/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
A Place of Neutrality
After Dazai's incident on May 1st, a day had passed and it cause quite an uproar to the point other homeroom teachers of the first year sped-up their explanation about the S-System in favor of quickly arrest Dazai on high to the infirmary in order for him not act crazy toward the other female students outside of Class 1-C.
"Hiyori." Itachi called her that for the last day is reading the Complete Guide to Suicide. She still has her dead look on her eyes as she flips page by page. It was revealed that even she's angry, Hiyori still kind enough to stitch it back together yesterday before decide to read it. "Hiyori." Itachi called her once again in concern because ever since yesterday, Hiyori's not being herself at all.
"Let's not disturb her Itachi-kun." Shiho said as she approaches him from her desk. "It seems that book… Really make her serious when read it."
"But… This kind of book is not good for her to-" Itachi try to argue before Hiyori speak up.
"Itachi-kun. Do you think… Dazai-sensei really not seen any meaning of life to the point of wanting to commit suicide?" She suddenly asked while her eyes still look dead as she read through the book. "I read this book yesterday after I stitch it back. I read it numerous times. The contents… Are disgusting. I even throw up once." She grips the book harder. "In some part, there's a check. Dazai-sensei… Must be trying to try all of the suicide ways inside this book." She said when it later revealed she's crying while her eyes turn alive again. "Why? Why'd Dazai-sensei must do something like this? Why… He can't see there's so much meaning in living?" She asked to herself while silently crying. "I don't want it. I don't want our homeroom teacher to be like this…" She said as she still crying.
"Hiyori…" Itachi can't say anything to comfort her as he know Hiyori currently not want any comfort since she's sad of Dazai's behavior. 'I agree though. This is already too far. Dazai-sensei… I must know the reason why'd you want to do suicide that much?' He thought as not long after, Chie entering the class to give them materials for mid-terms that happens two weeks from now.
Even after the learning hour is ended, Hiyori still have that sad look on her face although her eyes not dead anymore. However, Ryuuen later walk toward the podium before pound it with his fist. One person depressed for him not change the fact that they must at least move forward.
"Attention for a moment! Now that the May 1st already passed on and we know how our standing, I think it's the right time to form study groups. For that, I already ask Kaneda to make a study group where the number of good academic students is equal with those that have less academic skills. Kaneda, you can say to all of them." Ryuuen said while called Kaneda.
"Thank you very much." Kaneda stand up and goes toward the whiteboard and spread a large poster that filled with the lists of the study that he created with discussion from Hiyori, Itachi, Ryuuen, and some others. "After the incident of May 1st, I decided to come to the teacher's room and ask Dazai-sensei about our standing in class point. As all of you can see, here's the result." He said.
Class Points
Class 1-A: 890 CP
Class 1-B: 702 CP
Class 1-C: 620 CP
Class 1-D: 300 CP
'From the looks, Masumi's class seems on the highest of hierarchy huh? I hope Suzune, Kokoro and Akito not that mad about their placement.' Itachi thought as he really not mind about his placement on Class 1-C. After all, their class already agrees not pursuing A-Class as goal, but bonus of their hard work, in order to create a healthier mindset inside this place. He really not want those that he considers as friends on this school turn to be distrustful of each other because of the school scam and propaganda of A-Class.
"As you can see, as we expected, our class in on the third place of the hierarchy. From Dazai-sensei said to me, on the first month we're given 1000 Class Points. That's why we received 100,000 private points on April. And for the first month, the school observes our behavior and the May 1st is the conclusion of it. For that, our first chance to increase our points is through the mid-terms two weeks from now. For that, I think this is the best time to form study groups to prepare for it. From what I, Shiina-shi, Ryuuen-shi, and Itachi-shi discuss based on our academic abilities, this is the members." Kaneda said as he point toward the formation of Class 1-C study groups, which consists of eight group that filled with five students each. The list of the leader of each groups are:
Group 1: Itachi Ibuki
Group 2: Kaneda Satoru
Group 3: Mio Ibuki
Group 4: Rika Morofuji
Group 5: Hiyori Shiina
Group 6: Shiho Manabe
Group 7: Tokito Hiroya
Group 8: Sumireko Hanabusa
"This is the leader for each of the study group that'll apply for the next three years. If those that disagree with this placement, tell me right now because I and others create this based on what our observation of your subject skills for the last month." Kaneda said, opening a discussion for disagreement.
Shiho raise her hand. "Actually… I'm not that smart Kaneda-kun. Can you please replace me with the others?" She asked.
"I'm also the same." Sumireko also raise her hand. "My knowledge in every subject was pretty average." She said.
"If that so, I have a suggestion." Makoto said as she stands up. "I think the number of the study groups is too many. How about we down it to just four?" She suggested.
"I also agreed with Mako-chan suggested." Yabu said in agreement.
"I see." Kaneda sighed as he fixed his glasses. "If that so for the first three days you can study on your own or in groups to your liking. If the groups is balanced I probably can considers it. That's all." He said as he leaves it again to Ryuuen.
"Ku ku ku. I'm glad though that despite our observation, some of you have the gall to admit your limitation." Ryuuen said, praising his class.
"Says the one that don't choose to be the study groups' leader." Itachi teased, actually surprise that Ryuuen was pretty average in studying.
"Shut the hell up." Ryuuen quickly deny it before tell the most important thing to make sure the class study properly. "Also… This is a warning from Dazai-sensei. During mid-terms and final terms, those who got failing score will be instantly expelled." He said, causing tension on the class.
'Humph. Why I not surprised? I really hate the system of this school.' Tokito thought with anger. With scam after scam, the term elite of ANHS already are erased from his mind.
'E-Expelled!' Minori thought in surprise. She's still shaken with the recent events and this sudden announcement is no exception. 'I-I don't understand it all. What's the benefit of doing that!?'
Makoto just sighed in disappointment as she clenches her fist on her desk.
'This school really sounds boring for me~. It's like the teacher never tries to take responsibility…' Fudou thought rather annoyed with the revelation.
"Because of that, I hope all of you study hard so we won't face any expulsion. I have a plan though to close the gap between the less academic students against better academic students. You can wait." Ryuuen said as he close the discussion.
After the discussion ends, most of Class 1-C already leaves the class, including Itachi as he is busy to do another discussion of some grand plan that Ryuuen had in mind. However, two people are still inside the class, with one of them looking at the Complete Guide to Suicide book on her desk.
'Why? Why Dazai-sensei want to do suicide so much? At first, I thought it was joking but after reading this book… I don't know anymore…' She thought in sadness because of her homeroom teacher. She doesn't know why but part of her really wants to understand Dazai. She really not like if his mindset like this.
"Hiyori-chan." Hiyori glanced at Shiho who called her. It seems she stay on the class because of finishing some works from the teacher. "I don't know how to say this but… Just let it go away like usual. I mean, its Dazai-sensei we're talking about. Remember the event of the April 2nd when he doing that thing?" She reminds her, hoping that she'll acknowledged that it just one of Dazai's prank.
"I can't… Shiho-san." Hiyori shook her head gently. "If you read this book… You'll understand… How empty our teacher is." She said with plain tone.
Shiho not expect that reading this book can cause someone like Hiyori to become sad like this. "Then if you can't take it anymore, why don't you give it back to Dazai-sensei? After all, it's his book and we actually don't have the right to read it." She quickly points out the most logical thing.
"I won't." Hiyori quickly rejects the idea. "If I give this book back, Dazai-sensei… He will return to do another suicide attempt again, I-"
"Um… Excuse me." Both Shiho and Hiyori look toward the entrance door of Class 1-C, seeing Atsushi enters the class. "Does Dazai-sensei's leave his book in here? I was tasked to bring it back to him." He said in polite tone. 'Even so… Why'd Dazai-san brings his book to this school?' He thought in comical annoyance.
"Atsushi-kun." Hiyori quickly recognized him as she quickly wipes the remnant of her tears away from her face.
'So he's the one that's called Atsushi. Akito-kun tells me about him sometimes.' Shiho quickly noted. "My name is Shiho Manabe. It's nice to meet you." She introduced herself.
"Nice to meet you too, Manabe-san." Atsushi immediately glances at the book that is held by Hiyori. "Ah! I see you find it Shiina-chan! I'm glad!" He said in relief. However his relief turns to worry seeing Hiyori's face. "Um… What's wrong, Shiina-chan?" She asked in worry.
"N-No, it's okay." Hiyori tried to make fake smile and reasoned. "It just-"
However, Atsushi manage to guess it quickly. "You read the book… Didn't you?" He asked but not in accusing tone, but in sympathetic one. "I… Know how it feels. When I first read it… I also feel the same."
"You read this book before?" Shiho asked in curiosity. "But why? Forgive me for being blunt to you but why I think that you and Dazai-sensei seems share some history together?"
"For that… I can't tell you." Atsushi immediately replied before speak again. "Manabe-san. Shiina-chan. I understand that both of you seem have many questions. After all, you already see the true nature of Dazai-sensei, right Manabe-san?" He asked.
Atsushi's question makes Shiho remembering Dazai's sinister during the day before Itachi against Ryuuen. "I-I guess so…" She said unsurely. 'Why'd he know about it? That talk was happened on the sunset where most students are leaving their classroom except for Hiyori-chan and me.'
"I see. If that so, Atsushi-kun… Can I have a request?" Hiyori asked. "Please. Allow me to return this book myself to Dazai-sensei. I don't know what happen in the past but… I can't take it anymore…"
"I also want to accompany Hiyori-chan." Shiho quickly follows. "Dazai-sensei… He seems also knows something about my past. I want to ask him something important."
