/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
Investigation
Itachi wake up from his sleep as Shisui is cawing like a rooster to wake him up. He then sees the clock and it's already 05.30 a.m. 'This is time for a little jogging then.' He thought as he rises up from his bed. As he sees the outside, the skies already turn bright as the sun begins to rise from the horizon. He then opens the window, allows Shisui to fly off to the outside. 'I wonder if Mio already awake or not.' As he thought of it, a knock is heard on his door. Stand up from his bed, he open it only to find Mio already on her track suit.
"Well well, seems this time I wake up earlier than you Itachi." She snickered.
"I'm bit tired yesterday so I wake up a bit later than usual. Then again, for your second day on this school, you wake up on the exact same time when we on Nagano." Itachi commented with a slight smile.
"Duh~ you even like to awake on midnight even during that time. So this time… It's my win." Mio said with a smirk.
"Hn. Okay then. You don't mind to wait outside or maybe you want to prepare breakfast first?" Itachi asked.
After Itachi finish on the shower and change clothes to his track suit, both he and Mio immediately go to the garden that is located close to the coast. It have many brick path so it's ideal for jogging, considers it still summer. As Itachi and Mio begin their usual routine back home, both of them are greet by unusual sight.
In front of them a bit far away, Suzune and Manabu is seen jogging together.
Itachi inwardly smiled. Seems unknown to him, Manabu manage to fix his relationship with Suzune and try to be a true brother for her. From a single advice to both of them, Itachi manage to prevent the same thing as before happened on this new world.
"I go to greet them. Beat me if you can Itachi!" Mio challenged as she speed up her running speed toward Suzune and Manabu.
"Hn." Itachi huffed as he raise his speed all of sudden. After some steps, he suddenly passes Mio who he bet already run at half of her best.
'What the hell!?' Mio thought in surprise as he passes her. 'Heh. Who am I to talk? On his old world, there is even someone that's faster than him. Like I let you beat me!' She thought as she increase her speed to chase him up.
"So even you won't give me a clue for this, nii-san?" Suzune said to Manabu while jogging.
"The truth behind this school is something that you first years must discover yourself on the first month. I'm glad though that you not just accepting the homeroom teacher explanation that easily." Manabu slightly smiled that his younger sister not too swallowed by homeroom teacher's explanation.
"One of my classmates says… That he can't acknowledge our homeroom teacher as a teacher. At first, I thought that is just his bluffing. However, when I think about it… What he said makes sense." Suzune explained, remember what Atsushi said to him after Sae leave the classroom. She realizes that from the explanation, Sae's tone seems hold disdain toward her class.
Manabu for a split second showed a sad frown. 'Despite the changes that I made, hearing this kind of treatment is something that I didn't expect from a homeroom teacher. And, you that is put on that class among the others. The road forward for you is really hard, Suzune.' He thought for a while before replying. "I see. However, I never thought that you can change this much for three years." He point as he know how stubborn his sister is. "Seems Itachi really take great care of you."
"Surprisingly, he is." Suzune admitted with a smile. Before she can continue, Itachi is running pass both of them. And not long after, Mio also pass both of them.
"Wait!" Mio screamed as she try to catch up with him. Their jogging now completely turns into sprint.
"Itachi and Mio. They surely take jogging to the next level." Manabu joked.
"If only you know how she always ask me for a spar every day when I was train on Nagano." Suzune tiredly complain to him before remember something. "Nii-san… Why'd you say that during the club ceremony?" She asked.
Manabu quickly get what Suzune meant. He then speaks up. "My seat as the Student Council President is limited by time Suzune. I probably will resign after the Sport Festival ended. However, what I worry about is what the Student Council or this school will become after my reign."
"What'll the school become? But I thought the school highest authority is the chairman itself. Does that mean this school really is different from normal high school?" Suzune wondered but a bit wary because based on her brother words, something is fishy about this school.
"It seems I can't explain it right here. Maybe I'll do it after the school hour is ended." Manabu suggest.
Suzune nod as both of them continue their jogging on the early morning.
Half an hour before the learning hour begins; Itachi and Mio already bath again and change their uniform before entering the class. When they're enter, they are greet with only some students that already arrives including Ryuuen, Hiyori who seems in joy reading a book from her collection, Albert that listen to music like the previous day, and Sumireko that seemingly make a tea on her desk.
"Good morning." Itachi greet those that already inside the class.
"Good morning, Itachi-kun." Hiyori return the greeting as she put her book to her desk for a while before return to reading once again.
"Good morning Itachi-san." Sumireko greet him as well.
"Ku Ku Ku. No need to greet. Just sit." Ryuuen smirk at him.
"Hn." Itachi hummed as he sits on his desk. Mio also walk toward her desk but not before give a glance toward Ryuuen. "If you want to ask about the progress… I don't have much time to do that yesterday. Not to mention there's Club Fair as well."
"No need to worry about that. I also just take my time and try to use the private points that Dazai-sensei explained to us before. From what I use to buy some equipment on the market, it's true that it can be use like money did on the outside. But on one section of the market, I found one thing that interests me. There are items that cost 0 private points." Ryuuen revealed what he finds so far.
"You surely work quickly. I'm sorry if I not able to help." Itachi quickly apologize. He already promises to help him on this investigation yet all he did is enjoying his time on this school. "However, based on your find, I can assume that this items which cost 0 private points probably used by those that waste their point before the end of the month. That is what I can assume so far but still from your info, seems this free item is not like discount on the market outside ANHS." Itachi theorized base on Ryuuen's info.
