Chapter 42: Ryoma Defends Juuzou
At this moment, the subway had arrived at the District 23 subway station.
After waiting for a short while, all the members of the group had arrived.
However, Arima Kishou and the rest of Squad Zero were not meeting them here. Like yesterday, they were waiting at the entrance to the 24th Ward.
So, without wasting time, the group immediately set off for their destination.
...
"Kanzaki,"
As soon as Kanzaki Ryoma saw Suzuya Juuzou, the latter took the initiative to greet him.
Though Juuzou's tone was a little stiff, it was clear he was making an effort. After all, he had never been this normal with the other students in the Academy.
"Good afternoon, Suzuya,"
Kanzaki greeted him back.
The exchange was brief, but for someone like Juuzou, it was significant.
"You know that he has serious violent tendencies, yet you're still willing to be friendly with him?"
Yasuhisa Kurona suddenly spoke, her voice loud enough for Suzuya to hear.
Juuzou, who was walking just behind Kanzaki, naturally caught every word.
Normally, he wouldn't care about such things. He was long used to others labeling him as "abnormal."
But this time... it felt different.
For some reason, he actually wanted to defend himself.
Yet, he said nothing—because he knew no one would believe him anyway. The Academy's dean had already condemned him.
"Even if everyone says so, I don't believe Suzuya did it."
Kanzaki stated his opinion plainly.
But of course, he couldn't just outright expose the truth—that Mutsuki Tooru was the real culprit who killed the cat, and Tokage Goumasa had covered it up.
First of all, there was no proof. No one would believe him if he pointed fingers without evidence.
Secondly, this issue involved the Academy's dean.
Even if the dean wasn't aware of the truth, he had already taken Tokage's word as fact.
So unless Kanzaki had solid proof, defending Juuzou openly would only turn the entire Academy against him.
And as strong as Kanzaki was, there was no reason to make unnecessary enemies before he had fully developed his power.
If the Washuu Clan caught wind of his abilities too soon, it would only cause major trouble.
For now, avoiding unnecessary conflict was the smartest move.
...
"?!..."
Juuzou froze in place for a moment.
He had never defended himself.
But Kanzaki Ryoma actually believed him?
"Are you kidding? The dean himself reported it. Are you saying the dean is wrong?"
Kurona asked in disbelief.
"I know what was reported. But I still don't think Suzuya would do something like that. I trust my instincts when it comes to people."
Kanzaki said calmly.
"If you trust your instincts that much, then what kind of person do you think I am?"
Kurona asked, then immediately added, "And don't just say 'cute' again!"
"She's cute, but she doesn't want me to say it... That's kind of cute in itself."
Kanzaki said with an amused smile.
"You—! You did it again!"
Kurona turned away, her cheeks flaring red.
Juuzou, on the other hand, wasn't paying attention to their teasing.
He was still stuck on what Kanzaki had said earlier.
This guy... actually believes me.
For the first time in a long while, Suzuya Juuzou felt something strange—something warm.
He wasn't sure what it was, but he wanted Kanzaki to keep believing in him.
---
As expected, Kanzaki and the others reached the entrance to the 24th Ward, where Arima Kishou and Squad Zero were waiting for them.
The Squad Zero members were still dressed in their signature white combat uniforms—a distinct feature of their elite status.
Unlike regular CCG investigators, who usually dressed in suits or casual clothes for discretion, Squad Zero didn't need to hide.
Their overwhelming strength meant they had no reason to fear standing out.
"Kanzaki-san!"
A familiar voice called out.
It was Ibuki Shio, waving excitedly.
"You're really close with him, huh?"
This time, Kuroiwa Takeomi—one of the more level-headed Squad Zero members—commented as he glanced at Ibuki.
"Ibuki's always like that. But he's clearly friendlier with Kanzaki-san than most people."
This time, Ui Koori—a sharp, analytical member—spoke up.
"Well, considering Kanzaki's performance yesterday, I wouldn't be surprised if he joins CCG as a top recruit."
Ui added, giving Kanzaki an evaluating glance.
Though his tone was neutral, it was clear he was measuring Kanzaki's potential.
...
Kanzaki could feel their gazes on him.
He knew that each of these people—Arima Kishou, Ui Koori, Kuroiwa Takeomi, and Ibuki Shio—were among the strongest operatives in CCG.
And yet, for some reason, Kanzaki felt like they weren't looking down on him.
Rather, it was as if they were acknowledging him in their own way.
He smirked.
This was going to be interesting.