"Yudaiji-dono, what are you waiting for? You said that you had already planned everything."

On the other end of the line, Idomu heard a voice filled with frustration and annoyance shouting at him. He calmly took out his phone, moving it away from his ear slightly, waiting for the other person to calm down before speaking:

"Didn't I just take action recently? Wasn't the interference with the weather forecasting device to sabotage the Kindergarten Fair according to your liking?"

"But in the end, nothing happened. Everything went back to how it was initially. You need to be more forceful."

The voice on the other end, although calmer, still contained a hint of irritation. Idomu chuckled softly, but this laughter made the person on the other end of the line uneasy.

"Do you think you have the right to give me orders? We are just temporary allies, cooperating because we have a common goal. In fact, I don't need you, and you can handle things on your own as well."

Hearing the gentle and indifferent voice of Yudaiji Idomu, the one on the other end fell silent for a while, before finally lowering his tone:

"It's my fault, I lost my composure. I will follow your lead, so what do we need to do now? I heard you visited the school for a preliminary assessment?"

Idomu didn't rush to respond. He approached the grand piano in his room, slowly sat down, opened the lid of the keys, tilted his head, placed the phone against his shoulder, and then slowly glided his hands over the piano keys. On the other end of the line, a melodious sound of the piano suddenly emerged, without any haste, but it made the listener feel a bit uneasy:

"Yudaiji-dono?"

After a moment, Idomu finally responded calmly, his voice so gentle that it seemed to blend into the melodies as if he was speaking to himself.

"Take it slowly, you can't create a series of events by doing the same thing repeatedly. It will make Imonoyama Nokoru suspicious, and I suspect he already has doubts. We have plenty of time, let's slowly torment them."

The last words spoken by Idomu were filled with sincerity and gentleness, harmonizing with the sound of the piano, sending shivers down the listener's spine. Idomu hung up the phone. Yes, his pain couldn't be expressed with just a few bursts of anger. It had to slowly spread, like poison dissolving in water, tormenting everyone in agony. Just thinking about it was exhilarating. Idomu began swaying his body to the rhythm of the piano keys, immersing himself in those deep melodies.

At the end of that day, Cliff Edmund, the son of the Edmund family, received a peculiar email. The email addressed the matter he was most concerned about, the famous thief known as 20 Faces. This email resembled an automated message with no possibility of reply, and it contained no information about the sender, with an empty IP address. However, he didn't care. What made him ecstatic was that the email revealed information about 20 Faces, stating that he was a student at Clamp School and even hinted at a way to make 20 Faces appear, possibly even cooperate with Cliff.

Cliff Edmund was sick, and he was a fanatic of 20 faces. Ever since 20 faces appeared, he had researched extensively and collected even the smallest pieces of information about 20 faces. He knew that 20 faces originated from Japan and had professional stealing techniques that could rival the legendary thief Arsene Lupin, who only existed in movies. But 20 faces was undeniably real. He wanted, desperately wanted, to possess that stealing technique, not for the purpose of stealing, but to satisfy his own conquering desires. Cliff Edmund's eyes gleamed with greed and hidden ambition, concealed behind his long bangs that covered half of his face, exuding a mysterious charm. His family's company, the Edmund Corporation, was currently investing in a miniature replica of London Island amusement park in Japan, close to Clamp School. Perhaps he should take this opportunity to invite his 20 faces fan club to visit the homeland of 20 faces.

Meanwhile, at Clamp School, every morning when Kanon arrived at school, her first task was to tend to the little sapling, it was still too small to compete with the surrounding tall trees. Despite Kanon's worries, she could see with her own eyes how quickly the sapling grew each day. In just over a week, it had reached her shoulders. Luckily, no one had noticed yet. Looking at the seemingly healthy tree, Kanon gently caressed the nearby young leaves and whispered to the tree:

"Dear tree, you're taking good care of yourself. I guess I won't need to come here every day anymore. I wish you well."

A gust of wind passed by, causing the tree to sway and its branches to brush against Kanon, as if it was cuddling her, expressing gratitude. Kanon burst into laughter and a leaf fell into her hand.

"Is this a gift for me? Thank you."

Kanon held the leaf up high, examining it. If the tree had given it to her, then it must have a purpose. Thinking so, Kanon carefully wrapped the leaf in a handkerchief and put it in her dress pocket. Farewell, tree. Kanon ran back to the student council room, and as she reached the door, she encountered Utako, who was preparing to open the door to submit a report on the joint meeting to Nokoru.

"Good morning, Kanon-oneesan!"

The little girl greeted Kanon with a bright smile, making Kanon unable to resist smiling back.

"Good morning, Utako-chan! You look so radiant today. Did you have a beautiful dream last night?"

Kanon asked playfully, but to her surprise, the little girl blushed and shyly smiled, confirming that Kanon's guess was correct. Kanon chuckled and opened the door.

And Kanon took the responsibility of making tea as Utako handed her report to Nokoru.

"Thank for your hard work, Ohkawa Kaichou, please join us for tea."

