/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 Strongest
(Flashback – 7 Years before Canon)
For Sumireko Hanabusa, Dying is probably what she experience ever since she was a baby. Environmental factor also plays a crucial part on her growth.
Her family after all is one of the influential figures in Japanese and worldwide property and exist since the beginning of the Meiji Period, being the one of the main supporters of Isshin Shishi during the Bakumatsu Period with her father currently is the CEO. None in Japan not known the name of Hanabusa Clique and fear their influence. It like her being the top of all current influential family in Japan. However, privilege also comes with weakness. In turn, her position makes her become enemy of many people that jealous, grudgeful, or just because with her family standing. Her first attempt of assassination happens when she just six months old while the last attempt is three months ago which results in her lost her left arm and be amputated.
However, this is not stopping her determination to become stronger in order to protect herself. Since four years old, she starts to train in martial arts in particular Judo, Aikido, Taekwondo, and Karate and mix it to create unpredictable new movements for her to use. Plus, the fact that she found something that benefits her more to protect herself.
She was born as a Special Ability user. A fact that amazed her parents because of all the population in the world, 5 of a 100 are Special Ability user. Sumireko herself was happy that the Special Ability that she have was an offensive one.
Sumireko's Special Ability name is Empire of Light. It allows her to generate electricity using the law of Static Electricity where her body acts as a conductor when she moves around.
Currently however, she's healthy enough to held a birthday of her despite the fact her left arm is only a stump and her left leg is heavily bandaged. She currently is sit on a luxurious chair on a big table, waiting for people that come to her current birthday party to award her with nonsense present that they prepared.
She recognizes some of the children that come to her birthday party. Some of it comes from the influential figure. Some of them like a blonde male kid with arrogant attitude that have no care at all as he sits on VVIP seats of her birthday party, there's a purple haired kid that enjoy the party alongside his father, there's a brown-haired girl that elegantly talk with other female around her age on the party, and there also a young girl with purple hair that only walk alongside her father.
However, one particular people approach both of her and her families.
It was the current head of Sakayanagi Family, Narumori Sakayanagi which already become the chairman of the prestigious ANHS for two years alongside her sole daughter, Arisu Sakayanagi. The little girl is bringing a present while also use her cane as support for her weak body. Narumori was a man that probably around his 40s with lilac hair and violet eyes just likes Arisu.
"Happy Birthday for your daughter, Hanabusa-san." Narumori said to Ms. Hanabusa. "I'm sorry to hear what happen to your daughter two months ago. Honestly, I never expect that these assailants no matter who they are never give up on try to assassinate her." He said his condolences and worry.
"With our position as one of the influential ancient family since Meiji Restoration, it's common for us that we have many enemies that dislike us. Even so, thank you for your condolences Sakayanagi-san. I'm pretty sure Sumireko will appreciate it." Ms. Hanabusa said. In appearances, she's slim with strawberry blonde hair like her daughter. "Anyway, why don't we talk over there and discuss about my daughter appointment to ANHS when she reaches appropriate age. I know that she only do home-schooling but I believe she more than fit for high school."
"I see. We shall talk this privately then." Narumori hummed. Sure, ANHS system of student acceptance need them to leak into all of the middle grade school in Japan so they can pinpoint which class the student that interest them will attend, however since Sumireko is home-schooled, a certain negotiation is probably needed. This is also due to the consequences they will face for admitting Sumireko's in the first place. He then looks toward Arisu. "Arisu, please accompany Sumireko for a while okay."
"It shall be done father." Arisu replied with adult-like tone.
Relief that Arisu will at least keep Sumireko accompany, Narumori then go to the separate location with Ms. Hanabusa to talk about Sumireko's admission to ANHS. For a moment, none of them open any conversation before Arisu is the first one to reply.
"I believe we haven't met before Hanabusa-san so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Arisu Sakayanagi, daughter of the current chairman of ANHS. It was my pleasure to meet you." Arisu introduced herself in formal manner.
"It's nice to meet you as well Sakayanagi-san. My name is Sumireko Hanabusa, the sole heir of the Hanabusa Family. I've heard a rumor about you. Rumor that you're not like a girl on your age." Sumireko said in curiosity.
"Fu fu fu, I see. If that so, this will actually quick then." Arisu said with her usual smile. "Rather than waste ourselves in pointless talking, how about we play some chess?" She asked.
Sumireko shook her head. "Thanks for the offer Sakayanagi-san. However, I'm not interest at all in chess. Those mind games are nothing for me but annoyance. However, in turn may I humor you by making my tea brand? I promise you it won't be disappointing." She said as she stands up from her seat, able to stand firmly despite her left leg injuries. "Surprised Sakayanagi-san? This is the power of a survivor, the power that I get from my near-death experience that happens countless times." She boasted.
"Survivor? Forgive me but you don't look a survivor to me. You after all manage to survive all thanks to your parent's kindness." Arisu said, feel her pride being touch a bit. It's like Sumireko boast that despite she's weak currently, she can stand perfectly and also have above average intellect to match while she only relies on her intellect purely.
"My parents are only a mean for the end Sakayanagi-san. I'm grateful for my father and mother to take care of me even though it surely costs a lot of money due to various assassination attempts to my life. But in the end, I'm grateful by those attempts. It makes me have a drive to become the strongest queen. Yes, a queen that will endure solitude and survive and any means necessary to become the strongest of all." Sumireko calmly stated before remembering something. "Speaking of it, how's that place going?" She asked which cause a hint of surprise appears on Arisu face. "Do you think I don't know anything about it? Father after all was forced to sponsor that horrid place. A place where the survival of the fittest is built not by natural selection like I did, but artificially. I reject their place with every fiber of my being."
After hearing that however, Arisu slightly surprised face disappeared and replace with a laugh. "Fu fu fu. It seems we're on the same boat then. I, to reject that place existence. That's why; I'll prove to that place masterpiece that the artificial genius will not be able to compete with natural-born genius such as I." She said.
"Masterpiece, you say? So there's a human that can withstand a place built under inhuman rule of yakuza, mafia and underworld organization?" Sumireko curiosity rises up. For her, there's no such thing as masterpiece in existence. It probably just an exaggerated statement made by the instructors inside that like a group of fish inside a vast ocean. "That's rather hard to believe. The artificial mean to create survivors can't be comparing with natural causes such as mine."
"He exists. I watch it my own eyes on our fateful meeting 2 Years 6 month and 120 days to the past. The way he play chess… It's like something that I never seen before. He never see everything that place taught him as difficult according to what my father said. He truly has excellent DNA blessed to him by his father. Although in that place…"
"Oh. I can surmise he's a lab rat then? I wonder who this masterpiece is though." Sumireko quickly guess without a hint of sympathy for this mysterious person on her tone. "The fact that you look up to him that much… Makes me want to do the same someday. I'll beat that so-called masterpiece and I can call myself the strongest. So Sakayanagi-san, we are on the same boat in this." She said then looks toward Arisu with determined eyes. "If you want to prove that artificial genius are meaningless compare to natural-born genius; I will prove it that survivor that form by natural causes are the strongest."
Strangely, this sick obsession of both of them is the one that lead to their friendship later on.
(Flashback End)
On the morning, Sumireko is seen drinking a tea on one of empty table of cafeteria. She currently accompanies by Arisu Sakayanagi, her childhood friend and two people with the same interest in mind. To destroy the White Room masterpiece but both of them aim for different course.
While Arisu aim more on more gentle non-violent way or through class competition, chess, and some others; Sumireko plan more on frontal assault, or violence part since she thinks the masterpiece can't be defeated in battle of brain but physical battle is rather different due to the outcome doesn't prefer both combatants but those with the most preparations.
"It's been a while since we met, Hanabusa-san." Arisu greet her with a smile. Despite her weird attachment with the survivor terms, Sumireko is probably one of the few people that Arisu can call her friend as she never mock her goal at all other than part she not looking for a death wish just to ease her father worries.
Sumireko on the other hand, see Arisu as close comrade due to her vow of live in solitude in order not feel any human weaknesses. The two of them occasionally meet from time to time though and she finally relents on playing chess with Arisu. This results in her have many lost and few ties against the chairman's daughter. "It's been a while as well Sakayanagi-san. I've heard that your class is not on ideal position right now because it was split up into two."
Arisu nod. "My class students were nothing more than individualistic and shallow-ambitious people. It became worse ever since Katsuragi-san has the support of most of the Class 1-A with the three others becomes neutral for the time being. But I can relax; let all of them enjoy this minuscule civil war for now." She then takes a sip from her cup before put it on the table again. "Let the time will decide who's better to lead Class 1-A. After all, all of them are necessary to assist me in burying the artificial genius from that place." She said with a smile.
"What if he buried you instead, Sakayanagi-san? That's why I dislike non-violence plan. I rather like to be upfront about it." Sumireko wondered since what Arisu did for her is more gambling than her which is straight up like boxing match.
"For me, defeating him using physical strength will be impossible." Arisu stated calmly.
"You want to say that lab rat masterpiece is overpowered because some artificial means? Absurd. Even if he is beat so-called master at young age, you can't compare it to the one that almost hone their technique to perfection." Sumireko quickly denied Arisu claim. "I have my trump card to keep up the game." She said, referring to her Special Ability which of course Arisu don't know.
"Hanabusa-san. I want to warn you since you're my closest acquaintances ever since we were children." Arisu warned. "Try to pick a fight against him now is like you searching for mess that will befall other students as well. It also will not end for you. Not when you blackmailing Kushida-san in such a horrid manner." She said, grimace when she know that Sumireko plan to kill Kushida's parent just to make her cooperate. Many can call Arisu arrogant and all but she will never cross that line. After all, she also lost her own mother when she was four years old and although not the same at all, she understands what Kushida must be feeling when her parent is at gunpoint.
"That's where we're different Sakayanagi-san. In order for me to get the results, I will do anything it takes rather than sit and wait for the masterpiece to reveal itself even if I must bypass the so-called morality. Like I said, I have a trump card." Sumireko assured her while mocking her at the same time. "No need to worry though. After all if I win against him, that also your victory… Correct?"
