I have always known that sometimes life can take unexpected turns, like when I met Yumiko by chance, meeting Kawasaki and even my mere existence is an unexpected turn.
So, when I met Yukinoshita I attributed that chance encounter to the twist of fate, when she cooked me lunch, I also attributed it to mere coincidence, as I didn't expect that to happen.
And when Hiratsuka-sensei forced me to join the service club, I knew that this thing called fate hated me.
I have no plans to spend my evenings helping people I don't know and don't even care about. But to my bad luck, I am now a member, and if I want to be free of that burden, I must behave like a person of whom society would be proud.
After so many insults from Yukinoshita, I even myself began to doubt my value in society. Seriously, that girl is very scathing with her words.
Leaving aside the traumas that Yukinoshita is leaving in my subconscious, yesterday was not so unpleasant, more than I was able to take revenge on Hiratsuka-sensei. She came out quite exhausted from the service club, having to listen to Yukinoshita's sermon and then mine, not a pleasant thing.
So that sermon was a way of thanking Sensei for obliging me to join the service club.
And since I am now part of a club, I had to tell Yumiko that I would no longer be available in the evenings, and with that I avoid having to go to the mall or karaoke with them.
Maybe it's not as bad as I thought.
Of course, Yumiko wasn't very happy, but since the club is part of the school's activities, she had no choice but to accept it. And I guess my cheerful tone in saying this didn't help much either.
Putting those thoughts aside, I had already arrived at the door of the club. I hoped my second day would be a quiet one.
I opened the door without hesitation, after all, I am a member and not a customer.
Yukinoshita was in her usual place, she was sitting in an elegant manner while reading a book with a cat cover.
She looked away from her book to observe the intruder who disturbed her tranquility.
''I guess Hiratsuka-sensei isn't the only one who needs a lecture on good manners.'' She said with a mocking attitude towards my lack of manners.
"Save your sermon for later." I said with my usual tone.
I walked over to the only chair that was unoccupied and proceeded to sit down, set my things aside and then pulled out a light novel.
As I prepared myself for a few hours of reading, I could feel Yukinoshita's gaze.
''Am I that interesting for you to stare at me?'' I said sarcastically.
''I didn't expect you to introduce yourself today.''
''If I remember correctly, I'm a member of this club.'' Against my will.
Yukinoshita put a smile on her face.
''I guess expecting someone like you to know the basic processes of joining a club is too much to ask.'' She said with a tone of disappointment, but she still had a smile on her face.
I didn't quite understand what she was referring to.
''Could your majesty enlighten me with your vast wisdom?''
''Of course, after all, I am the president of this club.'' She said in an arrogant manner. Sometimes I forget how annoying this girl is. ''To formally join it is necessary for you to fill in an application, which the club president will then accept or reject.''
''I've never been in a club before, so it's natural that I'm not aware of this kind of thing.'' In middle school I never had an interest in being part of a club.
''I can tell that just by looking at you, so you don't have to say it like you're proud of it. In fact, it's pathetic for you to say it that way.'' No matter what kind of conversation is, she will always have an insult ready.
''Putting aside how pathetic I can be, I guess I'll go ask Hiratsuka-sensei for that request.'' I pulled me to my feet, and I left my novel on my seat.
As I was preparing to leave, Yukinoshita's voice stopped me.
''As I am a generous and insightful person, I was anticipatory and asked Hiratsuka-sensei for the application, just in case you returned to the club.'' Yukinoshita said while swinging her hair with her left arm, as if she seeks to emphasize the superiority that exists between us.
Yukinoshita took out a sheet of paper from her briefcase and held it out for me to take.
If she didn't have that air of grandeur and total control of the situation, it would be more pleasant to converse with her.
I sighed and took the sheet. ''I appreciate your great anticipation, Yukinoshita-sama.'' I said in a mocking manner.
''It's good that you recognize it.'' She said proudly.
Once I had the sheet, the problem came to be where to fill it out, as the club only had 2 chairs that were far apart.
Looking to the back of the classroom, I noticed that, among the several stacked chairs, there was a table in the middle, I guess that will do.
So, I proceeded to the back of the club.
I started moving the chairs around so I could get to the table. Seriously, this club can be taken as a warehouse.
While I was at it, Yukinoshita came over and started moving some chairs.
''I didn't expect to have your help, Ojou-sama.'' I said in a mocking manner.
