/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 belong to their respective owners.
Volume III
At the Middle of Pacific, Part II
Two days have passed since Speranza departs from Tokyo Harbor with first year ANHS students, their homeroom teacher, and two members of the Hunting Dog on board with the destination was a small island on the middle of the Pacific Ocean which belongs to ANHS. The island was located approx. 200 kilometers from Midway, the strategic small atolls that become the place where Japan suffers crushing defeat against the United States in World War 2. With the current speed, the Speranza will arrive close to the island in five more days and after it arrived close to the shore, the passengers will go to the island using smaller boat.
For the first two days, the students mostly rest on their room, play to their friends' room or go the restaurant. It is on the third day that most of them enjoying the luxury of Speranza like swimming pool, spa, and the theater among the numerous attractions exist inside the cruise.
For Itachi, he currently on the ship deck which is located close to the swimming pool. With Shisui on his left arm, he going to make Shisui train a bit as he knows the small differences in climate will probably make him uncomfortable despite his species tolerance to most kind of habitats.
This time however, he trains Shisui on something that's truly unexpected.
"Hn. Seems there's school of small fish that ride close to the cruise propeller current." He commented as clearly seen from the deck, school of pacific herring is swimming close to the cruise, probably thought the cruise as a protection. "What do you think Shisui. Can you catch one of them?" He asked the bird.
"Kaaw!" Shisui cawed.
"I see. Then, bring me one of the biggest." He ordered which reply by Shisui flying to below of the cruise. The crow then flies close to the water surface. Aside from usual training to make him friendlier toward people he can trust, Shisui was trained by Itachi in unorthodox ways to make him able to do something that usually only birds of prey like eagles able to do. Calculating the precise moments to strike, he dips one of his feet to the water and manages to catch a single, large pacific herring. He then quickly grabs the fish by its beak before fly back toward the ship deck where Itachi was waiting.
"Good work as always." Itachi smiled at him as he perch on Itachi's right shoulder which he then swallow the fish whole.
"And here you were when I was searching for you. Ku ku ku, finish playing with your bird already?" Ryuuen suddenly called him as he walks close to him from the wine bar that close to the swimming pool. He currently bored and agrees to accompany Itachi for his 'morning routine', although he not expect it to be training his crow.
"Sorry for making you must accompany here. It seems Mio is overslept with the others so I don't bother to awake her." Itachi then turned to look at his class leader. Like knowing that his time with his master is off, Shisui take flight from Itachi's right shoulder. "I think it's time to speak about that?" He asked, knowing that they will not have time to waste.
"Ku ku ku, of course it is. Let's talk about it in my room. Lucky that my roommate are the idiot Yamauchi from Class 1-D, Yahiko from Class 1-A, and random goons from Class 1-B. They already come out in the morning and I doubt they will return quickly. I already ask some of our class to attend the meeting in order to create cohesion." Ryuuen informed.
"Called someone an idiot is too cruel. However, let's focus on the meeting first." Itachi sighed as he and Ryuuen walk together to Ryuuen's dorm room.
However, someone is revealed to watch Itachi from the upper floor. She was sitting on the table with her cane is put beside her. "Quite an interesting fellow you are, Itachi Ibuki." Arisu said with her usual smile while Shisui was perch on the cruise railing, looking at her.
The time then skips to Ryuuen room, where Itachi and Ryuuen manage to gathers some of Class 1-C like Ishizaki, Albert, Mio, Hiyori, Kaneda, Makoto, Kondou, Yabu, Shiho, Minori, Tokitou and Fudou.
"Then, what's the reason you gather us Ryuuen-san, Itachi-san?" Ishizaki decided to ask as he revealed to be still sleepy for whatever thing he does.
"Ishizaki is right. My body still itchy to sleep here~" Fudou said in relaxed tone.
"No need to worry because I will make sure this talk will be quick if you decided to listen. But of course at first, I want to apologize for disturbing your morning time." Itachi greet all of the current participants inside the room before speak up again. "Actually, we want to share something that only I, Ryuuen, and the some others are aware off. On our way to the uninhabited island, it seems what'll greet us is not vacation at all. Considers this school nature back then, I knows that all of you inside here are not dumb to not realize it." He explained. "From the girls, only Mio, Hiyori, and Shiho that realize and they later said it to both me and Kakeru. However, I think there are the others that also have the same conclusion?"
"I actually did." Makoto said. "Back on the Track and Field Club, when I explained that I can't do any club activities due to this vacation, their reaction… Is unlike they said 'Enjoy the vacation' or something like that." She explained.
"I have my suspicion ever since we onboard the ship and thanks to what you said on April 1st Itachi-shi." Kaneda smiled while fixed his glasses. "I only think that there's no way all of this facility will be free without any return from us."
"But I think there's no way. I mean, the teacher even Dazai-sensei said to us in joyful tone, saying that's our reward or something like that." Ishizaki voiced his opinion.
"Ku ku ku. Ishizaki, I think I shall tell you this so you not look dumb to all of us: All of the teachers are lying. It's clearly planted on their face. Chabashira-sensei, Mashima-sensei, Hoshinomiya-sensei. For Dazai-sensei, I truly can't get a read of what he has on his mind but I can conclude that he also lying to us as well." Ryuuen explained. "For that, I think it's better if we prepared to do something on the island. Something like deploy all of you that have familiarity with nature."
"In better explanation, it seems we will get something close to survival training on the island based on what the school nature truly is. For that, is there anyone here that has experience in nature? For me, I have an experience of it however, if what will come is truly survival training, I and Ryuuen won't be the leader." He said which cause gasp from some participants inside.
"May I ask why Itachi-kun?" Hiyori asked although she already gets the gist of it.
"It simple really." Ryuuen this time take over the conversation. "We not want a class that's too reliant to someone. If I need to tell you the blunt and harsh truth, I never see my class as special beside some of them. The rest was a bunch of yes man that either afraid or want to stay out from attention when this school is not like what it seems. The point is, I won't accept anyone who always rely on me, Itachi, Hiyori, Kaneda, and the others with outstanding influence in the class. Those that want to do that can get ready to get expelled for all I care." He said, which surprisingly not cause any anger remarks from them since all of he said makes sense.
"If I think again you're right." Tokitou this time speak up. "Ever since the mid-term exam, end-term exam, the revelation of S-System, and the case of Hanabusa... It was always you, Itachi and Mio that moves. The rest of us… I can't find any words to describe it…" He said while clench his fist on his lap.
"I also feel the same." Shiho said. "For the first months, I hardly contribute anything for the class and I think… Most of the others also feel the same." She said in shame, remembering what she did on April. "Aside from Mio-chan, even Hiyori-chan contributes much for the class than the rest of the girls…"
"Indeed. I also ashamed since what I did only enjoying myself aside from occasional dealing with Kiryuuin-senpai…" Yabu said while look down in shame. "Other than that… I really…"
Silence happen for a moment before Itachi open up the conversation. "I understand what Kakeru said sounds harsh. However, although we're not aiming for A-Class, we also need to at least keep our position in check. If we ever drop to D-Class, we have many wasted time in order to catch up in time. It's a bonus if we can beat Honami's class. From what I observed, their class has many students with outstanding quality but from what I see, their current weakness is they too rely on Honami in everything." He explained before turn on Yabu. "Yabu. From what I heard, you have close relationship with Zushi, right?" He asked.
