/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 II
Assault
For Suzune Horikita, the current atmosphere inside her class is quite calm and return to normalcy after Sudou's almost expelled due to the mid-term. Everyone seems busy enjoy their high school life and all. However for all the enjoyment, Suzune can't help but worry about someone.
Kikyou Kushida is seen only sitting on her seat for few weeks. This is odd for her considers how she act for the first two weeks. Even though Suzune worries to get close to her is a rumored mastermind of a certain incident on her middle grade, she can't help but worry about her. Part of her really wants to talk with her at least to console her but another part of her still afraid to do so.
However, it seems that Kokoro approaching Kushida. Based on her observation, the meek but kind girl hardly makes friend with anyone except Kushida and Mei-Yu Wang or rather known by other girls on Class 1-D as Mii-chan. She's a young girl with blue hair tied to twin-tails and petite body.
"K-Kushida-san… Let's go to the Keyaki M-Mall with both of us." Kokoro tried to persuade her.
"Y-You seems very silent for few weeks Kushida-san. W-What's the matter?" Mii-chan also asked her in worry.
Kushida look toward both of them with her smile. Seems she still have enough energy to using her fake persona in front of everyone. "N-No need to worry about me Mii-chan! I'm sorry Kokoro-chan, I can't join both of you for now. I have something to do you see." She softly rejects their offer. "I-I suddenly not feel that well. Maybe later."
Seeing that Kushida seems not want to, Kokoro just nod in understanding while Mii-chan have concerned look on her face.
'Something's not right here.' Suzune concluded as she sees Hirata approaching her. "Are you also worried about Kushida-san, Hirata-kun?" She asked.
Hirata nod with concerned look on his face. "Ever since two weeks ago, she's not act like her usual self. I wonder if she has some problems with students of the other class. However, considers her kindness, I think that's impossible." He opined.
"I agree. However, I think there's nothing wrong if we try to investigate it. After all, I can see if she's like this, it will affect the class mood sooner or later if we considers Yamauchi-kun and Kanji-kun to it." Suzune said to him. 'It seems here it comes… My next challenge inside this school.'
Inside Class 1-C, the current subject teacher which is Chie just finished her learning hour and went out from the class; all of the student already come out to return to their dorm room. However, Minori still stay inside the class as she watches Sumireko seems making some teas from the herbs she have on the table. 'I don't know what's wrong but I think Sumireko is just a normal girl.' She thought as she observed her. 'Did I probably just false-accused her? No. The fact that Kushida-san comes out from her room injured still remains. There's no way she didn't do anything to her.'
Noticed that Minori is looking at her, Sumireko then turn her attention and smiled at her. "Ara, seems you watching me with interest Kinoshita-san. I wonder why you still not return yet to your dorm room?" She said with formal tone.
"N-No. It just… I'm bit tired and need to review some homework from Chabashira-sensei. Hanabusa-san also why not returns to your dorm room yet?" Minori asked, a bit stuttered with the unexpected question. 'Good job Kinoshita… You spy on others yet she manages to find out with ease. Good job!'
"I'm just making tea to stimulate my body a bit." Sumireko replied. "If I not wrong, Kinoshita-san is my neighbor right? Forgive me for not greet you but my body-"
"I-It's all right. But… I know that you're good on making tea. I mean… Your brand is quite popular outside ANHS." Minori tries to turn the topic of the conversation. However, what she said was not a lie though.
Aside from the reputation as one of the king of the financial company in Japan, Hanabusa Family also well known for its tea which the name of the brand is the same as their family name. The brand displays numerous amount of tea with different taste and most of its customers were elderly as it used mostly to ease the pain of the body.
And all of that success comes from Sumireko herself since she's the one that always improve the recipe of the tea or in other words, the founder of the Hanabusa Tea brand.
"Fu fu fu. I see that you know my brand quite well then. I presume your mother probably always buy my brand? If that so, let me say thank you, for the one that always buy my tea always come from the higher ups." Sumireko thanked Minori for the compliment. "If you want to, I can make one for you right now." She offered.
"No its okay. And yes, kaa-san is quite fond of your tea. She say that it makes her healthy during running or something like that." Minori said, now feeling comfortable to express herself around the heir of Hanabusa family. "Speaking of it, I've heard that Hanabusa-san still not give your opinion about Itachi-san and Ryuuen-san leadership. Both of them are worried about your score during the mid-terms. I mean, you almost got expelled because your scores is on the exact point as the passing grade."
"I already said my thanks to them for worrying about me but I can only promise that I'll perform better during the end term exam. And if I must say, Ryuuen-san really not as bad as I first thought of him during the first day. Truth to be told, I support his leadership now." Sumireko admitted.
