/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters also belongs to their respective owners.
Volume I
The First Day, Part 1
April 1st.
It's been two weeks since Itachi, Mio, and Kokoro go to Tokyo and stay on Suzune's house. Now as their first day of high school begins, four of them quickly prepare to be managing to reach the closest bus stop in time. As for Shisui, he knows that the crow always follows him so he allows him to perch on the bus station and follow the bus he will ride on.
From his stay on Suzune's house, Itachi manage to conclude that Suzune's parents is like what both Manabu and Suzune said to him. Both are kind and even shown generosity toward guests since they said Suzune never take her friends to her home before. However at the same time, they also busy with their work, especially Mr. Horikita. And based on his observation, he can conclude that an environment like this is not good for Suzune's growth. Its not like that he blame her parents for Suzune previous behavior but it seems they start to realize the error of their ways as he sees Ms. Horikita preparing probably her last made breakfast for her daughter before meet again on the Summer Vacation.
However, Suzune and Kokoro leave earlier since the bus that they ride upon only accept two more person so for Mio and Itachi, they must wait for another bus.
"Ah… Darn it! And here we are not late and we still need to wait another bus." Mio complained as she sit on the bus station.
"At least Kokoro will be accompanying by Suzune to the class since we don't even on the same class as both of them." Itachi replied as the next bus already arrives. He quickly walks inside the bus.
"Yeah I know." Mio stated as she also entering the bus.
As both of them entering the bus, Mio quickly seat on women priority seat which on her relief, empty. Before packing, she does some morning exercise on Suzune's bedroom much to her annoyance and make her tired a bit. As for Itachi, he choose to stand up and grip the railing on the bus since he knows there are more people that need to sit on priority seat more than he does.
From what he sees, this bus only hold handful on ANHS students based on the uniform. ANHS uniform is split into two, for men and women. This rather intrigue Itachi since on his old world, there's no regulations for the uniform. The uniform for male students consists of a white dress shirt beneath a red button-up blazer, paired with dull green pants, brown shoes, and a blue or burgundy tie. Female students wear a similar uniform, consisting of a white dress shirt and a red button-up blazer, along with a white miniskirt, black socks that vary from calf-length to thigh-length, brown shoes, and a blue or burgundy bow-tie. And that's what both of them and a handful of ANHS students inside the bus currently wear.
"Um… Excuse me? Are you a new student as well?" Itachi glance to see a young man ask him with a smile. He has light gray hair, pale skin, and is of average height with a slim build. He has segmental heterochromia, consisting of purple on the top half of his iris and yellow along the bottom curve of his pupil. His hair is short and swept forward in loose spikes with a lock left long on the right side of his face. Like Itachi, he wears male ANHS student uniform. But the strangest part is how he wields his belt. The belt is so long that the end parts of it hang loose like the tail of a tiger.
"Yeah. I can see that based on your tone of greeting me, you also a first year right?" Itachi return the greeting as he can see this young man is not have an ulterior motive. In fact, his gaze toward him reminds him of Hiyori.
Yeah, Hiyori.
Ever since Itachi go to Tokyo, he steels himself to tell Hiyori that he is accepted to ANHS. But till' now, she never replies his message. This make Itachi a bit saddened. After all, Hiyori is the first person he can have heavy talk with and both enjoying reading.
"You're right. I'm from Yokohama so it takes me quite a time to get a bus toward Tokyo." The young man scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "Oh how rude of me. My name is Atsushi. Atsushi Nakajima. Nice to meet you."
"Itachi Ibuki. It's nice to know you Atsushi." Itachi kindly reply the greeting. "You said you're from Yokohama? That's quite far away from Tokyo. I actually have some friends in there but I don't know if they also attend ANHS or not."
"Well… I'm alone too. My classmates from… Middle grade all choose regular high school. Even so, I hope we can get along for the next three years, Itachi." Atsushi said with a formal smile. However, Itachi caught one thing.
'He seems lie about something… But it's not a dangerous one. Maybe he is…' Itachi unable to finish his thought as some commotion is happen beside him.
"Um… Mister… Can you please give seat to this old man?" The female bus officer said to an ANHS student that sitting on a seat. He is a tall black male that stands slightly above average height which seemingly a foreign student. He is very muscular in stature and wearing a black frame glass and if one not keeps a good eye on him, many will mistake him for an old man.
The foreign student just look at the old man and nod as he stand up for his seat and grip one of the bus railing. He then look toward Itachi and Atsushi and give them a nod as his way of greeting both of them before look toward the window.
'Maybe because he's a foreign student… He's shy or don't understand Japanese.' Itachi concluded however he knows that despite his built, the man is friendly enough to greet. Aside from the muscular foreign, Mio, Atsushi, and himself, he can see six other ANHS students. Three are standing while the other three are sitting on the bus seat which of course not a priority seat.
The first student is a girl of average height with short blonde hair which styled into a bob and bluish violet eyes. She wears flower-shaped hairpin on her hair and wearing ANHS female student uniform. She is seeing happily conversing with other student, who is a girl of average height with long dark blue hair that tied into a ponytail and dark blue eyes.
The third student is also a female with a long, waist-length lime green hair and wearing a black headband. She also wears ANHS female student uniform but she stand on the bus railing. She also brings a black plastic but Itachi can hear a small, chirping sound from it. Like him, she must've brought her pet with her as well.
The fourth student is a young man of average height with blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a male ANHS student uniform and was sitting on the back of the bus.
The fifth student from what Itachi seems to be the only one that what he can describe as annoying although he won't know it since he gaze toward the lime-haired girl with perverted look on his eyes. He is a young man of average height with short brown hair and red eyes and wearing male ANHS student uniform. If not for the lack of tomoe on his eyes, he almost mistook it for Sharingan… Or maybe that is his way of joking.
