Renjiro moved swiftly through the empty corridors of the school, his every step calculated and silent. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows betrayed the tension in the air. He couldn't help but feel the weight of the hours ticking away. Katsuro Nakamura was playing a dangerous game, and Renjiro had no intention of losing.
His earpiece buzzed as Kaito's voice cut through the silence. "Renjiro, do you have eyes on the target?"
"Yes. He's using the janitor's cart to move the device. I'm heading to the auditorium now," Renjiro whispered, his voice low and steady.
"Be careful. We don't know what kind of failsafe he might have set up," Kaito warned.
Renjiro smirked faintly. "When am I not careful?"
He reached the main auditorium doors and paused, peeking through the small window. The janitor—Katsuro in disguise—was standing near the stage, the red briefcase on the ground. His hands moved with precision as he unpacked a series of components.
Renjiro's mind raced. Bomb? Surveillance device? Or something worse?
Before he could act, a faint noise behind him caught his attention. He spun around, only to see Aiko standing there, wide-eyed and holding her phone.
"Renjiro, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Panic surged through him. "Aiko, you need to leave. Now."
"What's going on? Why are you acting so—"
"Go!" he hissed, cutting her off.
Her expression shifted from confusion to hurt, but before she could argue, the sound of a door creaking open drew their attention. Katsuro stepped into view, his gaze locking onto Renjiro.
"Well, well. Looks like I've got company," Katsuro said, his tone light but menacing.
Renjiro stepped in front of Aiko, his stance protective. "Leave her out of this, Katsuro."
Katsuro chuckled. "I was only here for you, but I suppose collateral damage is unavoidable sometimes."
Renjiro's fists clenched. "What are you planning?"
Katsuro tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Before Renjiro could respond, Katsuro reached into his pocket and tossed a small device onto the ground. It emitted a burst of light, momentarily blinding Renjiro and Aiko. When Renjiro's vision cleared, Katsuro and the briefcase were gone.
"Aiko, go to the principal's office and stay there," Renjiro said, his tone firm.
"No, I'm not leaving you!" she protested.
"I'll explain everything later, I promise. But right now, you're in danger."
Reluctantly, Aiko nodded and ran down the hall. Renjiro turned his focus back to the mission. Katsuro had made his move, and it was up to Renjiro to stop him before it was too late.