In the end, Index chose to stay with Kaito and accept his protection.
Not because Index wanted protection, but because Misuzu was so enthusiastic. She couldn't bear to see such a cute girl in this situation, so she practically grabbed her and tempted her with food.
Thus, with her stomach not yet full, Index agreed, tears at the corners of her mouth.
Since Kaito was so strong, and had rescued her from the apartment railing earlier, the three of them probably weren't ordinary people.
If it turned out they couldn't handle the magic cabal, she would figure out a way to distance herself from them.
"Thank you so much. I haven't had a proper meal in days."
Nom, nom, nom.
At a restaurant, Index devoured her food, showing no nun-like manners.
"Haha, you're welcome. You're about the same age as my daughter, so I want to help and protect you."
Misuzu propped her cheek on her hand, watching Index with amusement.
'If only Mikoto were as honest, innocent, and kind-hearted as Index.'
Unfortunately, Mikoto was a full-fledged Tsundere, with a bit of a tomboy streak.
As a mother, Misuzu found it frustrating and helpless, especially since her daughter was so strong-willed.
"Burp! I'm full. Thank you, Kaito-nii, Misuzu-san, and Beelzebul-san!"
"Um... you can call me 'nee' too!"
"But... you have a daughter around my age, don't you? Wouldn't it be weird if I called you 'nee'?"
Index hesitated.
Maybe due to her experiences, she sometimes spoke more maturely than her peers.
It was like having a loli voice but saying lines more suited to a young woman.
However, Index could also be very playful and mischievous like a little girl.
For instance, biting someone when angry, or waving her arms frantically.
And Index's actual age remained a mystery.
Kanzaki had said she had erased her memories countless times. That implied more than just a few times. Did Kanzaki have to erase her memories every year?
Ultimately, the whole memory erasure topic was ridiculous.
"Alright, I've placed a magical barrier on you. Except for us, people around you will easily overlook you, including those chasing you."
"R-Really? Kaito-nii's magic is a bit strange. There are similar spells in the Index, but the way they work is completely different."
"Haha, they're from different systems."
Kaito patted Index's head with a laugh.
As for the 103,000grimoires in her memory, some might actually be useful to Kaito.
He didn't need combat magic, but learning other types wouldn't hurt.
But it was unlikely Index would just share them now. So, Kaito planned to spend some time with her first.
Once her affection was high enough, he could remove the barrier and let Kanzaki catch up.
It was only a few days, not a big deal.
Misuzu then asked Index about her family. Learning Index was alone, she considered adopting her.
Send her back to the Church?
No way. She didn't believe in that God, and she knew what the Church was like.
Besides, she liked having a daughter like Index. Giving Mikoto a sister like her might help Mikoto become more straightforward over time.
"Sigh... Can I really stay at your place? Even though I'm dangerous..."
"Oh dear, don't worry. Kaito is really, really strong! In a few days, he'll definitely solve the problem with the magic cabal for you. Then you won't have to worry about being chased anymore."
"Then... okay?"
With Index joining them, their plan to wander around the futuristic Academy City turned into shopping for clothes for Index.
Even though Index said her habit was powerful, a "Walking Church", she still needed something to change into, right?
Even if it didn't need washing, a change of clothes would be good for a change of mood, no?
Unable to refuse, Index was taken by Misuzu to buy clothes. Kaito offered some suggestions and bought a few sets too.
Beelzebul was in a good mood and picked out a set as well.
What she was most curious about were the cleaning robots zipping around the streets of Academy City.
When a few of them cornered Index, Beelzebul couldn't help but laugh.
After all, Index had entered Academy City illegally, with no ID or tourist visa.
Kaito had to step in and magically shoo the robots away.
Eventually, it was time for school to end.
Misuzu drove to Tokiwadai Middle School. Misaka Mikoto, who had just started her first year, emerged carrying her school bag with a Gekota charm.
But behind her was a persistent young woman.
Mikoto considered her a senior, basically.
Wherever Mikoto went, she followed.
Of course, this woman wasn't Shirai Kuroko. Kuroko was busy with something; otherwise, she would have been the first to latch onto Mikoto, claiming to "protect her onee-sama".
"Mikoto, why are you walking so fast? You haven't told me why you've been secretly investigating research institutes lately."
"Shokuhou-senpai... are we that close? Can you stop following me?"
"Hehehe, how can we not be close? Some of your information came from me, you know."
"Well, thank you for that. So... can you stop following me? My mother is coming to pick me up."
Yes, Misuzu had sent Mikoto a message before arriving, saying she was picking her up after school and had a surprise!
That surprise was why Mikoto rushed out of school as soon as classes ended.
The surprise, without a doubt, was that Kaito had arrived!