/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 II
The Literature Club
Few hours after the announcement of the results of the Mid-term exam which results in all the first year gain an increase in Class Points, Dazai lead Itachi, Hiyori, and Saki to a certain room where the Literature Club will do their activities for the next days to come.
"Welcome… To the Literature Club Room~!" Dazai said as he opened a room that already prepared by the school. If be compare, the inside of the room looks like a small library with a wooden book wardrobe, a set of desk with six chair to read, collection of books inside the wardrobe, a carpet, a big brown sofa plus there's even some sleeping bags for them if they decide to overstay inside the room. "All of this… I'll do it for Hiyori-chan~. Amazing isn't it?"
For Itachi, Hiyori, and Saki, they can only stare in amazement at how tidy the room is. The club only announced yesterday but to think the room for it already exists is something they can't think of.
'Dazai-sensei… He surely works fast. How can it already being tidy up this fast?' Itachi himself wondered. Once again, the staff inside ANHS surprise him.
"Did Dazai-sensei perhaps have Shunshin or Telekinesis ability!? Whoa~ From now on, I shall call you-"
"Sorry but no~ I more prefer to call by my name~" Dazai playfully reject Saki's nickname.
"Dazai-sensei and Saki-chan surely can get along well right Itachi-kun?" Hiyori asked with a smile. 'I wonder though how the room could be prepared this fast? But thank you so much, Dazai-sensei.' She thanked him in her mind.
"Y-Yeah." Itachi replied stuttered.
"But before that~" Dazai then smiled comically. "Since there is only two girls in our club for now, as a way to thank me for making this club, do Hiyori-chan and Saki-chan want to do-"
"No." Hiyori and Saki replied in unison with both of them smiling menacingly. "Do it yourself… Dazai-sensei."
"Aaah!"
Itachi sighed before smiled. 'Well… Despite his dark jokes… I think it's not bad.' He thought in happiness as he looks Dazai try once again asking Hiyori and Saki. 'Maybe my earlier assessment of you was not completely true after all. I want to thank you later to return Hiyori's smile again, Dazai-sensei.'
The scene later skips to four of them already inside the club room. Currently it's the end of the learning hour so a gathering like this will not affect their class point.
"All right then. Because now the Literature Club already formed, let's begin by introducing ourselves, since I think we'll be together for three years~" Dazai stated as he introduce himself. "As all of you already know, I'm Osamu Dazai. From now on I'm the supervisor teacher of this club. Expect me to accompany you here for a long time. Now then, we begin from the left to right."
"Itachi Ibuki."
"Hiyori Shiina."
"As for me~" Saki then stand up and doing a pose. "I'm the great librarian Saki Yamashita! I'll bring every knowledge with my-" Saki was about to say her hobby of reading Manga when Dazai cut her off.
"All right that's enough Saki-chan. Itachi-kun over there seems afraid of you." Dazai stated with a teasing smile as Itachi comically shivered.
Saki then comically pouted toward Itachi. "Itachi-sama you surely not fun at all! Dazai-sensei and Hiyori-chan takes it just fine!" She said in accusing tone toward her class advisor.
"N-No need to worry about me." Itachi assured her. 'It seems… For the next three years I must adapt… On how to speak with someone like Saki. If only Shiho was here, I'm sure she can make Saki talk with her all the time.' He sighed.
"Just relax Itachi-kun. I'll teach you on how to talk with Yamashita-san. Nanami-san already told me how to." Hiyori assured Itachi.
"Hn. All right then." Itachi smiled toward Hiyori.
Dazai then clapped to get their attention. "Now then. Since you three are the member of the Literature Club, allow me to explain what we'll do inside here. First of all, like the three of you already knows, the literature club like the name sake is do anything that relate to literatures: Reading, making a literature work, and discussing about literature. The look of it is simple but in actuality… The club task board is free. After all, I create this club for the sole purpose of making Hiyori-chan happy~!" He explained before turn serious. "However as the supervisor teacher of this club, there's regulation that all of you need to be obeyed. The rules are-"
Those that want to join the Literature Club with ulterior motive that connect to ANHS nature like spying other class for example are immediately rejected. For a member, if he or she was found out then they'll face immediate expulsion from the club;
Anything that connects to ANHS like Special Exam, Private Points transfer, or Class Battle are not allow to be speak of inside the room of the Literature Club;
A member of the Literature Club is not allowed to bring someone that's not a member unless if they get the permission from Dazai or the president of the Literature Club;
Secret rules that can only be known to the supervisor teacher.
