Seika International Academy stood like a modern fortress in the heart of Kazekami City's educational district. The main building was a massive structure of glass and steel that stretched ten stories high, with smaller auxiliary buildings surrounding it like satellites. A golden barrier shimmered faintly around the entire campus a protective field maintained by S-Rank security systems.
As Zororo approached the front gates with his sisters, he noticed students streaming in from all directions. Most wore the same black and gold uniform he had on, though some higher-ranking students had additional emblems or colored trim indicating their status.
"This is where we leave you," Himeko said, stopping outside the gates. "We've got our own schedules today."
"My concert rehearsal starts at nine," Akari added, adjusting Zororo's tie with a motherly gesture. "And Himeko has training at the Battle Arena."
"We'll pick you up after school," Himeko continued. "Wait for us at the front gate. Don't wander off alone."
Zororo noticed the protective tone in both their voices. The original Zororo had worried them so much that they now treated him like fragile glass. He needed to show them he was stronger than they thought.
"I'll be fine," Zororo said confidently. "You don't need to worry so much."
Akari's eyes softened. "We'll always worry. That's what big sisters do."
She leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently. Zororo felt his face heat up as several passing students stopped to stare. Akari was a famous idol seeing her show such affection to a random student naturally drew attention.
"Akari, you're embarrassing him," Himeko said with a slight smirk. Then she ruffled Zororo's hair roughly. "But she's right. We worry because we care. Be good, little brother."
Both sisters waved and walked away, leaving Zororo standing at the gate with dozens of eyes still fixed on him. He heard whispers spreading through the crowd.
"Was that Akari Kurogami? The idol?"
"And Himeko Kurogami! The Battle Goddess!"
"Wait, that means he's their little brother?"
"Lucky bastard. Living with those two beauties..."
"I heard he's been sick for weeks. Looks better now though."
Zororo ignored the gossip and walked through the gates. The system screen flickered in his vision.
[NEW LOCATION DISCOVERED: SEIKA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY]
[SYSTEM USERS DETECTED: 1,847]
[AVERAGE LEVEL: 8]
[HIGHEST LEVEL DETECTED: 34 (PRINCIPAL)]
[ANALYZING POTENTIAL TARGETS...]
Zororo's eyes widened. The system was scanning everyone around him, identifying potential targets for villain missions. This was both useful and dangerous. He needed to be careful about how he used this information.
He followed the flow of students into the main building. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior wide hallways with polished floors, digital displays showing class schedules and school announcements, and training facilities visible through glass walls.
According to his inherited memories, Seika Academy divided students into different tracks based on their system types. Combat-focused students trained in the Battle Division. Support-type users studied in the Auxiliary Division. Crafters and artisans worked in the Creation Division. The original Zororo had been placed in the Elite Division a special track for students with high-ranking systems or exceptional potential.
He made his way to Class 2-A on the third floor. Several students were already in the classroom, chatting in small groups. When Zororo entered, conversations stopped, and heads turned.
"Kurogami? You're back?" a voice called out.
A tall boy with spiky brown hair stood up from his desk near the window. His name was Daichi Yamamoto, and according to Zororo's memories, he was one of the few people who had tried to befriend the original Zororo after their parents' death.
"Hey, Daichi," Zororo said, walking to his desk in the back corner. "Yeah, I'm back."
"About time, man!" Daichi grinned, walking over. "You missed the whole system evaluation last week. Everyone's been talking about their new abilities."
"System evaluation?" Zororo asked, sitting down.
"Yeah, they do it every semester to measure our progress. Most people leveled up or unlocked new skills." Daichi leaned against Zororo's desk. "I finally hit Level 10! My Earth Wall skill upgraded to Stone Fortress."
"Congratulations," Zororo said genuinely. "That's impressive."
"Thanks! What about you? Did your system change while you were out?"
Zororo hesitated. He couldn't exactly announce that he now had an SSS-Rank Villain System. That would cause too many problems.
"Nothing major," Zororo replied casually. "Still getting used to things."
Before Daichi could ask more questions, a hush fell over the classroom. Zororo looked toward the door and understood why.
A girl had just entered, and she was breathtaking.
She had long silver hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of moonlight. Her eyes were a striking ice-blue color that seemed to pierce through anyone she looked at. Despite wearing the same uniform as everyone else, she carried herself with such grace and authority that she seemed to belong to a different world entirely.
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS COMPLETE]
[TARGET IDENTIFIED: YUKARI SHIROGANE]
[AGE: 17]
[LEVEL: 18]
[SYSTEM: A-RANK ICE PRINCESS SYSTEM]
[ROLE: STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT]
[THREAT LEVEL: HIGH]
[CORRUPTION POTENTIAL: MEDIUM]
Zororo's heart skipped a beat. The system had automatically analyzed her and labeled her as a potential corruption target. This girl was the student council president and clearly someone important.
Yukari's cold gaze swept across the classroom, and for a moment, her eyes locked with Zororo's. He felt a chill run down his spine not from fear, but from the intensity of her stare. Then she looked away and walked to her desk at the front of the room, ignoring everyone around her.
"That's Yukari Shirogane," Daichi whispered. "The Ice Princess. She's basically untouchable literally and figuratively. Her ice powers are insane, and her personality is even colder."
