"This new version of me, chasing her dream... Super cool to the max!"
***
Kazutaka Kodaka. Ryogo Narita.
Carnivore.
Act 2. Pop Idol.
"Hope's Peak Academy. Second Year, Courses 74-78. Start of Third Semester. Monday."
"Postponed?! What do you mean?" Maizono perked up, slamming his fists on the wooden table, sending a pile of papers flying. "You know yourself that you can't put anything off anymore!" he continued, a hint of fury in his voice. "We're already at the brink of the abyss; what's the point of postponing decisions?" This isn't a game—this is real life, and it's not just our future that's at stake, but the lives of others as well! Their numbers have only increased, and you're just going to let this slide?
The meeting participants gathered around the table exchanged glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. Each of them felt the tension of the moment, but no one dared to voice what was swirling in their heads. Charts and forecast posters hung along the wall, as if reminding them of how this could all end. Intelligent gazes invariably turned to them, as if seeking help and an answer.
"I agree with Maizono," Ebisu, the calmest of those present, finally said, keeping his emotions in check. "We're wasting precious time. Every day of delay gives the enemy an advantage. We must act immediately!"
"You are incomparably right, gentlemen, but the academy has currently allocated its budget for its 'expansion,' so for now the money is going to Munakata for the construction of an overseas branch." The project will have to be delayed for a while. Of course, many of us are eagerly awaiting the results of our work and hoping for a speedy completion, but there can be no progress without risk. Plantada is an ambitious and promising plan, requiring significant resources and attention. The future international platform at Rector's Office will open new horizons, and perhaps this important undertaking will become the foundation for larger-scale research and discoveries in biology. But for this to happen, we must be patient.
Nevertheless, I am confident that we can find alternative solutions that do not jeopardize our current achievements. It is important to pull together in this time of crisis. Allow Kizakura to explore what resources are available in our country and how they can be used to support our project.
While we wait, let's work on what can be done within our budget. After all, the true strength of the academic community is its ability to adapt and find ways to succeed even in the most difficult situations. Isn't that right, Maizono?
The director's voice echoed through the office in a heavy monotone, like a speech synthesizer. All the committee members present exchanged disapproving glances. Each of them understood that this wasn't just a question of current difficulties, but also of the future, which required flexibility and adjustments to their schedule. Maizono, arms crossed over his chest, stared intently at the table. His thoughts were full of doubts, but he knew he needed to find solutions and not give up.
Saruto, always skeptical, looked at Jin with disbelief.
"And what solutions exactly are you proposing? We lack resources and time, as you yourself said," he said, fiddling with a pen on the table. Maizono knew there was some truth to his words, but his tenacity and determination remained.
"We can redistribute tasks and focus on priorities. We'll find alternative funding options... Let's say a reserve budget," he suggested, hoping for support.
"If we focus our efforts on the reserves' key areas, we can not only optimize financial flows but also improve the overall productivity of their training. Numerous small tasks that take up our time can wait. Priorities are what matter now."
Raising his hands, Daichi seemed to read the head's thoughts, continuing his monologue:
"Let's explore ideas for reassigning tasks and work closely with finance to outline a clear picture of next steps. We have the opportunity to brainstorm and develop a plan that will minimize risks and utilize available resources. Once ideas are formed, we can create a detailed action plan that includes specific deadlines and expected results. Such a plan will allow us to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. Finally, it's critical to ensure regular feedback among all participants, which will help us quickly respond to emerging issues and adapt to changing conditions.... Especially since we'll have more time to observe these... Utipanars."
"Utipanars?" "Kirigiri suddenly interrupted, leaning his elbows on the table. "Aren't you interested in other Ainu subspecies? As I recall, the Iotaras and Minamas were created during Tengan's tenure as director, weren't they?"
"Of course," the senior researcher replied, wiping his glasses. "But the Utipanar are a unique case. Their adaptation to the environment and interactions with humans are particularly intriguing. They, like other subspecies, had their own habits and instincts that directly intersect with the true nature of 'Homosapiens.'"
"Their nature," Ebisu continued, smiling slightly, "is determined by aggressive behavior toward nature. The Utipanar have no control over their instincts, and there comes a time when they must be followed. These creatures have an advantage in appearance, which is why other Ainu keep to the reservations. That's precisely why they pose a danger to the population."
Kirigiri leaned closer, his eyes glittering with interest.