''Spare me the compliments, if I let you do it alone, you're likely to mess it up, so it's preferable that I take the reins of it.''
Although it was just moving a table, Yukinoshita said it as if I was useless even for that.
Once we cleared the chairs, the table was finally free. It was rectangular in shape and large. Enough for several people.
As I was about to load the table, Yukinoshita's words stopped me.
"Hold it on that side, so we can move the table." She said.
I didn't expect to have Yukinoshita's help since it's just moving a table, and even though it looks big, it's no problem for me.
''Is following a simple order so difficult for you?'' She said somewhat irritated,
The classroom wasn't that long, at most it was moving the table a few meters.
So, I proceeded to hold the table by its sides and lifted it up and turned it upside down on top of me. To Yukinoshita's surprise.
Once I had the table with me, I walked until I was in front of our chairs and slowly lowered it, with that we can use the table for other things.
I seem to remember that the club came to have a table as well.
''I didn't expect you to be able to handle the table alone.'' Yukinoshita said as she proceeded to take a seat.
''I'm sorry that to your eyes I'm just useless, but I'm more capable than you'll ever be.'' I said with a mocking tone.
She raised an eyebrow. ''Is that so? But to think that just because you can carry a table, you're much more capable than me, is ridiculous.''' Yukinoshita said as she scoffed at how pathetic my argument had been.
''There are things that some people can do, and some people can't, and I'm sure I can surpass you in the ones that you consider yourself the best at.
Yukinoshita was ready to respond but stopped and simply looked away.
I guess she remembered how she lost to me regarding her Pan-san questions.
When I thought I had a victory against Yukinoshita, she turned her gaze towards me with a teasing smile.
''Since you mentioned that you can beat me, I don't remember seeing your name in the top ranks of the past exam, not even in the entrance exam. I'm sure few people know about you, so if you're as good as you say you are, your failure to get recognition shows that you're just blabbering.'' Yukinoshita said as she mocked me.
Yukinoshita was right, though most of it is because I don't seek attention myself.
''If I wanted to do it, I would do it without difficulty, but I just find it tedious, that's all.''
''Talking is easy, Tsurumi-kun, but doing things is different from just saying the things you won't be able to do.'' She said arrogantly, as if her words were the absolute truth, though she's right.
I sighed and decided to concentrate on the application to formally join the club, much to my discomfort.
Yukinoshita put on a winning expression, seriously, this girl is a pain in the ass.
Once I finished filling in the form, I handed it to Yukinoshita.
''Now, I will either accept the application or reject it.'' She said arrogantly.
''Do whatever you want.''
I took my novel and began to read it. But out of the corner of my eye, I looked at Yukinoshita.
She kept examining it as if looking for any mistake to make fun of my incompetence. I know, because I would also do the same if I were in her situation.
''Tsurumi-kun, I know you may be quite incompetent and have a lack of ethics, but to put in the reason for joining the club; I was forced against my will, shows how much work I have to do with you.'' Yukinoshita said with disappointment in her voice.
''I don't think I have any other reason to join your club, you know? And I'm not a person who lies either, I'm proud to say that I'm an honest person.''
''Is that so? I remember a few times where you lied, and it came as natural to you as breathing.'''
Her words hit right at my pride. She had shredded my arguments as easy as tearing a leaf.
''They were for the greater good.''
Yukinoshita only gave a sigh upon hearing my pathetic excuse, I don't blame her, I would have done the same.
''By the way, I know you may be a person with lack of ethics and a disappointment to society, but why did Hiratsuka-sensei bring you here?'' She said with some doubt in her tone of voice, I guess she must be curious.
She has a point, I never specifically mentioned why I was brought to this place, she was only told that this would be my punishment.
''In simple terms, I shattered the morale of the Kendo club and destroyed the pride of a third-year senpai who practices judo. And that's why the advisors of those clubs complained to Hiratsuka-sensei. I really don't see the point.'' I said while shaking my head.
''Even if you say so, I find it hard to believe that. Since imagining you having a duel with other people is impossible for me, even though you recently proved to be fit.''
Yukinoshita began to stare at me, as if just by watching me she could tell if my words were true.