"Of course. I don't even see the time limit for those items. However, I don't think with this the clues of this school true nature is determined." Ryuuen concluded his investigation for now.
"Aa. We still need more evidence." Itachi agreed as the evidence for all of this still not complete yet. Despite being hailed as natural born genius, Itachi admit that in term of investigating something outside of discern opponent weakness in battle, he still need some way to go. "I'll try to accompany you today in order to search for other clues. However in turn, can I ask your help?" He asked.
"Let me listen first then I'll consider it." Ryuuen stated.
Itachi want to speak up before shook his head. "Nevermind. I thought it wasn't something important for you to help it." He said.
"Huh. I see. Very well then, as soon as Dazai-sensei finishes his learning hour, we'll-" Before Ryueen can continue, the entrance door to Class 1-C suddenly open revealing an exhausted Ishizaki. Judging from his breath state, he must be run toward here.
"A-All of you! This is bad!" Ishizaki screamed at the top of his lung catching the attention of the Class 1-C that's present on the class.
"Tch. You don't need to yell Ishizaki." Ryuuen said in rather annoyed tone since his seat close to the entrance door along with Itachi and Sumireko. "What's wrong?" He asked in annoyed tone.
"D-Dazai-sensei… H-H-He's…."
Itachi, Mio, Ryuuen, and surprisingly Hiyori then walk to the destination that Ishizaki directs them. From what Itachi guess from his built and the remnant of some scar on his hands, Ishizaki seems used to violence but nonetheless a kind guy that cares for others. What cause him to be so panicked?
'Could this is one of Dazai-sensei's pranks like yesterday?' Itachi thought with sweat drop on his face.
'Tch. That sensei surely a maniac. What cause Ishizaki to be panicked like this!?' Ryuuen thought rather annoyed as his discussion with Itachi about the investigation is ruined.
'Don't tell me Dazai-sensei ask the same thing to a female student from another class again? I know he probably just joking but I can't say the same for another female student…' Hiyori thought in worry of her homeroom teacher antics as she follows Ishizaki.
'Hmph. I bet it's just one of his-' Mio unable to finish her thought as she saw some ridiculous but horror scene in front of her and the others.
The event is happen on one of the school yard. On the base of a birch tree, Dazai is doing something unexpected. He is seen inside an empty oil barrel with his leg rising toward the air and his upper body is only shown his head as it slowly sink deeper inside the barrel. He then sees the students of his class and say hello toward them. "Good Morning~! Isn't right now the weather is clear? I'm certain you're all here thanks to Ishizaki-kun right?" He asked with playful tone despite his condition. This earns various responses from those who see it.
Mio comically clench her fist in frustration. On the first day he's crazy enough but this…. 'I really want to smack him. The hell about rules!' She thought as she quickly turns around. "Fuck with all of this!" She said as she return to the class, feeling like she was being prank. The others is too baffled not notice she's leaving.
Hiyori let out a horrified gasp. "D-D-Dazai-sensei… What happened to you? Why'd you end up like that?" She asked.
"What the fuck is going on here, Sensei? You're not going to amuse me that you're tripping and end up in that position?" Ryuuen demanded with a smirk while rather annoyed about this stupid scene. "I and Itachi busy discussing something personal yet we here thanks to Ishizaki stupid rambling to see this scene." He protested.
"S-Sorry all of you… But I only panicked and I think I probably can help Dazai-sensei if I call some of you." Ishizaki apologize to the three of them with honest tone.
Itachi can only sigh. He knows now that this is his way of joking but this suicidal joke seems went too far. 'This is one of the torture methods.' He thought as he read some books about a good way to torture someone.
"Aah~ Mio-chan is so mean~" Dazai whined as he looks toward the remaining students that sees him. "So, did all of you here can guess what happens?" He asked.
"Y-You tripped and unexpectedly thrown to that oil barrel right?" Hiyori tried to guess. "I'll try to search for the school staff to-"
"No need for that, Hiyori." Itachi said to her before turn toward Dazai. "Dazai-sensei… Please never do such pranks like this in the future. We're worried about you." He demanded with firm tone.
"Sasuga Itachi-kun I must say~. But this is not a prank, I just trap myself in here~" Dazai jokingly said.
"W-W-W-W-WHAAAT!?" All of them sans Hiyori and Itachi yelled.
"Sensei you're joking right? For what reason you do something like this?" Ishizaki humbly asked, still manage to retain respect for his homeroom teacher.
"The fuck!?" Ryuuen said in disbelief.
"You see… I've heard there's a way to do suicide by trapping yourself on an oil barrel. As I'm curious about it, I try to do it in the morning to make sure I don't late to the class. But when I try it, I only become more suffer instead of my soul leaving my body~. Moreover, I trap even deeper and can't get out. Looks like I'll die instead of teaching you~." He said in playful tone despite his condition.
Ryueen can feel his eyebrows twitched at Dazai's stupidity. "Who the fuck thinks oil barrel is a way to do suicide dumbass sensei!? I throw away my precious time to see something so stupid! You won't die of course, that's a torture method!" He screamed before push the oil barrel to the ground with a hard kick while at the same time pop Dazai out from it. Hiyori quickly rush toward him and try to help him stand.
