Fukushū no Kage CHAPTER 5

Shiroi Academy

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The tranquility of Shiroi Academy lasted for a few more days after the enjoyable holiday. However, an odd feeling began to grow in Haruto and his friends' minds. Something in the atmosphere seemed out of place, though it wasn't immediately clear what was causing that sensation.

The first sign appeared on an ordinary morning during a history class. Kaede Yoshino, the strict but wise teacher who always commanded respect, spoke about a topic related to Japan's dark past, mentioning how, during times of war, atrocities had been committed, especially in institutions like the academy.

"Dark secrets always surface in places that seem to be sanctuaries of learning and growth. History has shown us that pain and suffering can thrive in the most unexpected corners, where we least expect them," said the teacher with her calm yet piercing voice.

Haruto felt a chill run down his spine. His eyes quickly turned to Renji, who returned a worried look. Mikasa and Yuta also seemed deep in thought. For a moment, they all seemed to understand that there was more to Shiroi Academy than the administration had let on.

After class, they walked together through the gardens, as they often did when their minds were troubled with questions.

"Did you hear what the teacher said?" Haruto asked in a low voice.

Renji nodded slowly. "Yeah, something about it felt unsettling. It's not just the story she told. I feel like… something is hidden beneath the surface."

"I feel the same," murmured Mikasa, glancing around as if afraid of being watched. "Since we arrived, things have been weird. It's not just the academy—it's the entire environment."

Yuta remained silent for a few seconds before speaking. "I feel it too. There's an oppressive air around the school lately. It's faint, but it's there."

The days went on, but the feelings of unease didn't go away. They began to notice small details that had previously gone unnoticed. A teacher avoiding direct eye contact, students murmuring suspiciously among themselves, and hallways that always seemed unnervingly silent, as if everyone feared something.

One afternoon after classes, as they returned to their dormitory, Mikasa stopped her friends in the hallway.

"I heard whispers," she whispered, almost as if afraid of being overheard.

"Whispers?" Renji asked, lowering his voice to avoid being noticed. "What were they saying?"

"They sounded like names," Mikasa continued, frowning. "Names I didn't recognize."

"What kind of names?" Haruto inquired, feeling the tension rise.

"I'm not sure exactly. They sounded like they were part of some code. But I couldn't understand much."

Yuta, always calm and collected, murmured, "It could be paranoia. Or there could actually be something behind those voices."

Renji crossed his arms thoughtfully. "It's true. The academy has always been secretive, but this is way too suspicious."

"We need to stay alert," Mikasa said firmly, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "They're hiding something from us."

That night, as they prepared to sleep, Haruto couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was coming. Despite being in a safe zone with his friends, the unease lingered.

The next morning, during the first class, a new incident caught their attention. While reading a text aloud, Haruto noticed that one of the paragraphs seemed different from the rest. He read it again silently:

"Upon entering this institution, students must learn the truth behind every corner. Not everything is as it seems. Some have sought answers, others have simply disappeared. What is hidden will, sooner or later, be revealed. No secret can remain forever."

"Did you hear that?" Haruto said, looking at Renji and Mikasa, who were seated beside him.

Renji frowned, nodding slowly. "That was strange. I've never seen something like that in a schoolbook."

Mikasa, who appeared more thoughtful than ever, murmured, "Everything feels darker by the minute."

Yuta, who had been observing silently, spoke softly, "The teacher reading that text… his expression changed at the end. He seemed uncomfortable."

"I think we need to investigate," Renji said, clenching his fists slightly on his desk.

Haruto nodded. "But how do we do it? If we act too soon, we might risk being discovered."

Mikasa was aware of the gravity of the situation. "Maybe we can ask questions, but carefully. We need evidence, not just suspicions."

The day continued with a palpable sense of unease in the air. Classes were strange, more tense than ever, and in every corner of the school, they felt as though someone was watching them. No one seemed willing to break the silence, not even the teachers.

Later, as they walked together in the empty hallways, Haruto suddenly stopped.

"I hear something," he said in a low voice, moving closer to the wall. "Footsteps, but I can't see anyone."

"Are you imagining things?" Renji asked, cautiously looking around.

"No." Haruto shook his head, clenching his fists. "They're real. They're there."

The other three remained alert. Long minutes passed in silence until finally, the footsteps stopped.

Yuta broke the silence. "This is more serious than we imagined. Something is happening here."

Mikasa added, "The academy has too many secrets. And they won't let us uncover them easily."

Renji exhaled sharply and looked at his friends. "We need to stick together. If we're going to investigate, we have to do it as a team."

"I agree," Haruto said firmly. "We can't let this keep growing without doing something."

The group stayed constantly vigilant over the following days. Their small discoveries heightened their suspicions, and though they didn't yet know the truth, one thing was clear: something dark and dangerous was brewing in the shadows of Shiroi Academy.