The last one is a female student that gazes toward the blonde haired student like she was seeking help or something and she stand beside the foreign muscular student. She is a teenage girl of average height with waist-length blonde hair that is tied in a ponytail and purple eyes. She wears a modified version of ANHS female student uniform where she tied up her red blazer on her waist, giving Itachi a vibe she even more gyaru in appearance than Shiho since Itachi for all his interaction never sees her tied up her jacket on her waist like that. She walks in standard school shoes with light blue calf-length socks. She predominantly wears a blue ribbon around her collar. The fifth and the last student is not what Itachi considers an elite student on his eyes, although he know from experience that never underestimate the unknown.
'Seriously! That girl with blonde, long ponytail is more like a punk than a student!' Mio thought as she remembers how Shiho dress despite being a gyaru herself. Despite she is sitting, she keep watchful of her surroundings and of course the conversation between Itachi and Atsushi.
'Still… I can't help but curious if my theory last month prove to be correct. If someone like both of them which represent maybe the students that not like the rules can be accepted…' Itachi thought as Atsushi awaken him from his thought.
"You also thought the same as I Itachi-san?" Atsushi asked him in whispering tone which Itachi just nod. "The way that this school accept this new student, is rather strange. I once read an article about elite schools around the world and their students are truly can be consider elite." He said his opinion.
"They are elite probably in academics and minor achievements Atsushi. But I have a theory that the true vision of this school is not something like that." Itachi agreed with some parts of Atsushi's argument.
"Hey." Itachi then look at Mio who comically pout. "You talk with a person without introduce him to me while I sit close to you?" She asked.
"Ha ha ha." Itachi make a little laugh before look toward Atsushi. "Atsushi. This is my sister Mio Ibuki." He said, introducing her adoptive sister.
"My name is Atsushi Nakajima." Atsushi introduce himself to her with a smile.
"Mio Ibuki but you can call me Mio if you want. Itachi and I were siblings so…" Mio in turn introduce herself in kind. "By the way, which class you attend of Atsushi?" She asked.
"Oh. I'm on Class 1-D. Both of you?" Atsushi asked.
"Mio and I are on Class 1-C. Sadly we don't share the same class Atsushi." Itachi replied to him.
"Yeah. Both of you really good enough to talk with. It's a shame we don't share the same class." Atsushi said in small sad tone. "But it's okay. We can talk with each other during break!"
"Yeah." Itachi said as the bus keep going to their destination.
After 45 minutes has passed, the bus finally arrives on ANHS bus station. Itachi, Mio, and Atsushi later come down from the bus along with the other ANHS students inside. Itachi look around to see that not all ANHS students ride a bus. Some escort by their parents by either car or motorcycle and some are walking, but Itachi knows that their house probably close in proximity to ANHS.
"Well then Itachi-san, Mio-san. Seems goodbye for now. I must search for my other classmates." Atsushi said as he run toward ANHS entrance, try to search for his fellow Class 1-D.
"Goobye." Mio waved her right hand toward Atsushi. Itachi smiled, because Mio really turn into a kind person far than he expected. "Lets go then Itachi." She said to Itachi.
"Aa." Itachi simply said as they walk together when a deep voice called them.
"Are you two from Class 1-C as well?" Asked someone in English. As Itachi English is better than Mio, he turns around to see the same muscular foreign student from his bus.
"Yeah. We are. Are you from Class 1-C as well?" Itachi asked him in fluent English. 'I see despite his built, he is actually a shy person that probably doesn't speak Japanese well.' He thought as he introduces himself. "My name is Itachi Ibuki and beside me is my sister Mio." He said.
"My name is Albert Yamada. Nice to meet you Itachi, Mio. I'm glad that I meet my fellow classmate so early. Let's get along for the next three years." Albert replied the greeting.
"Nice to know you as well Albert. But speak of your built… Are you also doing martial arts?" Mio asked in jumbled English.
"I'm mostly doing gym, although I know a bit of Boxing." Albert admitted as the three of them later walk to ANHS entrance when another voice called them.
"Wait!" A mature, but young voice called them and now it's the long-haired girl with lime green hair from the same bus as Albert, Itachi, and Mio that called them. "Um… I also from class 1-C as well. May I walk with you three?" She asked.
"Sure. Maybe you already heard of my introductions-"
"You're Itachi Ibuki right? The champion of the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament two years ago? I was watching your match with my parents back then. I must say you really cool back then." She said with a smile before gasp. "Oh. Where my manners. My name is Yabu Nanami. Nice to finally know you face to face Itachi-kun." She introduces herself.
'Hm… She and Shiho probably can easily get along with each other. But I don't see that she's a gyaru. More like-' Mio unable to finish her thought as a certain bird landing on her head and pecking it once. "OW!? Shisui!?" She comically whined.
"Come here. Shisui." Itachi bring his right hand as Shisui later fly and perch on his right shoulder.
"Whoa… That's amazing. I can't believe you allow your pet to roam free like that though." Yabu commented before look at her plastic container which contained a small, white mouse. "No wonder Zushi is afraid. Crow can be a very nasty pet from what I know."
"So you have a pet as well?" Itachi ask with interest. He at least glad that he is not the only one in his class that has a pet.
Yabu nod. "Her name is Zushi. Sadly, she's such a shy fellow." She said with comical pout.
"I think we shall go or we'll late for the entrance ceremony." Albert suggested with his bad-ass look. When Itachi look at Albert, he like seeing a true man.
"You right Albert. Let's go." Itachi said in English as the four of them walk to the inside of ANHS.
While on the walk, Mio decide to make a small talk with Yabu.
"I see you seems have an eye to my brother but don't get your hopes up. He's too dense for such a thing." Mio lightly joked.
