Chapter three: Delinquent camaraderie feels good
Finally, I am with people who don't reject me!
Unfortunately Oka Ruto will not meet with me in the open anymore, because she want to protect her reputation, that´s sad, but I respect her decision, we will still meet up in secret sometimes, so this is fine by me.
I would talk to the other delinquents eventually, but I did not want to get on their nerves. So it took it step by step.
I talked to Gaku Hikitsuri first. He like cats like me too! He also like Art, Justice and family.
Hmm art is nice, family, I am conflicted about that one, and justice well that would be nice, but sadly it doesn't really work, you have to fight four yourself or with you allies, the incompetent authorities aint gonna help you!
Oh and he dislikes gossip and violence, nice, me too, but school and sport too, hmm don't care
Oh and he dislikes friend and socializing, oh, I think he had enough of our conversation. Nevermind, I really enjoyed talking to someone who does not hate me.
Oh ,and I went to class on time, and the delinquents frowned at me for that, I told them, that they should not care about this, after all I won't complain if they smoke, or steal answer sheets of tests either. They looked unconvinced, yeah whatever. I have class attend to. I might dislike the authority figures, but I'm not gonna miss out on that education.
I focused unusually well on class today, and then I met my new group during lunch time.
After lunch time I went to class before them again. But they should really get used to this. I'm not gonna budge on that matter.
Then after class was cleaning time, I was torn between helping the people clean and joining the delinquents, but I finally went to them, let the idiots clean up their mess themselves!
The things the delinquents talk about are interesting. Th actual dislike violence for the most part, but think of is as a necessary tool to get by in life. That's true.
And they dislike the bullies as much as I do, no even more so. I don't know how hard the were bullied really, but their disdain for them is rather intense… even for my standards.
And the most fun part… they all want to defy those stupid authorities, including the student´s council. They even dislike Aoi Ryugoku the most, just like me! (Actually I hate Megamki Saikou almost as much as Aoi Ryugoku, but nevermind) Hah, I got the perfectly fitting crowd, I am just like them!
Oh, and now its 5 pm and the club activity starts now.
Oh, wow we leave the cool and loiter around town and think of ways to defy the regimen. That's right, idiots, I'm wild with my crowd and non-conforming, you never accepted me, now deal with me being myself and not conforming to your rules.
Oh and they fighting practice is fun, training how to fight an entire gang is very useful! And letting out your aggression without actually having to harm anyone and simultaneously being able to improve one´s fighting skills is also really nice.
Today I walked home with a savage smile on my face. This is great, to finally have some like mined people as friends.
My father is not too happy about this. Don´t worry, I am not cruel, I am just fed up with the stupid authorities that is, if I can , I will protect you.
Hmm he really dislikes my decision, but what else was I supposed to do? Stay lonely? That's what my mom would like me to do, not you!
Sigh, I thought he would take this better, I went to my room in frustration….
On the bright side, now I have my crowd an I love ever second of it, … well almost every second of it.
Life was good again. Like never before actually.
I felt much less angry and bitter, and felt satisfied. Like how I felt happy when I was with my cat, I still miss her by the way, but at Akademi their as another cat, which I enjoy petting at times. Or how happy I am with Oka.
Things could stay like this, this is just perfection. I am getting stronger and stronger by the day, from all the training and working out.
I leaned more and more about the delinquents. What I learned horrified me, the bullies actually bullied them to the point they wanted to commit suicide together! What! I thought the bullies were jerks, but this is something else entirely! The school ignored their suffering!
Well, they nearly killed my friends, I gonna make them pay! Some way or another! No one messes with my friends!
Only thanks to Osoro shidesu, they did not follow up on their suicide plan, she saved them by showing them that violence is an option, she taught them to be intimidating and protect themselves form the bullies. I expressed my gratitude for Osoro shidesu but she said don't mention it. Whatever, your tough demeanour does not fool me, you are not evil Osoro shidesu.
Oh and you like cooking like me! Nice, maybe we can hang out together? Not interested, whatever, I'm fine by myself, like I was all the years .
Now Bullies, you're gonna pay for hurting my friends!
The delinquents don´t have any plans to get their revenge on the bullies, but what the bullies did is not something to ignore..
I will not murder you , even if that thought lingers, no, I will punish you in ways that are less offensive, but no less effective.
Gossiping is out of the question , no need to resort to such dirty behaviours. No, I will test the Guidance counsellor, she will probably be a disappointment, but I will just give it a try for once…
Actually I got the idea from Oka chan, I told her of how evil the bullies really are and that they nearly drove my friends to suicide, and I told her that I wanted to get the Bullies expelled by smuggling forbidden items into their bags, thus framing them, but she talked me out of it and told me that I should try out getting help form the guidance counsellor. Whatever, you sounded convinced this would help, I will give it a try. If it fails, I can still resort to harsher measures later.
