/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
Special Ability
"I'm glad then." Jouno let out a smirk. "Since you such a piece of shit, Hunting Dog criteria still allowed for me to beat you to a pulp and force you to return to the island joining Suzune and the others." He stated.
A bubble then formed on the swimming pool as Kouenji immediately emerge from it by jumping toward the edge of it. Despite the clear bruise on his arm, he still has that arrogant smirk on his face. "Hee~"
"Even though I already kick you with small part of my strength, I'm surprised it only produces bruises. Takemikazuchi really are something." Jouno praised him genuinely as there are very few people that can withstand Hunting Dog physical ability in combat. "Or it is because of this nonsensical training similar to White Room unethical training I wonder?"
"Sadly I know nothing what you're talking about pretty soldier~. Now I wonder why'd you attacking me all of the sudden because after all, I not violating any rules of the exam. Plus, you disregards and tarnish your job as a military officer by attacking civilian that you supposed to be protecting. I wonder how I shall tell this to the authority." Kouenji mocked Jouno.
Jouno smirk however, doesn't go away with that threat. "Tell the authority? Does that mean to you instead of me, Kouenji-san? After all, you're the scum that leave your own class for your own sick pleasure of freedom." He said, returning the mockery with ease. "I wonder what let you to be this way. Lets hear the sound of your soul shall we?" Jouno dash forward with inhuman speed toward Kouenji who leap upward to avoid him. However, Jouno manage to stop himself from being slipped to the swimming pool by quickly spin his body backward and doing another dash toward Kouenji who just landed on the ground. He then pull out his military saber but still on its sheath toward Kouenji torso, manage to hit him before he ever had the chance to deploy Takemikazuchi in time. The force of the attack thrown Kouenji to the corridor, making him crash and roll on the ground for several feet. Jouno then look toward the corridor, before walking slowly approaching his prey while put that the sheathed saber to his waist belt. "Is it over already? After all, you still not answer my question."
All of a sudden, Kouenji dash forward with his right hand in Tegatana position tries to stab Jouno in the chest. However, all of that amounts to nothing as he manage to grip Kouenji right wrist with such force, making for the first time, the arrogant heir of the Kouenji Family winced in pain.
"Khu khu khu. After this close… I finally able to hear it. The destructive waves of arrogance inside your body." Jouno chuckling as he released the grip on Kouenji's right wrist. "This is what you're going to say. Do you really think it was interesting make someone like me who cares about nothing as your enemy?" He taunted.
Kouenji then leap backward as he still keeps his trademark smile. "You truly an idiot military officer aren't you? The fact that you keep bothering me for lame reason like that truly proves how rotten the military are." He said with mockery evident on his tone.
"Lame reason?" Jouno then glance backward to see Tetchou approaching. Seems the commotion interests him. "Care to tell both of us the reason, heir of the Kouenji Family? For dare to mock the military?" He demanded with narrowed look on his eyes. "Moreover, why didn't you help your class during a time like this and faking your illness?"
"This question again?" Kouenji said in nonchalant tone as he moves his right wrist to ease the pain. "I have no intentions to bother myself too long with those weaklings. They not worth my time after all. Plus, it was truly not worth anything survive on there for seven days~."
"That's quite a trashy reasoning. If you were a normal arrogant student, I probably won't bother you more than this. However… Too bad in there there's my dear student. I can't let her efforts to stay on this pathetic school crushed thanks to someone like you. Moreover, I think I get it now… It seems that you in the past… Experience something right, failure son of the Kouenji Family?" Jouno just finish his words as Kouenji suddenly punch him in the gut.
"If that so, then to protect my stands and pride, I'll K.O you-Huh?" Kouenji arrogant proclamation suddenly turns into something that his face probably never makes on his life.
Shock.
As his fist instead of hit Jouno in the gut, it seems went pass through him, around it was an empty hole with blue lining that shows the back scenery.
"Is that the best you can offer? Thank you for the sound of your despair." Jouno sarcastically said as he delivered a very hard kick toward Kouenji's face, throwing him backward and probably knocking some of his teeth as he hit the floor hard. The hole on his gut then quickly closed. "You don't mind don't you Tetchou-san?"
"If this is the vice-commander, she will just pummel him till' he closes to dying. We probably vowed to protect innocent people. Students also filled on that category. However." Tetchou then glanced at Kouenji with repressing anger. "Someone like you, even though a student really not fit that criteria. I let you take your anger on him, Jouno. I'll go continue training." He then turn around and goes to the bar.
"Ha... Ha ha…" Kouenji wheezed out as he sits up. His body clearly twitching in pain as it revealed two of its teeth are knocks out from his jaw. "So… Someone with a foolish pride of a samu-" He never finish his words as Jouno jab two of his right fingers to Kouenji's mouth as he clench his jaws.
"I suggest you don't finish that word, Kouenji-san." Jouno warned with a sinister smile. "If you provoke Tetchou-san, even this expensive cruise won't survive his wrath. Now then, let see how I shall play with you… Failure." He said as he pushes Kouenji's head to the floor, creating crack with the force of the push. "C'mon where's your trademark arrogant? Why don't you show it to me?"
"Kgh." Kouenji grunted in pain. 'What's this? I'm unable to activate Takemikazuchi in time!?' He thought while he hold Jouno's right arm to free himself.
"You know why you're a failure, Kouenji-san? Because that you're neither a Stray Dogs nor a Stray Cats. You just someone who truly doesn't know what is called freedom." Jouno retorted, causing Kouenji to flinch as he later stomp on his stomach. "From what I observe and the data I look on you, you truly are a prodigy beyond compare. I even must say you're the rare genetic mutation type like Ayanokouji-san. However despite all of that, you still lost against Itachi Ibuki on the middle grade martial arts tournament three years ago, right?" He stated, bringing back old wound that seemingly give Kouenji the strength to kick the Hunting Dog on his chest, forcing him to jump backward.
"What do you know about freedom I wonder?~ I already look about the Hunting Dog during my perfect time. I must say that you're quite foolish. Based on rumors, all of you are doing some kind of doping under the government orders. The pathetic one is you. Like your group name, you're truly nothing more than a government lapdog~" Kouenji retort with ease.