"Who's the one that want to do so? I only watch him as a supporter that's all." Yabu argued. "Speaking of it, you're the one that fought against that Kouenji's conglomerate right? Shame that you lose."
"I know. That guy is one hell of a bastard. Speaking of it, my name is Mio. Mio Ibuki." Mio said introducing herself.
"My name is Yabu Nanami. I think you already heard it. Let's get along well, Mio-chan." Yabu said with a smile.
On one of the building inside ANHS which surprisingly on the size of a small town, around 600,000 square meters; is the building where the student council room of ANHS resides. Compare to other regular high school of Student Council, ANHS Student Council works a bit different since they have some authority that regular high school student council didn't have. Some of them like become the final decision maker when a student breaking the school rules or even expelling a student.
Manabu Horikita already become student council president of ANHS for almost two years and did some good change to the school rules. The most controversial rules that he's able to mend after many hard attempts was to allow the ANHS to be partially opened. He reason that despite he have no problem with the three year isolation, he sees some of his friends become mentally unstable because of it and also argue that parents support is still needed for their age. After heated argument which caught the interest of the chairman, Manabu manage to get a personal conversation with him. The result of the conversation that the chairman agreed with ANHS partially opened to the outside but with various restrictions. Now with months left on his seat as the most influential students on ANHS, he can only hope that his change to the school will create better results than the previous total isolation.
Speaking of him, he just a moment ago received a handwriting letter from Suzune, telling him that she manages to enter to ANHS and hope to meet with him if he was free. The old him must be disappointed by her but now, she can see that from her handwriting, Suzune become a completely different person that try her best to make her own path without his influence.
'I really thank you for taking care of her in my stead, Itachi.' Manabu smiled to himself as he stand up from his seat. "Tachibana. How long do we have for the entrance ceremony to begin?" He asked a teenage girl of average height with lilac hair that is tied in two buns with bangs hanging over her eyebrows and peach-brown eyes. She also wears a female ANHS student uniform. This young girl was Akane Tachibana, the student council secretary that stick through many things with Manabu for almost two years and she also one of the supporters of Manabu decision to mend the rules of ANHS.
"We still have twenty minutes before it begins President." Akane informed him with formal tone.
"I see." He then glances at the other members of the Student Council. One of the members is the same competitor on the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago, Miyabi Nagumo which held the position of Student Council Vice President. "Lets move. We can't make the chairman and the new generations keep waiting."
As he, Mio, Albert, and Yabu finally arrive on the entrance ceremony room, which is located inside the school gymnasium, Itachi is amazed by how big it was to be able to support this many students. From what he see, seems this school is separated into four class and each of it has 40 students. From the crowd, Itachi sharp eye can see his friends. Suzune is seen conversing with Akito and Kokoro seemingly try her best to follow. Honami, like the social butterfly she is, already manage to get many friends. Two of them from what Itachi recognize are the same female students that ride the same bus as him. Masumi also seen conversing with a well-built, bald young man of above average height. He can also see that seemingly, Masumi's class have two foreign students.
"It was huge more than I anticipated." Yabu commented as she never see a gymnasium this big before. It was the same size as the stadium of the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament on Hokkaido.
"I get the tournament vibes from this." Mio lightly commented. "Maybe we can use this gymnasium to spar with each other Itachi."
"That's if the staff allows us to do so." Itachi simply replied. "We shall go to our class line immediately." He said toward the three of them as a familiar laugh appears.
"Ku Ku Ku. Is this fate or just coincidence? I never you're the type of person that takes on elite school, Itachi."
Itachi turn back to see Ryuuen walk with his usual smirk in complete ANHS male student uniform. He can see that compare to him three years ago, Ryuuen become a bit muscular in appearance and also his aura of self-confidence is greater than the last time they bid farewell after their match. However, he can see that Ryuuen have no look that claimed he has no fear anymore. He truly changes to become a better person.
"Ryuuen." Mio greet him with uneasiness. No matter how he changes, she can't help but feel wary around this guy.
'H-He looks scary…' Yabu thought while her feet are shivering for a moment.
Albert just looks at him with his usual look.
Itachi however, slightly smiled seeing his rival. "Hn. I also don't expect you to enroll to this school as well Ryuuen. How are you by the way?"
Ryuuen just scoffed. "How are you, you say? I truly wait for this moment. The moment when I'll face you again and crush you will all my might. However, since this is not the right moment, let search for a better stage later." He said as he walks past the three of them before whispering to Itachi. "It's nice to see you again, rival." He said as he walks to Class 1-C line.
"Hn. Nice to see you as well." Itachi uttered while close his eyes as Ryuuen walks away.
"Seriously… We on the same class as him… For three years!?" Mio said in disbelief.
"From what I see, he seems arrogant." Albert commented as usual in English.
"I-I rather not keep close to him…" Yabu said, a bit frightened by Ryuuen's presence.
"No need to worry. Despite his way of talk, I can see Ryuuen make a true self-improvement. Compare him now and three years ago, I can see that he truly change and take a new path." Itachi assured the three of them.
"How can you be so sure Itachi?" Yabu asked in curiosity. "For me, he looks like your typical delinquent that will show fear to everyone that dares to approach him."
"If Itachi said it like that, I think you shall believe it Yabu." Mio supported. "He known to be a good reader of person after all."
"But still-"
"Yo!" Now they are greet by another but this one seems friendly. Fudou is seen walking toward the three of them with his usual friendly smirk.
"Fudou!" Mio happily replied his greeting.
"It's nice that the two of you are fine. But I must apologize for a year ago that I was unable to come to your house Itachi, Mio." Fudou said while apologize in joyful tone.
"Honami and Masumi are able to come so you don't have to felt guilt Fudou." Itachi said to him. He knows that behind his self-centered and lazy look, Fudou is actually a good person that care for those around him and their feelings.
