Indeed, therein lay the crux of the issue. The lady in question had traversed the hallowed halls of this very academy, ascending its educational ranks until college, proudly wearing the mantle of a student and adroitly wielding her kendo skills as a member of the esteemed team. Had it not been for her idiosyncratic penchant for affixing a tiger-striped adornment to the hilt of her sword, Taiga would have undoubtedly emerged triumphant in numerous championships. Alas, the regulations stipulated that both combatants must engage with parity of armament to ensure an equitable contest.

The insignia itself held no power nor conferred any advantage, merely serving as a personal preference. Nevertheless, rules were sacrosanct, and Fujimura Taiga, despite her competence, perennially faltered at securing a podium finish.

Yet, this deficiency did not besmirch her prowess. Were it not for the constraints imposed by regulations or her own disregard thereof, she would assuredly have amassed a multitude of victories.

However, all those triumphs and tribulations, all the highs and lows, were confined to her tenure as a student at Homurahara Academy.

Upon her graduation from college, she made a poignant return to the academy, even though its former grandeur had faded somewhat, it still held deep significance for her.

"Come now, Taiga, you have witnessed countless students passing through these halls before," he ventured, cognizant of the difficulty yet unwavering in his inquiry. "What distinguishes this occasion?"

The lady granted him a nod and a smile, though Shirou could discern the artifice underlying her countenance. "You are correct! Nonetheless, does it not befit a teacher to gather her cherished pupils for a modest send-off, even in the face of a full day of classes that lies ahead?"

"Yes, however, my excitement knows no bounds," the woman exclaimed, her repressed energy evident as she teetered on the verge of bouncing. "I shall see you over there, all right?" Taiga gracefully departed from the classroom, ostensibly to partake in her own lunch. "Oh, before I neglect to mention!" Her head poked through the doorway. "Kindly do me a favor and make a detour to the club room to retrieve a commemorative sword. It will remain there until you retrieve it."

And just like that, she vanished, leaving the students, accustomed to her whimsical behavior, unperturbed as they continued their meal, while Shirou paused momentarily to ponder. He had yet to decide whether he should fulfill her request or simply head home, but he reasoned that he could at least collect the sword.

He lacked the fortitude to inform her of his intention to quit; perhaps he could endure for another year?

Regardless, Shirou still had matters to attend to, and his next destination was the student council room. As a bonus, if he opted to dine, he was certain the head secretary would permit him to do so.

Suddenly, his nose began to itch—a not entirely unusual occurrence—yet he also detected a peculiar scent emanating from... his right.

Shirou cast his gaze toward the hallway window and beheld a girl, clad in a uniform entirely distinct from their own, situated upon the school grounds.

Resembling their academy in certain aspects such as long sleeves and a tie, the resemblances abruptly ceased thereafter. Dissimilar hues adorned the girl's attire, though her sartorial choices were by no means inappropriate. Yet, to discern all the disparities, he had to deliberately strain his vision, while some distinctions managed to elude him effortlessly.

To commence, a shoulder cape gracefully draped her form, and the skirt, in contrast, possessed diminished proportions. Its magenta hue commanded attention, complementing a corresponding corset. Meticulous observation revealed delicate white accents on the skirt and subtle lines on the shirt, until his gaze shifted to the person herself.

Beauty radiated from her, emanating from cerulean eyes and the most vibrant shade of crimson hair he had ever beheld. However, that was not what captivated his focus.

She stood amidst the gathering, surrounded by numerous individuals, yet a peculiar silence enveloped her presence. No one acknowledged her existence, and no reactions were elicited, as though she were entirely inconspicuous—an impossibility that confounded him.

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Shirou couldn't help but find it peculiar that the girl's gaze was fixed upon him, not merely in his general vicinity, but directly at him.

Though he couldn't fathom the reason, he sensed her unwavering stare for a fleeting moment, perhaps a minute, until a smile graced her lips.

Abruptly, Shirou blinked, and the girl vanished along with the itching sensation on his nose and the accompanying scent.

The crimson-haired adolescent felt a tinge of displeasure, yet everything appeared ordinary. "Did I conjure that in my imagination?" he pondered briefly before dismissing the notion.

Indeed, peculiar occurrences transpire, and one can err, but the absence of the odor proved helpful in relegating the incident to oblivion.

For him to be engulfed by paranoia merely due to catching a whiff of scorched earth and sulfur would indeed be preposterous.

…..

In the intimate ambiance of the council room, amidst their shared meal, Shirou was privy to Issei's forthcoming revelation: "I shall be transferring schools in the forthcoming year." Shirou couldn't conceal his astonishment, for Ryuudou Issei, a paragon of dedication to his student council duties, harbored a not-so-secret ambition to contend for the presidency in his very first year of high school—an unprecedented feat if he were to emerge victorious.

"Is that so?" Shirou didn't hide his surprise.

