Kondo's expression being grim wasn't much... but seeing Chokata's face also so grave, Aoto couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.
Chokata, always cheerful and bright every day, showing such an expression... Aoto vaguely guessed that something particularly bad must have happened, and an ominous premonition arose in his heart.
Aoto clutched the basin tightly in his arms, leading Saito and the others to quicken their pace a little.
"Ah, Mr. Tachibana!" Chokata was the first to notice the returning Aoto and his group. He waved his hand vigorously at Aoto and the others, "You've come back just in time!"
Back just in time... Hearing Chokata's words, the ominous premonition in Aoto's heart intensified a bit.
Before Aoto could ask "what's wrong," Chiba Shigetarou, whose face was slightly pale, quickly said:
"Mr. Tachibana, have you seen Sazanoko today?"
"Miss Sazanoko?" Aoto's eyebrows furrowed sharply.
…
...