''You can ask Hiratsuka-sensei since it's not something I have to hide, and I can also add not submitting an assignment, submitting an incorrect essay, and skipping classes to go to the rooftop to hang out.'' I had no reason to hide this, after all, once Yukinoshita asked Hiratsuka-sensei, Sensei would tell her about all my crimes, if that can be called a crime.
''You saying it with such calmness shows that it's true, but what's worse is your proud tone in saying this, you really don't have a shred of morals and ethics.''
''I don't see the need to hide or regret the things I did.'' Regretting the past won't change anything. I know that firsthand.
Yukinoshita looked thoughtful at my words.
''I guess you're right about that.'' She took out a pen and signed the form. ''There, with this you is now an official member of the club.''
''Even though this club isn't official?'' I wanted to tease her club situation a bit since whether she wanted to or not, Yukinoshita would only just have her club formalized with more than 3 members.
''Ara, it seems like belonging to something went to your head, but I don't blame you since if you have the opportunity to have contact with other people, it must be a great accomplishment for you.'' Her look was amused, as if she was waiting for my answer. And to her luck, I had a prepared response.
''If it's about having contact with people, well, a few days ago I had a date with a beautiful girl, and afterwards she invited me for lunch. Being one of the most popular girls at Sobu High, I'm sure several men would be envious of my situation.'' I said with a proud tone. ''And to my good fortune, I ended up in the same club as this beautiful girl, so my chances with her increased.''
After saying that, I started looking at her.
She just covered her non-existent breasts, as if she had interpreted my gaze as that of a man lusting after her body. But to her bad luck, I's not part of that set of men.
Yukinoshita is beautiful, but I know beautiful girls too, and unlike her, they are well-endowed. Yumiko, Kawasaki and Yuigahama are the ones that came to mind when I remembered the day we went to the beach.
You can't judge me, watching those things bounce around when we were playing volleyball was a visual treat. Maybe I should invite them to go to the beach next summer. It's not that I have ulterior motives, I'm just making sure they can enjoy their youth.
Yukinoshita was looking at me with a disgusted expression, I guess I put on a strange expression. A habit I must change.
She took out her cell phone and was pressing it.
''Yukinoshita what are you doing?'' For some reason, I had a bad feeling.
''Now I know your true intentions, so with this I have proof for the authorities to take care of the danger to society, but don't worry, I'll make sure you get several years.'' She said with a proud tone, as if she was handing over a potential criminal.
''You know, if I wanted to do something to you, I would have already done it.'' I said with a tone of disinterest. You can come back when you're older, and the genes have taken effect on you.
''I'd like to see you try; I'd send you to the ground before you'd come near me!'' She said in a smug and proud manner.
''Weren't you taught not to judge a book by its cover?'' I said in a serious way as I focused on her.
She also centered her gaze on me, as if she was watching for any move I would make.
Generally, speaking, I'm sure I can take her, but the last thing I want is to be labeled as a stalker. And earning Yukinoshita's hatred won't be an easy thing to deal with.
''But as I said, if I wanted to do something, I would have already done it. Besides, you're not my type.'' I said while looking at her breasts. I consider myself a breast lover, so I highly doubt that Yukinoshita can get my attention. Of course, if we omit that detail, I guess it would be anyone's fantasy to have her as a partner.
Yukinoshita just covered them while looking somewhat nervous.
''You really are someone disgusting, but with this I confirmed that you're someone shallow, since judging someone by their physical features only shows that your brain doesn't develop an intellectual ability to distinguish people from their appearance to their mentality!'' She said in a quick manner.
''For you, to say it that way shows that you are somewhat ashamed of yourself. You should learn from me that I am not ashamed of anything.'' I said arrogantly.
She just put on a smile.
''Is that so? I find it kind of hilarious that you would say that to me when you wear contact lenses.''
And with just a few words, she destroyed my previous words. Yukinoshita's ability to replenish and respond is frightening.
''I guess that's a point for you.'' I said while sighing.
''It's obvious, don't expect me to lose to you again.''
''But that you managed to lose proves that it can happen again, so I wouldn't say those words with such confidence.''
''I underestimated you for the first time, it won't happen again.'' Yukinoshita said firmly.
With that, our conversation came to an end.
So, we both went back to our respective novels.
Although, I took my contact lenses out earlier, for some reason, having them at this moment bothered me. Seriously, her words hit deep inside me. If it hadn't been for that feeling, I had with her food, this wouldn't happen, although I won't deny that remembering those moments felt comforting.