"C-Can you stand up Dazai-sensei?" Hiyori asked while she immediately tries to help him stand up. Dazai immediately accept it and manage to stand up as he is stretching each parts of his body. "Ryuuen-kun that so mean." She said with a pout toward Ryuuen.
"It's his fault for being an idiot. Itachi, let's go back and continue our discussion. Let Hiyori and Ishizaki handle this stupidity." Ryuuen said toward Itachi as he leaves the scene rather annoyed.
Itachi just nod before look toward Dazai whose support by Ishizaki after Hiyori helps him to lift Dazai's up. "Dazai-sensei, I'll prepare the class for your learning hour. Hiyori and Ishizaki, please escort Dazai-sensei toward the infirmary first to see if there are any injuries on his body." He said toward both of them.
"All right Itachi-kun." Hiyori said in agreement.
"Yeah and I'm sorry Itachi-san… For making this, you know…" Ishizaki uttered, try to apologize for this stupid mess.
"It's all right Ishizaki you have no need to be sorry." Itachi stated with a smile as he returns to the classroom, waiting for Hiyori and Ishizaki who already go to the infirmary to treat Dazai. 'Is just my feeling… Or Dazai-sensei hiding something more than he shows on the outside?' He wondered.
After an hour, Dazai finally entering the class on his own as Hiyori and Ishizaki already return back to the class half an hour ago. When on this second day, both Itachi and Ryuuen catch something strange and maybe some big names on Class 1-C already realize that.
Sure that Dazai is teach like what teacher should do, writing material on the whiteboards and other teacher stuff like what you expect from regular high school. What makes it suspicious is that he never reprimands the students that are busy with their own world. For example, a male student that's busy play with his smartphone seems searching for something. Not only has him, Itachi seen at least twelve students from the class do the exact same thing.
'This is strange. Back on the academy of my old world, even teacher will scolds a student for talking or doing something that's not for learning hour. Yet Dazai-sensei never once scolds a student for playing his smartphone. Not only that, the security camera on the wall seems strange. Could these both have connections or just coincidence?' He thought to find the answer. 'Moreover, the placement of the class… I have some feelings this is not like the usual school. It seems I must do the investigation of it.'
At last after learning hour is ended, Itachi immediately approach Ryuuen and tell him about his theory so far.
"Ku ku ku, I see. So you thought that this security camera is monitoring our behavior in place of the teacher? No wonder Dazai-sensei enjoy his explanation without batting an eye on some of our stupid classmates." Ryuuen commented while agree with Itachi's theory. "Seems they need to be discipline before they do those shit again."
"This is still the second day Ryuuen. Give them chance." Itachi said to him.
"Don't you see Itachi? Those idiots will never heed you even though you're the one that tells them so because they're too dumb. Violence is the only things that can make humans behave." Ryuuen argue with a smile.
"I don't think so. I think it will make our class in a short time become nothing more than a yes man class. It's the type of groups that I want to avoid at all cost. I see it for one and a half day and you want to know what I thought about this class? I thought of it is that we're equal to some degree." Itachi stated his honest opinion about Class 1-C.
"What do you mean by that?" Ryuuen wondered.
"From what I see, our class doesn't have someone that's special in anything. Sure that there are those that stands out like you and me plus Hiyori and some others. However, the rest of them is basically follow those that stands out. In other words, if you wish to rule the class with violence, it will only cause our class like I said before, to be nothing but a mass that always rely on you and probably me to make many decisions. Also from what I see, your mentality is not the same as before so why you thought violence is the best way?" Itachi opined before ask Ryuuen.
Ryuuen is baffled. Itachi's logic really hit him this time. He thought about it deeply. Sure, the grimmest weakness of his violence-themed rule of Class 1-C is that they'll mostly rely on him or probably Itachi thanks to both of them caught Dazai's attention. But at the same time, he can only thought of that as the fastest and surest way to make Class 1-C abide quickly to the rules thanks to his experience in violence. Even he can't find a good answer for it. "Tch. Why'd your logic always hit so hard?" He asked with narrowed eyes.
"Because for me if what I theorize is true, I agree that sometimes violence is the way to make them submit but what I want is to help those that still not realize their latent talent able to utilize it to their fullest without any leader arrogance decision on the way." Itachi simply replied. "Now then, when shall we begin our investigation?"
While Itachi and Ryuuen are busy try to conducting their investigation of the private points and ANHS, Mio is stand up from her seat to approach a certain person. She then walks toward the said person desk, which's currently busy playing with her smartphone. After she's closer, she decides to call her.
"Shiho." Mio called. Shiho is bit shuddered for a moment, before look toward Mio who look at her with concern. "Rika and I plan to go buying some supplies on the market today. Apparently, Yabu will ask her friend Saki to also follow. Would you want to come with us?" She asked; hope that Shiho want to follow. She's worried for her because from what she see till' now, Shiho never bothered to socialize with other female inside her class.
Shiho immediately shook her head. "Sorry… I actually not feel well today. Next time okay? Give my regards to Rika-chan and the others." She politely rejects her offer. "I promise Mio-chan. I truly do."
However, her reply only make Mio become more worried. From what she knew after befriending her for four years, Shiho never act like this. What's actually happen when she's unable to be contacted for three years? "I see. If that so, may I accompany you?" Mio asked her in worry.