Now I will record the bullying and show it to her, and see her reaction!
What will she do. Will she disappoint us , like every authority or is she a legendary exception, let's find out
I stalked the bullies and found them harassing their unfortunate targets. Some occult fans and some gamer otaku, huh. Oh and the occult lovers are also Oka chan´s only other friends, hah, now I can kill two birds with one stone, and help not only the delinquents but also Oka Ruto and her friends. Recording the harassment was ridiculously easy, they just did not see me do it.
The I went straight to the counsellors office! Now is the hour of truth!
Oh there she is, Genka Kunahito, you failed to stop the bullying of my friends in the past, and claimed to have no evidence of the bullying, now watch and see the evidence I'm gonna shove into your face. What now!
She looked at me with a conflicted expression, but then she looked almost friendly.
"What can I help you with?"
Oh at least you don´t hate me, that is really refreshing, but are you really helpful to people?
"I can't stay silent any longer. It's about the bullies, I need to report this to you. Take a look at this yourself."
I showed her the footage.
"This is...! Thank you for bringing me evidence for their behaviours. This kind of conduct is completely unacceptable. I'll have to have a word with them later today."
"Wait, you will really help us? This is…"
I was stumped, would she really do this? Or were her word just hot air? But with how serious she sounded, I think it won't be just hot air.
"Of course I will, helping students is my duty!
It is refreshing to have students cooperate. Thank you for your help."
You think I am cooperating, nah I´m just here to help my friends
But I think it is refreshing to have somebody of the authorities wo does care, even if I do not believe it yet.
I told my friend that I reported the behaviour and showed them the video of the bullying.
"Hehe they have it coming, this is what they deserve."
Exactly, now see how it goes.
Now… is the time, lets watch behind the corner what the student council member will do, oh hoho, it is Aoi Ryugoku, the tough one, haha
Oh, the bullies do not see her coming, perfect haha!
She approached them as they vandalized a desk.
"Ha! Caught you red-handed! Let's see what the counsellor has to say about this!"
Yes exactly, I never though I would agree with a student council member, especially this one, even for once!
But now, this will be glorious
The bitches were shocked that they got caught, and now they were sent to the student counsellor all at once.
We hid behind another comer near the counsellor's offices door and listened intently
"You've been caught vandalizing a students desk! What were you thinking? This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable! Explain yourself!"
„It's not what you think. We swear, we did not know this was no allowed! We thought it was just fun! We will not do it again "
"If you think you can get through life acting the way you've behaved today, you are sorely mistaken!
I´m suspending you from school for two days! Hopefully that will be enough time to straighten yourself out!"
HAHA, Bitches got what the deserved. We silently cheered and watched them leave. The we went to the incinerator area and celebrated together, of course with some more stolen booze of the headmaster! Of course you can´t steal it too often, otherwise he will make it harder for you to steal it, but if you do it once in a while, he may not be compelled to do so yet.
The delinquents remarked that a connection to the Guidance counsellor could be more useful than they thought in the future and that I real helped them out today.
Yeah you're right, I am going to appear like the goodest delinquent, so I can be the mediator between you and the guidance counsellor. Gaining a powerful ally like her is amazing.
If the bullies do such a thing again, I will report the again. The best thing is, they don´t even know who reported them.
I sent the video on social media with the faces blurred to protect the identities of the people involved and it got man views, it was titled "Akademi, bullies finally exposed!"
The bullies did not start any trouble again, even after several weeks! Wow that´s a thing, Rumour has it, Musume Ronshaku , that spoiled bitch, could not convince her a father of letting her have her way by crying anymore, because he saw the video of the bullying on the internet and was angry at her. Will she learn to behave, will she really? That is a good question, really.
Time went on, and I kind of forgot about the bullies for a while.
However Genka Kunahito once asked me into her office for no particular reason.
The she asked me why I joined the delinquents. With how I still care for my lessons and hang out with people that are a bad influence on me.
"Why would you want to know that? It´s not something I would want to tell to you.
…
Fine, you helped us, and you really want to know why…
"They are my friends! Everyone except Oka Ruto, my father and you hates me, and I was tired of it and so I wanted friends!
Also, I am I'm afraid of the student council and the headmaster…he actually tried to taze me! I'm trying to get a reputation as a formidable person, so that they'll leave me alone!"
"Is this why you carry around a weapon?
"Yes it is."
Yes, you heard that right, I have a crowbar to smack everyone who wants to hurt me. Ugh, why did I even open up to the counsellor like this? Maybe having someone be friendly towards me makes things like these happen.