"That may be true. We're nothing more than a government lapdog. However, that's what the path we choose when we become a member of the Hunting Dog. We are along with the reformed military that formed after that horrid war 20 years ago are the representation of the nation's order. It is simple, without order people like you would stand at the top. Such a world is rubbish. Thus, the Hunting Dog uses the strongest of violence to serve as slaves of society." Jouno suddenly vanish from view as he suddenly appears behind Kouenji mid-air and deliver downward spinning kick toward the back of his head, making him crash to the floor and causing cracks on it. "Even if the flames of order should burn us to ashes, we'll still go on our own justice to protect innocent civilians. That's what Hunting Dog is. Unfortunately like Tetchou-san just said, you're not one of them."
On Atsushi's side, after already far enough from Class 1-D main spot, he then transform to his half-tiger form, granting him increased speed and agility as he jump from tree to tree toward the beaches. It's only fifteen minutes left before the first roll call.
'I need to get to the beaches quickly! If my calculation was right… There's a staff on the cruise that Kouenji must report first before our S-Points being cut. If he still on the beaches… Our 30 S-Points will be safe. Please, I hope I reach the beach in time!' Atsushi thought as he finally reaches the last tree that facing the beach and jump down to the sand, undoing his transformation. However, what awaits him in there quite shocking him.
"Oya~ I see it was Atsushi-kun. Sorry for not greet you normally during the first time we met on the harbor. After all, Ayanokouji-san existence will ruin it if he discovered it." Jouno said with a formal smile toward Atsushi as he sit on Kouenji's badly beaten up body. His blonde hair is seen have some red specks on it. Without a doubt it's a blood. His body also has many bruises that come from blunt object and unarmed attacks. Not far from there, there's a lifeboat, suggesting that he use it to get on the island.
"Jouno-san…" Atsushi uttered, quickly recognize him but on a personal level. "Did you do this?"
"He deserved it. Trust me this Atsushi-kun, there's no use pitying him." Jouno stated as he stand up, revealing that Kouenji was unconscious. "You know his reason of quitting the special test? It's not worth his time and energy he said. As a military officer with the tasked of protecting innocent civilians, I really can't stand his attitude." He reasoned.
Atsushi narrowed his eyes. That's truly what the true essence of Kouenji personality, caring about nothing but himself. "But why you must beat him up?" Atsushi asked. "It'll be not long before the first roll call. If he's return on this condition, then-"
"Well for me, it is better for your class to lose 10 S-Points for two times roll call rather than lose 30 S-Points just because this self-serving bastard retired, right?" Jouno said. "After all, I'm super bored on the cruise and Tetchou-san has nothing on his mind but training. Because of that… Let me join your class during your stay on the island."
"But… Is that really allowed? Didn't you must guard the cruise alongside Tetchou-san?" Atsushi asked with a comical sweat drop because of how illogical Jouno reasoning is.
"Despite his foolishness, I trust Tetchou-san capabilities to protecting the cruise. Plus… If Kouenji-san didn't watch by me, let just say… It will not turn pretty. After all, I can also watch over Suzune with it." Jouno replied. "For the allowance, she can welcome to keep me away. After all… I hold her strings on my hand."
On the mysterious location of the island, it was currently midnight as Maya Satou finally awakens.
"Uuuh…" Satou groaned as she wake up and sit up on the ground. She then touch her forehead, which is still in pain due to the hit. "My head… Did I… Was hit by something?" She then look around her to only find a dark surroundings. 'Is this… A cave? Where'd Hirata-kun and the others… This shouldn't be our spot…' She then touches her right wrist, only to find out that her wristwatch is gone. 'My wristwatch!? Oh no!?'
"Hello there. It seems you wake up already. Maya Satou-san."
A sinister voice greets her as Satou immediately look in front of her. Fyodor is seen sitting on a makeshift chair. 'W-Who's this guy!? One of the school staff!?' She thought in surprise. 'No. He doesn't wearing the usual uniform of either the school staff or Speranza staff. A stranded person? Furthermore… He's not look like a Japanese person at all…' She thought trying to figure out.
"Sorry for the inconvenience of taking you very far away from your class. However, my subordinates act without thinking." Fyodor 'apologized' to Satou.
Satou then brave enough to ask him. "Who are you, mister? Are you… Stranded on this island?" She asked carefully. At the time she just finish that question, something bright akin to a bullet suddenly shoot out of nowhere, piercing through her left shoulder. Satou widen her eyes as she screaming in pain. "AAAAAAGH!?" She screamed as she quickly holding her left shoulder that start to leak blood. Tears also run down her face since it was the first time she truly feels pain like this in her life.
Fyodor just close his eyes and smile. "Pasthor-dono, what you did is too harsh. Don't forget that we're in here just for that thing. Not to torture the students of ANHS."
"The little girl needs to realize her position. If not, she's no different than sinners." The one that shot Satou is revealed to be the same person that wears the catholic priest outfit. He is a tall man with neatly combed silver hair and cyan eyes alongside gold-rimmed glasses. His priest outfit is a slightly modified black religious habit with a black cape on top of it, together with a white cravat and black shoes. He wears a cross necklace and carrying a Bible.
Rats in the House of the Dead Assassin
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Special Ability: The Scarlet Letter
"Ugh…*Hiks*… *Hiks*…" Satou then more surprised at seeing Nathaniel while she's still crying in pain. "A… *Hiks* Pasthor…" She uttered in low tone. 'Who're this guys!?'
"ANHS little girl, we can do this in soft way or the hard way. Torturing others is not on my liking. However, for this mission, I'll do it to a certain degree to force you to speak." Nathaniel said in plain tone as he crouches down to look Satou in the eye.
"W-What do both of you *Hiks* w-want?" Satou asked in fear as she still clearly crying and hold the stinging pain on her left shoulder. "W-Who're you guys?"
Nathaniel sighed as he looks at her intently. "Someone that'll bring the true peace to this world that full of sinners." He stated as he continue his talking. "So now little girl. Tell me… The location of someone with the family name of Manabe."
The time then skips to morning. On Class 1-C camp, currently is the morning roll call as Dazai absent all of the students from his class. As for Itachi and Ryuuen, both of them are return just before the first roll call on yesterday.