Atsushi was bit surprised hearing their requests. Was allowing them to know is the right thing to do? After all, he still not asks the others about letting someone from the outside knows about it. However, these two not have any ill intent. They just worried about Dazai so he thinks it's not dangerous. "I see. However, we will talk about it not in here. We will talk about it… In the safest place on this school. To prevent someone from spying on our talking."
On the other side, Sumireko is busy fiddling with her phone to call a certain dog. She currently sits on her desk in her dorm room. "Moshi moshi. Kushida-san?" She asked politely.
A shock gasp sound is heard from the phone before Kushida fearfully replied. [H-Hello… Hanabusa-san… What a pleasure…] She replies with fear evident on her tone.
"For the observation the last three weeks… What'd you got?" Sumireko asked as she ties up her hair to rest up and she also already change to sleeping gown.
[U-Unfortunately… I've got nothing. From what I observe, h-he just acts as usual…] Kushida informed her about her finding so far.
"I see. Well, what can I expect? With that face, he surely can hide within his surroundings." Sumireko feel a bit disappointed with the information as she dismisses it. "Good work for now Kushida-san. I'll surely call you again when the time needs it."
[O-Okay…] Kushida said stuttered as Sumireko turn off the phone.
"Tch." Sumireko tched to herself as she lay down on her bed. "In the end, despite her two-faced nature and able to deceive most people around her… In the end she's still a high school student huh? It seems I have no choice… But to search a place when the time is right." She said determined.
Meanwhile, Ryuuen is inside Karaoke alongside Itachi, Albert, Fudou, Ishizaki, Mio, Makoto, and Yabu. Since Hiyori is out of commission because of her sadness and Shiho which from Ryuuen point of view seems manage to get a hold of the girls top on Class 1-C propose to keep her company, he decide to momentarily replace both of them in order to hear his grand plan. However, they first doing some singing, which Ryuuen immediately laugh after Itachi finishing his song: Toumei datta Sekai.
"Ku Ku Ku. You singing voice sounds bad for me. A payback for your mockery inside the class." Ryuuen said in mocking tone.
"Hn. I have enough of this." Itachi sighed in comical annoyance. Seems Ryuuen plans to torture him by making him singing.
"Well, Itachi since he was a little can't sing very well. Not me though." Mio joined in.
Yabu can't talk since inside of here is a group of scary people. 'W-Why I being asked to come here I wonder?' She thought fearfully. To be honest, she wants to be replaced by Saki instead of her being around the monsters of Class 1-C.
"Hey Ryuuen-kun, it's not polite to keep mocking Itachi-kun like that. The fact that you also not chosen by Kaneda-kun as study groups leader back them also makes you a dummy~" Makoto said in teasing tone.
"Hoo. You want some beat up after this Kino?" Ryuuen asked in threatening tone.
"I think we not going anywhere with this. Let just stated your reason gathering us in here, Ryuuen." Albert quickly tries to return the topic of the conversation, quickly ending the bickering between Makoto and Ryuuen. "Also Itachi. You can sit in here."
"Thank you, Albert." Itachi thanked him as he later sitting beside the foreigner.
"Ryuuen-san, I wonder why'd I also called here? I can understand if Itachi-san and Ibuki also called but why me as well Ryuuen-san?" Ishizaki asked. "I think you shall call Tokito instead of me."
"I ordered Tokito to help Kaneda to do better organizing of the remake study groups. The reason I gather some of you here is because I want to talk about grand plan. I know that all of us already agree not aiming Class-A to create healthier atmosphere inside our class but… If this plan of mine is success… We'll get it even if we not chase it seriously." Ryuuen stated with confidence on his tone.
"I see. You want to do that plan, Kakeru?" Itachi asked since he already got the gist of it from Ryuuen itself a week before May 1st.
"Of course I am. Although I respect your words back then Itachi but I think it's not at fault if sometime we also must play dirty in order to protect our class. It's not that I'm being swallowed by the school nature like Itachi said but… For the best results of my class… I'll do anything." Ryuuen said with firm tone, making all of them silent in respect. "Now back to the grand plan that only Itachi that still knows it. It was simple. An 800 Million Private Points plan." He said with a smile.
"What the!?" Ishizaki said in loud tone.
"Ha!? Are you serious!?" Mio stated her disbelief.
"800 Million!?" Yabu said in disbelief. She really not wants to join this conversation at all. "But Ryuuen-san, I don't think that's-"
"No need to worry about that Yabu. Like I said before, this is just some back-up plan. Think of it as a mere bluff plan that the end is considers by luck." Ryuuen calmly stated before beginning his explanation. "I know it myself that it just a foolish idea that sounds like the dream of a certain Straw Hat that not even have slightest chance of success but hear me out first. After Dazai-sensei game, like Hiyori did I also try to search the news regarding this school before it was semi-opened to the outside world. And from one of the newspaper I found some news about a peculiar exam that'll probably happen in the future."
"It was said that Class-A during that exam must expel one student. However, some of them gathers their private points and manage to save him using huge amounts of it: 20 Million Private Points." Ryuuen explained the news which earns reactions from the others.
"That's absurd amount of private points. With that someone already can do their monthly supplies till the end of the third year." Itachi said deep in thought about it. "I want to state it bluntly. It's absurd. Even I can't find a way to gather 20 Million that fast."
"I agree with it Ryuuen-san. I even only manage to save 35000 private points last month. It's impossible to gather even 20,000,000 private points for us." Ishizaki said his opinion.
"Ku Ku Ku. I already know about that Itachi, Ishizaki. However, I think there's one loophole we can exploit. Now then all of you listen carefully since I don't want us having any blunder in this." Ryuuen said as he begins to explain his plan… That will be known for another time.
On the other side, Dazai is seen inside the room that many really not expected. The room of the Discipline Committee. Currently there's no other member inside except for Akutagawa that tidy up the paper on his desk.
"If you plan to arrive here, you shall tell me first, Dazai-san." Akutagawa said with firm tone unlike his usual plain one. "You know how much of a ruckus you cause on May 1st? Kirishima and Tamaba tried really hard to keep it covered from the other classes and most female students currently have negative view of you." He protested lightly as he knows how hard it is to advise him except from one person in particular.
"I just want to see how are you doing Akutagawa-kun~. Is there any wrong with that?" Dazai asked with a smile, completely disregard the incident of May 1st. "You truly now become a different person. I'm glad. Give my apologies to Satori-chan and Ayato-kun okay?" He said honestly.
Akutagawa just sighed. "You come all this way not to say that thing right? After all, knowing how dismissive the teacher inside this pathetic school to their students, you go here where the second strongest group after the student council resides can create suspicions. Especially if he got caught of it." He stated. "I also apologize for doing reckless things to discipline Fake angel Goons despite your warnings back then. However, I can't-"
"He won't make a move this fast because, if I become him I'll do the same. As for your treatment of Nagumo-kun, I already realize it from the start that you'll hate him more than you hate Atsushi-kun." Dazai stated with a smile, which responded with a scoff from Akutagawa when Atsushi name was involved. "Anyway, any new information about the movement of the rats?" He asked.
"For a year the coast is clean. I only need to deal with Fake Angel dumb meritocracy or whatever dumb idea he has in mind using those ridiculous app." Akutagawa informed. "However, we don't know about this year. Especially with the involvement of that thing around."
"I see. Do your good job till' now Akutagawa-kun. I'm glad that it went well." Dazai praised him. Before he can continue, the door toward the discipline committee room is open; revealing Atsushi alongside Shiho and Hiyori enters it. 'Heh. Like I predicted huh?' He thought to himself as he start his next step of plan.
"Jinko." Akutagawa greets him with neutral tone. "For what reason you bring those two in here? Where's Montgomery?" He asked.
'Like the April 1st, Akutagawa-senpai really terrifying.' Hiyori quickly noted. 'Why I have feelings that Atsushi-kun knows him and who's this Montgomery person?'
'This is the one that stand beside student council president back then…' Shiho thought in fear feeling something heavy around her, remembering the time when she saw Akutagawa for the first time during the Club Fair.
"There's no need to be violent Akutagawa. These two means no harm. Also, don't use that name in here." Atsushi tries to assure him before look toward Dazai. "Dazai-san. I beg of you seriously… Can't you stop doing your suicide attempt inside this school for a moment? These two… Hiyori-chan and Shiho-chan… They really worry about-"
"That can't be done Atsushi-kun~!" Dazai comically replied despite Atsushi's serious tone. "That's my motto! Until I find a beautiful women that can do double suicide with me, I won't-"
"Enough already!" Hiyori suddenly screamed with all her strength, cutting Dazai's off. She have enough of this dark talking and Dazai who talk about it like his everyday routine. "Don't you see that all of us really worried about you Dazai-sensei!? In fact, most of the first year girls are disturbs because of your habits! Do you think…*Hiks* I'm happy… Seeing my homeroom teacher *Hiks*… I…" Hiyori can't hold it anymore as she starts to cry and close her face with both of her palm, unable to continue her ranting anymore.
Dazai just silent without any response on Hiyori's breakdown. It was the first time he see something like this about other people reaction of his hobby.
"Hiyori-chan…" Shiho said in empathy before gaze seriously toward Dazai. "Dazai-sensei. I also beg of you. Please stop doing your dark jokes! Not just Hiyori-chan. Itachi-kun and the others on Class 1-C really worried about you." She tried to persuade him.
"Shiho Manabe and Hiyori Shiina am I right? I and Jinko knew this man for a long time so let me warn you this. He won't stop because that's how he is." Akutagawa tried to reason on Dazai's behalf, although he know that was futile.
