Nothing particularly noteworthy had just transpired within Judgment Branch 177.
Compared to Shirai-san's fervor, Konori-senpai and Uiharu had been far more reserved.
There was something odd about Shirai-san's enthusiasm; she was definitely scheming something trivial again.
Yet, there was no doubt Shirai-san was a good person, even if she could be quite annoying at times.
That being said, since the Judgment members were willing to make concessions for Natsume-san, Natsume Sonoko was inclined to hear them out.
The authority that came with being a Judgment member was convenient, but it wasn't always the key factor in swaying one's decision. As long as she could stay under the radar, most problems weren't really problems.
However, during their conversation, Konori mentioned that what Judgment needed most was actually the influence an Level 5 could bring, which could help reduce their alarmingly high injury rate.
For some reason, Natsume-san thought of Shirai-san, who was always covered in scrapes and bruises, and Uiharu-san, who lacked physical stamina but loved to push herself to the front lines. In the end, she nodded and agreed.
"Well then, see you later, Konori-senpai."
Waving goodbye to Konori-senpai, Natsume Sonoko set off on her usual aimless stroll, just like any other day.
Even though she was practically a Judgment member now, nothing about Natsume-san's daily life had changed. The only difference was the shield-shaped badge now sitting in her pocket.
'Oh, right. The supermarket has discounts today.'
Suddenly remembering something important, Natsume Sonoko abruptly changed direction, heading straight for a certain supermarket.
It wasn't just potato chips; it was an across-the-board sale.
The amount of money that usually only filled one suitcase could fill two whole ones today. She'd nearly forgotten such an important event, all because Shirai-san had been pestering her.
As Natsume-san walked further away, a girl skilled in Teleportation landed beside Konori-senpai, her tea-colored long hair occasionally tossed by the wind.
"I can't believe she actually agreed," Shirai-san murmured, her feet touching down on the ground, a look of slight bewilderment on her face.
Although Judgment had made concessions in recruiting Natsume-san, it ultimately came down to her personal willingness.
For instance, the authority to legitimately use abilities as a Judgment member—something the average student had no need for.
Only a certain bun-headed girl who secretly played the vigilante would care about that.
But, for once, a plan led by Shirai-san had succeeded.
Plans spearheaded by Shirai-san typically followed a pattern: smooth progress in the early stages, followed by a complete collapse in the later ones.
After the collapse, she'd inevitably suffer a critical hit, and then the cycle would repeat.
Succeeding so suddenly left even the mastermind herself, Miss Shirai, feeling a little at a loss.
"Perhaps from the very beginning, we should have explained the situation to her properly," Konori said softly, patting Shirai Kuroko's shoulder. Natsume-san really was a very kind person.
--+--
Inside the supermarket, she ran into Index, dressed in employee attire, sitting on a small stool and swinging her feet as she shoveled nearly expired food into her mouth.
As a responsible supermarket employee, she naturally felt duty-bound to uphold the store's image.
To prevent customers from buying expired items, Index had gone to great lengths.
'See? I'm working so hard. Can I get an extra chicken drumstick with my staff meal today?'
Who knew what the supermarket management was thinking, but ever since Index was hired, aside from Kamijou Touma's place, this had become one of her most frequent haunts.
"Sonoko, Sonoko! This flavor of biscuit isn't good at all. You should buy this kind instead!" Index exclaimed loudly beside her.
The bun-headed girl, seeking advice, nodded repeatedly. When it came to snacks, Index had certainly earned a degree of authority.
The place was packed with students shopping, laughing and joking as they pushed their carts. Even the checkout counters had long, snaking queues.
Ever since Index started working at this supermarket, business seemed to have improved.
It was always bustling whenever Sonoko visited, though she couldn't tell if it was just her imagination or something else.
"Index, you're so reliable. Thank you for today," Natsume Sonoko said, pushing a cart piled high with snacks, a satisfied smile on her face.
'Excellent. Today's another day of a great haul.'
"Don't mention it! If you ever run into any trouble, Sonoko, just come find me. I'll definitely help you out!"
Index replied, eyes squinting slightly with a proud smile, pulling Natsume-san close to whisper conspiratorially.
"Sonoko, I made a new friend yesterday. She's a girl, just as cute as you are!"
As she spoke, Index suddenly added cheerfully.
"I'm not that great," the bun-headed girl said, becoming somewhat bashful at Index's praise. She really wasn't very straightforward.
As for Index's new friend, could it be her?
Glancing out through the supermarket window, she saw a girl who looked somewhat shy, peering in through the glass. Seeming to notice the bun-headed girl's gaze, the girl quickly averted her eyes.
Standing next to her was a high school boy with spiky black hair. The two seemed to be discussing something.
"Is it that girl over there?" Natsume-san asked, pointing towards the spot outside the window, a curious tone in her voice.