'It's quite simple I see. Based on Dazai-sensei explanation, this club goal is basically to prevent any toxicity from this school so the member can enjoy their high school student life. However, with those three rules, it will be very hard for those who just want to enter to adapt. I wonder though… What's the fourth rule?' Itachi thought after hearing Dazai's explanation.
"Now then, as this is our first day inside this room, all of you have free time till night. For the key to this room, there are two. I'll hold one and Itachi-kun, I trust you to hold the other." Dazai said while giving the key to Itachi.
Itachi without any word pick the key.
"Now then, as our opening is over, I'll allow myself to leave from this room." Dazai stand up before cleaning the dust from his coat. "And try another suicide attempt~." He said happily as he exiting the room.
"Dazai-sensei surely not some kind of immortal right?" Saki asked curiously to no one.
Hiyori shook her head. "He isn't, Saki-san." Hiyori said to her with a smile. "He… Just a normal person who tries to do well to honor someone's wish."
The announcement of the Literature Club not only from Dazai's own mouth. After his proposal to the student council and the chairman, Manabu quickly organize the student council to spread the announcement of it. Inside the student council room, Manabu is seen sitting on his desk with Akane stand beside him and Nagumo sit on his own desk.
"Seems Dazai-sensei really have his fun creating this club." Akane commented with a smile.
"It seems it is. Considers he is Japanese Literature teacher that just attend this school a year ago, the club really fit for his subject. After all, this club won't disturb the school schedule from what I guess." Manabu agreed with her.
"Sure it won't. However, the goal of the club is suspicious and not fit at all with this school intention Horikita-senpai." Nagumo said while he also reading the club description. "'A place where everyone can enjoy their life as a high school student?' What a naïve way of thinking. This is the school for the elite and meritocracy where the strong devours the weak, not for something like this high school playground. That's why you're too soft Horikita-senpai, for allowing useless club like this to ever form in the first place." He stated his opinion about the literature club.
"Why do you think so? When I see it from normal student which are not exceptional like you and I for example, this club is needed not from the usefulness but like what Dazai-sensei said, not all of the students in here will accept the school nature like you, me, and Tachibana. That's the harsh truth." Manabu stated firmly. "My trip a year ago makes me realize… That our school rules are too harsh. That's why for me, the existence of a club where students can relax themselves without any pressure from the club itself is necessary."
"Necessary? It's stupid. When I become the student council president instead of that mad dog, I'll immediately disband a club like this." Nagumo sneered.
"Even though you're on a losing battle against Akutagawa? Let me be honest, both of you are terrifying candidate for succeeding me. I can't trust either of you with the future of this school. However, my hands already being washed up, so I can only watch." Manabu stated grimly. "For now let no speak about the literature club. Let talk about our preparation for the Sport Festival. I want to make this one… The perfect event before I resigned." He said. 'Because of this, I really need your help, Suzune. I hope you really considers my request to you.'
Not only the council, the other classes also have their own comment about the form of the Literature Club.
Inside Class 1-A, Masumi is reading the news of it from her phone. She currently also reading a book of human body as she plan to train after the learning hour to improve her martial arts.
'Huh. To think a teacher form a club with a goal like this and it was Dazai-sensei of all people.' She thought, intrigue by the news. 'Sadly I already join the Art Club so there's no time for another one. But I can see Itachi already join this one. After all, he said want to be a librarian.' She thought with small smile. "Seems he's not as bad as I think huh?"
"Thinking about someone, Kamuro-san?" Siesta approaches her as she looks on the news. "I see. Dazai-sensei really brave isn't he? To form a club that disregards this school true nature."
"He surely is." Masumi said as she keeps reading the news. "However, this surely will create rift between the schools because from what I observe, there's some that accepting this school true nature." She opined.
"I agree. After all in the end, this school goal is to make us into sociopath that thinks of your own safety first." Siesta said without any concern other students hear her comment about ANHS. "Creating a club where everyone can enjoy their life as high-school students of course will create conflict. Especially from the upperclassmen that work hard for their position in class hierarchy. They can just think Dazai-sensei Literature Club as dumb and foolish attempt to create a small playground."
"Dumb? I disagree with that Siesta-san." Monica joined as she's reading a book on her desk that's located in front of Masumi. "In my homeland, sometimes it's natural for workers go to the library to relieve their stress. I think what Dazai-sensei do is good. I want to join but… I lack interest on it." She said.
"If I not wrong, you plan to join the student council right Monica-san?" Siesta asked. After the May 1st, Monica stated her desire to join the student council but so far, there's no update after she already sent the formal form for it.