Clad in squared spectacles and sporting meticulously groomed ebony locks, the young gentleman exuded an air of impeccable presentation. As fate would have it, he was none other than the son of the esteemed head monk, bearing the temple's name as his own. Possessing an unwavering countenance, it was he who regarded Emiya's offer to assist in repairs with utmost earnestness.

Their camaraderie burgeoned thereafter, with Shirou finding himself drawn to the student council chambers nearly every day, inquiring if his aid was required. Without fail, it was Issei who accompanied him, readily procuring tools or imparting knowledge on the tasks at hand.

In the midst of their conversation, they delved into contemplation of the future, academic matters, and their peers. Among them, Shirou held a special place in Issei's trust, aware of his ambitions to ascend to the presidency. Thus, it was with surprising candor that Issei confided in Shirou, divulging his decision to relinquish his aspirations.

Contrary to appearances, Issei's departure did not stem from resignation. Although he did not possess an overwhelmingly competitive nature, Shirou recognized Issei's pride in his position on the student board, earned through diligent efforts in the student council and commendable academic performance.

Perturbed by Issei's sudden departure, Shirou expressed genuine concern, extending a helping hand. However, Issei responded with a mere flicker of a smile, assuaging Shirou's worries.

"No dire circumstances precipitated this change, Shirou-san. Rather, an opportunity has presented itself," Issei explained, pausing momentarily to savor a morsel from his lunch.

Shirou's curiosity piqued as he raised an inquisitive eyebrow, "Getting an opportunity?"

"Yes, just recently, a friend affiliated with the temple shared intriguing news," Issei leaned closer to Shirou, whispering softly into his ear. "Kuoh Academy will be embracing co-education next year."

Issei expelled a weary sigh while simultaneously shaking his head, indicating his disappointment.

"Shirou, one would assume that you, being well-informed, would possess knowledge of the preeminent educational institution in Fuyuki, if not the entirety of Japan."

The revelation struck Shirou as something he should have been aware of. Curiosity piqued, he inquired, "And what is so remarkable about it? Are they renowned for their academic prowess or perhaps their athletic achievements? Although I doubt Issei would be concerned with the latter."

"Merely remarkable? Shirou, Kuoh Academy is an expansive campus situated on the outskirts of town, boasting an impeccable reputation, unrivaled facilities, and a long-standing tradition of molding successful graduates. Its alumnae are known to secure exceptional employment opportunities, with numerous esteemed politicians and celebrated athletes among them." Issei's enthusiasm grew evident as he expounded upon the subject, much to Shirou's amusement.

"So, if I understand correctly, this formerly all-girls' school is transitioning to a coeducational institution?" Shirou sought confirmation, prompting a simple nod from his companion.

"Exactly! However, it remains a prestigious and exorbitantly priced establishment. The regular tuition fees alone..." Issei shuddered at the mere thought, clearly disturbed by the exorbitant cost.

"That's expensive?" Shirou queried, his astonishment evident.

"I don't want to talk about the zeros. But they want to incentivize the entrance of males and there are going to be discounts." Discounts?

Discounts? Shirou's curiosity piques as he contemplates the sudden co-education initiative at a school renowned for its exclusivity for girls. Sensing something amiss, he chooses to reserve his judgment until Issei shares his insights.

"It did not arise out of thin air," Issei reflects, his demeanor thoughtful as he speaks. "According to my father's friend, discussions have been ongoing since last year. Apparently, the school underwent certain expansions that resulted in an excessive increase in its campus size, prompting the desire to utilize it to its fullest capacity."

"It must be a colossal institution," Shirou interjects, jolting Issei from his contemplation.

"Colossal would be an understatement; it even houses its own college."

"What?"

"Indeed, it is no mere jest. The esteemed institution maintains a longstanding tradition of diversity, permitting the employment of superior facilities for their myriad clubs, should they so desire." As Issei contemplates, a flicker of recollection prompts him to interject, elucidating the intricacies of the institution's architectural design. "Due to the meticulous blueprint, an abundance of clubs flourishes to such an extent that there exists a club for virtually any pursuit."

"Everything? Is that possible?" This assertion seemed implausible, difficult to fathom.

"While it may bear semblance to promotional rhetoric, the convergence of two expansive campuses, encompassing a middle school, and the collective efforts of the student body on both fronts..." It became evident that the dialogue had reached its terminus.

"Pardon my skepticism, but such grandiose claims appear too idyllic to be authentic." Issei acknowledges the sentiment with a nod of understanding.

"I concur, however, this remarkable scholarly pursuit garnered substantial attention in national news on multiple occasions, thereby subjecting it to extensive scrutiny. Remarkably, it has managed to avoid any significant adversities or scandals thus far." Issei proceeded to tidy up his lunch box, unbeknownst to Shirou that he had finished. "Rest assured, I have diligently delved into the subject for a whole week. Yet, I can't help but notice something seems amiss with you."

Shirou glanced at his barely touched lunch, his appetite seemed to have abandoned him today. His stomach, though on the verge of satiety, continued to churn with unease.