I cleared my mind of these thoughts and focused my attention on my novel.
Time had passed, as I looked at the time, I realized that the club hour was almost over.
Reading or arguing with Yukinoshita, I guess it's not so bad either. Although I'd rather avoid the latter, but Yukinoshita is not one to hold back.
While I was thinking about what to do once I got home, I could hear a knock on the door of the club.
''Come in.'' Yukinoshita said.
The door opened, revealing a somewhat small boy, he had brown hair and wore glasses. His build was thin, and the rest was ordinary. The stereotype of an ordinary student.
''G-good afternoon.'' He said somewhat nervously as he entered the club.
''Good afternoon, I'm Yukinoshita Yukino, the president of this club, and the other person here is just an attempt at being human, but you can ignore him.'' She said while looking at me in an amused manner.
''Do you really have to denigrate me in front of others?'' I said with an exhausted tone.
''It is just to be cautious so that they don't expect anything from you.'' She said while looking at me in a pathetic way.
I guess in her eyes I'm still an attempt at being human, at least Yukinoshita still considers me human and not an animal or object.
When I looked in the boy's direction, I noticed that he looked somewhat uncomfortable with our conversation.
''You can ignore that, my name is Tsurumi Raiden, so you are...?''
When I wanted to continue talking, I noticed that the other party hadn't introduced himself yet. And this one seemed to notice it as he stared at us resolutely.
''I'm Koyama Souta, I'm a first year, Hiratsuka-sensei mentioned to me that if I had a problem, I could come to this place.'' Said the boy looking at the ground, I can tell he doesn't have much confidence in himself. That resolution he had in the beginning disappeared with the course of his words.
''That's right, as long as it's possible, we will do our best.'' Yukinoshita said in a firm tone.
''In short, we will guide you so that you can achieve it.'' I preferred to clarify Yukinoshita's words. Since it could be misunderstood that we will do all the work while he watches.
His expression changed for a moment, but then returned to his previous one. I think I can get the idea.
''You can take a seat and tell us your problem.'' Yukinoshita pointed to a chair that was on the side, it was used by Hiratsuka-sensei yesterday.
That kid took a seat in front of us, it reminded me of a job interview for some reason.
The boy started to tell us his problem. In short, it is that when he leaves his club and goes home, Koyama has the bad luck to meet some guys from another school, they bother him and take him with them to go to the arcade games, all this because he is the one in charge of paying for everything. And when he tried to resist or protest, they only exerted some force to intimidate him, so he obeyed their orders without protesting.
A typical case of intimidation.
Moreover, as this happened outside the school, it cannot be considered something that the school or a teacher should intervene in, so I see it as impossible for Koyama to have gone to a teacher before. Also, Hiratsuka-sensei must have realized that, so she told him that, if he had any problem, to go to the service club.
Since, Koyama should be more open in telling this problem to peers of his age.
But seeing how withdrawn he is, I guess the people he hangs out with have a similar attitude to him, so doing something would be impossible for them.
Now the question is how to solve his problem, although for me there is only one solution.
As I deduced this, it is simple. We just have to make the abusers stop doing it, and for that the only option is to make them afraid. And who better than the guy who destroyed the morale of an entire club and hurt the pride of the best judo student Sobu High.
So the quick solution to this is for me to take care of those guys, I guess being in this club isn't so bad.
''So, you want us to take care of those guys, right?'' I said while looking him in the eyes.
Koyama just nodded his head.
''Unfortunately, that's not how we do things in this club.'' Yukinoshita said with a serious tone. ''I'm against people abusing others for profit, I even consider it disgusting, but if we take care of it, it won't stop them from coming after you again at any time.'' Koyama looked somewhat dejected after Yukinoshita's words.
I support that thought, people who abuse others for whatever reason are trash, of course, if it's in revenge, things change.
Yukinoshita is right. If we simply tell those guys not to bother Koyama, they will be able to avoid us and look for Koyama at any other time.
''In that case, we should just intimidate them, so they know that if they mess with him again, it'll go bad for them.'' A quick and easy answer.
''Really your mind can only think of such a deplorable solution?'' She said indignantly. ''If we did that, we would just become other bullies, we would be taking the place of those guys. Besides, besides, we won't solve their problem, it will be Koyama-kun who will have to do it.''