"With this, our class is complete." Dazai said after finishing absenting the student. "Now then, all of you are free to do what you want. Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun, let's talk for a moment." He said toward his class leader. "As for the class leader, don't let the other class find out okay? Don't forget that on the last day all of you have the chance to guess the class leader. Win it and if can, dethrone Ichinose-chan and Katsuragi-kun class." He said; try to burn his student's spirit.
"Hai! Dazai-sensei!"
After the morning roll call of the second day, Dazai is seen talking with both Ryuuen and Itachi on the Class 1-C main camp. Fudou also follows since he is the leader of Class 1-C on this special test.
"This is the contract that you requested, Ryuuen-kun. However, I suggest you must be careful, since Class 1-A hides many monsters with high intellect." Dazai warned as he give Ryuuen the paper.
"Ku ku ku. No need to worry Dazai-sensei. I already make certain that with this, Class 1-A will know our warning that they can't stay on top forever." Ryueen assured.
"In the end, even if we're losing on this special exam, we'll still get the prize from this contract. I must admit, you really brilliant on this Kakeru. I admit that even I can't think that far. All for that long-term plan of yours." Itachi said, clearly praising his class rep. capabilities.
"No need to praise me Itachi. Someone with brain will also discover that there's that way to assure our last victory at the end. At first I plan for the forty of them. However, due to your request… Both Kamuro and Siesta will escape from it… Partially." Ryuuen dismiss before his face turn serious. "Our next obstacle though… Will begin after that."
"Hn." Itachi just said that before turn to Fudou. "Because of that Fudou, we need to borrow some S-Points for that to work. How many of it that still left?" He asked.
"Let see. If what Shiina-chan and Kaneda-kun calculate was right… We still have around 200 S-Points left." Fudou explained. "Mostly already used to buy the portable bathroom and some barbecue items and some… Trivial things."
"I see. The girls truly can't hold themselves." Itachi just sighed. He knows that the girls will be wasteful with the points. However, to keep the tension of his class normal, he can't help but let them but with some restriction so they can feel how is it to survive in the wilderness.
"Ryuuen-san, Itachi-san, Nomura-kun, Dazai-sensei. Sorry for being late." Minori said as she approaches them by running. She then catches her breath first before speaks up. "You said that you need my help on something?" She asked cautiously.
"On the contract of cooperation that I make with Class 1-A, the second point of the contract really makes us must work hard. Because of that, I need you to use your Special Ability on the class that we must be cautious of. Class 1-D." Ryuuen said.
"I see. This has the connections with Hanabusa-san incident, right?" Minori quickly guessed which Ryuuen nod in agreement.
"Even though we already finish it quickly thanks to Sumireko admitting all of her deeds, this X person from Class 1-D is a variable that we must be cautious of. Moreover, I think you already realize it since you're on the rear line during the briefing of the special exam." Itachi said which Minori nod in agreement.
"Shisui seems tense of something. I can see that he seems realize that someone from Class 1-D is watching you specifically Itachi-san." Minori said.
"Although the consequences of it make my relationship with Shisui widely known, it will divert whoever this X person from you." Itachi said. "I think it's time to go to our training, Ryuuen."
"Aa." Ryuuen then look at Fudou and Minori. "Take care of the class while we're gone." He said before turn to Dazai. "Thank you for this Dazai-sensei." He thanked.
Dazai just smiled. "Take care, my dear students. Because for me, as the day passed, I can say that the special test will be interesting. All of you shall be careful." He said as he walks back to the teachers' main camp without glance at his students. 'Because there's no doubt. That filthy rat is on this island.' He thought as his face turn serious. 'It will be a matter of time… Before he'll attack my class.'
The time then skips to a place where Itachi and Ryuuen are training, on a forest clearing close to a cliff. Masumi already arrive on the scene five minutes earlier.
"Both of you are late for five minutes. Late again tomorrow and we can considers this training farewell." Masumi said with serious tone and from the look of her eyes, she clearly a bit angered with both of her arms cross below her chest. If there's one thing about training that she always held on is to arrive on time to the training ground, a lesson that is drilled by her father during their time training together.
"We have class matters because of our position. Different than you who take neutral stand in your class." Ryuuen reasoned.
"That so? If that is the truth, then I can't truly deny it." Masumi sighed. "I'm sorry as well. The tension of my class sometimes makes me got headache. Both Katsuragi faction and Sakayanagi faction really try to overthrow each other for real on this exam." She apologized.
"It's okay Masumi. After all, we also not consider your own condition on our selfish request to learn about Special Ability." Itachi said.
"Rather than apologizing, I think you shall explain to us about the Special Ability right now. Since yesterday all that we do is some sparring in hand to hand battle." Ryuuen said. Yesterday, he finally get the taste to spar against the purple-haired girl and even though it just not serious one, he must say that Masumi is currently stronger than he is.
"Very well then. But first, let's sit first, because this will take some time to be explained." Masumi said as she sit up on the rock. "As both of you already know from my first explanation on the dorm room months ago, Special Ability manifest in various form on one individual. Because of that, the case of two people possessing similar Special Ability is very rare. And like I explained before, many people born to this world possess Special Ability without they ever realize it, just like I did." She recited the previous explanation.
'Meaning if I have a Special Ability, there's a high possibility that it could be one of the jutsu that I used back on the Elemental Nations.' Itachi thought after he heard Masumi's explanation.
"I see. So we'll never know what our Special Ability is unless we experience or use it firsthand then. Just like Kinoshita." Ryuuen said, understanding the explanation. "Because of that, does that mean that close to death is like one of the factor to awaken someone Special Ability from the slumber?"
"It can be said like that. I already explained this to Mio, Ichinose, and Suzune as well but… My Special Ability awakens because of someone Special Ability." She revealed. "Tell me, do both of you especially you Ryuuen, familiar with the rumors of a fog that surrounded Yokohama two years ago?" She asked.
"I once read it on the newspaper. It said the fog is so thick that Yokohama is like being cut off from the outside world." Itachi said. The news actually makes some paranormal investigator to want to investigate it to Yokohama itself.
"I know of that incident. That time I was not on the city. However, both of my parents said to me that they feel like their consciousness disappears for a moment and later on, they suddenly return back to the room with the fog cleared at the morning." Ryuuen revealed. "What does this fog connection with Special Ability anyways?"