"No thanks. I can go to my dorm on my own." Shiho said as she stands up from her seat. "Goodbye for today Mio-chan." She said as she immediately leaves the classroom. However, this also caught the interest of Hiyori since she sit on the same line as her and Albert.
'So what I guess was right. Manabe-san seems avoiding Morofuji-san and Mio-san, but why'd she do that?' She wondered. 'Mio-san also seems sad that Manabe-san keep avoiding her.' Then a thought cross her mind as she decide what she'll do.
For Itachi, his investigations about the school finally begin with Ryuuen. Both of them also accompany by Albert and Ishizaki. There are reasons why they were chosen. Aside for them is one of the most athletic male students on Class 1-C, Ryuuen is seen trust Ishizaki while Itachi also trust Albert. Currently however, they are buying some supplies for their monthly needs. From the time, it shows around 05.00 p.m. When they are outside the market, Ryuuen then begin the speaking.
"Aside from what I found yesterday and you theorize today, we still can't find any more clues about private points." Ryuuen whined.
"All looks normal." Albert stated in English.
"I agree. The discount thing is not different than yesterday. Aside from there seems so many security camera inside this school." Ishizaki said while confirming his sighting.
"If that so, seems our behavior also monitored by the security camera outside the classroom." Itachi simply stated. "I think our best action now is counting how much security cameras that are spread within the school. That way, we can know a place where we can do something without affecting our behavior points."
"That's what I plan to do." Ryuuen stated before glance toward Ishizaki. "Ishizaki, take Komiya and Kondo or the others with you tomorrow. Scout toward every place on this school as much as you can and data each place the security camera is located. After that, you can send the note of it to either me or Itachi. Understand?" He ordered Ishizaki with firm tone.
Ishizaki nodded. "Understood, Ryuuen-san."
"If that's the case, I alongside Albert will cover the half of Ishizaki and the other task. I will also try to investigate how upper-class behaves since their behavior will probably lead to something." Itachi suggest. "I hope your help on this Albert."
"Understood." Albert replied in English.
"That leaves me in charge of the class then? What shall we do with the girls?" Ryuuen asked.
"For the girls, I can trust that some of them will be helpful on this investigation. I can ask for Hiyori, Mio, Makoto, and some others for this. However, there's one person inside the class that I think must keep an eye on. Sumireko." Itachi said with serious tone.
"How's she threatening Itachi-san? From what I see, she seems polite and minding her own business inside the class." Ishizaki asked, confused by Itachi's opinion.
"She seems hiding something but I don't know what. For now, I think we shall only keep eye on her in case she doing anything." Itachi explained to Ishizaki but before he can speak again, a loud conflict seems happen close to their location, which is happen to beside a collection of tables where students can sit and enjoy themselves.
"Hey, you guys first years? This is our spot!" A male voice said with authorities tone.
"We were here first! Go find another spot!" A male student that's revealed to be Sudou barked back toward them. After all, it's true he sits here first.
"You hear this guy? 'Find another spot.'" One other says. It didn't really matter which, they were all interchangeable. "Someone doesn't know how to respect their elders." He said, revealing three second years is harassing Sudou.
"Eh? You're trying to say something, asshole?" Sudou's said in anger, showing his short and brash temper.
One of them later points his finger toward Sudou. "I expect you're from Class-D aren't you?" He asked with mocking tone.
"Haa!? What of it!?" Sudo said back with anger.
"That's no way you speak to upperclassmen, you know." One of them continues the mocking.
"I don't care if the three of you are upperclassmen! If you keep mocking us, I pummel the three of you!" Sudo retorted, which earn a laugh from the three of them.
"Ha ha ha! Nah, we'll let go of you for now. Your act really fit for a class of defects!" One of them mock Sudou. "You still not know true hell!?"
"What'd you say!?" Sudo retorted back before a female voice speak up.
"I can't believe for upperclassmen, the three of you really more like a brats and a disappointment for the kouhai." The speaker revealed to be Suzune, who also shopping for monthly supplies along with Kiyotaka. "I suggest the three of you shall leave. I ask for Ayanokouji-kun help to record the incident while I record the sound as a double proof. If the three of you just go on your way, I won't take this incident even further." She warned them as she showed her phone which recording the entire conversation.
"You see what she said." Kiyotaka also showed his phone, which have video stopped.
Seeing this, the three upperclassmen grit their teeth in anger.
"I suggest you shall tell the discipline committee Horikita!" Sudou immediately said to her, his anger still get the best of him. After all, who's not angry being mock as defects and treat like trash by someone that barely recognize him in the first place?
However after hearing it, all of their faces immediately paled in fear as their feet are shaking in fear. This also not escapes Kiyotaka, Suzune, and Sudou.
'They immediately pale in fear hearing it, just what kind of influence this discipline committee has?' Suzune thought in anticipation. "So senpai, what's your answer?" She however decides to pressed them.
"P-Please don't tell them! I-I do what you want from us but p-please don't tell them!" One of them said in fear as the three of them fall to their knees and bow toward Suzune. This is not a normal fear, it more like they clearly frightened for their lives.
"Ku ku ku. Interesting. Seems she able to make senpai bow in fear." Ryuuen said in respect as he along with Itachi, Albert, and Ishizaki decide to sit on the closest table from the incident and sits in there while bought an ocha each as a disguise. He hopes that by listening to this crucial conversation, they can find a clue about this private points and the meaning of the defect words said by those upperclassmen.