Nokoru holding the report in his hand invited Utako.
"Since Ijyuin is not here today, try my tea instead."

Kanon placed two cups of tea on the table for Utako and Nokoru, jokingly saying.

"Oh, is Ijyuin-sama busy with something today?"

"Ah, Ijyuin is busy showing some tourists around the school.

Nokoru sipped his tea and replied. He also enjoyed the taste of the tea made by Kanon, finding it gentle and soothing.

"Tourists?"

Utako was surprised by this word, so Suoh had to step in and explain. For some reason, a group of 20 Faces fans from abroad contacted the school, hoping to come and learn about the incidents related to 20 Faces. Currently, they are visiting Gamera Hall, where last year 20 Faces stole the main decorative curtain. Hearing this, Utako's face showed a hint of worry. So, after finishing her tea, she politely thanked everyone and said goodbye.

When Utako left, Kanon also asked for permission to leave. She knew something was about to happen. Usually, if she let things flow naturally, it wouldn't be a problem. But now, both Akira and Utako were her friends, and she didn't want them to get hurt because of someone else.

"Utako-chan, wait for me for a moment."

"Huh, Kanon-oneesan, are you going to Gamera Hall too?"

Utako saw Kanon running after her and couldn't help but ask.

"So, you're going to Gamera Hall?"

Kanon asked with a teasing smile, making Utako blush and feel flustered. Kanon couldn't help but want to hug this adorable face and caress it.

"I'm going to check the situation there a bit. After all, 20 Faces is also a character in my story, remember?"

Seeing that Kanon had no intention of interrogating her, Utako naturally felt happy and brought up their favorite topic, her eyes lighting up.

"That's right! So, are you going to release a new detective story with 20 Faces?"

"It's possible. Since 20 Faces hasn't been stealing lately, I want to write a spin-off story where instead of stealing, 20 Faces solves mysteries."

"Oh, that sounds great! I'll be the first one to buy the magazine."

The two girls continued their conversation like that, and before they knew it, they had arrived at Gamera Hall. As they were climbing the wooden stairs to the second floor, they heard an English-accented voice speaking in Japanese, speculating about 20 Faces' identity'

"... So it's highly possible that 20 Faces is someone in this school."

The two girls immediately recognized Akira standing next to a slightly chubby guy with orange hair. His outfit, with suspenders made him look like a character from a bygone era. Akira was facing him, with a hint of involuntary anxiety in his eyes, most likely because he was afraid of his identity being exposed. Kanon realized that Akira never wanted to be seen as a thief. No one wanted to live in constant fear of being caught, and at the same time, he took pride in his skills because his father was also a thief. They both only stole certain items, with a purpose, and never harmed innocent people.

Kanon silently observed while Utako confidently spoke up, as if to defend Akira:

"That's a very interesting hypothesis!"

Well said, Utako. It's just a hypothesis after all, Kanon silently gave her a thumbs up.

Akira and the foreign guy turned back towards the person who had just spoken. Akira was happy to see Utako, while Kanon felt more at ease. The foreign guy seemed a bit surprised and asked:

"Oh, excuse me, but you are..."

Akira immediately introduced both sides, and the foreign guy was introduced as John, a member of the 20 Faces fan club:

"20 Faces is very famous worldwide, and we admire him a lot."

"I'm also a fan of 20 Faces."

Utako smiled and shook hands with the guy.
Upon hearing Utako's name, John became very interested. After hearing the introduction about Kanon, he only shook her hand politely and then posed like a detective, asking Utako:

"Not only that, but Miss Ohkawa here is also a victim of 20 Faces, right? On your birthday last year, you had a statue of a mermaid stolen, with a valuable gem worth 100 million yen attached to it."

Although his tone wasn't mocking, Kanon didn't like his nosy attitude, prying into someone else's personal matters.

"You know about that too?"

Utako asked in surprise, and then listened to John praising 20 Faces. Kanon silently cursed him as "crazy," but it was true that insensitive people often never realize it. Kanon felt a bit provoked and said:

"It seems like you know everything about 20 Faces."

John was still in an excited state, nodding continuously:

"Of course, we gather every bit of information about 20 faces, and this time we're here just to confront this notorious thief."

"Then do you know that I had also been stolen before?"

"Huh? What?"

Both John and Utako exclaimed in surprise, while Akira was left confused. He didn't expect Kanon to admit something like that. Kanon glanced at the nearby redhead photographer, Cliff Edmund, the troublemaker, who also stopped taking pictures and looked surprised upon hearing the unfamiliar news.

"You had been stolen too, uh, sorry, I mean Miss...
Kanon didn't respond, leaving John extremely confused. However, she didn't soften her heart and just gave a glance before turning away.

"Sorry, everyone, it's time for me to go to my club, so please excuse me."

Then she leaned in and whispered into Utako's ear, "I'll tell you later, meet me in the council room after scholl," making the little girl smile and nod before she walked away.

"Oh no, what have I done? Is she angry now?"

When Kanon disappeared down the stairs, John panicked and asked Akira.