At first glance, she seemed like a very gentle person, wearing black-rimmed glasses, quiet and well-mannered.
She was wearing the summer uniform of Kirigaoka Girls' School, her long black hair falling to her waist. A strand of hair near her ear, tied with a hairband, extended straight out to the side.
"That's right! Her name is Kazakiri Hyouka, a friend I just made!" Index grabbed Natsume-san's hand and hurriedly pulled her towards the supermarket exit, seemingly eager to introduce her new friend to Sonoko.
'Honestly, why does everyone like dragging me around like this?'
Sighing inwardly, she reluctantly let go of her shopping cart, asked a nearby employee to keep an eye on it for her, and then jogged to keep up with Index.
But at that moment, Natsume-san's gaze turned somewhat confused as she looked at the distant Kazakiri Hyouka.
'What a strange person.'
Although this Kazakiri Hyouka was continuously radiating body heat, Natsume-san had an odd feeling about her.
It was as conspicuous as a bald head suddenly popping up in a crowd.
Her body temperature changes were too regular, as if programmed to follow a fixed pattern, unlike a normal human body whose temperature fluctuates constantly.
'Is she an ability user related to thermal energy too?'
Turning the thought over in her head, Natsume-san was soon dragged by Index to stand beside Kazakiri Hyouka and Kamijou Touma.
"Ah, long time no see," Kamijou Touma said, trying to sound familiar, but he couldn't quite recall her name. He ended up just waving in greeting.
'She goes to the same school as Biri-Biri, she's friends with Index, last time she gave some cakes to me and Index... Surprisingly, I have a pretty good impression of her.'
"Hello, Kamijou-senpai," she replied, nodding politely before effectively ignoring the utterly ordinary protagonist.
'She's really polite, not a trace of those stuck-up rich girl habits,' Kamijou Touma couldn't help but compare her to a certain Biri-Biri.
Natsume-san turned her attention to Kazakiri Hyouka beside her, her eyes unconsciously studying the other girl.
'This person... something really isn't right.'
But upon further reflection, it probably had nothing to do with her.
If anything, she was the one being improper by casually scrutinizing others.
She quickly averted her gaze. Under Index's introduction, Natsume Sonoko got to know Kazakiri Hyouka.
Her first impression upon meeting Kazakiri Hyouka matched what she'd imagined: a very shy, somewhat timid girl. Just comparing the two, even Natsume-san could be considered outgoing.
After chatting with Kazakiri Hyouka for just a few moments, Natsume Sonoko instinctively reached for her pocket. According to her usual habit when making friends, she ought to give a gift at a time like this.
Natsume-san's mind raced. It seemed her shopping cart was still back in the supermarket, and she had nothing on her except for the Judgment armband.
"In that case, Kazakiri-san, please accept this," she said, opening her palm to reveal a crystal-clear ice sculpture—a miniature version of Kazakiri Hyouka.
As her ability's precision improved, Natsume Sonoko was becoming increasingly skilled at carving ice sculptures. She might even be able to enter the Academy City Art Exhibition or something.
"Sonoko, Sonoko! I want one too!" Index beside her blinked her eyes hard, then jumped up eagerly, tugging incessantly on Natsume's arm.
"Not so hard, Index!" Though somewhat unwilling to admit it, Natsume's strength was indeed no match for Index's. The ice sculpture in her hand nearly went flying.
"Is... is this for me? Thank you," Kazakiri Hyouka said, her mouth slightly agape as she timidly accepted the sculpture. She held it up to the sunlight with both hands, examining it curiously from all angles.
Index had gotten one too and was now excitedly showing off her own ice sculpture in front of Kamijou Touma.
"So impressive! Even the hair looks incredibly detailed," Kamijou Touma remarked with genuine admiration. He was starting to see this short Tokiwadai girl in a new light. So she had skills like this.
"Sonoko, we're about to head to the underground street now. Will you come with us?" Index asked, brimming with excitement.
According to their plan, after picking up Index, they were going to hang out at the nearby underground shopping district.
"That underground street nearby? I'll pass. I just bought a lot of things, and I need to get back to the dorm now," Natsume-san replied after a moment's thought, shaking her head.
Index went back to the supermarket to clock out after her shift.
'Living the life of a working adult at such a young age... who knows if that's a blessing or a curse?'
But the people at the supermarket were really quite good to Index. Perhaps it was a case of genuine human kindness.
Meanwhile, Natsume-san, carrying a large assortment of bags and packages, flagged down a passing white cylindrical robot on her way.
Stepping onto the white robot, Natsume Sonoko activated acceleration mode and set off towards her school dorm. Along the way, she also began fulfilling her duties as a Judgment member, keeping a constant watch over the safety of Academy City.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.