The all-powerful middle schooler

Rikka Takanashi and Sanae Dekomori's impression of her changed drastically.

"Speaking of which, where did Izumi go? What is that idiot plotting?"

Eriri went to the corridor and called her art teacher, but what bothered her most was that she still hadn't seen her childhood friend.

A few minutes later, the art teacher arrived at the scene.

"Was that painting stolen? Who could be so wicked! That's a prize-winning masterpiece!"

She was initially surprised, but upon learning that she was also a suspect, she couldn't help but feel resentful.

"I went on a date with Darling yesterday, how could I possibly do something like that! If you don't believe me, I'll show you, Darling and I even recorded a video yesterday..."

She took out her phone from her pocket, intending to prove her innocence.

"Alright, alright! Teacher, you can keep it. We believe you!"

Eriri and the others quickly tried to stop them, making them blush deeply.

"What are you thinking! It's not that kind of video! It's just some night scene footage."

The art teacher, with a teasing look on her face, took the phone back.

"Now I'll just have to ask for the money!"

Natsukawa Masaki did not comment on this, but instead fell into deep thought.

If it's not the two people who possess the key, is it possible that there's another key?

For example, if someone carves it.

Has anyone borrowed the key?

She continued to ask, but both of them shook their heads in denial.

"This is getting tricky!"

Nishikawa Morika also recognized the difficulties.

"It seems this really is a mysterious incident!"

Rikka Takanashi thoughtfully offered her evaluation.

"Does this mean we have no choice but to seek help from the Sage? Dekomori is truly useless, Death."

Sanae Tokomori seemed to have suddenly lost all her energy and spirit, completely helpless, her head drooping.

……

"Looks like it's my turn to step in."

Hasegawa Izumi, who had been observing the situation closely, was ready.

It's understandable that they couldn't uncover the truth.

After all, theft cases are not very easy to solve, especially when there are no security cameras.

The members couldn't use superpowers or magic, so it's quite impressive that they were able to analyze so much.

"Ok?"

Just as he was about to appear, something new happened inside the house, so he stopped in his tracks.

"I thought about it."

Natsukawa Masaki snapped out of her reverie, a look of understanding flashing across her eyes as she thought of another aspect.

Upon hearing the sound, everyone turned to look.

"Although I don't know what method she used, as a thief, she must have had a purpose in stealing this painting, either for money or because of feelings..."

She smiled, radiating a confident air of complete control.

For money?

Eriri immediately ruled out this possibility.

She understood that even if her paintings were well-executed and attributed to "Eri Kashiwagi," they would only be worth a few hundred thousand yen, since she was not a famous painter.

Of course, if it were given her real name, it might fetch a much higher price, but that would certainly not be due to her own abilities.

Speaking of relationships.

It's either out of hatred or out of love...

Does anyone in the art department hate Izumi?

That shouldn't be the case, after all, they haven't been oppressed.

"So it's all for...love?"

As Eriri pondered this possibility, various thoughts flooded her mind until a name appeared.

"Sagano-san, is that you?"

As she suddenly uttered the name, the other club members all looked towards the short girl who was easily overlooked in the corner.

The scene was silent for a moment.

"A watermelon head, bangs so thick they completely cover her eyes, a soft, quiet voice—a timid and shy character..."

This is their personal impression of Sagano.

"Um...it's me."

Sagano admitted weakly, bowing her head as she answered, without denying it.

"why?"

Hamada asked the others.

"Because I like Hasegawa-san, and I like that painting..."

"From that day on, Hasegawa's heroic fighting spirit was forever etched in my heart. He was like a sun hanging in my sky, radiating warm light."

"But I know that someone like me can reach the sun..."

Although Sagano spoke softly, everyone could hear her clearly, and her sincere feelings were genuine.

Turns out she's a fangirl!

This fact caught everyone off guard, and their expressions were quite interesting.

"So that's your reason for stealing the painting?"

Natsukawa Masaki narrowed his eyes, showing no sign of being moved.