"You right. As always, you still got words to give." Fudou compliment with a smirk. "Well, let's go to the ceremony so that we can relax after that. Because from what I see, it sounds boring~" He said in lazy tone as he walk forward.
"I can't help but agree. Let's go." Itachi said to Mio, Albert, and Yabu as they start to line up with their class.
As the annual opening ceremony to greet the new batch of first-year students of ANHS is on-going, Itachi can't help but agree with Fudou. Some minority of his own class is even seen typing on their smartphone and there are even those that are sleeping while standing, such as a red-haired from Suzune's class. As for Suzune, she listening to all of the opening ceremony, even more as her older brother also stand on the podium to give some formal speech of welcoming them to ANHS.
Speaking of smartphone, Itachi realize something when he, Mio, Yabu, and Albert smartphone being confiscated by the security and in turn given the smartphone that they said can only be use inside ANHS for the next years.
For what purpose?
Itachi already have several theories inside his head, but he need more evidence so he can speak his theory out loud.
At long last, the annual opening ceremony which lasts over 15 minutes were over and the students are allow to go to their own classroom. For the one that bring their pets, it will be deposited on some staff that know how to take care of them till evening when the Club Fair is ended. Itachi can feel relief for Shisui as he will probably just perch on a tree without disturbing others.
As the class line dispersed, Itachi glanced at Mio. "Mio. Lets go to our classroom." He said to her.
"Okay." Mio answered as she walks toward him.
As Itachi turn around to walk together with her adoptive sister, a familiar voice then called him.
"I-Itachi-san… M-Mio-san… Is t-that really you?" A familiar meek voice asked them like she recognize them before.
"That voice…" Mio said in disbelief and turn around to see a familiar bespectacled girl but instead of keeping her hair in Odango-style, she now shaped it to twin, long braids. "Ri-" Mio unable to finish her words as Rika suddenly envelop her in a hug.
"I really miss b-both of you." Rika said with a happy smile on her face. "S-Sorry for not t-tell both of you for a l-long time…"
"I also miss you Rika." Mio replied her greeting.
"It's okay Rika." Itachi smiled seeing his fellow classmate during class acceleration also in here. "How are you by the way? Mio, Akito, and I never heard about you… And Shiho as well…"
"I-I'm fine." Rika replied after releasing her hug from Mio. "I really g-glad that we're on the same class. A-as for Shiho-san, I don't know… How she's doing n-now…" She said with sad tone. No matter how she misses their company, Shiho is the one she miss the most. She help her to get out from her meek shell after all. "S-Seems Akito-san is not on the same class as we d-did…"
"Well look at this, seems you become more confident than the time on grade school, Rika." Mio recognized that compare to how her tone of talking used to be, seems Rika now able to converse normally although her shy demeanor still there.
"Ku Ku Ku." Itachi then glance at Ryuuen who walk past him. "Let's go to the classroom. You can do your little reunion later." He reminds them as he walk to the classroom.
When he finally arrive on Class 1-C, Itachi can't help but feel nostalgia as the aura reminds him of Ninja Academy classroom a bit. There are 40 seats, which mean he and others 39 students that also include Mio, Ryuuen, Fudou, Albert, Yabu, and Rika will be classmate for three years and they will through all of it together. Or so that he hopes. Because on the corner of the classroom, he can see four security cameras on each of the corner. The question is, for what?
In seat, Itachi find himself seat on the second line of the first row while Mio got the second line of the sixth row. However, what Itachi didn't expect is his seatmate. On his left is surprisingly Ryuuen. The man then smirks toward him as he sit on his chair.
"Seems we'll be seatmate huh? Let's get along won't we Itachi?" Ryuuen asked in taunting tone.
"Hn. Likewise." Itachi replied simply. "If you ever want for a re-match, I'm ready with the time you suggests."
"Ku Ku Ku. No need to be that quick. It's true that I want to crush you for defeating me back then. But now I really want to ask something that if it's true will probably benefit not just both of us… But this entire class as well." Ryuuen jokingly said as he face hardened. "Tell me Itachi, do you realize something fishy about this school?" He asked.
Itachi silent for a moment. He remember how perceptive Ryuuen is and if what he have in mind is true, that's crucial for the class to be able to move as one united front. "More than you can said, Ryuuen. The way our smartphone being confiscated, the entrance exam, and I have some others that I still can't prove unless more evidence is unfold." He informed him. "How about you?" He asked.
"For now, same as you. However… I got one interesting thing that I got from the senpai that unexpectedly walk past me." Ryuuen said while smirking. "Private Points."
"Private Points?" Itachi asked in confusion. What does that mean?
"Judging from his tone of speaking seems that words hold large value inside this school. After this whole first day nonsense is over, I will try to search for it nice… And slow." Ryuuen stated. "For that, I really hope your assistance in this."
"Why me? Maybe you can ask others about this." Itachi asked.
"I can't trust the others for now judging by how some of them even asleep and not paid attention to the entrance ceremony. However, you're the one that I can consider smart inside this classroom so I think it will benefit you from becoming too dense Ku Ku Ku." Ryuuen explained his reasoning with a smirk while jokingly mock Itachi.
Itachi sighed. He must've heard of it from Akito three years ago. "Fine then. As you said, it maybe can help me to become more sociable." He said in agreement to Ryuuen's reasoning.
"Now then. I try to tease your little sister first. You can enjoy yourself before our hard work tomorrow. I also need to search some underlings." He said as he stands up and walking toward Mio's seat.
'Seriously… Seems no matter what, I can't escape befriending someone like you, Kisame…' Itachi thought to himself. For him, Ryueen now sounds like his Akatsuki's partner and deep inside, he also want to recognize Ryuuen as more than classmates, but as his close and trusted friend.
