Vol 7 Chapter 5 COTE

Chapter 5: Crossing Thoughts

Roughly two hours before Karuizawa fell before Ryuuen.

Chabashira-sensei gave Class D an explanation regarding the essentials of the winter vacation.

"Over the winter vacation, a portion of the school is scheduled for renovation so it will be off limits. Make sure to keep that in mind. And also, all club activities will be suspended after the closing ceremony today. Be sure to head back as soon as you're able to".

Our teacher explained only the bare minimum to us. But for some reason, she silently looked around the class. And no matter how long we waited, she did not signal the end of class.

Feeling numb at this point, Ike raised his hand.

"What's the matter, sensei?".

"I'm sure there are students already aware of it but you can assume that your promotion to Class C is all but guaranteed. Well done".

"W-Woah, you actually gave us honest praise. Isn't this a rarity?".

It's not just Ike, I'm sure the rest of the class feels the same way.

"Don't get complacent. If you cause trouble during the winter vacation, it may have an effect on your class points. Make sure you act properly as a student even over the long holidays".

After saying that, Chabashira-sensei concluded our second semester.

"This really is an unusual sight, Chabashira-sensei reprimanding us gently, I mean".

"Maybe so".

There's no doubt that she added the warning to not cause trouble as a follow up. While putting my textbook back into my bag, I looked in Karuizawa's direction.

And when I did, she turned to look at me while still in the middle of a conversation with the other girls.

This morning, I had received a single mail from Karuizawa at the address I gave her for emergency use.

That something came up regarding the incident with Manabe's group and that she had been called out to the rooftop at 2 o'clock today.

I wasn't surprised and I didn't reply either. After all, I had already been informed of it beforehand by Ryuuen.

He couldn't care less whether Karuizawa would inform someone else of it or not. It was an act meant to lure me out in the first place.

But perhaps Karuizawa felt from our eye contact that I had already seen her mail, because she left the classroom with her friends while looking satisfied.

Maybe she intends to leave once and then come back later.

One hour after the class ended most of the students had already left the school grounds.

"We're talking about going to Keyaki Mall after this, what'll you do?".

Yukimura, ready to leave, asked me that while approaching me.

"Sure. I don't have anything particular planned for today anyways. After I finish packing I'll come".

"Then I'll be waiting in the hallway".

Just in case, I should bring some of the textbooks with me since there's still the possibility I might be needing them later.

"Umm...could it be that you're not free right now?".

The one who called out with that apologetic voice was none other than Satou.

"Yeah, I'm planning on hanging out with Yukimura and the others....".

"I...I see. That's a shame".

Satou's shoulders droop in disappointment. I wonder if she was planning on asking me out again like last time? If so.

"...today might be problematic, but would the winter holidays be ok with you?".

"Eeeh?".

"I mean, it seemed bad for me to refuse you twice in a row so if you're okay with it then...".

"R-really?".

"Y-Yeah".

I felt a bit overwhelmed by Satou happily pressing her body against me.

"I-It's a promise then!".

She said with a blush while jumping around joyfully. I wonder why exactly she's this interested in me.....

Of course I have nothing against this but since there were still people left in the classroom I felt slightly embarrassed.

"In any case, from tomorrow onwards is fine I'll send you the details via mail".

"Understood! See you later Ayanokouji-kun!".

Satou then joined Shinohara's group with a pleased look on her face.

Shinohara's group looked at me suspiciously before leaving the classroom.

Now then, I suppose I'll meet up with Keisei and the others. It seems they've all already assembled out in the corridor, chatting while waiting for my arrival.

I immediately grasped the situation from Haruka's creepy smile and Airi's crestfallen expression. As we started walking, Haruka seemed to want to cut in and so I took the initiative.

"There's no deep meaning behind that".

"I haven't even asked you anything yet, what's the matter?".

"Nothing's the matter, you were about to ask me, weren't you?".

"I mean, right? Just look at how Satou-san was acting, not too hard to imagine what's up, no?".

"How adulterous, Kiyotaka. Horikita and now Satou, you've got no integrity".

For some reason, even Keisei is angry. Still, I suppose I'll make an apology.

"I was just invited to hang out".

"It must be quite something for a girl to ask a boy out though?".

"Surely you don't think S-S-S-Satou-san is interested in Kiyotaka-kun!?".

There had been a dispute of that nature a while back but Airi said so frantically.

"...there's really nothing I can say to that even if you ask me".

"A last minute rush for a lovey dovey Christmas perhaps? Now that's an amazing development there".

Haruka is Haruka after all, onesidedly imagining her own scenario.

"More importantly, where do we go? I think today's going to be crowded".

Since a long holiday begins tomorrow, there's bound to be a lot of students hanging out late into the night today.

Keisei concluded that it'd be in our best interests to decide on a course of action.

"Well, can't we just, like, loiter around? There's no rush".

As we had that conversation, Akito walked silently without once letting the tough look on his face falter.

Akito's focus isn't on us but rather, behind us.

While on the move, he checked to see whether or not there's someone behind us.

"No sign of anyone tailing us.....".

Akito quietly whispered that in relief. Looks like Ryuuen wants to settle things today. He must've concluded that a tail is no longer necessary.

"But you know, even though Keyaki Mall has everything, I'd like to go outside after all".

Haruka said so and looked towards the main gate, far from here.

"I'd like to go to Shibuya or Harajuku, or go see the lights at Omotesando".

"Keyaki Mall aside, the school roads won't be a substitute for that I suppose".

Since there are no special preparations for change of any sort, the outside is as it has always been.

"I'm rather satisfied with the way things are now though. The essentials are all here too. Do you feel the same way as everyone else, Kiyotaka-kun? About wanting to go outside".

Unlike Haruka, Airi doesn't seem like the outgoing type.

Well, I suppose I don't have to force myself to go along with the flow.

"I'm satisfied with this too like you, Airi. But I guess I can also understand the feeling of wanting to go outside".

"I don't know if they're doing it to uphold the rules but I think prohibiting any contact with even your family is going too far. Wouldn't a family normally be worried about their child?".

It certainly isn't normal to not be able to see your children for three years. Maybe that resonated with Akito, because his expression turned grim.

"See, my mom's a worrywart so maybe she's feeling some anxiety over that".

"Looks like the school also takes care of that. Apparently they regularly report your progress from your report card or something".

"That...might actually make me worry even more. I guess I'll study harder.....".

"Parents would worry more about girls than they would the boys, right?".

"Ahh---I'm fine though. Because that's not the case for me".

Haruka smoothly deflected it. Because it looked like there's something she didn't want to talk about, we also didn't press the matter.

1

"So, karaoke next? Might be a bit crowded though".

"No way, we're not going to play that punishment game again are we...?".

"Of course we're going to play. For the sake of Yukimu~'s revenge".

I stopped walking while everyone was in the middle of discussion their next course of action.

"What's wrong, Kiyotaka-kun?".

"Sorry but I'm going to head back".

"It's not even 2 o'clock yet though?".

Akito said while checking the time on his phone.

"Truth is, I stayed up all night yesterday so I'm feeling quite sleepy now. Please invite me again over the holidays".

Airi looked disappointed at that but there won't be any inconvenience for her now even if I'm gone.

Haruka will take care of it properly for me too so I suppose I can rest assured. I bid farewell to the group and turned my back on them.

I then took out my phone and called my homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei.

"It's me".

"Hello. I have something to discuss with you. Are you free now?".

"What do you want? Haven't you stopped associating with me?".

"Yes that would be right. But I just remembered there are still things left to settle. If possible, I'd like to meet you face-to-face rather than over the phone. Can we meet at school?".

"...I'll be waiting in the classroom".

"Understood. I'll be there in a few minutes".

After that conversation, I immediately headed back to the Class D classroom. There aren't any students left in there and near my seat, Chabashira-sensei alone looked out through the window.

"Assuming this year is also your average year then it'll snow a fair bit this year too".

"Do you like snow?".

"I used to. But when I became an adult, I grew to hate it".

Chabashira-sensei shut the curtains and slowly turned around.

"So you have something to discuss with me. What is it?".

"I thought I haven't heard your answer yet. Why do you want to rise to Class A so badly to the point you'd even use me?".

Unless there's a very good reason behind it, a teacher won't use a lie to manipulate a student.

"This school makes not only students, but also teachers compete with one another. If one considers their own position, it's obvious they'd want to aim for the upper classes even if it's just a cut above".

"I don't think that's the real reason. If you were aiming for Class A from the start, you wouldn't have made remarks that could have put Class D's students at a disadvantage".

During the midterm test of our first semester, Chabashira-sensei intentionally withheld information to put Class D at a disadvantage.

"...that's already something different from the school's rules. It's a personal matter. I've got nothing to say to you".

"You were unsure at that point despite having quietly made preparations to rise to Class A, weren't you? Whether or not this class really has what it takes to become Class A or whether you should even be aiming for it".