"So you think their isolation makes them less valuable for research? That makes sense. Perhaps their isolation holds the key to the mystery." So you want to open the project publicly, bring all the necessary Utipanars to their island, and then exterminate them?
"I like the way you're thinking, Gene. And yes, you're right. But if intimidation doesn't work on them... Then we'll have to hunt them down on the mainland. That will be a risky operation," Maizono said, leaning forward on the table. "Every move we make must be carefully planned. We can't afford to make a single mistake, or the entire project will be jeopardized. The Utipanars are known for their inaccessibility. Their isolation isn't just physical spatial separation, but emotional as well. They must be approached with caution."
"To a certain extent...You're right," Gene agreed, now examining a map of the island itself. "We must create an inviting environment and conditions, let them know that we're not enemies, but allies. Only then will they open up to us, let their guard down, and that will allow us to completely eliminate them." But we have other goals, and we need to take that into account. By treating them like a burden, we might provoke them.
"You guessed it, Jin, you guessed it," Daichi continued. "We've even encountered this situation. Perhaps we should consider creating a controlled environment where we can conduct research without disrupting their way of life. This will give us time to build trust and understand their worldview. Without this trust, all our efforts could be in vain. That's the whole point of the Rector's Office."
***
"Hope's Peak Academy. Second year, Years 74-78. Beginning of the third semester. Monday."
"Sorry, Kuwata... But you see, we're not compatible. I'm not planning on a close relationship; it might ruin my idol image..."
"Eh?... But why? I thought there was something real between us. You're so... unapproachable, and that's part of your appeal." I never thought you'd brush me off so easily.
"I hope you understand that this isn't against you," Sayaka continued, trying to soften the blow. "It's simply a choice I need to make. Maybe someday... we can just be friends?"
Leon had always believed there was something more between him and Sayaka. The demanding schedule, the constant training and performances—yes, it all got in the way, but he hoped that with time, everything would work out. Kuwata looked into his interlocutor's eyes, trying to discern sincerity, but saw only cold calculation.
"Is it because of my image? Or do we see each other too little? I understand that you have your own plans and ambitions," he said quietly, trying to remain calm. "But couldn't we try... at least to start?"
"I'm sorry, Kuwata," her voice rang with unexpected cruelty. "We don't fit together." I can't risk my career for some spontaneous emotion. It's too risky.
With these words, Maizono turned and left, leaving Kuwata alone with his thoughts. He stood motionless, as if life had momentarily stopped, a "growing void" in his chest that couldn't be filled.
"Maizono, wait, I—"
"Well, as expected, she turned him down," chuckled Owada, who had been watching the whole drama from the sidelines, sitting on the windowsill and sipping a cheap energy drink from a can. "And now the prince on a white horse... But without the princess."
"Mondo, it's been a week since the crocodile game, that joke is no longer relevant," Kiyotaka commented, not looking up from his textbook, continuing to review the material before class.
"But you showed the animals realistically, no one would argue with that, not even 77-B." After the last sip of drink, the empty can flew straight into the trash can from Owada's hands.
Kuwata felt his excitement give way to bitterness, and the hallway was now filled only with the dull sound of his heartbeat. He didn't notice Owada continuing to mock him. Thoughts of Maizono kept coming back to him: her smile, her laughter, that one moment when their eyes met and the world around them ceased to exist.
"Come on, Leon!" Kiyotaka suddenly called out, looking up from his textbook and waving. "There are plenty of other girls who like you."
"A tragedy? Just a girl who didn't appreciate me. So what," Kuwata smiled bitterly. He shook off the feeling that he'd lost more than just a chance at a date, but tried not to show it.
"By the way, did you hear that her brother's planning a CrossFit competition next week?" Owada interjected, scraping a trimmed nail along the edge of the window. "Maybe I should push my luck?"
"Oh, there's no point anymore... Especially since why sit there, watching that sweaty lump of fat run around with fogged-up glasses?" Leon quipped, pushing Ishimaru's notebooks aside and sitting down next to Mondo.
Kuwata rolled his eyes, but something inside him clenched, as if a shattered hope was lodged in his chest, but...what's that? Maybe the thought of not being perfect enough? Or the fact that he still hadn't achieved Maizono. Kuwata couldn't understand why everything seemed so contradictory because of one girl. And yet... she had embarrassed him, yes... yes... She had. His gaze slid to Owada, who seemed completely absorbed in his own thoughts.
"Maybe I should take a look," Kuwata finally said, trying to hide his uncertainty. "It's just a competition. Nothing special. Especially since it's an excuse to skip class."
