Searching for Witnesses

While Hirata was observing Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami, Kushida Kikyo also fixed her gaze on the boy's face.

After hearing the explanation just now, the girl's heart inexplicably produced a strange feeling.

This Hashima-kun is an important figure who controls the entire first-year Class A. From selling rules to now providing information, he always maintains a calm and cold expression.

But previously, he had shown admiration toward her, willing to strategize according to her wishes.

This contrast made Kushida Kikyo's inner emotions quite complex. Being liked by someone wasn't uncommon for her, but if the person who liked her not only possessed excellent abilities but also wielded tremendous influence...

Yet showed a different attitude uniquely toward her, it was hard not to have other thoughts. No one hopes to be ordinary.

So for a moment, Kushida didn't know what to say, and could only silently feel her heartbeat.

"Anyway, since we're here to help, let's get moving," Hashima's gaze swept over the remaining people in Class C's classroom. "After all, you don't have that much time."

"That's right, everyone, let's get moving."

At Hirata's urging, the few classmates who had stayed, along with Hashima Hikaru and Ichinose Honami, left the classroom, ready to start collecting information about witnesses around the school.

The location of the violent incident was on the second floor of the Special Building. Besides students from the same grade, senior students could also be questioned. The broader the range, the better.

Hashima Hikaru, Ichinose Honami, and Kushida formed one group. They went to the more bustling areas of the Keyaki Mall to inquire and screen students they encountered. Although it was somewhat abrupt, this was the best approach.

Meanwhile, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, Hirata, and their group were collecting relevant clues around the Special Building and nearby walkways, looking for passersby to see if they could gather any information.

After searching for a while, Ichinose Honami took out her phone and said to Hashima Hikaru.

"Hashima-kun, it seems Kanzaki-kun has also posted on the online forum, look."

"Is that so? This guy's reaction is quite quick. This indeed can expand the scope of the investigation."

Hashima glanced at the phone screen and then retracted his gaze. Although he suspected this matter was related to Ryuen, there was no way to directly confront him now. In the Student Council's deliberation, everything would have to be supported by evidence.

What made the boy somewhat suspicious was that after Ryuen was tricked by him last time, if he had indeed planned this action, he might have executed a photo-taking plan to completely incriminate Sudo.

But according to information from Kushida, Ishizaki and Komiya only made accusations without submitting any evidence, which is why a Student Council deliberation was scheduled for a week later, instead of announcing punishment directly.

"Is it an oversight? That seems unlikely."

Hashima stroked his hair, unsure of Ryuen's intentions, so he temporarily set aside the thought and continued to collect information about witnesses with the two girls.

They circled around the Keyaki Mall for several hours, but couldn't find anyone who had been to the Special Building. After all, it was a relatively secluded teaching building, so few people lingered there.

By around six o'clock, the sky was already darkening, and the group reassembled at the starting point.

"How was it, Hashima-kun? Did you collect any information?" Hirata wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at Hashima's small team.

"Nothing so far. Everyone says they didn't go to the Special Building yesterday."

The boy shook his head. The class group chat was discussing information, but there were no leads.

"What about you?"

"We searched around the Special Building for a long time but didn't find any clues either."

"What should we do? If we don't find any clues on the first day, the more time passes, the harder it will be to find anything."

"Why don't we continue searching after dinner?" Hirata seemed very serious, stating he absolutely couldn't accept a classmate being expelled.

"Yes, I want to continue trying to find something." The short-haired girl immediately expressed her determination to persevere.

"Hahaha, since Kushida-chan said so, of course we can't give up," Yamauchi Haruki immediately chimed in. "I'm willing to continue searching with Kushida-chan."

"Me too, me too."

"Thank you, everyone." Kushida's face immediately showed a grateful smile.

Hashima Hikaru, standing on the side, looked at Ichinose Honami beside him. The pink-haired girl also seemed to want to continue helping, so he leaned over and asked softly, "Is Ichinose-san planning to continue with everyone?"

"Yes, I think helping means helping to the end. I really want to know the outcome of this incident."

Hearing this, Hashima was silent for a moment. If it were still early, helping out would be fine, but it was almost seven o'clock now, and he had more important things to do.

Since he had bought the sports enhancement agent, he couldn't skip his one-hour swimming training each day.

"I have to go swimming, so Ichinose-san, please explain to them for me."

Hashima looked at the girl beside him, who knew about his current exercise habits, so she nodded.

"See you tomorrow, Hashima-kun."

"Mm, looking forward to your good news."

The boy didn't hesitate further, turned around, and headed toward the dormitory.

To go swimming, he'd need to change out of his school uniform first, and he hadn't brought his key yet. Before going into the water, he also needed to warm up, so he really didn't want to linger.

After Hashima left, Ichinose Honami explained to everyone, and then their second round of patrols began, lasting for more than an hour before ending.

Meanwhile, after an invigorating swim session, Hashima Hikaru changed his clothes and left the gymnasium.

Feeling the night breeze, Hashima touched his not completely dry hair, walking while observing the night scenery around him.

After walking for a while, a dull thud suddenly entered his ears, like the sound of something hitting a railing.

"Thump! Thump!"

What's that noise?

After the boy's vision scanned the surroundings, he finally locked onto a blurry figure in front.

"Who's there?"

He couldn't help but feel curious, so he directly stepped closer.