On Mio's dorm room, Kushida finally able to sleep soundly after pouring all of her heart content and regret to Suzune. The black-haired girl currently walk out from Mio's shower room after changing her clothes inside due to Atsushi's presence on the room. Speaking of Atsushi, he currently is reading one of Mio's Manga.
'Lucky that its weekend. Otherwise I must return to my dorm room.' Suzune thought while remembering yesterday event. 'Still… I can't believe it at all, that Hanabusa-san mean ill to my classmates and blackmail Kushida-san in such horrid way. Plus, the existence of people with Special Ability and there's a way to awaken it.' She then looks at Kushida's sleeping form. "Only want someone to acknowledge her for what she is… Make me remember something." She uttered to herself.
"Horikita-san, I'll use the shower now." Kei speak to her awaken Suzune from her thought. She already have towel on her right shoulder, which of course lend by Mio. "You seems have many thoughts in mind. What's the matter?" She asked in confusion.
"I-It's nothing. I just thinking about the information yesterday that's all." Suzune tried to assure her. 'Based on her way of speaking, Karuizawa-san hasn't heard of the conversation between Atsushi-kun, me, and Kushida-san. I'm relieved.'
"That so?" Kei wondered, although fear is still evident on her tone. She truly didn't know anything about this whole fiasco yet here she was. However, she still plan on what she'll do to Atsushi and will finish this matters quickly. Wasting no time, she quickly goes to the shower room to wash herself.
Suzune sighed while still looking on Kushida's sleeping form.
"You know Horikita-san, what you do back then with Kushida-chan was quite admirable." Atsushi speak up while closing his book. "I thought you'll be disgust with her like Mio-san did."
Suzune shook her head. "No. After hearing her past by myself, although she doing it the wrong way possible… I think I can relate to her desire for a bit." She said, remembering how back then she wants to chase Manabu and disregard any forms of connection with people. "I think… I do the right thing by not mocking her. But Atsushi-kun, you're out of line by saying kill like it was everyday routine. I know that Yokohama from the rumors is not considers peaceful not to mention if what you said about Special Ability user is true, but…"
"I understand that you hate any form of violence Horikita-san. However, what I said is necessary to bring out the real her out from her shell." Atsushi reasoned. "However, I also ask forgiveness for my words back then."
"It's okay Atsushi-kun you have no need to apologize. In fact, I'm grateful that with this, Kushida-san probably will support Class 1-D instead of what she done on my middle grade school. After all, her social skills and charm are on par with Karuizawa-san, something that can give us benefit to rise up our class point against the other class." Suzune said in relief. Unlike Atsushi, she never for once suspects Kushida's true nature until now. She glad that the matters already finished. If not, who knows what kind of mess Kushida will put in order to protect her secret.
"Indeed. However, before we can think of our class will compete against Itachi-kun, Ichinose-san, or Siesta-san; we still have one enemy to be brought down." Atsushi with hardened gaze.
"Hanabusa-san of course. I also can't think of anything else before bring her to the Student Council room for investigation of this case." Suzune said. "However, can you give me a bit of her battle style Atsushi-kun?"
"I can. Her battle style is a mix of four martial arts. Her proficiency is not like normal practitioner of martial arts. And like Kushida-chan said, I feel something metallic when block her punch and kick. As for her Special Ability, she still hasn't showed it yet." Atsushi revealed. "It's like she's a monster that born solely for battle like she said… To become the strongest queen."
"Is this strongest queen or whatever she said is nothing but a self-proclaimed title I wonder…" Suzune start to wonder before she remembering Masumi's words yesterday about how Sumireko rumored to be targeted by various assassination attempts since she was a child. "Could it be… But that doesn't make sense."
"I know what you thinking about Horikita-san." Atsushi quickly guess what Suzune is thinking about. "In the end… I think Hanabusa-san is just like Kushida-chan and me in the past. She… Truly didn't know her reason of life other than that empty title…"
"That's quite deep reasoning if that's true… But I don't know Hanabusa-san yet so I can't comment on anything about it." Suzune said before thinking of something. "Atsushi-kun. It's not like that I doubt you but… I think we need to move both Karuizawa-san and Kushida-san from Mio-san dorm room. If Hanabusa-san Special Ability is-"
"I know of that Horikita-san. For that, I already ask someone with useful Special Ability to help us. Even Hanabusa-san won't find us inside of it." Atsushi said confidently as the door being knocked by someone. "You can enter. It's not locked."
The door then opened, revealing Lucy was the one that appear. Instead of wearing her ANHS student uniform, Lucy wearing her casual outfit which consists of black dress with some white fabric on it. "Yahoo! I didn't disturb you right? Toraneko-chan!" She greet the room in her usual tone.
"Lucy-chan…"
"Lucy-san… You're a Special Ability user as well?" Suzune asked, truly can't hide her shock that yet another one of her classmate also a Special Ability user. How many of them that not only in her class, but on ANHS exactly?
I've heard everything from Atsushi about the event that transpired yesterday. I truly don't expect there's a rampaging Special Ability user inside this school." Lucy said to Suzune. "Let me tell you this first Horikita. I'm not help people because it was the right thing to do. It because that I respect you that I decide to help on this matter that not matters to me at all."
"I know that. Because when I see it again, you're not the type that likes to enter into people business, Lucy-san. Even so… I really grateful that you want to help us on this matter. Thank you very much." Suzune thanked her with a smile.
Lucy replied with a smirk. "Now then, shall we begin?" She asked to particularly no one as she snap her finger.
Speaking of someone that also not knowing his reason of existence, a certain Class 1-D student is walking on his own to pass time. Currently it sunset.
Ever since he finally manages to gain freedom from that horrid place a second time, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji starts to be curious about something. If maybe he not met a man called Sakunosuke Oda who give him shelter on his residence after a certain incident for half a year, he'll not have his curiosity peak up like this.
It was general for Kiyotaka to have low opinion of others. For him, his own survival is the most important above everything. To that end, he will use everyone as his tool… As long as he win in the end. The forceful training of that place while he agrees that is one of the best educational places in the world (Or maybe he admits it because of his twisted mindset), it also has one of the biggest human rights violations in Japan or probably in the whole world. Children were drilled like they are robots and if failed they're thrown away. He see it himself how his generations were drilled so harsh that only him are left thanks to his monstrous adaptability and his lack of purpose of life other than his desire to win at all costs plus his ability to shown emotion, which have its own advantage and disadvantage.
After have his second chance to escape from that place thanks to Matsuo which is his father's butler, he helps him to attend this prestigious school of ANHS, where Japan best students are gathered. Although he first have his doubts entering here because of the current semi-open policy, he's glad that the way of an outsiders to enter is the same as before, when the school was still isolated from the outside world.
For a moment, Kiyotaka currently can feel that he is his own person that can finally settled down and have peaceful life away from that place and making friends. But first, he must learn the concept of friends by talking with others rather than theory from books.
He currently has many questions that he plans to uncover with his interactions with others. The first is his personal one, did human truly equal? The second is hidden desire that he hope one day, there's someone from outside of that place that can give him complete defeat.
However, the third one is the most important things, something that he keep inside for the last four years.
What is the quality of a good person?
Thanks to Odasaku parting words, like he knows that sooner or later his father enforcers will force him back to that place, he for the first time is curious and doubt about himself.
'Odasaku-san… Why'd you truly mean by that?' Kiyotaka ponders to himself as he gets a drink from a vending machine. Living with Odasaku for half a year make him for the first time truly respects a person. The man tells him about his past live and truly not expecting all of it.
He truly exaggerated his own experience in the place called the White Room, while on the outside, something even greater can create even more horrid experience.
'Am I… A horrible human being… Really can become good even though we can't easily change our ways of thinking?' He pondered as he remembers Suzune's words on the first day.
"Maybe that's true. However, the most important if someone want to change to be better in my opinion is not because of being push to do it. It's the inner desire to never use their old mindset during that process of change." – Suzune Horikita - The First Day, Part 2
'I wonder if that's true Horikita? You after all…' Kiyo thought stopped as he hears screams from a girl that's from his class. 'That voice... Maybe I'll take a look.' He thought as he goes to the sounds location.
After he gets close to the source of the voice, it was revealed that it leads to a narrow corridor between two buildings inside the school. Kiyotaka however sees that this place is not safe from the security camera.
'What kind of people do this with security camera clearly watch all of it?' He thought as he watches the scene. 'So… It's her huh?'
On that very narrow corridor, Airi Sakura is seeing being assault by a man around his mid-40s. The pink-haired girl is being forced on the wall by the man that seemingly a clerk from Keyaki Mall. His left knee also put on Airi's private place, much to Kiyotaka's discomfort. However, if he make move now, he won't get perfect evidence. Acting quickly, he turns on his video recording on his phone and silently recording the scene.
"Psst! be quiet…" The clerk said with perverted and crazed tone toward Airi as she looks at him fearfully.
Still in fear because of his perverted acts toward her, Airi can only nod as the clerk close his mouth using his right hand.
Knowing that she now submit to him, the clerk makes a disgusting, toothy smile as he plans to fulfill his private desire on her. "D-Did… You read my letters? Y-You understand what I feel about you, r-right?" He asked.
Airi widen her eyes hearing that. So, the mysterious person that claimed he's her biggest fan is this man!? No wonder she found it rather not to her liking. So far, no one knows about this. Not even her new friends on the Literature Club.
"W-Why'd you avoid me? You the most important girl for me. Y-You know t-that right?" He asked in perverse manner as his hold on Airi lessened, making her slump to the ground.
"H-Help me…" She said to no one while looking at the store clerk fearfully. She then glances at her phone that lies on the ground. It falls from her breast pocket due to the store clerk actions. 'I-If I can call at least my classmate or any member of the Literature Club!' She thought as she quickly goes to her phone, making the store clerk look in shock. However, as she manages to get hold of it and tried to call someone, the store clerk quickly hugging her from behind in perverse manner.