"Akutagawa-" Atsushi once again try to protest before Dazai suddenly speaks up.
"Akutagawa-kun. Atsushi-kun. Can both of you... Do that right now?" Dazai suddenly asked with low tone and stand up from his seat. He then looks toward both of them with hollow look that emits even greater pressure than Akutagawa. "I want to talk with both of them. After all, they're my lovely students." He stated.
'W-What's this? Is this from Dazai-sensei?' Hiyori frightened as she take a step backward. However, Atsushi suddenly supports her from going further backward but his eyes have a sad look on it.
"I'm sorry Hiyori-chan." He said immediately.
"Hu-" Hiyori unable to reply as Atsushi immediately covers her mouth and nose with a handkerchief. She tries to struggle to free herself but to no avail as she feels her consciousness start to leave her and of course Atsushi strength that is way above her.
"Hiyori-chan!" Shiho in panic tries to push Atsushi away but she immediately being put in ground lock by Akutagawa before she can even react. "A-Akutagawa-senpai… What a-are?" She asked as she feels her body aching from the strength of the discipline committee leader. 'H-How'd he come behind me. A moments ago he's standing beside Dazai-sensei?' She thought in panic.
"I'm sorry. But you must in this position for a while." Akutagawa stated with no hostility.
"Hiho-chan!" Hiyori said while her mouth still covered as her consciousness leaves her. 'A-Atsushi-kun…W-Why…' She voiced her last thought as her eyes roll upward and her body slumps to Atsushi. Instead of letting her crash, Atsushi gently picks her up and put her on the sofa. Hiyori's face looks peaceful in her unconscious state as her mouth slightly open.
"And it's finally over." Dazai said with a smirk as he looks down to restrained Shiho. "So Shiho-chan, forgive me for doing this but you leaves me no choice." He said as Atsushi gives him his the Complete Guide to Suicide book. "This book is a private matter you see. Even Atsushi-kun faces this same punishment for reading it. However let's not talk about it right now as it was unimportant at the moment."
"Talk about what? With the proof I have right now, I can make the three of you being kick out from this school for harassment on both of us." Shiho glared dangerously at Dazai. "Hiyori-chan… She really worried about you… Did all of this… Did the time you rise up my spirit back then so I can confront my own self-blame… Is just a fucking joke to you!?" She screamed out.
Dazai however just smiled. "You wrong on two things Shiho-chan. First off, why do you think Atsushi-kun said that this room is the safest room in this school to talk?" Dazai asked.
"There's security camera! Surely-" Shiho reasoned since she already memorize how many the security camera inside this school thanks to the investigation. However, she suddenly remembered one thing.
That she never went to the discipline committee and student council room to do the search with the other girls.
"There's no security camera in here. Surely you realize it by now." Dazai answered. "That's why of all the places inside ANHS, this is the most safe place to do anything instead keep avoiding countless security cameras inside this school. Because of that Shiho-chan, you can say both of you and Hiyori-chan fate all in our hands." Dazai said as he shortens his right sleeve and cracking his fingers. "Atsushi-kun lures both of you here and all. Both of you really perform well. Now then, let's begin the serious thing."
"I-Impossible…" Shiho said in disbelief after hearing this. 'I-Itachi-kun… What shall I do? What you will do in a situation like this?' She thought fearfully before look toward Dazai who emit such pressure that sickening to her.
"And that's the second thing you're wrong Shiho-chan. In actuality-" Akutagawa suddenly release Shiho while Atsushi offer to help her stand up. "-I don't have any ill intent toward you. After all, you alongside Hiyori-chan and the entire Class 1-C are my dear students." Dazai said with slightly warm smile, a complete turn from his once cold one.
"What's the meaning of this?" Shiho asked in confusion while she still on guard. "First you threaten both of us and now you let us go like this?"
"I apologize for doing this Manabe-san." Atsushi bow in apology. "However, we can't let someone easily knows… Of our mission."
"Mission?" Shiho asked in confusion. She then looks at Akutagawa who walk toward the door and stand in front of it. 'I see. Now when I remember again, Akutagawa-senpai grip on me was painful but not that much.' She realized. "W-What're you talking about? Who're you three exactly?" She asked in slightly demanding tone knows that the three of them will not harm her.
"I know about your past. So in turn, I want to say that I sympathize with you, Shiho-chan." Dazai said with a smile. "No need to worry. All of us in here already know of it. Because although Akutagawa-kun over there is from different organization, Atsushi-kun alongside me are from the same organization alongside one other accomplice. Our mission will later be join by some others on the next year. Because of that, I can't let normal student like you and Hiyori-chan knows about it. Knows it and you can said that you also have a hand on this mission no matter you want it or not."
Shiho feel something heavy again as her past being brought up. However, she steeled herself for try to ask something that she always want to ask to Dazai. "Did you… Perhaps know who do that to my Papa and Mama, Dazai-sensei?" She asked in wary tone.
"I do." Dazai immediately replied.
This answer increase Shiho's curiosity. "Then-"
"However, I won't tell you. Not now. The current you if ever knows about it will be targeted. By a certain person." Dazai warn her in serious tone. "In exchange, I want to make negotiation with you. It's about what that I plan for the future. It will be important… To fulfill Hiyori-chan wish of a place where everyone can get along without the tension of this filthy school atmosphere."
"Hiyori-chan wishes?" Shiho asked in confusion. 'What does Dazai-sensei mean? If he really wants to help Hiyori-chan… Why he must knock her out of all things?'
"But for that, I need your help Shiho-chan, will you want to hear it?" Dazai asked.
"Why me? If you talk about the one that probably can help, Itachi-kun or Ryuuen-kun is a better choice than me." Shiho asked firmly.
"Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun already busy enough with the leadership of the class. I won't bother them at least for now and despite all of you are my dear students; I still can't trust all of Class 1-C for now." Dazai quickly reasoned. "So Shiho-chan, will you help me and in turn, give Hiyori-chan a place where her wish comes true?"
On the morning, Hiyori groggily awaken from her slumber. "U-Uuuh." She then sits up on a bed that's revealed to be inside of her dorm room. 'T-This is… My dorm room…' She quickly noted as she looks that her school uniform already being folded up and she wears her night gown. "There's a letter…" She then picks it up from her desk and reads it.
Hiyori-chan, I know it's too late to say this, but I'm apologizing for what I've done yesterday. You don't have to worry about Manabe-san, Akutagawa already escort her back to her dorm room.
I know I probably can't make it up with you for horrible things I've done, but I hope we can always still be friends till' the end of our school year.
Regards
Atsushi Nakajima
"Atsushi-kun…" Hiyori felt a bit touched by the letter. 'Of course I'll forgive you Atsushi-kun. I know that you really not mean it back then.' She thought to herself with relief that an ugly emotion does not appear inside her heart as her door being knocked by someone. "W-Wait a minute." She said as she opened her dorm room door, revealing Dazai bring her some soy milk inside a basket. "Dazai-sensei…"
"I bought you some soy milk to make you feel a bit better, Hiyori-chan. I apologize for what Atsushi-kun did back then." Dazai said with apologetic tone. "If anything to be blame, you can blame me all you like Hiyori-chan. I already told Mashima-sensei that both of you and Shiho-chan won't be able to attend classes today due to illness. No need to worry about our Class Point being cut off, I already handle those. Shiho-chan currently also rest inside her room."
"Wh-What time is it?" Hiyori asked as she allowed Dazai to enters her dorm room.
"Currently it's Friday May 3rd. The learning hour inside the class already begin." Dazai informed her as he sits on Hiyori's desk. "I see that you really fond of books Hiyori-chan, makes me remember some precious times." He said in melancholic tone. "Does this book all belongs to you?" He asked. He knows Hiyori still saddened but he needs to cheer her up first using usual conversation about her hobby.
"Y-Yeah. In fact, I mostly bring most of my books from home." Hiyori sheepishly replied. 'Dazai-sensei currently try to cheer me up. Then I also need to play along. But… Seeing him talk with me like this… I can't think of him as empty anymore.' She thought in sadness, remembering the book once again.
The conversation continues for several minutes, until Hiyori gather her courage to ask him. "Dazai-sensei, why'd you desire death so much?" She asked firmly while a bit hesitated since she never this blunt when talking to an adult.
"Where is this come from?" Dazai asked innocently. He already prepared for this for a long time since he can't count how many people asking that question to him. He however will listen to Hiyori's first.
"When I rip your book in half, I decided to repair it once again because after all, it's not my right to do so. However, when I read it… *Hah*… *Hah*… Uughn…" Hiyori's breath becomes erratic as she tries to hold a throw out remembering the horrid contents of the book.
"Take a deep breath Hiyori-chan." Dazai advised her before sighing. "You see the checkup signs then?"
"Yes… *Hah* In fact, from all the suicide and torture methods inside that book *Hah* you already try three-quarters of it." Hiyori said as she manages to relax her breath a little.
"You really have good observation skills indeed Hiyori-chan. Even Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun can't hold a candle to you on something like this." Dazai compliment her with a smile. "If you discover it so far, you must be known that I was the one that write No Longer Human?" He asked.
"I know it since the first time I read the book. Itachi-kun already figures it out as well for a long time according to him." Hiyori admitted before her face turn serious. "Dazai-sensei… The book is not just a mere novel, it's an autobiography of your own life am I right? Your life for four years…. All covered in that book."
