By 8:00 AM the following morning, Wataru and his group arrived at the site of the damaged Jizo statue, only to find that Sakakibara was already there.
Dressed in a thick leather jacket, thin white gloves, and loose-fitting pants that looked both practical and comfortable, he cut an imposing figure. His breath steamed in the cool morning air as he examined the statue with an intense focus that radiated a presence so strong, Wataru hesitated to interrupt. How long had this man been here? Wataru had planned to arrive early to get ahead of things, but apparently, Sakakibara had beaten him to it.
"Good morning," Wataru ventured, approaching cautiously. "You're here early."
"Morning to you, too. And to you ladies," Sakakibara replied, turning his sharp gaze to the others. "Still as stunning as ever, huh?"