"Z-Zushi… Uuh Itachi-kun… This is not what I think right?" Yabu asked. She really has close relationship with Zushi to the point she also train him in minor things like investigating lost items.
"That's what I think Yabu. After this meeting is over, I hope you can stay here with me and Kakeru to discuss it. Now then, Makoto. I heard you also have experience of training martial arts on mountain and able to cook tasty food according to Mio. Is that true?" Itachi asked.
'Someone get busted.' Mio and Minori whistling.
"E he he. You caught me. Mio-chan must be telling you." Makoto said embarrassedly while rubbing the back of her head. "Um. In fact, I can know which plants and meat that is edible to eat. Of course, if you want me to do the cooking of food for the entire class… I can't." She said.
"Then I can help you Makoto-chan. I at least able to cook." Shiho offered her assistance. "I try to ask the other girls as well for help."
"I think with that, it should be enough. How about the boys though?" Makoto asked. "I don't want to be rude but at least the boys need to assist with something."
"If that so, I'll help with daily activities while us on the island if that's okay." Tokito offered.
"I'll do the same as Hiroya~. After all, we on the island mean we can flex our muscle for the one that train martial arts." Fudou said with a smirk. "So what you think, Ryuuen?"
"That's what I had in mind." Ryuuen replied with a smirk.
"Too bad that I have no experience in something like this… So I can't help fully. Forgive me, Ryuuen-shi, Itachi-shi." Kaneda apologized.
"I-Itachi-san." Everyone then surprised to see Kondou raise his hand. "I think… For the plan you have with Nanami, I can help for it." He said.
"I see. Fine then, let us hear what you have in mind Kondou. You, Minori and Yabu will stay here after the meeting is ended." Itachi agreed with what Kondou offer. "Now then, Kakeru will have something crucial that will help us on the island: The way of us communicates. If that so, I'll leave to Kakeru to explain it."
On the other side of the cruise, more precisely on the shopping market where various clothes are sold for the students, three students are see look over the swimming suit section.
As Kokoro, Mii-chan, and Kushida decide to look over the market. Ever since the whole incident with Sumireko which cause her some trauma and after knowing that she indirectly kill five people due to her own fault of unable to control her desire for attention, Kushida start to embrace that she can't stay as crazed attention-seeker forever. She start, although reluctantly, try to appreciate Suzune as the class leader and help her on certain occasion if Kei can't do it.
Kushida also start to try appreciating Kokoro and Mii-chan. At first, Kushida felt disgust by Mii-chan, as she revealed to her that she had crush for Hirata but not brave enough to say it until the rumors spread that Hirata currently dating Kei. However, after what she dubbed as 'awaken from her foolishness due to the falling star', Kushida is impressed that despite all of it, Mii-chan never has a thought of try to steal Hirata from Kei. She instead accept it and said that she probably not destine to date Hirata.
As for Kokoro, even when she still use her fake persona, Kushida never once have bad thought about her since she was a pure, shy but kind girl. At most, Kushida is annoyed by her shyness and her inability to speak without being stuttered. She also know about Itachi from her thanks to Kokoro sometimes talk about her middle grade friends.
'Before, I always think I already living as my ideal self. That I was someone that exists only to seek attention, gain popularity, and later… Use the truth as a weapon to make me safe from everything someone tries to do at me. However, after knowing the consequences of what I did… I never thought it take me this long to realize that I only want someone to appreciate me for who I was…' Kushida pondered as she looks over the swimming clothes with Kokoro. 'My goal back then during the first day… Maybe I'll-'
"Kikyou-chan!" Mii-chan called Kushida in happy tone, awaken her from her thought. She then shows Kushida a swimming suit which is too revealing even for her. "I think this swimsuit will fit for you!" She said happily.
"Eh, I-I think it's too revealing…" Kushida said while smiling at her using her fake persona. 'C'mon! No sane women want to wear something disgusting like that!'
"It's okay! After all, we're on vacation right now!" Mii-chan insisted as she later gives it to Kushida, who reluctantly accepts it.
"Etou…" Kushida just look toward the swimming suit in confusion.
"U-Um… Mii-chan, i-it's not okay to f-force Kushida-chan…" Kokoro said to her after finishing look at the swimming suit. "B-But… I think I-I can make it even better than this…"
"I forgot that you good at knitting clothes Kokoro-chan!" Kushida said to her happily.
"Eh!? If Kokoro-chan makes it… It will take a long time." Mii-chan said a bit disappointed. "Kokoro-chan after all is like a different person when knitting. I want to enjoy the swimming pool on the cruise today!"
"W-We need to s-save our private points Mii-chan…" Kokoro said.
"Kokoro-chan is right Mii-chan!" Kushida supports Kokoro decision that at least will make her escape from perverse gaze of male students thanks to what she does to gain attention. "Remember what Horikita-san said to us, we must take care of our private points to make sure we still have enough to save. How about for now we do something in my room. I'm certain my roommates won't mind since they mostly return on the afternoon."
"I-I'm okay with that…" Kokoro said in agreement.
"Too bad… But okay!" Mii-chan said although a bit disappointed that they won't enjoy the swimming pool for now.
"I-If that so… I-I'll return to my room first…" Kokoro meekly said as she walks alone to her bedroom inside the cruise.
"If that so, I'll tidy up the room first." Kushida said to Mii-chan. "Let's meet at my room, Mii-chan. You shall accompany Kokoro-chan okay?"
"All right Kushida-chan no needs to worry! See you later!" Mii-chan nod in agreement as she also return to her room while Kushida just standing while watching both Kokoro and Mii-chan leaving back to their room.
'Till the end… I probably considers myself can't put away this obsession of mine even though in turn it make me have stupid reason to life. However, after experience such things; can I possibly get rid of it now? Maybe what Hanabusa said in the end was the truth. In the end, it was my ego that makes me have a reason to live. But at the same time, after knowing what I've done indirectly to five of them, for the first time… I not saw someone as a means for an end. Even though in the end I want to become monster… I can't do it.' Kushida thought as her lip smile a little. 'But still… If someone that won't hesitate to kill like Hanabusa want to take a step to change… Can I also do the same… By try this time to genuinely befriend others?'
On the 4th floor corridor of the cruise, Atsushi is seen walking alone, his face is in confusion as he remember a certain scene months ago.
"But Atsushi-kun. After this whole incident is over… I-I have something important that I must said to you. Just the two of us." Kei look at him pleadingly. "Just tell me when you can. It's very important." – Volume 2, The Strongest
'I wonder… Why'd Karuizawa-chan eyes… Is like me and Lucy-chan back then…' He wondered as he walk throughout the corridor till' he finally reaches a small hall where there's a small vending machine for soft drink beside a bench, where Kei is seen sitting alone with a can of beer on her right hand. "Karuizawa-chan." He called her to gain her attention, which seems success.
"Ah! Atsushi-kun! Here!" Kei smiled at him while offer him to sit beside her.
"This cruise is really the best experience I've ever had! Not to mention that my roommate on my room also at least enjoyable." Kei said to Atsushi with a smile as they talk light things first to ease the tension.
"I agree." Atsushi said in agreement with her before quickly go to the main topic. "Um… Karuizawa-chan, actually for what reason that you call me here? Is there something that you want to do with me?" He decided to ask to the point.
Kei slightly widen her eyes for a moment, before sighing. "Haah~ I forgot that you always straight to the point like you said to Kouenji and Kushida-san back then." She said before look at him seriously. "Atsushi-kun, can I ask a favor?"