"I see. You've got me. You're the third person that able to guess it perfectly." Dazai suddenly said but without any malice, just acknowledge tone. "If that so, let me hear what you want to say to me. After all, you one of the three students in Class 1-C that almost close in deciphering our school shitty nature inside our class and a respected student of Class 1-C. But where's your book? Let me give my autograph."
Hiyori silent for a moment before pick it on her desk. "Here." She said giving it to Dazai before begin her question. "Dazai-sensei. Why'd you want to die so badly? I know I feel rude for asking such thing because it is someone past but… I-no, the whole Class 1-C and the some of the female students from the other classess really worried about you. Even Itachi-kun, Mio-san, Ryuuen-kun and Albert-kun are worried in their own way. I really not like it… When we as human have so much meaning that can be found in life while you-"
"Because for me, it has no meaning." Dazai immediately replied with hollow look on his eyes as he giving his sign to Hiyori's book; frighten Hiyori once again before he sighed. "Sorry Hiyori-chan. You ask that remembers me of a certain person in the past which I want to forget." He apologizes before continued. "You already got the answer why I do it. I want to be free. Because for me, live truly has no meaning even till' now. That's why I try the suicide attempt. However, that's a story for another time." He said.
"I-I understand." Hiyori said, still bit frightened by that hollow look and the fact that Dazai was such an enigma to her. Why someone can't even find the meaning in living? "S-Sorry for asking such questions, Dazai-sensei…"
"It's all right Hiyori-chan. People change with time. I think you can already guess it by reading my novel." Dazai said nonchalantly. "Now it's my turn to ask. Hiyori-chan, do you have a wish, even though it sounds absurd inside this school?" He asked.
"A wish? What're you talking about?" Hiyori asked.
"You want everyone to get along as you said it like "As long as everyone in Class 1-C able to get along, then that's enough for me", right?" Dazai asked, try to guess by doing cold reading on her face.
"H-How…" Hiyori said in disbelief. 'The words… All of it, it really fits by what I said to Itachi-kun and Mio-san back then.' She thought.
"Your face clearly tells all of it Hiyori-chan. I just try to decipher what kind of words someone like you will speak up. It seems I was right isn't it?" Dazai asked her with confident tone of his guess.
Hiyori is silent for a moment. Before speak up. "I-I see. Then, because you tell me a fragment of my past, I think I can trust you with my past as well, Dazai-sensei." She said before telling her childhood as a bookworm due to her grandmother influence that never try to make any friends because no one can follow her way of speaking and hobby until Itachi advise her during that fateful meeting six years ago.
"I see. Your past seems a happy one Hiyori-chan. Your parents really nurture you well. However, because of that, you have one small crucial thing that is blocked. That's your own desire." Dazai stated after hearing Hiyori's past before she shook her head in denial.
"That's not true Dazai-sensei. I just don't like anything that cause conflict and violence. In fact, I dislike the fact that Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun must do something like that to convince Tokito-kun and Hanabusa-san to cooperate." Hiyori admitted truthfully before continue. "My wish it's really not big and important. You can say it's quite childish. A part of me thought these wish were not like me. However, I hoped that in the future, the dispute between classes that surely will happen wouldn't create a crack between us. Especially since I have friend from the other classes like Atsushi-kun, Horikita-san, and the others… That befriends me with no motive at all." She said with accepting tone, knowing that her wish is nothing more than wishful thinking.
"I see." Dazai comment after hearing it before continues. "That's like some happily ever after scenario of a princess~. That some wishful and naïve thinking… If you don't have a way to make it come true." He pressed the last word.
"What do you mean Dazai-sensei?" Hiyori asked.
"Hiyori-chan, let's play metaphor. Stray Dogs… What do you think of them?" He asked.
"Stray Dogs? If I remember, Itachi-kun said to me the same words last month. He said that you plan our class to become the Stray Dogs class that you wish." Hiyori points out before speaking up her theory based on various books that she read. "For me, Stray Dogs for me are poor creatures… They being kick out, not having anyone to take care of them and must do everything with their own to survive in whatever environment they thrown in."
"But that's what interesting about them." Dazai adds up quickly. "Due to not have a place to belong, not have any goal in life, and treated poorly. They must do all of the deeds themselves instead of using other people, to achieve it and to stay alive. In other words, Stray Dogs are more adaptable than a Stray Cats. You know the differences between Stray Cats and Stray Dogs?" He asked.
"Stray Cats are those that stand from the top. Watching and waiting the perfect opportunity to make a move. Because of it, they are bullied by a group of Stray Dogs if the condition is right." Hiyori immediately replied. "However unlike Stray Dogs, they more easy to blend in with others and able to fool the stray dogs with various ways. So they'll be not become target for stray dogs."
"You really great at playing this metaphor Hiyori-chan~." Dazai compliment her.
"That metaphor… You want to say to me that you dislike genius decided by DNA theory?" Hiyori asked. She seems now able to get along with Dazai's way of talking.
"Indeed. Because you know what Hiyori-chan, according to me in this world there's no such thing as genius or average human. Because genius or not, in the end we'll face the same thing in the end: death. We fear death yet at the same time, it will come to us. Whether we're genius, perfect, or even ruthless politician and teacher, death will haunted us every time." Dazai reasoned. "That's the reason I choose Class 1-C among the four classes. Although I can see that some students of the other class have the same potential to become Stray Dogs of their own."
"In other words, you choose us because our class… Is equal?" Hiyori tried to guess.
"Indeed. Because your class… Is the class that I can consider… More human than even Ichinose-chan class. As a class of a Stray Dogs who only waiting a time for your fang to be shown, you can cover each other efficiently and the alpha at least able to make healthy decisions, which is prove by how Itachi-kun able to convince all of you for not aim for A-Class as the end goal, but as bonus as all of you can use that other time to do something more important." Dazai confirms Hiyori's curiosity. "Back to the main topic of our conversation, what you'll do if somehow you have a chance to make that simple wish of everyone getting along be come true. Will you want to do it?"
Silent for a moment, Hiyori look down for a moment, before hardened her gaze toward Dazai. "My best friend said that it's okay if we become hypocrite sometime since being hypocrite but in good way is what make us human. If I want to talk using my hypocrite self, I want to do it, to make a place where this school toxic nature won't enslave us and everyone can enjoy their daily lives as high school students."
"I see." Dazai then stand up from Hiyori's desk after putting her book on it. "On 02.00 p.m., meet me on the discipline committee room. We'll talk about a new club. A place where you wish can become a reality." He stated with a smirk.
Back on Itachi and Ryuuen. After the learning hour by Mashima already ended, Ryuuen ask for Itachi alongside Yabu to follow him. Mio currently helping Kaneda and Tokito to teach the student inside their class that has weakness in one subject. Ryuuen ask Yabu to come with him due to something unknown to her.
"Ryuuen-kun… Where'd we go?" Yabu bravely asked. After hearing the method Ryuuen will use to utilize his plan, she start to respect Ryuuen and tried her best to not fearing his presence.
"To an old acquaintance." Ryuuen simply replied. "After all… Manabe and Hiyori unable to attend due to being sick. The result of this meeting is the least that I can do for them so their scores will not become a candidate to be expelled." He said.
"Although I trust Hiyori and Shiho academic ability, do this thing is necessary?" Itachi asked.
"If I become other classes' leader, I bet they also do the same tricks to make sure their classmate won't be expelled at things like this." Ryuuen simply stated as he reach their destination: a narrow corridor between two stores on shopping district of ANHS to meet a certain person from the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago. "We arrive." He said to a familiar white-haired, red eye girl that lean her body on the corridor wall while licking ice cream.
"You late. I think Dragon shall fly with his cloud and able to come here before me." Fuuka said with mocking tone as she gaze toward Ryuuen, Itachi, and Yabu. "Oh. I see you bring Itachi-kun and not important girl to here." She said, making Yabu gasp and narrowing her eyes toward her.
"I just want to train her to do something like this when I can't do it." Ryuuen quickly replies. "And this meeting really fit for vampire like you. What, you afraid to be burn to ash?" Ryuuen return the mockery.
"Heh. I let that mockery slide for now." Fuuka just smirk before continue her speak. "I already sent all of it to you. The test sheet of the first mid-term from two years ago. Is there anything else you need?" She asked.
The fact however, shocken Yabu completely. "Y-You bought the mid-term test from an upper-class? But the problems of the test must be different!" Yabu protested. For her, doing something foul like this is what she hate since her parents always advise her to use her own academic skills during the test.
"Well girl~ the fact that you don't know is that most of the test from mid-term to end-term always have the same structure. Transaction like this is a common occurrence inside this school. Surely, for so-called elite, this school really lack improvement on its teacher~." Fuuka informed.
"W-What?" Yabu asked in shock. 'Is this truly an elite school like it said?'
"But that's because they are stressed out by another thing right?" Itachi quickly asked. 'The true nature of this school really sickens me. However, I don't know why… Despite her arrogant attitude, I'm glad that Kiryuuin-san is still the same as three years ago.'
"I can't tell you more than that. However, the state of the 2nd Year turns enjoyable with Akutagawa influence. I at least can enjoy it till' I graduate." Fuuka simply replied. "However, for the payment-"
"I understand. In exchange for you giving this to us, you want a match against both of us plus 20,000 private points right? You have no need to remind me." Ryuuen stated their contract. "Although you're annoying, I can only think to negotiate with you instead to someone like Akutagawa-senpai."
"Ha ha ha! You come to a right people then! I bet Akutagawa and the member of the discipline committee will expel those that try to ask something like this to him. Well then, I'll wait the date for our re-match patiently. Thanks! Now I want to sleep in my dorm room~" Fuuka said as she leaves the scene without any words.
