Chapter 415: Don’t Run Away

"Rinji, are you still in Tokyo?"

"Yeah. Aunt Kana should've updated you on my itinerary, right?"

"She did. But… you know, lately Tokyo and surrounding areas like Chiba, Fukushima, Nagano, and Shizuoka have all been hit by heavy rain."

It was getting late in the evening when Sagara Sousuke called Rinji.

"Yeah… the rainfall lately really isn't normal."

"Because of the rain, a lot of places have started flooding. Some import-export ports have even been shut down."

Sousuke spoke from the other end.

"This counts as a disaster—you know that, right? A natural one. Ever heard of the famine in England back in 1315?"

"Yeah, a bit."

In the summer of 1315, torrential rain began falling across England. At first, people thought it would pass quickly—after all, England and much of Europe were enjoying a period of booming prosperity.

But things didn't go as hoped. The rain was relentless. Flooding started, especially in Ireland, where the rainfall exceeded England's. Crops were submerged. Fish dwindled in rivers. Calm streams turned violent, and many died.

The rain, the cold, and low atmospheric pressure soon affected agriculture and harvests.

In the end, it led to famine.

"Japan's weather right now is unnaturally strange. I've ordered IW to temporarily evacuate departments and personnel from Japan," Sousuke said gravely. "I think you and Kaname should also leave soon—or at least move to a safer city."

"It's gotten that bad?"

"Not yet. But from satellite imagery, it's going to get worse."

"…You got a plan?"

"No matter how powerful IW is, we can't control nature. If we could, I wouldn't be relocating our assets. All we can do for now is minimize the losses."

After a pause, Sousuke added, "If your father were here, maybe he could figure something out. But…"

"Huh? Didn't he tell you?"

"What?"

"He's in Japan right now."

"..."

Sousuke went silent for a few seconds.

"I see. Got it. I'll tell the others to hold position in Japan for now."

"You seriously trust that idiot to fix this?"

"He's capable of anything. If he came to Japan, he must've noticed the situation too. Don't worry, Rinji. Just live your life."

"…Alright. Got it."

After a brief chat, Rinji hung up.

He gazed out the hallway window at the setting sun. The sky was still cloudless, but he couldn't shake a strange feeling.

---

"Rinji-kun, are you really going on patrol alone?"

"Yeah, I've got this." Rinji smiled. "Iino, enjoy the bonfire festival."

"Alright… but are you sure? This is the first bonfire festival in years. You might not get another chance before graduation."

"It's fine. I've never been into lively events anyway."

"…Okay. But come find me if anything happens."

"Got it."

The sky had turned completely black. Lights lit up all around Shuchiin Academy.

In the courtyard, a person-height stack of firewood had been prepared. Most students had come out of the building and gathered around.

"A bonfire festival! I've been waiting for this~"

"Shinomiya-san's the one lighting the fire this time—with a flaming arrow, apparently."

"She's so cool!"

Listening to their chatter, Rinji glanced at the rooftop, then quietly slipped away into the building.

On the second floor, Hayasaka—still in maid attire—was discussing something with Kaguya.

"That's roughly the plan. Whether it succeeds depends on your performance, Kaguya-sama."

"Mm…"

Seeing the scene, Rinji stepped forward and greeted them.

"Yo, still scheming?"

"Rinji-kun?"

Kaguya turned around in surprise to find Rinji waving at her while walking over.

Hayasaka chimed in, "It seems Kaguya-sama became a bit anxious after hearing that President Shirogane is planning to study abroad."

"At this point, what's the use of getting anxious? Just say it clearly already."

"Rinji-kun..."

Kaguya Shinomiya looked up at Rinji with a slightly aggrieved expression.

"You knew about the president going abroad earlier than me?"

"Yeah, probably at least a month earlier than you. I got the news he was planning to study in the US."

"…Then why did you only tell me now?"

"Telling you earlier wouldn't have helped," said Rinji. "What would you have done with the information? It's better to push you to the edge so you can see your own heart clearly."

"You..."

"Do you really not want to express your feelings?"

Rinji's voice suddenly turned heavy.

"Do you really want to keep indulging in this daily routine and let your feelings stagnate?"

"I..."

"Don't be naive. If you don't act, you'll get nothing. At worst, you'll get a result you didn't want—but if you run away now, the only thing waiting for you is tragedy!"

"Rinji-kun..."

"Rinji..."

Both Kaguya and Hayasaka could tell that something about Rinji was unusually emotional tonight.

"If you run away, you'll end up with nothing!!" Rinji roared. "All you're thinking about is 'what if I fail?' Then what!? You think if you run away now you'll somehow succeed!?"

"..."

Kaguya lowered her head, hurt.

Rinji sighed.

"Seriously, why am I even lecturing a Shinomiya about this? Whatever happens next is up to you. I've got patrol duty. Goodbye."

He turned and left without another glance.

"Wait, I'll go with you."

Hayasaka quickly followed, keeping her promise to patrol with him.

Kaguya was left standing in the corridor alone, lost in thought.