"What kind of favor?" Atsushi asked as Kei eyes become like months before. "However, I don't think we shall talk in here since from what I see, it sounds private. How about we go somewhere else?" He offered.
"No need to worry Atsushi-kun. I promise it'll be-"
"You know Karuizawa-chan, when I saw that look on your eyes, it reminds me… Of something unpleasant. That's why; I won't let you talk only the partial truth." Atsushi then stand up from his seat; feel not want to take in whatever Kei have in mind.
"A-Atsushi-kun, wait!" Kei pleaded, manage to hold his right hand. "This is an important thing!"
Atsushi then look at her. "I actually not want to ask you this as it probably your privacy but I'll ask you one thing. Karuizawa-chan, you been through something so traumatic in your past, right?" He asked which cause a certain reaction from Kei. Her eyes widen widely in shock as her breath starting to become hyperventilate and she later look down. Her body also starts shivering as she remembers the certain event on her life. "Karuizawa-chan!" He then sit back on the bench and shook her shoulders. 'I-I don't want to believe this…. But this reaction, she really just likes me back then!' He grimly thought as he regrets asking that question.
"S-Stop… Stop it…" Kei muttered to no one as her trauma took over her mind. "P-Please…"
"Forgive me, Karuizawa-chan." Atsushi then touch her chin to make her look at him before giving her a moderate slap to her right cheek, causing some red mark on it. "Karuizawa-chan?" He asked to see if that move gains her attention. Lucky though, it manage to wake up the blonde-haired girl from her rambling.
"A-Atsushi-kun…" Kei whimpered. "I-I…"
Atsushi smiled seeing it. "I'm glad. However… I think it's not the right time to talk about this with your condition right now. Let's-"
"No!" Kei suddenly find in her to scream. "P-Please Atsushi-kun… I-I can't find another time to talk about this! Please listen to my request! If not, I-I…"
"I know. Because of that, lets talk in the safest place possible." Atsushi said to her as he dial a certain person.
"So, let me get this straight Toraneko-chan? You want me to use my Special Ability again just for some talk with her?" Lucy asked Atsushi as both he and Karuizawa are inside her room which is located on the second floor. Her roommates which consists of Class 1-A Ai Morishita, Class 1-B Yuki Himeno, and Class 1-C Minori Kinoshita are currently not on the inside.
"For that, I need your help Lucy-chan. As you can see…" Atsushi eyes trailed off to Kei who only look down in fear.
Silent for a moment, Lucy sighed. "Do you think I not realized it? I already realize it since I land my eyes on you, Kei Karuizawa that you're bullied in the past." She revealed, shocking Kei.
"Y-You know? B-But how?" Kei stammered.
"Your eyes. They are the same as I did back then. However, true to what Atsushi said, lets talk in Anne's Room." Lucy said as she clicks her finger, transporting them immediately to Anne's Room. "Now then, the room is free from any disturbance and I could care less about using any info on you to take you down."
"Thank you, Lucy-chan." Atsushi thanked.
Lucy looks sideway. "Humph. Don't mention it."
'These two… I forgot that they know each other before entering ANHS based on what Horikita-san said to me.' Kei thought as she sees Atsushi and Lucy converse with each other.
Atsushi then turn her attention again to Kei. "For what I ask you before… I apologize, Karuizawa-chan." Atsushi apologized in honest. "I didn't realize… It causes such a trauma in you…"
"It's okay." Kei assured him while look down. "I understand that I can't be like that forever. However, that experience… Is something that I rather forget…" She said while clench her fist on her lap.
'I see. Now it makes sense. Karuizawa-chan… Being bullied for a probably long time. How cruel, what kind of people who dare to do such a thing to her?' Atsushi wondered with hidden anger at whoever that bullied Kei in the past.
Although paid no mind, Lucy consciously clenching her fist in anger.
"I… My reason to call you is for a simple reason." Kei then look at Atsushi in hopeful look. "Atsushi-kun, please become my fake boyfriend." She said, pleadingly.
"Ha?" Lucy can't help but gape in confusion. "What kind of nonsense is that!?"
"Huh?" Atsushi a bit confused by her request. "For what reason?"
"I… I want protection." Kei simply said.
"I see. If that so, forgive me but I must reject it." Atsushi said in serious tone. From what he gets, what he does is essentially not much different than a bodyguard that pretends to be a boyfriend and will be ready to even commit violence if Kei ask him so. "I understand now where you came from Karuizawa-chan so let me ask again. Are you been through some kind of traumatic experience in the past? Bullying perhaps?"
Hearing the question make Kei flinch again. However, she knows that despite his rejection, Atsushi still not know the truth of her suffering so maybe an explanation will soften his heart. "Atsushi-kun… According to you, what'll a helpless person will do if faced with hard decision? That person of course will stop fighting altogether. It just the most logical thing to do. That person won't cry, won't retaliate, and just accept all of it." She said.
Atsushi narrow his eyes hearing it. "What kind of bullying that you faced on your past?" He asked and this time, Kei not flinch at all.
"Many types of it. Remember what Hanabusa-san said to me, like she said I was also a survivor that manages to still have willed to live despite countless bullying that I faced. They'd put tacks in my shoes or stuff my desk full of road kill. When I went to the bathroom I get splashed with dirty water. They wrote words like 'whore' on my uniform. They pulled my hair and punched and kicked me. Anything you could imagine about bullying. What I've just told you… Is the 'gentler' way of I was bullied. There is even the harsh one." Kei explained some of her experience of being bullied with hollow tone, even her eyes become empty.
"That bully… Makes me want to kill them…" Lucy muttered lowly. 'I make sure to take my time to search their address on the Summer Vacation.' She thought to herself.
'How horrible! That's unforgivable! Maybe what she experienced is not like Kyouka-chan or Lucy-chan but still…' Atsushi thought before replying. "Is those who in your middle grade are even human in the first place…" He grits his teeth in anger, remembering his own experience that is even harsher than Kei can imagine. "However, that's not all you experienced isn't it?"
Kei just smiled hollowly while shook her head. "I don't know why. Even if this is Hirata-kun or Horikita-san that asked, I probably won't tell it. However, you saved me from whatever Hanabusa-san plan to do with me. I can also see from your eyes, that I can trust someone like you, who experience the same thing as I did. For that, I'll trust you." Kei then raise the left side of her school uniform and in consequences show up her soft skin and something that make Atsushi wide his eye in shock. "To see this."
A scar that seemingly produced by a slash from a blade, since it was quite deep and there's no way a scissor or knife can do this.
Lucy widens her eyes in shock seeing it and immediately touching her right shoulder.
"How horrible…" Atsushi said in shock when seeing the scar while unconsciously touching his right waist. 'I wonder what Lucy-chan thinks when she sees this. Knowing her… She'll probably kill the one that bullied her…'
"As you can see, this scar is the reminder of how weak I was." Kei then fix her school uniform back to usual. "Laughable isn't it? In the end, I was nothing more than a pitiful loser who bullied all her life and even dare to ask someone for protection. The old me probably won't realize this but… After hearing what Hanabusa-san said to me, I think it's better if I also start to re-evaluate myself." Kei admitted. "If what it means to keep myself safe is to act like Hanabusa-san… Or become attention seeker like Kushida-san did previously… I-I don't want it."
"I think that's good. However, I think I feel not well that you must experience something like that to make you re-evaluate yourself, Karuizawa-chan." Atsushi said with soft smile. "However, I still not agree with your request to become your fake boyfriend."