"As always, she like make people annoyed in her own way. Although I can say she's not as bad as Kouenji." Itachi commented as she quite able to read Fuuka's personality, she's similar to Kouenji but not as arrogant and able to converse normally.
"Indeed. In any case, we get what we want for now. We shall distribute this to the class a week or a day before the mid-term begins so they still do hard-work by learning. There's no way I do it right away." Ryuuen said to Itachi before turn his attention to Yabu. "Yabu. I trust you to do this transaction with Kiryuuin-senpai when I can't do it. Can I trust you with it?"
"I-I'll do it." Yabu said hesitantly, since this is against what her parents teaches her.
"Very well then. Let's quickly return to our dorm room to avoid suspicions." Ryuuen ordered as the three of them immediately leaves the scene.
As Ryuuen already go separate from Yabu and Itachi in order to accompany Albert do his gym exercises, Itachi now escorting her back to her dorm room. Along the way, Yabu still seen shaken by the whole exam transaction ordeal, make him worry.
"You feel not well because of that thing, Yabu?" Itachi asked in worried tone.
"I-I don't know." Yabu said honestly with stuttered tone as she continued. "I know… That this school true nature is sickening like you said back then. However, to do something like dark transactions… It really against what I believe."
"I see that you parents must be taking care of you well huh?" Itachi decided to ask to the point. He really not knows much about her but he can assume Yabu grows up in a well-mannered family.
Yabu nod. "Because of that, I don't know if I ever used doing this when Ryuuen-san can't do it with Kiryuiin-senpai… However, I think if it's for the good of the class… I'll do it." She said, tried to convince herself.
Itachi slightly smiled hearing it. "I'm glad. That my hypocrite reasoning back then… Don't make you perceive me as a naïve person, considers if you follow my words, A-Class that you probably want will-"
"Like you said back then Itachi-kun, A-Class is nothing more than a concept that will enslave us." Yabu countered. "Unable to trust anyone, even your own classmate can stab you from the back. All of it just because of a propaganda that promise us 100 percent job or university entrance that even us have zero knowledge of it. I… Don't want our class to be like that." She admitted before smiled to Itachi. "Thank you very much, for your words back then, Itachi-kun. I'm sorry… Because I'm not brave enough to state my own opinion like Mio-chan and Shiho-chan does. As my way of apologizing, you can ask me to do something. I promise I'll do it with my best effort."
'I see. It seems that in the end… Some people in Class 1-C really not wanting that A-Class propaganda since they also not want to destroy friendship they have with students from the other classes because of the propaganda. My words in the end… Awaken something within them.' Itachi thought in relief that his words are accepted slowly by the class. "Thank you very much Yabu. For your offer however, I'll consider it when the time is right." He thanked. "I'm glad, that we know each other quickly on the first day."
Yabu giggles hearing it. "It should be me who said it Itachi-kun. Now then, how about I buy you some Dango?" She offered which cause light gasp from Itachi. "He he he. Got you~ Mio-chan said to me that's your favorite food. Sweet tooth is something that I not expect from you Itachi-kun." She chuckling seeing it.
"Honestly… You've got me." Itachi sighed while smiled a bit at Yabu.
On the other side, Hiyori already change her clothes to her casual outfit since it's already out of learning hour and she still not entering the class today. 'Dazai-sensei. I think now I understand… Why'd you ask me that metaphor of Stray Dogs.' She thought as she exiting her dorm room. 'I want to see it. The ways you make my simple wish come true. Because… I trust you.'
The scene then changes to Hiyori walking on the corridor toward the discipline committee room using the same corridor that she used along with Shiho and Atsushi yesterday.
'Atsushi-kun…' Hiyori thought in sadness about him. She really wants to talk with him and said it was really not his fault. 'Maybe, I-I'll visit his class tomorrow. There's Horikita-san and Inogashira-san in there as well. I-I think I have no need to worry…' She thought as Dazai suddenly called him few meters in front of her.
"Hiyori-chan!" Dazai screamed in panic while running toward her.
"Dazai-sensei… Why'd you scream like that?" Hiyori asked in bit confusion. "What's wrong!?"
"I'm glad you're arriving on time… Atsushi… Atsushi-kun is-" Dazai explained to Hiyori in worry as her eyes become widen in panic.
"Atsushi-kun!" Hiyori yelled in panic as she opens the door of the discipline committee room only to find some situation happens there after running in panic.
Atsushi is seen tied up on the chair with Shiho looks toward him with dangerous look on her eyes. Akutagawa is standing behind Atsushi, accompany by Ayato and another member of the discipline committee. She's a beautiful young girl with medium-length dark red hair that ties into a large ponytail and bluish purple eyes. She is wearing ANHS female student uniform red tights with dark red lines and brown ankle-high boots. Unlike Ayato, she doesn't wear the trademark black cloak of the discipline committee.
"You're noisy bookworm." Ayato snickers at him.
"Atsushi-kun… Why'd he-" Hiyori said as she catches her breath before being cut off.
"I was the one that report him." Shiho suddenly said with accusing tone. "Atsushi… He attacks you yesterday with a handkerchief that makes you pass out. Lucky that before he can target me as well, Dazai-sensei and Akutagawa-senpai manage to subdue him." She explained.
"Aah! I'm arriving on time~ Hiyori-chan surely fast…" Dazai said tiredly as he also enters the discipline committee room. "And this is what I mean Hiyori-chan…"
"B-But…. Atsushi-kun, he's-" Hiyori tried to protest but can't form words to do it.
"Silence you bookworm. You being knocked out by him and yet you still defend him? What a fucking shit." Ayato said to her before the red-hair girl smack his head with a long wooden pole.
WHACK
"Ittee!" Ayato touch his head in pain after receiving the hit.
"You make her afraid. As a vice president of the discipline committee… Show some respect to the first year, Kirishima-san." The red-haired female said. "Besides, she's not a bad girl from what I see."
"Tch." Ayato just huffed irritated. "The weakest member of ours has no right to talk with me. Fuck off, Suzuka."
"I take that as a challenge huh?" The red-haired female said with low tone.
"Enough, Kirishima, Konohana. We're the one that maintain order within this pathetic school. Not a bunch of street fighters. Don't tarnish our image on our kouhai." Akutagawa stopped both of them with firm tone but with his overwhelming presence that makes both of them silent immediately. "Forgive us for the childish words from Kirishima and Konohana. Since you're confused about what truly happened yesterday, I'll explain it briefly. Class 1-D, Atsushi Nakajima… Is a spy of an underworld organization: Port Mafia."
"P-Port Mafia… B-But that's…" Hiyori stuttered in disbelief after hearing it. Of course she knows about it as a native from Yokohama. Although many doubt their existence, Hiyori one time or another heard how cruel this mafia rule Yokohama at night from her parents. They even forbid her to go out on night to prevent meeting any of their members. She herself during her sixth grade almost becomes a victim due to bag bomb that explode on the police station. "Atsushi-kun… You're Port Ma-Mafia-"
"Yes, I am. Sorry Hiyori-chan." Atsushi look toward her with saddened look. "Like Akutagawa said, I a low-rank member of Port Mafia. However, I have no ill intent toward this school. I… Run away from them to-Aagh!" Atsushi yells in pain as Akutagawa pressed his shoulders.
"Be silent. Not only you almost endanger two students but you threaten to leak private info about this school to the outside. That's something that we, the discipline committee will not allow. I'll call the board director of the school. They will sure happy a member of Port Mafia being caught far away from their nest." Akutagawa stated with plain tone as he keep pressing Atsushi shoulders, making Shiho flinched since she finally see the violence of it firsthand.
'Atsushi-kun… Is he truly a member of Port-' Hiyori thought about bad things before suddenly it was clicked in. 'Wait a minute. Come to think of it. Its almost 02.00 p.m. Yet why I was lured to the discipline committee room? Also, I don't know why but Shiho-san expression… I have impression that she's lying. But… Akutagawa-senpai expression said this was truly a serious matter…' She thought to herself before look with determination toward Akutagawa. "Akutagawa-senpai, can I ask to Atsushi-kun about one thing?" She asked.
Akutagawa just nod in silence, while Ayato and Shizuka give a wide area by stepping backward.
"Thank you." Hiyori thanked him before turn her attention to Atsushi. "Atsushi-kun… The letter on my dorm room… Was it you that send it?"
"Yes." Atsushi immediately answered while look down. "I-I want to truly say sorry to you. What I've done is truly unforgiveable. Because… I hurt one of my first friends that I made inside this school. I know it all… About the true nature of this school thanks to my homeroom teacher explanation: an environment where we can't trust everyone because… That's what the Japanese government wants us to be. I hate it. No wonder in the underworld… There some that stated their hatred for the current government in secrecy. That's the reason I decide to infiltrate the school. To change the country by using the students inside." Atsushi explained in hollow tone. "However… If I want to say just one truth is that… The students inside are not as selfish as I imagine it to be."
Hiyori just look intently. What Atsushi said to her makes sense. Deep inside, she found herself to hate this school system. A sentiment that also shared by some of her classmates.
"For the one month in here… I enjoy the company of people in here. Suzune-chan, Hirata-kun, Itachi-kun, Akito-kun, Kokoro-chan, and you. I already consider all of you in here as my friends. After all, we still haven't fulfilled our promise didn't we?" Atsushi remind her about what they said on the April 1st.
"Both of us… Will search for literature club… Together…" Hiyori then look down remembering their small promise that she thought was unimportant. Yet here Atsushi still remember it till' now.