I don't particularly care what feelings this teacher is keeping bottled up. The important thing is whether she's worth making use of or not.

"Looks like this has been a waste of time. I'm heading back to work".

I spoke again towards the teacher who had turned her back as though fleeing.

"If you won't answer, then please give up on using me".

"So that's how it is. No need to emphasize that. You've already stopped associating with me, no?".

"This is the important part. If you let this day go to waste, Class D won't ever rise to Class A. On the contrary, we may not even be able to rise to Class C".

"What are you talking about?".

I explicitly looked at the classroom's clock.

"It's now 2 o'clock. Right now, Ryuuen's probably putting on an interesting show on the rooftop after calling Karuizawa out there".

"...Ryuuen is? To Karuizawa?".

"So even you aren't aware of it, sensei. The fact that Karuizawa used to be the victim of severe bullying in the past, I mean".

"First time I've heard that...".

It's hard to imagine from the way Karuizawa normally is that she'd be the victim of bullying.

"And in all likelihood, news of this will spread throughout school tomorrow. Once that happens, Karuizawa may choose to withdraw into herself and drop out. If we can prove Class C is involved in it, we may be able to retaliate but the damage we'd have dealt each other would be immeasurable".

It still isn't clear the sort of penalty that an expulsion entails but it must be quite the penalty. That much is clear from seeing Chabashira-sensei's face.

But then she immediately regained her composure and looked at me with her usual, fierce gaze.

"I see. I've got the gist of your scheme. From what I understand, it would be difficult for you to resolve this matter on your own. But it'd be a different story for a school teacher like myself. Not only won't the problem be resolved, but your identity would even be kept secret. It couldn't be better, could it?".

"Will you lend me a hand if I asked for your cooperation?".

"Don't get too cocky, Ayanokouji. I have no intention of cooperating with you".

"Of course you don't".

"This school doesn't look favorably upon teachers intervening in students' problems".

That is true. A teacher going up to the rooftop alone to not only stop Ryuuen's bullying but also seal their lips regarding Karuizawa's past. That sort of favorable outcome is impossible.

It's also natural that Chabashira-sensei would decline.

"But can you afford to decline that easily? There's no guarantee that I won't sabotage Class D in the future, is there? I can deftly make sure we won't be able to rise to the upper classes".

"...to think a student would threaten a teacher. It should be the other way around".

"If you return the favor and restore our relationship to an equal student-teacher one then at the very least I can say I won't commit sabotage. I think that alone carries a huge merit, no?".

"If, by turning you down here, it means rising to Class A becomes impossible then it's all the same".

Chabashira-sensei stubbornly refused to lend a hand.

"Please rest assured, I had no intention of asking you for help from the start".

"What?".

The idea of relying on this teacher never once factored into my calculations.

"I was just teasing you for a bit there. Why don't you observe from afar then? The conclusion of this incident, that is".

After saying that, I invited Chabashira-sensei to play the role of observer for this story.

2

If all goes according to schedule, it should have been half an hour since Karuizawa went up to the rooftop.

Just when I thought Ishizaki had panickedly come running down, turns out it was so that he could fill up buckets with a large amount of water after which he went back up.

Judging from the droplets of water on the floor, he's already done it several times over.

The most probable scenario is that Ryuuen is forcing Karuizawa to relive the bullying of her past to extract a confession from her.

But then it'd mean Karuizawa didn't spit it out right away because neither the Class C folks or Karuizawa herself came back down from the rooftop.

There's the possibility that there's been a slight divergence from the scenario I envisioned.

But that's a positive divergence from my initial assumptions.

"What are you doing, Ayanokouji? How long are you going to wait here?".

After leaving the classroom with Chabashira-sensei, I observed the situation while keeping my distance from the stairs that Yamada Albert is keeping an eye on.

Just a little bit more.

Since I've come this far, there's no need for me to rush into action.

The more I delay, the more things will go the way I had planned. Of course being late comes with its own risks but it's a necessary risk I'm taking after considering the merits of doing so.

"Shall we have a chat?".

"Chat in a situation like this?".

I ignored Chabashira-sensei's doubts and started the conversation.

"It's something that happened not too long after enrollment but I remember Sudou wanting to purchase a point during the exam".

"...yeah I recall that. You and Horikita paid 100,000 points in total".

I think it's been half a year or more since then but time sure flies.

"There's nothing you can't buy with private points. That's what you said, no?".

"It's the truth. Didn't Sudou's expulsion get nullified?".

"Yes, if it's just the purchase of points then it's still grounded in logic but if that's always permitted then there would be no expulsions in the first place, would there? Whenever someone gets a failing grade, someone else just needs to cover up for them the same way. By doing so, they'd be able to avoid expulsion at least".

"But it's not easy getting your hands on private points. This Class D miraculously maintained an abundance of points but an average Class D would only have half that. Besides, it's not like your classmates would all be friendly towards you. It's not strange for a student to prioritize their private points even if it means losing class points".

"That is true. But the system itself is a defective one, is it not? As long as salvation via points is possible, the danger of expulsion in a test falls drastically".

"That might be the case".

She did not deny it but neither did Chabashira-sensei look me in the eye.

"The problem is when I asked you to sell me points, you added a price tag to it, Chabashira-sensei".

"Are you trying to say it's too expensive after all this time?".

"That's not it. What I'm trying to ask is whether or not 100,000 points for a mark is something you made up or whether there's a basis for it. It seemed like you were improvising on the spot but it's hard to imagine you'd be able to arbitrarily decide the price of a mark on your own".

"What are you trying to say, Ayanokouji?".

"This school has already established the fine details regarding points thoroughly, has it not? There would naturally be a manual to consult when purchase of points is requested. If that's the case, then that's convincing".

"In other words, you're saying that the price I gave for a mark during Sudou's case was something prepared in advance by the school?".

"Exactly. If you could answer me please then".

There was a delay. Chabashira-sensei, who had been firing back answers straight away so far, choked on her words.

"It's not like I'll just answer anything you ask me".

"Shall I assume that means you are unable to answer?".

"Do what you will".

"Then I'll just draw up a hypothesis on my own. The school has a manual for any and all occasions and in the case of point purchase, 100,000 points for a mark is something they had already determined in advance. Assuming all of this to be true, it gives rise to another question. It's whether or not we can purchase a mark for 100,000 points every time there's a test".

"You're free to think whatever you want but what meaning is there behind this talk. Right now, Karuizawa's---".

I deflected those words and continued.

"Is it only 100,000 points per mark for a limited period of time after enrolling? Or perhaps it rises every time you make a purchase? Or maybe we can't even make that sort of purchase again? Question after question keeps popping up. Please tell me which one of them's the truth".

"Cut it out already. Do you think I can really answer a question like that? Even if I were to answer, there's no way you can confirm the veracity of that answer".

"There is. I just have to ask you directly, sensei".

I forcibly made eye contact with her as she tried to avert her eyes.

"Right now, how much would one mark cost for the next midterm test?".

"...".

Chabashira-sensei stopped speaking entirely.

"As a teacher, you are obligated to answer, aren't you? If you won't answer then I'll go ask another teacher the same question. And if they answer then I can just report to the school that the homeroom teacher of Class D is discriminating against us. Please keep in mind I have that option available".

Of course it's plenty possible that the other teachers won't be able to answer either. In that case, several possibilities come to mind. It might be that only that one mark could be purchased or maybe they aren't allowed to answer unless someone's actually received a failing grade, etc.

But being unable to answer is yet another answer in itself. It would mean that there's a manual prepared in advance for when a student's grades are insufficient.

"Are you planning on delving into the rules?".

"At the very least, there are students doing just that. Ichinose, who's rumored to be saving up points and then there's Ryuuen who's sticking with private points. It's obvious when you consider them".

They're all trying to figure out a strategy that could benefit their class through trial-and-error they conduct repeatedly daily.

"Very well. I'll answer your question. It is true that the clue to beating the school system lies in figuring out the rules regarding private points. Naturally, students from past years have tried that approach from a variety of different angles much like you're doing now. Even the defective Class D isn't an exception to that. Some were quicker than others though. And the school too, has established the fine details of the rules in advance in order to answer the questions the students have. Purchase of points, erasing violence from your record and preventing expulsion. Points necessary for all that are fixed. But a teacher is limited in the amount of things they can say. As for why, it's because most of it is prohibited. No, not even that, there are probably many things even teachers aren't aware of".

"So I was right in assuming you 'cannot answer' my question?".

"That's right".

This solves one mystery. It's that there are many things they are unable to answer us on regarding the special usage of private points unless the conditions for said usage have been met.

The price for one mark at the next midterm test has already been decided and by telling us that, it would be possible to come up with a countermeasure. But if it remains unknown to us, we wouldn't be able to do anything reckless.

Because if they tell us one mark costs 100,000 points then that'd be the end of that.

"...does this have something to do with the matter at hand?".

"No. I was just having a chat. Nothing more, nothing less. Of course, it also has nothing to do with the matter at hand".

