Vol. 3 Ch. 2 Ep. 8: A Glimmer of Hope

You're late!

Azusa... Y-You're here early.

I began studying before sunrise and then quizzed myself on what I had studied.

Wow. You're really motivated, huh?

Naturally. Today is yet another mock exam, isn't that right?

Yeah, that's true. So that's what you've been preparing for?

Yes. Our next official exam is only two days away, and I don't want to hold us back.

I WILL pass today!

Geez. You almost never get this fired up.

I repeatedly covered material expected to be on the test. I left no stone unturned.

W-Well, you're not going to do better than me! I'll show you the elite power of the Justice Task Force!

That's the spirit. I'll show you what I got this time too.

In that case, let's jump right into the next mock exam!

"Begin!"

...

This isn't so bad.

I-I know this one! I just have to... Grrr..

They're all moving at a much faster pace than before!

Whenever you're ready, Sensei.

W-We did it?! Everyone passed?!

This isn't a joke, right?!

Success!

Well, well!

Way to go, Azusa! You didn't just get a D, you jumped all the way up to earning a C!

Th-Thank you.

You did good too, Koharu. It was just barely above the line, but you still got a passing score!

I-I'm not dreaming, am I? That's really my score...?

See? I told you I've been holding back! This is what I can really do!

Way to show us what it means to be a member of the Justice Task Force!

You passed this time too, Hanako.

I must have gotten lucky. What a nice score. ♥

I'm happy for you, but...

What's wrong?

I still don't understand why you ended up here, but I'm glad you're taking things seriously.

Hifumi...

I'm going to keep pushing until you recover the scores you had before. I promise.

I see. I'm sorry I've had you so concerned.

Well, now it's time for the promised Momo Friends merchandise giveaway!

At last!

...

...

Since everyone passed, you all have a chance to pick! Take whichever one you want!

Whichever one...I want...!

I'll pass, but thanks.

Same.

Hmm.

Which one should I pick? I...

I can't! Picking only one is impossible!

The black one with horns looks good, but so is the glasses-wearing hippo!

I told you, Peroro is a bird, not a hippo...

I can't choose just one. What should I do?

I-I'm sorry, Hifumi. Could I ask you to pick for me?

M-Me?

Hmm. You said you really like Skullman and Dr.Peroro...

...

Then let's go with the scholarly Dr. Peroro!

I see! I'll go with this one!

Dr. Peroro is known for being knowledgeable and studying hard.

I picked this one because it suits how much you've learned and how hard you're hitting the books.

I see. Like an intelligent professor.

N-Never mind that the backstory is that Peroro studied so hard that he went a little cuckoo. That part doesn't matter...

Yes, I really do. Heehee...

Thank you, Hifumi. I'll cherish it forever.

I appreciate it, but you don't have to thank me. You're the one who earned it.

Maybe so...but this is the first gift I've ever received from a friend.

I shall think of you every time I gaze upon this hippo!

Th-That's a little embarrassing... And I told you: He's a bird, not a hippo!

Who would have guessed they have so much in common?

It's creepy...

Tomorrow's the big day.

Awww...

The second exam.

Is it that time already? The days are flying by.

I know it's been a short week, but I'm sure all the hard work we've been putting in will pay off.

Passing the last mock exam proved it. We're more than ready!

So don't let up! Let's study as hard as we can today!

Naturally. I won't be satisfied until I score a 100.

M-Me too!

I guess I'll just have to do the same.

I don't know about getting a perfect score, but I'm sure we can all do this.

So let's hit the books! One more day to go!

I've been waiting for you. It's been a while, Sensei.

How have you been? Is boot camp going smoothly? Anything troubling you?

...You know, I organized the boot camp to give you an opportunity to observe the students more closely.

Was it fruitful? Have you learned anything?

More specifically, do you have a leading suspect?

I recall. I simply wanted to check in with you now that the second exam is upon us.

That's why I asked you here.

As I understand it, you've had contact with Mika recently as well...

What did she have to say? Won't you tell me?