However, he still feels that there's one other thing that Ryuuen lack despite his development but he can't still find out what it is. To kill time, he then try to observe his classmates. From what he see, Albert seems enjoying his time hearing music from internet on his smartphone. Yabu from what he seen manage to talk with other girl; a young girl with black hair tied into two twin-tails on the front and blue eyes. He can see that Yabu and the girl will probably become best friend with each other. As for Fudou, he seems try to open a conversation with a girl that he quickly recognize as Makoto Kino, the one that's beaten by Fuuka on the first round of Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago. As he scan through his class, he widen his eyes seeing another person that he recognize as only him that met her on that fateful bump six years ago.
The beautiful, silver-haired girl with black ribbon on her hair is sitting on the fifth line of the first row, close to the window. Thanks to his sharp eyes, he can see the girl immerse herself in books that's the same as he usually read on his free time. No Longer Human.
Deciding to greet her as he was pretty sure who she is, he stands up from his seat as he walk toward her. Carefully walk in precise position behind her, he then obscure her vision from the book with both of his hands. "Guess who?" He asked.
"That voice…" The girl recognizes it as Itachi release his hands from her vision. She then turn around from her seat and look toward Itachi's smiling face. "I-Itachi-kun…"
"It's nice to see you again and on the same class nonetheless. I really miss you… Hiyori." Itachi greet her with relief tone.
"Itachi-kun…" Hiyori uttered as her disbelief look turn into smile. "I… Miss you so much…" She said as she unable to control her happiness. After all, he's the person that makes her able to pursue her hobbies without caring about person mocking it.
"And I also miss you. I see that you've grown well." Itachi return his miss for her company. "So… How many books you have read so far?"
Hiyori smile turn soft this time. How she miss this kind of talk with someone that have the same passion as she did. "Many than you can count. As for you? Sorry… For not able to see you back then on the tournament. But Akito-kun tells me the event. Congratulations Itachi-kun." She congratulates him.
"You have no need to apologize Hiyori. I know that you probably have your own reasons for not being able to watch me performing. As for the books I've read, I currently already read around 150 novels. I currently re-read the No Longer Human though. I guess you still not finished it yet?" Itachi asked.
Hiyori nod. "I already read it numerous times but for even me, It's very hard to decipher the true personality of the main character of this novel, it seems like he is someone that don't understand to become human but try his best to become one. I wonder if there's someone like that out there like the main character of this novel." She wondered.
"I don't know but the author of this book for me really writes this based on personal experience from what I try to guess. If only I able to meet him…" Itachi uttered.
"Well… You can probably do that when we are graduated from here. As for other novels-" As Hiyori and Itachi happily chat with each other, one person that try her best to stay hidden since her seat is behind Albert can only be surprise by the turn of event.
'I-Itachi-kun!? M-Mio-chan and R-Rika-chan are also on this class!?' Shiho thought in disbelief. During the ANHS entrance exam period, she along with Kozue takes it but unfortunately she's placed in Class 1-C while Kozue is on Class 1-B. 'Rika-chan is fine but… Mio-chan… Itachi-kun… I break our…'
"And here I think my eyes deceiving me." Shiho yelp in surprise as Mio alongside Rika is seen look at her with happy look on her face. "It's been a while, Shiho. Itachi really miss your teachings you know." She greets her.
"M-M-Mio-chan…" Shiho said, rather unexpected that Mio is the one that dare to come to her seat. Before she can reply, Rika suddenly hug her.
"Shiho-san… I really miss you…" Rika said happily, which caught Shiho's attention since from what she remembers after their last conversation, Rika's still unable to make a sentence without stuttering. Shiho inwardly happy, she's really grown. "Why… What happen?"
"You know Shiho. We never heard anything about you for two damn years. Akito, me, Rika, and Itachi… We really worried about you. Where-" She then glance and see Itachi's finally approaching along with Hiyori. Mio of course didn't know about Hiyori that much aside from Itachi's story. She never expected that Hiyori is literally angel in human form. 'Speaking of the devil… Did my eyes is right or not? Is this that Hiyori girl? She's pretty… Even more than Honami!?' Mio thought in disbelief. Suddenly, Shiho immediately rise up from her seat, startling Rika.
"S-Shiho-san…"
"Sorry! I need to go to the toilet!" Shiho said as she immediately run away from them, especially from Itachi. When she passes Itachi, he can only look with confusion but he realized something.
There's some tears on her eyes.
As Shiho's exiting the room, Hiyori then speak. "Um… Is that one of your friends from grade school that you just said to me Itachi-kun?" She asked which awaken Itachi from his thought. 'Why's Manabe-san seems try to get away from Itachi-kun?' She thought, realizing something was wrong.
"Shiho…" Mio uttered. The way she's act, she knows it was not jealousy. Thanks to her always socializing with Itachi, she seemingly inherits some of his ability to read people. 'I realized… The way she looks at me when I greet her… It's like she's try to avoid three of us…'
"U-Um.. What's happen with S-Shiho-san?" Rika also confused by this.
"I'll try to talk with her later. Both of you no need to worry because I can assure you she's not mad toward us." Itachi tried to ease the awkward situation. "Oh. I think you already know Hiyori from our conversation Mio. Here she is." He said gesturing to Hiyori.
"It's nice to meet Itachi-kun friend. I hope we can get along for the next three years." Hiyori said while making a respectful bow.
"Likewise. It's nice to finally know you face to face, Hiyori. I now can see why Itachi considers you as his friend." Mio replied the greeting in kind. She immediately that this is their first day on ANHS. It's not time to be worried. "My name is Mio Ibuki. Maybe you already know that I'm Itachi's sister."
"M-My name is Rika Morofuji. Its nice t-to meet you… Hiyori-san." Rika also introduce herself with a smile.