Even if you want to deny it, Yukinoshita is right. Since the service club helps the same person solve their problems, we will only be supportive.
Although if we are objective, Koyama won't be able to do anything, at most he can say a few words before these guys beat him up for objecting.
There are limits to what people can do. I am aware of that.
Helping so that the person may be able to do it himself or herself on this occasion is not good.
If Koyama had a simple problem such as wanting to raise his grades or improve as a person, Yukinoshita's idea is much more feasible, but for these cases it is best to solve the problem at the root.
''Then what idea do you suggest helping? Since, if you criticize my idea, I guess you must have a better one.'' I said with a defiant tone.
It's impossible for me to think of another solution to end this problem.
''We'll make Koyama-kun confront them since, if he doesn't show an initiative, no matter what we do, they'll come back to bother him.''
Koyama looked somewhat frightened upon hearing Yukinoshita's idea.
''A great idea, except that I doubt the other party will listen to it quietly.''
''That's why we'll go to back him up, if things get out of hand, we'll intervene.''
Have Koyama confronts them, and in case they get aggressive, we'll go out to control the situation.
''That's the only way?'' He said with a somewhat frightened tone, as Koyama would have to confront the guys who are bothering him.
''That's the way we can give you a hand, we don't solve other people's problems, but we help them to come to a solution, they will be the ones who will solve their own problems in the end.'' Yukinoshita said with determination.
Yukinoshita's plan will fail, even if we intervene. In the end, as she said, those guys will be able to look for it any other time.
Koyama looked a bit worried; he came to this place to look for a solution to his problem, but we are just giving him a bigger problem.
I'm not really interested in helping him, but now that I'm part of this club, I guess it's my duty to do it, and if I'm going to do it, I'll do it my way.
In a way that Koyama doesn't have to worry about those guys anymore.
Although if I think about it, I'm sure Hikigaya could handle this in a different way, but unfortunately, I'm not him, and I prefer to avoid tedious things.
I got up from my seat.
''Then shall we go?'' I said as I grabbed my things.
Koyama looked hesitant though.
''Koyama-kun, don't worry, we're not going to leave you without support, but the only way to stop this from continuing is for you to confront them yourself.'' Yukinoshita said.
As she said, saying the words is so easy, but doing it comes to be the complicated part.
''Yukinoshita you are going to return the key to sensei, right? Then we'll wait for you at the exit, while I'll go, tell him some words that Koyama can say.''
''At least you can help apparently, I thought you'd just stay out of it.'' Yukinoshita said with her usual tone.
''I think this is something I can help with.'' Both ways.
''Alright, see you at the exit.''
The 3 of us left, and Yukinoshita took the opposite direction from us.
I guess it's time to do this.
''Tell me, Koyama, do you trust Yukinoshita's idea?''
''I want to do it since it's the only way to stop those guys from bothering me anymore.'' He said in a low tone of voice.
''There is another way out, but you'll still have to confront them, but I'll make sure they won't bother you again, I'm even sure they'll pay you back some of the money they made you spend.'' I said confidently.
If there is a way to solve this problem, it is the same way it arose. With intimidation and violence.
''Really?'' He said with some excitement in his voice.
''You can trust me, but you still have to confront them, show that you are capable of opposing them, and then just follow my lead.''
Koyama looked somewhat confused by my last words. But he still nodded at them.
We met at the exit with Yukinoshita and started to follow Koyama.
While we were waiting for Yukinoshita, I told him some comments he might make.
This is the only way I can solve this kind of problem, who better than one bully to fight another.
''What exactly did you tell him? Since Koyama-kun don't look so nervous anymore.'' Yukinoshita said somewhat curiously.
''It's a conversation between men, so I can't say.'' I said with mockery in my voice.
''Is that so? But at least you managed to make him feel at ease, so I can give you credit for that.''
''Your majesty praising me is weird, maybe it's going to rain today?''
''You can enjoy it, as I highly doubt anything like this will ever happen again.'' She said with an arrogant tone.
''I'm sure it won't be the last time.'' I answered without hesitation.
Yukinoshita merely raised an eyebrow and focused her attention on the road.
We kept walking behind Koyama as it would be bad if we were seen together with him.
''Yukinoshita.'' I pointed to a nearby pole.
Yukinoshita moved to that place together with me. Koyama met with two guys who seemed to be waiting for him.