"I see. If you not mind, do you want to walk together with me back to the dorm? I mean, we're neighbors after all." Minori offered although her mind thinking otherwise. 'From what I get so far, Hanabusa-san seems not hiding something suspicious but to make sure, I'll follow her till she reach her dorm.'
"Sure. I don't mind about that." Sumireko accepted. 'Of all times… Even though I must talk about something with Kushida-san. Well then, be patient. There're still plenty of chances to challenge him.' She assured herself before packing her items. 'Just you wait. When the time comes, I'll show you… That I'm the strongest queen.'
Days quickly passed on. For a moment, the situation is at peace due to lack of any conflicts, for now. Hiyori is seen on the bookstore or more precisely, on the Manga section.
'Hmm… Let see. According to what Yamashita-san said, she wants to create a shounen Manga but… Where's the story that represent the shounen genre?' She thought as she search throughout the Manga genre she desire but still can't found anything. That's when she accidentally bumps softly with someone.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I not watch my way!" The one who hit Hiyori was revealed to be Ike Kanji. He seems also on the bookstore as well looking the Manga he wants to read.
"I-It's okay." Hiyori said with a smile toward Ike, making him reddened seeing such a beauty.
'Sh-She's such a beauty! Even more than Kushida-chan!' Ike thought in perverse manner before compose himself after remembering something. 'No. What do you thinking Ike Kanji? This girl class leader is that famous contestants of that middle grade martial arts tournament! If I ever make problems with her… I'll screw!' He thought in fear. "M-My name is Ike. Ike Kanji. May I know your name?" He asked while bit afraid if any male from Class 1-C is around.
"My name is Hiyori Shiina. If I not wrong, you're on the same class as Horikita-san right?" Hiyori asked, remembers she see Ike sometimes follows Suzune and Kiyotaka along with Sudou and Yamauchi to the library for studying. "Nice to meet you Kanji-kun."
"N-Nice to meet you as well." Ike said before turn the topic. "By the way, you seem confused about something… Is there any way I can help you?" He asked curiously.
"I actually search for shounen genre Manga. A friend from my class wants to make her own Manga but she still can't find a good inspiration for it. I hope that if I may be read some of the genre of Manga I can help him. However, I'm hard to find what kind of shounen genre that's available." Hiyori explained while Ike then smiled while laughs a little, although not in mocking manner.
"I bet you still a novice reader Shiina-chan? Of course you'll not find it on this section. This is a romance harem section. Here let me help you search for it." Ike offered.
"Thank you so much Kanji-kun." Hiyori thanked him with a smile.
"No need to thank Ike-sama! It's natural to help girls in need!" Ike proclaimed which makes Hiyori laugh a little as he later shows her the direction of the shounen genre section as he later give Hiyori the recommended series that he thinks are good enough for her inspiration.
'It's now or never!' Shiho thought. At the same time Hiyori socializing with Ike on the bookstore, Shiho is going to approach Dazai. The homeroom teacher already agrees to talk to her about that incident which causes her so much pain for three years. "Dazai-sensei, Akutagawa-senpai. I enter." She greets as she opens the door. However, only Suzuka alone that's inside the room. "Konohana-senpai."
"Oh. Manabe-san. You making promise to meet with Dazai-sensei inside here correct? Too bad that Akutagawa-san is busy right now. After all, he's one of the candidates of student council president. I actually must go to the outside as well after Dazai-sensei is arrived." Suzuka said to her with warm tone before apologized. "I apologize for what Akutagawa-san pull back then. He maybe looks violent with that look of his but he's not that bad compare to the other one."
"I know. I also not expect that he's that obedient to Dazai-sensei back then." Shiho agreed while laugh a little as she also sit on the guest sofa. "But speaking of it, it's like I've heard of your name before…"
"Oh. So you realize it. Yeah, my father knows very well of your father. The reason is? He once trains for a while under my father which is a Kendo instructor. In return, I usually talks with him." Suzuka revealed. "I already heard about Manabe-san passing. I'm sorry for that." She apologized with sympathetic tone.
"It's okay Konohana-senpai. I already pass through it though I'm happy that I meet someone that knows Papa inside this school." Shiho admitted with bit happiness.
"Sorry for being late~" Dazai said as he enters the room with his usual tone. "Oh Shiho-chan surely arrive quickly~"
"You're late for about 15 minutes Dazai-sensei, although Manabe-san also late. Well then since I think this conversation will be private, I excuse myself." Suzuka berate Dazai as she excuse herself from the room.
As Suzuka already exiting the room, Dazai then put a paper that he carries. "Are you sure you want to know about the incident this fast Shiho-chan?" Dazai warned her. "Like I said before, This is not just you normal incident. If you know about it, your life will not be normal anymore."
