Chapter 113

Shota worked on the lock, glancing up as the women ran into the courtyard while he tried key after key. Azuki and Tsuruko helped the women organize. Noriko checked their prisoners and put those who were stirring out again with a tiny pinch in the right place. She made sure the area was secure and stationed herself at the courtyard entrance so she could sound the alarm if anybody came. She caught Yuta's eye. He smiled at her and nodded. She smiled and nodded back, surprised at herself at how relaxed their relationship was. She was even easy fighting beside him, though he wasn't of her school. Yuta scanned the yard. Entrance guarded, prisoners secured, rescuers managed, and Shota working the keys.

"Come on, come on," the boy muttered. "You better it fits!"

Shota turned the key and he and Yuta slid the lock out of the chain. The chain clattered to the ground. Man and boy lifted the bar out and away.

"Door's open," Shota called.

"Don't rush and don't crowd," Yuta admonished.