CHAPTER 398: CHAPTER 396: THE LADY IS A SAINT FIGHTER_1

BOOM!

In Ikebukuro, a loud explosion suddenly rang out, startling pedestrians several streets away as they looked up to see a plume of black smoke rushing towards the clear blue sky.

Okayama Buji observed through his binoculars as a two-story building rapidly collapsed, crumbling like a sandcastle under an adult’s foot, devoid of the strength of steel-reinforced concrete.

The streets surrounding the area had already been cleared of ordinary people; they were either members of the six major conglomerates or Phoenix Academy, special task force units, or CIA agents.

"Kitanotake, secure the site immediately. SAT, begin operations. Collect samples of the rising smoke—be cautious, it could be highly toxic."

Okayama Buji issued the command; the smoke, a result of the enemy’s attack, possessed research value.

Rather, anything related to the Different World, even a blade of grass or a clump of soil, was considered a treasure of research value.

At that time, they did not bring back any soil, solely because the impact from the Different World and information relating to Dio was too overwhelming; they had forgotten, and were even chastised by their superiors for it. But Okayama Buji believed they were speaking without understanding the hardship involved. Even machines have operational errors, let alone humans.

Okayama Buji picked up the communicator to report the incident to Morimoto Chiyoda through internal channels.

"Morimoto, Mitsui was killed by that person, the entire building has collapsed, and I have instructed teams to collect the black smoke and secure the scene. Our decision to evacuate the civilians in advance was a wise one."

"Mm."

Morimoto Chiyoda lightly acknowledged before her gaze swept over the hall.

The officials who had previously been sparring with each other over every word were now in perfect harmony after working hours. They sat together, eating and chatting. From travel anecdotes to stories about their children, easy conversations flowed from their lips.

The leaders of the seven nations sat together to indulge in a luxurious Western meal as well as sushi. Kumazo Yasuda offered the highest standard of hospitality, not just for show but a truly sumptuous feast.

The tantalizing aromas in the air made Morimoto Chiyoda’s stomach growl with hunger, but it wasn’t yet her time to eat.

She approached Jack, briefing him on the events that had occurred in Ikebukuro.

Upon hearing the report, Jack inwardly cursed the CIA agents; their report was actually slower than the special task force’s. Though he grumbled internally, he did not hesitate and immediately went to Nett.

Ignoring the other nations’ leaders, Jack leaned close to whisper the news of Ikebukuro into Nett’s ear.

Gia, sipping champagne, smiled and said, "Mr. President, if you’re needed elsewhere, please feel free to attend to your matters."

Nett gave a smile and replied, "This sort of incident isn’t worth interrupting a meal with friends. Let the subordinates handle it."

Jack retreated to Morimoto Chiyoda’s side and said, "I’ll go handle the situation over there. Who else in the task force can I rely on?"

"Okayama Buji."

Morimoto Chiyoda mentioned the name and added, "In my absence, the task force is led by him. Or, you could also speak to Emily."

"It doesn’t seem right to approach Emily at this time," Jack shook his head, fearing she might meet Dio. He decided to depend on Okayama Buji to manage the situation and have the CIA agents on the scene follow his orders.

Although there wasn’t much Jack could do by rushing to the scene, since the higher-ups had issued the command, he naturally had to show up to demonstrate his regard for the president’s orders. Putting himself in their shoes, he wouldn’t appreciate a subordinate who didn’t take his orders seriously either.

The afternoon exams ended.

The supervising teachers left the classroom, and sighs of relief rose up again, followed by the chatter of the students.

BANG!

On a desk near the back door of the classroom, Peter, his uncasted left hand slamming the surface, announced loudly, "Students of Class 2-C, after tomorrow’s exams, I invite you all to Tokyo Disneyland! Please grace us with your presence!"

"Oh! Tokyo Disneyland—I’ve never been there before!"

"I want to go!"

Voices of agreement rang out one after another.

Peter’s true intention was to invite a few specific people, the rest being incidental, so he immediately scanned for those individuals.

Yoshikawa Sayuri raised her hand. Good, Hojo Tetsuji would surely attend.

Ayatsuki Ayaka also looked excited, which meant Aozawa couldn’t escape.

His gaze then settled on Phoenix Academy Maggie.

Her golden locks cascaded down her back; the girl, completely ignoring the boisterous noise around her, busied herself with packing her stationery, preparing to leave.

"Maggie, want to help out together today?"

"I refuse."

Phoenix Academy Maggie decisively rejected the offer, turning her head with a disdainful expression, her eyes looking at him as if he were a cockroach in a trash can or a rat in a sewer. "Do you think the same trick will work on me twice?"

"Maggie, I never meant to scheme against you," Aozawa withdrew his hand, his expression serious. "I sincerely want to explore the ocean of knowledge with you, to spend more time together before summer vacation, and bring the three of us closer."

"Haha," Phoenix Academy Maggie chuckled lightly and blinked. "Did I just scare you? Relax, I was just teasing. I have important things to do today. My mother asked me to come home early, so I can’t even attend the manga club activities."