"I don't recognize you, Leon. It's because of Sayaka, I hope? Don't even think about skipping class; I'll give you a pass." Ishimaru, closing his eyes and snorting at the end, slammed his textbook down and scurried off to the office before class started.
In a way, Kiyotaka was right. If Hiroshi was at the competition, then Sayaka would be there too, which meant she might run into him there next time. She was unlikely to talk to Kuwata after this, and she might avoid him in class, but she wouldn't be able to deny him for long, especially with photographers everywhere. Sayaka had always been smart enough to understand that ignoring a problem wouldn't solve it. With Hiroshi around, it would only be a matter of time before they parted ways. Which meant there would be time to... clear things up.
***
"Hope's Peak Academy. Second Year, Years 74-78. Beginning of the third semester. Wednesday of the second Monday."
The sun shone brightly, casting a soft golden glow over everything. The tension grew with each passing second, and the participants' hearts skipped a beat in anticipation of the starting signal. The gazes of the focused athletes burned the track, as if trying to capture its unevenness and hidden obstacles. The air was filled with the scent of fresh asphalt and lightweight athletic linen—the aromas of summer and aspiration. A pistol shot upward, the screech of shoe soles grinding against the uneven surface of the track—race day. Among the crowd of fans, the most devoted ones stood out—classmates in bright T-shirts. They shouted their friends' names loudly, trying to convey their support right before the start of the race. Banners with slogans shimmered, creating a vivid picture of unity and competitive spirit. Sports club members whistled all around, the gym teacher measured the time—all this atmosphere was brightened by Kuwata, who squeezed through the crowd of upperclassmen, sweaty from jumping. With his sharp movements and clear gaze, he pushed through the crowd of fans like a fish in a turbulent current, crouching forward and looking around, searching for the stands where Maizono might be sitting.
The boy's determination remained unwavering, and he quickened his pace, making his way toward the standers and the stands. Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure standing there, eyes wide and enthusiastic. It was Asahina, the class athlete who, to his surprise, had noticed him first...
"Are you looking for Sayaka?" Aoi shouted over the others' shouts, winking. Kuwata nodded, feeling a tingling excitement well up in his chest.
The swimmer's smile widened, pointing in the direction the rest of the boys were heading.
"Over there, in the left stands! With Sakura!"
Kuwata, emboldened, rushed in that direction, hoping to catch her attention today. His heart was beating faster than the runners', thumping in his chest, and a nagging question rang in his head: "Are you here, Maizono?"
A second or two later, he spotted her—she was sitting slightly apart from her friends, as if she'd deliberately shielded herself from the noisy crowd of fans. Maizono watched calmly, her gaze fixed on the track, but Kuwata thought she saw something far away, or perhaps something wide, like her brother. Leon froze for a moment, feeling the tension in his chest give way to a strange, temporary relief.
He took a step toward her, bracing his hands on his knees, but then a loud whistle blew, and the crowd erupted in deafening cheers once again.
***
Holding her phone between her hands, filming a video, Sayaka smiled, occasionally glancing at Makoto, her childhood friend. The lucky man held his cap over Maizono's device to keep the sun's rays from the lens, waving to the competitors, smiling.
"Naegi-kun, thank you for helping me." "I'm very grateful to you," the girl whispered, blushing.
"You know I'm always here for you," he replied, his voice confident and Warm. He watched her with pleasure as she worked on the video, realizing it was more than just a hobby for her. It was her encouragement, and he was proud to be a part of it. Makoto, occasionally looking away from his hat to meet her, exchanged a few comments with the idol, and the girl herself, judging by her enthusiasm, didn't mind. Naegi's face lit up with joy at the mere thought that after the first leg of the cross-country race, he could run to the school cafeteria for a long-awaited fruit water, especially on such a hot day. And with Maizono herself, no less!
As the first lap drew to a close, Sayaka glanced anxiously at her phone screen, hoping the footage had turned out well, quickly scrolling through her video feed.
"Phew...I didn't think maintaining a good angle was harder than performing...Well, shall we go, Makoto? The next run isn't for another 20 minutes, one video is enough for me—"
"Oh!" "Maizono-san! I didn't think I'd see you here!" A familiar voice rang out. Kuwata leaned against the back of the bleachers, leaning right in front of the girl, smiling broadly.
"I'm sooooo glad to see you, I was just looking for you! Are you busy right now?"