"No...is that really how you feel? Did he really do this? His behaviour towards you is unacceptable. *Sigh*...I suppose I can't really blame you for feeling that way...how unfortunate...I understand how you feel, but you can't let it become a problem for the students and faculty members. I will have words with the headmaster and the student council, so they won't scare you.
Please don´t carry around weapons anymore."
The she told me that she will forbid the delinquents and everyone to carry around weapons on the schoolground in the future, so I should know this.
Okay, I can do this if you actually help me. But I cant be the one who tells them, because then they would be angry at me. She told me that she will send a student council ember to tell them about the change in school rules
" Don't misbehave. You're free to leave."
I won't´ misbehave, not really, have a nice day.
My friends were not amused by the new change in school rules, they were even angry. The ranted about the student council, I can understand they are a pain in the ass most of the time.
But I wanted to cheer them up and told them that we can still use our fists if needed, and that anyone who wants cay try and fight me barehanded, if they wish. Some of them looked at me annoyedly, others were more indifferent, whatever…
Osoro Shidesu, however, took up the offer and we had a good time beating each other up.
She won in the end like usually, but it was a nice fight nevertheless.
I warmed up to Gaku Hikitsuri more and more and could not help to make eyes at him. He did not react to it at first, but then he reciprocated my gestures. That was amzing! See, we delinquents are just acting tough, so nobody can pull any stupid shit on us, and it is working. However hiding ones true feeling is not to be reamended either.
Then time passed again, and I came into my second year of Akademi.
Then one day I saw the bullies resume their activities again.
This time they bullied some shy and timid Girl named Horuda "Puresu "Umetsu.
Augh, you never learn , do you? It was a subtler kind of bullying, almost impossible to report, but bullying nonetheless.
Horuda Umetsu appears to be lonely, I should invite her to the delinquents.
I put a note in her locker and let Oka chan tell her about the note.
Then I met Horuda Umetsu at the rooftop.
She asked me.
"...I...found your note...wh-what do you wanna say?"
"I'm sorry to call you here like this, but...I can't stay silent any longer. I know what you are going through. I want to help you.
If you join the delinquents the Bullies will no longer be able to bully you. But it will make it impossible for you to have a good reputation. Think about this …carefully. This is not a decision to be rushed."
"...s-so...you say…there is a way out … from getting bullied...?...thank you for telling me...I...need some time to...think about this...g-goodbye..."
And the next day she joined us. Welcome aboard, new friend!
At first she was still shy and timid and even afraid of the delinquents , but we taught her how to be brave and fight and gradually she got better and better!
Sometimes I went to the third floor girl bathroom during cleaning time, to talk to her about various things. We told the bullies there to fuck off, and they did. That was amazing!
We talked about our personal lives, I told her about my experience, and how everyone found me scary, and it is the same for her, she was harassed because everyone found her creepy.
Horuda Umetsu dislikes memes and gossip, but she likes not only books and video game, but also violence despite being scared of violence in general.
She told me that she hates the bullies and cannot forgive them. She wants to make them suffer and like it if they died. I told her that I understand her, and that the bullies nearly killed my friends with their action, but that we cannot murder anyone, because causing more harm is bad for the world. Remember they have family who loves them to, and hurting those innocent people is bad.
Horuda Umestu understood this, I think. I also told her to not hold needleless grudges in her heart, you should never forget, but not be stuck in the past. Look at them, if I was still angry about being an outcast despite being part of a group now, I would still be very angry and sad. So let's be happy.
I like talking got her about her favourite Isekai stories, and she does not dislike cats and cooking, I can get along with her.
Life was perfect and I was even proud to be a nonconformist delinquent and not bound to the laws as strictly as other people. But of course life had to take a turn for the worse again…
Once Oka told me about the Bathroom ghost and the defunct bathroom lights, and I wanted to find out and I held my smartphone into the direction where she was supposed to be, and as expected there was nothing.
No there, she was! But what does this entail for us! I fell weird…the poor girl is really angry, so pale angry, sad and, … and her hand are curled up to fists, and her one yellow eye stares at us so angrily and yet she is so sad at the same time, she is angrier than I ever was even during my darkest hours. I feel so bad for her…
And I found out the horrible truth…what I never believed to be true, but it is nonetheless..
Truth does not care for your feelings unfortunately.
My mother is a Murderer!
Yes, you hear that right! She is… a murderer.
You know… I don't exactly have the cleanest hands either, I am a pragmatist by nature…and I will resort to underhanded tactics to get by in life, if I can't help myself otherwise… I have threatened people many times, and disobeyed the stupid authorities (such as teachers, and faculty members) countless times, if it was necessary, but there are lines that even people like me won´t cross…and murder is one of them.
How am I supposed to get along with a murderer?
My mother…
She killed Sumire Saitozaki back in 1989 and now Sumire cannot move on. Sumire told me everything. It was so scary.
