6 Chapter 6 - The Gang

---Notice---

Enjoy this extra chapter, once again, there are no particular release dates for this Fic I may keep releasing every day I may stop for a few days or etc keep that in mind.

Any support means a lot, and can hopefully get this story out there if you like it.

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"Taxes are what we pay for civilized society." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

The class was discussing the idea of a class tax.

Shiho Manabe, the girl I had met on the bus on the first day of class, voiced her opinion, "I don't see any harm in having someone safeguard our points. After all, we aren't losing them. The real question is who will be in charge of them. Personally, I'd be comfortable if it's Yagami," she stated after a moment of contemplation.

Albert Yamada, a man of few words, nodded in agreement, "I'm not exactly a great student, so I don't oppose the idea either."

Gradually, the class seemed to warm up to the idea.

Kakeru Ryuen, ever the contrarian, declared, "Well, I'm out. I won't be at risk of expulsion, so I don't need to be part of your little point pool. But by all means, proceed. It'll ensure you guys don't drag me down."

A few students shot Ryuen sideways glances. I imagined they didn't care that Ryuen wasn't participating, as most of the class was not only scared of him but despised him.

Satoru Kaneda promptly raised a question, "But wait, why should Yagami be the one to hold onto the points? Shouldn't this be something we vote on?"

Hiroya Tokito chimed in, "Ryuen and Yagami were the only ones in our class to figure out how the school works, and they did it within an hour of being here. He's the only one I trust to use the points properly not just because of his intellect but because of his personality."

Ryuen interjected, "I'm not participating in this, but Tokito is right. I doubt anyone else in this class can effectively handle such a large amount of points."

"As I said, I won't agree to this if anyone else will be the one keeping the points," Manabe reiterated.

Surprisingly, Mio Ibuki responded next, saying, "I don't trust any of the of you either."

Ryuen whistled, "You two must have gotten close quickly," he teased Ibuki.

"Of course, you guys don't have to participate in this if you don't want to," I reminded the class.

Ryuen then added, "That's true, but I think all of you should keep in mind that if some of you don't pay the tax and Yagami had to choose between saving someone who paid the tax and saving one who didn't, who do you think he would feel obliged to save?" He seemed to be helping to an extent, or perhaps the scenario at hand just entertained him.

"Yes, I will, of course try to help all of you, but I can't make any promises. All I can say is I'll try my best," I responded.

"I'm done with this; I want to go to lunch," Ibuki declared, standing up and approaching me, "Take out your phone," she instructed, and I complied. Within a second, 55,000 points were transferred. She gave more than necessary, but that's not a bad thing.

She quickly left afterwards.

Albert Yamada approached me swiftly after the Ibuki.

"So, how much are we contributing?" he asked, his fingers nervously tapping on his phone.

"I think 50% of your initial monthly points. This way, everyone contributes at least half of their points," I suggested. Albert nodded in agreement, transferred the points, and then left.

As soon as Albert exited, Ryuen followed him, not contributing any points.

In quick succession, the rest of the students transferred their points to me. Some gave more than 50,000 points, but all contributed at least 50,000. Once that was done, all the students dispersed to the cafeteria for lunch.

"I'm surprised you managed to convince them to part with their points," Ryuk commented as I walked into the hallway. After ensuring we were alone, I responded.

"Fear is a powerful motivator, Ryuk. Class C is filled with people who are more familiar with using their fists than their brains. We're in an academic environment, and they likely see themselves at a disadvantage compared to other students and classes because of that. They're more likely to face expulsion since they aren't the most academically gifted members of this school. If they're expelled, the 100,000 points they have in their account won't matter; they will lose it all. So, to them, it's a fair trade - they give up points and gain protection. It's a concept every thug understands."

With that, I moved towards the cafeteria, only to be halted as I neared the order counter.

"You clearly took your time. I've been waiting for you," Ibuki remarked, her tone laced with a hint of impatience.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know," I responded with a note of curiosity in my voice. "Was there something you needed?"

"Not particularly. I just wanted to repay you for the fruit basket you brought for me and Ishizaki. I hate being indebted," Ibuki replied, her words crisp and clear.