Silent for a moment, Shiho looks at Dazai seriously. "I'm prepared. I need to know for certain what happened till' Papa and Mama being targeted to be killed that day." Shiho voiced her determination. "I'm their daughter. I have the right to know what kind of people that dares to do something like this."
"And because of that, this information not the one that can easily being revealed to those that don't understand anything." Dazai pressed the warning once again. "However, no matter how much I warn you, you keep insists on it am I right?"
Shiho just nod in confirmation.
"I see. All right then." Dazai sighed in defeat as his gaze turn serious. "But before I explained it I want to ask something. Shiho-chan, do you remember what your tou-san did before he was killed?" He asked.
"I do." Shiho immediately replied. Dazai after all manage to guess some of her past during that day. Hiding it from him is pointless. "The night before they was… Killed, Papa seems working on some reports. I-I don't know what kind of reports he was writing though. I was too busy watching Itachi-kun on the television back then. H-How I regret it… Till' now… That I never know what he's working about back then…" Shiho said while grab her left arm to hold back her tears remembering that day.
"You have no need to feel regret about it Shiho-chan. You don't know anything about that incident will happen suddenly and that's why you're exempt from their targeting." Dazai advised her as he spoke the facts.
"Does that mean… The one that do that was not some novice but professional criminal?" Shiho asked while trembling a bit. She knows very well even during her grade school time that her father always arrest criminal from the low, street thief to the leader of illegal drug syndicate once. It's from this arrest of drug syndicate that Shiho read the chemical ingredients of the vile thing, that she wants to become a doctor to make sure no one ever use something like that again under her warm care.
"Of course it is. From what we observed on the scene by our 'Great Detective', no traces of the scene can be said as novice assassins doing. It was all a well-planned attack by someone. Who's the one that staged it up though, too bad we still not find anything about it yet." Dazai shrugged while explaining. 'Although I know you're the one that do it… Damn demon.' He thought to himself.
"'Great Detective'? Dazai-sensei, who are you exactly? That time, you said that you alongside Atsushi-kun belong to the same organization…" Shiho trailed off while remembering the exact day Dazai said this to her after Hiyori was knock out.
"If this is another person I'll not trust you with this. However, Hiyori-chan and you already proved it in front of my eyes so in return, I'll tell you. However, you must do one thing in return." Dazai stated as his aura become a serious one. "You must never speak of this to anyone. Not to your classmates, not to the other classes, not to the other teachers, and this is the most important part. If there's someone force you to tell it. Never do it… Even if your stand at the end of the rope. In return, I'll protect you with my influence inside this school. Can you promise me that?"
"But why? This school holds many security cameras. Any attempts of that will-" Shiho tries to argue as Dazai quickly cuts her off.
"Shiho-chan. Even if our motto is not following this school nature, you must slightly adapt to it. Inside this school, winning is everything due to that A-Class propaganda. Security Cameras won't protect you here. They're in the end just tool with flaw design. Same as you report it to either Student Council or teacher. Sometimes they'll just brush it aside like the law works in the outside world. This is the school that like Hiyori-chan said back then, is not an elite school. This school basically implements real world scenario and some curriculum… From a place that you not want to enter if you still sane. To make it easy, this school is a dog-eat-dog world where the strongest takes all. Or in the government eyes… The only way to produce what they-called better future generations to closed off their past mistake." Dazai warned her while remind her at the same time.
Shiho gulped hearing it. Inside this room, she… As a regular student have privilege to hear all of this? "I-Is this true?" She asked. 'If Itachi-kun not subdues Ryuuen-kun or said those words on our class… I wonder how our class become? Did us will see one another… Even childhood friends as rival for anything? I know that in truth… Such scenario will happen in real life but… I'm feeling not well hearing this.'
"That's the condition from the time this school was established till' least three years ago. However, Horikita-kun manages to change some of the rules to be better and from that time, ANHS is a bit more lenient although the school competition is still necessary they said for Japanese greater future." Dazai replied with a hint of mocking on his tone. "It seems we're out of the main topic right? Okay. I'll tell you, I alongside Atsushi-kun belong to a certain organization that has a specific mission that makes us infiltrate ANHS. It was-"
Days quickly passed by. Now, Itachi alongside Ryuuen and Mio approaches Minori once again to ask her what she had found so far. They currently inside Itachi's dorm room to avoid any unwanted attention from others.
"Nothing so far?" Ryuuen demanded.
"Y-Yes. For the past few days, Hanabusa-san never did any suspicious acts. She always returns to her room and that's all. In fact, for some reason I never see Kushida-san come to her room again." Minori explained while a bit fearful of Ryuuen's tone.