Sumire Saitozaki got lured into the bathroom and killed, and Ryoba was happy to have her murdered so she could get Jokichi for herself. She first thought I would be like my mother but is surprised to find me as a delinquent, and mostly like a normal person , and having morals like a normal human.
I told her about my mother and told her about the darkest thing that happened, and how I got my scar…
I don´t remember anything of it, but my father, Jokichi, he knows it. My Mother saw me as a rival to his affection, and when he cared for me , because I needed it, she almost killed me, she hurt me with a knife, but he resuscitated me and talked her out of harming me, and nobody leaned what had happened, because she lied to the doctors, that this was a mere accident…
Horrible, I felt like crying.-
I invited Sumire chan to be an honorary delinquent, we are the people hurt by the world/mean people that share their misery together. She smile a ghostly smile at us and accepted the offer. Sumire Saitozaki, welcome aboard as a honorary delinquent!
Then I got home, and SHE was there… and what now,…
She approached me… you murderer
"Don't talk to me! I know you killed someone."
She got angry, really angry, of course she got angry, fuck her.
She grabbed a knife, and I lost it.
"Don't even THINK about that! YOU MURDERER! YOU MURDERED SUMIRE SAITOZAKI, YOU ALMOST MURDERED ME AND MADE MANY PEOPLE SUFFER! GET AYWAY FROM ME!"
She was livid and we fought. It was so hard to fight her, not only because she was my mother ,but because she knew most of my fighting tactics, after all she taught me, and even Osoro´s and the delinquents moves did not help me much, my mother is somehow stronger than almost everyone.-
I struggled hard and fought her off valiantly.
For a time. Not forever. Soon, she overwhelmed me and I saw the knife descend towards my head…
Its over…Father…Oka…Osoro…Gaku…Horuda, all my friends I am so sorry, I love you…
Suddenly the Knife missed its mark and I head a loud bang.
It was father. He. He saved me!
But Mother is laying there… motionless,…oh no she is … dead?
FUCK, SHE IS DEAD!
Father was horrified. He accidentally killed her with a frying pan, must have hit her really hard on the head at the right ( or should I say wrong?) angle. When I told the truth about Sumire Saitozaki he must have been in the neighbouring room and must have become angry, and he had to save me and avenge his childhood friend, oh father I know how it feels, when my cat died, now imagine if it was not natural cause but a murder… then you would be angry and… I don't want think about it.
We called the ambulance and the police…
Everything then passed in ablur….
I could not remember much, it was …
Long story short, she was dead, but killed in defence of me by my father when she attacked me.
We were …could not come to term with what had happened for a long time. I sat and cried. Father did the same…
At school my friends asked me what was wrong, and I could not get myself to tell them…
Then I could…, I went to the bathroom with Horuda chan, asked my friends to guard the entrance, and went to Sumire Saitozaki and told her of what had happened.
She looked so vindicated, happy, and proud of me, yet very sad, and told me that she was proud of me for standing up for her despite the sacrifice involved, and told us in an infinitely sad tone that now her killer had been killed and that now she had to move on.
"And…please tell one thing to my dear Friend Jokichi. Tell him… tell him, that I love him always and forever…no matter where I am…I love him."
"Farewell…dear friend…it was a honour to be together with you…may your future be good…"
The she smiled at us and faded away….
We told the whole horrible story to the delinquents and they were shocked, and did not even hide it. I cried for a long time and hugged my friends to find comfort. Sumire´s passing was happy, because she finally moved on, but also sad, because she never got a chance to live long. But if what Oka chan told me, and reincarnation is real then maybe just maybe…
I don't know but it would be really nice…
I felt so safe in the arms of Gaku Hiksuti. I never knew that he could be so gentle and soft. Well, after spending most of my time with him for several months, and helping him and his friends for a long time, this should not surprise me.
This felt better.
Oh and Osoro Shidesu, even she comforted me, she told me her story finally, she has opened up to me..
Her mother died by a gang and her father was not kind to her, and she had a hard life and the a gang who killed her mother was her main enemy. She defeated that gang on herself and killed everyone responsible for her mother death and punished everyone else who was involved, but now other gangs still hate her.
Osoro has warmed up to me finally! And she even invited me for cooking together!
Then we walked away together…
I told father everything Sumire told him, and I cried, he cried, and I let him be for time to for himself then hugged him to comfort him as much as I could.
But it is undeniable Ryoba has hurt us all. No we must move on.
Father… oh poor Father, you had little luck in life , just like me…
Oh and another thing, this has shattered my overconfidence, arrogance, brashness and wildness, my anger and spite at the world and the authorities has waned strongly, and I don't feel like being a delinquent is a good thing anymore, I must have mellowed out a lot…
I just want to be happy with my friends, defying authorities is not as important to me anymore…