"Because that fog… Is the work of a Special Ability user. When I said this to Suzune, Mio, and Ichinose, I explain that I was fall ill during training. However, that was a lie that I used in order to not show the gory part. That fog… have the ability to separate someone Special Ability from their own user. And that self-conscious Special Ability… Will kill the user unless the user kills it first."
(Flashback – Yokohama City, Two Years before ANHS April 1st)
Along the streets of Yokohama which is covered by greenish fog and the cars are seen stopping wildly on the road and crashing against each other because the disappearance of its passengers, Masumi Kamuro is seen running to keep her distance from something. The trip to Yokohama should be a formal trip when she'll meet with one of her father old associate accompany by Mr. Fang in order to talk about some money debts her father have with it.
However, when they go to the meeting place at night, it changes as all of the sudden, a greenish fog approaching the car she ride, mysteriously making Mr. Fang disappear from his riding seat in mysterious manner as the car start to lose control and threatening to fall from Yokohama Bay Bridge.
'What's happened!?' She thought while quickly opens the door, that she luckily forgot to unlock to jump out from the car as it hits the bridge railing and falls to the ocean below. She manage to roll over on the asphalt to avoids serious injuries. 'Where's Mr. Fang!? What's this fog?' She thought cautiously as she knows being panic will only cause false judgment, something that her father always said to her.
All of a sudden, Masumi widen her eyes as she sense something behind her. Quickly jump to her right, she manage to avoid a punch that manage to cause crack on the asphalt she just stand upon. Once she land and stand up to face who is her attacker, she's in for a shock.
The attacker was basically a doppelganger of herself but without any visible body. Instead, it was made of purplish light substance that forms something like a body. It also not has any visible mouth or nose, just a bright, glowing yellow eyes and curiously, a gem at its forehead.
'W-What's that thing!?' Masumi thought as her composure truly start to break out due to fear of whatever this entity is. The entity then dash toward her, try to use jabbing movements toward her body. Instinctively, Masumi didn't fight against it, and more opt to run as fast as she can from it.
Which led her to her current situation.
Hiding on the underside of one of the many cars that mysteriously lost their rider on the streets of Yokohama, there's no sign of the entity anywhere around. Her face clearly still shows fear as the experience like this is the first time for her.
'W-What's happening? What's that thing? Tou-sama… I'm scared!' Masumi thought as she truly afraid of whatever that entity plan to do with her.
All of a sudden, she can see the entity purplish glowing leg as it walks close to the car she hides on, looking for her. Seeing it, Masumi only hope is to keep silent.
However, that seems not work as all of the sudden, the entity crouch down and launch a left leg kick to the underside of the car where Masumi's hiding on, making Masumi quickly crawl backward to get out although the kick manage to scratch her face.
'How'd it found me here!?' Masumi thought in shock as she quickly stands up and unconsciously preparing battle stance to at least protect herself or in this case, her own life against this strange entity.
The entity later stand up and glare at her, before using incredible jumping ability and manage to hit Masumi on her solar plexus before she can react in time.
"Ahak!" Masumi coughed up lot of saliva as the hit by the entity's punch was very hard, even harder than her own. She then staggers backward until finally fall to her knees while touching her stomach that was hit very badly. "Ggh… Uhuk! Uhuk!" She coughed up again but this time, it was blood. 'H-How could-' She never finish her thought as the entity grab her hair harshly, making her flinch in pain as the entity crouch down to look at her face, who's struggling to keep her consciousness due to the immense pain on her solar plexus. The entity later prepare to punch her again, this time aim at her neck. If this entity truly possess her ability to use Dim Mak, one thing is certain.
If it ever hits, she'll die.
'T-Tou-sama…' Masumi only manage to utter one thought as the entity launch its attack on Masumi's neck. However, before it even manage to hit her, a gunshot suddenly rings out as it hit the entity gem on its forehead, making it suddenly stop as it suddenly explode into light particles and make her body slumps to the ground. Before her consciousness leaves her, she blurry seen a young woman probably around her early 20s rush toward her and ask if she's okay in concerned tone.
"Uuuh…" Masumi groaned as she wakes up and feeling something soft behind her head. 'Where… Am I?' She thought as she feels someone touch her right hand.
"Kamuro-sama… Forgive me…" Mr. Fang said in apologetic tone and deep remorse as he clutching Masumi's right hand on his hold. "Forgive me…"
"Fang-sama…" Masumi uttered as she looks at her surroundings. "Is this… A hospital…" She uttered. 'Did that event… Truly was no dream at all?' She thought. "How-"
"Did the girl already awake, Fang-san?" The door to Masumi's room opened as the one that saved her from the certain death. Her savior was a young woman around her early 20s that has light cyan hair which is parted to the left, part of which she keeps in a ponytail, and lavender-purple eyes. She wears a white neck scarf patterned with the same cyan hue, a white dress shirt, a gray suit coat which she keeps unbuttoned, and gray slacks. She also wears gray gloves, black heels, and a dark gray belt. Looking at Masumi's form, she smiled kindly. "I'm glad you already wake up. Sorry for not arrive in time to rescue you." She said in apologetic tone.
Mr. Fang then stand up while slightly bow toward the woman. "Thank you very much for saving her, Inspector Tsujimura. If… If she truly was going to be hit by a car back then…"
'Hit by a car?' Masumi thought that she gets the inspector is lying to Mr. Fang.
Special Division of Unusual Powers Agent
Mizuki Tsujimura
Special Ability: Yesterday's Shadow Tag
"It's okay Fang-san. I just happened to arrive in time to save Kamuro-san from the crash." Tsujimura assured him with a formal smile. "By the way, the administration of the hospital must be handled by Kamuro-san family. Why don't you go there first and I will watch over Kamuro-san in your stead?" She suggested.
"Okay." Mr. Fang said in agreement as he immediately exiting the room to the administration staff.
After Mr. Fang already leaving the room, Tsujimura then sit on the chair where Mr. Fang sit before and look at Masumi with a kind smile. "Are you feeling fine, Masumi Kamuro-san?" She asked with kind tone.
Instead of replying, Masumi hold a confused look on her face. "W-Why… Why'd lied to-"
"Forgive me for lying to your caretaker, Kamuro-san. However, because it was confirmed that you're a Special Ability user, we can't risk it to be known by your caretaker." Tsujimura apologized.