So, we both concentrated on watching and listening to their conversation.
''You were late today, but at least we can go and play quietly now.'' Said one of them, this one had reddish-colored hair, He was as tall as I was, as well as being in good shape.
''It was really boring waiting for you.'' The other one had brownish hair. He was smaller than me, besides being in bad shape. Maybe he should avoid eating hamburgers for dinner.
The characteristic of both of them was that they had their uniform in disarray, the typical cliché of a guy who wants to look like a delinquent to intimidate others.
''Not today.'' Koyama said in a low voice.
''Did you say something?'' Asked one of them.
''I said I wouldn't accompany them today, not today, not ever, I'm tired of always being their wallet, someone they can pick on for money!'' Koyama said with all the resolve he could muster.
Yukinoshita had an impression of surprise, she didn't expect that a shy boy we saw could say such things.
People who are bullied will always have something to say, they just don't do it out of fear or any repercussions that might happen, but as I assured Koyama that nothing would happen to him, he was free to vent.
They both began to look at him in an annoyed manner.
''We'll let your insolence pass, so move quickly and let's go.''
He who said this wanted to grab his arm, but Koyama pulled away. I guess it's about time to get this over with.
I messed up my hair a bit and opened the first button of my shirt. Since, if I want to get into the role, I have to look the part.
I started to move towards them.
''Tsurumi-kun?'' Although Yukinoshita called out to me, I just ignored her.
What I'm doing wasn't in our plans, Yukinoshita's idea would be fine with me, leaving it in Koyama's hands until the time we intervene, but this wouldn't solve anything.
''But it's none other than Koyama-kun!''
I stood next to Koyama and held him by the neck with my arm, as if we were close friends.
''I hope you got my money since other times you came to me with the excuse that other guys had taken it from you, but this time I won't accept it!'' I said in an arrogant manner.
This had been my plan, pretend to be someone who also bullies Koyama, so the others will know that, if they mess with him, they also mess with me.
''Who are you?'' I asked as I glared at them.
''We have business with him, so get out!'' The red-haired boy was the first to oppose me.
''You know, Koyama-kun, I think I should teach you a lesson on what will happen to you if you don't pay me the money you owe me.'' I said in an arrogant manner.
I moved away from Koyama's side and began to advance toward them.
That guy who was in shape stepped in front of me.
''You don't seem to understand with words, do you?'' He said with a provocative tone.
''You know. I like to humiliate scumbags like you who think they're the big deal, but in the end they're just another piece of shit.'' My tone of voice was mocking and arrogant.
The guy tried to throw a punch at me, but I caught him. I pulled him towards me to knee him in the stomach. I moved and put his arm behind his back, a simple position that made him at my mercy. For by simply exerting some force, I could dislocate his arm.
''Who do you think you are!''
The other guy took advantage of the fact that I was busy to attack me, but I only dodged the blow that was coming towards my face, I used my other arm to grab him by the shirt and bring him closer to me to give him a headbutt, while he was somewhat dazed, I grabbed him again and used my knee to hit him in the stomach. This was the one in the worst shape, so it was no problem.
''Don't expect to come out unscathed!'' Said the guy who was held by me.
''You think so? What an idiot.''
I started to bend his arm, to which the boy quickly began to struggle.
''Wait, wait, it's going to break!'' He said with a nervous tone. He couldn't take the pain anymore.
''You know, you guys have been affecting my finances, since I'm the one in charge of taking Koyama-kun's money, so you're messing with me indirectly, and I don't forgive the bastards who mess with me.''
I started to exert more force.
''We won't do it; we won't do it again!'' Said this one while looking quite alarmed as at any moment his arm would be in an unnatural position.
"And you? I fixed my attention on the one on the ground. ''Do you want to join us too?'' I said in a defiant manner.
''We won't bother you!'' He said in fright.
Normally this would be enough, but I have to make sure.
''I refuse, you affected my economics, so I'll have fun with you until I'm satisfied.'' I said with a terrified tone.
I exerted more force; if this continued, it was only a matter of seconds before his arm would dislocate.
''AHH, AHH, FORGIVE ME, WE'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!''
''I can change my mind as long as you show me gratitude, otherwise you'll get used to only using one arm.'' I said arrogantly.
I had forgotten how gratifying it was to humiliate others.
The guy I had at my mercy used his free arm to give me his wallet, while the other one also did the same, he looked very sore from the knee I kneed him in the stomach.