"S-STOP IT!"
"L-Let me go please!" Airi said, pleaded for help.
"D-Damn you!" He said as he manage to take Airi's phone and slap her aside, making her falls to the ground as he looks at her in perverse manner. He then makes his way toward her and hold her on the floor while he is above her, looking down at her.
"If you not obey my words, I'll spread the real you on the internet!" He threatened as Airi look at her fearfully, making him stunned. "W-Why? Why'd you look at me like that? D-Don't look at me like that!" He said in panic anger as he press his hold on both of Airi's wrists, making her wince in pain. Not stop on that, he then open the button of Airi's blazers, exposing her large breast underneath her shirt. "I'll show how enormous my love toward you. With that… Y-You'll acknowledge me… Shizuku."
Deciding it was the right time to act, Kiyotaka then stop the video recording and change it to photo mode. To make sure the man turn his attention to him, he turn on the flash and sound on purpose.
"Eh?"
"Electronic Store clerk 'assault' a high school student… You will be popular in the television tomorrow." Kiyotaka said in his emotionless tone. He doesn't know why it happens. However, he feels foreign feelings inside. He not only wants to expose this clerk, he also wants to give him a lesson.
Is this what they called morality? Or anger? Did Kiyotaka really want to give him a lesson for mess with one of his classmate? In fact, he doesn't have any bad opinion about Airi, just see her as a shy girl that hard to interact with others inside the class.
Putting that aside for a moment, Kiyotaka then nod at Airi, making sure that the situation is under control. Although still in shock, she replied Kiyotaka's nod.
The clerk immediately stands up in shock, knowing that his act is being messed up and try to find excuse. "N-NO! T-THIS IS-"
"What is not about all of this?" Kiyotaka asked logically. "Your actions also already being recorded by the security camera." He said while pointing the security camera location to the clerk, which look behind in shock that there's indeed one hidden on electrical pole. "Even though only 'trying', you without a doubt assault underage girl. You'll lose your job and be arrest by the security. The reporter will also chase your family for questions." He stated the fact as the clerk can only look in fear of his stupid acts being found out.
To give one final push, he then walk closer to the clerk and touch his right shoulder. "Your lives… Is over." He stated calmly although he later doing something unexpected even to himself. He quickly punch the clerk in the face before he can react and run away, making his head hit the wall, knocking him out as his body crash to the ground. He then looks at Airi and his own acts.
Did what he did really necessary? If this is one of thing that can be consider by Odasaku as good acts, by saving the oppressed or Airi on this particular case?
Even so, he needs to put that aside for a moment. Airi is clearly shocked from the assault and he need to bring her to somewhere safe as quickly as possible. "Can you stand, Sakura? Let me escort you back to your dorm room."
"O-Okay…" Airi, which still in shocked, accept Kiyotaka's help as both of them go toward her dorm room together.
However, as good as Kiyotaka is sensing someone presence due to his harsh training in White Room, of course there's few people that manage to watch all of it unseen even to the White Room Masterpiece.
As Siesta is revealed to watching the entire incident from above the building by sitting and bring a binocular to see it clearly. After making sure that both Kiyotaka and Airi already gone far away, she then sighed. "This is what you aim isn't it, Dazai-san? To think that you allow something like to happen in the first place just to test your theory about Sakura-san and Ayanokouji-san." She said to someone behind him who's revealed to be Dazai who lean himself on the entrance door that already closed while smiling to himself.
"It's necessary. For me, a case is not funny if we stop it before it happens. With this, I can consider that Sakura-chan passed the entrance exam of the Literature Club and become our official members. Not to mention I discover her hidden identity as the famous gravure idol, Shizuku. What a great discovery… If only she want to do double suicide with me~. Not to mention… Ayanokouji-kun. The fact that my dear friend of mine causes conflict on that poker face of him that much is rather… Surprising for me…" Dazai whined to himself. "Thank you for your help in this Siesta-chan. I know that you're here on a mission as well but-"
"It's okay Dazai-san. I consider Fukuzawa-san as my teacher and helping you also benefits me for my mission inside this school." Siesta shook her head, feeling no weight helping Class 1-C homeroom teacher. "But of course Sakura-san didn't want to do double suicide with you."
"Oya~ Maybe you want to do it with me Siesta-chan~" Dazai sing along while ask her.
"No thanks." Siesta quickly denied it as she remembers what Dazai said to Airi few hours ago.
(Few hours before the Store Clerk Incident)
"I-I see. So the others currently not arrive because it's weekend…" Airi uttered as she's alone on the Literature Club with Dazai, whose seen hearing song using headset.
"That's true Sakura-chan! Since it mostly Itachi-kun, Hiyori-chan, and Saki-chan that use this room, they probably want to take a break. Because of it, you can say you'll be bored if you only alone with me~ but if you want to accompany me in double suicide-"
"N-No! T-Thank you Dazai-sensei b-but no!" Airi exclaimed meekly while bit afraid of Dazai ask for suicide attempts. "U-Um… Sorry for bothering you…"
"It's okay. You can go now. However, I have one question. Sakura-chan, why'd you want to join Literature Club in the first place?" Dazai asked seriously.
Airi is silent for a moment before replying. "I-I j-just want to learn to socialize properly that's all. I think… All of the Literature Club members… Are easy to be socializing with… I-I also have interest in taking photo. So I can help in-"
"That's enough Sakura-chan. I see, you really not have any ulterior motive in joining the club." Dazai said with relief. "Okay then. You may return to your room. Remember to gather here next week okay. There's something I only want to reveal specifically to our club member only."
"S-Sorry for disturbing your time, Dazai-sensei." Airi bowed in formality as she leaves the Literature Club room.
After Airi is exiting the room, Dazai then sighed and called someone that's hiding on a wardrobe inside the room. "Siesta-chan. You can come out now."
(Flashback End)
"With this, I think almost all that wants to enter the Literature Club already passed. However, there's one more person remaining." Siesta said in factual tone.
"Ichinose-chan, right?" Dazai quickly guessed what Siesta is meant. "I wonder about that. However, I find out that she seems form a team with Suzune-chan, Itachi-kun twin sister, and your friend. Not to mention seems one of my students will cause such a fuss~"
"Hanabusa-san, right? I pity her for what she's been through but at the same time, she almost become heartless to the point she don't know why she wanted to be the strongest other than self-proclamation. The same also happen to Sakayanagi-san inside my class." Siesta commented. "But… I have feelings Hanabusa-san will be stopped tonight."
"That's not feeling, Siesta-chan." Dazai said with certainty. "Hanabusa-chan will be beaten tonight, I can be certain of that."
(Flashback – 5 Years before Canon)
"You want… What?" Mr. Hanabusa can't believe what she just heard from her daughter own mouth. The situation is currently at the hospital as another assailant aim for Sumireko's life. Like usual, the sole heiress of the Hanabusa Family Clique is safe but this time, her limb is in a sorry but recoverable state.
"I want to cut off these limbs of mine tou-sama. They are good for nothing on my personal quest of becoming the strongest queen. I realized that you have enough connection to do so. Please ask him for help if you must." Sumireko said her wish nonchalantly without any regards of losing her limbs. "If I want to beat the masterpiece of the White Room, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji and get my title as the strongest queen, I'll discard every my weakness, even though it will hurts my body to do so. Besides, with this useless limbs out of the way… I can use my Special Ability better than normal."
(Flashback End)
"It's time." Sumireko said to herself as she wearing a simple dress which is one of her favorite, a pink plaid dress with a collared white shirt under it. There is a black ribbon on tied under the collar. She also wears a white vest over it. She wears it with long black socks and white shoes. "I think this will do just fine. Now then, I must ask Kushida-san for one final favor. Good thing that I planted small tracker on the back of her blazer so she can't run away no matter where she goes. If I did it, I'll lure him to the open and beat him and it will also help Sakayanagi-san on fulfilling her goal." She said as she exiting her dorm room.
Unknown to her however, Minori is peek out her head slightly from her own dorm room to see that Sumireko already walk away from her dorm room toward the lift. "Itachi-san, it's like you predicted. Hanabusa-san already going down the lift." She informed him. "Did I must follow her and send the information via written Morse code like before?" She asked. Thanks to Itachi, Minori is now not too depressed unlike the time when ANHS true nature is revealed. Her hidden skill was later revealed to be able to use sound of birds as a Morse code to create a hidden conversation. She used this methods to communicate in secrets to Itachi and Ryuuen considering Sumireko's situation.
Inside Masumi's dorm room, Itachi alongside Ryuuen, Mio, and Masumi already prepared to face her. All of them are wearing ANHS sport outfit.
"Thank you so much Minori. You can back to your room now to avoid her attention." Itachi thanked his classmate as he hangs up the call before look at Ryuuen. "Any guess where she'll go Kakeru?"
"Judging from her personality, I bet she'll search for Kushida to finish what she was started." Ryuuen predict Sumireko based on her cold-reading. However, he truly admits that Minori hidden skills were very useful in a situation like this.
"If that so, we need to stop her before she go to my dorm room." Mio persuade.
"I think not, Mio." Masumi shook her head in disagreement. "We still lack evidence of her trying to assault someone from Suzune's class. Remember that we can actually ask the Discipline Committee for their help. So I think if we at least capture her, we can ask for her punishment from them." She suggested.
"That's too fighter style for me. Lucky though that I have precaution. I already talk with Manabe through the phone to contact the Discipline Committee tomorrow. Apparently, she has good relationship with one of the senpai inside." Ryuuen said with a smile.
"I see." Itachi said. "Then, we'll wait for a moment here and get out if anything happens."
Honami is the one that rarely comes out at night. Her night is usually spent on her dorm room, when she learn the material of the subjects or chatting with her close friends; Mako, Chihiro, Kanzaki, Arata, or Yume from the phone.