"I already did. However, there's still no reply from Horikita-senpai. Maybe he need some time to also review the form of the other 1st Year students or probably… For the secondary choice, I plan to join the discipline committee." Monica theorized while closing her book. "But based on the rumors I have heard, the upperclassmen are on the heat with each other due to the battle between two candidates."
"Akutagawa-senpai and Nagumo-senpai right?" Masumi tried to guess. Along with the other 1st Year during the club fair, she can't never forget the intense pressure coming from him despite he only stand in silence during Manabu's speech. "I don't follow the rumors so I couldn't care less about it." She shrugged.
"That's no good Kamuro-san. One of those two will succeed Horikita-senpai and become the new student council president. At least you must know which one had the best vision for this school." Siesta chided Masumi.
"I'm not interested. What I'm interested on is that I can graduate after three years." Masumi quickly close the topic. "But since the three of us are here, how's your investigation about Sakayanagi? Fortunately, I found nothing."
"Still found nothing." Monica shrugged. "If I must say, Sakayanagi-san was a quite careful person."
"Too bad for both of you, I actually found something though it stills my prediction." Siesta suddenly revealed with a mischievous smile on her face. "But to prove it, we need a right time. After all, the two of you really not want to take side right? Considers the three of us like the literature club that Dazai-sensei built."
On Class 1-B, the reaction is different. All of the students take it as normal news and some even voice their agreement about this club.
"Dazai-sensei surely takes his time." Kanzaki commented as he read the news.
"After his May 1st Incident when he's on high thanks to a certain mushroom? Sure Kanzaki, let see how many female students that want to join and double suicide with him." Himeno commented sarcastically.
"Himeno-chan… Please don't comment about Dazai-sensei so casually like that." Kozue said to her while laugh nervously.
"I'm free to said what I want Minamikata." Himeno retort with plain tone.
'Hmm… A club where those who join can enjoy their life as high school students huh?' Arata thought as he read the news from his phone. 'Dazai-sensei has some truth though. With this school system… We can hardly life like normal high school students. If can I want to join but… I'm not quite fond of literature.' He thought to himself.
"Kaizaki-kun." Arata look to see Honami approaches him. "I see you still read the news? Most of our classmates afraid of Dazai-sensei you know? But to think he can make a club being accepted in a short time…"
"I know Ichinose-san. But from the look of it, you want to join Literature Club perhaps?" Arata asked in curiosity.
"He he he~ I don't know but my concentration on reading was not that good actually." Honami replied sheepishly rubbing the back of her head while remembering the embarrassing day back on Itachi's house.
"But that means you have interest on reading right? Why don't you join the club? Because I think if you're interest, shouldn't you hone it?" Arata suggested.
"Well you see…" Honami then told him her experience reading Suzune novel that causes her headache. This make Arata laugh a little.
"Ha ha ha. That's quite an experience. But you don't feel like that anymore right?" Arata asked.
"Of course not. But they keep teasing me about it." Honami pouted remembering what Mio and Masumi did to her during the Club Fair. "However, thank you for your suggestion Kaizaki-kun. I probably will consider it." She thanked. "By the way, want to join me with the others to the canteen today? No need to worry, there are other boy as well."
Arata smiled. "All right then. Just tell me if you want to go to the canteen. Thank you very much."
Inside Class 1-D, the situation is also the same as Class 1-B, although they also have mixed reactions about it. For the girls, many of them shown disinterest with the club. The most obvious comes from Karuizawa's gang which becomes the number one clique of girls inside the class. The clique consists of Kei, Satsuki, Chiaki, Maya, and Nene. At first, this clique is the one that always cause trouble in their class during the first month but thanks to Suzune persuade Kei to make them at least act better, the drop of class point can be avoided although not significantly.
"Seriously? That suicidal maniac teacher form a club? Why's it even allowed in the first place!?" Shinohara said out loud.
"Did he probably build this club with the intention of choosing his double suicide candidate?" Chiaki wondered innocently. 'This probably worth investigating.'
"Matsushita-san… Your joke is not funny." Maya said with fearful tone. "What if he's around here and-"
"Stop that please! I don't want to hear anything about that stupid teacher." Kei said, immediately stopping the conversation.
On his desk, Kiyotaka also reading the news. 'Mutual beneficial relationship? From the motto it sounds really promising but in the end, this club was created by humans. There's no way something like this can happen.' He thought to himself. Part of him want to understand this so-called mutual beneficial relationship or in other words a relationship where someone never tries to use other for personal benefit but for the importance of others that have some benefit from it. But he understands the hard truth that in real world, this kind of relationship was impossible.