Chabashira-sensei is unable to grasp my true intentions.

"Now then...I suppose it's time. Hide-and-seek's over".

I confirmed that it's past 2:40 on my phone.

I mailed a certain person.

I instructed them to head over to this place right away.

"I don't know the details but Karuizawa's suffering at the hands of Class C. I know that much at least. If you have no intention of stepping up then you should call someone else for help".

"I'll head over to the rooftop".

Chabashira-sensei couldn't conceal her surprise at those words.

"...are you insane? If you do that, the whole school will know about it".

"Even if Ryuuen realizes I'm the one behind all the strategies up until now, it still won't benefit him in any way. On the contrary, he might read too much into it the next time around and self-destruct, all the while thinking I'm involved".

"If you do that, you'll be famous overnight. You'll lose your quiet life at school".

There should be a certain thought smoldering within Chabashira-sensei now. That as long as my identity is kept hidden, she still has a way to make me cooperate with Class D.

But if I make contact with Class C in any way, Ryuuen will know with certainty that I'm X.

No, even if he cannot ascertain it, it's still over the moment I become his number one suspect.

Even though I've kept a low profile so far, my existence will end up becoming common knowledge.

Chabashira-sensei averted her eyes wordlessly.

"This may just be my misunderstanding".

"Misunderstanding?".

"Chairman Sakayanagi told me about you just before enrollment commenced. That you're an extremely special student. And that you're talented. And that you're a student we must protect. And also that you were raised in a loveless environment. Taking everything into account, a conclusion was reached over the course of my discussion with the Chairman. To make you attached to this school and to make you wish to remain here. And then I told you about your father and how he wishes for your expulsion. Of course, that was a lie but it looks like it's become reality at long last".

"I see. You aren't mistaken in that it's easier to make people attached to something by giving them a goal to strive for. But unfortunately, I'm not the type of person to worry. No matter what a third party desires, I will choose to continue on at this school. At the very least, I have no intention of going back under that man's thumb right now".

"So simply trying to make use of you was my mistake, huh? For Class D to aim for Class A. Chasing a pipe dream like that was a mistake, huh?".

Chabashira-sensei spat that out as though in resignation.

But isn't it just comedic how she's given up on it so quickly?

"It's not a pipe dream. As a matter of fact, Class D is about to rise to Class C right now. In the near future, Horikita will unite this class. She definitely will".

"Yeah, you're right. They'll achieve things that have never been achieved before. I suppose that alone counts as a victory. But are you serious? About Horikita uniting the class".

"That's a line I don't want to hear from my homeroom teacher. At the very least, I believe Horikita is more than capable of leading Class D".

Although as far as Chabashira-sensei is concerned, Horikita was only the means through which she could make use of me.

"Ultimately, Horikita is beginning to mature. The majority of my classmates are the same as well. All that's left is for you to guide them as a teacher and they'll secure their position as Class C...or maybe even draw closer to Class A".

Of course, a different sort of ability is required in order to actually get there though.

"Are you really stepping down?".

"That's what I currently intend on doing".

Normally speaking, a teacher isn't allowed to twist a student's feelings by using their own. Chabashira-sensei is surely aware of that too.

It's not for mere insurance that I've brought Chabashira-sensei here.

It's so that I can definitively prove to her that I'm stepping down from the class conflict.

"Let's get back to the topic at hand. You're free to boldly make your entrance. But will the problem really be resolved with just that?".

"I can't guarantee that. I'm just going to deal with it based on Ryuuen's personality and behavioral patterns. Alright then, thank you very much for accompanying me".

As the person I'd been waiting for showed up, I thanked Chabashira-sensei.

Now there's no problem even if she decides to leave.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Ayanokouji".

Chabashira-sensei expressed surprise at seeing Horikita Manabu, the former student council president who just spoke to me.

"What's the meaning of this.....?".

"He's to be a witness when I settle things with Ryuuen. After all, he's the type to use any means necessary. And I'd like to avoid push coming to shove".

I understand having a teacher play the role of witness is ideal but that option is off the table.

If so, the wise thing to do would be to go with the next best option.

"Are you planning to have Horikita resolve things by doing what I said earlier?".

"Does the former student council president look like the sort of person who'd do that?".

Chabashira-sensei looked over at the older Horikita once and immediately concluded that it's out of the question.

Just like her, the older Horikita won't get unnecessarily involved either.

"There will be witnesses to what happens on the rooftop. As long as that fact stands, all is well".

It's for that reason that I made a deal with the older Horikita. Well, I suppose that's currently irrelevant.

"A few minutes after I've gone up to the rooftop, I'd like you to stop halfway on the stairs to the rooftop. There's no need to talk to the students coming back down from the rooftop nor is it necessary to punish them. Just make sure the students coming back down are made aware of your presence".

The former student council president has witnessed the students leaving the rooftop. That alone would be extremely effective against Ryuuen and his group.

"Very well. But don't forget that promise, Ayanokouji".

"Of course not. Because if I renege on it, you may choose to forget about this incident entirely".

"As long as you understand. Make it quick".

The older Horikita sent me on my way and I headed over to the corridor that leads to the rooftop.

"Wait, Ayanokouji. What would you have done on the off chance that you failed to acquire Horikita's cooperation?".

"I wonder what I would've done then".

While saying that, I thought it over. I probably would've used the one who knew about me, Sakayanagi, instead.

And if that doesn't work then---no, there's no point in considering plans that are no longer necessary.

"Either 10 minutes or 20 minutes. I plan to be back by then".

3

I climbed the stairs.

Step. By. Step.

As I slowly made my way up, a black shadow appeared before me. The gate watcher holding the road to the rooftop.

He's silently watching me with a daunting pose.

It's Yamada Albert from Class C. He hasn't made a single move yet. The perfect watchdog.

I don't know the details but he's probably one of Ryuuen's underlings too.

He looks down at me as though appraising me.

"May I pass?".

I don't even know if he understands Japanese but I'll try talking to him.

But Albert remained perfectly still and continued to observe me.

Is his silence meant to imply refusal? Or a lack of comprehension? It's frustrating how it's hard to tell.

He took out his phone using his large hands and deftly tried making a call.

"[Don't panic. I'm the one you are seeking for.] (No need for panic. I'm the one you've all been looking for)".

As I said that in English, Albert stopped moving.

But a reply was not forthcoming.

"[Today I'll solve the trouble by myself, and no one interferes.] (I'll resolve this problem on my own today. There will be no outside interference)".

As I explained myself again in English, Albert gave it some thought before closing his phone.

And then he silently made way. Wordlessly signalling me to pass. Apparently he's acknowledged me.

But him staying behind on the stairs is going to interfere with my plan.

"I'm going to crush Ryuuen now. He doesn't stand a chance without your help".

I provoked him in Japanese. Albert looked down the stairs once and after confirming that there's no one else, he opened the door to the rooftop himself.

And after stepping out onto the rooftop, Albert stood beside the door and watched me from behind.

The overcast sky above seems as though it'd rain down on us any moment now.

I looked at Karuizawa, cowering near the fencing, far from the door. And then Ishizaki and Ibuki, having noticed the door opening and closing, looked over at me with Ryuuen following suit.

I looked around, left and right, to check for the presence of surveillance cameras.

The camera's lens has been painted black and it's no longer capable of carrying out its function.

I see. So he simply blinded it with a spray.

After I grasped the situation, I immediately turned back to face Ryuuen's group.

"Ayano...kouji...?".

Ibuki was the first one to say something.

Hearing my name spoken, Karuizawa also noticed my presence.

She didn't say anything right away, but I was able to tell from her eyes that she's shocked at my presence here.

"Sorry I'm late".

I said that to her.

"Why...why did you come.....?".

Karuizawa looked at me while forcing that feeble voice out.

"There's no need to ask, is there? I made a promise. That I'll save you should anything happen to you".

"R-Ryuuen-san, does this mean Ayanokouji is X!?".

"That's not possible. He's definitely not the one".

Ishizaki panicked, but Ibuki denied it before Ryuuen could.

"Ryuuen, surely X is just manipulating Ayanokouji. Don't be deceived. They definitely told Karuizawa in advance that they'd send someone else to save her---".

"Shut up, Ibuki".

Laughing, Ryuuen distanced himself from Karuizawa and drew a bit closer to me.

But even then, he stopped while putting around five meters of distance between us. I could tell then that Ryuuen is extremely wary of me.

"Well, well, what do we have here? If it isn't Suzune's orbiter, Ayanokouji. What business do you have at an unpopular attraction like this rooftop here on a winter holiday?".

"Karuizawa sent me a mail. Asking me to save her".

I didn't go into detail and I didn't mention that Ryuuen himself had made contact with me either.

As for why, it's because Ryuuen had foolishly invited me to the hunting ground, a prey hunted by the hunter.

"Hmm?".

"It's obviously a lie. You were just given orders. Telling you to go save Karuizawa".

Ibuki was just told to shut up but for some reason, she's going out of her way to deny me.