"It's nice to know both of you, so-" Before Hiyori can ask both of them about books, the class door is open and it seems their homeroom teacher finally arrives along with a female student that seemingly late from attending the entrance ceremony.
The homeroom teacher of Class 1-C appears to be a young man with mildly wavy, short, dark brown hair and narrow dark brown eyes. His bangs frame his face, while some are gathered at the center of his forehead. He is quite tall and slim in terms of physique. For his attire, he wears a long sand-colored trench coat which is unlikely what a teacher will wear, the belt of which he leaves untied. Under it is a black vest over a striped dress shirt that is light blue in hue. He wears a bolo tie, which is held by a brown ribbon and a turquoise pendant. He also dons beige pants, dark brown shoes, and seemingly has bandages wrapped on his body. From Itachi's point of view, he can say that this teacher appearance quite eccentric.
As for the student that seemingly late, she is a young girl probably around Hiyori's age that have the aura of calmness around her. She has long, peach-colored hair and icy blue eyes and she also wears ANHS female student uniform. She looks for her seat which later revealed on the right side of Itachi's seat.
As he put the files on the teacher's desk, he clap his hands while making a smiling face. "Hai Hai! All of you return to your seat!" He said in cheerful tone as the students all return to their seat.
After all of the students of Class 1-C, including Shiho, already sit on their respective desk, the teacher then do something unexpected after he sits on his desk.
He falls asleep.
Itachi just sweat dropped. Their homeroom teacher truly unique. However, there's something that bothers him. No matter what, he seems unable to read the teacher intentions at all. 'This is the first time that I was unable to read someone's intentions.' He thought in wary.
As a kind student she was, Hiyori immediately rise up from her seat and walk toward the teacher since her seat was the closest. She then touches the teacher right shoulder to wake him up. "Um… Sensei…"
The teacher then groggily wake up and look toward Hiyori concerned face. "Oh… An Angel? Am I… in heavens?" He asked.
Hiyori giggling hearing it. "No sensei. You suddenly fall asleep in the class." She informed him with kind tone.
"If that so… You must be an angel come down from heaven to wake me up and remind me of my work as a teacher on this elite school!" The teacher then hold both of Hiyori's hands. "It's like one of my reason to live was fulfilled. As a gratitude for awaken this handsome teacher of yours… Will you want to do a double a suicide with me?" He asked in happy tone which of course cause some heavy uproars in the class.
"Double Suicide!?"
"Is he crazy!?"
"That's harassment sensei!" Exclaimed a muscular young man with dark green hair and dark green eyes. Like the other male students, he wears ANHS male student uniform.
"What!?" Mio shouted in disbelief. 'Great! A total crazed dragon and seemingly mentally-ill homeroom teacher!? What a class!?' She thought with comical disappointment.
Itachi just sighed at his homeroom teacher. For now he can read that he is just joking but what kind of healthy man asks for a girl to commit suicide together?
"Ku Ku Ku… Ku ha ha ha ha ha!" Ryuuen unable to control his laugh as he laugh at his heart content. "Seriously… We really got a comedian for a sensei!? These three years will not be so boring after all!" He said while laughing.
Back on Hiyori and the eccentric homeroom teacher, the silver-haired girl just tilts her head in confusion. "Sensei… What do you mean about that? Also, why should I do something like that? It doesn't make sense." She innocently asked.
"Ah! Your innocence is so dazzling! Like a true angel that come from heaven… Or maybe a Fallen Angel? You shall really need to learn the beauty of my requests." He wondered before glances toward the other female students. "Since Bookworm-chan didn't want to, is there any-"
"NO THANKS!"
After a moment, normal tension finally returns to the class as the homeroom teacher start to speak up. "Uhum. Allow me to introduce myself first since for the next three years, we'll be together through hard and thin~. My name is Dazai. Osamu Dazai." He said with a bit of seriousness before turn playful again. "By the way I'm teaching Japanese literature so… Feel free to ask me if you like novels or any other kinds of books~"
The revelation did not shock most of Class 1-C but for Itachi and Hiyori, they can't help but feel stunned. The one that write the book they read the most, is their homeroom teacher for the next three years?
"Put that aside for now my dear students, here's some worthless piece of papers that I'll share to all of you but as you can see… My back still aching right now~. For that… Hiyori-chan, will you please help me share this to your comrades?" Dazai asked for Hiyori's help.
"All right, Dazai-sensei." Hiyori nod as she stands up from her seat, take the stacks of paper that Dazai brought before and later give it to the front rows so the one in the front can give it to the one in the back. As she reaches Itachi's seat, she then whisper to him. "Itachi-kun… He's the one that write No Longer Human… I can't believe this." Hiyori said with excitement clearly evident on her tone.
"I know. I also not expect this." Itachi replied as Hiyori go to the peach-haired girl and return to her seat. He then read the papers, which is in fact a book that titled ANHS Rules Guidebook. Itachi then realized he probably can prove his theory plus Ryuuen discovery of this so-called Private Points by reading this book.
"Thank you very much Hiyori-chan~. Now then as all of you read that book, allow me to explain the most important things so pay attention while you read it okay? First of all, thanks to our great Student Council President Horikita-kun~, ANHS no longer do full isolation from the outside world, which means that all of you can get out but only on specific time. The list of which situation that permit all of you to leave ANHS already decipher on the guidebook. And during your time inside ANHS, no need to worry. In this school, there are many amusements. Think of it like a small city or sorts.
Second, to use all of this amusements and transactions, you'll use Private Points that will be saved on the school systems. That's why all of your usually use smartphone are useless here and be confiscated until the specific time which you can exiting the ANHS. Now then, any questions so far?" Dazai asked which Ryuuen immediately raise his hand. "Ryuuen-kun, what's you want to ask?"
"Sensei… For this Private Points things, tell me what kind of things that we can buy?" Ryuuen asked with his usual grin.