''I guess this should be enough.''
Since the red-haired guy was no longer of any use to me, I threw him against the other guy. The result was that they crashed into each other.
''Now beat it, if I see that Koyama-kun doesn't bring any money with him, I'll come after you directly!''
Both of them got up and ran away. Their expressions denoted fear, so my job is done.
There is no better guarantee than fear, fear of the unknown, fear of what a guy who easily overpowered you can do to you.
I took the money from the wallets I was given and handed it to Koyama.
''Just as I promised you, I took care of those guys, and I'm sure they will never bother you again, and if they have the courage to do so, I will personally take care of them.'' Although I doubt very much that they will try.
Yukinoshita approached us, though she looked quite annoyed.
''Tsurumi-san, Yukinoshita-san, thank you.'' Koyama said while bowing.
''Don't worry, I'm just doing my job.'' I said in a disinterested manner.
I guess I can say that I really enjoyed doing this.
Yukinoshita kept quiet though.
Koyama said goodbye to us and left in the direction of his house. He had a smile on his face, so I can say that a satisfied customer shows how efficient I can be.
''A job well-done.'' I said as I started walking, but Yukinoshita was still standing in place.
''Is something wrong, Yukinoshita?''
''What was that?!'' She is angry.
''A simple way to solve things.'' I said.
''We had already decided what to do, and at the last moment you changed everything.''
''Let's be honest, your idea wouldn't work.''
''We wouldn't know until we tried, there was no need to behave like them! Even if they were the ones to attack first, there would be no problem. But you were just looking to be in a situation to use force.'''
''It was the best way to do it.'' I said while staring at her.
''Was it the best way to do it or was it for you? I would never approve of such a stupid idea like that.'''
''Koyama was happy, and those guys didn't bother him, so I don't understand why you're upset.'' Yukinoshita messes herself up for no reason.
''That's not the problem, the problem comes with how you did it, you just acted like a delinquent and bullied them, you're no better than them!''
''I don't see the problem, as long as the result is as expected, it doesn't matter the method.'' It doesn't matter how you get the victory, the only thing that matters is winning.
''I thought you couldn't be more despicable, but I see that I was wrong. You had no qualms about stooping to their level to deal with them. Do you really think bullying others will solve anything? Maybe they won't do it to Koyama-kun anymore, but they'll do it to other people.'' Her expression showed that she was seriously annoyed with me.
''I don't care, I did what we were asked to do, that's all.'' Maybe Yukinoshita is right, but I have no reason to worry about others, in the end I fulfilled what was asked of us.
''I thought I was wrong about you, but in the end, I was right.'' Yukinoshita sighed after saying this with annoyance. ''You're just an idiot who uses violence to solve things!''
That annoyed me.
''If you think that life is a fairy tale where you can solve everything with words, let me tell you that it's time for you to wake the hell up.'' I said irritated.
She looked at me with anger in her eyes.
''I know that first hand''. She changed her expression for a brief second. ''But using violence as a first alternative is wrong, it doesn't make you any better than the guys who bully others.''
''Let's get something straight, Yukinoshita, you have your way of doing things, and so do I, that won't change. If the situation warrants it, or it's much more feasible to do so, using force to get what you want is the best thing to do.''
''Your way of thinking shows that you like a caveman who will use force to solve anything, can you show some maturity?
''And you're telling me? Unlike you, I am in this club because I was forced to be, and if I help someone, I do it selflessly, unlike you who seeks complacency in doing so. You should look in the mirror before you tell someone else to show maturity.''
Yukinoshita clenched her fist upon hearing this.
''I thought you were different, but I see that you're just like the rest.'' After Yukinoshita said this, she started walking.
''We think alike, I thought you'd be more mature and could understand, but you're just a child playing at being an adult.''
I took the opposite direction from Yukinoshita.
No matter what anyone tells me, I'll do things my way.
This time I won't lose everything, no matter what I have to do, I won't let it happen again.
With this in mind, I started walking home.
Although I have a bad taste in my mouth for everything that happened.
For those who ask about Hachiman, he will make his appearance as usual, in the second year. That will not change.
Raiden is not Hachiman's replacement, just to clarify.
If you ask about Yumiko, she will be back in about 3 chapters.
By the way, how do you think Hachiman would have solved the problem?