"Do you think it makes sense when movies and novels say that hatred won't lead to any result, and that only understanding and empathy can bring about liberation?" I asked indirectly, knowing that straightforward questions might be met with resistance from a teenage girl in her adolescence.

"...It makes sense," Souren Manranyama pondered for a moment before answering. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "But how much in this world actually makes sense? Humans aren't inherently rational beings."

Humans aren't inherently rational beings.

I found myself agreeing with Souren Manranyama's viewpoint without much thought. I should say that humans tend to become more rational, but if everyone were to become completely rational, the world would become boring. For example, irrational beings like me would cease to exist. And intentionally cute and silly actions by Snow may also disappear. Then, the world would only be populated by human robots who exist solely for the purpose of fulfilling their goals.

Perhaps it was because I agreed with Souren Manranyama or perhaps it was because I didn't want to discuss this topic any longer, I brought up another question.

"Here's another question: Why did you choose to start with Bai Yaxin?"

Although I failed and missed the best timing to ask the question, I was still curious about why Souren Manranyama chose to target Bai Yaxin.

This time, Souren Manranyama didn't spend much time thinking and quickly responded.

"While Bai Yaxin and Wan Lanshanheiming have conflicts, if I were to directly confront Wan Lanshanheiming, Bai Yaxin would definitely stand on Wan Lanshanheiming's side. At least, he would become Wan Lanshanheiming's weapon. So, I chose to go after Bai Yaxin, who is relatively easier to deal with..."

But you didn't anticipate that Wan Lanshanheiming could become Bai Yaxin's shield.

I kept this thought to myself because Souren Manranyama's expression of regret made it difficult for me to voice it. Originally, I wanted to discuss our future plans with her, but it didn't seem like the right time for such a heavy topic. Therefore, I remained silent and accompanied Souren Manranyama for a while, gazing at the stars before returning to my room.

The next day, everything was back to normal, but there was a newfound understanding between us, probably because we had been open about our thoughts and feelings. However, amidst the usual daily routines, there was something slightly out of the ordinary.

- Tomorrow, after school, on the rooftop of building 2.

The letter I received yesterday, the appointment for today... Before going to Kyudo club activities after school, I came to the rooftop of building 2.

I wonder who it will be.

What will happen?

Soon, I will find out.

I opened the door leading to the rooftop, and as expected, it wasn't locked.

When I stepped onto the rooftop, there was already someone waiting for me.

In the second-year female uniform of Higashi Kenchu Middle School, with short hair and a similar height to Katagiri Mai, standing perfectly straight with a familiar figure, it was someone that "Ziongzong" knew.

So, even though she transferred, she can still easily come in wearing the Higashi Kenchu uniform.

It was Ito Tomono's silhouette.

I've always been curious why the person waiting on the rooftop always faced away from the door. Thinking about it carefully, it's actually quite simple.

They're not turning their back to the door; they're simply idly waiting for someone, so they naturally turn their back to the door while looking out at the scenery from the rooftop.

In other words, Ito Tomono had already been waiting for me on the rooftop for a long time.

If it were her, then she could have convinced Katagiri Mai to deliver the letter to me. But why go through all this trouble? Is it to apologize for betraying "Ziongzong"?

What is the reason for not being able to arrange a meeting face-to-face?

Is she worried that I would refuse her and not give her a chance to speak?

I couldn't understand.

So, I imitated the tone of "Ziongzong" when addressing her.

"Ito... Class President?"

Upon hearing my voice, Ito Tomono turned around.

Instead of immediately responding, she looked me up and down for a moment, smiled, and then replied.

"You don't have to pretend to be Ziongzong to me, unwillingness and compassion."

Word by word, it was very cutting.

For a few seconds, I didn't know what to say or how to react.

Even the most powerful person cannot remain calm when their disguise is exposed without warning.

It took me a few seconds to calm down and start observing her again.

Clearly, she didn't come to apologize.

As someone who started serving the special forces of the Wanlan Mountain Consortium at a young age, she couldn't be treated as an ordinary girl.

"Wow, these days there's really no secrecy in information. What brings you here, Ito Tomono?"

I dropped the disguise of "Ziongzong" and began negotiating with Ito Tomono.

"Just as the rumors say, you don't even spare a minute for things unrelated to your goals, unwillingness and compassion."

"That's right. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way, Ito Tomono."

I knew she must have come with a purpose, so I deliberately accelerated the pace of the conversation. Because the one who came prepared was her, not me. If I let her take control of the conversation, I would be inviting trouble upon myself.

No need for unnecessary words, please get to the point.

"I didn't come here for you today, I came back for Ziongzong."

Ito Tomono clearly sensed my impatience and got straight to the point.

But what is this girl talking about?

The so-called "Ziongzong" is just a persona I created, merely a way for me to mourn a deceased friend. In this world, from the very beginning, there has never been the "Ziongzong" you knew.

My ingrained thinking led me to assume that Ito Tomono didn't know as much as I did, which limited my expectations of the deductions she could make.

In reality, Ito Tomono knew far more than I anticipated.

In fact, I have to admit that what Yuna Ito said next changed my plans for the future.

Ito Tomono put away her hostility and adopted a sincere tone.

This change in attitude was not intentional but arose from some deep-seated emotion. I couldn't detect any signs of deception from her.

And this change in attitude also brought about a change in the atmosphere. Influenced by this atmosphere, I put away my defensive hostility and started trying to understand Ito Tomono's demands.

"If I tell you..."

At this moment, on the far end of the rooftop, a group of pigeons were avoiding the pursuit of a peregrine falcon.

"There is a way that might bring Ziongzong back to life..."

After a few rounds of chasing, one pigeon broke away from the group and was closely pursued by the falcon, its tail being bitten.

"...and you might die because of it."

Just as the falcon was about to catch it, the agile pigeon flipped in the air and evaded the falcon's claws, returning to the flock.

"Are you willing to try?"

The falcon, unsuccessful in its hunt, disappeared on the horizon with its slender silhouette.