Escorted by Morisaki and Shizuku to the Disciplinary Committee headquarters, Kasumi and Takuma found themselves sitting on a bed of needles. The room was crowded with the school's power players: Kanon Chiyoda, the Committee Chair; the two who had apprehended them; Hattori, the President of the Group Council; Juumonji, representing the executive board; and for reasons unknown to the offenders, Tatsuya Shiba, representing the Student Council.
"Kasumi, you're a member of this committee," Kanon began, her voice heavy with a weary sigh. "What were you thinking? And during a patrol, no less..."
"Shippou, surely you're aware that the unauthorized use of magic is a violation of school code?" Hattori added, his tone grim. "Attempting to settle a grudge with magic is a serious offense in itself, but to turn that aggression on the committee member who stepped in to stop you..."
Kasumi averted her eyes in burning embarrassment as Kanon sighed again. Beside her, Takuma stood rigid, his gaze locked forward as he endured Juumonji's quiet lament.
"Regardless, we need to establish the facts of the matter first," Hattori said.
"Honestly..." Kanon muttered, scratching her head with a look of pure irritation. "The recruitment week just ended, and already someone is making more work for me." She looked up, her eyes narrowing into a sharp, predatory glare. "Let's get one thing straight. Kasumi, your actions were technically 'attempted,' so you won't be expelled—though suspension is on the table. But Shippou, you had already begun the activation sequence. At worst, you're looking at expulsion."
Takuma didn't flinch at the declaration. He stood with every muscle in his body taut, as if the sheer force of his will was the only thing keeping him from trembling.
"Keep that in mind as you speak," Kanon commanded. "What started this?"
"Shippou insulted the Saegusa family," Kasumi snapped.
"I received an unforgivable insult from a Saegusa," Takuma countered.
The two spoke simultaneously, their voices clashing in the air, neither willing to even glance at the other.
"Hah..." Kanon looked toward Hattori. "President, how do you suggest we handle this mess?"
Hattori opened his eyes slowly. "Shippou belongs to one of the clubs under my jurisdiction. I don't believe I can offer an impartial judgment."
"If you're going that route, then Kasumi belongs to my committee," Kanon countered.
"Then let us defer to a neutral third party," Hattori suggested, turning his gaze toward the Student Council representative. "The Student Council shall provide the arbitration."
Tatsuya suppressed a heavy sigh. It was exactly as he had predicted. He had been sent here as the Council's proxy because President Nakajou had sensed trouble and made a strategic retreat. Even Isori had vanished with a polite smile, claiming that "the Vice President is the natural deputy for the President."
"Perhaps," Tatsuya began calmly, "it would be best to let them settle it in a match."
"A match?" Kanon blinked. "Are you saying we should just let them off the hook?"
"When a conflict cannot be resolved through dialogue, we settle it through a trial of strength. I was told by the former Committee Chair that this school actually encourages such a philosophy. In fact, I experienced it firsthand last year."
Hattori's brow twitched at the memory of his own defeat, but it was Juumonji who looked truly surprised. Kanon and Hattori, however, seemed to find the logic sound.
"Unauthorized magic use is a grave violation," Tatsuya continued, "but there is little point in punishing students for an 'attempted' act that was stopped before it could manifest. These incidents are common among freshmen. If their pride is truly at stake, it's better to let them settle the score with their skills now, rather than letting the resentment fester."
Morisaki turned away with a sour expression, likely remembering the moment Tatsuya had kicked the CAD out of his hand a year ago.
"I'm fine with the Vice President's proposal," Kanon said. "Hattori?"
"I have no objections. Shiba, can you handle the paperwork?"
"Understood."
Tatsuya nodded and turned toward the stairs leading to the Student Council office to obtain the President's formal approval.
"Shiba-senpai!"
Takuma's voice rang out, stopping Tatsuya in his tracks.
"Is there a problem, Shippou?"
"No! But if you're going to allow this match with Saegusa, I have one request."
"Let's hear it," Kanon urged, her curiosity piqued by the boy's audacity.
"Don't make my opponent Kasumi Saegusa alone. Make it Kasumi and Izumi Saegusa. Both of them."
"Are you mocking me, Shippou?" Kasumi demanded.
"I've heard the rumors," Takuma said, ignoring her to look at Tatsuya. "The Saegusa twins only show their true worth when they're together. This is a match for the honor of the Shippou and Saegusa names. I'll only consider it a true victory if I defeat them both at once."
Tatsuya shifted his gaze to Kasumi. "Shippou has made his terms. Your thoughts?"
"Fine by me," Kasumi spat, her eyes flashing with cold fire. "I'll make sure he regrets his arrogance."
"Then it's settled."
Tatsuya disappeared up the stairs. When he returned with the signed authorization, he was trailed by Izumi—and for some reason, Miyuki and Honoka.
"Chairperson, I need your official seal here," Tatsuya said, handing the document to Kanon.
"Oh, right. My seal... now, where did I put that?"
As Kanon began to rummage through her desk in a panic, Tatsuya reached into a cabinet and pulled out a small box containing the committee's essential tools. Having spent the last year organizing this very office, such a task was second nature to him.
"Ah, haha... thanks. This is it, right?" Kanon gave a forced laugh to hide her embarrassment and pressed the seal onto the permit.
Hattori cleared his throat loudly to dispel the awkward atmosphere. "Where shall we hold the match?"
"Training Room 2, if you please," Honoka answered. It was clear to everyone that she had already secured the unlock codes.
"Will you be the referee, Shiba?" Juumonji asked. He had been staring at Miyuki for a while, clearly wondering why she was present.
"No," Miyuki answered for him, offering a radiant, perfect smile. "I am merely here as an observer."
"Then is Tatsuya-san the referee?" Shizuku asked.
Before Tatsuya could answer, Kanon cut in. "That works for me."
"I agree," Hattori added. Neither seemed particularly interested in whether Tatsuya wanted the job.
"Then let us move," Tatsuya said, suppressing another sigh. He knew that 'no' wasn't an option at this point. "The school gates will be closing soon."
As they began to walk, Kasumi watched Tatsuya with a look of lingering concern.
"Kasumi-chan?" Izumi asked.
"I-I'm fine, Izumi."
"I didn't say you weren't."
Izumi looked at her sister with a suspicious tilt of her head. However, with a duel looming, she pushed the thought aside and focused her mind on the battle ahead.
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