"Special… Ability?" Masumi said, voicing the term in confusion. "What is… That?"
"Yesterday, you were caught up inside Draconia, a Special Ability that entrap the Special Ability user inside the mist that also separate Special Ability from its user. However, from what I see, it seems that you truly not know that you ever have one from the start, don't you?" Tsujimura asked.
"I… I truly not know…" Masumi said honestly.
"I see. In that case, I think we can let you go but since you're still underage, can you promise me not to tell anyone that easily about this to the open? In return, I'll explain all about Special Ability to you and train you… So you can control your Special Ability better." Tsujimura suddenly offered.
"Control… It?"
(Flashback End)
"In the end, I frequently go to Yokohama to learn how to control my Special Ability under Tsujimura-san. Although she herself hardly able to control her own, she's a good teacher to me." Masumi finishing her story with nostalgic tone. "After some months, I finally able to control it and as you already know that I already use it during my battle against Hanabusa."
'Same case as Minori but without the trigger of almost being killed… I see.' Itachi analyzed Masumi's story. However, Ryuuen beat him first in question.
"Now I truly see why you truly not want anyone in particular to know about it. I see that since most Special Ability users mostly like do something shitty using their own, what this Tsujimura woman did make sense." Ryuuen commented. "If that so, can I conclude that the way to awaken Special Ability is not through almost experience death in the eye?" He asked.
"You surely catch up quick." Masumi commented before explained. "That's true. Special Ability can be awakened using various methods. The first that you already know is the exposure to Draconia. However, that now becomes impossible since the user already died during the incident that makes me awaken my own as well. The second is that you must experience the feelings that you'll be certainly death. As I said before, Special Ability user only happens in One among Five. That means Kinoshita was truly lucky to have one." She explained.
"That's understandable." Itachi commented in curiosity. "I'm certain there are lots of methods rights?"
Masumi nod. "The third methods are for someone with a Special Ability transfer it to those who don't have one. Tsujimura-san belongs to this condition while I belong to the first. However, these methods are quite hard because it commonly facing malfunction, making the user can't hardly control their own Special Ability without assistance from someone in particular. The four methods are unleashed trauma which I think I shall not explain. The fifth methods are drive of adrenaline in perilous situations. The sixth methods, is to meditate, but not just a normal meditation. During the meditation, your body must be touch by someone who already has Special Ability from behind. According to what I get from Tsujimura-san, it's like helped us to dive into the deep of our consciousness even deeper than the hypnosis methods and that's where the source of our Special Ability truly resided." She explained.
"So for both of us, it seems the possible methods are the sixth one? If that so, how about the family tree? It is possible that if our parents have Special Ability, it will run down to their children? If so, is there any chance siblings have the same Special Ability?" Itachi asked.
"For that, it's impossible. As I already search and Tou-sama and Kaa-sama are not Special Ability users so it appears randomly disregarding blood ties." Masumi replied.
'So there's a chance that Mio will possess one as well.' Itachi concluded. "If that's true, based on your explanation, you can only help one of us to meditate, right?"
"That's right. For that, I already ask assistance of a certain person that you won't expect." Masumi said with a smile.
"A certain person?" Ryuuen wondered.
"I'm sorry for being late, Kamuro-san." The one that speaks up revealed to be Monica who walk toward them. Her long, blonde hair which usually let loose now being tied to pigtails and like most of the students of ANHS, she wears ANHS track suit.
"You're…" Itachi uttered, not knowing Monica but he recognize her as one of the foreign student from Class 1-A.
"Ku ku ku. No wonder. The foreign student surely hides something fishy." Ryuuen commented at Monica's presence.
Instead of replying, Monica slightly bows. "I'm Monica Krushevsky. It's my pleasure to meet the leaders of Class 1-C. I hope this school true nature won't crack our relationship forward." She said, introducing herself.
"It's nice to meet you to, Monica. I'm Itachi Ibuki. Just call me Itachi if you like." Itachi replied, introducing himself.
"I'm Kakeru Ryuuen. From what I see, it seems you're also a Special Ability user am I right?" He asked.
"That's right. However for safety, I can't tell you the mechanism of it." Monica apologized. "I was asking by Kamuro-san to assist both of you training."
"With Krushevsky here, we don't need for doing one meditation at the time. So either you or Ryuuen can be with me or Krushevsky." Masumi said.
"I'm fine with either of you. As long as I can know whether I possess this Special Ability or not." Ryuuen just shrugged with little care.
"Remember what Masumi said before, Kakeru. Special Ability are mostly considers as curse to its wielder. Not to mention that many of them use it for selfish purposes that involves the lives of innocent people. I also think that Masumi, Minori, and Monica over here met unfortunate people that help them to appreciate their Special Ability. Sumireko is the perfect example of the one that see her Special Ability as a way to hurt others." Itachi reminded him. If after this he somehow has Special Ability, he will try his best to use it to protect those that close to him, like his family and friends.
"If that so, I think we can begin it now. I'll handle Itachi. Krushevsky, you shall handle Ryuuen." Masumi instructed Monica.
"Very well then." Monica nod as the four of them beginning their training.
"Atsushi-kun. I clearly want to ask something." On the Class 1-D main camp, after the others already gathers for the morning roll call, Suzune ask Atsushi to walk a bit far from the main camp to talk about something in particular. "What's happen with Kouenji-kun and what's Saigiku-shisho doing at our main camp? Shouldn't he alongside Tetchou-san is supposed to be guarding the cruise?" She demanded with curiosity.
"I… I honestly not know." Atsushi admitted. He truly must hide the fact that Jouno practically beaten up Kouenji for not fitting his view of justice. "Saigiku-san suddenly appears on the beach with a beaten up Kouenji. I truly not know what he did to him but he said that he was bored with the cruise and wants to stay at our camp."
"He beat up Kouenji-kun?" Suzune clearly surprised after hearing it. But then she remembers what her father said to her about what separates Hunting Dog from other people on the Japanese military: That is their privilege to conduct what their deemed as violation of something that a member considers as injustice. "I see… I truly not expect… He incites a wrath of a Hunting Dog member… With this I truly not feel well with Saigiku-shishou. I truly must apologize-"
"There's no need to apologize, Suzune." A voice was heard as Suzune and Atsushi looks up to see Jouno is standing on a tree branch behind both of them. He then jumps down to the ground. "If you only to keep silent at his attitude, there's no hope for your class to cooperate together if what you said on the cruise was the truth."
