The easiest and most convenient way to get from Trinity to Gehenna was by train, just ride through the D.U. suburbs, and you'd be there.
However, in such a sensitive period, if a Trinity student appeared openly in the Gehenna Zone, it would undoubtedly cause a huge commotion and get them arrested and investigated by the Prefect Team.
Incidentally, because the Make-Up Work Club was not an official club, even if they clashed with the Prefect Team, it wouldn't affect the signing of the Eden Treaty. At most, after an investigation, they'd be handed over to the Justice Task Force, like what happened a few days ago when the Gourmet Research Society caused trouble in the Trinity Zone.
Trying to avoid recognition by changing clothes wasn't realistic. Azusa and Koharu's wings were iconic traits of Trinity students, just like Gehenna students' bat wings. Even if they tried to hide them with clothing, it would only arouse more suspicion.
If I took the lead and negotiated with the Prefect Team or even the Pandemonium Palace beforehand, perhaps they'd make an exception. But since this mission was already fated to fail, I thought we should do it properly… or to put it another way, deliberately show weakness to the enemy.
So the train could only take us to a station near the Gehenna Zone, the rest of the journey would require infiltration.
As everyone knows, while the broader Kivotos region is known for its simple, peaceful customs, Gehenna ranks among the most lawless areas in the entire region, a perfect breeding ground for crime.
Simply put, just after crossing the border between D.U. and Gehenna into a slum, we were noticed by a group of troublemaking "Helmet Gang" mobs.
"Hmph?" The leader, a lanky, careless-looking girl, appraised us. "Never seen you guys before, huh?"
Another delinquent blocked another direction: "Ignoring us, huh? So eager to go somewhere, are we?"
At that, more ill-intentioned kids surrounded us, cutting off all escape routes.
Hanako couldn't help but remark: "Wow, this really gives off that 'classic lawless zone' vibe."
In reality, I figured it was probably just that the Trinity girls were overprotected and hadn't seen the wider world.
Otherwise, they'd know that even under the General Student Council's nose, incidents like this happen all the time.
"Uh… w-we're on our way to an exam, so…" Hifumi tried to negotiate timidly.
The delinquent tilted her head: "Huh? An exam? Are you crazy?"
Hifumi smiled awkwardly: "I… I guess that's how it comes across…"
"Forget it. Whatever excuse you have, you can't just walk around here without our permission!"
The leader delinquent was about to continue when she suddenly noticed a blind spot: "Huh? Wait… your uniforms… aren't you from Trinity?"
Her companion froze, then brightened: "Really? Whoa∼ Rich young ladies actually coming here! So, if we kidnap them, we can get a lot of ransom?"
"Wow, what a great idea!"
"Hold on, don't you think the adult over there is more tempting than the money?"
"Hehe, why choose just one? Let's take them all!"
I couldn't help but sigh. My own allure had attracted the attention of students again.
The delinquent girls chatted openly, their predatory, greedy gazes repeatedly landing on us, already treating us like lambs to the slaughter.
Feeling the malice directed at us, Azusa frowned slightly, drew her firearm, and said coldly: "Enough talk. Let's break through by force."
A battle was about to erupt.
"Stop! That's enough!"
A sharp voice came from outside the crowd, causing the delinquent girls to instinctively turn toward the source.
After a brief silence, the girls suddenly erupted in commotion.
"Oh no! It's Problem Solver 68!"
"The club from the neighboring district that the Prefect Team cleared out?"
"I heard their president, Rukuhachima Aru, has courage not inferior to Sorasaki Hina…"
"True! Problem Solver 68 openly sold copied excuse notes at school, none of the Prefect Team dared intervene!"
"Eh… but do people actually use excuse notes to skip school?"
…What even is this?
Anyway, after a heated discussion, the delinquent girls wavered, muttered a few harsh words, and scampered off.
Aru blinked in surprise, then exchanged a glance with me and quickly forced a smile: "Hehe∼ Didn't expect my reputation to reach this level!"
Clearly, being compared to Hina flexed her ego.
Haruka, as usual, worshiped: "A-As expected of Aru-sama!"
Kayoko sighed: "Ugh, I give up. Who even spreads these rumors? So boring."
Mutsuki, however, objected: "Ehh? Don't you find it interesting~?"
Good. Looks like we found the culprit.
"Wow…" Hifumi ran up excitedly. "Everyone from Problem Solver 68, it's really you guys!"
Aru seemed pleased too: "Hehe, isn't this Faust? Long time no see!"
Hearing that, Hanako glanced at the diligent, obedient Make-Up Work Club president in surprise.
The blonde girl's smile froze, and she cautiously corrected: "I-um… my name is Hifumi…"
"…Eh?"
A reunion that should have been touching ended there.
Well, Aru was just like that, get used to it.
I quickly stepped in, introducing everyone to ease the awkwardness.
The members of Problem Solver 68 had, of course, been contacted privately by me. Since we were infiltrating Gehenna, having trustworthy local students help would save a lot of time dealing with delinquent mobs.
"However, just until we leave the slums is enough."
"Eh?" Aru was puzzled. "But then, it's still a long way to your destination, sensei."
"That's true. But after leaving the slums, there's a risk of encountering the Prefect Team."
Aru hesitated, then bit her lip and resolutely said: "I-it's fine! As long as we don't touch Hina…"
"Aru," I interrupted earnestly, "I really don't want to trouble you too much."
If I remembered correctly, Problem Solver 68 was still wanted.
That would indeed be troublesome for both sides.
Upon hearing this, Aru nodded, moved: "Sensei! And all of you in the Make-Up Work Club! Any small fry we meet on the way, leave them to Problem Solver 68!"
Beside her, Kayoko pressed her forehead and sighed.