After speaking with the Yoshizawa twins' father, Rinto had already decided to judge Kamoshida using his own methods.
With that high court judge's influence, if he declared that Kamoshida would vanish without a trace, it truly could be done.
Kamoshida might resign from the school, relocate, and disappear from public view forever.
However, to protect Shujin Academy's reputation, Kamoshida's crimes would absolutely never be revealed; instead, they would be covered up even more deeply than before.
—That isn't fair. Rinto had no intention of compromising.
This was precisely why Rinto was so eager to resolve Kamoshida's Palace as quickly as possible.
He needed to expose Kamoshida's crimes before that esteemed judge uncle could leverage his influence.
Rinto adjusted his rimless glasses while polishing a wine glass in his hands.
"This female news anchor met Kamoshida six or seven years ago during a TV interview, and afterward, he sexually assaulted her while drunk. The whole thing was swiftly suppressed by the TV station and Kamoshida's agency."
"Since then, that anchor quickly rose through the ranks and is now the top host at the station. With your connections, Ohya-san, it shouldn't be difficult to dig up solid proof."
"Hmm..."
Ohya Ichiko sat at the bar counter, posture upright, diligently reviewing files on her laptop.
This wasn't their first transaction of this kind; Lala-san, standing nearby, pretended not to hear anything.
As Rinto's true accomplice in his Phantom Thief dealings, Ohya didn't bother with foolish questions.
Instead, she cut straight to the chase, her sharp gaze completely unaffected by alcohol as it fixed onto Rinto:
"I'm not surprised someone like Kamoshida is involved in sexual coercion scandals. And I trust your information is accurate. If you can provide more specific dates, locations, and individuals involved, I'll have concrete evidence within three days."
"But, Rinto-kun, you're still holding something back, aren't you? Has Kamoshida only done this with the news anchor?"
This perceptive reporter had immediately pinpointed the issue.
"He's been teaching high school for several years now. Considering his character, rather than exposing a moderately scandalous affair with a TV anchor, wouldn't digging into his behavior toward female students cause a bigger stir? It would also be easier to ensure a conviction..."
"Just the news anchor," Rinto responded decisively.
He hung the polished wine glass, spotless and without any fingerprints:
"The students are innocent. Even if Kamoshida truly harmed some students, those girls had no way to resist. Compared to adults who traded dignity for career advancement, they shouldn't be dragged into this."
"Of course, his severe physical abuse at school is enough to ruin his reputation. But I don't want others to suffer unnecessary fallout... or at least, I'd prefer to minimize the damage."
"Hmm~↑↓"
Ohya Ichiko propped her cheek on her hand, eyeing Rinto's unusually mature, handsome face with playful curiosity.
Of course, Rinto knew well enough that even before Kamoshida targeted Ann Takamaki, he must have set his sights on other female students.
By now, those students would mostly be college-age.
Among them, perhaps a tiny minority had willingly approached Kamoshida, actively seeking favors.
However, the vast majority surely had no choice but to submit to his overwhelming authority. Such actions were undeniably criminal, the worst possible betrayal of a teacher's responsibility.
But investigating that deeply would inevitably thrust those former victims back into the spotlight.
If they had acted willingly, it might not matter much—but Rinto had no time to verify that with each of them individually.
He urgently needed to expose Kamoshida's criminal acts, mobilizing public morality and the law to pass judgment.
Under these conditions, if he also wanted to shield those female students as much as possible, this was the only viable path.
Ohya Ichiko, sharp-tongued columnist that she was, had known Rinto for two years, even before he'd entered high school.
Although they maintained a tacit partnership—Ohya obtained first-hand Phantom Thief intel from Rinto, while Rinto used her reporting to sway public sentiment—it didn't mean she was a cold, emotionless work machine with no other concerns.
"Nee, Rinto-kun."
She leaned closer to him, whispering softly:
"If I asked whether wanting to protect the reputations of those female students is your idea, the Phantom Thief's idea, or maybe... both your ideas, would the Phantom Thief come to steal my heart?"
"I don't know. Personal conversations during working hours are strictly prohibited."
Rinto's cold response made Ohya pout childishly.
But fair enough. The journalist stretched leisurely, smiling.
"A righteous journalist teaming up with a shadowy superhero to bring villains to justice is quite the cliché. Although the most famous superhero is himself a reporter."
"Besides, personally, I've benefited from the Phantom Thieves. I'll always remember that they once saved me and my friend. Thank you again for the intel, Rinto-kun~?"
Rinto gracefully accepted the playful kiss Ohya blew his way, his expression impeccably neutral.
Two years ago, shortly after Rinto had debuted as a Phantom Thief, Ohya nearly fell victim to malicious retaliation.
Back then, she and her friend were investigating a politician's corruption scandal, delving so deeply they nearly faced physical elimination as punishment.
Fortunately, Rinto was tracking the same lead at the time, and through stealing hearts, he managed to save both courageous female journalists. Their relationship had endured ever since.
Having such an accomplice was rare, and Rinto truly valued their connection.
...
The following afternoon, right after classes ended.
When Rinto finally lifted the cognitive shutdown he'd imposed on Kamoshida—
"—Aaaghhh!"
Kamoshida, who'd spent the past several days in a lethargic stupor, jolted awake in bed.
His room was overflowing with garbage, instant noodle cups and snack wrappers cluttering every surface. Even the kitchen faucet had been left running.
Considerably thinner and drained of strength, Kamoshida stumbled out of bed, barely able to move.
He couldn't remember how he'd spent these last few days at all; his mind was a complete blank.
"I... what happened to me...?"
Ring ring ring!
Before he could process anything else, his phone suddenly blared to life.
Kamoshida instinctively answered without realizing the number was completely unfamiliar:
"H-hello? Who—?"
"[Kamoshida Suguru, your crimes have been exposed. The punishment of the Phantom Thieves and society's judgment will now begin.]"
Speaking through a voice-changer, Rinto didn't give Kamoshida any chance to respond before rattling off a list of crimes he'd actually committed.
He clearly named those involved in Kamoshida's coercive schemes, ensuring the teacher knew the threat was genuine:
"[You can't run, and you can't resist. Your distorted desires will be taken from you—today.]"
"[But you can prepare yourself, and spend your life making amends. This is the greatest mercy the Phantom Thieves can offer.]"
"What—What are you talking about?! Who the hell are you?! What's your—cough!cough cough cough!"
Weak and trembling, Kamoshida couldn't even hold the phone steadily, erupting into violent coughing before Rinto ended the call.
Rinto removed the SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it into a nearby trash can.
This was the meticulous preparation he'd followed countless times before as a Phantom Thief.
But unlike those times, he was no longer alone.
Rinto emerged from the shadowed alleyway.
Standing beneath the bright sunlight, all the Phantom Thieves waved and cheered for him.
Smiling, Rinto approached and gave each of them a spirited high-five:
"Let's go. Our first major operation as a team—let's bring it to a perfect close."