"Goodbye~"

With a wave, she pulled her bag from the drawer and strode towards the classroom door. She effortlessly switched between disdain and smiles, leaving Aozawa unsure if she was truly joking or masking her dissatisfaction with a facade of jest.

I’ll look for a chance to check on Maggie later. For now, he needed to face another challenge.

Aozawa glanced to one end of the classroom, where a tanned girl was excitedly discussing Tokyo Disneyland with friends. Noticing his gaze, she secretly sent another message.

"Aozawa, I’m looking forward to your guidance today~"

Seeing Iroha’s bright smile, Aozawa felt a headache coming on. He knew his blood pressure was likely to soar, but he didn’t refuse. He could only mentally prepare himself not to lose his temper and to be patient.

Aozawa also began to pack up his stationery.

Next to him, Hojo Tetsuji muttered, "Damn, Peter definitely wants to pursue Little Sayuri!"

"I think you can relax," Aozawa retorted, watching the energetic Peter at the back door of the classroom.

This guy got lucky. He faced Dragon King in the quarterfinals and avoided a worse fate, merely having his right hand broken. However, yesterday’s defeat hadn’t affected his confidence at all.

Aozawa took out his backpack and walked towards the classroom door.

「Setagaya District, Phoenix Academy household.」

She changed into a dress and took a Bentley to the tarmac.

Miwa Kazuki turned off the engine and proactively got out of the car to open the door for Phoenix Academy Maggie. "Miss, please step out."

The girl alighted, ignoring the enormous private plane, and instead fixed her gaze on a helicopter.

Kochou stood before the cabin door, dressed in a deep blue gown, adorned with rings and a necklace, her black hair styled in an updo. A single lock of hair was deliberately left to fall upon her fair shoulder.

"Mother."

Phoenix Academy Maggie approached, her expression somewhat puzzled. "Where are we going?"

"The Prime Minister’s residence."

Kochou smiled. "I’m taking you to witness a grand occasion. I’ll be discussing matters with Iwasaki and the others. You just need to listen and not speak out of turn, understand?"

"Yes."

Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded, joining her mother aboard the helicopter.

They flew from there to the Prime Minister’s residence. Along the way, they exchanged coded signals with personnel at Yokota Base to confirm their helicopter was scheduled, thereby preventing interception by fighter jets.

Phoenix Academy Maggie looked down through the window, seeing a large police force deployed around the Prime Minister’s residence. Heavy machine guns were even positioned in the center of the street, a clear display of heightened security.

It made sense. After all, the leaders of the seven nations were gathering here. If security wasn’t tight, it could attract criminals and cause a major diplomatic incident.

She watched the helicopter land on the rooftop of the Prime Minister’s residence, which had a large helipad.

"Maggie, this must be your first time experiencing such an event, isn’t it? Don’t be nervous, and don’t stare at people, alright?"

"Yes."

Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded once more. After disembarking from the helicopter with Kochou, they joined the heads of the six major conglomerates, proceeding together into the official residence.

What surprised Phoenix Academy Maggie was that even Iwasaki Yizo was present, yet Mitsui Arashi had not come. Instead, a young man who appeared to be in his twenties had been sent to attend this gathering.

Are they still waiting for that Angel Envoy? Phoenix Academy Maggie thought this explanation made a lot of sense.

She followed the others inside the residence.

Guards were posted every three steps, sentries every five. The internal security was also impeccable.

They arrived at the grand banquet hall.

To Phoenix Academy Maggie’s disappointment, the leaders of the seven nations were not there. To be honest, her impressions of Prime Ministers and Presidents were solely from television; she had never seen them in person.

Instead, six officials were representing their respective leaders to discuss various matters.

Phoenix Academy Maggie stood quietly behind Kochou, listening to their discussions on trade, investment, environmental protection, and other topics.

The current global economic environment was not favorable, and all countries needed foreign investment to create jobs and stimulate their economies. The overseas investments of families like Phoenix Academy and the six major conglomerates were substantial enough to create another Japan.

The two parties talked for a long time, only preliminarily outlining a framework. The meeting then concluded.

"Italy is a no-go. Their Prime Minister wants us to get involved to boost her political achievements, but she isn’t offering anything substantial."

"I’m more interested in France. Their assets in Africa are worth considering for investment."

In the corridor, people exchanged thoughts, ensuring they considered the issues from all angles.

Phoenix Academy Maggie followed behind, suddenly smelling a familiar fragrance.

She looked to the corridor on her left, where the Police Director, her hair in a ponytail, was leaning against the wall, seemingly talking to someone.

Morimoto Chiyoda...

Phoenix Academy Maggie’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Morimoto Chiyoda, sensing the unusual gaze, instinctively turned her head, her eyes meeting the girl’s.

She was slightly startled, recognizing the other party, then raised a flirtatious smile and silently mouthed, "Aozawa’s is very big~"

Phoenix Academy Maggie understood her lip movements and was inwardly furious but showed no trace of it on her face. She responded in kind, mouthing, "Granny, goodbye."