"I see. If so, I truly can't keep myself calm inside the school. After all… I-"
"You can't do anything by yourself. That word, I clearly get it very well." Atsushi then without hesitation lift up his school uniform, showing a large scar on his right waist, which makes Kei widen her eye in shock seeing such scar which make her pale in comparison. "Because, I also experience the same or maybe, even worse than what you've been through, Karuizawa-chan."
"H-How'd-" Kei stammered unable to reply at all at the horrifying sight.
"In the first day, it surely hurt. However, the most painful is the third day…" Atsushi uttered in solemn tone, remembering his past that he already left behind. "The pain was excruciating when I move. Karuizawa-chan… I also from the same place as you did, maybe my treatment was even worse than you ever did. That's why from the moment you show that eyes back on Mio-chan dorm room, I can't help but understand your fear and trauma. It… It was exactly like what I experience."
"A-Atsushi-kun…" Now Kei can't help but feel guilty and also feel she and Atsushi connected by how worse they were treated before. "I-I'm sorry. It seems… I make you…."
"It's okay Karuizawa-chan. Because like you trust me about your scar, I can see that I can trust you about mine as well." Atsushi try to assure her that it was not her fault that makes him remember his past again. "I understand what you feel inside Karuizawa-chan. You must be feel lonely. Because of it, you make this fake persona during the first months before Horikita-chan manages to take you under her wings to help her maintain your gang. Ever since that, I can see that you slowly not afraid to show your true self to the open. In fact, I know from the beginning that behind your fake attitude of spoiled girl, you truly a person that care for others."
"Y-You're too exaggerate about me Atsushi-kun." Kei shook her head. "I wasn't kind. My so-called friend is just the means of the end for me. I… I really not try to make any deep relationship with them."
"But even though it only for that, a time will surely happen when you will truly call Satou-san, Matsushita-san, Shinohara-san, and Mori-san as your friend." Atsushi assured him. "In fact, I think you'll get along with one of my friend in Yokohama. She also went through the same thing as you did."
"I see." Kei said while look down, not bothering to comment about it. "But Atsushi-kun… About my request-"
"I'm sorry but I still reject it. Because if I accept it, you won't be able to move forward your past and will be too dependent on others. If you always like that, someone will use your trauma to their advantage so they can manipulate you to your liking." Atsushi politely reject Kei request to become her fake boyfriend.
"But why… Even after we can connect each other with our past… Why you still reject it!" Kei heighten her tone a little. "I'm different than you Atsushi-kun! Sure that you can move on from your past but I can't! I'm not strong like you! I'm not brave enough to yell at teacher like you! I even scared to death when Hanabusa-san torturing Kushida-san! I'm just a weak girl unlike you who are strong enough! I… I can't do anything by myself! I… I just a trash…. That not everyone want-"
"You're not a trash! Don't ever say that!" Atsushi heighten his tone as he firmly grip Kei shoulders, making her gasp in surprise. "There's no one that's born as trash! I don't like those words! Even for someone that's bullied or tortures their whole life, as long as they want, they live have worth and I will tell this to you Karuizawa-chan, contrary to what you belief, you are strong! Stronger than me even!"
"W-What?"
"I can't ever stand on two feet to the point of even making fake persona like you. All I did back then… Is always cursing myself again and again… For something that's not even my fault in the first place. It takes many events happen to make me able to move on from my past right now. But you're different Karuizawa-chan. Even though you still not realize it yet, you manage to prove one thing right, that something that hurts you in the past, has no connection with the current time!"
"B-But even so… I can't become like you!" Kei still insisted. Speck of tears already seen in her eyes.
"You can! You only to remember your strong self that still manage to stand up again and again! Trust me about this, you won't feel well if you decide to talk about this to the other!" Atsushi also keep his insistence. "Please Karuizawa-chan… You already stronger than me… Don't fall to the same hole as I did in the past…"
Hearing Atsushi insistence that she's stronger than she looks, Kei really can't find any words to retort or fight back. She was in fact, feeling touched. "Why… Why you keep saying that I'm strong…"
"Because unlike me, I never heard you curse yourself as someone that don't deserve to exist." Atsushi simply said with plain tone, which shocked Kei as the core of her heart ring thanks to those words. "I probably won't agree at all with your request to become your fake boyfriend Karuizawa-chan. Even though I can't bear myself seeing people suffering, you must try not too dependent on the others. Maybe you think yourself as an idiot like I did in the past… However, that's not the reason you doing nothing about your behavior." He then looks toward Kei with softened look.
"There's one thing that I said to my dear friend of mine two and half years ago. For us that experience something horrible comes loneliness. However, it will not dominate us forever. You try to protect yourself by become the same as the one that bullied you in the past… Means you also done nothing to save your past lives. Because even if we don't know it… there's possibility that the one that you try to bully to protect yourself… Is also the same as you are in the past. I doubt that someone like you ever okay with that." Atsushi said, recalled that he also said the same thing to a certain red-haired foreigner two and half years ago.
"I… I truly not know… *Hiks*" Kei uttered before she finally let herself crying freely in silent. "I… *Hiks* I just not want to experienced that thing *Hiks* again in here… I'm scared… *Hiks* Because of that, please-" Kei was later shocked yet again as Atsushi now hugging her tightly.
"You want to cry right? It's okay. Just let it all out. Even I won't accept your request, I can at least promise… If you're in trouble, I'll try my best to protect you." Atsushi said in empathetic tone. 'Dazai-san. I wonder if you encounter Karuizawa-chan after knowing her past, will you guides her same way as you guide me?' He asked on his own thought.
"Uughn… *Hiks*… *Hiks*" Kei unable to control it anymore as she placed her head on Atsushi right, crying silently with soft sniffling as both of them are safe from anyone that has the possibility to hear it and use it later for personal gain.
"Oi, Kei." Lucy suddenly speaks up after only silent in conversation. "That bullies of yours… Have you ever known their address?" She asked with hidden fury in her eyes.
Atsushi look at her. "Lucy-chan…"
"I can't let this go on Atsushi. Kei… She… She experiences the same thing as I did. I can't stand she being tortured to the point of making fake persona like I did in the past while her bullies live a safe life. I want to teach them some lesson when we return from this damn vacation." Lucy declared, frightening Kei.
"*Hiks* W-What do you- Please, don't do that *Hiks*." Kei said as she try to wipe her tears away. "T-They-"
"Don't tell me the shit they don't deserve it!" Lucy said as she pulls up her sleeve, revealing the burn scar on her right arm. "Because I also suffer the same as you… And I can't stand on seeing someone that manage to keep their morality like Atsushi suffer in constant paranoia."
The time then skips to noon, around 01.00 p.m. or still on the lunch break. This make the restaurant where Jouno and Tetchou sits yesterday full with students that go to have lunch so both of them move elsewhere. Currently both of them are inside the gym inside the cruise. While Jouno is busy listening to the news from the television inside the gym, Tetchou is busy lifting the 200 kg-class barbell by his own.
"You seem enjoy yourself Tetchou-san. Considers that I must take care of that annoying son of Kouenji family. Need to remind you that I'll surprise if you use that head of yours to think about something other than training." Jouno said with a mocking tone to his partner.
"Training… Is important." Tetchou said as he lifts the barbell up from his lie down position. "Because of that… You never beat Yuki, Jouno."