Itachi just smiled. It seems Suzune also have her older brother charisma.
Suzune at first hesitant to ask them something. However, she quickly caught on that based on their mocking toward Sudou, Class-D and defects means something more than just mockery. "I see. If that so, I have a question for the three of you. Class-D and defects, seems the three of you enjoy it when mocking Sudou-kun so I want to ask… What's the meaning of it?" She asked with demanding tone. 'With this, our class can hold the information quicker than other class and we're able to break the truth of this school faster. It really like blessing.' She thought. However, Suzune forgot.
Blessing can also disguise as misfortune.
Suzune suddenly feel that heavy aura once again like the time on the Club Fair. However, this is not come from Manabu, but from one person.
As Akutagawa is seen walking toward them with narrowed gaze and neutral look on his face. This make the three upperclassmen become even scary than before since it was the head of the discipline committee itself that appears. Judging from a bag on his left hand, he also bought supplies for his own.
"As always, Fake Angel was unable to keep his rats at bay. Seems each month, I really must teach him how to control them." Akutagawa said in neutral tone as he put his supplies on the closest table. He then looks toward Suzune. "So you're Horikita-san little sister and two students from Class 1-D. My name is Ryuunosuke Akutagawa. Class 2-C. It's nice to meet you. Can you tell me, what are these rats doing?" He introduces himself while asked.
But instead of Suzune, Sudou is the one that immediately speak up. "These three says that all of this table only for the upperclassmen and only because of that, they harassing me! Also saying us Class 1-D as defects or something! These three mocks our classmates as well!" He barked.
Akutagawa look at Sudou for a moment before close his eyes and sighed. "I see. That Fake Angel really thirst that much for his trash ideal of meritocracy huh?" He mused to himself as he look toward the three students on the same year as he did. "You three. I hope you're ready for some question. Tell me what fake angel is planning currently… But before that." He stated with venom evident on his tone before he suddenly launch toward the three of them and later giving the first one a punch directly on the face with his right hand before quickly turn to the second one with a hard kick to his gut as he thrown and crash to a nearby trash can. Both of them immediately unconscious with just one hit and clearly shown blood leak from their wounds.
Itachi widened his eyes seeing it. 'In one hit! Those two who seems muscular enough immediately falls unconscious! He's probably on the same strength as I did!' He thought in disbelief seeing it.
'Oi oi. You kidding me right? So this is that rumored discipline committee leader that appears next to the student council president!' Ryuuen also in disbelief seeing it.
"N-No way…" Ishizaki uttered in fear. For him, violence is not uncommon since he belongs to a gang during his middle grade but it's the first time he sees one-side beat down like this.
"One rat remaining." Akutagawa stated as he looks toward the last one, who fall to his butt and crawled back in fear.
"P-Please… Akutagawa-san… H-have mercy on me…" The last male upperclassman said while shivering in fear with the pressure that seemingly emitted from the head of the discipline committee.
Akutagawa however didn't budge as he prepares to do the same before Suzune stopped him.
"Please stop it, Akutagawa-senpai. I know you just defending us but… I think they're learning their lesson. I already record all of it and I can assure you they won't do that again." She said, trying to convince him.
"Learning? I see much of these three rats so much that I want to kill them for it. But since you're Horikita-san little sister, I appreciate your suggestion to spare them for now." He simply stated as he quickly turns around to take his supplies before glance at the last upperclassman. "Bring those two rats with you to discipline committee room. I'll follow you from behind and we'll interrogate the three of you… Nice and slow." He ordered him with plain tone.
"O-Okay b-but pleases d-don't expel…"
"I'm a man that holds his words. Suzune Horikita asks for the three of you to be forgiven. I'll hold it that much I can promise you." Akutagawa stated before look toward Suzune. "The three of you still have many days to discover the true nature of this school. Don't give up till' found it. Because if you do, you'll ends up like these three said." He said as he immediately follows the male student that brings his unconscious friends.
Suzune just narrowed her eyes toward Akutagawa. 'So this is the one that lead the discipline committee currently on ANHS? Like nii-san said, he's strong and lack mercy. It's like that I see… A wolf that discipline his pack with force.' She thought in wary.
Kiyotaka just stared toward Akutagawa with his usual emotionless look before speak to Suzune. "Horikita. I think we shall keep the evidence of this. Who knows if they decide to harass our classmates again in the future despite Akutagawa-senpai interference." He suggested.
"I agree. However, the words Class-D and defects keep ringing inside my head. I probably will speak this up with Hirata-kun and Atsushi-kun." She said before look toward Kiyotaka with a smile. "Thanks for the help, Ayanokouji-kun." She thanked.
Kiyotaka nod as a sign of accepting her gratitude.
"You two." Sudo suddenly speak up while rubbing the back of his head. "Uh… I don't know how to say it but… Thanks for saving my ass." He thanked.
Suzune nod. "I hope you can control your temper next time Sudou-kun, because that will affect other views on our class. Also, if I not wrong you join Basketball Club right?"
"Yeah. I plan to be a famous basketball player someday!" Sudou immediately feels excited because he seemingly found someone that favors basket like he did.