"Sasuga Ryuuen-kun seems you realize it fast. In fact inside this school, all can be bought by Private Points. Also~ your Private Points will be given monthly during the first date of the month. One Private Points equal to 1 Yen. Although I really not know why the government do this things~. They said everything can be bought by points yet why they didn't allow me to bought suicidal items! Aah so annoying!" Dazai said whining to himself.
'Hello, you're teacher here! Do you expect your students to mimic your suicide attempts?' Mio thought rather annoyed by Dazai's antics.
'Now I see. If one point is equal to one Yen, so that what it means by private points. However, there's maybe more of this. Dazai-sensei said that we can buy anything with private points inside the school. However, my thinking says there's more of this Private Points. I must listen more before ask a question.' Itachi thought, analyzing each information he get so far.
This however, also attracts Dazai's attention. 'That kid… Itachi Ibuki, the one who's one-time champion in Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago. He's go quite potential.' He thought, pride on his student. "Also, for this month, each of you will be given 100.000 Private Points." He revealed with a smile, which Itachi and Ryuuen knows it was fake. Did Dazai really drop his guard on purpose?
The class however, is in turmoil.
"100.000 Private Points each month!?"
"Is this a dream come true!?"
"Are you surprised? I'm also surprised when I first become teacher in here~" Dazai playfully said after seeing their reactions. "However as the wise man said, results won't betray effort right? After all, all of you manage to be accepted by this elite school is all thanks to your hard work. After all, all of you have merits that deem appreciate by the school." Dazai explained in normal tone. "Well then… Any questions?" He asked.
'It's now or never has it seemed. Now after Dazai-sensei explanation and Ryuuen information, all seems be put in place.' Itachi thought as he raise his hand. "Dazai-sensei… May I ask one?" He asked.
"Sure you can Itachi-kun." Dazai smiled at him.
"Did all of us really will get 100.000 Private Points each month? Because from the calculation… It sounds absurd." Itachi asked. His question picks Ryuuen interest and another one, a young male student that has light beige hair and purple gradient eyes. He is seen wearing a round-frame sunglasses.
Dazai smiled hearing it. Seems this Itachi really not some ordinary student. "What makes you think so? Because from the looks of others, most seems happy that for three years we can life like a noble during middle ages~." He asked.
"Think about it. Each student will get 100.000 Private Points each month. This class alone has 40 students which mean 4.000.000 Yen each month for just one classroom. Not to count other classroom. First year alone have 160 student and with the second and third year also put into calculation, that means 520 student and the Japanese Government must wasting 52.000.000 Yen each month that can be used to help those in needs to paid us, a high school student that should be able to think for themselves? Forgive me if I'm rude but it feels like the government mocks us and disregard those in need." Itachi explained. This earn gasp from his classmate but they don't dare to mock him. Everything he said makes sense. Why bother paid bunch of students with such amounts if that can be used to help those in need?
'He really perceptive… Also, I can see that he speak like that not because he wanted attention. He just stated what inside his heart was the morally right thing to do.' Dazai thought, impressed by Itachi's analysis. "I see. That's quite an analysis you have Itachi-kun. However, I'm afraid I can't tell you right now. However, rather than this kind of boring questions and and answers, how about we play a game?" He asked.
"What did you suggest sensei?" Ryuuen asked, clearly interest with what Dazai have in mind.
"In a month from now… Something big will be revealed to the first years only. Because of it, let's play a game. In two weeks, try to search for this school true nature and I hope you also finish with who's going to be class representative. If one of you manages to get gist of this school true nature, come to my room in the teacher's office and tell me your conclusion. How's that sound?" Dazai challenged.
"Ku Ku Ku. You really are an interesting sensei." Ryuuen chuckling to himself. "Fine then. Two weeks right? That's more than enough to finally grasp what this Private Points are. I'm open for your game, sensei." He said, agreeing to play Dazai's game.
Dazai smiled hearing it. "How about that Itachi-kun, are you want to participate in this game?" He asked Itachi.
Itachi nod with a slight smile. This start to sounds like detective work. "Okay. After all, I still need to gather more evidence in order to make sure my theory is right." He said.
"How about the others?" Dazai asked the class in majority.
"Although it sounds like a waste of time, I agree with your game sensei." The peach-haired girl who sits beside Itachi said in agreement.
"Yeah I agree, if that can make me enjoy my free time~" Fudou soon followed.
"I'm ready to follow it Dazai-sensei." Hiyori surprisingly said.
"Me too!"
"I'm agreeing as well!"
Most of the class agrees with Dazai's proposal. Which earn a laugh from him. "A Ha Ha! I see! Very well then as I'm still sleepy, we end the class right now okay~. You can use this free time to do anything free till' club fair on the evening." He then stand up from his seat and wave comically toward them. "See you on the next day and I hope tomorrow, some of the female students wants to do double sui-"
"NO!?" For reasons unknown, all female students in Class 1-C yelling in unison.
After Dazai left the classroom, Ryuuen then stand up and walk toward the teacher podium. He then sits on it and pound it with his right hand. "Attention all of you! It seems thanks to Dazai-sensei explanation, some of us conclude that something is fishy about this school! I can't help but impressed by Itachi's deduction so listen here you weaklings! In two weeks, all of you must do your best to finish this game Dazai-sensei just said moments ago! If not, don't forget that in this class there are five participants of that Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament! Ku ku ku, all of you better work hard or paid the consequences."
Itachi narrowed his eyes hearing it. Seems after all, Ryuuen still finds pleasure on putting fear to people. He can't allow that to happen at any costs when Mio and his close friends inside this class.
"And so since you some kind of delinquent you want to make a class that relies solely on you because you put fear on all of us?" The peach-haired girl mocks him. "What a disappointment. I start consider you as nothing more than a street rat."