Yet why, deep inside he think that a place like this might be exist? A place where someone probably will see him more than what he thought of himself.
A place that maybe… He can use his ability for the benefit of others without expecting anything. Just like what that man did to him back then, making him has one question that even his mind can't solve.
What is qualified for him to be a good person even though his mind is twisted? Why's he believe that he have the quality of becoming a good person?
While Kiyotaka is reading the news on his own, Suzune is seen discussing about this news with Atsushi, Hirata, and surprisingly Sudou. Akito currently not join as he have schedule on the Archery Club.
"Dazai-sensei club surely interesting. Too bad that I already joined the Soccer Club." Hirata opined about the club. After all, this club is like what his mindset desire of a peaceful relationship with the others.
"I don't remember you fond of reading after all, Hirata-kun." Suzune said to him. Sure, Hirata maybe have good physique and academic but reading is not his forte despite his academic.
"Ha ha ha. You right Horikita-san, reading is not my liking. In fact, I faced problem following Dazai-sensei subjects." Hirata admitted.
"Bah! I really don't understand anything that suicidal teacher said! I mean, he ask Horikita to do something like that!? It's maddening me! If he's not a teacher I want to punch his face." Sudou nonchalantly commented. For him, Dazai is just playful, not serious teacher. However, the fact he asked every girl on Class 1-D to commit double suicide with him makes him really think the Japanese Literature teacher was not right in the head. Even though back then he still on his bad nature, he knows that kind of question is morally wrong.
"If you do that Sudou-kun, you'll be facing trial with the student council and the worst scenario is the discipline committee will keep an eye on our class. Please refrain yourself." Suzune just sighed. "After all, I already stomp Dazai-sensei foot so you have no need to do that."
"I-I know but…" Sudou stuttered, can't find a reason to reply.
"Just let it go Ken-kun. You'll get used to it eventually." Atsushi tries to persuade him because after all, he knows Dazai antics far more than anyone. "Anyway, I think I'll try it. After all, I already promised someone." He stated his interest to join, remembering his promise to Hiyori.
"I see that you make friend with the other class Atsushi-kun." Hirata quickly noted.
Atsushi nod. "She's a kind girl, that didn't wish for this school competitive nature to create distrust among others. I think… That's the reason Dazai-sensei built that club in the first place… He's after all their homeroom teacher."
"I see. I really like to meet with her if can." Hirata commented, wanting to meet Hiyori.
"Do you mean that little silver-haired girl from Itachi-kun class?" Suzune wondered as she also remembers Hiyori from back then.
Atsushi nod in confirmation.
Hearing it plus the existence of the club make Suzune think of something. This club really fits her because her hobby but at the same time, Manabu offer her a position in the student council. Will she join the Literature Club… Or continuing Manabu's offer to her?
Inside the Literature Club, Itachi is seen conversing alongside Hiyori and Saki. Since the three of them now the member of the same club, Itachi decided it's the best if they start to know each other better despite they already introduce themselves before to Dazai.
"I already know much about Hiyori and vice-versa. However, we still don't know yet about you, Saki. You can introduce yourself in any way you want. However, please don't use that strange way of speaking." Itachi said to Saki who looks at both of them with a smile.
"No need to worry Itachi-kun. I can help translate Yamashita-san way of speaking. But you seem afraid of Yamashita-san for some reasons." Hiyori said to him while giggling.
"I'm not afraid of her Hiyori. It just… I can't stand her way of speaking. I never talk with someone like Saki before." Itachi reasoned which earn response from Saki.
"Tck. Tck. That can't do Itachi-sama." Saki said while waving her right index finger. "That's why I suggest awakening that eye of yours. So in turn, we can become fellow friends of Otaku~." She then gleamed at Hiyori. "Believe it or not, I know you're into Manga recently Hiyori-chan."
"E-Eh? W-What you're talking about?" Hiyori asked a bit flustered.
"You can't deceive my Almighty! I know you always shown aura of interest whenever I talk about Manga inside the class with Rika-chan! But I can see you can't follow our speaking right?" Saki asked, revealed that she always know of Hiyori's secret hobby.
"Saki, it's not right to just blabber someone's hobby like that." Itachi reprimand her.
"I-It's okay. I actually plan to tell you later. But I think you don't like Manga Itachi-kun." Hiyori then quickly tried to assure Itachi its fine.