"Um... I know it's my fault, but I hope I can talk to them before I'm arrested..."

Sagano nodded like a little squirrel.

Before she could finish speaking, she was suddenly interrupted by a voice that seemed to come from nowhere.

"First, never act impulsively."

"Secondly, we must never let any wrongdoing go unpunished."

"Thirdly, the referee must be absolutely fair and impartial..."

79. Longing is the emotion furthest from understanding.

A righteous and awe-inspiring voice suddenly echoed in the room, leaving everyone momentarily at a loss.

Not only is its voice unique, but it is also difficult to discern its direction.

"Who's playing tricks? Come out and die! Dekomori, I've spotted you!"

Sanae Tokomori looked wary, glancing left and right, and then shouted.

Rikka Takanashi immediately walked out of the corridor, but she didn't see a single person. When she turned back, everyone's attention was on her.

"No one's here. Could they have used a telepathic magic trick?"

She was making her own guesses.

"It's very likely death. Could he be the mastermind behind all this?"

Of course, apart from Sanae Tokomori echoing this speculation, no one else paid any attention to it.

Just as the prelude to the dialogue ended, in a fleeting moment.

"Clap."

A very crisp sound rang out, and the previously half-closed glass window was now leaning against the other side, while the rolled-up curtains were also lowered.

Everyone felt a blur before their eyes, and suddenly a person appeared in front of them...?

It must be a person.

It appears to be wearing a unique red robot-like suit, with oversized, protruding glasses that extend beyond its face. Only the lower half of its face is uncovered, revealing its nose and mouth. This rather flamboyant outfit is usually something you only see in tokusatsu dramas.

"...The referee robot Captain Dragonfly has come to pay his respects!"

He continued speaking.

The curtains behind them were like the opening curtain of a grand play, and the strangely dressed guy who appeared in front of them was like an actor stepping onto the stage to perform.

Everyone was puzzled and confused.

Did he come in through the window?

That's three stories high! How did he manage that?

Could it be that……

"I understand! It was you who stole the 'Sun God' through these means! Sagano was just your scapegoat!"

Suddenly, Sanae Tokomori thought of this and, in her self-righteousness, pointed at him and said...

what?

Izumi Hasegawa, who was role-playing, almost couldn't hold back.

I made such a cool entrance, and you're only focusing on this kind of thing!

The rating for Dekosho dropped by one level instantly.

However, it must be said that Sanae Dekomori's reasoning does make some sense. Someone who can come and go freely in the painting club can certainly easily steal that painting without being discovered by everyone.

"Although I don't know who you are, this has nothing to do with you! I did it. I just wanted to feel the radiance of Hasegawa-san all by myself..."

Sagano was taken aback at first, then stepped forward, her soft voice turning firm.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Eriri, Natsukawa Masuzu, and Nibutani Morika were sizing up the suddenly appearing 'Dragonfly Captain', curious about his true identity.

They both found the same answer in their hearts.

'It's Hasegawa, right?'

'That idiot Izumi!'

'It should be the minister.'

Although her voice and clothes have changed drastically, there is only one person in Shuchiin who would do such a foolish thing and who is capable of doing it!

Although it's a three-story-high place, it's not too difficult for some parkour experts and climbing masters, let alone Hasegawa, who displayed a level of skill comparable to a martial arts master.

Even if they guessed it, they didn't say it out loud right away.

Emotional intelligence is essential in life!

"Ahem, I've already mentioned it. I'm Captain Dragonfly! My purpose here is just as I said in my entrance speech: I'm here to serve as the 'referee'!"

Hasegawa Izumi quickly covered up her embarrassment, her tone became serious, and she spoke in a very strong voice.

He gives people a sense of...

"We don't even know your identity or background, how can we let you make the judgment! If you are a member of the evil camp..."

Rikka Takanashi looked suspicious and chose to retort.

She remained vigilant towards people she didn't know.

"That's right, death! How can we believe an unknown character died!"