"But it seems… That promise can no longer be fulfilled." Atsushi said while close his eye and smile. "Although we rarely interact with each other, I'm happy to have you as my friend."
"Finished your last word criminal? I have my words if you don't fight back, we'll not hurt you further." Suzuka asked Atsushi with formal tone.
"I have nothing more to say, Konohana-senpai. Please just take me to the custody." Atsushi said with accepting tone.
"Allright." Suzuka agreed as she brings out handcuffs to tied Atsushi's arm before Hiyori screamed.
"S-STOP IT!?"
All of the participants in the room look toward Hiyori who gaze toward Atsushi with surprisingly hardened look on her face, not fitting her calm nature. "Please let him go!"
"Shiina-san right? You've heard it itself didn't you? He's a member of-"
"I don't care! What I cared about is that Atsushi-kun never lies to me! I see it from his face! He… He really cares… About all of us! I think we shall give him chance to prove himself!" Hiyori reasoned.
"Chance to prove himself? What a load of naïve thought!" Ayato immediately yelled at Hiyori. "You listen to Akutagawa explanation that he's a member of Port Mafia! You just said we let a criminal wander freely inside the elite school that-"
"There's nothing elite about this school!" Hiyori had enough of this 'elite' term. She screams in frustration about her true feelings of ANHS after experiencing the truth of the school. A feeling that feels alien to her since she rarely yell to anyone before. "This school is not elite like I think at the beginning! It just an environment when the time and circumstances was right… It will release your true nature like an animal in the jungle! I hate how the school scams us by that A-Class words! Why our government had thinks this type of education is a good thing?! It's wrong no matter how we look at it!? Competitive environment… A-Class… We can't have someone to trust other than yourself… True nature of humanity… I don't care about it at all!? We don't even can call ourselves students… We're more like lab rats and those that didn't reach A-Class… Will be deposed like it was nothing after the graduation! Rather than doing something like that… I… I… Prefer to just want everyone to get along!"
"Hiyori-chan…." Shiho never expected Hiyori can hide this much frustration behind her kind personality. 'This is like what Itachi-kun said back then in order to make our class not to swallowed by A-Class promise….' She thought before steeled herself.
"I see. For one that also hates the school system, I sympathize with you Hiyori Shiina. However, law is the law. This young man is not just a normal criminal, but a member of one of the most notorious criminal in Japan. For what reason you want to let him go?" Akutagawa decided to ask.
"It's because… Atsushi-kun is kind and we share the same hobbies." Hiyori said with a smile and tears threaten to fall from her eyes. "He's my friend."
Akutagawa, Atsushi, Ayato, Shiho and Suzuka widen their eyes hearing her answer. Dazai meanwhile just witness the scene and smiled. He finally get what he want from Hiyori.
"I see. So that's your answer." Akutagawa said in understanding before narrow his eyes. "In that case, I shall make you know to reality…. By-" Before Akutagawa can finish his words, Shiho suddenly tackles him with her full body. The momentum also makes Ayato being hit by Akutagawa's body as the three of them crash to the ground.
"Guuh."
"Akutagawa… You…"
"Hiyori-chan! Quickly free Atsushi-kun!" Shiho screamed at her. "They plan to disabled him before being given to custody! Quickly! I can't hold Akutagawa-senpai for long!?"
Hiyori shook for a moment at Shiho's sudden act before quickly rush toward tied Atsushi.
"Hiyori-chan! Just go!" Atsushi protested.
"I'll free you Atsushi-kun and I'll tell Itachi-kun so he can tell Horikita-senpai! I'm certain he will able to-" Hiyori said before Suzuka cut her off.
"I hope you don't forget… That I'm still standing." Suzuka crossed her arm with a menacing look on her face. "I'm sorry for doing this to a kind girl such as you, but you leave me no choice. I need you to realize how dangerous this criminal is!" She said then prepared a punch that targeting Atsushi face but surprisingly, Hiyori stand in front of the fist. She closed her eyes, expected to get hit but Suzuka's punch stop just a few centimeters in front of her face. Suzuka widen her eyes in surprise. "You… Why'd you-"
"I already said it… Konohana-san…" Hiyori look at her intently despite fear clearly seen on her face. "He's my friend. You have to get pass me if you want to punch him again."
Suzuka is silent receiving the reply, before she suddenly sighed and lower her fist and guard.
'Why'd she stopped?' Hiyori thought in confusion.
"Dazai-sensei. This is enough isn't it?" Suzuka asked toward Dazai with a bit annoyed tone.
"Huh?"
"Sorry Hiyori-chan." Dazai walk to the inside while clapping his hands. "But with your selfless act of protecting Atsushi-kun, you're passed~." He said with usual comedic, happy tone.
"It seems I deceiving you again." Hiyori then look behind her that Atsushi easily manage to free himself. "Sorry Hiyori-chan, I-" Atsushi unable to continue as Hiyori surprisingly slap him in the face. "Hiyori…"
"You… *Hiks* You make me worry…" Hiyori then hug him while crying silently. "I'm afraid… That Atsushi-kun that I know…. *Hiks* Never existed… But now… *Hiks* I'm glad…" She unable to continue as she still crying. "I'm glad *Hiks* that Atsushi-kun *Hiks* is real…. *Hiks*"
"I'm sorry." Atsushi apologized once again as he return the hug.
Shiho, who already stand up after her previous act just look at her with a smile. 'I don't know why… But helping others… Is this what Papa felt during his job?' She thought while touching her chest. "I'm happy for you… Hiyori-chan… Your wish… Will come true…"
"A test?" Hiyori asked in confusion. Currently its two hours after the whole event and inside the room only her, Dazai, Shiho, Atsushi, and Suzuka remained. Both Akutagawa and Ayato are busy doing the preparations for their class mid-terms so they return to their dorm room.
"Yes. A test. Discipline Committee, Atsushi-kun, and Shiho-chan cooperate with me to do it. Atsushi-kun allegiance as a Port Mafia also a lie. But before explaining, I want to once again ask for your forgiveness, Hiyori-chan." Dazai bow his head while sitting in apology.
"I also ask for forgiveness Hiyori-chan." Shiho apologized as well. "I actually know about all of it, since Dazai-sensei already asks me to cooperate when you still pass out."
"I'm also apologizing for almost punching you, Shiina-san." Suzuka said in apologetic tone. "For Ayato, she's always that brash. Even Akutagawa-san rarely able to control him. So I apologize on his behalf."
"I-It's okay. I also apologize… For mocking this school…" Hiyori uttered while Dazai shook his head in disagreement.
"There's no need to apologize. This school nature like I said back then is trash." Dazai said. "That's why before I plan to make a place where you belong, I must do a test. As you can see, the test is to prove… If you being swallowed by the school true nature or not. Turns out, it seems your kind spirit won't be swallowed at all. Same for Shiho-chan as well." He explained. "Because of it, congratulations Hiyori-chan. Now, stated your wish once again in here. No need to worry."
Hiyori slightly surprised hearing it before smiled inwardly. 'Dazai-sensei… Thank you.' She thanked him inside her mind before look toward Dazai with serious look on her face. "I… I wish for a place where this school nature doesn't exist and we can enjoy ourselves as a high school students for three years."
Suzuka smiled hearing it. 'She really is a good girl. Nazuna-san… She'll get along with her if she doesn't busy taking care of Nagumo-san stupid mindset.' She thought remembering her classmate from Class 2-A.
Shiho just look at Hiyori with a smile.
"Shiho-chan." She then turns her attention to Dazai. "Your wish will wait for a moment. However, if you can accompany Hiyori-chan I'll be really happy about it."
"I'll consider it. But for now, I want to see her happy. After all… She deserved it." She replied with a smile. "No need to worry Dazai-sensei. I'll join when the time comes."
"I see." Dazai then stand up from his seat. "I'll tell your wish to Horikita-kun and Sakayanagi-san. Wait for the announcement till the end of mid-term all right. I expect both of you, also for Atsushi-kun and Suzuka-chan to work hard on the mid-terms."
"Hai!"
Few days later.
A day before mid-term begins; Ryuuen already gives the class the bought old paper tests from Fuuka after the learning hour is ended. Itachi however, make precaution as well because despite of the similarity, he knows how unpredictable Dazai is, so he expects them to also learn as well. Like he expected, some of them like Rika, Yabu, Makoto, and Albert are diligently learned while some others like Ishizaki and Kondo didn't because they really weak in many subjects so he can only hope on the old mid-term paper tests.
And today, the awaited day finally comes, the mid-term test. Dazai already gives all of the mid-term papers to his class and he's reading the same book: the Complete Guide to Suicide once again. But this time, there's no one that comment about it, since they more focused on mid-term exam.
'So the test almost the same huh?' Itachi thought after seeing the paper. He then glanced toward Hiyori, who finally return to her normal demeanor, she's smiling as she does the exam. 'I'm glad that Hiyori not sad again. I wonder if you have some hand on it, Dazai-sensei?' He thought as he sees Dazai that reading his usual book.
At last, after week passed, the announcement day of the mid-term exam finally arrived. Dazai already brings the test results in the form of a rolled large poster.
"All right my dear students~. Like you expect that we currently pass the mid-term exam and now…" He then happily placed the poster on the whiteboard. "This is the results! I'm seriously happy about this! It's like all of you shared brain for that very day! Although there's one or two that almost not passed the minimum score…" He said a bit disappointed with comical tone.