But tonight, she just wants for a moment to enjoy the breeze of the warm night of the summer. She also has something on her mind. Honami's dorm room number is 340.
Despite her class was have good results with the mid-term exam, she start to think that her class sometimes to relied on her alone when there's Kanzaki that can give good advice as well. She must do something quick as class that completely relies on one leader alone can't hope to compete with others. Not to mention she start to think that Hoshinomiya sometimes too kind as a homeroom teacher.
'Judging from what the results of the Mid-term Exam, Itachi-kun surely will target our class to rise as Class 1-B. Not to mention why'd Arata-kun warn me that I shall be careful when talking with Hoshinomiya-sensei?' Honami ponders before shook her head. 'For now, I think I must make some way to make my friends act better because if they too relied on me-' Her thought is not finished as she see Sumireko press a lift to go down. 'That's Hanabusa-san from Mio-chan class. What's she doing?' She wondered as her phone on her pocket start vibrating. She then picks it up and it was a message from Dazai.
[Good evening Ichinose-chan! Sorry for disturbing my potential of doing double sui-Uhum. Anyway, I need you to come to my dorm room~ There's something I want to tell you. Bye bye~] – Dazai the suicidal teacher; Saturday, 07.00 p.m.
Honami is a bit cringe seeing the message. "Dazai-sensei… I wonder why he said something like this like it was everyday… However, what's he planning to tell me exactly?" She wondered as she goes to her dorm room first to change her clothes to casual one, not even suspicious of what is going to happen forward.
On his dorm room, Dazai is smiled after he sends the message.
"Now then, all pieces already in place." Dazai ponders to himself as he glances to the window. "I wonder what'll you decision will be if you saw it, Ichinose-chan. I'll enjoy tonight battle to its fullest."
It takes not long before Sumireko arrive on the corridor where Hiyori, Mio, and Kamuro dorm room are. She then smirks to herself. 'So you're inside Ibuki-san room. Meaning that I must take care more people who discover this. I'm relief that I take the time when the student council, security and the discipline committee at their lowest guarding rate.' She thought as she stopped by the leader of Class 1-D, as Suzune stand firmly facing her, wearing ANHS sport outfit. "Ara, what business you have with me Horikita-san?" She asked in polite tone, although she can predict the reason Suzune was here in the first place.
"To think that you can act like nothing happen… After you blackmail my classmate with something vile like that… Something must be wrong with you, Hanabusa-san." Suzune said with anger clear on her tone. "As much as I hate to do this, I will ask… For what reason you blackmailing Kushida-san in such a horrid manner? Who's the person that you targeting from my class?" She demanded, which earn laugh from Sumireko. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing really. It only you truly a fool for defending two-faced like her. As for my reason to blackmail her, I need to ensure Kushida-san never betray me in any kind. Hence why I do it in the first place. However, because of Kushida-san seemingly spat her own mouth this dawn; it's hard for me to say… Her parents will die tonight." Sumireko said with sinister smirk.
Suzune then smiled confidently. "I wonder what happens if Akutagawa-senpai hear about this. He'll not let go of something like this that easily." She stated.
"Too bad to tell you. However, I make a precaution to make sure to make my move at the time when they don't move too much. Rather than pointless babbling, how about I give you one hour Horikita-san. If you manage to beat me in that one hour." Sumireko then open her casual, revealing ANHS sport outfit underneath of it. "I'll halt my judgment on Kushida-san parents."
Suzune have cold sweat on her face. So in the end, negotiation is pointless after all and if what Atsushi describe of Sumireko was true, there's no way she can beat her. Nevertheless, she must try since Atsushi is the best defense to protect both Kushida and Kei from this crazed woman despite she assured herself Lucy Special Ability makes them impossible to find. "If that so, get ready." Suzune stated as she take one of Aikido defensive stance, Migi Hanmi where she place her right foot forward on the same way as her head, with her left foot pointing to the side and her right also forward.
"Aikido I see. As expected of Horikita-kaichou younger sister. However, to beat me you need more than that." Sumireko stated as she adopts no stance at all, the same as Ryuuen did before suddenly move forward in such speed that Suzune is shocked by it.
'What!?' Suzune thought in shock as she manage to deflect Sumireko's left hand straight punch to the side before counter by trying to do one of Aikido finishing move at her, shinohage (four-direction throw). As she tries to make the move by grab Sumireko's left arm, she retaliates by head-butt Suzune's chin.
"Guh!" Suzune gasp in pain by the hit as Sumireko quickly do another movement by kneeing her stomach, making Suzune gasp for air as she later staggers backward by holding her stomach in pain with her left hand. 'W-What kind of p-punch is that? S-She… Probably even stronger t-than K-Kouenji-kun…' She gathers her thought as her body is visibly shivering from immense pain.
"For me, this is not even a warm-up Horikita-san. I not expect Horikita-kaichou younger sister to be this weak, or maybe… Horikita-kaichou is weak as well?" Sumireko taunted.
Suzune then glared at her with anger hearing her older brother mock as weak. She then manages to stand up as she recovers from the pain. "I truly not care at all about it at first. However, you mock nii-san… Make this battle personal now." She declared.
Sumireko smiled hearing the challenge. "If that so, let's proves it with your own strength rather than words. However, I think this place is not a fit for our ultimate showdown. Not when it seems, three more person will join the party." She said which confuse Suzune since she not tells Itachi and Ryuuen she plan to confront Sumireko alone for negotiation.
"Suzune/Horikita!" Both Mio and Masumi called as they approach her.
"You two…" Suzune recognize both of their presence
"Why you didn't tell us? I can tell that you suffer a blow now." Masumi said.
"I'm sorry Kamuro-san. I thought that I can negotiate with her despite I also want to give her some of my mind for blackmailing my classmate in such a way." Suzune apologized. "Speaking of it, where's Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun?"
"Both of them suddenly called by Dazai-sensei. I don't know what reason though." Mio answered as she glares to Sumireko. "So Hanabusa, care to tell me what is your doing that make our class almost being antagonize by Class 1-D if you not careful? In fact, I truly don't believe you're threatening someone's life in the first place!" She demanded.
"It something that you, who pathetically wailing like a little baby three years ago, won't understand. I now going to face the strongest and for that I need Kushida-san assistance. Since you're my dear classmate I'll give you chance to move away from here." Sumireko said, mocking Mio in front of Suzune and Masumi.
"For a fellow that train martial arts you surely have no honor mocking someone sore spot that she wish to hide." Masumi reprimands her.
"It's not mocking at all Kamuro-san. I just state the fact." Sumireko merely replied as she remembers something. "Come to think of it, I remember you visit my ninth birthday party alongside your father. You surely look different."
"I also remember you clearly now after seeing your face. Before this happen, you said we shall change places right?" Masumi asked which earn a nod from Sumireko. "If that so, why don't we do it on the unused building close toward here? It said it was under construction so we free to go all out."
"Kamuro-san! You don't mean-"
"I see. So you aimed for beating me in four against one. Not to mention, it seems you're a Special Ability user like me, Kamuro-san." Sumireko hummed before smile with challenge to Masumi. "Fine then. From what I see, you're the strongest among the four that wish to challenge me. As a respect, I'll halt Kushida-san parent demise to one more hour." She stated as she jump to the railing of the corridor. "I'll wait patiently then till' all of you arrive. Suzune Horikita, Mio Ibuki, Masumi Kamuro and… Honami Ichinose." She then jump below, disappearing from the scene.
"Wait!" Mio immediately look below to find Sumireko is using her finger cable to halt her fall as she later walk calmly to the place of showdown. "So what Kushida said was the truth…" She then turns toward Masumi. "Why'd you said something like that? We're not in a match here! If her Special Ability is an offensive one… We're screwed!?" She protested at Masumi's decision.
"I know about that. However, think if we're fighting here. With someone of her caliber, this corridor won't be spared from collateral damage. Not to mention if she decide to using her Special Ability. If that happens, don't you think she can easily blame us for the property damage? We can be suspend or worse… Expelled. That's why by let her choose the place for battle. But before that… Why'd you hiding on the side of the corridor, Ichinose." Masumi revealed when Honami emerge from it not long after.
"W-What's happening recently? I-I see Hanabusa-san punch Horikita-san without any restraint… A-And she manages to find my location that easily… And what's this Special Ability means?" Honami stammered as this is her first time seeing act of violence that is not a tournament or training.
"As much as we want you to not join this whole fiasco… Seems Hanabusa-san also already have her eyes on you." Suzune grit her teeth in frustration due to her recent beating from Sumireko which will probably happen if Mio and Masumi didn't arrive on time. "However… Why'd you on here in the first place?"
"O-Oh that! Y-You see… Dazai-sensei messages me to come to his dorm room to talk about something important. I quickly thought it maybe concern my class subjects from him so I quickly go down and the rest…" Honami explained which earn confusion from Mio.
"Wait a minute. If that so, Itachi and Ryuuen also called by him just a moment ago with the same reasoning. I understand if both of them are called because they are the class representative but… Why'd he called the leader of another class?" Mio asked her suspicion of Dazai's message.
Masumi put her right hand on her chin. "Could it be… No. It can't be right…" She uttered the most unexpected scene possible. 'Did he… Predict this?'
"It is possible… Dazai-sensei already predicts all of this before it even happens? That's your conclusion Kamuro-san?" Suzune also voiced her suspicion.
"B-But how is it possible… For someone to predict an event before it happen in the first place…" Honami stuttered in awe and fear. Did her mind also realize Dazai basically using pure deduction that this event will be happened in the first place? 'If this is true… Why he doesn't lend a hand? Why not quickly tell the members of the Discipline Committee or Student Council?'
"So that means… Ever since Day 1, he watches us thus knowing the potential of troublesome students." Mio concluded. 'This is absurd. Not even Itachi able to do something like this!' She thought in amazement of her suicidal homeroom teacher.