Hearing it make Ryuuen pound his fist on Itachi's desk. "Ku ku ku. So she manages to sniff out our advance huh? She's not as dumb as she looks." He said with annoyance evident on his tone.
"However, we can easily guess that she probably talk with Kushida through phone. Minori's efforts are not wasted at all. In positive views, we halt her movements even just for a bit." Itachi tries to see positive views from this situation. "I hate to do this but there's no choice. Like you said back then, Kakeru."
"Yeah. I plan to do so anyway." Ryuuen said in agreement before look toward Minori. "Kinoshita. Change of observation. Instead of Hanabusa, I want you to observe Kikyou Kushida instead. Try to find out if she exhibits some strange behavior or any suspicious acts. Mio, you shall help her in case she can't do it." He ordered.
"U-Understand Ryuuen-san." Minori said, feel ashamed for not being able to meet both leaders' expectations despite she's the one that finds the strangeness on Sumireko's behavior.
"Leave it to me. I know that Minori is a bit scared of her so I'll take more time than her in doing this." Mio stated, try to ease her club mate's task before look toward the said girl. "No need to worry Kinoshita. With me helping you, you have no need to worry." She tries to ease her worries.
"I appreciate it, Ibuki-san." Minori nod in gratitude. "I already prepare that thing if both of you are curious. I'll use it to relay what info that I get about Hanabusa-san so far."
"All right then. But I must warn you two to be careful. Sumireko's an unknown factor that probably will do something if she ever finds out about this." Itachi warned both of them which earns nods from both Mio and Minori.
For Kei Karuizawa, a certain man leaves some impression on her.
Ever since that meeting inside Suzune's dorm, she starts although forced to help maintain the class girls, especially her clique who consists of those can say mostly pretty girls from Class 1-D. From her clique, she built a bratty image as gyaru that tries to take the top spot as the girls leader of Class 1-D, which rivaled only by Kushida. However, Kei later notice flaw from her rival.
Kushida is far too friendly with everyone so in return, she not a threat that much. The beige-haired girl in fact befriends her and on one occasion, Kei ask her once to lend her private points since she use it in great amounts alongside her clique. Despite she senses something wrong with her like Suzune, the fact that she seems on saddened mood give her the advantage to keep climbs up the rank.
So for what reason Kei want to climb to be Class 1-D top girl? That position is really important to her more than anything else. If she manages to stand at the top of the hierarchy inside the class, she will not see lightly and can prevent that thing from ever happens again.
Asking for a popular dude inside the class to date her although only a fake one so they can protect her in time of needs and also make her status inside the class sky-rocketed. She already has some candidate in mind. Hirata at first quickly comes up as his candidate but she now against it since she now sees based on their regular meeting about the class problems inside Suzune's dorm, Hirata was pacifistic individual that dislike conflict despite his popularity due to joining Soccer Club. Akito also comes to her mind due to his reputation as one of the participants on that famous Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago but she also against it due to him seems too nonchalant and also dislike conflict. Kouenji and Sudou also a complete no because of their attitude despite she can see that the redhead seemingly not like before in term of attitude. However, one man gets her attention: Atsushi Nakajima.
From his sudden actions of stopping Kouenji back then, the opinion of the class is differed to him. Some respect him for his ability to control someone like Kouenji. In fact, Kouenji start to rarely leaves when Suzune give important information after Atsushi do the same thing for three times, although she can sense the arrogant heir of the Kouenji family seems holding anger for disturbing his so-called date with senpais, while some others start to fear him due to his inhuman athletic ability, making them only silent on his presence. However, he manages to slowly but sure remove that fear about him and in fact, his standing on the class is more respected on the same level as Hirata as he manage to befriend Sudou, although actually he just respect him and Suzune is the one that make the red-head become better instead.
'Yes. He'll be ideal one. I'll probably do that today.' Kei thought to herself as she glances toward Atsushi who's talking with Sudou about sports without a doubt. Hirata currently seen occupied alongside Suzune, Kiyotaka, Lucy, Yukimura, and Akito. Probably talking about the preparations of the end-term exam.
"Glancing on Atsushi-kun, Karuizawa-san?" Satou teased her as she approaches her. From all the girls on her clique, Kei appreciate Satou's company the most. The brown-haired girl proves to be trusted companion although she can act ditzy and idiotic sometimes. "Don't tell me… You plan to write love letter for him?" She asked.
"S-Satou-san… W-What're you talking about?" Kei asked embarrassedly as her cheek have tinge shade of red. She then said to her in whispering tone. "Don't be too loud. We're still inside the class."