"Saigiku-shishou!" Suzune clearly surprised while Atsushi just look at him.
"I already tell this to Atsushi-kun so I think you shall hear it as well Suzune. First though, I truly sorry for what I did. Truly if can, I really not want to use such method to a student nonetheless. However, what he said when he faking his illness and return to the cruise irks me." Jouno explained his reason for beating up Kouenji.
"I guess he said that all of us really not worth his time of all things and the things about why someone like him must be bothered with something like this." Suzune guessed what someone like Kouenji will say to defend his selfish reasoning to exiting the special exam.
"That's true. Furthermore, he almost incites Tetchou-san wrath as well as mine. Because of that, I truly can't stand that his lack of care endangers innocent people any further." Jouno said.
"But is it truly necessary? I… I truly not feel well with whatever he said. I… I truly apologize for the act of my classmate toward the both of you." Suzune said while look down in shame.
Atsushi look at Suzune with sympathy and also clenching his fist in anger.
"Suzune, let me give an advice to you. From my observation, the way you try to lead your class was good in normal view. However, when the time comes… I think you shall expel Kouenji-san whether he's useful or not." Jouno advise her. "I shall return back to the main camp. Both of you can continue your talk." He said as he suddenly jumps back to the tree before disappearing from sight.
'I start to wonder if Saigiku-shisho and the rest of the Hunting Dog is Special Ability user as well?' Suzune thought to herself before look toward Atsushi. "Atsushi-kun. Since Saigiku-shishou already explained everything, I need your help with something." She said before her face turn serious. "Do you sense that something is wrong with Satou-san?"
"You also realized it then?" Atsushi wondered before seriously nods. "Yeah. The way she acts its strange. Because, Satou-chan is usually very close to Karuizawa-chan and rarely get far from her even during break. However, Satou-chan strangely seems to talk with the boys often more. I don't know if this is just my bad feelings…"
"However, try to search for that now will only create discomfort. For now, let's return to the main camp and we will talk about whether we shall guess other class leaders or just rely on our spot occupation for increasing our S-Points on the end of the special exam." Suzune said in agreement.
"I agree. For now, let just rest and decide what our next move will be on the third day." Atsushi nod as both of them return to the main camp to enjoy socializing with the others.
On the main camp of Class 1-B, the students truly enjoying their vacation as they expend 100 S-Points for some summer vacation items, portable bathroom and two extra tent for the boys. For the spot, they manage to find an appropriate one on a cliff that face directly to the beaches.
Inside one of the tent that used for one of the girls tent, important figures of Class 1-B like Honami, Kanzaki, Arata, Asuka, Hamaguchi, and Himeno, who become the leader of Class 1-B on this special exam, are gathered in order to discuss something in particular.
The way they will prevail in this special exam.
"So far, we've manage to secure a safe spot so the other class won't be so easy to look for our activities and our leader. For that, I can say that our first stage was a success." Kanzaki said, opening the discussion.
"Not to mention that our spot card-reader is hidden very well so it's hard to see from afar." Arata supported. "However, I think that rely purely on the spot occupation is a bad move. Considers if our leaders get guessed even by luck, our bonus points will lose and we'll lose 50 S-Points as penalty." He reminds the participants.
"However, is it all right for us to go offensive against the other class? I mean, they haven't attack us or probably the other class yet. If we move isn't that will cause suspicions?" Honami wondered while voicing her disagreement if they must go offensive.
"I think it's best if we go on offensive." Asuka suddenly said. "But for that, we truly must think for a way to sneak upon the other class main camp, which I think not an easy feat."
"Did the school allow such thing I wonder?" Hamaguchi wondered. Hamaguchi is a thin teenager with short purple-ish hair and blue eyes. He also wears a pair of glasses. Like the others, he also wearing ANHS tracksuit.
"As long as it not something that involving violence, it is not a violation to the exam rules." Kanzaki assured before look at Himeno. "You have any suggestion on how we shall do this, Himeno? After all, you're the class leader on this special exam."
Himeno just sighed. "Look. All of this discussion truly will produce nothing more than pointless babbling since I can see that not all of you truly want to do those risky moves. For me, it was best that we just tighten our guard from the other class and keep our usage of S-Points as cheap as possible." She opined.
"However, I disagree with that. All of you inside shall know by now that Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun truly aiming for our position. Our class point gap also not too far so if they somehow prevail… We truly have a hard time to catch up." Honami disagree with Himeno before an idea click to her mind. "Or maybe… We can do that without raising the suspicion of the other class at all." She suddenly said, picking everyone even Himeno interests.
Back to Itachi and Ryuuen. Both of them are just finishing the so-called meditation with the help of Masumi and Monica. However, Masumi stated that the training should be enough till' noon. Both of them are currently on a quite big streams after finish wash up their bodies of course without polluting the environment.
"So it's around 01.00 p.m. already, huh?" Itachi said to himself while looking to the sky where the sun still shines brightly. "I actually still feel nothing after the meditation. How about you, Kakeru?"
"Ku ku ku. I also feel the same. The fact is, my body feels itchy from that meditation. Lucky that Kamuro said it's enough for today." Ryueen replied as he stretching his arms that feel stiff after the meditation. "However, during that time… I truly feel like something is flowing into my body. Probably because of what Krushevsky do to me."
"I also feel the same during my meditation. It was possible that the process is gradual and according to what Masumi said, it will not truly awaken our Special Ability just yet." Itachi said in agreement. "I wonder how'd our class doing without both of us around?"
"I think they'll just fine. We already see that Makoto, Mio, Minori and Tokitou manage to put calm to all of them. Also, with both Kaneda and Hiyori were managing the usage of S-Points plus the contract that we make, I can be certain that our class will prevail on this special test." Ryueen confidently said.