"I only read some of it. Mio have some of that back at home while Honami when she goes to my house brings some of it as well." Itachi admitted he knows about Manga. Though he really can't find any interest on it and more prefer historical or psychological genre.
"He he he! So the great Itachi-sama also have some fondness of Manga I see." Saki hummed on her own before smiled brightly. "Okay! Since both of you are confirmed to be have some knowledge of Anime, I'll introduce myself! I'm… The one that'll bright this world with my knowledge of everything Otaku-related! My name is the queen of Otaku, Saki Yamashita! So in this Literature Club created by kindness of Dazai-sensei, I plan to create my own Manga! It's nice to be with both of you for the next three years!?" She introduced herself.
Itachi nod, completely ignore Saki's strange introduction. "It's nice to know you, Saki. Let's get along alongside Hiyori as the same member of this club for three years. For now, I think we shall enjoy our first day in here. That's all."
Both Hiyori and Saki nod in agreement. As for Hiyori, she remembers something that Dazai said to her three days before the announcement of mid-term results.
(Flashback – Three Days before the announcement of the Mid-term results)
"I'm free to choose members?" Hiyori asked in confusion toward Dazai. Both of them currently eating together on Palette Café with Dazai paid the food, which consists of snacks and beer.
"That's right. Hiyori-chan after all is the reason a club that will be announced by me three days from now come to reality." Dazai said as he eats potato chips. "Since you're the first member or shall I say founder, you're given the privilege of choosing five members that free from the entrance exam that I did to you. Like I said before, Shiho-chan also passed the test so she doesn't need to do that anymore." He stated. "However, I give you another privilege again. If you want to do Entrance Exam to them or not… Is up to you. Remember… The Entrance Exam is only known to both of us, the discipline committee, Shiho-chan and Atsushi-kun. Don't tell others about it." He warned.
Hiyori nod in understanding.
(Flashback End)
As night fall, Dazai is on his room reading the list of the current members of the Literature Club so far.
"Even though I do it just of formality and not receiving them instantly, Hiyori-chan chooses Itachi-kun and Saki-chan I see." Dazai hummed to himself as he reading the club member form. "Well, I think Hiyori-chan choose the first two members very well… Because." He then smiled. "I can predict she won't use it on some members in the future. I wonder, what you would think with this… Odasaku?"
"I'm surprised that you called me this late at night, Suzune." Manabu expressed his disbelief as both he and Suzune is sitting close to the machine drink that's located near a narrow alley.
"Forgive me nii-san. I've heard the student council now is heated up because of Dazai-sensei form the club that basically against what this school is stands for. Not to mention the heated tension between Nagumo-senpai and Akutagawa-senpai." Suzune apologized.
"Enough of that. It's strange that you called me this late. Can you tell me the reason?" Manabu quickly pressed to the main topic as he needs to prepare for many administration matters tommorow.
"This is about your offer back then nii-san." Suzune then look at him. "I-I want you to give me some time more to think about it." She said.
Manabu quickly understand what his younger sister is talking about as he sighed and take a sip from his can drink before replying. "I see. If it's about my offer to join the student council as the vice-secretary of Tachibana, I understand if you need some time to think about it. However, the limit is till' the end of Summer Vacation. Past from that, then I can't help you entering the student council." He said with finality.
"I-I understand." Suzune accepted the condition. After being told by Manabu how horrid the future ANHS probably will become after he resign from his position as student council president, she understand her worry and based on his brother offer, he plan to make her competent enough to compete with Akutagawa and Nagumo during the student council president election after the Sport Festival that happens at the end of summer.
However, there's one thing that confuses her.
Why'd deep inside, she doesn't want to do it?
Manabu quickly picks on Suzune worries and quickly guesses. "Seems you have interest on another club. It clearly shown in your face." He quickly point out.
"W-What are you talking about nii-san? No… I just think that I need some time to prepare since… I just… You know…" Suzune tried to reasoning but in futile attempts.
"You have an interest in Literature Club, right?" Manabu asked her this time to the point, making Suzune look at him in surprise.
"H-How'd you-"
"No need to panic. After all, I know that you very fond of reading and reviewing old novels since grade school." Manabu reasoned before smiled at her. "It seems you think that if you join it, it will make me disappointed."
"Of course I'm afraid you'll be disappointed." She then looks at her brother with concern. "When you need me the most, I… Have a thought like that. I'm sorry nii-san, even after you told your own prediction that how bad this school will turns out in the future, I-" Suzune stopped as she's surprised Manabu pat her head in care.