"Sorry~ But I see you keep glancing on Atsushi-kun for the past few days." Satou noted before she also looks toward Atsushi with the same gaze of someone heart being struck by love arrow "He's great isn't he? I can't imagine he can do something like that and not to mention able to make Kouenji-kun diligently listen the class and befriend Sudou-kun of all people." She said in melancholic tone. "I probably fall in love with him…"
'W-What?' Seriously, Kei sometimes can't hold Satou seriously. Fall in love at the first sight? This is not Fairy Tail where that water mage fall in love with the ice mage with first look!?
"Just joking Karuizawa-san!" Satou quickly dismiss her claim. "But if somehow you plan to confess to him, I'll gladly-"
"No Satou-san! I never like Atsushi-kun in whatever imagination you have inside your mind!?" Kei denied with a bit high whisper tone. "Besides, seems Montgomery-san already close to him…"
"C'mon Karuizawa-san! Don't be shy like that. I know that you now always follows Horikita-san weekly meeting about the class problems alongside him and Hirata-kun." Satou quickly shoot another blow. "As for Lucy-chan, I think they're just childhood friends. I can guess she'll love to help you~"
"It's only usual meeting Satou-san please don't add any more of your imagination inside your head." Kei replied with a sigh, tired of keep filling Satou's imagination before acting by playing her smartphone. 'Atsushi Nakajima. I'll see your worth today.'
As dusk approaches, Kei is seen walking upstairs toward the school rooftop. She already request Satou help in order to ask Atsushi to come at the place she will goes. However, as she walking upstairs, she felt something uneasy.
Is this the right thing to do? After all, thanks to Suzune always request her help around alongside Hirata and Atsushi, she already get the position of one of Class 1-D top dog that only rivaled by Kushida by a small margin. She actually have no need to ask Atsushi what she had in mind in order to preserve herself and gives her protection from the vile people… Right?
'C'mon. It's not time to hesitate!' Kei thought, steeling her determination to do what she planned as she finally reach the door that lead to the school rooftop. As she tries to open it, she hears a painful scream.
"AAAAAAAH!"
'That voice! Kushida-san!' Kei thought in wary as she tries as gentle as possible to open the door to take a peek and witness quite a scene. Kushida is seen lying on the floor with bruises on her body. The assailant however is the one that make Kei gasp in disbelief. 'T-That girl… If I not wrong… She's from Class 1-C!? The class where most participants of that Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament being placed! Did she do bullying? If that so… ' Kei silently put her left hand on her breast pocket to pick up her phone and record the scene. '… I can report to Horikita-san about this! She after all is curious with Kushida-san current behavior…'
"A-Aagh…" Kushida gasp in pain as Sumireko's left feet smack on her chest with increasing pressure from it.
"Glad that you come here Kushida-san. As expected of my faithful dog. Unfortunately for you, I currently in a bad mood because it seems my own class begins to tail me for the past few days." Sumireko smiled despite her acts. True enough, due to her actions seems attract Itachi and Ryuuen attention, both of them seems order some girls like Mio, Minori, Makoto, and even Rika to keep an eye on her, making her movements limited. "Even so, you provide me with enough information already. For that, I said my deepest gratitude." She thanked Kushida sincerely as she releases her foot. "Now here's the plan. I want you to hear it clearly." Sumeriko said before she stopped and glanced toward the direction of the door that leads to the stairs. "However, why you keep hiding, Karuizawa-san? There's no need to be shy. You can come out if you want… Or I need to drag you out?" She asked with her usual polite smile.
'I-I being found out!? B-But how!?' Kei thought in surprise. She makes sure to not make any sounds when open the door slightly. Even her phone already in silent mode. How she can know her exact position!?
"I give your count Karuizawa-san." Sumireko keep smiling as she threatens Kei to come out. She then comes out from her hiding place. "There you go, it's not so hard isn't it?"
Kei can feel all her hair is tensed in fear watching Sumireko's narrowed gaze toward her. If looks can kill, she probably already drop dead by now. "W-W-What are you-"
"That unfortunately was something that insignificant girl like you don't deserve to know. However, since you know about it already, I think you shall receive some punishment." Sumireko without a warning, raise her right hand toward Kei.
Seemingly realizing something, Kushida using her remaining strength to shout at Kei. "DOOOODGE!" Not long after she said that, from the tip of Sumireko's right fingers, something like cables with sharp tip at the end shoots toward Kei at fast speed. Thanks to Kushida's warning though, she able to dodge it in time by the time the sharp cable pass her standing position and pierce through the stone wall of the school's rooftop with ease. Moreover, she can clearly see something that makes her even more horrified than being pierced by it.
It because the fact that the cables emitting sparks of electricity from it.