"What's the matter, Ibuki? You seem to want to believe that Ayanokouji isn't X".

"It's not what I want to believe, I'm telling you it's not true. This guy...this guy is just a goodhearted fool. I don't think he's even aware of the situation with Karuizawa and X, no?".

"Goodhearted, you say? You have reason to believe that's true?".

Ryuuen asked Ibuki.

"Back on the island, I hid Karuizawa's underwear inside a boy's bag in order to sabotage Class D. Obviously you'd suspect someone like me from Class C of being the perpetrator. But he never once doubted me. Stupidly enough, he told me straight up that he doesn't think I'm the perpetrator".

"And that made you happy, did it?".

"Stop joking around. There's no way I'd be happy when I'm the actual perpetrator. But it's true that he's an incompetent student who wouldn't even doubt a clearly suspicious person. That's what I realized".

So she cannot imagine a person like that manipulating Class D from behind the scenes, is what it means.

"Do you believe it, Ryuuen-san? That Ayanokouji is X, I mean".

"I've always suspected Ayanokouji. Because he's constantly with Horikita, who herself is said to be exceptional and all".

"But, isn't that way too blatant or more like...way too obvious for someone trying to hide their identity?".

"That's true. I get what you're trying to say, Ishizaki. That's why I also carefully made sure to eliminate all other possibilities. And after learning about the incident with Manabe's group, I delved into it again. Considering the manner in which they handled the matter with Karuizawa's bullying, I thought it had to be either Ayanokouji or Hirata".

"Stop acting cool. You didn't even mark Ayanokouji or Hirata as targets after that, did you?".

Opinions are split even within Class C.

A unique situation where I'm admitting to it while Ibuki and the others are refusing to acknowledge it.

"It's precisely because I'm the most suspicious one that I deliberately did things that way. Or perhaps I had no other choice but to use Horikita?".

"But---!".

I chose to pose a vague yet gentle question.

"No need to fret, I'm the one you've all been looking for".

"Hah. Now isn't that suspicious? Would you really admit to that yourself? This is way too strange".

Their denial is understandable, all the more so since I had kept myself hidden this whole time.

"I think it's also suspicious. He may have been ordered to name himself as the mastermind to serve as a decoy for the real mastermind.....".

Ibuki and Ishizaki urged Ryuuen to reconsider just as he was on the verge of acknowledging it.

"Surely you also predicted that X wouldn't show up here, no?".

"Yes, normally speaking it would be ridiculous to assume someone who's been hiding behind Horikita all this time would just waltz into such an obvious trap".

I suppose it's natural that there'd be some doubts regarding that.

"Looks like a poor move to me, Ayanokouji. In this case, the best move for you would've been to abandon Karuizawa Kei. Not to jump into the fray recklessly. I can't blame Ibuki and Ishizaki for doubting you. If you're really X, tell me how you plan to overcome this predicament".

That's the only way to prove it. Was what Ryuuen added.

"This may be a silly question, but am I currently in a predicament?".

For a moment there, Ryuuen and the others seemed unamused by my foolish question.

"I just came here because Karuizawa asked for help. There's no exam going on right now so proof doesn't even factor into this, does it? If you want proof that I'm X, you can just wait until the next exam".

"That's not true at all. Right now, we're aware of your identity. Furthermore, we're also aware of Karuizawa's secret. Surely you know terrible things will happen tomorrow if you leave without saying anything here".

"Terrible things?".

"Stop playing dumb. Now then, show me your next move".

"There's no move to make. I won't do anything".

"I get it now, Ryuuen-san. Surely Sudou and the others are nearby, waiting for orders, don't you think?".

Ishizaki stared at the half-open door.

"Not really".

But Ryuuen shot him down.

"I-Is that so?".

"If a large number of their classmates happen to see this disastrous scene of Karuizawa's, she'll lose her position without even the need for me to spread it around. Use your head a bit".

If he wasn't sure of that, even Ryuuen won't act this rashly.

"I-I see...".

"But you're quite something if you're going to play dumb".

"Enough is enough, Ryuuen. There's no way X would just boldly march up to us alone".

Ibuki counselled Ryuuen.

"Good grief, now this is a problem. Ibuki and Ishizaki apparently don't believe you're X".

Ryuuen shrugged his shoulders and exasperatedly looked over at Ibuki and Ishizaki.

"You said you won't do anything, didn't you Ayanokouji? But I need to ascertain whether this is the truth or not. To do that, I have no choice but to make all this common knowledge. You're fine with that?".

He said that and looked me over with a smile.

"I've already admitted it from the start but if you still won't believe me then allow me to disclose some more information. Ibuki".

I spoke to Ibuki, who just wouldn't stop doubting me.

"During the island exam, you were instructed to film the leader's keycard with your digital camera. But for some reason, at the critical moment, your digital camera malfunctioned and you were left unable to use it. Am I wrong?".

"H-How do you know!?".

"I'm the one who broke that camera you hid inside your bag. To make sure I don't leave behind a trace, I used water".

There shouldn't be that many people, even within Class C, who are aware of the fact that they had purchased a digital camera.

"By the way, when I ran into Ibuki, her fingertips were covered with dirt. On top of that, there were traces of soil having been dug up around where she sat. When I looked into it at night, I found a radio buried there. That was so you could communicate with Ryuuen, no?".

If I disclose all this, surely they'd understand it even if they don't want to.

The only ones who saw Ibuki with her dirtied hands back then would be me, Yamauchi and Airi. In other words, it's definitive proof that I'm someone who's noticed even that.

"You've got to admit it now, Ibuki. Ayanokouji is X".

"Wait, wait a minute. Just because he's somewhat smart doesn't mean he's X, does it?".

"Is there even a need to doubt him any further?".

Ryuuen seemed even more exasperated than before.

"But isn't it strange? Even if Ayanokouji really is X, pulling the strings from behind the scenes, why would he just obediently show up here!? He's demolished all our plans so far, hasn't he!?".

"He probably has some sort of trick up his sleeve. A miracle that exceeds even our imagination. If not...he'll just be an idiot then".

"Trick? There's no trick I could use in a situation like this. You lot have already grasped Karuizawa's big secret regarding her past. I know what'll happen if I act carelessly. I mean, this situation itself is the result of your preparations to make sure I'm unable to do anything, am I wrong?".

"Hah. What'll you do then? Now we can reveal your existence whenever we want, you know? Now that you've revealed yourself, we no longer have any incentive to reveal Karuizawa's past bullying. If we keep quiet about that then you won't be able to act carelessly either. A perfect stalemate".

"Doesn't look like reporting what was done to Karuizawa here to the school is an option either".

Unlike how it is during exams, violence between students that occur over the course of normal school life doesn't lead to an immediate expulsion.

Even if we're able to provide proof of all that was done, it's doubtful we'll be able to deal any sort of meaningful damage.

"If you tattle on us, we'll ruin Karuizawa in retaliation".

That's right. If I attempt to penalize Ryuuen for this, I will end up completely losing Karuizawa.

It's very possible that I'd win the battle but lose the war. Having used Karuizawa's past as a means of offense, Ryuuen now switched to defense.

"No matter how you look at it, I'm overwhelmingly in the lead here".

"Aren't you satisfied now that you know the situation? I'll be taking Karuizawa back with me".

"Don't say something so anticlimactic. You're finally here so you might as well take it slowly".

Ryuuen then grabbed Karuizawa's arm and forcibly dragged her up.

"Ahh!".

"There's no way you'd reveal your identity without a reason. What trick do you have up your sleeve? Show me".

He extends the palm of his hand towards me and made a provocative gesture with it several times.

"Sorry, Ryuuen. But it doesn't seem like I'll be able to answer your expectations".

"Huh...?".

"I was just dancing in the palm of your hand. That's all there is to it".

No one here would've expected X to say something like that.

A cruel X who would protect their own identity even if it meant abandoning Karuizawa.

Or perhaps a sharp student who would save Karuizawa while keeping their own identity hidden. They would've thought it'd be either one of those.

A crack finally appeared in the smile that Ryuuen had been wearing this whole time.

"If the X we've been making such a big deal out of finding is a fool like this then we may as well have not found him. Surely what happened with the digital camera was a fluke or something".

Despite being allies with him, Ibuki's always distrusted Ryuuen.

It's precisely because she truly feels that way rather than putting up an act that she questions him so openly.

Seeing an opportunity, I made my next move.

"I did indeed reveal my identity. But that won't come back to bite me immediately. The only ones who know that I've been manipulating Class D from the shadows would be Horikita and Karuizawa. If the other classes come to know of this, it could only have been one of you who leaked it".

"And what's the problem with that?".

"If you're going to reveal my existence then I'll report everything that happened on this rooftop to the school".

"You've just been cornered because you aren't capable of doing that".

"I can do that. I just have to sacrifice Karuizawa".

"...huh?".

"You assumed I'd abandon Karuizawa. But when I showed up you started talking based on the assumption that this wasn't the case. Am I wrong?".