"Maybe if you can put your temper aside, you can do so. Now back to what I plan to do with you, I want you to try search the true meaning of that two words from before toward the upperclassmen in the Basketball Club since from what I know you have good relationship with them. Can I trust you with that?" Suzune asked.
Sudou gulped before answering. "O-Okay but I can't promise all right. I still do my best though…" He said agreeing with her request.
"Thank you Sudou-kun." Suzune thanked him with a smile.
"If I may give suggestions, Shinohara also join a club from what I heard from the girls gossiping." Kiyotaka also suggested while earn no from Suzune.
"I already observe her and I can say she's too brash mouth for something like that. Even though Sudou-kun is temperamental… I can still trust him." She opined.
"I'll try to persuade Kanji to do the same." Sudou offered.
"I'll leave it to you then." Suzune stated. "Thanks for accompany me here, Ayanokouji-kun."
"No need to thank me. We happen to be meeting on the store by luck so I decide to help you. I'll be back to my dorm now." Kiyotaka said as he walks toward his destination.
"Horikita. This is just my opinion but… Don't you think Ayanokouji's bit strange? I mean… He can maintain that face for a long time." Sudou said in suspicion to Suzune after Kiyotaka left.
"Give him some chance Sudou-kun. He probably the type that hard to communicate with others. You know you also owed him for saving you today from false charges. Anyway, lets us be on our way now and also, I hope you not fall asleep again on the class and listen toward Chabashira-sensei explanation." Suzune said with firm tone.
"O-okay." Sudou said before clap his own cheek before look toward Horikita with a smile. "You know Horikita, I'm sorry for thought of you as ice princess. It turns out you're not bad at all. Thanks again for saving my ass." He happily said as he return to his dorm room.
"You welcome, Sudou-kun." Suzune said in gratitude as she also leaves the scene. 'For now, I can let Sudou-kun trust me while on the other hand; I'll do what I can to solve this puzzle about ANHS true nature.'
"Ku ku ku. That's end quickly than I expected. So what I read that time was right. What a great privilege becomes a member of discipline committee." Ryuuen commented about the scene while remember what's written on the guide book. It says that members of the discipline committee who task is to control the students from breaking school rules are allows to commit violence to a limited agree no matter how gruesome that is.
"However, what Akutagawa-senpai did back there I think too violent. I know that three senpai did is wrong, but…" Ishizaki uttered.
"No. Akutagawa-senpai from my perspective does the right thing. If he not doing something like that, those three will keep harassing other students just because they're upperclassmen." Itachi opined. "But thanks to that, I think we got unique words."
"Class-D and defects. I think it have some connections with private points." Albert mused in English.
"Leave it to me and Itachi to decipher these words. You two just continue what I ordered back then." Ryuuen suggest. "Itachi, I suggest you'll ask Hiyori for this as well?" Ryuuen asked.
"Aa. I also plan to ask Kaneda as well. He seems smart enough and not too swallowed by the school claims." Itachi replied. "I think we shall do it-" Before he can continue, his phone is ringing. He then look and pick up the call. "Hello?"
[Itachi-kun. Glad that you pick it up. I actually want to talk about something.] Hiyori sweet voice said through the phone.
"I see. Well, Ryuuen and I also have something to talk about. Can you ask Kaneda to come as well? The time will be 08.00 p.m., in my dorm room." Itachi said to her.
Silent for a moment, Hiyori finally replied. [Okay. Should I ask Mio-san to come along?] She asked.
"Very well. I trust Mio also smart enough for it. See you later Hiyori." Itachi said.
[Okay. Goodbye Itachi-kun.] Hiyori said as she hangs up the phone.
"I'm glad that's work up. I think we shall enjoy ourselves in our dorm. Ishizaki, Albert. I trust that both of you begin the scouting tomorrow after the learning hour is ended. Both of you can take your time but I hope it won't until Dazai-sensei game ended." Ryuuen ordered.
"Okay Ryuuen-san." Ishizaki said.
"Very well. We still have twelve days remaining." Albert said in agreement.
"Okay then. Let's be on our way now. See you tomorrow on the class." Itachi concluded the meeting as they immediately return to their dorm.
"That's all I'm reporting." Akutagawa said as he currently inside the student council room along with Manabu and Akane.
"I see. To think that Nagumo already make that such move on Class 1-D." Manabu said on his seat after fixing his glasses.
"Your little sister asks me to spare those three from expulsion. I'm man that holds his words so I promise her. The three of them currently being detained in discipline committee room." Akutagawa continued. "If that it's over, I'll be on my way. Goodnight, Horikita-san, Tachibana-san." He respectfully bows as he leaves the student council room.
After Akutagawa leaves, Akane then speak up. "President, don't you really think Akutagawa-kun too harsh? I mean, I know that his committee job under our jurisdiction is to maintain order within ANHS. But…" She clenches her notebook that she always holds. "It's too cruel, even if they're Nagumo-kun goons."
"I know. However under his direct orders, we manage to prevent Nagumo's total control of the second years and in turn, his control over the third years are almost if non-existent. While I also disagree with his violent methods, he's without a doubt my best joker to prevent Nagumo's dream from becoming come true." Manabu explained his reasoning.
Akane however look saddened. "Letting him becoming a SCP or Nagumo-kun becoming a SCP. None of it is a good choice. I know this school before seems prevent us the upperclassmen from take side of our kohai but… I feel bad for them." She said. "One is too violent about the rules while the other wants to turn this school like most Japanese office which I think too fast for them who want to enjoy their high school life."