"They said that overconfidence can be your own downfall. I think we also shall make caution with the other class." Itachi advised. "So far, we can almost 100 percent certain that Class 1-A won't attack us at any kind since Arisu without a doubt will use this fact to dethrone Katsuragi and at the same time, bid her time to attack our class whenever another test like this was held. Class 1-B under Honami from what I see are not aggressive and they seems more focused on defend so that their class leader won't be find out. The mysterious one is Class 1-D. However, judging from Suzune's personality, she'll probably go to search for another class leader to gain huge amount of bonus points." He recited.
"So that means if Nomura being found out it was the end huh? Suzune have a sharp observation alongside Ichinose. If those two ever paid visit to our class it will be the end…" Ryuuen then smirking in glee. "Unless… Of course there's that way."
"Hn. You also think the same thing as I did then?" Itachi said with a smile.
"Ku ku ku. Of course. With that, those fools truly not know that we're preparing a trap." Ryuuen said as he stands up. "We shall talk this with the class first at night after the third roll call because it was the safest time while all the others are asleep."
"Fine then." Itachi agreed. "By the way, since it takes long time till' the afternoon, care for some spar?"
"Ku ku ku. I also was thinking the same." Ryueen said in agreement as the bush close to them rustling, revealing that it was Yamamura who seems following them.
Itachi slightly narrowing his eyes. "What are you doing here, Miki? How long did you follow both of us?" He asked in caution. 'She truly not gives off any presence. Did she really that talented in spying? No. Not long before, I sense someone presence that follow us. It must be her.' He thought.
"According to your answer, we can just silence you here and there. Haven't Katsuragi told his underlings to keep our cooperation secret?" Ryuuen threatened.
Yamamura shook her head. "I was asking Kamuro-san about your location so I just headed the exact way both of you go. As for the contract, Sakayanagi-san said . In fact, for now-"
"I understand. My hunch was right then about Arisu using this chance to dethrone Katsuragi." Itachi cut Yamamura off with serious tone. "Let me guess, she plan to leak the leader of Class 1-A to us, so we can gain advantage and make Katsuragi losing support from his faction."
Yamamura widen her eyes slightly. How'd he manage to guess Arisu's plan?
"I see. However, that kind of moves is really what Sakayanagi will do. Momentarily defeat yet aims to crush us later." Ryuuen sneered as he looks at Yamamura. "Interesting. Why don't you tell us then? However, I can be certain that if you're lying you'll not-" Ryuuen not finishing his threat as Itachi comically whack him on the head.
"Kakeru." Itachi warned him of his words before look at Yamamura intently. "We'll hear what you'll say to us. However, if you're lying… In the next exam, we'll crush Class 1-A without mercy even if there's Masumi in there. Tell that to Arisu."
Yamamura gulped hearing it. After all, their reputation truly demands respect to those that not watch the middle grade martial arts tournament three years ago and she understands that Itachi is not playing around with that threat. "O-Okay. Because for Sakayanagi faction, we truly gain nothing by lying to you." She tried to assure them as Ryuuen then stand up and look at her dangerously.
"Speak up then." Ryuuen demanded.
After few minutes, Yamamura finally finishing her leak about the leader of Class 1-A on this special test. "T-That's all I tell you about it. I-I can assure you that I not lying." She said with certainty.
"Hmm… That choice is really fitting for Katsuragi since he is a cautious man that truly trusts him of all people. What do you think about it Itachi, since you share the same room with him on the cruise?" Ryuuen wondered; still not fully trust Yamamura's words.
Itachi also think in deep thought as he put his right hand on his chin. 'Miki's words truly hold what I guess about someone like Katsuragi. However.' He then looks at Miki once again. "What can you compensate if you're lying to us? Also, I want you to speak as your own person, not someone under Arisu's orders." Itachi demanded.
'I don't think that it was this hard to negotiate with Class 1-C. Itachi-san really is a dangerous person.' Yamamura thought before finally replying. "If I lying to both of you…. Then you can take all of my private points. I'll not tell about this to Sakayanagi-san or Katsuragi-san." She said.
"That so? However, we no need to make contract. I'll trust you." Ryuuen stated. "Need both of us to escort you to Katsuragi sorry ass?"
"No. I already know the direction to my main camp. Now then, I hope that the special exam will end well for both of us." Yamamura slightly bow before turn around and leave both Itachi and Ryuuen.
Itachi then look at Ryuuen. "Are you certain about her promise?" He asked.
"Of course not. This is a member of Sakayanagi Faction. They're not like the fool that follows Katsuragi. Maybe… We shall take this information then. Even though it will count as betrayal although we plan to do so, it at least just left for us to discover the leader of Class 1-B and Class 1-D." Ryuuen explained with a grin.
"I see. If that so, rather than sparring, I think we shall-"
"KYAAAAAAAA!?"
Ryuuen and Itachi widen their eyes in surprise hearing that scream. There's no doubt.
That's Yamamura's voice.
In sync, both of them quickly running toward the direction of the voice.
Both of them later arrive on the scene. However, when they're arriving on the voice source, there's no sign of Yamamura around. It was revealed that Yamamura's screams come from the low cliff that have direct border with the small streams.
'She's gone?' Itachi thought while looking around. That screaming is not like the scream of someone that's surprised or afraid of animals.
That's the voice of someone that was assaulted.
"Oi, Itachi." Ryuuen called him as he discovers something.
Yamamura's right shoe.
After this, both Itachi and Ryuuen have the same conclusion after hearing Masumi's flashback during training and the existence of Special Ability.
It seems… That ANHS inhabitants are not the only one on this island.
On the main camp of Class 1-C, situations are going on as normal. With most of the girls and some of the boys helping Makoto, Mio and Tokitou in preparing the lunch for the class, there are only some that enjoy their free time.
As Fudou and Ishizaki are clearly seen sparring with each other with Hiyori and some other girls like Nishino also watching.
Ishizaki aiming for a right hook toward Fudou's face. From the way he fights, he was clearly a street fighter like Ryuuen before the latter start to train more on martial arts. Back on the battle, Ishizaki's right hook clearly missed as Fudou manage to move his face in time before giving a punch to his jaw,
"Ugh!" Ishizaki grunted in pain as he took off balance. Not wasting that chance, Fudou swipe Ishizaki's feet, making him collapsed to the ground as Fudou then look down on him.
"It seems it's my victory, Daichi." Fudou said with a sneer.
