The two of them walked across the street, strolling all the way until they neared the park.
Natsu-san instinctively found a spot to sit down, only for Shirai-san to persistently close the distance beside her once again.
Perhaps a bit confused by the current situation, Natsu Sonoko blinked, looking sowhat bewildered as she gazed at Shirai-san.
How did she suddenly get specially recruited by Judgnt? Natsu Sonoko felt a sense of utter bewildernt.
It all started just to find the Misaka Sisters—she'd spent days hunched over Uiharu's computer watching surveillance footage, and as a result, got roped into signing a bunch of docunts by Konori-senpai.
Now, things had spiraled into this completely unexpected situation.
Being headhunted by the headquarters naturally gave Natsu-san a bit of a start.
But unlike previous offers from that Hirosue Asuka or various research institutes, Judgnt, despite its official nature, was more of a volunteer organization made up of students, aid at maintaining Academy City's daily operations.
Natsu-san had always held a fairly good impression of Judgnt, and even of the Anti-Skill teachers.
The main reasons she'd refused back then weren't just wanting to avoid training camps, but also worrying about spending too much of her personal ti on Judgnt duties.
"Natsu-san, regarding the special recruitnt, I'm completely serious."
Shirai-san's eyes widened slightly, their gazes eting in the air, practically sparking with invisible electricity.
For Onee-sama's smile, for the future of Judgnt, Shirai-san rose to her feet with formidable intensity, her sharp gaze pinning Natsu-san in place.
No matter what, Kuroko must succeed. So she'd give it her all.
"Natsu-san, look into my eyes." Shirai-san placed both hands on the shoulders of a certain bun-haired girl, fixing her with a resolute stare.
"Shirai-san…"
Her mind feeling sowhat hazy, Natsu Sonoko unconsciously murmured the na.
Shirai-san was so serious… but Natsu-san still didn't really want to join.
Natsu-san knew Judgnt well. They were always so busy—it totally didn't fit the image she had for herself.
"Natsu-san, you are extrely important to Judgnt. You are the first Level 5 to apply, which holds special significance for us. And I ca here today to formally invite you to join Judgnt. Not only that, I'm also speaking to you carrying the hopes of Konori-senpai and Uiharu-san as well."
Shirai-san took a deep breath, speaking each word deliberately. This was Shirai-san in full serious-mode.
"Special significance?"
Natsu Sonoko was taken aback. Shirai-san had brought Konori-senpai and Uiharu-san's hopes with her too? Why had things suddenly beco so solemn?
"Being in Judgnt isn't incompatible with your life, Natsu-san. Judgnt needs you, but haven't you always needed Judgnt as well?"
"We understand your concerns, but we've made changes too. Please, see our sincerity."
Shirai-san gave Natsu-san's shoulder a firm pat, nearly numbing the poor girl's arm.
A certain soone's face flushed slightly red, as if rembering sothing.
It was a bit embarrassing to admit, but Natsu-san did often cause trouble for Judgnt—especially for this particular teleporter who was now vigorously patting her shoulder.
But it was precisely because of Shirai-san and Uiharu-san that Natsu-san held such a favorable view of Judgnt in the first place.
At that mont, Natsu Sonoko's expression turned serious as well.
When it ca down to it, she bore so responsibility too. Signing those agreents with such a careless attitude back then had ended up causing trouble for a lot of people.
Just thinking about it tangled Natsu-san's thoughts into a knotted ss.
"Aside from canceling the training camp, we've also taken your special circumstances, like your club activities, into consideration."
"So, after discussing it with headquarters, we decided that you won't be assigned to a fixed branch at any particular school."
"Instead, you'll be a non-stationary Judgnt mber without a fixed school assignnt. The authority granted to you upon joining would include cri intervention, ability use authorization, and civilian evacuation."
Shirai-san spoke with utmost seriousness.
Having said her piece, she withdrew her hand from Natsu-san's shoulder and looked up toward the azure sky.