"I can agree that Yuki is quite a special case, but even she's not a training nerd like you ever did. This is why-" With a blink of an eye, Jouno suddenly disappear from his chair and surprisingly appears standing on one of the barbell tip that Tetchou lift, causing its weight to increase. "Some punishment is need."
Instead of annoyed though, Tetchou seems glad. "Hmph. At last, there's some extra weight. Something that I need."
"Tch." Jouno said in disappointment.
"Excuse me." The door to the gym later opened and reveals Suzune, Mio, Honami, and Masumi that enters the gym for training. Suzune sight direction quickly goes to the absurdity that Tetchou and Jouno did. "Saigiku-shishou!"
"Oya. You come here to train as well, Suzune?" Jouno asked her politely, completely disregard their attention to what he currently doing.
"Hey you shall get down… Saigiku-san? Your make your partner exhausted!" Honami bravely voiced her concern on what Jouno's doing.
'The Hunting Dog… Is not like what I expected. Tou-san tells me they're ruthless to criminal but… This event in front me… Is somewhat dumb…' Masumi is in awe but manage to hide it by her plain look on her face.
'How could these two manage to do this feat?' Mio also wondered while remembering that even when she show Itachi's previous life, none of Itachi's comrades manage to do something like this or at least from Itachi point of view. "Amazing…" She uttered in silence.
"No need to worry, young girl." Tetchou said to Honami firmly despite the extra weight. "It just usual banter… Between me and Jouno. However, I thank you for your concern."
"You heard him right?" Jouno asked to Honami but later he jumps down from the barbell tip as Tetchou also finishing his training. "However, let's put that for now. Let's return to our post Tetchou-san. Let the girls use the gym." He said in commanding tone to his fellow Hunting Dogs.
"The perfect time. I just finished." Tetchou said as he stand up immediately and crack his neck and back.
"Wait a moment, Saigiku-shishou." Suzune said to his Kendo teacher. "Like you predicted, the four of us come in here to train. However, I think it's a rare chance since I really don't know when we'll meet each other again and if I'm busy afterward." She then glance at the bokken that inside one of the rack inside the gym room. "Care for a small sparring?"
Silence happen, before Jouno smiling hearing the sudden challenge. "This is quite sudden. However, I can see that you not said that with blind words. Very well, help me to tidy up the gym tools so there's enough space for both of us."
After few minutes of the room being tidy up, both of the combatants already ready with bokken at hand. Suzune changed her outfit to ANHS sport uniform and also tie up her long, black hair in ponytail. Jouno on the other hand only put off his Hunting Dogs cloak, his hat, and his military saber to Tetchou. Tetchou, Honami, Masumi, and Mio are watching from the sidelines.
"The air quite tense. They seems can't make mistake of who's making the first move." Mio commented as both Suzune and Jouno are quite serious and not make a move to strike the other. 'Also, it's the first time I see Suzune this serious when facing someone. Not even Sumireko make her this serious.' She noted.
"Despite he only the fifth strongest among the Hunting Dog, Jouno shouldn't be taken lightly." Tetchou said to Mio. "His sword is good at trying to search someone weak spot."
"So the members of Hunting Dog all are proficient with the sword, Tetchou-san?" Honami decided to asked, as she intrigued by the strength of the Japanese most elite soldiers.
"Well it's true that the military saber is our primary weapon because that's what Fukuchi-taichou proficiency lies on, all Hunting Dog have their own specialty with many weapons Ichinose-san. We're not called the country elite soldiers for nothing." Tetchou explained to her with a smile. "For example, I also proficient in hand to hand combat and like you can see before, have abnormal muscle constitution. However in proficiency, I still no match to our vice-commander. Jouno himself is the Hunting Dog fourth strongest swordsman and have abnormal sense. I think you realized that he's blind."
"I see-Wait! He's blind?" Honami a bit perplexed and looking toward Jouno. 'Impossible. I can see him talk and act not like a blind person. That's incredible…'
"Many expressed like you did. However, no need to worry. Despite all of that… He's a kind person that cares about others." Tetchou assured her as he look toward the battle. 'It seems they'll start now.' He noted.
On Suzune and Jouno side, both of them seem ready to make the first move.
'As I expected of Saigiku-shishou. Even now, I still can't see any weakness that I can exploit. No wonder not even nii-san can get a hit on him easily.' Suzune calmly analyzed Jouno stance. 'There's no other choice then.' Close her eye and take a deep breath before exhaling it, Suzune shot her eyes open and make the first move by lift her bokken upward for a downward strike. 'I'll strike him head on as usual!'
'Oh no.' Masumi thought in wary as she can see Jouno silently smiled. 'Suzune falls for it. Saigiku-san was waiting for that movement from the beginning. Considers that his other sense is heightened because of his disability…'
'She falls for it.' Tetchou close his eyes and smiled.
Suzune then attack Jouno who still stand with the bokken on his left hand. As her bokken is swing down, Jouno easily block it with sideway slash movement. "Khu khu khu. It so like you Suzune. Even after many months we part ways, your habit is still the same." He then harshly deflects the bokken strike, leaving Suzune wide open. He then aim for Suzune's right waist using his own bokken. However, Suzune is smiled as she quickly release the hold of her right hand from her bokken and catching Jouno's bokken using it before it strike her right waist. "Hoo. Not bad at all." He compliments her.
"It seems I'll gain point this time." Suzune stated as she tried to knee Jouno using her right knee but he block it with his left.
"Still too expected Suzune!" Jouno claimed as he strengthen his kneeing strength, making Suzune thrown backward a bit and lose her balance as she falls to the floor. "If I must say, the way you exploit your opponent weakness is better than the last time I pummel you on the same indoor room like this. Good job for always training."
"I appreciate the compliment, Saigiku-shishou." Suzune said with thankful tone as Jouno help her stand up. "But it seems despite my own personal training and with the help of my friends; I still can't reach you yet. Even till' now, I still can't land clean hit toward you." She said, praising him which earn shock from her friends.
"Even Suzune not manage to hit him? What kind of monster the Hunting Dog are?" Mio wonder aloud. 'They are sounds like that master hand to hand combat from Itachi's world. Um… Who's his name again?'
"As I expected from the best of the best." Masumi smiled while closing her eyes. 'Even with all my training currently, there's no way I can't beat them. Now I wonder how strong the commander, Ouchi Fukuchi is.'
"For both of us is refreshing." Tetchou suddenly stated. "Because in this school, both of us can interact with normal teenagers like the four of you. The four of you are from different class right?"
"Indeed. However, we already become friends before we even attend ANHS in the first place." Mio stated.
"I see. Treasure the three of them won't you?" Tetchou said to her with a smile as he approaching Jouno and bring his military saber. "Jouno, lets continue our patrol." He said.
"At last you use your brain." Jouno stated without even looking toward Tetchou. "Well then, it's a goodbye for now. I'll wait again for your growth alongside your comrades… Suzune." He said before heading toward the gym entrance and exiting it alongside Tetchou.
Silence happen for a moment, until Masumi opens up the conversation. "Although all of us headed here to train about what I said two days ago, seeing him hold back that much… Make me feel ashamed on myself that you actually have a good instructor Suzune." She smiled to herself. "However, he seems never told you about it, right?"
"I know. Despite his harsh words, Saigiku-shishou was a good teacher for the last two years. And yes, he never told me about that." Suzune replied as she still looks toward the door before turn to look at Masumi. "However, I think I shall apologize for ever hiding this fact from all of you. Because I think all of you must be in disbelief that I was trained by the country best."