"You're not indebted to me. We're friends, aren't we? I'm certain you'd do the same if our roles were reversed," I reasoned, retrieving a bento from my bag. "Besides, I've prepared my own lunch."

"If you continue being this naive, others will exploit you," Ibuki warned, her words sounding stern.

"I believe you just need to trust a bit more," I countered, moving towards the seating area. I spotted Manabe waving me over. "Besides, what kind of person would I be to demand repayment for a gift?"

"Are you planning to sit with them?" Ibuki queried, her gaze following mine.

"I wouldn't want to ignore them. Would you like to join us?" I invited her.

After a moment's pause, she responded, "No, I prefer being alone."

"Are you certain?"

"Stop asking pointless questions," Ibuki retorted before making her exit.

"Have you finished collecting the points?" Manabe asks as I take a seat across from her, surrounded by a few others.

"Not entirely. Ishizaki is still left, but he's in the infirmary. I'll wait until he's better tomorrow," I reply.

"You're referring to the hothead who confronted Ryuen yesterday?" Nishino interjects after a moment.

I let out a chuckle before responding, "You can't be too hard on him. Dealing with Ryuen is no easy task."

"Manabe has spoken quite a bit about you. You've made a significant impression on the entire class, and it's only the second day of school," Yabu remarks shortly after that.

"Enough, Yabu. All I said was that we had a good connection when we first met," she retorts, a blush creeping onto her face, "Isn't that right, Yagami?"

"I would agree that we got along quite well," I respond.

"What's your opinion of Ryuen, Yagami?" Nishino asks.

"I'm not particularly fond of his methods, but there's no denying his intelligence and overall competence," I reply.

Manabe then whispers, "Do you think he's really capable of leading our class against the others?"

"By himself? No. I'm certain the other classes have talents that are at least on par with Ryuen. He will undoubtedly fail if he tries to handle every future situation by himself. However, if we collaborate with Ryuen and he acknowledges us, then it's possible," I explain.

"I despise the idea of working with that guy. He's scary… but what choice do we have? He might hurt us if we don't do what he asks," Yabu expresses.

"If you ever feel threatened or if Ryuen intimidates any of you, don't hesitate to approach me. I'll do my best to handle the situation. And if you're uncomfortable with the idea of working with Ryuen, try to look at it like you are working with me. I'll also be doing my utmost for the class," I assure them.

"That's right. You're pretty smart, aren't you? You figured out a lot about the school on the first day, even before Ryuen did," Manabe points out.

I nod in agreement, "It's somewhat embarrassing to admit like this, but if it comforts you to know that you can rely on me, then yes, I've been considered quite intelligent since a young age."

"You guys want to go back to class? We all got our lunch, right?" Yabu asked.

"That's true. Let's head back," I reply, and we all make our way back to the classroom.

Upon our arrival, we found many students already there, engaged in talk and enjoying their meals. Not long after we settle down, an announcement echoes from the loudspeaker, "Today at 5pm, there will be a club fair in Gymnasium Number 1."

"A club fair, huh? Light, are you considering joining any clubs?" Manabe inquires, her curiosity piqued.

"Maybe. I haven't decided yet. There's no rush, after all. One can always join a club later," I respond, maintaining my composed demeanor.

"True… So, what are your plans after school?" Manabe probes further.

"I plan to visit Ishizaki. I need to inform him about the point pool and update him on what the teachers went over in today's class so he understands the school rules. Why do you ask?" I respond, raising an eyebrow at her inquiry.

"Don't play dumb; she's clearly trying to ask you out on a date," Nishino interjects, not looking up from her phone.

"Nishino, don't be an idiot, Nishino! I was just making conversation," Manabe retorts, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Well, I may not be available today, but I don't have any plans next week. If you'd like to go out then, I'm free," I offer, turning back to Manabe.

"I have some things to do… but I should finish those soon. So, I suppose if you want to go out next week, I should be free," she replies, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

"Understood. Then next week it is then." I respond with a smile.

***

"So, that's what's up, huh?" Ishizaki grumbled, his voice echoing slightly in the empty medical ward. I had just informed him of the rules we had learned today, as well as the points pool. "Alright, come here. I'll transfer you the point."