"Now that doesn't add up. If you had abandoned her from the beginning, you may have been able to conceal your identity. You came because that wasn't an option. Don't bluff now".

"It's fine.....if they know about Kiyotaka then they can also reveal my secret".

While slowly pushing herself back up from the floor, Karuizawa looked at me.

I immediately averted my eyes back towards Ryuuen.

"Or so she says. It's up to you whether you believe it or not but it'll be the fight of your life if that happens".

"Umm...since we've uncovered X's identity, wouldn't that suffice for now?".

"I agree. He might actually sacrifice her".

This was all originally done for the sake of flushing X out. Ishizaki and Ibuki don't want to go any further than this.

"...kuku".

For some reason, Ryuuen clutched his head and began laughing while shaking.

"You're certainly right in that war may break out once either side reveals their secret. I'll admit that".

Deep or shallow aside, both sides would be left with scars.

Furthermore, depending on how you consider it, there's no guarantee that Karuizawa would receive a lethal blow.

The image of a girl who stood back up despite the bullying she received in the past would form on its own.

If Ryuuen calls it quits here then that'd put an end to all this.

However---

This man will never choose such an option.

"To be honest, it's been a letdown so far. Not only revealing your identity so easily, but you also have no choice but to leave your fate in the hands of your enemies in order to protect yourself. But even then, there's still no doubt that Ayanokouji is the X who kept me entertained. Then I'll be losing out if I don't make you entertain me to the very end. Right, Ishizaki?".

"Y-Yes".

"For me, everything's a game. Not just climbing to Class A but crushing Ichinose, crushing Suzune, all of that's an extension of that game for me. Crushing Class D or crushing Class B and even Sakayanagi, who I've saved for last, is but a means for me to kill time".

While laughing, Ryuuen grabbed hold of Karuizawa's bangs. Karuizawa's face contorted in pain.

But there's no longer any fear in her eyes.

"Kuku...even though you despaired so much, now it's like you were never even afraid. I feel stupid for doubting whether Ayanokouji is X or not. Your eyes tell me you have absolute faith in Ayanokouji. It almost feels like you'd go ahead and reveal your own past if I were to reveal Ayanokouji's identity. You can relax. Your role here is clearly over with this".

Having lost interest in Karuizawa, he released his grip on her hair and shoved her by the shoulder.

"You sure entertained me, Ayanokouji. Despite being a defective product of Class D, you saw through my strategies again and again. Not only that, your modus operandi is even similar to my own. It was impossible for me to not be interested in you. To draw the mastermind out of hiding. That became pleasure to me. I haven't thought beyond that. I thought I'd consider it after meeting you".

He poured his heart out ever so talkatively and pleasantly.

"And then I decided".

"...what are you planning to do to Ayanokouji?"

"Why are you so pissed off, Ibuki?".

Ibuki took her distance from me and fearlessly approached Ryuuen until she was right in front of him.

"What you're about to do now is something that puts Class C at risk".

"Kuku. You were always a lone wolf, never cooperating with your classmates and yet here you are, saying something like 'this puts Class C at risk'. Don't make me laugh".

"I followed you this far because I thought the class stood to benefit from your recklessness. But this one's over the line. Ayanokouji clearly has nothing left up his sleeve".

As thoughs spitting out all the resentment bottled up inside her, Ibuki continued.

"That's why I cannot approve of what you're about to do".

"Do you know what I'm about to do?".

"I can tell after having known you since April. You're going to make him yield through violence, aren't you?".

Having heard that, Ishizaki froze up a bit.

"Ishizaki, Komiya, Kondou and even Albert have all been made to yield to you through violence".

"It's best to demonstrate the difference in power between us".

"Isn't the difference already obvious?".

"It's true that we've been had many times now by Ayanokouji. We need to return the favor".

"That's why I'm telling you that sort of thinking is going to spell trouble for the class!".

Bang! A sharp sound reverberated.

The cause of that sound was Ryuuen slapping Ibuki's cheek with the palm of his hand.

Ibuki went silent immediately afterwards.

"I couldn't care less as long as I'm enjoying it. Violence in particular is easy to understand".

Just like what happened now. It almost seemed as though he was trying to get that point across. As I suspected, that's the conclusion he's reached.

Now that calling it a misunderstanding and shrugging it off is no longer possible, it has become an inevitability.

"Listen up, the important thing here is what we do with the information we've acquired from the other party. Ayanokouji wants to keep what happened here as well as his identity and Karuizawa's matter a secret. It's also true that we blackmailed Karuizawa and dumped freezing water on her. If, by any chance, word of this gets out, we'll surely be punished severely. In short, as long as both sides continue to keep what happens here a secret, no one else will know no matter what happens here".

Considering the developments so far, it's not that difficult to make that deduction. By using Karuizawa's past and my identity as a shield, it ensures what happens here will never leak.

"No matter what happens, both sides have no choice but to meekly accept it".

Despite that, Class C wants to pick a fight.

"I think I understand why you revealed your identity this late. Now this makes it impossible for us to fight out of bounds. Shut the door, Albert".

After receiving that order from Ryuuen, Albert closed the door that leads back into the school.

"But it's still a bad move. You may have thought it would all end here but I won't let that happen".

Everyone here can already tell what's going to happen next.

Ryuuen won't change his ways.

"I suppose my retreat has been cut off. Now you're free to take this in the direction you desire".

"First I'll put the fear on that apathetic face of yours. Are you underestimating me? Thinking I wouldn't do anything reckless".

"Are you really going to resort to violence?".

"Conflict isn't always a mental affair. Violence is the most powerful force in this world. This applies to a general leading his forces and is also a brilliant means to assassinate said general both. No matter how crafty you may be, you will be forced to yield before violence".

Even now, as the situation seems as though a fight were about to break out, I looked over at Ryuuen, Ibuki, Ishizaki and Albert one by one for a moment.

"I'm going to commit your pathetic appearance to memory and then I'll call it quits. Because I'll be moving onto Ichinose come the third semester after all".

"People do yield before violence, that's for sure. Your logic is sound there. But to carry out that logic, you need to be stronger than the other guy. Do you understand that?".

"Huh?"

"The four of you here won't be enough to stop me".

"...?".

Unable to understand, Ibuki raised an eyebrow.

"Kukukukukukukukukukuku".

Seems it found it exceedingly funny because Ryuuen's laughing his heart out.

"What Ayanokouji is trying to say is this: I won't be made to yield through violence by the likes of you. Then show me the extent of that confidence of yours. Ishizaki".

"I-Is it really okay?".

Ishizaki unexpectedly hesitated upon receiving the order to attack. It would be a different story against someone infamous for getting into fights like Sudou but I'm just an ordinary student.

His hesitation is understandable even when under orders.

"Don't hold back, get him".

"But.....".

"There'll be no problem even if we give Ayanokouji a thorough beating".

"Wait!".

When Ishizaki approached me, it was Karuizawa's scream that stopped him.

"Why are you doing something this stupid!? You won't gain anything from beating Kiyotaka up, will you!?".

"Hey, don't just cut in like that, Karuizawa. Your role is over. You can relax, your past won't be revealed anymore thanks to this guy's sacrifice. Just be grateful to him".

He then grabbed hold of Karuizawa's hair once again the same way he did when dumping water on her.

"!".

And then shoved Karuizawa to the back, just like that.

"That's why I'm telling you to stay out of this".

Nevertheless, Karuizawa bared her fangs at Ryuuen for my sake.

She tried to get back up and jump onto Ryuuen.

"Don't worry, Karuizawa".

I called out to Karuizawa and made her stop.

"B-But".

"There's no need for concern".

"That's right, save that concern for yourself".

Ishizaki stepped forward.

"Don't think badly of me, Ayanokouji. This is just another order from Ryuuen-san".

"I don't care either way".

Now that we've come to this, it's all going according to plan.

Ishizaki casually swung his fist, as though to swat a disobedient baby.

A dull motion even an elementary school student or a middle school student would've been able to dodge. I caught the right fist he swung mightily at me with my right hand.

"Ahh....?".

"Ishizaki, if you're going to do this then you should take it seriously".

I warned him just once. But Ishizaki still doesn't seem to understand even after I've stopped his fist.

Because it would've inevitably been stopped. Probably because the strength that stopped it is nothing out of the ordinary.

I used my left hand's grip strength to clench down on Ishizaki's right fist.

"Oh? Ahh, uuu, ehh...!?".

Ishizaki's expression slowly changed bit by bit and his knees began trembling.

"Wait a minute, Ishizaki?".

Realizing that this is clearly strange, Ibuki looked back.

"Ahh, uuuu, ahh! I-I can't, stop!".

No longer able to hold himself upright, his knees buckled and he fell to the cold floor of the rooftop on his knees.

Perhaps no longer able to endure it, Ishizaki desperately clutched my arm with his left hand and tried to tear it away but to no avail.

The one who first grasped this situation was neither Ibuki nor Ryuuen but the one behind me, Albert.

