The next day, the atmosphere at Raizen High School was shrouded in an unusual silence. The school was temporarily closed following the spatial quake that had destroyed part of the building. Cracked walls, broken windows, and debris still littered some areas. The authorities stated that the school building needed to be re-inspected for the safety of the students.
Yet for Arashi Kaito, the day felt ordinary. He woke up in his apartment, dressed in a black hoodie and casual pants. After a simple breakfast, he relaxed on the sofa, reading comics and occasionally checking his system. No missions. No threats. Just tranquility.
As the sun began to rise, Kaito decided to go out for a bit. He strolled leisurely to a pastry shop near the intersection, buying kikufuku and a slice of strawberry shortcake, two of his favorites. The shop assistant, as always, blushed upon seeing his mesmerizing handsome face.
He sat on a park bench, enjoying the cake in silence. The breeze was gentle, the sun warm, and no one knew him as Noir Blade, the masked figure who had shocked the world with his presence the night before. Everything proceeded as usual.
Meanwhile, Tohka, who had recovered from her injuries after the fierce battle with Noir Blade, was living her day as a human on earth. She returned to her life with Shido. As they had promised, the day was spent on a light date, eating bread together, taking a walk, and chatting in the park.
Although the emotional wounds hadn't fully healed, Tohka tried to smile. And Shido was always by her side, holding her hand and comforting her. "I'll always be here for you," he said softly, and that was enough to make Tohka feel safe.
The day continued until dusk.
In a park on the edge of a cliff, the evening wind rustled the yellowing leaves. Shido and Tohka stood there, enjoying the view of the city from above. The atmosphere was calm. Too calm.
Suddenly—
BANG!
A bullet pierced the air and struck Shido.
His body jolted, blood splattering. He collapsed into Tohka's embrace.
"SHIDOOO!!" Tohka screamed, her eyes wide in disbelief.
From a distance, Origami stood frozen, the rifle still smoking. Her face was blank, in shock. "I... I shot him...?"
Tohka's Spirit aura immediately flared up in a frenzy. Her wings burst with light. In a roar that shook the earth, she charged toward Origami. An explosion of energy swept through the air.
But none of her attacks truly hit the target. Perhaps because Tohka was incapable of killing, or because some consciousness still held her back.
Origami did not move. She just stared at the fallen Shido, her body trembling.
However, amidst the chaos, a blue light appeared.
Shido's body glowed. The Spirit energy within him healed his fatal wound. He slowly opened his eyes, then rose.
Tohka turned, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Shido... you're alive..."
Shido nodded, then slowly approached and cupped Tohka's face. "Tohka... I'm here."
And gently, he kissed Tohka.
A purple aura enveloped the girl's body, then slowly faded. Her armor and wings vanished, replaced by a simple school uniform.
Tohka had returned to being an ordinary human.
From a distance, standing silently atop an old building, Arashi Kaito witnessed everything. The twilight wind tousled the tips of his silvery white hair.
He did not utter a single word. Did not move. Did not interfere.
"Hmph... just as it should be," he muttered.
Then he turned, walked away, and disappeared into the shadows, allowing the main story to continue undisturbed.
...
Several days had passed since the spatial quake incident that shook Raizen High School. The school had been temporarily closed for repairs, but now, the buildings had been reinforced and learning activities resumed as usual.
The morning sky looked clean and bright. The sun shone softly from behind thin clouds, creating a calm yet spirited atmosphere in Tengu city.
Arashi Kaito, as usual, stepped leisurely out of his apartment.
Wearing his school uniform in a neat yet relaxed style, he walked along the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets. Unlike usual, there was no lollipop in his mouth today. His face was still as handsome as ever—too handsome, even—but his aura felt... different.
Sharper. Calmer. More... elegant.
It wasn't due to a change in attitude. Kaito didn't realize it. But the "Vergil Battle Experience" skill he had acquired a few days ago had seeped into his body and soul. Every step he took was now like it was composed by hundreds of years of experience. There was no wasted movement. Even his breathing was steady, as if he could fight at any moment—and win.
Girls who passed him on the sidewalk instinctively turned their heads when Kaito went by.
"There he is again..." a schoolgirl whispered, nudging her friend.
"He gets cooler every day..."
"I... I want to say hi to him! Hey, don't push!"
Some of them dared to greet him.
"Good morning, Kaito-kun!" one of the students said with enthusiasm.
Kaito slowly turned his head, his smile thin but captivating. "Morning. Be careful on the way, okay."
The girl nearly melted on the spot. Her friend had to pull her away before she fainted from a too-rapid heartbeat.
Kaito just let out a soft sigh and continued walking. He hadn't done anything... but somehow, the world felt quieter whenever he passed.
Upon reaching the classroom, Kaito opened the door and entered with a light step. He sat down at his desk, as usual calm, relaxed, with one hand resting on his chin and his gaze directed out the window.
But there was no lollipop today. And strangely, that made his aura feel more mature. More... sharp.
Some students were already accustomed to his presence, but this time, even Itsuka Shido, who had just entered the class, paused for a moment at the doorway.
He stared at Kaito's calm back, then lowered his gaze.
'His aura... is different.'
'He isn't moving. But it feels... incredibly sharp.'
Shido swallowed, slowly sitting at his desk behind Kaito. He couldn't explain why, but for a moment, he felt like he was sitting behind the noble of a Kingdom, someone firm and elegant.
However, as soon as Kaito turned and gave him a small smile, that aura simply vanished, like mist swept away by the wind.
"Yo, Shido. You look brighter than the last time I saw you," Kaito said lightly.
Shido blinked. "Eh? Ah... yeah. Maybe because—"
Just then, the classroom door slid open with a dramatic "SHRAK!" sound.
A girl with long, purplish hair entered with full confidence. A cheerful smile adorned her face, and those glowing violet eyes immediately searched for one figure among the students.
"Shidooo!!" she exclaimed with a small jump and immediately clung to Shido's arm.
Yatogami Tohka. Now a student at Raizen High. With her new uniform that made her look like a typical high school girl.
Tohka sat down in the seat next to Shido, which had been prepared sometime earlier. She immediately leaned toward Shido with sparkling eyes.
"I've been looking forward to this! Sitting next to you as a student! Hehehe~!"
Shido smiled awkwardly. "T-Tohka, you're too close..."
But at that moment, a quiet yet witty voice sounded from in front of them.
"My, my... being assaulted by reincarnation love first thing in the morning, are we?"
Tohka turned and saw Kaito looking at them, resting his chin on his hand, his eyebrow slightly raised and his smile mischievous.
"Eh? What do you mean 'assaulted by love'!?" Tohka exclaimed, her cheeks reddening.
Kaito nodded slowly, pretending to be serious. "Just making an observation. You know... usually people who cling to each other right at the start of the semester are official couples."
Tohka instantly stood up, pointing at Kaito with wide eyes. "That's... that's none of your business! I just... just want to be close to Shido!"
"Yup, that's proof enough," Kaito said, his smile widening.
Tohka glared at him, her face flushed crimson. Shido could only hold back a laugh.
But what no one realized was that beneath the relaxed gaze and light teasing, the noble aura that enveloped Kaito hadn't completely disappeared. It clung to his movements, his posture, the depth of his eyes.
Something had changed.
And even if he hadn't realized it himself...
Kaito was merely a handsome and mysterious transfer student.
He was more than that.