"Yugo-san, have you heard of Kurotobari?"
"No, I haven't. What’s that?"
Yugo had ushered Raiha into his quarters after she’d intercepted him at the entrance of the Fifth Dormitory, pleading for him to help her fellow Warrior Shrine Maiden, Sakura.
He didn't know the full story yet, but he realized this wasn't a conversation for a public space. He decided it would be best to hear the details somewhere private where they wouldn't be overheard.
Once they were inside and Raiha had taken a moment to compose herself, she began to explain this "Kurotobari"—a name Yugo had never encountered before.
When he asked for clarification, she relayed everything she knew.
"I’m not entirely sure of the specifics myself. From what I’ve gathered, he’s a vigilante who’s been making waves recently. People are calling him the Punisher of Darkness..."
"The Punisher of Darkness? That’s one hell of a grim alias."
"...He strikes from the shadows of the night to execute justice upon the guilty. That is Kurotobari. Apparently, there were rumors about him for a while, but his notoriety skyrocketed recently because of this."
As she spoke, Raiha produced a newspaper clipping from her belongings.
Yugo took it from her and read the headline aloud.
"‘Suspect Released Due to Lack of Evidence Found Dead!’ ...What about it?"
"It seems the one responsible for that incident was Kurotobari. Since then, he’s been targeting people with criminal records or suspects who escaped prosecution. Now, he’s known to the public as a practitioner of justice."
Raiha showed Yugo a collection of scraps detailing incidents linked to Kurotobari, starting with the article from a month ago.
As Yugo and Ryuga scanned the text together, Yugo’s expression darkened.
"‘The remains were so mutilated that the crime appeared beyond human capability’... Could this be what I think it is!?"
"It’s likely the work of someone who has obtained the power of a Magic Armor Beast," Ryuga remarked. "They’re probably getting a kick out of hunting villains with their new strength."
Just like the siblings they had fought at the Insect Museum, someone with the power of a Magic Armor Beast was masquerading as Kurotobari to hunt criminals. Yugo nodded grimly, finding himself in agreement with Ryuga’s assessment.
Wondering how this vigilante was connected to Sakura, Yugo looked to Raiha for an explanation. She met his gaze and continued.
"Kurotobari is a criminal, but because he’s punishing the evil that the Security Force and the law can’t reach, he’s gained a cult following. His fans have even formed a group called the Society of Friends of the Night."
"...Don't tell me Amamiya-san is a member of this society?"
"I... I saw it. I saw Sakura holding a Black Feather Badge—the proof of membership for the Society of Friends of the Night! Sakura is such a sincere, earnest person. I’m afraid she’s been swayed by Kurotobari’s brand of justice, and if she has..."
Raiha’s face went pale, and her voice trembled as she gave vent to her fears, her small fists clenched tightly in her lap.
Deeply concerned for her friend, she looked up at Yugo and Ryuga with pleading eyes.
"If Sakura has truly been won over by Kurotobari, I’m afraid of what might happen. His methods are getting more extreme by the day; it’s only a matter of time before this turns into a catastrophe. I want to help her, but I don't know this city, and I have no one else to turn to. I was too scared to face this alone, so—"
"So you came to me for help."
"Yes... Please, Yugo-san. Help me bring Sakura back from the Society of Friends of the Night. I want to resolve this before the academy finds out. I know it’s a lot to ask, but please... lend me your strength!"
"I understand. I'll help," Yugo replied. "I have a contact in the Security Force, so I’ll see what they know about Kurotobari and this fan club. I don't know exactly what Amamiya-san has gotten herself into yet, but I'll do everything I can to fix this before it spirals out of control."
"Thank you! Truly... I don't even know how to thank you!"
"Don't worry about it! Helping people in need is the first rule of being a Hero!"
Yugo gave her a cheerful smile and a thumbs-up as Raiha bowed her head repeatedly in gratitude.
After they spoke for a few more minutes, Yugo saw her out. Once she was gone, Ryuga turned to him.
"Are you sure about this? I know you never hesitate to jump in when someone’s in trouble, but this time we’re dealing with a murderer fueled by a Magic Armor Beast and a group of fanatics. Isn't this a bit out of a student's league?"
"I know, partner. But Utsusemi-san was clearly desperate. Besides, you remember what the professor told us a week ago, right?"
"Ah, I suppose so. It certainly is a point of concern when you put it that way."
Yugo wasn't just making a reckless promise; he was thinking back to a conversation he’d had with Uno recently.
As Ryuga voiced his reluctant agreement, the two of them reflected on the events that had transpired the day after the incident at the Insect Museum.