The moment Hifumi spoke, the fierce energy she had been projecting just moments ago completely vanished:
"Ah… um… well…"
Hesitating for a moment, she spoke softly: "Gathering together like this… it's really to avoid being expelled… So, um, now we should put our heads together and see if we can come up with a good plan… Otherwise, in a week, we'll all end up getting expelled together…"
Everyone was painfully aware of this harsh reality, but it still required someone credible to take the lead and present a plan that everyone could trust.
Aside from me, Hifumi was truly the most suitable person in the room.
However, I hadn't spoken because I didn't think the timing was right.
"Put our heads together… I see. Sounds good, but it still doesn't quite stir the heart. Maybe if we… hmm, let me think of an example…"
Hanako paused, then her face lit up as if she'd thought of something: "How about 'connect the fragile, sensitive spots closely together'?"
Koharu immediately panicked: "W-what are you suddenly talking about!? Dirty jokes are forbidden! Death penalty! And what do you mean by 'sensitive spots'!?"
"Ah, it's hard to understand? Well, let's just try it. Like this, open your legs a little…"
Hanako approached Koharu while speaking these suggestive words.
"Eh? Eh!?" Koharu froze, her face turning pale as she stumbled backward in horror. "N-no! Don't come near me! I don't want to know yet! It's too soon for me!"
But it was already too late.
Without paying attention to where she was going, Koharu stumbled backward and ran straight into a table. When she instinctively looked back, Hanako seized the moment, stepping forward with a quick motion and caught her.
"N-no…! Stop it!" Koharu struggled, panic in her eyes as she turned to me: "Sensei, help me!"
It was a plea from Koharu. The only person who could help her now was her beloved sensei, but I was several meters away, powerless to intervene.
Koharu? (No concern)
The desperate Justice Task Force girl pleaded repeatedly, "I-I was wrong! I shouldn't have spoken back to my senpai! Please forgive me and stop! Not that yet—!"
Because she struggled so fiercely, she ended up in a deadlock with Hanako, who had initially gained the upper hand.
Azusa, watching this scene, seemed contemplative: "I see… so there's a suppression technique like that. Could be used in close-quarters combat… got it. Though it seems like there are too many unnecessary movements. If it were me, I'd break the joint two steps earlier."
And so, within a few sentences, the commotion started up again.
Clearly, the timing still wasn't right.
Releasing stress and diverting attention were necessary, not everyone could face setbacks with such strength.
Seeing this, Hifumi looked a little discouraged and cast her eyes toward the only person still silent, Me, whispering:
"Se-sensei…"
"Mm, I know." I nodded. "Let's do our best together."
"P-please…"
Hifumi sighed, worry etched on her face: "At this rate… we'll really all end up getting expelled…"
I reassured her, "There's a way. Worrying won't help. Let's relax a bit first, then think of a plan."
"Mm… I guess that's all we can do…"
At that moment, Hanako, noticing a slight opening in the deadlock, pressed down on Koharu and said:
"Sensei! We're ready now!"
"W-wait!?" Koharu's panic intensified. "What do you mean by that!?"
"Ah, isn't it obvious? I'm inviting Sensei to join us. Otherwise, it makes no sense∼"
"What nonsense are you talking about!? Let go of me! Three of us together isn't allowed!"
Unexpectedly, Hanako had been thinking of this as a gesture of filial devotion.
But I, a principled sensei, would never take advantage of someone in such a situation.
"Azusa," I spoke to the white-haired girl watching them struggle with interest, "I actually know a bit about CQC myself."
"Oh? Sensei, you have experience in that too?" Azusa's curiosity immediately piqued.
I replied solemnly, "Exactly. Since everyone's so curious, you two, please lend a hand and demonstrate for me."
Hanako smiled sweetly: "Alright∼ You can use us as teaching tools, feel free∼"
After Koharu's final struggle proved futile, and seeing me step closer, she let out a desperate wail:
"Ahhh! Don't come any closer—!"
Satisfied with observing Koharu's comical expression for a moment, I pulled the equally playful Hanako away.
After all, this was just a slightly indulgent bit of play.
Knowing Hanako as I do, if I had really joined in, her reaction would probably have been no better than Koharu's earlier.
"Everyone, let's rest properly for today," I said once everyone had calmed down. "Just like I said at the start of the training camp. Treat this like a marathon, considering order, pacing, and strategy. Right now, the most important thing is to recharge our energy."
Some of the girls immediately agreed, and the rest nodded after some thought. Everyone gave their assent.
I believed the Make-Up Work Club would soon adjust their mindset and devote themselves fully to preparing for the exams.
As their advisor, it was also my responsibility to continue doing everything I could to ensure their efforts didn't go to waste.
Afterwards, I left the annex and went to Trinity's main campus.
I tried to see Nagisa again, but unsurprisingly, the security politely blocked me outside and said she wasn't available.
Through the door, I could hear the Tea Party host sipping her tea and letting out a mocking chuckle.
I also tried to contact Mika via Momotalk for a meeting, but, as usual, was ignored.
In short, I spent most of the afternoon at Trinity, and by the time I returned to the annex, it was evening.
Not long after, I and the Make-Up Work Club gathered again in their room, continuing the conversation that had been interrupted earlier in the day.