Itachi then look at the score. The Top 5 on Class 1-C are:
Itachi Ibuki – 99.0
Hiyori Shiina – 96.2
Kaneda Satoru – 92.5
Rika Morofuji – 91.4
Tokito Hiroya – 89.2
'Hn. I think with this, the leader of each study groups like Makoto suggested can be happens. However, there seem three students that almost not passed the minimum score despite already play foul.' Itachi then look the three who place the lowest:
Fudou Nomura – 45.2
Takeko Nishino – 44.0
Sumireko Hanabusa – 40.0
Itachi sighed. 'I know Fudou don't like study and based from Ishizaki, Takeko is a bit of lone wolf so she sometimes acts nonchalant but Sumireko is really suspicious. I know from the learning hour that she actually pretty smart in mathematics. Why'd she lower her score?' He thought tried to analyze Sumireko's intention.
"And also… With that boring mid-term finally over, there's increase in Class Point as well~" Dazai happily inform them. "I'm happy because to your healthy mindset, you probably not surprise with this!" He then point at the upper part of the poster that shows the current stands of the Class Point. The stands are:
Class 1-A : 890 CP + 52 CP = 942 CP
Class 1-B : 702 CP + 60 CP = 762 CP
Class 1-C : 620 CP + 50 CP = 670 CP
Class 1-D : 300 CP + 87 CP = 387 CP
"Suzune's class surely has great increase in class point huh? Interesting." Ryuuen smirked after seeing the results.
"I agree. While I'm glad that we at least manage to increase our class point. I think in the immediate future, we're against Honami's class huh?" Itachi hummed to himself seeing the closest opponent they'll probably face.
"Heh~ As expected of Itachi. I only got Top 6." Mio rub the back of her head seeing the test results with the average scores of 87.2. 'Means that I must learn harder than today.'
"Itachi-kun hasn't lost his edge huh?" Shiho wondered as she was placed on 10th position with the average scores of 85.0. 'If I not wrong, Dazai-sensei will announce that today. I wonder what he planned for Hiyori-chan…'
Meanwhile with Class 1-D, despite the fact that they've got the biggest increase in Class Points, they're face with something they didn't expect. Like Class 1-C, they also use old paper test with Suzune search for it alongside Kei, using her as a way to convince the upperclassmen to give their old exams with cheap private points.
"You're failed, Sudou." Sae said with plain tone, giving red line to separate Sudou's scores from the other students. Sudou ends up as the last with the average scores of 39.5.
Sudou can only open his mouth in shock.
'What a shitty teacher.' Lucy clenches her fist in anger but try her best to hold from lash out in order to respect Suzune's effort. After the incident on the canteen, Sudou start to change his personality to better. He rarely sleeps on Class and start to take his learning more seriously instead of focused on Basketball. However, it seems it still not enough. However, his changes make him start to have positive views from the class.
'Sudou-kun.' Suzune thought in sadness. She knew that the reason Sudou start to change is because of her and seeing him fail bring pains to her heart.
"Sudou, you failed the English exam. That's all." Sae said without any restraint.
'That's all she says?' Atsushi thought in anger as he clenches his fist on his desk. 'Why'd someone like this can be chosen as a teacher? Mock your students for his achievement… Is not right! I know how much Ken-kun already changed from the first day!'
'Okay! That's-' Lucy's about to lash out before Sudou do it first.
"Don't screw with me! I got thirty-nine points! I passed!" Sudou protested as his temper is taking over.
"When did anyone say that thirty-two points was a passing grade?" Sae asked mockingly.
"No, no. You said so, sensei! Right, everyone?" shouted Ike tried to defend Sudou. Ike is a short young man with brown hair that has bangs hanging on the right side and brown eyes. After Sudou changed to be better, he start to enjoy his company even considers him his friends despite himself didn't like sports.
"Say whatever you want, it won't matter. This is the undeniable truth. You had to score at least a 40.0 to pass the midterm exam. In other words, you were just one point short. You were so close." Sae said to Sudou with a shook of her head.
"40.0?! You never told us about this! I won't accept it!" Sudou argued against Sae unfairness.
"Should I tell you how we determine the passing grade?" Sae then wrote a simple formula on the blackboard: 79.6 divided by 2 equals 39.8. "We set a passing grade for each individual class, just as we did for the last test. We calculated that number by dividing the average score by two. That's how we arrived at our answer." She explained. In other words, anything at 39.8 or lower was considered failing. "I provided proof that you failed. That is all."
"No way… So… Does that mean I'm going to be expelled?" Sudou said in disbelief.
"Although your time here was short, you struggled valiantly. You'll be asked to fill out a withdrawal form after class, but you will need to have a legal guardian present when you do so. I'll contact them for you." Sae offered as she later continues her explain on the class like nothing happened despite Sudou's protest.
"Well, if you're all in agreement, homeroom is over." Sae said as she finishes the learning hour. She had heartlessly announced Sudou's expulsion without offering him a second chance or the faintest bit of sympathy. Ike and Yamauchi, knowing that words of comfort would probably have the opposite effect, stayed silent. Hirata remained quiet, too. "Sudou, come to the faculty room after class. That is all."
"Chabashira-sensei. May I have a moment of your time?" Suzune asked while raise her right hand. She really can't accept this, when she manage to make someone change to be better by her own efforts.
"Well, this is unusual, Horikita. Why?" Sae asked since Suzune's known to be active on the class.
"Earlier, you said that the previous test had a passing grade of 32.0 points. You arrived at that number by the same formula you showed us today. Were there no mistakes in calculating the passing grade for the last test?" Suzune asked.
"There were no mistakes." Sae pressed.
"Then, that raises one more question. I'd calculated the average score for the previous test to be 64.4 points. If I were to divide that by two, I would get 32.2 points. In other words, higher than 32 points. Despite that, the passing grade was set at 32. That means that you left off the decimal. That contradicts what you did this time." Suzune explained.
"Th-that's right. If you follow what you did last time, the passing grade for the midterm should be thirty-nine points!" Sudou support. In other words, Sudou's overall grade should have meant that he just barely passed.
"I see. Did you anticipate that Sudou would just barely pass, then? You only scored exceedingly low in English, after all." Sae revealed, shocking the entire Class 1-D.
"Horikita, you…" Sudou unable to say anything. Suzune, one of the Top 5 in academic on this class, low her scores as low as she could, in order to lower the average score of the English Test. "You really-"
"If you believe that my thinking is incorrect, could you please tell why the calculation differs between this test and the last test?" Suzune argued. She now starts to believe Atsushi that Sae held disdain toward them.
"I see. In that case, I'll explain in more detail. Unfortunately, your calculation is off. We didn't simply omit the decimal when we calculated the passing grade. We rounded the numbers up or down. On the last test, we rounded down to 32 points, and on this, we rounded up to 40. There's your answer." Sae explained.
Suzune unable to speak anything as she looks down, a bit frustrated by the explanation.
"You should have noticed that we rounded the numbers, but to hold on to that possibility… Well, too bad. At any rate, first period will be starting soon. I'll be going." Sae said as she exiting the class.
Sudou, still struggling to wrap his head around this new reality, looked over at Suzune. "Horikita, I-"
"I'm sorry. I should have tried to lower my score just a little more," she apologized while looking at Sudou with sympathetic look on her face. "This is my failure."
"N-No! This is not your failure at all!? You already did enough for me!" Sudou can't accept Suzune's apology. No when she risks her own scores like this. "I should be the one that be blamed…"
However, someone finally stand up from his seat. It was Kiyotaka.
"Ayanokouji-kun, where are you-" Suzune want to asked but immediately cut off by him.
"I want to check something." Kiyotaka said as he exiting the classroom.
"Wait! Let me accompany you as well! Ayanokouji-kun!" Atsushi stated as he stand up from his desk.
"Hm?" Kiyotaka then look toward Atsushi. "Fine with me." He said plainly. "Why don't you join as well, Horikita?"
"Me?" Suzune asked before steeled herself. "I see. Okay then." She then stands up. "I almost forgot about the explanation from the first day. Thanks, your offer awakens me Ayanokouji-kun." She thanked him. "It's at least that I can do for Sudou-kun."
"Ayanokouji-kun, this is just my wariness but you shall be careful around Chabashira." Atsushi warned him without using any honorifics. "She was eyeing you for the last month. I suggest you not talk too much when around her. Let me and Suzune-chan that handles it."
'Nakajima seems hate Chabashira-sensei. I wonder why?' Kiyotaka thought as he can sense clear anger evident on his look and he dare to call Sae not by normal politeness. "Okay. I accept your suggestions." He said while he remembers someone advice from a distant past.
"Be on the sides that do well for people. If you really hate to become like your father, then choose to become a good person. Save the weak, protect those that being oppressed. You might not see a difference between right and wrong because of that place upbringing, but... saving others is something just a bit wonderful."– Unknown, few years ago.
'I start to wonder it now.' Kiyotaka thought as he opened the door as he alongside Atsushi and Suzune walk among the school corridors. 'Emotions is unnecessary. People are tools. As long as I win in the end, that's all that matters. That's what I believe. Yet in this class, despite being put on the lowest class in hierarchy, Horikita, Hirata, Akito, Nakajima, and few others never lose their spirit and instead continues to fight. Did probably I… Must do the same thing as Suzune? Did probably, be the person that save others will make my life just a bit wonderful, Odasaku-san?'
Lucy who watch Atsushi leaving alongside Kiyotaka and Suzune walk toward Sudou and pat his right shoulder. "No need to worry Sudou. Although I bit dislike you, I can say that you'll be all right." She assured him with matter-of-fact tone.
"H-Huh?" Sudou wondered in confusion.
"From what I can see, it seems she makes the biggest mistake of her life… Threatening someone precious to Atsushi Nakajima." Lucy smirks toward the class entrance.