Honami however reply while shook her head. "It's okay Horikita-san. I understand that you maybe not want to hurt Mio-chan and Masumi-chan pride by not tell us about it. After all, its ultra-duper rare to have instructor like Saigiku-san." She said. "After all… I also do the same thing by hiding about it…"
"Nah. It's okay. Like I said, what you did is mild compare to some people that I know." Mio said, dismissing Honami's guilt. It was later revealed that yesterday night, she tells them about her past that kept hidden from others even from Class 1-B, which she steals an expensive jewelry from a store because her younger sister wants it and her family face economic difficulty due to Honami's father suddenly disappears. Of course that not ends well as her mother later slaps her in the face but apologize immediately. The case however end in peace with the store owner not blame her at all and she return the expensive jewelry back to the store. At first, she expect them to belittle her or do the same thing as Akutagawa, telling her pathetic for blame herself. But their reaction is not what she expects.
Masumi just shook her head and said the same thing as Akutagawa but add that she shall not dwell in the past anymore because everything that happen in the past or the event that hurt her so much, has no connection to the present.
Mio quickly dismissed it as she think Honami do that without any malice, just pure intention to make her younger sister happy and in the end, no one hurts by it as her younger sister appears to be support her rather than keep her distance. After all, she knows someone much worse than that as Itachi kills all members of his clan sans Sasuke to keep Konohagakure out of coup from the Uchiha Clan.
Suzune also share the same sentiment as Mio, as she also said that she also chained by her obsession with Manabu for a long time, probably hurting another person by her rude words during that time before she decide to change to be better.
Because of that, Honami truly feel grateful. Despite they were tournament rivals when they first met and only work in group twice, she feels that the four of them can understand each other much better than her own group of friends in Class 1-B.
"Ichinose, please don't make the three of us repeat it again: Because in the end, we know from our interactions that you're good person at heart. Not someone that do something like stealing for the sake of evil or any bad intentions." Masumi sighed as Honami bring it up again.
Hearing Masumi's complaint, Honami just smiled before rub the back of her head using her right hand. "E he he. I'm sorry for ruining the mood." She said while laugh a little. 'I still not say thank you to them for accepting me even after I hid such past from the three of them while I know their past. In that case, I'll repay them in order to prevent the same thing when we go against Hanabusa-san.' She thought determinedly.
"All right then. As for now we still have free time, I think we can start to do the basic of my own experiment to unlock your own Special Ability. If you have one that is." Masumi explain before she smiled. "When is the last time the three of you ever meditate?" She asked bluntly which cause confusion from the three… Which will be explained in another time.
On the other side of the cruise, a few hours had passed since Jouno and Tetchou train at the gym room. The scene currently is close to the swimming pool and the sky show sunset.
Itachi is seen walking on his own after some drilling strategy discussion with Ryuuen, Yabu, and Kondou. Apparently, the two will become the main factors to ensure Class 1-C able to at least maintain their position on the hierarchy or if can, steal Honami's class position.
'Still, Minori's skill will be our vital aspect on the island if what we theorize is the truth. As for Reo, I actually quite surprised because of his love of basket with Komiya, he also like animals and in fact able to do the same thing as me. He can help Yabu to do what Kakeru and I have in mind for the exam. For now, I think I shall prepare for-' Itachi thought the results of the discussion when a small voice called her from behind.
"Um, sorry. Are you Ibuki-san?" A small voice asked. Itachi then glanced behind him and see Yamamura is the one that called her.
"I'm Itachi Ibuki. May I ask who you are and what reason you called me? Because it seems you're from another class." Itachi asked her to the point as he truly never sees the girl before.
"My name is Miki Yamamura from Class 1-A." Yamamura introduced herself to Itachi. "Forgive me for calling you so sudden Ibuki-san. But, one of the Class 1-A leader want a little chat with you."
'I see. Now I remember today Shiho told me about her roommates and Miki is her classmate from her first grade school. As for the Class 1-A leader, I wonder who it is. I'll just ask her then.' Itachi quickly thought before replying. "No need to formal with me Miki you can call me Itachi if you want. As for the reason you called me, can you tell me the reason Katsuragi decide to call me? Because he is my roommate and no need to do all of this."
"N-No. The one that called you isn't Katsuragi-san, Itachi-san. It was Sakayanagi-san." Yamamura corrected him, which makes Itachi become cautious. From what he heard in brief of Katsuragi situation and from his analysis of the bald man personality, Arisu seems to be someone that like him, a natural gifted genius but with the lack of physical ability due to her illness and she seems to be like to boasting that fact based on his assumptions. But seeing Yamamura here talk to him, he quickly manage to see a grasp of her personality and he must say, Yamamura was someone that loyal to Arisu and her cause. If that so, he can assume that most of the Class 1-A top students are under Arisu faction while Katsuragi hold the rest.
"Is it important? I actually not want to sounds like I was rejecting your offer but I also have important things to do after this." Itachi decided to ask before a cawing sound was heard as Shisui suddenly appears as he perch on the ship railing and get closer to Yamamura. He then suddenly perches on Yamamura's head, making her flinch. "Hn. Shisui, that's not a good thing you know. Return here immediately."
'How can he control the bird like it was a human?' Yamamura thought in confusion as Shisui take off from her head and perch into Itachi's right shoulder. "T-That crow is yours? B-But isn't they dangerous?" She asked a bit fearfully.
"Shisui already become my pet since I was a child. He's tame enough to people that he considers can trust. The prove is he only want to perch on someone other than me if he already trust them." Itachi informed her. "But put that aside, it seems this meeting will not last long right?"
"I make sure it won't." Yamamura replied with certainty.
"Very well then. I'll follow you to the direction where Sakayanagi was waiting. However, if it's not too important, I'll not take too long." Itachi tell Yamamura his condition, which the girl immediately nods in agreement.
It takes few minutes for Itachi to follow Yamamura to the designated meeting point which is located on the restaurant of Speranza. He can see a drink bar where Tetchou is seen enjoying himself with whatever strange concoction he mixed on his drink. There's no sign of Jouno anywhere though. The skies also darken which means night already arrived.
'So that's a member of the Hunting Dog? Even from here, I can sense his pressure… Is truly overwhelming like me and the Akatsuki member.' Itachi thought while analyzing Tetchou. 'As expected of this country strongest… It seems.'
"We already arrive, Itachi-san." Yamamura informed him and Itachi eyes lock gaze with Arisu, who's sitting on one of the table. Her cane is put beside her and she look toward Itachi with her usual smile but without any smugness.
'So this is another leader of Class 1-A, Arisu Sakayanagi. Compare to Kohei who emit respectful aura, she seems an arrogant person in the first view.' Itachi quickly noted as he sitting on the chair of the table that Arisu was sitting on with a cautious look on his face.
"Thank you Yamamura-san. You can return to rest back to your room." Arisu thanked her, which only earn nod from Yamamura as she return back to her room without any words.
Silence happens for a moment before Arisu decided to open the conversation. "Forgive me for calling you suddenly and rudely not introducing myself. My name is Arisu Sakayanagi, one of the leader of Class 1-A alongside Katsuragi-san. If you want to, you can pick one of the beverages that I prepare for you, Itachi-san." She said, pointing to Dango that already on the table.