'W-W-What is that!?' Kei thought in fear as she sees the cable retracts back to Sumireko's right finger as it miss its mark. Her body starts to shiver in fear, remembering uneasy memory of her life. 'I-It came out from her own body and it emits electricity…'
"You're quite agile, Karuizawa-san. As expected of a fellow survivor." Sumireko stated with a bit of respect. "That eye of yours mirrors all of it. Believe it or not, the three of us are the same Karuizawa-san, Kushida-san. In order to survive at all cost, we use any cards in our hands and like Stray Dogs, always brings a pack to protect the pathetic leader. Unfortunately, I'm not like that. As I'm able to stand on my own." She then walks toward Kei, who's shivering and have difficulty breathing as someone able to guess her past that easy without any knowledge of it. "Thus, I'm the strongest."
As she finished said that, a blur suddenly appears from the stairs and it later kick Sumireko's directly in the face. The assailant is revealed to be Atsushi, who immediately acts after sensing something's wrong on the school rooftop where he and Kei try to talk about something. "Glad that I don't come too late. Are both of you all right?" Atsushi said with relief. 'Based on what happens now… Is like what Dazai-san predicted. Now what role I must do is to take Kushida-chan and Karuizawa-chan away from here.' He thought as Sumireko who's thrown by the force of the kick doing backflip and manages to stabilize herself from the fall.
"A-Atsushi-kun…" Kei can't hold her tears as she escape from whatever Sumireko have in mind for her. "S-She's-"
"Sumireko Hanabusa from Itachi-kun class. However, based on what happens here seems Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun was not the perpetrator. She moves by her own agenda." Atsushi explained briefly to Kei. "Can you stand, Karuizawa-chan?" He asked in concern despite sounds hard.
"I-I can." Kei replied as she struggles to stands up due to fear and wiping her tears away.
"Hoo. Not a bad kick. I see that you can use that as well huh?" Sumireko impressed as she touch her left cheek which is kick by Atsushi. "If I not wrong, you're Nakajima Atsushi from Class 1-D. To think your class hides a monster like you beside him… It's quite surprising." She said with a smile.
"Rather than become monsters, I prefer use what I learn to protect my class." Atsushi retorted before look at Kei. "Karuizawa-chan, while I distract her attention, you must take Kushida-chan away from here."
"W-What?" Kei wondered in disbelief. "A-Atsushi-kun that woman… No, that monster is not even a human at all! It's impossible to get pass her! Kushida-san is-"
"I can hold her off for a while. I give you slight chance to reach Kushida-chan while wait for me for a while one floor below." Atsushi give his instruction to her as he enters battle stance to hold off Sumireko. "Can you do that, Karuizawa-chan?"
Cracking her neck for a moment to lessen the pain caused by Atsushi's kick, Sumireko then smiled. "Those eyes… I see that you also a survivor as well. Fu fu fu… What a twist of fate this is! To think there's so many survivor on this school!?" She laughs a little.
"I don't know what you're talking about. However, if can I want you to come peacefully with the three of us to the student council room and explain all of your actions that threatens our class relationship." Atsushi said to her, hoping to end it in peaceful manner.
"I must apologize for it Nakajima-san but I won't do that kind of request. After all, until I face him and prove that I'm the strongest, I won't back down from any fight. Show me your strength that allow you to survive till' now." Sumireko rejects the offer as she walk toward Atsushi.
"Karuizawa-chan, do it now!" Atsushi said to her as he jump toward Sumireko and deliver an aerial kick toward Sumireko face once again but she manage to block it this time. Smirking, she then try to counter with elbow strike to Atsushi's gut which strangely emitting sparks of electricity like the cables from her fingers did, but he using his incredible agility change his position mid-air doing backflip jump to position himself behind Sumireko and doing ground slash maneuver at her to disrupt her balance but she manages to jump to avoid the maneuver and launch a kick that land on Atsushi's face, knocking him over to the ground if he not counter by kick Sumireko's chest with his right leg.
"Ugh!" Sumireko grunted in pain as she feels the force of the kick. It was nothing like normal high school student could muster. She then let out a battle-hungry smile, impressed by Atsushi's strength.
"W-What strength…." Kei can only said in awe seeing the fight as after Sumireko land to the ground, both of them exchange punch and kick with one another with something she considers inhuman. However, remembering Atsushi instruction before, she hardens her face in quick resolution and immediately run toward Kushida who's lying on the floor in bruises. Quickly crouch down, she then support her to stand by wrapping Kushida's right arm around her neck.
"K-Karuizawa-san…" Kushida weakly called as her injuries still hurts.
"L-Let's get out from here first Kushida-san. A-Atsushi-kun will help us…" Kei tried to assure her as both of them turn around and walk slowly toward the exit.
