Suddenly, but一 my house, the Ibusuki household, has a tabletop radio.
 
It’s a retro-style piece with a dark brown base, the very same one I fell in love with at first sight and begged Kushina to buy for me.
 
Back in my first year of high school, Kushina一already as responsible as she is now一told me, “You’ll just get bored of it, so don’t bother.” But I whined like a spoiled child until she finally gave in.… Read more

Prologue: The Vice-Captain’s Troubles

 
[The White Scales of Cyclic Protection, Prim-Libra] – Tenth Branch.
 
Located in the heart of the metropolis Sakura City, it was often described as the “White Castle.”
 
From afar, its austere, all-white exterior might resemble a massive office building.
 
But up close, the impression changed.
 
Stained-glass windows, pointed arch motifs, and decorative spires near the rooftop一
 
many of its features were reminiscent of Gothic architecture.… Read more

At the center of Sakuramura Oura Station, five main streets extend in different directions.
 
Ibuki and Hinata first headed towards the main street to the southeast because it was closest to their homes, which were next to each other.
 
The southeastern part of Sakuramura is an area where many traditional houses remain, despite the ongoing urban development.… Read more

“Oh, a cat…”
 
Hinata stopped in her tracks as she said this, just a short distance from the main street where the Centennial Festival was being held in full swing.
 
Ibuki also stopped, following her gaze.
 
There was a cat. With a bell around its neck, it was probably someone’s pet.
 
It was a black cat, but its paws were white, making it look like it was wearing socks.
 
Let’s call it Kutsushita (Socks).… Read more

The day after Ibuki and Kushina rescued the captured “Covenant of Salvation Nega-Messiah” executive during transport.
 
Regarding the fact that ‘s face, under ‘s command, wasn’t captured on surveillance cameras, Deputy Branch Chief Shindo Isana dismissed it with a simple “can’t be helped.”
 
However, in reality, the problem couldn’t be solved with just “it wasn’t recorded, end of story.” That would be troublesome.
 
This is where the so-called “sketch artist” comes into play.… Read more

[Prim-Libra] 10th Branch, Top Floor.
 
On this floor, covered with red carpet, there are two rooms.
 
One is the Branch Director’s office.
 
Despite being called a “room,” it’s large enough to fit a tennis court.
 
The interior is lavishly decorated with luxurious and magnificent furnishings.
 
Currently, the 10th Branch Director is away at headquarters, but the room is kept beautifully maintained.
 
The one doing this is the Deputy Director, Shindo Isana.… Read more