The black shadow approaches.

Before even getting permission from his boss, Albert waved his thick arms around like a pole and swung.

The reason he attacked me from my free left side may be because he anticipated I would take a defensive posture after Ishizaki frees himself.

Still, that's unnecessary concern. I could've dodged there but I instead received his punch with the palm of my left hand instead, all the while prepared to sustain some damage.

Bash. A dull sound reverberated.

A powerful force went through my elbow all the way up to the tip of my shoulder.

"...as expected, it hurts...".

It's difficult to tell Albert's expression underneath his sunglasses but surely he's grasped the situation sufficiently too.

"You've got to be kidding...a-are you fooling around, Albert? Ishizaki?"

Perhaps from a distance, Ibuki couldn't tell that Albert had swung with all his might and Ishizaki is genuinely in pain.

Or perhaps this is a spectacle she doesn't want to believe is true.

When I released him from the pressure of my right hand, Ishizaki crouched down and clutched his own right arm.

"Do it, Albert".

Orders came from Ryuuen.

Albert came charging in with that robust body of his while swinging those massive arms of his.

Damage will accumulate if I continue to receive powerful attacks that go beyond what the human body is designed to withstand.

I deliberately allowed him to land a hit the first time around but I can't afford to be hit any more than this.

After evading the left hook he threw, I retaliated with a frontal attack.

I plunged my fist into Albert's abdomen. I could've held back there but I cannot afford to do so against an opponent whose ability is still unmeasured. A slight change occurred on Albert's expressionless face but only ever so slightly.

Judging from the sturdy feeling I felt upon directly hitting him with my fist, the damage is shallow.

I could tell that not only is he blessed with a body a pure Japanese person wouldn't possess, he's also trained it to a considerable extent.

In that case, all that means is that it'll just take more effort for me to break through that steel-like body.

Humans have countless spots that can be referred to as weak points. For instance, the solar plexus is an area you cannot train.

Of course, I shouldn't prematurely assume a hit there would result in an instant knockout. At best, it's only an area you cannot train. It's still possible to endure the pain.

Albert himself also seems to have realized that I'm aiming for his solar plexus, because he twisted his large body to evade it.

But I saw that coming and used the tip of my hand to strike his throat.

"!".

Albert made a gargling noise.

"Ayanokouji!".

Behind me, Ishizaki shouted and charged me.

"...if you're going to attack me then don't shout...".

While exasperated at Ishizaki for saving me the trouble, I kicked his left knee that he was using to brace himself.

He's way too obvious.

After confirming that Albert behind he has completely collapsed, I spun around and kicked him in the face.

And then I punched Ishizaki in the jaw with my left hand.

Ishizaki collapsed and silence fell upon the rooftop.

All Ryuuen, Ibuki and Karuizawa could do was to burn that unbelievable sight into their memories.

"Apparently he's more than we expected him to be. The reason he acted so arrogantly was because he had confidence in his skills, huh? This sure is unexpected".

"So you're saying that the stage we prepared ended up favoring Ayanokouji? What does that mean...?".

"Are you serious, Ibuki?".

"Ehh....?".

"You've known for a long time now that Ryuuen is the type of person who'd use violence to dominate his enemies. On top of that, don't you think setting up a situation where no amount of violence would cause a problem is just too convenient for Class C?".

"Huh?".

As Ibuki tilted her head, a doubt seems to have arisen within Ryuuen as well.

"Wait a minute, Ayanokouji. Even I don't understand this. This is a situation I set up".

"Even though I'm acting this diplomatically here, you still don't see the real situation?".

After sighing, I decided to spoil it all for him.

"Our confrontation here has been predetermined for a long time now. And also the fact that in a situation where neither of us would be able to tattle on the other, Ryuuen Kakeru would resort to violence to settle things".

Ryuuen thinks that everything's that happened so far is the result of him meticulously planning ahead.

But that would be a huge mistake.

"If I never intended on having my identity revealed, then I wouldn't have used Manabe in the first place. It's clear as day that a search for the culprit would begin as soon as I made her a spy and had her send me the recorded footage. And just like a true dictator, you'd narrow it down to Manabe's group. And that's where you heard it from, right? That they were blackmailed after attacking Karuizawa and that they had no other choice".

So far, Ryuuen cannot deny a single thing. Naturally, of course.

"You confirmed that Karuizawa's connected to me. All that's left is how you choose to execute it. For that reason, you thought strangling us would be most effective. You had Ishizaki, Komiya and the others tail Class D and openly approached Kouenji so you could put the pressure on X. Well, I suppose you were genuinely enjoying yourself but you may have ended up giving me time to think".

"Kukuku. Now you're saying some interesting things. So you're saying you only made it look as though you were dancing in the palm of my hand?".

"To be more precise, I made it look like I was dancing in the palm of your hand when in fact, you had been dancing in mine".

"Then allow me to apologize, Ayanokouji. You really are a sharp one. The advantage I held until a while ago has vanished entirely and now I'm the one in a big pinch. What shall we do, Ibuki?".

After hearing the full story from me, Ryuuen still laughed happily even after seeing what I'm capabe of.

"What's the matter with you....both you and Ayanokouji...!".

As though hitting me with her frustrations, Ibuki sent a flying kick towards me.

She doesn't seem concerned with the fact that her underwear is visible.

No, to be precise she may no longer possess the rationality to care for such things. I stepped back and calmly evaded her kick.

Ibuki's switch has probably been flipped too.

She took several steps to close the distance between us and attacked me with a kick that left little room to dodge.

What a brilliant move.

Despite the fact that Horikita had been sick then, it is still true that she's strong enough to beat Horikita.

"Tch".

When I evaded all her kicks at the last possible moment, Ibuki stopped attacking for a moment and clicked her tongue in irritation.

"What are you really...?".

"Can you really not believe it even after seeing all this?".

"You piss me off. I don't know why but you piss me off!".

Ibuki leaped towards me again and I immediately closed the distance between us.

"!?".

I don't mind playing along but it's not a good idea to drag this out.

I didn't give Ibuki the chance to dodge or block before grabbing her neck and slamming her to the ground.

Ibuki's eyes widened before she lost consciousness right afterwards and stopped moving.

Hitting her head would've given me more certainty but it's not like this is a fight to the death.

"Violence isn't something Ryuuen and his group have monopolized".

Ibuki, Ishizaki and Albert. Now that the students who could be referred to as Ryuuen's right hand men have all collapsed, there's only one person left standing. Seeing all of this play out before her, Karuizawa was left unable to speak a word.

"I suppose it's commendable that you're still able to maintain your rationality even after seeing this situation".

"So you're not just sharp but also first class when it comes to violence. I underestimated you".

Clapping as though to express genuine respect, Ryuuen walked up to me.

"Do you know what else I want to say, Ayanokouji?".

"Not a clue".

Not feeling the gravity of the situation one bit, Ryuuen proceeds to calmly make an analysis.

His nonchalant behavior surely isn't merely a bluff. A characteristic Ryuuen and Ryuuen alone excels at.

That's the very reason why he's able to continue acting this boldly.

"Physical strength alone doesn't decide victory or defeat when it comes to violence. It's about how strong your heart is".

Ryuuen then lowers his stance while extending his left fist.

He's not aiming for my face, he's aiming for my abdomen.

I leaped backwards to evade it. Ryuuen immediately closes the distance in pursuit and this time, he extends his dominant right fist.

"Sorry but I have no intention of taking your attacks".

After evading that, I launched my own attack.

I extended my right arm to grab hold of Ryuuen's bangs. He reacted immediately and slapped my arm away with his left hand---right after that, my kick connected with Ryuuen's ribs.

"!?".

The moment he got distracted by my right arm, I launched my attack.

He distanced himself from me to avoid a consecutive series of attacks.

"Not bad, Ryuuen".

It goes without saying, of course, that his strength is far beyond the likes of Ishizaki. I'm honestly impressed.

Even though he had received a rather heavy blow, there's still no sign of him keeling over.

"This is fun~".

He said so and laughed.

But I still don't believe his talent is outstanding enough to beat Albert.

"This comeback after having been driven to the brink of despair. I can't get enough of it, Ayanokouji".

His smile is wider than ever before and he continues attacking without holding back one bit.

His movements aren't that of a martial arts he learned.

It's a self-taught style he picked up from the various battlefields he's overcome.

I can't afford to keep dodging all his attacks perfectly.

It's easy to fight back but I accepted his blows while maintaining my guard.

After I received the fourth punch, Ryuuen spoke.

"Why won't you fight back? Surely you can do so boldly".

"I've got my own circumstances here".

"Really? Then I'll hear them out after I beat you".

"Do you think you can win?".

"Kuku. Do you think you're invincible?".

"...sorry, but I can hardly imagine losing".

What Ryuuen sees that I'm not seeing.

"You'll probably win here. But what about tomorrow? What about the day after?".

"So you're saying it's not certain if we keep repeating it?".