'So she seems spying on me using someone for knowing my favorite food.' Itachi thought before he replied. "Quick to the main topic. For what reason you called me here? If you only called me to befriend me or something like that, I won't believe it." He stated although he take the Dango nonetheless.
"Fu fu fu. Itachi-san truly a serious person. But no need to worry, I really have no bad intention at heart." Arisu said before take a sip of her tea and put it back on the table. "I'm apologizing on behalf of what Hanabusa-san doing."
"I can assume that you know Sumireko back from entering ANHS." Itachi said as he only take a sip of a green tea on the table. "In the end, Sumireko is not a crazed person that wants to beat up anyone that she deems not a survivor. She just not wants to look weak again based on what I know about her past which for me is not something someone her age should experience." He explained while looking at his tea. "However, I find out something strange. She said that she wants to beat someone to prove that she's the strongest but if I pick the puzzles together, the way of her obsession have some peculiar hint. It's not she see that person who we dub as X first-hand, but more like she was told about this X individual by someone."
"I see." Arisu commented before she looks toward Itachi with her usual smile. "Hanabusa-san and I… We really not speak that much even though I know her since we were a child. Even so… When I was known that she sacrifices her limbs… It's truly surprising." She said with a hint of surprise on her tone back when she knows about it personally. "I think we shall go on with the main reason I call you here Itachi-san. Based on the rumors that I heard for the past few months before us currently on the Speranza, Kushida-san behavior was rumored to be changed. I believe it has connection with you and Hanabusa-san incident?"
"For what reason you want to know that?" Itachi asked. 'I know already that Kushida already slowly changed to use her true self and act better based on what Suzune told me. However, Arisu surely perceptive. Even though her class basically has no business with what happen, she surely updating her information. Hn, if she even exists in the Elemental Nations, I can say she'll make a fine Hokage.' He thought. "I have no obligation to tell about someone past to the strangers."
"Nothing of a sort. It only my curiosity and I think I get a gist that you're a very wise person at heart. For that, I want to hear your opinion Itachi-san. According to you who already meet two of Class 1-A leaders, who fit to lead our class between me and Katsuragi-kun? Maybe you already heard it from Kamuro-san but my class situation is currently in turmoil right now because the differences of our ideology." Arisu asked.
"I know about that. Masumi said to me that while Katsuragi decide to defend their position, you on the other hand think it's better if Class 1-A also attack the other classes while defend the position at the same time. In other words, while Katsuragi only bring the shield, you on the other hands bring both sword and shield." Itachi surmised.
"Precisely." Arisu nod in agreement with Itachi.
"If I want to say the realistic answer, your way of leading is the right way Arisu. After all, there's no one that will stay on top forever even though it takes a long time for that to happen." Itachi replied.
"I see." Arisu nod in agreement. 'Just as I expected. He truly also a natural born genius… Just like I did.' She thought, for the first time excited that she found another person beside Kiyotaka that picks her interest. "Thank you very much for your honest opinion Itachi-san but before we finish this meeting, cares to accompany me with play chess for a round?" She asked.
"Chess?" Itachi tilt his head before slightly smiled. "Why not? After all, it's not that different from Shogi." He said, accepting the offer. 'After all, I think with this I can get a grasp of what kind of person Arisu Sakayanagi is.'
The word picks Arisu interest once again. "You also play Shogi?" She wondered.
"Indeed. I have a master that teaches me and I must say… I never beat him even once." Itachi said, referring to none other than the father of Shikamaru Nara, Shikaku Nara. Back on Konoha when he still a boy, he sometimes heard about how cunning and resourceful Shikaku are on playing Shogi to the point that the one close to beat him back then is Asuma Sarutobi. Itachi only battling against him once and it was a defeat that even makes Fugaku surprised. "Can you play Shogi as well, Arisu?" He asked this time in curiosity.
"Fu fu fu. Sorry to disappoint you Itachi-san but I never play Shogi even once since I lack interest on it." Arisu softly said. "Different than Shogi, Chess… Is like my way to connect with someone." She said while Itachi can see a blazing determination that she also see in Sumireko back then after her defeat.
'I wonder if Arisu have knowledge about this X person. However, I think it was rude to ask her now. Let just accept his generosity.' Itachi thought seriously before speak once again. "Very well then. As you're the one that ask for the match, are you already prepare the set?"
"Of course I did. I always bring a set whenever I was bored." Arisu assured him as she put a chess set on the table which previously she put on her lap. "Well then, shall we begin?"
"Hn. I think you shall move first." Itachi said simply as Arisu preparing the chess set with his help before start to play. "I occasionally play chess using notebook when I was bored. I think finding a partner to play this time wasn't so bad since Mio hates chess with passion."
"Is that so? Well sorry to disappoint you Itachi-san. But I won't be like the CPU that you always go against in notebook." Arisu said with a challenging smile. 'Now, I'll see you true worth, Itachi Ibuki-san.'
For Arisu, chess is something that she so proud of. She trained endlessly to perfecting her strategy to almost perfection that she manage to beat her own chess instructor and of course… Her way to defeat a certain person and prove that natural born genius is the superior one compared to man-made genius from that horrid place.
However, what she witnessing right now was something that make her widen her eyes in shock and disbelief. "I-Impossible…" She uttered with such small tone that Itachi don't hear her at all.
Sure since she knows Itachi also a natural born genius like her, Arisu expect the match will not be easy but she still prevail as she really dedicate her entire life for this particular game.
But here, Itachi who claim that he only have experience in playing Shogi, manage to defeat her with just eighteen moves in a pincer checkmate.
'H-How could he-' Arisu thought in total disbelief. Sure she probably expecting defeat at the hand of Itachi but not this humiliating. Even the White Room Masterpiece did not manage to beat his instructor at this quick rate. She then comes into one conclusion.
What she battling right now is not someone who excels in everything like he did. The one she currently faces is someone that already like a veteran of war with numerous strategy experience for the best outcome in battle.
"I think it's my victory." Itachi stated with plain look on his face. He then notices Arisu only stared on the chessboard so he decided to call her. "Arisu?"
"W-What's wrong?" Arisu said to herself as Itachi touch her right shoulder.
"Arisu, you spacing out. Are you all right?" Itachi asked her in worried tone. Based on her way of playing, he manages to get a gist of Arisu personality. Like him, she is without a doubt a prodigy but born with a weak body proven by the cane beside her. However different from him, Arisu seems rarely experience hardship and lived in glamorous lifestyle and seemingly have no match, making her seems boasting about her status as a natural born genius and looks others… As her chess piece although she probably still have capabilities of seeing other as friend as proven by the way she spoke of Sumireko.
Arisu look toward Itachi, still in disbelief before try to regain her composure to reply him back. "I-I'm fine." She said while try to maintain her usual smile toward Itachi.
"If you feeling not well, may I accompany you till' we reach your room? Where's your room located?" Itachi offered.
"T-Thank you Itachi-san, but…"
"I insist. After all, I can't let someone who has disability like you just carry the chessboard on your own. Let me accompany you." Itachi insisted. It's not like that he mock her for having to walk with a cane but his kind heart just can't let a girl walk alone on her room this late at night. Not when he finally can do something right.
"If you insist then." Arisu just sighed, knowing that Itachi has no intention to mocking her disability at all. She then picks up her cane and stand up from her seat as Itachi was tidy up her chessboard. "My room is on the first floor of the cruise, number 025." She informed him with Itachi just nod as he just walk accompany her while maintaining his pace so he can walk side by side with her back to her dorm room.