"But the question is… Why us four? I know that Atsushi-kun unable to go out from Mio-san room since he guarding Karuizawa-san and Kushida-san but… Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun can probably assist us on stopping Hanabusa-san rampage. What'd us four can do against someone that seemingly born for battle and not to mention have a Special Ability?" Suzune wondered, remembering Sumireko word that she sensing Masumi, Mio, and Honami without even seeing them.
"For now, let waste no time here. Kushida's parent is on the line." Masumi quickly dismissed the question as she start to go to the elevator while others quickly follows her. "Ichinose, since you're not in my dorm room yesterday. I'll explain about Special Ability in detail. I hope you heard it clearly."
"All right." Honami nod in agreement as Masumi beginning her explanation.
"You realizing it already!?" Itachi heightened his voice toward Dazai as he and Ryuuen already inside his dorm room where Dazai talk the truth why'd he called both of them here.
"I did. However Itachi-kun, I want to ask one question. If facing against someone prideful with their own abilities, what strategy that will create the best outcome according to you? The answer is… Use their pride against them." Dazai simply replied.
"So you want to say that Suzune, Kamuro, Mio, and Ichinose can take Hanabusa down? I know they're skilled but even for someone like me who thrilled in violence… They'll be outclassed by her. More if we count her Special Ability which is still unknown." Ryuuen stated.
'Although I'm not sure about Masumi since she seems has an ace up her sleeve.' Itachi thought remembering her confidence. However, he still can't get a gist of Dazai's intention of using his adopted sister and his friends for this. "If you trust the four of them because they can do martial arts is fine for me Dazai-sensei. However, you don't see-"
"That Sumireko Hanabusa was a partly-cybernetics since she was eleven years old? Itachi-kun, I maybe act dumb and all however one thing is certain is that I'll learn about those that under me or in other words… All of Class 1-C and the Literature Club and nurture them to the best of my abilities." Dazai stated with firm tone, which earn shock from Itachi and Ryuuen since he already know about Sumireko's nature as a cyborg. "Itachi-kun. Based on my observation ever since your battle against Ryuuen-kun for the leader of Class 1-C, Hanabusa-chan already has interest in both you and Ryuuen-kun. And she actually plan to challenge both of you first before go against a certain student from Suzune-chan class." He revealed.
"This X… Who is he exactly? How can you be so sure if Hanabusa try to smack both of us?" Ryuuen wondered with amusement. He'll baffled if Dazai said he predict it with mere deduction alone. "Also… It seems you're aware of Kushida's situation."
"I did." Dazai replied immediately. "However, we don't have to worry about that anymore since Atsushi-kun already has the situation under control for that. Now for your question… Sorry, I won't tell you who this person that you dubbed as X. All that he wants is just three years without disturbance. I only warn that if he ever disturbed… You can expect this school will dance on the palm of his hand." He warned with grave tone. "That's why Hanabusa-chan must be stopped tonight and it will be by those four… No one else."
"I see… If that so, we decide will not pry on this matter any further." Itachi said. "However Dazai-sensei, please let both of us help them. This situation happens because our fault of not watch over Sumireko intensively." He pleaded, which earn sighs from Dazai.
"I think you misunderstood me Itachi-kun. I never say that both of you can't help. I just want to tell you that if you're the one that jump to stop her, it will only satisfy her pleasure." Dazai explained. "Instead, what scenario you think will happen if Hanabusa-chan gets beaten up by four normal girls that never experience something terrible that involve life and death like her?" He asked which makes Itachi eyes widen in realization.
"I see. You want to shot her pride as well to give her a middle finger. Ku ku ku, I must said I'm interested Dazai-sensei. Seems you can be cruel as well in your own way." Ryuuen chuckled, getting the gist of Dazai's plan. "Itachi. We can trust Dazai-sensei on this one. Kushida and Karuizawa already save on Nakajima's hand. Also, I'm quite interested in those four growths. From the annual friendly meeting of our generation of Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament, I noticed something peculiar. Seems the four of them… Have the potential to make a great team together." He stated.
"Kakeru…" Itachi don't expect that Ryuuen back then see the same thing as he did. "That maybe some exaggeration. In truth… It was only one-time team when they train with me before we attend ANHS." He explained.
"However, they manage to beat you isn't it?" Dazai asked the obvious thing.
"They did. In fact, I'm surprised that all of them manage to make strategy to corner me in such a short time." Itachi said with fondness, remembering that day. "Although Suzune is practically new, I can see that she deserve to stand on equal ground with Mio, Honami, and Masumi after just two years of training. However Dazai-sensei, this is not training. Sumireko will not hesitate to give them a beating unlike any training. Not to mention that three of them not having Special Ability."
"If that so, seems you lack trust on them." Dazai simply stated. "Itachi-kun, I know that you're worried about Ichinose-chan, Mio-chan, and Suzune-chan due to their lack of experience and Special Ability compare to Kamuro-chan and Hanabusa-chan. However, too much worry will do more harm than good." He advised. "Both of you can go where the battle take place now. However, don't assist them unless the situation becomes peril. My plan to crush Hanabusa-chan pride… Will be due by the situation on Kushida-chan house."
On Kushida parent house, one BMW car which black in color suddenly appeared close on the scene. Inside of the car, five males appear on a business suit and seemingly hiding a pistol on their clothes.
One of them, a middle aged man around his 40s then called from his phone. "Good night Hanabusa-sama, we already arrive at the coordinate you just sent."
"Good work as always Hiruma-san. Wait for my signal to begin the assault." Sumireko said in satisfied tone as she stands in front of the building that still in construction inside ANHS. "I have some appetizer that needs to be put on their place for a while. Wait for an hour." She said as she hangs up the phone call.
On Atsushi's side, she alongside Kei and Kushida were hiding inside a special dimension which creates by Lucy Special Ability, Anne of Abyssal Red. It allows her to transport anything that she desire to a special dimension called Anne's Room.
"And… That's what happened." Atsushi said in grim tone before turn to Kushida. "Kushida-chan… I-I'm sorry for telling you this…"
"I… See…" Kushida swallowed the reality of the situation calmly as she already calmed down thanks to her sleep. She's still on the bed which also being transported to Anne's Room. "So… Horikita-san and the others… They're fighting for my sake…"
"H-How cruel…" It was the first time Kei hearing all of this and she not feels well at all. This is the first time she heard someone said about killing in such nonchalant way. "Kushida-san…"
"If that's the case, I don't want to just hide in here being protected like some fucking damsel in distress." Kushida said. "Atsushi-kun. I want to go where Horikita-san and others gone to. I want to see it with my own eyes… That she'll be buried six feet under."
"W-Wait a second Kushida-san! Don't you not hear what Atsushi-kun just said?" Kei immediately protested.
"I heard it, Karuizawa-san. That's why… The last thing I want to see is her broken face right in front of me!" Kushida exclaimed, anger clearly evident from her tone. "Atsushi-kun! Please!"
"I like that attitude." Lucy agreed with Kushida. "Why don't we allow her Atsushi?"
"I will do that… If you put aside that thought." Atsushi stated. "Like it or not, Hanabusa-san is still Itachi-kun classmate. I won't appreciate it if you want to watch it for the sake of your pleasure." He stated firmly. "Trust me. If you feel pleasure seeing her beat up, you'll only pity her."
"But she threatened my parents! Shouldn't I feel pleasure from-" Kushida tried to argue before being cut off by Atsushi. Seems despite her honest wish, she till keep that persona inside of her.
"When someone can't find their true purpose in life… They'll resort to anything to make their existence have meaning." Atsushi suddenly said. "Isn't that right, Kushida-chan?"
Lucy face turn melancholic hearing that statement, considers she's on the same shoes as Kushida in the past but not for empty acknowledgement.
Kushida flinched, before growled. "I hate you for this… Playing mental games with me…"
"It's not a mental game. It's reality. The fact is, when someone who lack purpose in life meet another with the same circumstances, they have the probability to understand one another even though they can't accept each other philosophy. That's what I experience with my partner back in Yokohama." He revealed. "My partner… He even more deranged than Hanabusa-san. For simple reason to gain a person acknowledgement… He kill with no remorse even to the point of saying someone without purpose has no right to breathe." He recall with grim tone about Akutagawa causing Kushida to flinch again. "However in the end, he finally realizes that that's not what his mentor seeks from him and slowly changed now. In the end, I can't help but force to understand his circumstances as well. The point is Kushida-chan, you now find out that in the end, you only want someone to acknowledge you for real you. Don't you afraid that if you find out Hanabusa-san real intentions of doing all of this, you'll feel pity for her?" He asked.
"Ugh…" Kushida grunted, realizing the truth behind Atsushi's words as after Suzune revealed a bit of her past, she sympathize with her in her own way. "Okay… But take me there…"
Atsushi nod, before turn to Kei. "What about you Karuizawa-chan? Did you want to stay here with Lucy-chan or-"
"I'll follow as well." Kei quickly replied. "As I said, I want no part about this fiasco of Hanabusa-san or whatever it is. However, if I'm alone in here then…"
"I see." Atsushi nod as he stand up while giving Kushida help to stand as she still not feel very well thanks to Sumireko's beating.
"But Atsushi-kun. After this whole incident is over… I-I have something important that I must said to you. Just the two of us." Kei look at him pleadingly. "Just tell me when you can. It's very important."
For Atsushi however, it was not a nod of confirmation that he does, but he widens his eyes in shock after seeing Kei's eyes. It brings uneasy feelings for him as it was something that's really familiar to him.
Kei eyes… Look just like him two years ago.
On the unused building under construction, Sumireko is stretching her body as she sensing their arrival. "Good job for arriving quickly. I'm almost boring waiting to the point I plan to do what I must done to Kushida-san parent immediately." She said without looking toward Honami, Mio, Suzune, and Masumi with a smirk.
Suzune grit her teeth in anger hearing it. "Y-You monster…"
"I wonder if that mouth of yours is equal with your boasting." Mio stated as her gaze turn murderous in anger and cracking her fist. "Thanks for remind me of that day. I'll make sure to bury you six feet under also for what you did."