This picks Ryuuen anger a bit. "What'd you just say? Just because you seemingly rich girl, I won't hesitate to-"
"Feel free to do that. If you not see the security camera that is. Because male Ibuki-san seems notice it for a long time based on his body language." The peach-haired girl continued.
"Tch. You got a smart mouth." Ryuuen relented. One thing that he appreciate after his defeat against Itachi is that he learn to control his emotions and curiosity better.
Itachi sighed before stand up, walk to and stand beside Ryuuen. "Let's forgive Ryuuen threat and move on to the important things. Before Dazai-sensei explanation, Ryuuen seems find out that Private Points is crucial for everything. But there's a hunch. Dazai-sensei said that all of us have merits that make us being accepted into this school. However, I caught something strange since the beginning. Even when the entrance exam happens. Mio and I already have some theories but I want to ask all of you to prove it right. Can all of you participate in this?" He asked, clearly shown his charisma and wise personality in the open which earn nod from his class. "First, what'd you realized about the entrance exam tests?" He asked.
"May I answer it Itachi-shi." The round-glasses boy from before raise his head. "First, I think I shall introduce myself. My name is Satoru Kaneda. You can call me either one that you like. Back to the question, like you said Itachi-shi, I also notice something strange. First, the questions. Like most of it doesn't make sense to me." He said.
"I agree with Kaneda-kun." Hiyori this time speak up. "I also notice after the tests that the question mostly easy but there is some questions that's on university level." She revealed.
"From what I remember I also not answering some of it. The subjects are too hard." Yabu shared her find.
"May I speak Itachi?" Mio asked which earn nod from the latter. She then stands up from her seat. "Not only have the written test, but I also found something strange with the interview one. The questions are too simple and rather strange." She said.
"I a-agree. I only b-being ask my short profile plus m-my hobby." Rika followed.
"Huh. That interview tests is boring as fuck. Mine only being asked what kind of incident that's happen to me in the past." Ryuuen said his opinion on the interview.
"I see. Then it seems my theory was correct. Remember Dazai-sensei said that results won't betray effort, right? It's a lie. We are accepted to ANHS not because of our efforts. The reason we being accepted on the first place… It's because the government have a part on this and recruit us while hiding it like normal entrance exam like most regular high school." He said, finally revealing his theory that he held back for half a year. This earns murmurs from the class as they really didn't expect that some of them probably able to enter ANHS by luck.
"But if that's true. What's the strange part about Private Points? Ah forgive me but my name is Ishizaki. Daichi Ishizaki." The green haired male who introduce himself as Daichi Ishizaki asked.
"That's what I and Ryuuen were trying to find out Ishizaki. So far what I and Ryuuen can guess is this. We won't get the same amount of Private Points next month. Isn't that right Ryuuen?" Itachi asked his fellow seatmate.
"Ku ku ku. Yeah, because of that, I suggest you weakling start to become cautious of using your Private Points and if what that Itachi theorized is true, I suggest our class have study groups. What do you think Itachi?" Ryuuen opined while ask the man he respect.
"I agree with that. Its better we get prepared earlier. But to be cautious, please don't tell other class even that's your friends. Is that clear?" Itachi asked which earn nods, signaling all the class is agree with him. "Now as the serious part already over, let's move to introduce ourselves. All of us along with Dazai-sensei will go through thick and thin together for the next three years so it's better if we know each other's name, starting from you." Itachi point to the peach-haired girl who's late to arrive on the class.
"It's my honor." She said as she stands up and turn around to face her classmates. "Before introducing myself I apologize for being late because I not have quite good physical ability. As for my name, my name is Sumireko Hanabusa. You can call me Sumireko if you like. It's nice to meet you all." She said, introducing herself as Sumireko. Silence happens for a moment, before the entire class yell.
"EEEEEEH!?"
"Is that true!?"
"That Hanabusa!? Seriously!?"
Itachi look confused as he can't understand their reaction. "Ryuuen." He said, begging for help.
"Seriously, are you some kind of hikikomori?" Ryuuen huffed before explaining it nonetheless. "Hanabusa family is known to be one of the richest families in Japan that owns Hanabusa Financial Clique. So in other words, you can equal her in standing to the vampire girl and that brute Kouenji." He explained in brief.
"I see." Itachi nod as a thanks. "Next."
Outside the classroom, it's revealed that Dazai listening everything that happened. He just smiled as he walks away from the scene. "Itachi Ibuki… Interesting. Maybe with your potential that still can be rising to unknown height, you can help not only your class not to be swallowed too much by this school unseen darkness but also help us… To prevent that thing to become fruition." He mused to himself as he walks away from the Class 1-C. "Now then I wonder if Sae-chan or Chie-chan wants to do double suicide with me this time~"
Author Notes
And there you go the first chapter of my version of Volume 1. The next chapter will cover the situation in the other class from Suzune (Class 1-D), Honami (Class 1-B), and Kamuro (Class 1-A) plus the Club Fair where our chad Manabu will make his Canon speech.
Who's not surprise!? Yeah, two of Bungou Stray Dogs already appears in the form of Atsushi and Dazai! Must be not expected that he was the homeroom teacher of Class 1-C and Atsushi join as Class 1-D. What impact did these two will bring to ANHS!? We'll see about that. Also, this V1 will have tons of other Anime characters especially from Bungou Stray Dogs will appears as well so stay tuned.
For the one that confused about Sumireko Hanabusa, she's one of the assassin from Akuma no Riddle, or to be more precise the cyborg girl. She'll play a huge part in my version of V2, which of course lack of Sudo Incident. This is the link if you curious about her:
wiki/Sumireko_Hanabusa
As for Sakagami the original homeroom teacher of Class 1-C, he still teaches inside ANHS so you have no need to worry.
See you in the next update.