These individuals seemed to have received specific intelligence. They didn't search randomly but instead proceeded directly to the teachers' office based on their information and contacted the school administration.
The leader presented identification, which Takeru's Observation Haki discerned as belonging to a Lieutenant Colonel...
Subsequently, through the administration, they located Hiratsuka-sensei and, after explaining their purpose, obtained the member list for the Service Club.
Realizing the extent of the exposure, Takeru maintained composure to understand the full situation. Although confident in his own safety against state forces, he recognized the potential danger to others.
He also had no desire for a life on the run with Miu, which would defeat the purpose of gaining power.
Most importantly, Takeru sensed the situation wasn't developing in the worst possible direction.
…
"Excuse the interruption. Could Nara Takeru, Doma Umaru, Hirasawa Yui, Akiyama Mio, Tainaka Ritsu, and Tachibana Sylphynford please step outside?" Soon, the classroom door opened, revealing Hiratsuka's figure.
Having anticipated this through his Observation Haki, as similar summons had been issued to Yukino and Hachiman, Takeru remained calm.
Unlike Takeru, the others were bewildered. Without Observation Haki or sufficient range, they were unaware of the developments.
Hearing their names called, Takeru stood and walked out.
He had considered proactive measures yesterday, but the state's response was swifter. This scenario was within his expectations, though it arrived slightly earlier than anticipated.
Though confused, Umaru and the others noticed the group heading toward the Service Club room and the presence of peculiar individuals in dark suits, sensing something amiss. Instinctively, they looked to Takeru and moved closer to him.
Seeing their worried glances, Takeru gave a slight, reassuring shake of his head. His calm demeanor eased their anxiety somewhat.
The Service Club room wasn't far. Soon, they arrived to find several more individuals in dark suits waiting. One saluted as they approached.
"Please enter." A man behind them gestured.
Unconcerned, Takeru opened the door and entered. Inside, Yukino and Hachiman were already present.
Seeing Takeru, they felt a measure of relief. Though they had questions, the presence of strangers kept them silent.
The seated man observed the change in Yukino and Hachiman's demeanor upon Takeru's arrival. Though surprised, he surmised Takeru might be the group's leader.
Soon, Rikka, Tsumugi, and Yuta were also summoned, completing the Service Club's attendance.
"Thank you all for coming. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lieutenant Colonel Hazama. I am here today on behalf of the military to ask you a few questions. I hope you won't take offense." Once everyone was present, Hazama stood and addressed them courteously.
Hearing this, Mio and the others were stunned, 'A military Lieutenant Colonel?'
Yukino also showed surprise.
"You want to ask if we are ability users, correct? I'm curious, how did you locate us?" Takeru spoke directly after Hazama finished.
Given the circumstances, denial seemed futile. Instead, Takeru was curious about the state's intended treatment and, for now, how their identities were compromised.
Hazama was momentarily taken aback by Takeru's straightforward admission but answered readily, "We received information from a woman named Nakagawa Ayako."
Hearing the name, Takeru was puzzled, as he didn't recognize her. However, Ritsu, Mio, and Sylphin showed clear recognition.
"Her?" Ritsu exclaimed in surprise.
Noting their reactions, Takeru deduced this Nakagawa Ayako was likely the first exposed individual. Interrogation likely led authorities to Ritsu and the others.
Connecting the three to the same club, along with previously suspected individuals like Yuta and Yui, Hazama realized this club's members were extraordinary.
Having clarified this point, Takeru turned his attention back to Hazama.
"So, Lieutenant Colonel Hazama, what is the purpose of your visit today? Surely not merely to confirm our identities." Takeru stated calmly.
"Of course not. Let me emphasize… we bear no hostility. The nation holds no ill will toward any of you. Our purpose is to extend an invitation for recruitment." Hazama met Takeru's gaze seriously, stating their objective clearly.
Hearing this, Yukino and the others inwardly sighed in relief. Confrontation with the state was an unthinkable prospect.
"I see. What does this recruitment entail? How can we be certain your words are genuine?"
As Takeru spoke, a powerful surge of Nen infused with palpable malice washed over Hazama. The sensation was like falling into an icy abyss, instilling a flicker of fear in his eyes.
However, his military discipline allowed him to regain composure quickly.
"My words are absolutely true. I swear on my life." He stated resolutely.
Sensing his sincerity, Takeru withdrew the malicious Nen but maintained a subtle En around the room.
"Hah..." Feeling the chilling pressure vanish, Hazama exhaled deeply, a hint of rejoice surfacing. Had they employed forceful methods, even with firearms, the outcome might have been fatal...
"As you can see, I, Hazama, extend this invitation to you all. You are likely aware of the global anomalies. Our military analysts predict increasing danger, potentially escalating to monster waves causing massive casualties."
"During this period, we identified the existence of ability users. We made contact with Ms. Nakagawa Ayako, which led us to you. Regarding yesterday's incident, are you all aware? Also, do you recognize this gentleman? Satellite imagery confirms he resolved the crisis."
Hazama presented a processed photograph. Though slightly blurred originally, technical enhancement provided a clear image of Takeru in disguise.
Hearing Hazama's explanation, everyone examined the photo but soon shook their heads, indicating they didn't recognize the person.
Observing their micro-expressions closely, Hazama sighed inwardly but quickly adjusted his demeanor.
"If you wish to recruit us, it presumably involves combat against monsters. What are the benefits? Or rather... what do we gain?" Takeru asked pointedly.
"First, financial support. We offer a monthly stipend of 300,000 yen per person. Additionally, mission participation yields rewards based on difficulty. Furthermore, if agreeable, the military is prepared to establish a dedicated residential community, providing round-the-clock protection for your families."
"We have established a special department and can issue special identification credentials. During missions, you may request assistance from local police. Your household registrations will also be transferred to military status..."
"Naturally, you may have other requests. I am authorized to address reasonable ones, or I can escalate to higher command if necessary." Hazama outlined numerous benefits.
Hearing this, individuals like Rikka, Yuuta, Yui, and Mio grew visibly excited, their breathing quickening, clearly tempted to accept immediately.
However, seeing Takeru remain noncommittal, they held their silence.