"Why do you think I'm angry? In fact, I'm happy." Manabu smiled this time. "Instead of keep listening to me, you finally have your own decision to walk on a path different than me. You finally become your own person."
"Nii-san…" Suzune didn't expect this act at all. She thought her older brother will be disappointed at her for have a thought of not wanting to accept his offer to protect the school policy that he implemented for two years.
"If you need more time, you can just said it to me like usual." Manabu said as he softly rub Suzune's head. "I'll give you till the end of the first term. If you want to join the Literature Club or the Student Council… I'll accept your decision."
Suzune nod while clean some speck of tears. Maybe this time, she can finally make her own decision without being manipulated by others. "Thank you very much, nii-san." She thanked as she hug him.
On his dorm room, Itachi is reading one of his novels that he brought from home, And Then There Were None when Ryuuen suddenly called him through phone.
"What's the matter that you call me this late Ryuuen?" Itachi asked.
[Ku Ku Ku. I'm expecting you enjoy your time reading huh? But now forget about that. I found something that you seek from the second day. It's about our sickly rich girl.] Ryuuen said through phone which makes Itachi immediately closed his novels.
"I see. What'd you find?" Itachi asked in curiosity. He always keep wary of her since the first day due to the fact she seems hiding something but Itachi can't figure what she's hiding.
[Actually it wasn't me that find it. I got an Intel from Kinoshita. Believe it or not her dorm room is on the right side of Hanabusa. The scene happens on 20th April, ten days before the announcement of S-System that was destroyed of Dazai-sensei stupid scene. She just returns from her club activities from 03.00 p.m. when she sees a certain student come out from Hanabusa's dorm room. The detail probably you can ask Kinoshita herself. She's online for a moment.] Ryuuen informed Itachi.
"I see. Thank you very much Ryuuen. I'll probably just ask her directly tomorrow. I'm quite tired because of the club." Itachi replied. "Speaking of it, you not interested to join Ryuuen?"
[Not my taste since I can't stay long like you hearing Hiyori's explanation of novels. After all, I'll enjoy you'll be known housing harems inside that club.] Ryuuen sarcastically joked before hang up the call.
Itachi also hang up the call. "Hn. You can just tell you didn't like to read."
On the next day after the learning hour is ended, Itachi secretly goes together with Ryuuen to approach Minori. From what he knows, she belongs to the Track and Field Club the same as Mio and Makoto. He also plan to tell her adopted sister as well about Sumireko since she also have suspicion of Sumireko hiding something that according to her seems have connections with her physical ability.
Currently, Itachi, Ryuuen, Mio and Minori is on the bench that located inside the school gymnasium. Minori was rather perplexed in awe. After all, what stands before her was the competitors of the 32nd Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago, which hailed as the time when the strongest generation were compete.
"Is that true Minori?" Mio asked, called her with her given name as she found her to be rather normal girl that only wish to make her family proud after graduating from ANHS.
"You can tell us slowly Minori. No need to be haste." Itachi persuade her.
"O-Okay then." Minori said as she began her story about what she witness. "At that time, when I just returned from the activities of the club, I suddenly see that Hanabusa-san room being opened, which I find strange because from the time I know her as my neighbor, her room always closed due to her health."
"Could it probably that Sumireko just turn off her air conditioner and open the door?" Itachi guessed. After all, it's possible that she just catches a cold and decides to turn it off in the first place. "But-"
"That's suspicious enough. If what you said that she keeps close her room all the time, if she just need some fresh air, she can only open the window." Ryuuen opined.
"I'm still not finished." Minori said to both of them before continuing. "It was then a certain person is exiting her room. It was Kushida Kikyou from Class 1-D." She revealed.
"That goody-two shoes girl huh? No one doesn't know her because she is popular as the angel of the 1st Year that competes with Ichinose as well." Ryuuen opined.
"I met her once and she seems someone that will do anything to help someone. I once see her manage to calm the so-called Perverts of Class 1-D with ease when they both have perverted look on our classmates." Mio said her opinion. "Why'd she go to Sumireko's room though? Did she probably befriend her?"
"I think she befriend Sumireko is a possibility. However, judging from her personality, I don't think Sumireko doesn't want to get along with someone like Kushida." Itachi opined before turn to Minori. "Minori, have you realized something strange?"
"I do. Like Ryuuen-san, Ibuki-san and Itachi-san said, Kushida-san maybe kind but Hanabusa-san always have cold shoulder with everyone. She's not the type that gets along with anyone that easy." Minori replied. "However, I notice something strange. On Kushida's face, there's bruise and also, some parts of her blazer looks almost rip."