Manabu smiled hearing it. "You're really kind, Tachibana. The fact that you keep supporting me back then to revolutionize this school proves that." He compliments his secretary. "What I'm glad is… Even if Nagumo becoming a SCP, he won't be able to delete this. At least, I can do one thing that benefits our kohai."
"President…" Akane uttered before smiled as well. "Like I said back then, my reasoning to support you… Was not a mistake. I also glad about your small revolution become a success." She said.
Manabu just sighed before think to himself. 'Suzune. After I leave the student council, seems ANHS will not be the same. I can at least held some power until I graduate but before that… I'm betting on you, to become the next SCP while I still have the power.'
"So those three reasoning are they stressed of Nagumo and pouring it to the kohai?" Akutagawa called someone while walking on the school corridor.
[Yeah. They said they are ready to become our mole to spy on Nagumo as long you don't expel them.] Another male voice said from the phone.
"I always hold my words. Tell them that we gladly receive their cooperation." Akutagawa ordered as he hangs up the call as he remembers something.
"I hope you can learn something from not killing others just because you can do it. What it need to gain his recognition and the fact that strength and weakness are not like what it seems. And also, the fact that you already one step ahead of me all this time." – Unknown person, two years ago
"Nonsense." Akutagawa uttered to himself as he walk through the corridor.
Three hours later, on 08.00 p.m., Itachi's dorm room has some guest as Ryuuen, Kaneda, Hiyori, and Mio gathers to discuss the find.
"I'm glad that the three of you can come." Itachi speak up.
"I also baffled that to think you're my neighbor Itachi-shi. With this, I think we can discuss more effectively." Kaneda said.
"Don't forget Kaneda. Itachi's other neighbor is Koenji of Class 1-D. Despite his claims of no interest in class matters, you shall be careful." Ryuuen warned him. "Now then, let's begin by explaining what both of us finds so far." Ryuuen then begin to explain about Sudo's incident and of course the two important words.
"So you want me along with Kaneda-kun to decipher what this words means, Ryuuen-kun?" Hiyori asked.
"Aa. I know since I met you back then that you're great on analyzing something Hiyori. Tell me your opinion first." Itachi compliment her.
Mio just silent as she looks on how Itachi praise Hiyori. 'I'm glad that Itachi not too bother with the fact that Shiho not talk to both of us and the others, but I'll tell him after this that we shall need to investigate this as well.' She thought as she keeps listening.
"Hmm… Let see." Hiyori begin to think as she starts to say her theory. "First about Class-D. If we talk about the scores of an exam, A is the highest while E is the lowest. If that's true, can we assume first that this school is having some hierarchy on student placement?" She theorized.
"I think it's impossible. I mean, this is high school, why there's hierarchy on the first place?" Mio wondered.
"But the big question is… How's this hierarchy works if that's true?" Ryuuen wondered.
"I have my theory about this. I think this hierarchy is based on school evaluation on us during the interview tests. The school sees our personality instead of our academic." Kaneda explained his theory.
"I think it's both. The placement of our class is determined by both exams; at least that's what I think. If that's true, then our class is on the third placement of the hierarchy." Itachi said his theory. "And if we connect the dots with the word defects or defective, then Suzune's class…"
"We're probably the lowest class in term of hierarchy?" Hirata said in disbelief as he along with Atsushi, Akito, Lucy, and surprisingly Kei is inside Suzune's dorm room. Suzune decided to call them to her dorm room after the incident to speak up her theories so far. "That's unbelievable. I mean, why's we called defective if your theories is true, Horikita-san?"
"That's just a theory of mine so far, Hirata-kun. However, with this I can conclude one thing that was probably right. Our merits are determined by our entrance exams. And if that's true, the existence of the security camera on each corner of our classroom bothers me." Suzune said.
"Why I not surprised. Even the school nature also shitty as well." Lucy sighs in disappointment. "I wonder what provoke me to accept this school in the first place…"
"From what I see, each of the security cameras is on. Meaning it monitors our class." Akito opined.
"In other words, it sounds like on the office but not just keep our safety. It monitors our behavior as well. If we synonymize it, I can be certain, this 100,000 Yen per month is like our salary. And if the head of the office determine that our performance is bad-" Atsushi said
"Our salary will be cut off for the next month." Hirata finished. "If that so, what's best thing we can do?"
"I don't believe this at all! Don't you hear what Chabashira-sensei says? She says we will get the same amount of private points next month. All of you just think of this too far." Kei suddenly opined.
"Don't you hear what Suzune just said, Karuizawa?" Lucy demanded with annoyed tone. After the first day, she concludes there are handful people in Class 1-D that she dislikes and Kei and her gangs were among them.
Akito support Lucy by shook his head. "This entire talk make senses Karuizawa. Sudou case is just the opening we only need to connect the dots after that." He said to her. 'And I guess, you already find out about this.'
"The best thing that we can do for now is to maintain our behavior in the class as good as possible. I already speak about this to Sudou-kun and he agrees to do that and help us by searching info on the basketball club. The sad thing is, I currently not have enough power to convince the class. Not to mention there's student like Kouenji-kun, Shinohara-san and Yamauchi-kun that obviously won't heed. So, I need you to convince the class. Hirata-kun, Karuizawa-san." Suzune said.
