"Don't forget, we're members of the Public Morals Committee. We can't be the ones breaking the rules."
"Understood. But with all due respect, Iino-san, even though your actions seem decisive, it's actually pretty easy to slip past you. If we want to punish those students, we'll need tougher methods."
Rinji Takamine and Iino were walking outside the school building. Normally, after school, Iino would go around with Chika Fujiwara or Osaragi to catch rule-breakers—but this time, Rinji had joined in.
"Well… I'm still thinking of ways. But damaging school property is a bit too far…"
"It's a sacrifice made for the sake of public morals. Besides, I already paid for the damages—it came out of my already limited pocket money… only 23 million USD."
"…Economic loss is the least of the concerns."
Osaragi, as usual, muttered sarcastically beside him.
"The main issue is that some students were just reading magazines in their room when someone smashed the window and scared them half to death. Luckily no one was cut by the glass, or things would've been way more complicated."
"Oh, just something minor then."
"This is not minor. Could you at least try to consider how others feel?"
Rinji turned his head in confusion and looked at Osaragi.
"Why should I care what others think? Isn't the job of a Public Morals Committee member to decisively deal with violators?"
"…How should I put it… Rinji, do you normally not care how others feel?"
"I don't. Because I don't know what others are thinking, and it's unnecessary to care. What must be done should be done regardless of their feelings."
In Afghanistan, every time he pulled the trigger, someone died. There was no room to wonder whether the person in his scope wanted to live or not.
Would he not shoot if they didn't want to die? Of course not. So thinking about it is meaningless.
"My purpose in joining the committee is to eliminate all the couples on campus and make this a place where everyone just studies seriously. That requires drastic measures. I hope you can understand that."
"No… I understand what you want to do. I just can't agree with your methods."
Hearing Rinji's words, Osaragi pushed up her glasses, which reflected a sharp glint of light.
She didn't know much about this new transfer student. Normally, an external entrant and a "impure" student wouldn't be so bold right after joining the school.
And his behavior… was just baffling.
"So weird… What do you think, Iino…? Wait, what's with that look?"
Osaragi turned to Iino Miko, only to find her wearing an excited expression.
"I see. Using the most severe methods to enforce order… Rinji, you really understand my ideals."
"What are you even talking about? That's just his own chaotic behavior."
"Oh, that reminds me."
Rinji suddenly clapped his hands.
"Besides eliminating improper couples and contraband, what else do Public Morals Committee members do?"
"Any rule violations. For example, stopping conflicts. Shuchiin Academy… let's say there are a lot of student rivalries."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Children of company presidents involved in hostile takeovers… heirs in inheritance disputes… kids from feuding noble families… Ah, here they come."
"Hm?"
The group looked ahead.
A crowd had gathered around, nervously watching a boy and girl glaring at each other.
The boy was someone Rinji had seen during lunch—a kendo club captain, name unknown. The girl was someone he knew well—Ryuju Momo, head of the astronomy club.
"Click your tongue all you want. Your dad hasn't been arrested yet?"
"Why don't you get your useless dad to do something about it?"
"Once your dad's in jail, let's see how cocky you still are."
"Hah? None of your damn business."
Osaragi: "Son of the police and… daughter of the head of the Ryujuzu yakuza family. Yeah, even kids of cops and gangsters have problems."
"So what now?"
"It's dangerous, but we have to stop them—"
"Wait!"
Before Osaragi could finish, Iino Miko stepped between them.
"Public Morals Committee? What do you want?"
"Back off. This doesn't concern you."
Both turned to glare at Iino, who stood firm despite the visible tension in her expression.
"Okay, okay, no fighting."
Rinji stepped forward, pulled Iino out of the way, and said to Momo, "Momo-san, you…"
"Hm?"
"Fine, Momo-senpai, please try to get along with your classmates. You looked like you were about to fight."
"Tch."
Momo stepped back reluctantly.
She glanced at Iino and Osaragi, then turned back to Rinji. "Student council wasn't enough for you? Now you've joined the Public Morals Committee?"
"I have ambitions."
"Did you finish the form I gave you at noon?"
"Done."
"Meet me on the rooftop after school."
"You got it."
Rinji gave an OK sign, and Momo walked away.
Iino: "…That's it? Problem solved? Amazing."
Osaragi: "I thought we'd need to mediate for hours, but Rinji seems pretty…"
But before she could finish, Rinji turned to the kendo captain.
"You little punk. You got a death wish, acting tough on Public Morals turf?"
Iino: "…"
"Didn't expect a thug like you to be in the committee," the boy sneered. "It's disgusting that you're even here."
"Not happy? Come to the kendo club. Not with bamboo swords—real blades. Let me show you blood, you little brat." Rinji raised his middle finger.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Yes. I'm threatening you."
"A Public Morals member like you—"
"Shut your ass. Public Morals doesn't need your opinion."
"…"
Osaragi covered her face.
"Still full of baffling behavior."