Seeing both Kei and Kushida going to escape from the school rooftop, Sumireko narrowed her eyes and try to shoot her finger cables once again but Atsushi manage to prevent her by kicking her right arm upward. "Tch." She grunted in frustration as Atsushi seems manage to equal her moves.
"I won't let you." Atsushi stated with hardened gaze.
On Kei and Kushida's situation, both of them are walk slowly down the stairs; get away as far as possible from the fight above.
"D-Don't…" Kushida weakly utters.
"Kushida-san… Please don't speak any words for now. W-We shall get away from her as far as possible." Kei insisted as they still walk down the stairs. 'Atsushi-kun… Please be safe.'
"Get of me… You bitch!" Kushida suddenly said with high tone as she yanks herself from Kei, not even bother to use her fake persona anymore. Despite her frustrated and anger look, she show tears on her eyes. "Why… Why you don't leave me up there!? It's all over!? She-Aaagh!" Kushida ranted when she suddenly flinched in pain as will slump down to the stairs if Kei not catch her in time.
"Kushida-san! Please we must get out from here first and you… You can trash talk everything about me later! We must get away from that monster!" Kei said in worry as she catch Kushida before her head hit the stairs, not care for now about Kushida seemingly changed tone of talking. 'After all, you saved me from whatever weapon that girl has in store. Considers me repay a favor even though I find you repulsive…'
"P-Please… No…" She uttered as she falls unconscious.
"Kushida-san?" Kei asked with no response from her. 'Damn! Her injuries must be taken toll on her! It's like that day…' She thought while remembering something that she truly not want to remember in the first place.
"So, my hunch was right?" Kei widen her eyes in surprise as she sees Mio stand close to the stairs last end to below with narrow look on her eyes.
"Y-You're-" Kei is a bit panic that Sumireko's classmate is stand in front of her.
"Take her quickly to my dorm room. I'll call Itachi to tend her wounds. Also… Tell me anything that you see about Sumireko." Mio said with firm tone. She probably in luck since it was her turn to spy on Sumireko when she see her going to the stairs that lead to the school rooftop. She felt relief that she wait for a few moments to catch up with her.
Now, its confirmed that Sumireko seems use Kushida for something like Itachi and Ryuuen predicted, and this time, her underground moves that threatens Class 1-C image needs to be stopped once and for all.
Back on Sumireko and Atsushi battle, both of them still exchange punch and kick from each other. That's when Atsushi decided to keep his distance by jumping backward to catch a breath.
'This attack pattern… So she mixes Karate and Aikido as her battle style.' He thought as he glances to the door. 'I hope Karuizawa-chan and Kushida-chan able to get away as far as possible from here. Also, I think I had enough of this battle.'
"You truly impress me Nakajima-san. To think you're the first person inside this school that able to fight on equal terms with me. You have my sincere respect as fellow survivor." Sumireko smiled with respect toward Atsushi. "Also… I think we have no need to hide ourselves right now right? Since the spectator no longer exist."
"From the beginning of the battle, you always blabber about survival of anything? What does that mean exactly?" Atsushi demanded an answer. 'Did she probably a Special Ability user?' He thought his worst worries.
"That something that I think you shall know very well. To be truth, it seems we experience something similar, isn't that right?" Sumireko asked which earn hard glare from Atsushi as she continued. "You see Nakajima-san, when I was a little girl, countless people always aimed for my head. Each year… Each month… Each day… I was targeted for assassination. In the end, I can only keep a strong personality to it. However, you know what's funny? Despite all the attempts at my life… I've survived. That's when I realized something. I'm able to do so because I'm queen. And queen, like those that stands on war, must endure solitude and stand on her own for our own survival. For that, I'm gladly throwing away my weakness." She explained. "That's why someone that grows in similar circumstances like you and Karuizawa-san intrigues me. To prove that I'm the strongest, I already kill most that try to kill me, except for one. Sadly, he's on a high place that will create many problems if he's ever killed. However, what luck that I find his masterpiece is inside this school. Even if I can't kill that man, cripple and killing his so-called masterpiece shall prove enough that I'm better than that artificial place."
"You're sick. If you truly believe that was strength is, you're totally wrong. Even the strongest person can't endure solitude and need someone that supports them." Atsushi reprimands her, remembering a certain reluctant partner of his. "Moreover, what you done to Kushida-chan can risk your own expulsion. To think someone like you have such petty reason to pummel someone that doesn't deserve it it's unforgiveable. Even the one that you kill on the past probably has families as well."
"I really don't care, especially my reasons to do this in the first place is rather personal." Sumireko argued. If he's right, Atsushi can see glimpse of sadness before her face turn to smile once again. "To be truthful, I bear no grudge against you Nakajima-san. However, I can't risk my plot being exposed. Kushida-san surely will inform that to him without a doubt, and if he did, my title as the strongest survivor will be valid in my own eyes."