"Why is she in our class?" Zororo asked quietly.
"She transferred to Class 2-A last month. Nobody knows why. Some say she wanted to observe average students. Others think she's looking for potential recruits for the student council." Daichi shrugged. "Either way, nobody talks to her. She's scary."
Zororo studied Yukari's back. The system had marked her as someone with corruption potential. Did that mean his villain missions might involve turning her to his side? The thought was both intriguing and terrifying.
More students filtered into the classroom as the bell approached. Zororo recognized most of them from the original's memories, though he had never been particularly close to anyone except Daichi.
Then another person entered who made the system screen flash urgently.
[WARNING: HERO SYSTEM DETECTED]
[TARGET IDENTIFIED: RENJI TAKAHASHI]
[AGE: 17]
[LEVEL: 15]
[SYSTEM: B-RANK JUSTICE HERO SYSTEM]
[ROLE: CLASS REPRESENTATIVE]
[THREAT LEVEL: MEDIUM]
[NATURAL ENEMY OF VILLAIN SYSTEMS]
Renji Takahashi was exactly what you'd expect from someone with a Hero System. He had bright blonde hair, honest green eyes, and a friendly smile that never seemed to fade. He was popular, athletic, and genuinely kind to everyone.
He was also the complete opposite of what Zororo now represented.
"Good morning, everyone!" Renji called out cheerfully. "I hope you all had a good weekend. Let's make this another great week at Seika Academy!"
Several students responded with enthusiastic greetings. Renji noticed Zororo and his expression brightened even more.
"Kurogami! Welcome back!" Renji walked over with his hand extended. "We missed you, man. How are you feeling?"
Zororo shook his hand, feeling the firm, warm grip. "Better, thanks."
"That's great to hear. If you need help catching up on anything, just let me know. I took notes for you during your absence."
"I appreciate that," Zororo said, genuinely surprised by the gesture. The original Zororo had never been friends with Renji, yet here he was offering help without being asked.
[SYSTEM ALERT: HERO DETECTED AT CLOSE RANGE]
[RECOMMENDATION: MAINTAIN DISTANCE]
[HERO SYSTEMS CAN DETECT VILLAIN SYSTEMS AT CLOSE PROXIMITY]
[CURRENT DETECTION RISK: 15%]
Zororo's blood ran cold. If Renji got too close or suspicious, he might discover Zororo's villain system. That would be disastrous. He needed to be careful around anyone with a hero-type system.
"Well, I should get ready for class," Zororo said, subtly pulling his hand back. "Thanks again for the offer."
"Anytime!" Renji gave a thumbs up and returned to his desk at the front.
Daichi whistled low. "Renji's such a good guy. Sometimes it's annoying how perfect he is."
"Yeah," Zororo muttered, but his mind was racing. He had a natural enemy sitting just a few meters away, and a potential corruption target even closer. This classroom was a minefield.
The final bell rang, and the morning homeroom teacher entered. She was a woman in her thirties with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense expression.
"Good morning, class," she said briskly. "Before we begin, I have an announcement. Due to the recent increase in dungeon activity around Kazekami City, the school board has decided to accelerate combat training for all second-year students."
Excited whispers spread through the classroom. Dungeons were dimensional rifts that appeared randomly throughout Shinsekai, filled with monsters and treasures. They were both dangerous and lucrative for system users.
"Starting next week, all students will participate in supervised dungeon exploration exercises. This will count toward your final grade and system development evaluation."
More excited chatter. Zororo's mind worked quickly. Dungeons meant combat, experience points, and potentially villain missions. This could be his opportunity to grow stronger without drawing suspicion.
"Additionally," the teacher continued, raising her voice over the noise, "students will be assigned to temporary teams of four. Your team assignments will be posted this afternoon."
The class erupted into discussions about who would team up with whom. Zororo stayed quiet, observing everyone.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[NEW OPPORTUNITY DETECTED: DUNGEON TRAINING]
[DUNGEONS PROVIDE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VILLAIN ACTIONS]
[RECOMMENDED: PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY]
Zororo couldn't help but smile slightly. It seemed the system approved of this development. Dungeons would give him chances to complete missions away from prying eyes.
As the teacher began the actual lesson, Zororo felt someone's gaze on him. He glanced to the side and found Yukari Shirogane looking directly at him. Her ice-blue eyes studied him with an intensity that made him uncomfortable.
When their eyes met, she didn't look away. Instead, her lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile before she turned back to face forward.
Zororo's heart pounded. What was that about? Did she suspect something?
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS: YUKARI SHIROGANE'S INTEREST LEVEL INCREASED]
[CORRUPTION POTENTIAL RAISED TO: MEDIUM-HIGH]
[CONGRATULATIONS: YOU HAVE ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF A POTENTIAL CONQUEST TARGET]
Great. Just what he needed. The school's Ice Princess was now interested in him for unknown reasons.
This second life was already proving to be far more complicated than his first.
As the lesson continued, Zororo made mental notes about his classmates, the school's structure, and potential allies or enemies. He had less than twenty-two hours before his first villain mission appeared.
---
[END OF CHAPTER 3]