personnel, full speed ahead! Destination: Tengu City!
…
Raizen High School, the best school in Tengu City.
"Yatogami-kun, please read the fourth paragraph."
"Yatogami-kun? Yatogami-kun?"
During history class in Class 5-3, the history teacher watched Tohka, whose mind seemed to be wandering, and tried to be patient.
"Yatogami-kun, did you hear me calling you?"
Having a soft spot for cute girls, the history teacher thought Tohka resembled her own daughter, which was why she called on her.
She hadn't expected Tohka to be so spacey, not even knowing where they were in the lesson.
Just as she was about to get angry, she remembered that the new homeroom teacher for Class 3 seemed quite concerned about this student, so...
"Never mind, Yatogami-kun, pay better attention next time and don't let your mind wander."
Sighing, the history teacher decided to let it slide this time.
After class.
"Ahhhhhh..... I completely don't understand these lessons!"
Having only inherited a portion of Mio's talent, Tohka was gifted in some areas but completely lost in others.
With her spirits dejected, she lay sprawled on her desk. Her initial anticipation and enthusiasm for school were fading, replaced by helplessness and frustration.
"Tohka, don't give up! Persevere!"
Her own academic performance was also somewhat lamentable, Kaguya was only about one 'Ishtar' better than Tohka.
Finding the lessons utterly confusing, she and Tohka were more like sisters in misery at the moment.
"Denial. Kaguya is the one who is too stupid."
"Tohka should not listen to Kaguya. Please follow Master to study."
The gap between their aptitude and Tohka and Kaguya's was like night and day, as Yuzuru's learning ability was actually pretty good.
Progressing alongside Origami, whose grades were top-notch, Yuzuru looked proudly at Tohka and Kaguya, indicating that it was time for them to improve together under Master Yuzuru's guidance.
"Hmm, speaking of which, where did Ryu go?"
Noticing she hadn't seen Ryuya all morning, Tohka asked curiously.
"Ryuya? It seems he went out early this morning with that Itsuka Shiori girl. Not really sure."
Tilting their heads at Tohka, Kaguya and Yuzuru had one good trait: they never clung to Ryuya excessively, unconditionally supporting whatever the man wanted to do.
Yamai Sisters had learned this trick from Kurumi.