"What the?" Mio asked in shock. If Sumireko's is really having weak body, how could Kushida being bruised if what Minori said is true?
"Hoo. This is getting interesting. So from what we perceive just now, Kushida comes out from Hanabusa's room in bruises that probably hardly seen. Can we assume that Sumireko have an accomplice to stage a bullying?" Ryuuen wondered with interest. Just as when thought after the mid-term will be boring, there's a new case from his class like this being offered in a plate.
"We can't judge that Sumireko's bullying Kushida. This is maybe having some deep roots that even we don't know about. But one thing is clear: She's hiding something that we don't know about. I think now with Tokitou already loyal to our class, our priority now is to make her do the same." Itachi stated with conviction. "We'll investigate this case."
"I agree. If this is proven true to be an act of bullying, it will make our class suffer greatly in Class Points. Despite we don't target A-Class at all, we must at least keep our Class Point stable or increase a bit. Make our Class Point decrease is something that we can't allow." Mio said in agreement.
"However, I have a feeling this will end in violence. Not to be cautious Itachi but, if Sumireko's really the one that responsible; I think she will not give up that easily. From the first day she arrived late in our class and mocks me, I already that feeling from her piercing gaze. The one that'll prove she's the best, with any means necessary." Ryuuen warned. "Kinoshita. Watch over her intently when your club activities are over. However, we don't know what she have upon her sleeve yet so be careful. If you find anything suspicious, report to either Itachi or me."
"I will." Minori said in agreement.
"But it means we must lay a trap for her." Itachi said before an idea cross inside his mind. "It appears on my mind for a while, but did Class 1-D know about this? "
"I bet they didn't. Aside from some, from my observation that help by Ishizaki and the others, only some of them are decent enough in the head. What, you want propose them an alliance for this case? It's our class problems Itachi. No need to drag them into this." Ryuuen quickly guess what Itachi trying to do.
"You surely picks up huh?" Itachi laugh a little before continue. "Yeah. But if there's no other way to solve this… We must ask their cooperation." He concluded. "Minori, don't do anything rash. I don't want you to get hurt if Sumireko decide to do something to you." He said to her.
Minori nod. "Thank you Itachi-san. However, I think I can make a way for us to communicate more easily." She said with certainty, which picks Itachi, Ryuuen, and Mio curiosity. "It something that I hide even from my parents. However, after what you said back then, I'm not against use it… For our class."
It was three days have passed after the conversation with Minori. Currently is holiday and Itachi is once again on a reading club alongside Hiyori and Saki. The three of them decided that every one day in holiday, they will do free activities inside the club. Currently, Itachi and Hiyori help Saki as she tries to find a theme for the Manga that she will draw.
"Hmm… Why for the one great librarian such as I… I can't find any inspiration at all?" Saki hummed to herself.
"The problem is you have too many ideas in your mind Saki, you shall narrow it to one idea." Itachi advise her. After some days of learning thanks to Hiyori, he now understand that Saki way of talking is not creepy but just how she is.
"Yamashita-san, you said to me once that your favorite genre was action and shounen type of Manga. I think you shall work on this one." Hiyori opined.
"That's the problem! I don't find any bulb lamp inside my head!? Please Itachi-sama, Hiyori-sama. Help me!" Saki whined in childish tone.
Before either Itachi or Hiyori can reply, the door of the Literature Club room is opened, revealing Dazai. "Hello my dear members~" He greeted. "Sorry for the unexpected entrance but it seems there'll be new face on our club for now~. All of you can enter~ Start from Class 1-A~" Dazai said as Class 1-A have one student that Itachi not known too well.
"So this is the Literature Club?" Siesta wondered as she looks to the other three members. "Hello. My name is Siesta from Class 1-A. Since this club picks my interest with its motto, I decided to join it. Hope we can get along." She introduced herself kindly and formally.
"My name is Itachi Ibuki, it's nice to know you Siesta." Itachi introduced himself.
"I see. So you're one of the friends that Kamuro-san always talking about?" Siesta wondered as she looks toward Itachi. 'This man… I can see he's kind but from his eyes I can tell it… He has many experience and turmoil on his life.' She thought. "She express her apology of not able to join the club."
'Despite the fact that she's probably hiding something, I can see Siesta not have any ill intent toward us. In any case, I gladly welcome Masumi's friend to this club.' Itachi thought before replied. "I see you know Masumi very well. I'm glad that she's okay in her class. Give my regards to her. Also, she doesn't need to apologize."