"What about when you're in the toilet? While you're shitting? I'll attack you from all angles".

"Are you not afraid of losing?".

"I've never felt fear. Not once before".

"No fear, eh?".

Now that's interesting.

In all likelihood, this is the source of Ryuuen's confidence.

"You'll understand once you feel pain. One slowly learns fear after that".

"Then teach me that so-called pain of yours".

"As much as you desire and more!".

When Ryuuen grabbed hold of my shoulders, he struck me with a high-speed kick to the abdomen.

"Kiyotaka---!".

Karuizawa screamed in worry.

But it was an attack I intended to receive, nothing to worry about there.

"You'll understand if you get hit twice or thrice! Hah!".

As though aiming for the same spot, Ryuuen stamped down with his left leg.

As he stamps down, he closes the distance between us and I guarded my face with my left arm.

He extended his right arm and struck my right knee with it after winding it up. The most critical hit yet today.

I lay on my back while feeling pain rush through my body.

"How's that? Do you understand now?".

"...unfortunately I don't get anything. It's just pain spreading through my body".

"Are you trying to say that you're like me, that you feel no fear?".

"That's not it, Ryuuen. That's not what I mean".

I know fear that's caused by pain.

I know how miserable and terrifying it feels to be a loser.

I've seen people break down in front of my eyes countless times.

But after a while, it stopped being fear.

I just felt cold.

Because I realized that no matter how much suffering and despair others go through, I myself will never have to experience the same.

As long as I possess the means to protect myself, all is fine. As long as I'm safe, that means I'm the victor.

"Let's play some more!".

Ryuuen screamed and concentrated fire on my abdomen several times over.

By lowering my knee a bit, I was able to intercept Ryuuen's kick.

"Tch! So you predicted it!".

I'll deal with it patiently, through dodging it. I won't let any critical injury befall me.

"You want to play, Ayanokouji? Why aren't you dodging attacks you could've dodged?".

"I was conducting an experiment to see whether I'd really feel that fear you just described".

"Just how much are you underestimating me, you bastard".

Even though he senses the difference in power between us, Ryuuen continued to maintain that momentum.

It would be a different story if he were on a berserker rage but when one gets into a fight, the more one is confident in their own skills, the more they will despair upon sensing the difference in power. But I can't sense that from him.

Even while he dominated, I had incorporated miscalculations into my moves and by making a comeback, I had expected to shatter his spirit. In that sense, I suppose I did miscalculate a bit.

Of course, I simply misread his upper limit and it's not a problem to be worried over. All it means is that one extra step has been added to the process of shattering his spirit.

All it means is that Ryuuen will have to go through that much more pain.

"Where did you acquire that sort of strength? This isn't normal, Ayanokouji....".

It is true that this isn't a level you'll reach by just getting into fights and what not.

I didn't answer, I simply closed the distance between me and Ryuuen step by step.

It's obvious that his sharp eyes are focused on me.

"So you've been lurking behind the scenes even though you possess this much power. How does it feel? To look down on small fry day to day? I bet it feels as good as ejaculating, no?".

"I've never once thought of looking down on them or anything. Because whether others succeed or fail have nothing to do with me".

Perhaps he didn't like that answer. Ryuuen laughed while brushing his hair back.

"There's no possible way that's true. Humans are all bundles of greed".

He rejects me, denying the possibility of an entirely apathetic being existing. Of course, even I feel many things you could call greed.

But that's a story for another time.

In all likelihood, nothing's going to change even if I play with him any more than this.

I assumed my stance again.

"Then I'll pulverize you until you do feel fear!".

That's enough, Ryuuen.

I grabbed Ryuuen's right arm as he shifted his leg to knee me in the face and forcibly pulled him in for a merciless right hook to the face.

"Gah---!?".

Having received a blow powerful enough to blast his consciousness away, Ryuuen flew away.

But I won't reap his consciousness with a single blow.

I restrained myself to stop one step short of doing so.

I straddled Ryuuen as he fell to the concrete and I started raining down blows left and right.

"You mentioned you never felt fear, didn't you Ryuuen?".

"Haa...haa...kuku, that's right. I don't understand fear. I've never once felt it".

Despite having half his field of vision blocked by the swelling and bruising, Ryuuen fought back from underneath me.

But his strength is now impaired and soon enough, he's begun swinging and missing.

In response, I rained down a powerful yet precise blow from above.

His expression turned grim.

"Zuu, puu...! I'm confident in my fighting skills but it's not like I've never lost before. No, I know best precisely because I've lost many times over before.....".

He seems to be having difficulty speaking. Maybe the inside of his mouth's been cut up? He's spitting blood out of his mouth down to the ground.

I swung my fist down again.

"Gah!.....ahh, shit, it's becoming difficult to talk again".

I repeatedly rained down blows left and right at short intervals. But even then, Ryuuen didn't really feel fear.

"Violence reflects your true self. Both the one doing the beating and the one being beaten".

Ryuuen closed his eyes and laughed.

Provoking me to hit him as many times as I want.

"Hah, hah.....kuku.....it must be fun for you, Ayanokouji. You can act as cocky as you want with that sort of strength. You can do whatever the hell you want. That's why show me, Ayanokouji.....".

He opened his eyes.

And I then started raining down punches while aiming for his face.

His face had already swollen up but both his external and internal bleeding have also gotten really bad.

But even then, Ryuuen does not feel fear.

As a human being, it should be one of his primal instincts.

Yet that's not kicking in.

"Hasn't this gone far enough, Ryuuen?".

I made that proposal but of course he won't accept it.

"Kukuku, what's the matter Ayanokouji? I haven't yielded yet. Knock the living daylights out of me".

I swung my fist again at Ryuuen, who is putting his own life at risk to provoke me.

His face warped with pain but that was also only for a moment.

"It hurts, it hurts.....but that's all".

His eyes have yet to change since we met.

He seems to believe in losing the battle but winning the war.

"Even if you win here, I will keep coming after you no matter how many times it takes. No matter where you are at school, as soon as you show an opening I'll attack. And I'll have the last laugh".

Surely he's lived his life so far by making exactly that sort of comeback. No matter how strong his enemy may be, it's not like they're always invincible. His confidence stems from being able to strike at their openings without overlooking them.

To use violence to plunge his enemy into fear and dominate them.

The fear that if you make an enemy out of him, there's no telling when he'd attack you.

"Enjoy this temporary pleasure. Go on, victory is within your reach. Ayanokouji!".

Despite losing his ability to fight back, Ryuuen continued laughing to the bitter end.

"When a human being goes up against someone weaker, they'd feel emotions like pleasure. And fear lurks on the other side of that coin".

Fear lurks on the other side of emotions?

"Do you want to win? Do you not want to lose? What feelings are you feeling, Ayanokouji?".

Do I want to win?

Do I not want to lose?

"Right now...are you laughing at your dominion over me? Are you angry? Or perhaps you're excited? Or perhaps you're irritated? Tell me!".

I don't know what he's been saying for a while now.

Unfortunately, I can't see my own face, my own expression.

But there's one thing I am sure of.

It's that something as trivial as this won't shake my heart.

There should be no emotions seeping out.

I landed my fist on Ryuuen's face for a number of time I've lost count of.

"!".

I won't stop anymore.

Right. Then left. I continued to swing my fists with the same force behind them.

Ryuuen's face contorted.

Yes, that's it Ryuuen.

Now you see too, no?

That the feeling known as fear certainly exists within himself.

I pummeled Ryuuen with a blow more powerful than any that came before.

And in that single blow, I reaped his consciousness.

You may have planned to manipulate my heart but unfortunately for you, I don't have a heart that can be manipulated.

I slowly stood back up from above Ryuuen.

I can't afford to leave Karuizawa in this cold weather any longer than this.

"Sorry, I ended up putting you in a tough spot. Are you hurt anywhere?".

"I'm.....fine. I'm numb from the cold though...".

I extended my hand to Karuizawa, who witnessed it all from where she sat.

When I touched her hand, it was so cold it seemed as though it had frozen over.

"Disillusioned of me?".

"Obviously...you betrayed me from the start".

"That's right. Then why didn't you sell me out to Ryuuen?".

".....for my own sake. That's all".

She said that before collapsing into my chest, trembling.

"I was scared.....I was so scared...!".

"There's no need to think about anything right now. What happened today, what's happened so far. You can think about it all later. The only certain thing is that as of this moment, you've been freed from your curse. From this point onwards, Manabe.....no, no one else will be able to dredge up your past. As for the rest, you can act as you always have".

No longer possessing the strength to hold herself up, Karuizawa entrusts her body to me.

Looking at it from Karuizawa's perspective, it's been a calamitous few months. Incidental bullying at the hands of Manabe's group. Then further bullying after realizing she's being targeted.

Then having Ryuuen dredge up her past and having to realize all of it is because of me.

She must be falling apart, her emotional state unstable.

"You managed to create the present by overcoming your past. You'll just pick up where you left off starting tomorrow".