"Ayanokouji, Horikita, and Nakajima hmm? Class will begin any minute, you know," Sae asked as she was smoking on the rooftop.
"Chabashira-sensei. Would it be all right if I asked you one question?" Kiyotaka asked.
"One question? Is that why you went to the trouble of chasing after me?" Sae countered.
"I'm curious about something." Kiyotaka said.
"First it was Horikita, now you. What in the world is it?" Sae pressed him to ask the question immediately.
"Do you think that today's Japanese society is fair?" Kiyotaka asked which cause amazement from Suzune but not from Atsushi. He understands why he ask such question.
'I wonder why Ayanokouji-kun asks such questions. It doesn't fit with the current situation, unless…' Suzune thought tried to figure out his motive before she finally realized it. 'I see…'
'I see. Ayanokouji-kun tries to bait Chabashira in order to reveal a way for saving Sudou-kun. Considers everything inside this school can be buy with private points.' Atsushi thought, manage to get the gist of his plan.
"What an incredible change in topic. So sudden too. Is there some special meaning behind this question?" Sae asked, becoming interesting in the topic.
"It's very important. I would like your opinion." Kiyotaka pressed before look at Atsushi, signaling him to reply if she said something funny.
"If you're asking for my personal opinion, then, no, of course not. The world isn't fair, not even the slightest bit." Sae asked. 'If this world's fair, he won't…' She laments in grief before shook it off. "So, did you chase after me merely to ask that question? If that's all, then I'll be going."
"One week ago, when you told us that the test's material had changed, you also said something like "I forgot to inform you." Because of that forgetfulness, we were notified of the change one week after the other classes had already been informed." Kiyotaka revealed the blunder that she said to the class.
"Yes, I said as much back in the faculty room. What of it?" Sae asked.
"Every class got the same questions, the points were reflected in the same way for everyone, and every class faced the same threat of expulsion. However, Class 1-D was compelled to test under unfair conditions." Kiyotaka explained.
"Are you saying that you can't accept what happened? But it's an excellent example of how unfair the world is. In fact, you could call it a microcosm of our unfair society." Sae nonchalantly said before a heavy pressure appeared.
"Just because of that… You try to destroy someone's dream huh?" Atsushi uttered to himself before glared at her dangerously.
'Nakajima is angry I see. I just ask that questions so Chabashira-sensei will blabber everything. Including the fact that she play unfair with our class. With the fact Nakajima hate her since the first day, it makes me safe from her watchful gaze.' Kiyotaka thought. 'I really thank you for this, Nakajima.'
"So? Being angry with me doesn't change the fact that Sudou will be expelled." She asked, not showing any fear on Atsushi's anger.
"Tell me now, Chabashira-sensei." Suzune walk forward and stand in front of Atsushi and Kiyotaka. "We can buy the test points to prevent Sudou's expulsion right?" She asked with high tone.
Hearing it, Sae snickers for a bit before look toward Suzune with narrowed eyes. "Hoo? Where you get that conclusion, Horikita?" She asked.
"You said it yourself from what I remembered during April 1st, everything inside this school can be bought with points. So, I want to buy test points to save Sudou-kun. How much?" Suzune remind Sae of her explanation on Day 1.
"I see. You certainly could view it that way. However, do you even have enough money on hand to afford it?" Sae challenged her.
"Well, how much does one test point cost?" Suzune asked.
"Now, that's a rather difficult question, isn't it? I've never been asked to sell test points before. Let's see… Seeing as how this is a special occasion, I'll sell a test point for the exceptional price of 100,000 points." Sae revealed with glint on her eyes.
Suzune visibly shocked by the amount. She currently only have 82,000 private points. 'Is this what Atsushi-kun meant? That our teacher… Really see us as nothing but disdain?' She thought as she grit her teeth irritated. 'Nii-san… What shall I do?'
"YOU CALL YOURSELF A TEACHER!?" Atsushi suddenly screamed, making even Kiyotaka not expecting this development.
"What'd you just say?" Sae asked with slight anger evident on her tone.
"Not caring about your students… Seeing them as weakling… Ridiculed them in front of others… Can you still call yourself a teacher after all of this!?" Atsushi challenged.
"Atsushi-kun, that's-"
"No. Suzune-chan. If I won't tell it like this, she will see ours as low-grade. I don't like it at all." Atsushi stopped Suzune that tried to stop him before continue his anger toward Sae. "I know a better teacher than you. He acts almost the same as you. Looks cold at the surface, he even said to me that's his job makes him awake to reality. However, in the end he still values his students, even crying when one of them is dead." Atsushi explained with soft smile, remembering a certain idealistic man who discard his teacher profession and become one of his mentors.
"Your point is? Forgive me but I really not like your naivety." Sae warned him. "If this continue even further, then-"
"Expel me if you want. However, in exchange prevent Sudou-kun expulsion." Atsushi said to her.
"Atsushi-kun! No one ever ask you to be expelled!" Suzune protested his immediate decision. "No one wants that! If you at least-"
"Every job has responsibility that we must bear. You're teacher. Your job is to guide the future generations with care… Not to trample the students that you supposed to teach. However, let me ask you one question, Sae-sensei." Atsushi look toward her with soft look on his face. "Do you think… This jobs really what you want to do?" He asked softly this time.
Seeing his face makes Sae stunned, as she remembers unpleasant memories of a certain moments of her past. "You…" Sae sighed before she turns around. "Horikita. Forget about the payment. Sudou's expulsion… I revoked it right away."
Suzune widen her eyes hearing it. Moments ago, Sae was adamant about buying test points but now, she suddenly changes her decision on a whim. However, this is feeling like blessing. "Thank you very much, Chabashira-sensei." She bowed in gratitude. "Let's go. Atsushi-kun. Ayanokouji-kun." She said as both Atsushi and Kiyotaka followed him back to the class once again.
As the three of them already back to the class, Sae just look toward the sky but instead of her usual expression on her face, it become saddened. "Me… Suited for this job, huh?" She asked to herself as she looks to the clear, blue sky. "Honestly… It seems I become soft… What do you think of it I wonder… Seeing the current me right now…"
Few hours earlier on Class 1-C.
"Now then. Before we return to learning hour~, I want to tell all of you something first." Dazai said before smiled. "It's about a new club."
"New club?" Kondou wondered.
"But isn't club registration is over already?" Makoto asked.
"This club actually already planned from a long time ago. However no one never make it into realization back then." Dazai said. "I actually want to tell it only to specific people but this is Hiyori-chan request~. She said that she want to announce it in front of the class."
"Thank you very much, Dazai-sensei. However, wasn't it you that supposed to explained it?" Hiyori innocently asked.
"Gaah!" Dazai feels his stomach being stab. "Aaah~ I almost forgot. Then I explained it." Dazai look toward his class with a smile. "The new club… Is a place where someone can enjoy their life as a high-school students even in a school like this. But I think you have heard it existence in the other high school because… It was a Literature Club." He said which earn interest from the students.
"So that means… Literature Club never exists on this school?" Ryuuen asked.
"Yes. Because before Horikita-kun revolution, the school was harsher than now since it was completely isolated from the outside. After all, it was thanks to Hiyori-chan that I manage to build this club. In order to make a place where something like class hierarchy or anything that's so-called elite about this school won't reach." Dazai explained. "The application still opened before August. If there anyone wants to-"
"I want to join, Dazai-sensei." Hiyori immediately raised her right hand, smiling in happiness. 'Dazai-sensei. Do you know how much I can say thank you for this? You fulfill your promise. You really make a place where my wish comes true. Thank you. Thank you so much.' She thought in happiness.
Itachi smiled. "Hn. I also wish to join, Dazai-sensei." Itachi said. 'Maybe in the end, I was mistaken about him. Despite his attitude, he really care for all of us. Besides… With this club I can at least spent my free time and chase my dream a bit closer than I previously thought.' He thought.
"I see. So Itachi-kun and Hiyori-chan wish to join. How about the last one? Because it needs three people in minimum to form a club." Dazai asked the others.
"If that's the case, I the great librarian Saki Yamashita shall join as well! And of course, I'll do ritual with Itachi-sama inside he he he~" Saki then raised her right hand in excitement. "Please, Dazai-sensei!"
However, after hearing this, Itachi comically paled. 'Oh no.' He thought.
'Great. The girl inside this class that Itachi feared. Ku ku ku.' Ryuuen thought in joy seeing Itachi feared someone.
"Okay then." Dazai agreed immediately.
'H-He just agree…' Itachi thought, not prepared at all for his.
'Poor Itachi.' Mio thought in pity.
And thus, the formation of the ANHS Literature Club is finally formed. Despite at first it only a small club, some big names from the other classes will join the club in the immediate future. And not long after, ANHS will experience something that the previous student never felt before.
A terrifying threat from the outside.
Author Notes
And with this the final chapter of Volume 1 already over. Next we go with Volume 2 which of course not covered Sudou case but will be something different entirely. In this volume, both Sumireko and Kushida will have their special role and that also includes Kamuro, Suzune, Ichinose, and Mio.
And with this the Literature Club is finally formed. I always find it strange that ANHS doesn't have one but it probably because of the school nature, reading will only cause dizziness and headache (But Canon storyline proof this wrong). And like you expect based on this chapter, there's a hidden entrance test for the Literature Club despite the club is built solely based on Hiyori's simple wish.
With that finished, see you on the update of V2. Before the first chapter is released, I plan to release the profile of other Anime characters that I enter on this story so far.
See you in Volume 2!