"That's enough both of you." Masumi said with firm tone as she stands in front of Suzune, Mio, and Honami who look frightened hearing Sumireko speaking. "We agree to start now. Then I guess you won't hold back anymore."
Sumireko widen her eyes for a bit before smirking and turn around to look at four of them. "Someone seems learn my secret or two." She stated with formal tone. "If that's what you wish. Let me show you… My true strength." She said as she tensing the muscle around her body before lessening the tension in quick act, ripping apart the upper part of her clothing as it revealed her cybernetic parts, which is consist of both of her hands that seems have cable that connect to her shoulders and her breasts also protected by metallic parts. The scene make everyone sans Masumi are horrified. "Now then. I think we shall-"
"Wait!" Masumi look in shock that Honami suddenly walk forward till she stands side by side with Masumi. "Please Hanabusa-san. Did we really must do this pointless battle?" She asked since she's still blind to the situation at hand.
"Sadly that can't be done Ichinose-san. You heard the situation already am I right? If you not beat me in an hour, Kushida-san parent will meet their end tonight." Sumireko restated her threat once again. "I can't let someone that know about this body of mine and try to interfering my plan walk freely after all. After I done with four of you, I'll go immediately to Nakajima-san, Karuizawa-san, Itachi-san, and Ryuuen-san to silence them as well. After all, both Ryuuen-san and Itachi-san can be a great warm up for me before I'll go against him."
"If you think you can beat Itachi that easily, you must be more delusional than I think. Not to mention… I rather disappointed that all of your boasting come from the shortcut of sacrificing your own organic limbs for an artificial one." Masumi said in disappointment before look toward Honami. "Ichinose. She can't be reasoned with. Don't try-"
"Why? Why'd you do something like this? Is this it? Violence is the way of talking?" Honami still decided to ask since violence is truly not her nature. "What reason you have that you blackmail someone with something so evil like that?" She demanded.
"Khu khu khu." Sumireko giggling hearing it. "It seems there's a naiveté among the four of you. If that so, let me humor the four of you a bit." She stated as her face turn nostalgic, like she remembering something in her past. "Tell me… According to all of you, what is the term of survivor?"
"I remember that Atsushi-kun mention that during his fight to stall you. That you respect him as a survivor or a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died." Suzune answered.
"That's correct Suzune-san. It seems for not being a survivor yourself, you know it well." Sumireko said with amusement. "Tell me, are you familiar with Hanabusa Family? To tell you… I'm the sole heiress of my family large company." She revealed but of course none of them are shock because her family name is quite prestigious in Japan. "If you… The sole heiress of one of the largest family in Japan being revealed to the public… What'd you think will happen?"
Mio is the first one that realized what Sumireko is talking about. "Don't tell me, that-"
"Correct. Since my family exists since the late 1800s which is for more than 200 years, we have many enemies. They targeting me is the most logical thing to do because if I died, then its game over for my family. The fact is, ever since I was two years old, I was subjected to various kind of assassination." Sumireko said with nostalgic tone, remembering her first assassination attempt that come from her own maid when she was asleep.
"H-How horrible…" Honami gasp as she close her mouth with her hand in shock.
Mio tensed as she already watch Itachi's past. The situation is almost the same as Itachi describe.
Suzune widen her eyes in shock. She never expected that Sumireko being targeted when she still a toddler.
Masumi just silent as she want to hear her story in full.
"Knife throwing, point-blank gun, poison, suffocation, explosive devices, hit by a transportation, arrow, booby-trap… Countless assassination methods always come after me time by time… To be honest, I even not count how much my family enemies try to kill me. However, one thing is certain though. For all that assassination attempts… I always survived. I don't know why I always able to survive any of that but… One thing is certain. I'm survivor. I can fight and stand on my own two feet. I manage to endure all sorts of agony. And thus… That make me unbeatable for I'm overcome every crisis that befalls me." Sumireko finished her explanation. "However… You can say that my current business with him from Suzune-san class… Is rather personal. Since my mood suddenly turns good, I'll change the rules of the game. Beat me with no time limit, and Kushida-san parent will be spared." She declared.
Masumi sighed hearing it before look at her firmly. "I see. Now I understand. What you've been through is truly not something that children should hear and see. For that, I truly sympathize with you as you're right; I alongside the others in here never face something like you did. However… You seems eating your own lies."
Sumireko gaze hardened at that.
"You think yourself is strong but in truth you're insecure of your own weakness that making your parent worried about you. So insecure that you decided to replace your limbs and parts of your body into cybernetics. Although your parents probably allow you to do so… I don't think they'll be proud of what you become now." Masumi finished her pity for Sumireko.
"Sadly Kamuro-san unlike you who have a father that love you, my family is just the mean of the end for me. Also, I think this talk already take too long. Now, where should I start?" Sumireko wondered as she tense her body with no guard at all, prompting Masumi, Honami, Mio, and Suzune to do the same. Suddenly, she dashed with speed and quickly goes toward Honami, shocking her. "I think I'll go with you first, Ichinose-san!" She declared as she ready a straightforward punch toward Honami, who is to shock to block it.
"Honami!" Mio charged as she kick Sumireko's right arm that try to punch Honami with chapa giratoria, which consists of stepping forward or diagonally while turning her torso. At the same time she raises her back leg up, unleashing it at the apex of the turn in a straight path. The force is strong enough to kick Sumireko's right hand to the side. "Suzune! Now!"
Suzune quickly nod as she try to punch Sumireko's side but she smirk and jump to the air. She then shoots all of her sharp cables on her hands, coiling it around Suzune and Mio tightly.
'What the!' Mio thought in surprise.
'A metallic sharp cable from her fingertips!?' Suzune thought as her body later being lift by the sheer strength of Sumireko before being thrown at Mio's body, making loud hit.
"AAAH!" Both of them scream in pain as they body hit and crash to the ground. The sharp cable quickly retracts back to Sumireko's fingertips.
"That's two down. Two more remaining." Sumireko said with pride of the results. 'Mio-san style is really my counter who focused on strength. Glad that I take her down quickly.' She analyzed before turn her attention toward Honami and Masumi. "Now Ichinose-san… Did you want to go next or rather Kamuro-san want to with the same move you did three years ago?"
"Y-You know about the tournament?" Honami asked.
"Of course. It was nationally broadcasted after all. From my calculations… As for I'm right now I think I can beat all of you that participate… At least back then of course." Sumireko stated with confidence as she walk toward Honami.
Still shocked for a moment, Honami steeled herself as she dash toward Sumireko then do straightforward fore fist which Sumireko dodge in the same manner as Masumi three years ago. Knowing she's behind her, Honami quickly turn backward, slightly jump which alarm Sumireko.
'Don't tell me-' Sumireko try to block with her hands but too late as Honami do jump spin kick that hit Sumireko's stomach directly, making her grit her teeth in pain as she thrown to the air. Before her body can hit the entrance door however, Sumireko shoot her fingertips cables to another wall before rectract it back as her body latch to the wall where it pierces. "I must say that's unexpected clean hit. You perform better than Mio-san and Suzune-san." She genuinely praises Honami.
"Please just stop all of this. Who's this person you actually seek? We don't need violence to solve this." Honami once again pleaded to Sumireko to cease all of this.
Sumireko this time not reply, but instead jump from her spider-like perch on the wall toward Honami and deliver a hard straight kick using her right leg directly toward Honami's stomach. The force of the kick thrown Honami backward, making her rolling on the ground before stop when her body hit the wall.
"Ahak!" Honami gasp and cough saliva and bit of blood due to the force of the attack. 'I-It hurts… T-That was no an ordinary kick…' She gathers her thought as she tries to sit up and found herself gasping for air and panting in pain.
"Ara. You still conscious? But that attack is enough to take you out of the battle for a while. Now then." Sumireko then turn to Masumi who look firmly toward her. "Let's finish this boring game… With the strongest appetizer among all of you." She stated.
However, being called an appetizer makes Masumi smiled. "It seems you overestimate your own abilities. If you truly watch the tournament back then, you must be known what my battle style is."
"Fu fu fu, of course I know. Among all of the female participants, you skill to strike vital point of the opponent is the thing even I must be watch out for. However, now what can you be possible targeting? There's nothing on this world that can easily punch through my cybernetic parts." Sumireko boasted as she spread her arms. "However, I know that you have another ace in the hole besides your battle style."
"We'll see then." Masumi stated as she adopt her stance and instead of moving from her spot, she seems stay on the defensive. Without any word, Sumireko shoot the metallic cable from her right fingers, intent to coil it around Masumi's body and thrown her to the wall. However, she manages to avoid to the side before the cable catches her body, and in knife hand motion, manage to cut the cable with ease.
'She cut off my metallic cables with bare hands!' Sumireko thought in shock as she quickly retracts the remaining of it that of course lack it sharp edges back to her right fingers. But at the same time, Masumi appears in front of her, making her widen her eye in disbelief. 'Don't tell me -' Her thought is not finished yet as she protect her chest from one of Masumi's vital point attack using her left arm. Using the momentum, she kicks the purple-haired girl body using front kick of Taekwondo as she distance herself. Masumi on the other hand manage to stabilize herself so she not thrown backward further. "So… That's your Special Ability… It seems… Yours allow you to pinpoint the weak point of something then strike at that precise weak point to gain critical hit… That explain why you able to cut through my metallic cables with ease…"
"If so, what of it? I don't want to hear it from someone that use shortcut to become stronger." Masumi asked as she run toward Sumireko who still in disbelief. She tries to strike Sumireko's vital point on the solar plexus but she manages to stop the attack by holding Masumi's right hand fist with her hand. The purple-haired girl however just jump, making Sumireko lose her grip on her right hand as she doing spinning kick toward Sumireko's face, making her crash to the concrete floor, making her out cold for a moment. Masumi then quickly run to Honami in worry.
"Can you stand up?" Masumi asked she help Honami to stand up.