"Damn! You truly strong man!" Ishizaki smiled as he stand up on his own and clean the dust on his clothes. "No wonder that you'd able to follow the tournament back then!" He said with a toothy grin.
"I was beaten by Itachi on the first round though so it really not a big deal." Fudou just shrugged. "After all, the fact you truly tried your best against me makes me wonder… Do you perhaps have someone you like from the girls that watching us?~" He teased. Not long after that, Ishizaki slightly blush on his cheek.
"W-Well…"
"C'mon don't be shy~" Fudou keep continue his teasing. "If you just tell me, I probably-"
"Nomura-san really can't stop teasing others huh? I still clearly remember on May that he teased about Morofuji-san seems like Kaneda-san." Nishino said with tired tone at Nomura antics. Currently, she is sitting alongside Hiyori who's looking at the sparring scene.
"Nomura-san has no bad intentions at all. He seems to understand that Ishizaki-kun truly not feel well on the class because on academics, he's not that good. I think its Nomura-san way to cheer him up." Hiyori explained. "Come to think of it, I don't know if my observation is true but Ishizaki-kun seems hold affection for you, Nishino-san." She bluntly said.
"Not a chance, Shiina-san. There's no way that a delinquent like him can do that kind of thing." Nishino immediately denied.
"But I don't think that Ishizaki-kun was a bad person. In fact for me, like Albert-kun he seems a good person. In fact, he even among the first that voice his worries at Dazai-sensei suicidal jokes." Hiyori said with a smile, remembering that oil barrel incident on their second day of April.
"Please don't remind me of that Shiina-san. Dazai-sensei clearly terrifies even me. Not to mention that you also belong to the club that he built." Nishino said bluntly. "Come to think of it, why'd you bother to watch this? Doesn't you not like violence and now seemingly closer with Yamashita-san and Manabe-san?" She wondered.
"He he~ Shiho-san is busy on helping others in cooking while Yamashita-san currently accompany Morofuji-san inside the tent since her sickness seems kicks in again. Since I have free time and Kaneda-kun replace me today to watch over S-Points management, I really have empty time. And during this time, I truly want to search inspirations." Hiyori explained.
"I expect that much. As from what I see, Shiina-san enjoys reading isn't it?" Nishino asked.
Hiyori nod. "But now, I think… To make a book of my own."
"Make your own book? Do you will have enough time since you know… This school nature." Nishino asked in curiosity.
"I think it can. After all, Dazai-sensei built that club for that very purpose." Hiyori said confidently. "However, he said to me right before we get down from Speranza… That something is about to happen that probably can be my inspiration to write…"
"U-Uuuh…"
Satou weakly open her eyes as she can feel her body in pain thanks to Nathaniel torture to told him about Shiho's location although she clearly knows nothing. Being shot by blood bullet really making many holes on her tracksuit. Not to mention wounds on her body. She then looks down while crying. This is the same location where Nathaniel torture her.
'S-Someone…. P-Please help….' She thought in fear while crying.
"I see that you're awake." Satou widen her eyes in surprise as this voice seems young and not like the Pasthor's formal tone. He is a young man with long straight hair that reaches his waist. He also has portions of his hair that appear to be in loose spikes and is parted in the middle of his face. The color of his hair's left side is lilac and the right side is white. His eye color is greyish. He also wears earrings on both of his ears. He is seen wearing a long white coat with black pants. His coat has a sparkly or galactic design on the interior. "Forgive the Pasthor for his deeds. However, with me currently patch you up, this thing will end faster."
Terrorist
Sigma
Special Ability: Information Exchange
Satou then weakly look toward Sigma. "W-Who…"
"I won't tell you my name. However, this is will end soon." Sigma stated as he crouches down and grip Satou by the forehead using his right arm. "You'll tell me whatever I want to know." He simply said. A few moments later, Sigma then smiled. "I see. So you really know nothing except her class." He uttered as he release his grip from Satou's forehead. The girl eyes turn white as she seemingly about to pass out once again.
'I-I see… So this is…' Satou thought as she finally understands what nightmare hidden on this special exam. 'I-I… Must tell… Chabashira-sensei…' She voiced her last thought as her consciousness slips away.
Night finally fall on the island. Dazai just finishing the third roll call as he walks alone back to the homeroom teacher main camp. He then stops on a clearing of the forest.
"Come out. I know you're here." Dazai said with a smile as someone emerge from the tree behind him.
"As expected of my only chess mate. However, you become a teacher for the sinner is truly something that I not expected." Fyodor said as he walks toward the clearing, greeting his accomplice. "It's been two years isn't it, Dazai-kun?"
"I already expect that it was you after all, Demon Fyodor. I can clearly say that you're responsible for the disappearance of Maya Satou from Class 1-D." Dazai said with malicious smile. "You truly know when to piss someone."
Fyodor just smiled. "Isn't this will make this stupid exam become livelier? After all, the themed is freedom and we truly on the island where we truly cut off from the closest city. Although the Hunting Dog and his presence is truly an annoyance, I can be certain that they won't move that much. Not when I bring most of my underlings in here." He said with certainty.
"Livelier?" Dazai asked with narrowed eyes. "You truly paint them with something that they shouldn't experience."
"It was strange to see you care for others. After all, I think what you did as someone who opposed the god's will was expected." Fyodor replied. "When this plain… Is the place for many sleeping pups." He said as the gust of wind blew past them, making both of their cloak wildly waved by the wind.
Author Notes
The Cliffhanger! What does Fyodor meant by that?
And so, this chapter is finally done. Things will get heated up with the presence of Fyodor and his associate on the island. Ryuuen and Itachi on the other hand preparing a contract of cooperation with Katsuragi and Class 1-A which seemingly will benefit Class 1-C in the future.
And at last on this chapter, the existence of Special Ability finally comes to light thanks to Kamuro and the fact that many people do their lives without knowing that they have Special Ability that dormant inside them, thus have the ways of it to be awaken.
The next chapter will cover the third day of the special exam, where Ichinose beginning her move to guess for other class leaders. Meanwhile, the leader of Class 1-D will be revealed as Suzune voiced her decisions whether to aim to guess other class leaders or rely on spot occupation bonus points. On the other side, Fyodor thanks to the info from Sigma, will begin his assault on Class 1-C. Will they prepare for the hell to come?
See you in the next update.