The right to use her abilities legitimately—that was a privilege granted to Judgnt mbers.
It wasn't like Natsu Sonoko hadn't caused quite a stir before while saving people, but many of those instances involved unauthorized ability use.
No wonder staying under the radar had beco second nature to a certain soone.
In Academy City, espers who got into fights tended to do so covertly. Those who fought openly on the streets would inevitably attract the attention of Judgnt and Anti-Skill squads.
And even for a Level 5, if the goal was to stop a cri in progress, doing so without law enforcent authority would still lead to being taken to the Anti-Skill headquarters for questioning and filing a report—a process a certain bun-haired girl was quite familiar with, having been through it several tis.
"I see… I've never heard of this type of Judgnt mber before."
The words of refusal Natsu Sonoko had been about to utter stuck in her throat. She was beginning to hesitate.
If it was the kind of Judgnt mber Shirai-san described… maybe Natsu-san could accept it. It wouldn't require her to do any particularly troubleso tasks.
And being able to legitimately use her abilities to stop cris held a significant appeal for Natsu-san.
While she was on good terms with Anti-Skill, that didn't an she enjoyed making trips to their headquarters. Becoming a Judgnt mber would simplify the process considerably.
This 'non-stationary' role was essentially a reflection of Shirai-san's own modus operandi—though her assigned patrol area was Sakugawa Middle School, she had a tendency to patrol all over the place.
But for Natsu, not being stationed at a school ant no daily patrols, no responsibility for cases within a specific school, the training camp was canceled, and she could use her abilities openly.
Judgnt had indeed made considerable concessions. Natsu was being given preferential treatnt, to the point where her daily routine wouldn't even need to change.
While Academy City was supposedly the safest place in the world, it wasn't devoid of cri. As for the dangers Judgnt mbers might face, Natsu Sonoko wasn't overly concerned.
It wasn't that Natsu was getting arrogant, but ordinary people—and even lower-level espers—posed little threat to her. After all, the delinquents of Academy City had once lived under the shadow of a certain bun-haired girl.
Speaking of delinquents, Natsu Sonoko frowned slightly. She felt like she was forgetting sothing. But since she'd forgotten, it probably wasn't important.
"Shirai-san, let think about it a little more."
With all her initial concerns addressed, Natsu-san genuinely felt Judgnt's sincerity, and found herself at a loss for how to refuse.
But was there soone in Judgnt who understood her this well?
After a mont's thought, Natsu Sonoko turned her gaze back to Shirai-san.
Of course. It definitely had sothing to do with Shirai-san, didn't it?
"There's no ti to think! Konori-senpai and Uiharu are waiting!"
Perhaps sensing Natsu-san's scrutinizing gaze, Shirai-san suddenly grabbed the bun-haired girl's arm.
In the blink of an eye, the two of them vanished from the park.
By the ti she stepped out of Judgnt Branch 177, Natsu-san was holding a green shield-shaped armband, quietly gazing at the distant blue sky.
Although she'd received the armband from Konori-senpai, Natsu Sonoko wasn't officially a Judgnt mber yet. Completing the necessary procedures would likely take another two or three days.
Slipping the armband into her pocket, Natsu-san reminded herself she didn't need to patrol. She'd only wear it when an ergency arose.
"Natsu-san, wait a mont."
Konori-senpai's voice ca from beside her. Turning, Natsu-san saw her holding a first-aid kit.
"This is a dical supply kit for Judgnt mbers. You can co to our branch to replenish it each month. Also, a stipend will be deposited into your bank account monthly," Konori Mii-senpai explained.
The Judgnt stipend was quite substantial. Unlike scholarships, it wasn't tiered based on ability level; basically, everyone received the sa amount. What Natsu-san would receive was the standard Judgnt stipend.
"Thank you."
"You're welco. We're just really glad you decided to join, Natsu-san," Konori Mii-senpai said, a happy smile on her face.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.
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