"T-This is reminding me of three years ago… Y-You also… Carry me like this…" Honami said in low tone as she slowly manage to recover from Sumireko's attack. "S-Still… I-I can't believe it… You manage to defeat her…"
"We talk about that later. Right now, we must wake up Suzune and Mio while Hanabusa is still out cold." Masumi said as she looks toward Suzune and Mio, who currently unconscious due to the sudden body hit.
On the other place, more precisely on Kushida parent house location, the assault team that sent by Sumireko which consists of four people that lead by Hiruma are sitting on their car that was park on straight line close to the house.
"I wonder why Hanabusa-sama still hasn't give out the order yet?" One of them asked Hiruma. "Take too long and we'll catch as suspicious."
"I also not know. She said that we must wait here for an hour yet 30 minutes is passed already. However, I agree with you concern." Hiruma informed to his subordinate. "Maybe I'll try to call her." However, before he can pick up his phone, his eyes widen seeing a young man with a hat and business suit is exiting one of the empty houses on the area based on his brief investigation of the place. However, what makes Hiruma worried is the thing on his hand. "GET OUT OF THE CAR!" He ordered his subordinates as the young man is revealed to be throwing a grenade to their car, which explodes upon impact.
All four of them manage to get out while the car is completely burned by the fire that cause by the explosion. 'W-Who's that person!?' He thought as the young man walk closer to them.
"Tch. And here I hope that lame grenade throw will kill you instantly." The young man which is revealed to be the same one that arrives on this area yesterday said in plain tone. "To think I only dealt with four weaklings. That mackerel… I'll surely kill him when he returns from that stupid elite school. Just to protect a civilian parent… He sends me of all people…" He said in disappointed tone.
"Who are you?" Hiruma demanded as he brings out his knife.
"No need to worry. As I'm bored, it'll end quickly." The young man said in a matter of fact tone. "I won't kill any of you. However, prepare to lose a limb or two."
Back to the unused building, Masumi and Honami manage to awake Mio and Suzune. Luckily, all they feel is just dizziness and not injury like the one Honami did feel. However, the strawberry-blond haired girl already healed enough to stand on her own right now.
"I can't believe that you really defeat her Kamuro-san." Suzune said while looking at Sumireko's unconscious form that still not move at all.
"Sorry that we're out cold and can't help. I still can't believe it that she literally a cyborg." Mio apologized.
"Since Hanabusa-san is still unconscious, I think I'll try to persuade Horikita-senpai to bring this case to determine Hanabusa-san punishment." Honami suggested. "I'm not fully recovered yet and-"
"That won't work." Masumi said as she keeps looking on Sumireko. "How long you pretend to be knocked out?" She asked which surprises the other three as Sumireko slowly stands up from her position. When she stands up to look at them, it was revealed that the right side of her temple is bleeding and her right eye is close due to swollen close to it.
Despite the injuries, Sumireko still manage to smile. "I must say I misjudge you Kamuro-san. To think that you're the first person inside this so-called elite school that makes me bleed like this and even knock me out for a moment. Your Special Ability really deadly. However, I can promise you that won't work again for a second time." She said with warning tone.
Honami can't hide her shock as she shivering a little from fear. 'H-How! I can see that her head hit hard to the concrete floor!?'
'She still can stand? Whoever turns her into cyborg, it's not a mere transplantation. Her physical ability also being augmented.' Masumi analyzed despite she also not believe Sumireko not feel anything at all.
"You truly persistent." Mio taunted as she taking a stance already.
."I must say… You truly amazing, Kamuro-san." Sumireko give her honest praise to Masumi. "However, I think the warm-up ends now." She stated as she walk forward and both of her hands suddenly showing sparks of electricity… Only to suddenly appears in front of Masumi at unexpected speed and try to slam her right fist to the purple-haired girl stomach.
'H-How!?' Suzune clearly shocked by the sudden speed.
'She just stand there a few seconds ago!?' Mio also thought in shock before grimly thought. 'The world surely vast… To think a monster like her exist inside a school!?'
'An expected move!' Masumi thought as she manages to block Sumireko's straightforward punch using the palm of her left hand before grip it. "Too straightforward move for a punch don't you agree?" She decides to taunt her a bit. "With only this, how delusional you think that you can defeat Kouenji and Itachi?"
"Wrong. It's you that battle too clean." Sumireko stated with a smirk as she shots her left fingers metallic cables that quickly coiled around Masumi's body but with the shard edge pierce her body.
"Ugh!" Masumi yelped in pain as she feels the sharp edge pierce her flesh. 'So it was just a distraction!'
"That's what I said you're too naïve. Now, I'll-" Sumireko unable to finish her talk as Mio rush toward her once again and attack with another Capoeira movement, armada pulada (aerial reverse roundhouse kick) which she execute by turning to the left or right. Once the head, neck and shoulders rotate towards the front, she jumps during the release of the armada making it a spinning aerial kick. The kick hit Sumireko's face directly, making her thrown to right by the force of the kick.
'Good attack Mio! From what I see, Sumireko is easily distracted by someone weaker than her. This can work to our advantage.' Masumi thought in relief as she tried to free herself from the metallic cables that coiled on the parts of her body.
As for Sumireko, she had no choice but to cut her left fingers metallic cables before doing an acrobatic backflip jump to stabilize herself. "It's rude to interrupt Ibuki-san." She said to Mio with dangerously low tone.
"When this is solo battle when we wait our turn to kick your ass! It's 4 against 1!" Mio said as she rushed toward Sumireko. 'In secret… I manage to create quick rushing technique in order for me to be able to prevail against Itachi if we ever met on the ring. To think I'll use it against this robot girl of all people! The drawback is I'll tire completely due to the movements of muscles and all… But it still worth of a try!' She thought. "Prepare yourself!"
'Here she comes!' Sumireko this time prepare herself as Mio jump slightly to the air and doing another armada pulada (aerial reverse roundhouse kick) that aimed for her head but she manage to avoid to the side but much to her amazement, Mio then spin her body mid-air to do another kick but once again Sumireko manage to block it with her right hand. The momentum of the strike however makes the cyber-girl unable to protect her stomach, which Mio quickly slammed her right fist to it after she land on the floor.
"Ugh!" Sumireko gasp for air as she feels the punch. 'Tch. She manages to catch me off-guard. Even if still not manage to use it… Ibuki-san is more agile than Kamuro-san! I think not even I can match her in agility!' She thought as she holds Mio's hair then slammed her head with her own.
"Gaah!" Mio cried in pain. Her temple is seen slightly swollen by the sudden unorthodox attack. 'D-Damn it! She still manages to counter even when I punch her Solar Plexus! D-Did that part was protected!? And what's… That sensation I feel…'
"Impressive. To think that you can manage to corner me using speed alone." Sumireko said as she roundhouse kick Mio with an electricity-imbued attack. The force of kick thrown her backward till' her body hitting the wall behind, creating a loud noise.
"Aah!" She screamed in pain as her body hits the wall and crash to the ground.
"Mio-san!" Suzune said in concern as she approaches her. "Are you-"
"Wh-What's that *Hah* exactly?" Mio panting as she can feel her muscle twitching thanks to the previous attack. "Is that *Hah*… Your Special Ability?" She asked as she struggling to stand up.
Slightly widen her eyes at the question, Sumireko then smiled. "I can see that it seems Kamuro-san told the four of you about Special Ability existence. If that so, there's no need to hide it anymore." She said as she moving her right arm which emitting sparks of electricity. "My Special Ability makes my body a conductor to perform static electricity. In simple terms, I can produce electricity with a mere movement of my body."
Honami widen her eyes in shock. 'D-Does that mean… She's practically untouchable? What k-kind of monster we're up against?' She thought fearfully.
'I see. It's pretty disadvantage situation for us.' Suzune tried to be as calm as possible to swallow information she just got. 'If what she claim was true… No matter how much electricity she can produce, she need to move her body first to emit it. However, when she kick Mio-san moment before, I don't see any movement before the kick. ' She then realize something as she look at Sumireko's metallic limbs. However, at the same time someone makes her move.
As Masumi appears behind her, preparing the same technique she used against Honami three years ago. She doing quick jabs on her neck, chest, right arm, stomach, and left leg, making Sumireko grunted in pain as she stumbled backward. 'Ugh. My lungs…' She thought in grimace. "Tch." She then sent a hard punch that slam directly toward Masumi if she not protecting her chest with both of her arm. The punch emitting lots of electricity and let out the sound of a roaring thunder as it hit Masumi, the sheer force thrown her backward till her body hit the wall.
"Gaah!" Masumi grunted in pain as she can feel the strike of the electricity caused by Sumireko's Special Ability. 'Ggh! Even when I manage to jump myself a little from the punch…. The electric shock still manages to hit me!' She thought grimly as she tries to stand up.
"Why you!?" Mio once again rush toward Sumireko who let her guard down due to not have any electrical sparks on her body and manage to kick her face from the left side after slightly jump. The force cause Sumireko to thrown to the right and hit the sacks of cement on the floor. She quickly rush toward Masumi, who manage to sit up. "Masumi! Are you all right?" She asked, worried.
"I'm fine. Before her punch hit me… I manage to jump just in a nick of time her fist hit me… Although the shock still gets me a little." Masumi said, making Mio relieved as she manage to stand up. "You grow stronger, Mio. The old you will probably lose." She compliment her.
"Thanks. The same goes for you. Let's spar together someday." Mio thanked with a grin. "However, with this I think I get a gist of her Special Ability weakness. It seems that she only able to emitting it consciously."
"It seems you've gotten the same idea as mine." Masumi admitted.
Suzune and Honami can only watch with amazement how Mio and Masumi able to at least toe on toe with Sumireko despite of her Special Ability. For Suzune especially, she able to analyze what's truly happened. 'I see. Kamuro-san using Mio-san and Hanabusa-san being off-guard as a distraction. That's why Hanabusa-san punch that imbued by electricity didn't injure her that much since Kamuro-san was able to hit some joint on her organic parts. Even those two never work together before… It was not bad at all.' She thought while smiled. 'It seems… I still have some way to go.'