"I see. All right, I'll immediately tell them after the learning hour is ended." Hirata nod in agreement.
"B-But why me?" Kei asked, stuttered. "I mean, Kushida-san is more perfect for that role."
"I observe you from the first day Karuizawa-san that you have some influence on the gyaru-type girls while Kushida-san seems holds influence on the shy one like Mei-san and loudmouth like Yamauchi-kun. In other words, you're the perfect person to influence them to obey the rules." Suzune stated. "Can I trust you to do it?" She asked.
Kei is seen shaking for a split second, which unnoticed by anyone except for Suzune and Atsushi. She then answered. "F-Fine…" She uttered.
"Thank you very much. For now, keep this conversation to our own." Suzune said, finishing the discussion.
"The third best class on the first impression of the school huh?" Ryuuen thought after some discussion with a smirk. "Itachi. Seems my opinion back then was right after all."
"Violence is a last option that I hope we won't do. Tomorrow, hold all of our classmates after the learning hour and tell them of this theory. We give them three days." Itachi quickly denied Ryuuen suggestion of immediately try to implement violence, something that make even Hiyori and Kaneda stared at the magenta-haired in disbelief.
Ryuuen seems unhappy with Itachi disagree with him once again before sighed. "Very well then. Three days for me is enough for them to behave." He said his reluctant agreement.
Itachi then look toward his adoptive sister. "Mio. I trust you to tell this to the girls in our class to behave from now on to prevent our behavior to be determined as bad to the teacher. Can you do that?" He asked.
"Okay. I'll ask Yabu for help since I don't have too much impression on the girls." Mio said in agreement.
"Thank you. For now, I think this discussion is over. All of you can return to your own dorm." Itachi stated as Ryuuen and Kaneda immediately stand up. "Don't be late as well."
"I know. What, you my mom or something?" Ryuuen joked.
"Hn. Just a suggestion." Itachi said with a smile.
"I see. See you tomorrow, Itachi." Ryuuen said as he and Kaneda leaves Itachi's dorm room without any words.
After Ryuuen leaves, Itachi then look toward Hiyori. "Hiyori, you said that you want to tell me and Mio something. What is it?" He asked.
Silent for a moment, she then looks intently toward both of them. "I… I want to help both of you reconcile with Manabe-san." She stated.
"Reconcile? Forgive me Hiyori but we and Shiho didn't have any argument with each other." Itachi immediately replied.
"But she keeps avoiding socializing with both of us, even Rika." Mio said in sad tone. "I wonder if there's something bad happen to her…"
"I can see that both of you seems sad that Manabe-san keep avoiding you. Because of that, I want to help both of you also Morofuji-san so Manabe-san want to talk with you again." Hiyori said before smiled. "Itachi-kun, you once help me to realize my mistake of thinking six years ago. So for now, let me help you as well." She begged.
"Hiyori…" Mio uttered in disbelief. Hiyori never know Shiho, in fact she even only speak to the bookworm girl on the first day of the school. In fact, she help them doesn't have any benefit for her own. Yet she did want to do so.
"I see." Itachi then touch her head, ruffling her beautiful silver hair. "Thank you, Hiyori. However, I won't let you take this burden on your own. Let both of us help you." He said.
"Okay." Hiyori immediately replied. "What I wish is to make everyone in Class 1-C to be able to get along. That's enough for me."
Back on Ryuuen, he's on the walk to his dorm while having his own thought and remembering Itachi's words from back then.
"If someone knows their weakness, they can be strong. If you can't comprehend this… You'll be stuck in a mud for all eternity, Ryuuen." – Itachi, Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament, Part 2
"[…] from what I see, your mentality is not the same as before so why you thought violence is the best way?" – Itachi, The First Day, Part 2
"Tch." Ryuuen tched to himself as he walk to his dorm. He hate to admit it, but he have some gratitude to Itachi for making him awake from his delusion that in the end, he also know fear like every humans do and ever since then, he try his best to mend himself. But one thing is unable to escape from him no matter what.
Violence.
That's what he taste in live ever since he's a kindergartener. It was a very old sensation for him and like a poison. He always thought the truly best way to make someone obey is through violence and not some sweet words. Yet now, someone try to make him understand that violence is not always the answer for everything.
Someone that manage to put fear to him for the first time after he killed that venomous snake, yet dislike violence in any kind.
He truly can't understand why Itachi dislike violence yet at the same time always train his hardest on physical.
Now, as someone tells him like that. He feels something empty inside him.
Violence for him is what keeps him moving forward after all. He can't find a way to move from it.
'Itachi… Just what messages you try to say to me by violence is the last resort?' He thought to himself as he walks back to his own dorm room.
Author Notes
And this finishes the third chapter. Next one, we'll go to the final conclusion of the investigation of the S-System as each class have their own theory and try their best to behave. Class 1-C will form their own study groups and speak up their find to Dazai to finish his games.
Also, the next one will cover the conclusion of who'll lead Class 1-C as Itachi and Ryuuen resort to old ways to determine it and a certain someone moves to make Shiho quickly discarding her self-blame nature.
For those that wonder how'd Akutagawa manage to become the head of ANHS discipline committee and why'd Nagumo goons fear him, it will be explained in the future and most of its members are characters from other Anime so stay tuned to it
Not much to say for this chapter. You can put in the review if you have some questions.
See you in the next update.