On the other side of the cruise, more precisely on the theater stage which currently playing the story of Icarus, Sae is seen watching the show with bored and uninterested look on her face while besides her, Dazai is seen also watching the show with his usual goofy smile.
"Aah~ this show rather boring. After all, only two of us watching here Chabashira-chan~" Dazai whined comically. "Saigiku-san over there doesn't count since he seems also not interested at all." He then glances to the Hunting Dog member who's watching from the most backstage of the theater.
"You're the one who decides to accompany here even though I rejecting your ridiculous request countless times Dazai. Just get lost. After all, what I want to do here right now is a private problem." Sae said to him with annoyed tone. The homeroom teacher of Class 1-C was an enigma to her since it was originally Sakagami who supposed to do the task but now thanks to Dazai, he become the homeroom teacher of Class 2-B.
For the first three days, he truly was acting normal. The problem comes on the fourth day, when he start acting crazy like trying everything he can to do suicide himself even to the point he drunk like crazy on the teacher room after eating mushroom from who knows it is.
The worse it yet to comes as she later ask her to do double suicide with him in rather comical manner which of course she replied by a slap at first but as time passes, she had enough that she only keep silent about it. Strangely though, he never asking Chie at all or maybe he asks her in private.
Well, it's not like she cares about it.
"Is that so? Well, I also bored by it so I just search for Hoshinomiya-chan and ask her to do double suicide with me for real this time~!" Dazai said happily as he rise up from his seat.
"Oi!"
"However before I go let me warn you something Chabashira-chan." He then turns serious as he look toward Sae. "Don't try your plan or someone will viciously attack something that you decide to keep buried for a long time. That's all." He then walking away from the scene as at the same time, Kiyotaka is appears on the scene as Sae sending him a message beforehand to meet on the theatre at night.
Kiyotaka just look briefly at Dazai as he sitting beside Sae. "It feels like a waste of people's taxes, doesn't it?" He commented after he saw how expensive the Speranza is for two days.
However, Sae really not buys it as she quickly goes to the point. "A few days ago, there's a man that contacted the school authority. He said, 'Expelled Kiyotaka Ayanokouji from the school'." She explained.
"If that so, what does that mean exactly? I don't know whoever that is, but you can't expel a student without a valid reason." Kiyotaka asked his caution start to heighten.
"That's right. As long as you're the student of ANHS, even though the isolation rules was softened thanks to the current student council revolution, the rules will protect you. However, if you make problem, that's another story." Sae said in plain tone. However, Kiyotaka already get the main topic of this conversation.
'So it's blackmail? However, did that man truly have power to do such thing?' Kiyotaka thought in curiosity after listening to Sae as he looks toward the theatre. "Sadly, not like Icarus that's arrogant, I'll not against the sun." He retorted.
"This has nothing to do with your wish. If I was seeing you as the troublemaker, that's all it is." Sae replied and still managed to maintain her plain look and tone.
"Did you threatening me, Chabashira-sensei?" Kiyotaka finally has enough and get to the point.
"This is an offer of agreement. If you want to rise up to A-Class, then I'll become your ally and disregard everything about what you'll do. A good offer, isn't it?" Sae offered him, clearly not hiding the fact she was blackmailing him.
Something that'll become her downfall later.
Kiyotaka sighed, he really not want to take any part. Not when he still curious about what Odasaku message mean. "It seems this will become a pointless talking." He firmly stated as he try to stand up from the seat.
"Too bad, Ayanokouji." Sae stated which make Kiyotaka stop from leaving and look at her. His face still look the same emotionless one, although a spark of annoyance is briefly shown on his eyes. "You'll be expelled… And lose your freedom." She said. However, before Kiyotaka can move to grab her collar…
"Oya. What an interesting conversation or I must say blackmail. Can I join in as well?"
Kiyotaka only look behind Sae while Sae also in shock as she look at Jouno, who already standing behind her seat with his usual smile.
'When did he get behind here? I… Don't even feel he come right behind the both of us.' Kiyotaka analyzed Jouno in caution. 'This man… Is strong. I don't even know if he's stronger than me or not.'
"Sorry for this Ayanokouji-kun. However, let's talk later." Jouno said as he suddenly kick Kiyotaka which such force that although thanks to his immense training he see the attack coming, the force of the kick is strong enough to make him thrown several feet to the side but he still manage to balance himself in time. Jouno then look at him with interest. "So you can block it? Interesting for a high school student." He compliments him.
'He doesn't implement any sufficient force to that kick. What does it mean? Do he only want me to stay away?' Kiyotaka thought.
"You can wait on the place that I already prepare Ayanokouji-kun. I'll make sure to explain why I do that after this is over." Jouno said with his usual smile.
Understanding what he meant, Kiyotaka just walk away without care from the scene.
"What're you doing, Hunting Dog? Your job is-"
"You know what? Suck it." Jouno dismissed Sae's words as he sit beside her this time. "However, now let's hear the scream of your heart, you poor excuse for a teacher."
Author Notes
Well, this second chapter of Volume 3 ends up with cliffhanger. Wonder what Jouno do? Why'd he keep Ayanokouji away and what he plan to said to Chabashira? Wait for the next chapter to find out. The last part of In the Middle of Pacific will also covers the ANHS while the first year was gone with the main focus is a certain sunflower-hairpin girl.
Now, I plan to press on some points on this chapter:
Kushida development
For those who thought Kushida already changed, it is not. She is still confused with a minor identity crisis after the whole Sumireko Incident and after she revealed her true desire of just wants someone to accept her for who she is. Not to mention she also still baffled by the present Sumireko give her before the former suspension. So know, you can expect Kushida is confused which one is her true self: Her kind persona or her hidden persona since she already realized how her two-face make five person indirectly commit suicide. Starting from now, Kushida will start to find what's her true self by interacting with another student with barely hidden motive to know their secret, starting from Kokoro and Mii-chan.
Atsushi and Kei situation
For those that wonder, yeah Atsushi and Kei past are the same since both of them experience something truly horrible in life yet manage to keep their kind self without turn bad. The difference is that Kei was unable to find her mentor like Atsushi did, or in this case Dazai, make her decide to protect herself using any means possible. So why in my story Kei decide to try making Atsushi fake dating her? Well, Atsushi saved her from Sumireko in V2 and seeing Hirata was a pacifist, she think Atsushi was her best choice. Her mistake is that Atsushi won't become like Hirata that'll just accept her request. Sure Atsushi sympathized with her as he also experience probably more horrible than Kei and promised he'll protect her but Atsushi won't let her always latch on to her because that's what Dazai do when help Atsushi, not making him too rely on him in many things. I really want to write their development in relationship later in the future.
Itachi and Ryuuen plan
Yeah, if you watch carefully, both of them will not make any move, tricks, or anything during the Island Exam. If that so, what Class 1-C will do to prevail? You shall see when we finally reaches the island.
Mysterious power system
Special Ability are slowly but sure revealed and there's a way to unlock it that'll be revealed on the chapters to come.
Arisu's loss in Chess
Arisu's loss for me is rather reasonable that she was shocked since Itachi, who was a total no one she never heard of, manage to beat her in something that she was dedicated herself entirely to master. After all, Itachi is a war veteran, a shinobi, and the leader of ANBU at 11 years old. Of course I think the way he view playing chess as someone who experience war was different from Arisu.
Well, that's for now. See you in the next update!