[ There it is. Shoko has always been a rather direct person, always hated it when the higher-ups and the more politically-inclined sorcerers played games. She doesn't mind it so much from Shindou, since he's not part of that circus... but he also sort of is, in his own way, even from another reality, and perhaps it's why his opinion isn't one she shirks off immediately. ]

...I know.

[ Well. It's her, after all. No one else could do what she does. It's a feat in and of itself, unlike the displays of raw strength and power that the students are capable of, but something on its own all the same. But... admirable?

She casts her gaze down at her cigarette, watching the smoke trail up from between her fingers. Is this admirable...? ]

You know, that friend of mine... He once told me he wanted to raise stronger sorcerers, so that they could break down the system and make it better. But he didn't have the sense to stick around to see it happen. [ she scoffs, albeit in a playful way. ] Idiot.

[ Now it falls to her, to take care of those kids, give that dream a fighting chance. ]