I moved closer to him, allowing his device to initiate the transfer of points. 

"I know I've expressed my respect for Ryuen, but I respect you too, in a different way," Ishizaki said, his voice steady. "I've always admired those who give their all, regardless of the circumstances."

"It's the least I can do," I responded, humility in my tone.

"How many points do you have in total?" he asked me, curiosity piquing his interest.

"A little over 2 million. It should be enough for the foreseeable future, but we'll continue to accumulate, just in case. The future is unpredictable."

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the infirmary. "Look who's here," Ryuen announced, his voice filled with his usual bravado.

"Ryuen," Ishizaki acknowledged, his voice devoid of any hostility.

"Did you come here to visit Ishizaki?" I asked.

"Something like that," Ryuen replied nonchalantly, moving closer.

"Why didn't you report me for attacking you? I could've been expelled if you had," Ishizaki questioned, his tone serious.

"My goal wasn't to expel anyone. Your expulsion would've negatively impacted the class points-wise. But the main reason I didn't want to expel you is because I like you. I appreciate strong people, whether that strength is physical or mental," Ryuen responded, his tone surprisingly sincere.

"I want to help you reach Class A. I want to be there when you do it," Ishizaki declared after a moment of silence.

"Is that so? Do you want him? You're not a fighter, right? I can't let an important member of my class go undefended," Ryuen retorted, a smirk playing on his lips.

"What the hell are you talking about, trading people away like they're cards?" Ibuki interjected, her voice laced with annoyance as she entered the infirmary.

"Ibuki, what are you doing here?" Ishizaki asked, surprised.

"I came to get my half from the get-well bag. It wasn't all yours, you know. And I'll need some after giving up half my points," Ibuki responded, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Those bandages look fresh," Ibuki observed, glancing at Ryuen.

"Yeah, that Albert guy has been giving me a tough time, but he's cracking under the pressure. I can feel it. It won't be much longer," Ryuen responded, licking his lips as he looked at Ibuki.

"Disgusting," she retorted, her voice filled with disgust.

"Anyway, Ryuen, I can't just 'claim' Ishizaki. He has his own wishes. He wants to follow you," I responded, my tone firm, though in reality, I wanted nothing to do with Ishizaki. He would negatively affect my image and seemed too hot-headed.

"I guess that's true, but I don't want you to go around making our class look weak. If it were a random member of our class, it would be alright, but you hold some sway, and you're also carrying around all those points. It'll make me look like a bad leader," Ryuen said, looking at Ibuki.

"What about you, Ibuki? Do you have any objections to guarding Yagami, or would you prefer to spend your alone time with me?" Ryuen asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

"I'd rather die," Ibuki responded quickly, her voice firm.

"Well, that settles that then. Make sure people don't take advantage of him. But keep in mind, if you ever feel lonely, especially at night, my door is open to you," Ryuen said, a smirk on his face.

"Tsk," Ibuki responded, clearly annoyed by Ryuen.

Ryuen pulls out his phone, his voice carrying a commanding tone, "Everyone, share your numbers."

At his words, I reach for my phone. The only contacts I currently have are Manabe and her friends. If we're to compete with Classes A, B, and D in the future, staying connected is crucial.

Ishizaki follows suit, quickly exchanging contacts with Ryuen.

"Ibuki," Ryuen calls out, pointing his phone at her. She's the only one who hasn't made a move to share her contact yet.

"Why? So you can harass me more? Besides, you just assigned me to watch over Yagami. If you need to reach me, do it through him," Ibuki retorts, her tone sharp.

Ryuen sighs, "Fine, whatever. Anyway, I'm off to pay Albert a visit at his dorm," he announces, waving us off as he leaves.

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We are almost going to the good stuff let me know how you feel about everything so far, I was building some relationships between characters as I want light to be a leader/representative in the class and these relationships will hopefully be important in future chapters.

Let me know what you think stuff will definitely be speeding up a bit now.

**do you guys want illustrations/images made with ai btw? I always forgot to put them in my other fic but I can try in this one.**