"I will." Siesta agreed with it. "It's nice to know you both as well, Shiina-san, Yamashita-san."
"Please just call me Hiyori, Siesta-san. There's no need to be afraid call me with my given name." Hiyori said to her.
"Now then, those from Class 1-B~" Dazai said as it revealed someone that both Itachi and Hiyori know very well.
"Hello!" Honami waved her hands toward Itachi and Hiyori happily.
Itachi laugh a little seeing someone really unexpected for him join. "Ha ha ha. I didn't expect you that have headache after reading Suzune's novel join the literature club, Honami." He lightly joked causing her to fume.
"C'mon not Itachi-kun as well! And here I gather my courage to join after my classmates support me!?" Honami complained to him in comical tone. After some thinking, she then expressing her desire to join the literature club.
"Ichinose-san can't enjoy reading that much?" Hiyori asked Itachi in curiosity.
"You see back then-"
"Stop!" Honami yelled at them before Itachi can explain it in full. "As you can see~ I'll join this club so… I hope we can get along!" She then quickly notices Saki drawing her Manga. "Oh! I see Yamashita-chan is drawing Manga! As expected from an Otaku like Mako-chan!"
"Oh! How's the shark woman doing!? I really want her help to draw this masterpiece yet Itachi-sama and Hiyori-sama too smart and won't help stupid girl like me." Saki said as she fake her tears.
"Shark… Woman?" Itachi said in confusion. "Um…"
"Tck. Tck. Let me explain to you Itachi-sama. Mako-chan you see…. At night she jumps to the sea and transform into the fastest shark in the ocean~ and when she don't get any food, she transform into my partner of art!" Saki explained to him.
"It means Amikura-san is good on swimming and she sometimes talk about Otaku with Yamashita-san as well." Hiyori translated it to Itachi.
"I see." Itachi sighed in understanding.
"In any case, I want to improve my reading so Itachi-kun." She then kneels and looks toward Itachi with pleading look and clasps her hands together. "Please help this little weak me okay?" She asked in pleading tone.
'She also the one that Kamuro-san mentioned. For me, she's not bad as well.' Siesta thought seeing Honami's antics.
"Fine." Itachi said in agreement.
"Yeay!" Honami cheered in happiness.
'Hmph. These two surely compatible with the club. However, I let Hiyori pick the choice of the privilege because so far she already use it on Itachi-kun and Saki-chan.' Dazai observed. "And from Class 1-D… Is unexpected because we got three members! All of you can enter!" Dazai said as the last three people that join the Literature Club entering the room.
"Hiyori-chan." Atsushi immediately greet her with a smile. "I'll be in this club care, Itachi-kun, Hiyori-chan."
"Atsushi-kun…" Hiyori uttered in happiness that he fulfills his promise.
"It's nice to have you joined as well Atsushi. At least I won't be the only male on this club." Itachi said in relief.
"Ha ha ha. Well, not many males loved reading that much." Atsushi opined.
"I also will be in this club care for the next three years." Suzune said to all members of the Literature Club. She then looks toward Itachi and Honami with a smile. "After all, it's nice to know someone that I know very well is also joined as well."
"But… I thought you'll plan to join the student council Suzune-chan." Honami quickly points out.
"Lots have happened and in the end… I choose to be in here." Suzune immediately replied with a smile. "Nii-san… He agreed with what I take now. So, there's no need to be worry. But why you join the Literature Club as well? Considers how you suck reading my novel back then." Suzune teased her.
It's because… I want to try something new. Because of that." Honami then stand up and look toward Suzune with challenging smile. "I'll make sure that headache won't happen again in here. You'll be on the first seat to see that happens, Horikita-san." She stated.
"I'll see about that then." Suzune accepted the challenge. "Oh. Before I forgot, she's also want to join the literature club per Miyake-kun request. Her name-"
"I-I'm A-Airi Sakura." The same pink-haired girl that her seat located on the right side of Atsushi, introduced herself as Airi. "I-I have interest on this club." She bowed before toward all of the club members. "N-Nice to know a-all of you." She said shyly.
Author Notes
All right that's it for the first chapter of the 2nd Volume. You can guess there'll be no Sudou's Case as something different will be happen. Although Airi case will still happen. This chapter only focused on the Literature Club as you can see and deal with the beginning of someone's plan that if not stopped put a certain character try to control the school.
Also, there's more that'll join the literature club in the future and of course... This first chapter of Volume 2 is the calm before the storm that happens on the next chapters onward.
See you in the next update.