Shirai Kuroko looked at the four people opposite her with great vigilance; although she didn't know much about the "Dark Side Organization," she at least recognized "Atomic Destroyer" Mugino Shizuri.
According to Onee-sama's description, this one is not an easy character to get along with.
Also a Level 5, compared to Onee-sama, Lin Wuming, and Shokuhou Misaki, Mugino Shizuri's personality was quite explosive.
Or rather, the easy-going Level 5s were already by her side.
"Saten-san," Shirai Kuroko asked in a low voice, "How exactly do you know them?"
She didn't even need to look to know that Saten Ruiko and the people opposite were from two completely different worlds. What kind of fate could bring them together and make them friends?
"Uh... because of canned mackerel?" Saten Ruiko scratched her head and said.
"Forget it, I'll hear your story when we have time later." Shirai Kuroko shook her head, indicating she couldn't understand. She adjusted her armband and walked towards the power suit.
Next, it was "work time."
On the other side, after Frenda, who tried to sneak through, was subjected to a strong headlock, the "Item" group also walked towards the power suit.
This power suit, the culprit behind the attack on Frenda and Saten Ruiko, was important evidence. Mugino Shizuri and her group were not prepared to hand it over—especially not to Judgment.
The Dark Side Organization and Judgment were like two sides of a coin; while not "hostile," they were certainly not "good friends."
Furthermore, in terms of both strength and authority, the Dark Side's "Item" had no reason to show weakness in front of Judgment.
"Hey, Judgment, this..." Mugino Shizuri looked over with narrowed eyes, pointing her thumb behind her to the power suit. "This is Our spoils of war. If you know what's good for you..."
Before she could finish, Takitsubo Rikou, who was behind her, pulled her back.
This girl, who was obsessed with tracksuits, seemed to be the only one among the four who was relatively normal, exuding a lazy and relaxed aura.
As a negotiating partner, she was clearly more suitable than the "gangster young lady" style of Mugino Shizuri.
"Our captain means," Takitsubo Rikou smiled and "translated," "This power suit is important evidence, so we will take it for investigation."
She paused slightly, seemingly trying to find something in her wallet, but after finding nothing, Takitsubo Rikou looked up again: "Actually, we are Academy City's secret action unit—can you understand that? We have priority investigation rights."
She looked fragile, but she felt like at least a Level 3 esper.
Shirai Kuroko silently assessed the opponent's strength; their power seemed even greater.
But Shirai Kuroko was not afraid in the slightest. While displaying her armband, she said, "I'm sorry, I don't know anything about a secret action unit. According to regulations, criminals who attack citizens and endanger public safety will be handled by Anti-Skill, and we, Judgment, have the obligation to cooperate with Anti-Skill in such situations.
Therefore, until Anti-Skill arrives, you are not allowed to take this power suit."
Shirai Kuroko stood her ground, her attitude extremely firm.
In fact, no one present had called the police from beginning to end, so it was unlikely that Guards would arrive anytime soon... But this did not prevent Shirai Kuroko from bluffing.
Shirai Kuroko's reason was also very practical—Saten Ruiko had been attacked! If she had been a little careless while dodging just now, she might have been killed!
Before the truth was uncovered and the real culprit caught, such crucial evidence, of course, had to be firmly held in her own hands. Otherwise, wouldn't Saten Ruiko remain in danger?
Moreover, remote-controlling a power suit and such, with this level of means, as long as Haruue Erii came to investigate, she believed the truth would soon come to light.
Conversely, if these girls from the "secret action unit" took it away, the situation would completely spiral out of her control, and it would probably be difficult to catch the real culprit then...
"Huh?" Mugino Shizuri took another step forward, overbearing. "You've got a lot of guts, little Judgment!"
Mugino Shizuri's reason was also very sufficient—Frenda had already confessed that Saten Ruiko was just an ordinary girl, and Frenda becoming friends with her was largely due to her craving for delicious food...
After all, Frenda already had a wide circle of friends, so this was normal.
But how could an ordinary middle school girl be chased down by a power suit in the street?
It was obvious that the real culprit's target must be Frenda—as a Dark Side Organization member, Frenda had too many reasons to be a target.
As for Saten Ruiko, she was probably just an innocent girl who was unfortunately dragged into it?
In Mugino Shizuri's view, this attack was a conspiracy targeting their "Item."
As a first-rate Dark Side Organization, when faced with such provocation, there was only one thing they could do.
—Retaliate mercilessly, fight back, and eradicate the enemy!
To resort to calling the police or seeking Judgment's help would be nothing short of a disgrace for a Dark Side Organization.
"Uh... Shirai-san, calm down." Saten Ruiko quickly stepped forward to mediate, as the senior student opposite looked very fierce.
But on the other side, Frenda pretended not to see the look Saten Ruiko threw her way, rubbing her head and averting her gaze, not daring to step forward and persuade Mugino Shizuri.
"Don't worry." Shirai Kuroko still refused to back down, even appearing more confident. "Our senior is coming."
As if she had foreknowledge, no sooner had Shirai Kuroko finished speaking than a wheelchair appeared at the end of the road, speeding towards them.
"See?" Shirai Kuroko smiled.
It was precisely because she knew Lin Wuming was on his way that she had the confidence to confront a Level 5 head-on.
Not just Lin Wuming, but a little slower, Misaka Mikoto and Shokuhou Misaki, both Level 5s, also arrived together.
"Shokuhou-senpai?" Shirai Kuroko was a little surprised.
It wasn't strange for Misaka Mikoto to come; Haruue Erii must have informed her. But it shouldn't have been necessary to call Shokuhou Misaki as well, right?
We're not familiar with Shokuhou Misaki...
However, in this situation, having more people was always better.
"Three..." Frenda mumbled from behind Mugino Shizuri. "This is bad."
"Mhm, super bad." Kihara Saiai also nodded, but her face was beaming, ready to seize the opportunity to greet Lin Wuming.
"Tsk! I knew it would turn out like this..." Mugino Shizuri clicked her tongue, looking annoyed.
The moment Lin Wuming appeared, Mugino Shizuri had a premonition.
Currently, even in the underground world, Lin Wuming was a celebrity.
And what made Lin Wuming formidable was not just his individual strength; his network of connections was the most troublesome.
Just looking at the current situation, you could tell that at least two Level 5s would unconditionally cooperate with Lin Wuming's actions.
After cursing fiercely in her heart for a long time, Mugino Shizuri finally let out a long breath and calmed down.
Now, the two sides were not hostile; in fact, they had a common enemy and could be considered allies.
Although she felt a bit annoyed emotionally, even Mugino Shizuri had to admit that having three Level 5s on her side felt... pretty good.