But if it's Karuizawa Kei we're talking about, there's no problem.

I confirmed it when I encountered her again on the rooftop.

"I'm the one who hurt you. I won't ask you to forgive me. But please just remember this one thing. If something like that happened today happens to you again, I will definitely save you".

"Kiyo, taka...".

Despite going through all she's gone through, Karuizawa still refuses to leave the parasitic destination that is me.

Karuizawa's reached the point where she won't be able to go on at this school without my existence.

No matter what happens, her heart will never crumble so long as I am there.

I wonder how it would've turned out if I had stepped in to save Karuizawa at an earlier stage.

There's no doubt that by swiftly fulfilling my promise to her, feelings of dependence would have grown stronger on Karuizawa's end. But if she were to be placed in a similar situation again, it would only amplify Karuizawa's despair.

But by dragging this out to the last stage, she grew to have faith in me until the very last moment. At the same time, I was also able to grasp that Karuizawa isn't someone who'd easily betray me.

Of course, even if she had spat my name out, that in itself would've resulted in 'guilt' and from that moment onwards, there's no doubt I'll be able to make use of her at will.

It would be sacrilegious to let go of a pawn like Karuizawa.

Her usefulness is secondary, there's nothing more important than keeping her in hand.

"A few flights below us the student council president.....no, the former student council president and probably Chabashira-sensei as well are waiting. They should know the situation to a certain degree as well so they'll be able to help you take care of things, including that drenched uniform of yours".

"I-I got it.....what about Kiyotaka?".

"I still need to clean up here. Besides, it'd be troublesome if we're seen together. You should head back first".

I said so as I lightly nudged Karuizawa's back and saw her off from the rooftop.

"Now then....".

I can't just abandon these four on the rooftop. Chabashira-sensei aside, it would be a problem if some other teacher were to find them.

Starting in order with Ishizaki, I gently slapped their cheeks to wake them up.

Saving Ryuuen for last.

".....kuh".

"Finally awake, are we?".

"Do you think.....this settles things, Ayanokouji?".

"It's over. Surely you're not going to say you want to keep going, are you?".

No matter who looks at it, it's clear this fight's been settled.

"I'll use any means I have to if it's for the sake of victory".

Saying that, Ryuuen slowly raised his upper body.

"If necessary, even war".

"Are you going to report that I pummeled you?".

".....kuku. Now that'd be lame. But, that's an option if it's for the sake of winning".

No matter how pathetic it makes him seem, he'll consider it as an option if it means winning against me.

"While I'm at it, I could even forcibly set it up to make it look like you set the trap".

"For the record, this is just my advice but I wouldn't recommend doing that. Beneath us, the former student council president is waiting. Even if he doesn't know the details, the fact that a problem did occur would be immediately revealed. And the fact that Ryuuen is the one who set the trap has been made clear from the moment the surveillance camera got destroyed. On the other hand, I was in Keyaki Mall around that period. If necessary, I can come up with as many alibis as needed".

The natural course of action is to have as much insurance on your side as possible after all.

"...even though you could've had a third party act as witness from the start, you didn't?".

"Because you wouldn't stop attacking me unless I pummel you once".

"You think I'll accept this defeat?".

"At the very least, I think you will. There's only one reason behind your defeat, Ryuuen. You messed up the order of conquest. That's all. If you'd first faced off against Ichinose's class then had the experience of fighting against Sakayanagi, perhaps you might've been closer to my level when you fought me. You got too curious and overextended".

He laughed bitterly when I spat those words out.

"You're being rather frank...".

"I'd like to say I'll accept a rematch anytime but...I have no intention of standing out from this point onwards. If possible, please go after someone else".

I expected Ryuuen-like words to come flying back at me but for some reason, he seemed to be silently thinking it over.

"Unless I'm reading too much into the fact that you had the witness keep their distance, it means if I persist in going after you, you'll drive us into a corner even if it means sacrificing your identity and Karuizawa's past, is what it means".

"I'd like to avoid that to the best of my ability but yes, I'd have no other choice but to do that".

"And not only me but you'll also drag the others here Ishizaki, Ibuki and Albert down with you".

I don't know how they'll be dealt with but they surely won't be able to avoid a harsh punishment.

"Yet another one of your failings was assuming that my identity and Karuizawa's past would be absolute. If you wanted to shut me down in advance, you should've either done it on a larger scale or posted more watchdogs".

There's always a hard limit on what he can afford to do in this area called the school.

"In other words, as long as I continue to exist, Class C will be handicapped".

"Not really. As long as you don't take any reckless action against us, I have no intention of using this matter as a tool either".

"I'm not naive enough to believe in a verbal promise like that. If Class C ever drives you into a corner, you'll report today's incident to the school. Am I wrong?".

"Perhaps".

I certainly cannot guarantee that.

Can Class C function properly when they're constantly forced to keep their heads down?

"But what'll you do? What's done is done, Ryuuen".

"Shut up. I'm done fighting against you. And, my own battle's also over".

Ryuuen looked around at Ibuki and the other two before taking out his phone and typing something into it.

And then he slid the phone across the floor of the rooftop where it came to a stop near Ibuki's feet.

"What...".

Ibuki, who had been silently listening to our conversation, glared at him. And also at me.

"I take responsibility for everything. Before that, I'm transferring all my points over to you".

"Huh.....? Ryuuen, you, what are you saying...? Are you stupid?".

"T-That's right, Ryuuen-san! It's not like anyone's going to talk about what happened here so there's no need for you to take responsibility!".

Both sides cannot afford to speak up about this incident.

On the surface, we're locked into a stalemate.

But the truth of it is that Class D is in an overwhelmingly advantageous position and Ryuuen's realized that.

There's only one way to cancel it out.

"Ayanokouji, I'm the sole perpetrator of all this. One expulsion's enough, isn't it?".

"You're being rather serious. To take responsibility for your actions".

How stupid. He spat those words out along with the blood that had accumulated inside his mouth.

"A tyrant is only tolerated so as long as his power holds meaning. Now that I've lost this badly, no one will follow me anymore".

His domineering actions and attitude are only tolerated because they produce results.

Involving the other classes in his search for X has resulted in appropriately large waves being made. He's done things his way by force so far but now that he's lost, he's determined that he's lost the right to do so.

He grasps things far quicker than I expected. It looks like I made the right choice setting up a stage where Ryuuen is able to go all out.

"You've got to be kidding me. Why are you entrusting it to me...?".

"It's because you hate me. Divide the remaining private points up between everyone. Once I get expelled, Katsuragi and Sakayanagi will declare the contract null and void but there's nothing that can be done about it".

If the contractor himself drops out of school, there's a very high possibility that would be the case.

"Are you seriously saying this, Ryuuen-san!?".

Ishizaki also stood up and shouted that out in a sad sounding voice.

"Shut up. I can hear you just fine without the screaming".

Ryuuen laughed thinly.

"You guys handle the rest yourselves".

It would seem he's serious about dropping out. He stood up without even looking at his phone.

"Later".

Leaving behind those words, he tried to exit the rooftop.

Neither Ibuki's words nor Ishizaki's words reached that back of his.

"Are you sure? About dropping out of school. I think you'll regret it though".

I stopped Ryuuen.

"What do you care?".

"If you leave here without even knowing the reason behind your loss, your growth will stop right there and then".

"Huh?".

"Are you fine not knowing the reason you lost against me?".

"...spare me. There's no reason for you to save me in the first place. You stand to gain nothing from sparing me, not after I've learned about you and Karuizawa. There's no telling when I'll spill the beans".

"That's right.....if I have to state a reason then it would be that things will get easier for Class D even without me if you would take out Sakayanagi and Ichinose on my behalf. Besides, if your contract with Katsuragi remains intact, Class A will slowly accumulate damage. And most importantly, if you suddenly drop out, Sakayanagi and Ichinose would end up thinking Ryuuen got beaten by X. It would be troublesome if that were to happen".

In other words, give-and-take. I added that afterwards.

"Even if word of this unexpectedly spreads, I've sustained no visible injuries, fortunately enough. No matter who looks at it, it would only seem as though you guys had a falling out, no?".

".....then this'd be the scenario. I tried to punish you for not working hard enough but you got fed up and retaliated and as a result, I was overthrown. Let's leave it at that".

That way, it won't inconvenience me any either, is that it?

"You.....are you really fine with that?".

"Everyone here got demolished by Ayanokouji alone. To hell with it all at this point. Besides, me disappearing off on my own minimizes the damage dealt".

"Just let me add this. You're free to drop out on your own and you're free to doubt me too. But I have no intention of telling anyone about what happened here. I also ensured that the former student council president waiting below will keep his silence on the matter. In other words, nothing happened here that would require expulsion. If you still wish to drop out, then I won't stop you...".

"Then don't stop me. I don't trust easily".

Leaving those words behind, Ryuuen left the rooftop.

Ishizaki and even Ibuki seemed dissatisfied with Ryuuen's actions.