The girl's joy gave way to a slight fright, and the smile faded. Slowly backing away from the baseball player, Maizono clutched the screen of her phone to her chest, slowly stepping back, glancing at the puzzled Naegi, pursing her lips.
"Kuwata-kun...Excuse me, we're about to go to the cafeteria with Makoto, can you let me through?"
Kuwata raised an eyebrow, his smile still intact, but a glint of aggression appeared in his eyes. He stepped closer, as if he wasn't going to let her go so easily. Sayaka felt fear welling up in her chest, and, taking a step back, she collided with the railing. "Wait!" he said, touching her shoulder. "I just wanted to talk to you about that situation last week."
His expression was sincere, but his words didn't fill Sayaka with confidence. She glanced at Makoto, who seemed to be waiting awkwardly, his neck hunched over, his mouth hanging open in shock, slowly approaching his classmate.
"Kuwata-kun, we're taking a short break, time is short, and we really want to get to the cafeteria. Could you wait?"
"Well, if she's not busy, maybe you could let me keep you company?" Leon quickly suggested, unwilling to give in. "Or are you just embarrassed by my presence, huh?"
Hands in his jeans pockets, hunched over, the absolute began to approach Makoto, craning his neck forward until Sayaka's hand touched his back. She felt her heart beat faster. She knew the situation was escalating, and she had to act. Clutching the phone tighter, she decided to intervene to prevent further escalation.
"Kuwata-kun, really, we don't have much time right now," she said softly, trying to emphasize her concern. "Let's discuss this later, when we have a chance."
"I just want to talk," Kuwata said, his voice growing slightly louder. "Don't run away from me, Sayaka. We're friends, right?"
The words sounded like a feigned deception, and Sayaka wondered if this friendship was just an illusion. She glanced back at Makoto, who seemed at a loss for how to help. Kuwata continued to approach, impatience evident in his eyes.
"Make sure you don't make any mistakes," she whispered, aware that every step she took back only increased the pressure. Kuwata began to smile, jutting his lower lip. "I won't take up much of your time. I keep my word."
Silence engulfed Maizono. Her classmates on the other side of the podium began to notice her, especially Sakura, ready to intervene...
"Okay... Just for a little while, okay?" Sayaka agreed, exhaling deeply. She cast one last glance at Makoto, hoping he would understand without words. Kuwata, his smile widening, gestured for her to step aside, away from prying eyes. Leon seemed pleased with her compliance, but there was something unsettling in his smile.
"Naegi-kun, if you don't mind, could you get me some lemon water from the fridge? I'll text you back when I can, I promise!" Maizono called after him, trying not to lose heart, especially on a day like this. After all, this is just a conversation with Leon... I think she should really tell him how she feels.
***
The sliding door to the sports equipment room slammed. The hum of the court came through the small open window, and the room smelled of tennis balls.
"You haven't responded to my messages, I'm offended. Are you really that disgusted by me? Or are you... 'keeping up appearances'? You knew this would come up sooner or later. So why?"
Kuwata furrowed his brows, as if searching for support in his words. Sayaka felt the distance between them slowly closing, obscuring the sports equipment, the bright balls, and the glimmer of light from the window.
"You know, it's not what you think," Maizono said quietly, but the hesitation in her voice gave me away. "I was just... trying to figure myself out. All those messages felt like pressure... I don't see you as the guy I like, you're not on my taste...I.....I like Naegi! Naegi Makoto! - Clenching her fists tightly and closing her eyes, Sayaka blushed more from shame than embarrassment. - I know him more than you, he is a very kind and positive guy... Sorry, Kuwata-kun...
Leon was silent, his eyes widened in surprise. He didn't expect his feelings to be confronted with such directness. But a wave of anger rose within him. An unpleasant jealousy immediately enveloped him, pressing him like a heavy blanket.
"Naegi?" he growled, clenching his fists until they turned white. - But why is he better than me? Cute and funny - it doesn't mean anything! He behaves like this with everyone, but in reality he's just a pathetic weakling! But maybe you yourself don't know what you want. Makoto? He is not the one who can understand you. I can understand you, only I.
Sayaka couldn't believe her ears. Her heart was pounding, and every word Kuwata said pierced like a knife. She understood that his anger and jealousy were a consequence of pain, but did not know how to respond.
"Kuwata-kun..." Maizono began, but her voice was trembling. - You don't understand. I'm not saying I love Naegi... I just appreciate him as a friend. And I would like you to understand that this is not against you. "You have no right to judge him," she said, trying to cope with the tears that were coming to her eyes. "Naegi really cares about people." You may not realize it, but his kindness is what makes him special. You were always focused only on yourself!
