When Kiyama Harumi returned after tossing the lunch boxes, she found the temporary ward had become quite lively.
"Sonoko-neechan, are they all your friends?"
Edasaki Banri, who had just been reunited with Haruue, was already settled on the hospital bed. Her face still glowed with the aftermath of joy, flushed and healthy-looking.
"That's right, Banri. Misaka-senpai and the others are all my friends." Natsume Sonoko gently stroked Banri's long hair as she nodded.
"Then... can they be my friends too?" Banri asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Of course! Misaka-san and the others are all very kind people," Haruue Erii, who stayed by Banri's side, added earnestly.
"Sensei, you're back!"
Spotting Kiyama Harumi returning from a distance, a bright smile immediately spread across Edasaki Banri's face.
Standing out in the hallway, Misaka-senpai gazed restlessly at the children in the temporary ward, a trace of worry still lingering on her face.
"Natsume-san, if we can't find that thing called the 'First Sample,' will they fall back into a coma after six months?" Misaka-senpai had learned some details from Kiyama-sensei, her expression growing serious.
"That's true, but you don't need to worry, Misaka-senpai. Everything will work out."
Natsume Sonoko stared blankly at the ceiling, her restless hands finding purchase by giving Misaka-senpai's shoulders a slight squeeze.
Misaka-senpai was the type who was easily affected by those around her. Sometimes, she really didn't seem like an esper; many of her actions were driven by emotion rather than logic.
"Pretty impressive. If Haruue hadn't found out, we wouldn't have known you'd done so much, Natsume-san."
Shirai-san, her face dotted with fine beads of sweat from just having helped clean up the trash in the temporary ward, spoke up with a hint of concern.
"Don't say that. I just happened to meet Kiyama-sensei and learned about Banri and the others' situation. I only wanted to do something for them."
Natsume Sonoko shook her head; she hadn't done any of it for praise.
Feeling a bit at loose ends, a certain Natsume Sonoko wasn't nearly as diligent as Misaka-san and the others, who were busy tidying the ward.
She usually just sat in her spot, keeping others company by watching anime or playing on her phone.
However, Natsume Sonoko hadn't forgotten her main task. She'd found time to organize the materials she obtained yesterday, using her ability to control several pens simultaneously, scribbling and sketching across a stack of blank paper. It didn't actually take much time.
To prevent any errors in the materials, Natsume Sonoko meticulously reviewed them several times.
Only when she was satisfied they perfectly matched her memory did she hand them over to Kiyama-sensei.
"These are the detailed materials on the First Sample?"
Kiyama Harumi clutched the documents, scanning their contents, a complex emotion flickering across her face.
"The details here are extensive—everything from experimental data to the structure of the Esper Crystal. But can I ask about the source of these materials?" Kiyama Harumi frowned as she flipped through the pages.
"These documents came from the MAR affiliated research institute. According to my investigation, Miss Therestina Kihara Lifeline was actually the initial test subject for the Crystallized Esper Essence experiments."
Natsume Sonoko pointed to the experimental records at the beginning of the document, which detailed the information on the first subject.
Someone seemed to feel some psychological pressure about infiltrating the research institute and kept quiet about what had happened yesterday.
"In that case, I'll use these materials to begin developing a complete version of the suppression program." Kiyama Harumi took a deep breath, steadying her emotions.
"If any problems arise, I will immediately halt the use of the suppression program."
After handing the materials to Kiyama Harumi, Natsume Sonoko finally remembered she was supposed to help find a maid.
"Don't worry about that. Someone has already taken responsibility for the children's meals." Kiyama Harumi glanced slightly toward a not-so-distant classmate, Uiharu.
"Uiharu?"
"Yes. She's a very kind-hearted girl and offered to come take care of the children every day. If your information is accurate, they probably won't need care for many more days before they can attend school like normal students."
"If it's Uiharu, that makes sense. But Uiharu has other duties too, won't she be overwhelmed?" Natsume Sonoko expressed her concern.
They stayed until evening. With Uiharu handling the cooking, everyone had dinner at the institute. During that time, they also met the institute's director, Doctor Heaven Canceller.
The doctor wore a kindly smile and welcomed Misaka-senpai and the others warmly. He also gave Uiharu an ID card for the institute, with the same position as Natsume Sonoko—an intern at the institute.
"Goodbye, Sonoko-neechan! Goodbye, Erii! Goodbye, Uiharu-san...!"
Waving from a distance toward Natsume Sonoko and the group, Edasaki Banri called out, her voice tinged with reluctance.
"I find it a bit strange. Why does Banri only call Natsume-san 'neechan'? Natsume-san is actually a year younger than Banri." On the street, Uiharu, walking ahead, voiced her curiosity.
"Eh, I don't know either." Natsume Sonoko was taken aback, noticing everyone was looking at her with odd expressions.
"Maybe you lied about your age and deceived an innocent girl!" Shirai-san exclaimed, her eyes wide as she scrutinized a certain Temperature Controller.
"I did not! If you keep saying that, Shirai-san, I'll sue you for slander." Natsume Sonoko glared at Shirai Kuroko, her fists tightening slightly.
Where did I lie about my age?
"Kuroko, stop causing trouble," Misaka-senpai sighed.
"But Uiharu, will you be able to manage with your Judgment duties? Taking care of Banri and the others while also handling Judgment activities..." Misaka-senpai suddenly asked with concern, voicing something someone else was also thinking about.
"I can manage. And even if I get too busy, Shirai-san is here. Besides, with Shirai-san's Teleporter ability, commuting between places is very convenient for me." Uiharu replied with a smile, a hint of stubbornness on her face.
Shirai-san really is versatile—practically the essential tool for home, travel, and even more dubious activities. Everyone who uses her says she's great.
Natsume Sonoko thought silently, couldn't help but sneak a couple of glances at Shirai-san.
"In that case, if it's alright, let me cover Uiharu's Judgment shifts for her," Natsume Sonoko suddenly volunteered.
Everyone was surprised, especially Shirai-san, whose skeptical gaze was now practically glued to Natsume-san's nose.
"Shirai-san, could you please step back a little?" Natsume Sonoko met Shirai Kuroko's close stare head-on, refusing to yield an inch.
"I'm already so familiar with Judgment Branch 177. Covering a few shifts for Uiharu is nothing. And when it comes to computer skills, I'm not bad either." Natsume Sonoko stated seriously, her mind already wandering to other matters.
The Judgment branch had access permissions to manage the surveillance equipment in its jurisdiction.
Not only could she help Uiharu out, but she could also search for traces of Misaka-senpai's clones—the Sisters.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.