"Now I see. You reasoning are nothing more than for self-importance. I can't let you continue doing what you want after all." Atsushi stated before relaxed his stance. "However, it's not my place to stop you. I thank you for the information of your reasoning though."
Sumireko after hearing it widen her eyes in realization, before dash toward him. However, this time Atsushi is prepared and doing something that's out of logic, both of his hands suddenly transformed into a white tiger forearms and surrounded with blue aura. Bring his right tiger forearm forward, he doing a straightforward punch against Sumireko who protect her front with both of her arms. However, the force of the attack is strong enough that make her thrown backward and hit the school rooftop wall. "Gah!"
Using the chance, Atsushi quickly undone his transformation and doing another unexpected maneuver, he goes toward the railings, and jump from it.
"What the!?" Sumireko recovers quickly seeing Atsushi doing something like that. She immediately dash toward the railings, and look below, only to see one of the window that lead to the school hall is opened. 'Impossible. Did he… Did he prepare all of this so to make me feel above him… And from the look of it, that window is not like being opened immediately. It looks like it was opened few minutes before.' She thought in a bit panic because Atsushi escape with crucial information about her plan. "Atsushi Nakajima-san… Such an interesting fellow. To think he can damage me with something like that, make me rethink my decision to challenge him for a moment. However, that's what I can expect from a fellow Special Ability User." She said in interest as she look her left hand which strangely have her skin rip off but showing something metallic under it. "I really wait for a moment when I can fight you seriously."
"I'm so proud of you, Kikyo-chan!"
"You're our family pride!"
"You can do it Kikyo-chan!"
"Kikyo-chan… You don't need to force yourself."
"You becoming our beloved daughter are more than enough."
Kushida gasp in surprise as she wakes up on a bed in someone's dorm room. 'W-Where am I? If I remember… That bitch Karuizawa carries me…'
"Ku ku ku. So you awake already?" Kushida recognized that laugh everywhere. She then looks on her right side to see Ryuuen, Itachi, Mio, Atsushi, Kei, and Suzune all look toward her. "W-Why'd Class 1-C leaders-"
"This is my dorm room. Karuizawa alongside me already treat your wounds. As for the time, it's currently Saturday at 01.00 a.m." Mio inform her. "Seriously, how strong is Sumireko exactly to be able to do that against you?"
"Now then Kushida. All of us in here really hope your cooperation. What's Sumireko actually planning?" Itachi asked her in demanding tone, as this can lead to fracture with other class or worse, taint Manabu and ANHS reputation.
"And by that, I hope you'll tell us everything that we want to know." Ryuuen demanded with a smile on his face.
Kushida gulp seeing this. The three that stands here all held the reputation for attend the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago. Wrong moves and they probably will pummel her in order to get the information that they wanted.
"Kushida-san." After hearing who's calling her, she immediately frowned. "I wish to know… What'd she done to you to make you like that in the class? Not only Inogashira-san and Mei-san… The entire class including me is worried about you." Suzune said with concerned tone. "I hope your cooperation… In order to stop whatever Hanabusa-san plan to do to my classmates."
Meanwhile, far away from ANHS, more specifically in front of a somewhat regular household on a district, a motorcycle is stop not far from it, and someone put off his helmet and put it on the motorcycle. He is quite short with a petite, yet muscular build. He has grey eyes and striking orange hair that frames his face, with a longer section that falls just past his left shoulder. His outfit consists of a white button-up shirt under a dark red vest, a black choker, a black ribbon bolo tie held together with a small silver buckle, an open black cropped jacket with the sleeves rolled up at the elbows, black slacks, a black belt hanging off his right hip and black low-arch shoes. He is seen wearing black gloves.
"So this is the house huh?" He asked to no one in particular. "I wonder why that suicidal maniac orders me to do something as stupid as this. Glad that I'm free currently or I'll kill him by coming to that so-called elite school myself."
Author Notes
Like I promised, the previous chapter is the calm before the storm and there it goes with this chapter.
So for now, the second chapter of Volume 2 is ended with Sumireko revealed her twisted mindset and her weak body is nothing more than lie. And also, the power system on my story already being revealed by Atsushi's partial transformation and Sumireko's mentioning about Special Ability User. What're they exactly? Is it already exists since birth or must be awakened first? And how this Special Ability will affect the story? The question will be answered progressively with the next chapter onwards.
The next chapter will be mostly talking and cover investigation of Kushida and also my own version of Kushida's past. I can bet that with this version of mine, you can at least feel sympathize with my Kushida.
Get prepared because the next chapter after this was a battle that I always planned since the first chapter of Volume 2.
See you in the next update.