Kuwata unclenched his fists and clenched his teeth. His eyes darted around the room, and at that moment he realized that words were only part of his problem. Feelings raged inside Leon, as intense as hot iron.
"Think how painful it is to hear this from you! I try my best, but you keep hiding behind others! Day after day I try to win your pathetic attention while you look at some snotty freaks. If you don't see me as a person who can help you..." Kuwata suddenly fell silent, staring forward, breaking off his monologue mid-sentence. The words stuck in my throat. "Do you think Makoto will accept you if he sees your intimate photos?"
Maizono felt her heart clench at these words. She couldn't even utter a response. Kuwata's question seemed naive to her, but at the same time painful. She knew that his jealousy was born out of fear, fear of losing her and not being good enough.
"What photographs?..What are you talking about?"
"Don't pretend. I've seen pictures of you in magazines... in erotic lingerie. And not only.... How your crotch and hanging breasts are visible from all angles. How your fingers penetrate the crack. You are so slutty and disgusting."
The girl's throat tightened and her eyes filled with tears. She understood that these words hurt him, but at the same time they came from his lips.
"You don't understand, Kuwata," she said almost in a whisper, trying to contain her emotions. - It's not me...it's not what it seems.....
Kuwata curled his lips into a sardonic grin, his eyes seeming to flash with rage. "Don't deceive me, Maizono-san," he grumbled. - Everyone knows that you want to be noticed. You're playing with fire and now you're burning.
Sayaka felt tears rolling down her cheeks. She wanted to explain, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.
"I'm doing this for my career," she finally said, gathering her strength. "That's not what really matters." I'm just trying to survive in this world...Young girls like me are invisible! I had to do this, I entered the business the dirty way... But I'm here now! I don't do this anymore!
Kuwata frowned upon hearing her words. He couldn't understand how she could so easily disregard her dignity for the sake of success. Images arose in his head of Sayaka hugging other men, of how her body became an object for other people's views and desires. It made him jealous, and a dull rage filled him. Leon seemed to be listening, but his gaze slowly fell on Maizono's body.
"No one will border on a person who easily sells himself for the sake of success," he whispered, expressing the words through his teeth, and there was mockery and insult in his voice.
Kuwata fell silent, internally struggling with a storm of emotions. He still couldn't understand how it was possible to be so strong and at the same time so vulnerable. He came closer, his gaze became softer. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to accept this," he admitted. "But I know one thing: you won't get rid of me."
"Wait! What are you doing?! Don't touch me!"
Step, second - Leon began to close the distance between them, stretched his arms forward. Sayaka stepped back, instinctively covering her body by hugging her shoulders. Fear mixed with disgust splashed in her eyes. She did not understand how his confession could sound after such words. It seemed to her that he looked at her as if she were something dirty, broken, and then suddenly talked about what he didn't want to lose. She saw in Kuwat not understanding, but only possessiveness, an attempt to appropriate what did not belong to her.
"You don't understand," she whispered, her voice trembling. -You judge me, but you want me to be there? This is crazy.
Madness. Exactly this word echoed in his head. He really didn't understand. Blindly led by his own feelings, he did not notice how he was hurting her. He wanted intimacy, but intimacy saturated with his own understanding of what was "right." How to explain something that you don't understand yourself? How to convey to her that the desire to win her overcomes all his prejudices, all his "rules"? Reflexively, Leon pressed his lips to Sayaka's and dug his nails into her shoulders, lowering them lower and lower. Maizono screamed and tried to break free, but Leon's grip was iron. She felt his hot breath on her cheeks, his lips roughly touching her skin. The thought throbbed in my head: "Not like that, not like that!" She wanted tenderness and understanding, but all she received was violence, albeit covered by the mask of "love." Her strength was leaving her. In desperation, she bit his lip. Leon pulled back, a certain confusion showing on his face. There was blood on my lip. Sayaka slapped him. A resounding slap echoed through the room, sobering them both up. Kuwata stepped back and touched his cheek, which already had a red mark on it. Confusion widened in his eyes, but Sayaka didn't want to explain anything further. She simply looked at him with contempt.
"Stop it. Please."