"Oh, that, Hanazaki is very busy, don't worry about it."

"Hanazaki? Hanazaki Kanon?"

It was only now that John remembered Kanon's name and let out a sigh, unable to believe that he had missed the opportunity to get the autograph of the best detective fiction author of all time, writing about 20 faces:

"Oh my god, what have I done?"

Akira took the time to console the bewildered John, while Utako stood by, silently laughing at his foolishness. Cliff Edmund, who had stopped taking pictures, now looked towards the direction Kanon had gone, wanting to know what was going on between 20 faces and that girl. The fact that she had been stolen was something he had never heard of before. Could this be the key to unraveling the mystery of 20 faces?
After playing her little game, Kanon quickly grabbed her bag and disappeared, leaving John and Edmund to go to the elementary student council room and even her literature club, respectively, but they couldn't find her. At the end of visiting time, they were not allowed to stay in Clamp School to avoid disturbing the students, so they reluctantly returned to the hotel, planning to come back the next day.

In the student council room after school, Kanon happily opened the door and saw everyone gathered. As soon as Utako saw her, her eyes lit up:

"Kanon-oneesan, you're here!"

Kanon smiled and walked over to the tea table, teasing the little girl:

"Oh, Utako came to visit again?"

"Kanon-oneesan, please don't tease me anymore."

Utako knew she was being teased but didn't get angry, she just shyly scolded Kanon. At this moment, the handsome and charming Student Council President, Nokoru, who occasionally had free time, joined in the fun:

"Ohkawa Kaichou said that 20 faces visited you too?"

Suoh was also curious, but he maintained a serious demeanor while waiting to hear Kanon's story, while Akira poured tea with trembling hands.

"It's nothing much, about 3 years ago, my mother bought a beautiful antique bedside lamp. That night, I received a letter from 20 faces, and then blah blah blah..."

The entire Student Council members listened intently as Kanon continued her story, welcoming the thief as if they were an esteemed guest. When Kanon mentioned turning on the lamp and greeting 20 faces, Nokoru burst into laughter.

"Kanon-chan, I didn't know you had such a great sense of humor."

Utako was also excited, but her voice carried a hint of concern, giving off a sour tone.

"Did you also give 20 faces a cake? Did 20 faces accept it?"

"Yes, Utako also tasted that cake at my house. If you were him, would you have taken it?"

"Of course... um, I mean, the cake was really delicious."

Utako slipped up but quickly regained her composure. However, when she heard the ending, knowing that 20 faces had given Kanon a new desk lamp, she seemed a bit disheartened. At that moment, Akira accidentally dropped the teacup onto the saucer, causing the hot tea to splash up and making him yelp.

"Be careful, Akira! That tea is hot."

Kanon spoke up, reminding everyone that she wasn't afraid of being misunderstood. Whatever happens, happens, and it's better to speak up and clear any misunderstandings. But she had no intention of letting this misunderstanding drag on.

"Utako, you know, 20 faces understands things very well and is very fair. He took my lamp and even ate the cake, so he returned another lamp. Did you hear he has stole anything then returned something to someone."

Utako couldn't help but touch the yellow bow pinned behind her head, the birthday gift from 20 faces after he took away the statue. Nokoru, understanding the situation, immediately chimed in:

"Kanon, did you not see 20 faces clearly? You can consider yourself the first person to have a direct conversation with him."

Utako's heart ached. Wasn't she the first person to have a direct conversation with 20 faces? So she wasn't special to him? But then she shook her head, dismissing those thoughts. No, at that time, 20 faces and she didn't know each other yet. It wasn't strange for Kanon to have met him, but...

Seeing his little girl confused, Akira felt a pang of sadness and hoped for a chance to explain. But Suoh spoke up, hitting the nail on the head.

"But 20 faces just sat there drinking tea, he didn't take off his mask. How could Hanazaki see his face, right?"

Kanon chuckled.

"That's right. I think when 20 faces takes off his mask for someone to see, that person must be incredibly special to him."

Both Akira and Utako were left dumbfounded. Then Utako hurriedly asked:

"Incredibly special? But if that person is also meeting 20 faces for the first time and he takes off his mask and shows his face, doesn't that mean he was too easy or something? After all, he's known as the pompous thief."

"Easy? Pom...po...us? No... he is... he is not like that."

Upon hearing that, Akira choked on his tea, his face turning red, waving his hands as if to explain, stuttering to Utako. Nokoru smiled, adding fuel to the fire:

"We were just talking about 20 faces, everyone calls him that."

"I... I think... 20 faces isn't like that."

Akira hurriedly spoke, not wanting Utako to have that impression of him, he only had Utako in his heart. Only... Utako-san? Akira suddenly felt that he had been enlightened something incredibly important.

Utako stared intently, wanting to hear the answer from Kanon's mouth, even though Kanon wasn't the representative of 20 faces. But for some reason, Utako believed that if Kanon said something, she would feel reassured.

"If 20 faces takes off his mask for someone he meets for the first time, like you said, Utako-chan, then that must be destiny."