"Come on, Maizono-san, don't make me be rude to you." — Leon began to grab her again, pressing her persistently to himself. She felt Kuwata's fingers slip under the collar of her sports blouse. Panic overwhelmed Sayaka with renewed vigor. Tears were already flowing down her cheeks, mixing with the disheveled strands of hair. She felt everything go numb with horror, and a spasm squeezed her throat, preventing her from screaming. Other people's nails scraped between the vertebrae, the disgusting smell of cheap cologne filled everything around. Maizono closed her eyes, trying to disconnect from what was happening, but it didn't help. A feeling of helplessness and fear overwhelmed her mind. She tried to push him away, but her hands seemed weak and her body was disobedient. Click - the bra unclasps. The cold air touched the skin, increasing the feeling of vulnerability. Maizono felt the urge to vomit roll up her throat. She gathered her last strength, trying to break free from the grip. Weak elbows to the stomach, scratching the face - all this seemed useless. Leon was stronger, his persistence was frightening. The straps slipped off her thin shoulders, her legs gave way at the knees, while Kuwata was now encroaching on someone else's hips, grasping the girl's buttocks, kneading them through the fabric of rather short shorts. The tongue laid a wet, high path along the neck, pressing the base of the piercing on the floor with the jaw, while the fingers penetrated under the underwear...
***
"Hope's Peak Academy. Second year of study 74 - 78 streams. Friday of the second Monday."
"Sayaka Maizono can be temporarily transferred to another class, 77-A, for example. But no, I don't give any guarantees for his exclusion. You understand how this can affect the reputation of the academy, and Kuwata won't keep his mouth shut - he'll spill the beans".
"You just want to close your eyes to the whole situation?!" Kuwata is a juvenile delinquent, if he raped my daughter, it won't stop him from doing the same to yours, do you even understand that?
"Maizono, calm down. You can't go against the facts. There is no evidence of Kuwata's guilt. Naegi Makoto's testimony... is ambiguous. And transferring Sayaka to class A is only a temporary measure that will only delay the inevitable. It would be possible to place Leon in home schooling, but this could also aggravate the situation, and questions may arise from the Reserve Course."
"Homeschooling?! My daughter is hysterical, she is afraid to leave the room! Is this not enough for you?!" Sakhi's voice broke into a scream, swallowing the endings and stuttering. "You must protect her! Why are you covering for this scoundrel?! You must do something! Conduct an investigation, interrogate him, find witnesses! Is the reputation of this rotten academy more important than my daughter's safety?"
"We are cooperating with the police, Maizono. The investigation is ongoing. We do everything we can within the limits of the law. Understand that if we take any action without good reason, it will turn against us. And we won't help your daughter with this. The best thing now is to let the investigation take its course and protect Sayaka from any possible physical contact with Leon."
Sakhi jumped up from his chair, putting his hands behind his back and nervously starting to pace around the office.
" "Within the limits of the law"... I don't give a damn about your law! My daughter is afraid to go to the academy! She doesn't sleep at night! And you say: "let the investigation take its course"? How long will it take? Until this Kuwata does something else?"
The director sighed heavily, trying to maintain his composure. Looking at the head of the committee, Jin stretched his lips downwards:
"I understand your pain, Maizono." And I want to assure you that we are making every effort to assist the investigation. But let's face it: we have no video footage, no direct witnesses. Kuwata Leon denies all charges. We must act carefully so as not to harm Sayaka further." Jin was silent for a moment, then added in a lower voice. "In private, I talked to Kuwata. He was warned of the gravity of the situation. Believe me, he doesn't want this matter to become public either.
"The law... It protects criminals, not victims! I will not allow him to continue to be near my daughter, to breathe the same air with her. I...I'll do everything myself!" Waving his index finger in the air, panting heavily, Sakhi walked towards the exit from the office, defiantly stomping on the carpet.
"Maizono, please don't do anything stupid. Give the police time. Be patient. Remember that any actions you take can be used against your daughter in court. Trust the system, at least this time. We are on your side and sincerely hope for a speedy resolution of this terrible situation.
"I don't have time to wait while you "think it over"!" cried Maizono. "I'll find the evidence myself! And if I find them, I swear, I will personally see it through to the end, regardless of any of your rules and laws! - He turned sharply and left the office, slamming the door so that one of the documents in a gold frame flew off the wall, damaging its edge.
Wearily pinching the bridge of his nose, Jin stood up from his chair, clasping his hands in front of him. Walking closer to the current broken photo frame, Kirigiri picked up the paper in his hands, shaking off the brightly colored wooden slivers from it.
"Well, Maizono - we all must act within the "framework" of the law."