Honami was also perplexed by what she saw. 'Mio-chan and Masumi-chan able to go toe and toe with her yet I… I was paralyzed in fear…' She thought grimly while clench her hand into fist. 'Why… Why I can't be like those two?'
"D-Damn You… *Hah*… *Hah*…" Sumireko said as she manages to stand up but rather wobbly. It seems because of her hit the sacks of cement, the crash damaging some parts of her cybernetic legs. Her breathing also become heavy due to Masumi manages to hit the muscle close to her lung.
"Persistent. Even though you took shortcut to become stronger, I can respect your indomitable will." Masumi said in respect. "Even so, I can see that some parts of your right leg are damaged. I suggest that we end this now and you shall null your attempt on Kushida's parents. After that, like it or not you must go to the discipline committee to be punished. Even with your Special Ability, you're outmatched for now. Just surrender."
"Khu… Khu… *Hah* Khu… That's *Hah* rich." Sumireko then look toward Masumi with a grin. "You really think this mere swollen with no blood will stop me? *Hah* Like I explained before, I face much worse *Hah* than this." She then manages to stand upright despite clearly panting in pain. "I won't let four of you *Hah* that never experience the same thing stop my quest *Hah* to become the strongest queen." She declared before one sentence from Suzune stunned her.
"It seems what Atsushi-kun said was right. If you then become the strongest queen or so you claimed, what then? A life that a mere self-satisfaction for yourself?" Suzune asked.
"That can be think of later. What's important now *Hah* is whether or not I manage to crush that… Masterpiece by my own hands." Sumireko argued. "A mere normal-"
"Believe it or not, I understand a bit about you." Mio suddenly said. "I know a person that like you but more worse… Someone that doesn't know where to go because his point of view is that world is only full of lies…" She said about Kisame unintentionally thanks to her knowledge of Itachi's past. "However… I know it's not too late for you. I maybe act of an impulse about what I promise and for what you did to Kushida which I actually not care too much… But in the class, even if it just for cover your true nature currently, I can see that you truly enjoy your time interact with us inside Class 1-C. If you truly see non-survivor as unworthy… Then why you not mock Itachi when he did Dogeza in front of class during that time? Based on your personality… I can't say it just to keep you being unnoticed."
Sumireko look visibly stunned by Mio's words. "… Shut up, Mio-san." She said with a little growl since her deepest feelings are revealed.
"Did I hit the mark then? I know that the other part of you not want any of this. I promise if you stand down… I try to persuade Itachi and Ryuuen to lessen your punishment." Mio persuade her.
"Heh… That's all you want to say?" Sumireko asked with a smirk. "However… I admit one thing. The time when I spent the time on Class 1-C… It really intoxicated me. I… Who promised to myself to live in solitude… Was enjoying the time I have in Class 1-C. Was it because of all of you? Itachi-san? Ryuuen-san? Dazai-sensei? I don't know. However, despite that… I'll still remember what I'll do in here. To defeat that so-called masterpiece and prove… That survivors who born from natural cause are stronger than those that built by a mere controlled environment!" She stated as suddenly she open her mouth and something is shot out from it.
'What's happen-' Mio unable to process as it race toward her at blinding speed…
Only for Suzune to push her aside at the last second as something that's revealed to be a needle stab her right shoulder. "Ugh!" She grunted as she quickly pulls out the needle.
"Suzune!" Mio said in concern.
'How'd she able to do that?' Honami thought as she only able to look at Suzune who clutch her right shoulder. 'D-Don't tell me… She modified almost every part of her body!'
"Tch. I was hoping to aim for Mio-san so she doesn't hear what'll going on after this." Sumireko said in disappointment.
"Grrgh… That needle… It's not just a normal needle…" Suzune grit her teeth as she feels her eyelids becoming heavy. "It has sedative… Quality…" She then brings out her own compass; stab it to her own right arm to keep her consciousness via pain.
"Even if you do that, that sedative needle will at least knock you out for the next 12 hours. I was truly enjoying this warm up except for Ichinose-san and you, Suzune-san. Both of you are a disappointment. With the fact of that plus … I'll not hold it anymore." Sumireko said as she smiled. "It's been 45 minutes but… Kushida-san parents will die now." She then brings out her phone.
'Oh no!' Masumi quickly rush toward Sumireko to take the phone but she jump to the air and land on the wall, using her finger pads to crawl on the wall like a spider. 'It seems… She really takes care of her modifications. From what I manage to decipher, she somehow manage to modify a needle shooter inside her mouth to attack Suzune. However.' She then glanced that Sumireko's right and left leg emitting small electricity. 'Her legs are almost at its limit. I can be certain it's not because of her Special Ability. So her decision right now… Was completely reasonable. Although not looks like it, my back still in pain from the previous crash.'
"Wait for a moment Kamuro-san. We'll have our battle again once I finish with this small matter." Sumireko stated as at the time she jump, she already pressed the call button. It was revealed that the phone that she use was her personal phone not the one that commonly used in ANHS. 'I was able to use my old phone because I saved enough private points for this. Although it costs most of my private points…' She thought before put the phone on her right ear. She was expecting Hiruma that will take the call, but…
[Oh? This is the boss of the losers?] A young man voice asked.
Sumireko eyes visibly widen. This is not the voice of Hiruma's underlings. "Who're you?" She demanded.
On the garden that was close to Kushida parent house, the same young man with hat is seen stomp his right foot on Hiruma's unconscious head. It was revealed that four of Hiruma's subordinates also defeated unconscious as well. All of them suffer heavy injuries. "I just some passerby that tasked of protecting someone parent. Bring stronger subordinate if you want." He threatened as he hangs up the call, which doing from Hiruma's phone, before crush it with bare hands. "Tch. In the end just a kid with boasting? For a clan that stands for 200 years or more, they really such a fool." He scoffed before pick up his own phone to call a certain person.
On his own room inside ANHS, Dazai is like waiting for something as he picks up the call. "Hello Chuuya~ to think that you call mean-"
[SILENCE YOU DAMN MACKAREL!? To think you ask me to take care of stupid nonsense like this! I'll kill you when you return to Yokohama!?] The young man, which name is revealed to be Chuuya replied the call in anger.
"Heeh~ But you're close in proximity and at least have fun right? After all~ I know how your job is not too tight for something like this." Dazai replied in comical happiness.
[Tch. You brain really know no limits, huh? Very well then, like you said all of them are taken care of. This means that you happy that your dear student from that shitty school is happy?] Chuuya asked.
"Of course I'm happy~ After all, why I not happy if I lie to you about anything?~" Dazai joked.
[Why y-] Chuuya unable to finish his ranting as Dazai quickly hangs up the call.
"With this, Hanabusa-chan doesn't have any more cards that she can use. Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun probably still on the way. As for Atsushi-kun situation, I don't think he'll arrive in time as well. Chuuya really defeated them in quick time… As I expected from my partner." Dazai smiled with the results. "I hope that Shiho-chan manage to persuade the discipline committee."
"I see. Thank you very much, Class 1-C Shiho Manabe." Akutagawa said as he hangs up the call from Shiho about Sumireko. He currently on the discipline committee room alongside Ayato. "Who's the one responsible for not allowing this problematic student information from reaching me?" He asked.
"It must be the stupid board directors but of course Sakayanagi-san probably not knows about this. Manabu probably also can't do nothing but obey. I mean, a cyborg on ANHS with Special Ability will create quite chaos." Ayato replied. "Tch. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if this school really picks up Japanese best if the one that enters are some psychopath."
"I see. In that case, both of us will go there. We'll reach the place in no less than 10 minutes or so." Akutagawa stated firmly as he stands up from his seat. "I'll make sure… This Sumireko Hanabusa knows that not even her family influence will save her from the discipline committee."
Sumireko narrowed her eyes in anger. 'All of them… Defeated? How's that possible? Hiruma-san is one of the best combatants among my servants. Who's that young man voice? Did he was the one responsible. In any case, seems I have no more cards to play.' She then descended down to the floor as she stands up firmly. 'There must be another mole inside this school that knows about this plan of mine. Who's the one that responsible will be look for-' Sumireko unable to finish her thought as Masumi use the timing to kick her solar plexus with a straight toe kick from her right leg, throwing her harshly to the wall.
"Ahak!" Sumireko gasp as she coughs blood and falls to the ground.
"It's not wise to let your guard down. After all, you're the one who propose this battle. It's better if we finish this." Masumi stated after the attack.
"Damn… You…" Sumireko grunted in pain as she struggles to stands up as her robotic leg damage finally got to her. "To think… I was humiliated… By a bunch of normal girls… Who never feel…"
Ignoring Sumireko's ranting, Masumi then look toward Mio, Suzune who manage to stay awake, and Honami. "You three. Maybe you probably know but… We can guess from her expression that Kushida parents assassination manage to be prevented."
Suzune and Honami smiled hearing it. At least, that horrid act was managed to be prevented.
"Then that means… We only need to defeat her then." Mio said as she stepped forward, already recover enough from her shock. After all, this is their best chance since Sumireko is on no position to use her Special Ability. "Masumi, please back me up again. Despite her strength, she seems have a hard time keep up with my speed. With your dexterity to aim for vital points, I'll help her distracted while-"
"That can't be done anymore Mio." Masumi said while shook her head. "My back already injured from the previous crash. Not to mention the other previous attack on both of my arm. I cannot move freely as previously. I also only have enough strength for one more attack. For that." She then looks at Suzune and Honami. "The four of us must work together for now… To bring her down. I'll lead the three of you with my Special Ability." She stated.
Masumi Kamuro Special Ability is called Untethered Soul. It allows her to see the flow of inner energy within any living beings and anything that connects to them. From this flow, she can perceive some certain weak spots that she dubs as padlock. Combined with her deadly Dim-Mak martial arts, this Special Ability make her able to attack the said padlock, gaining great damage when it hit with precise force. It only drawbacks are prolonged use take a heavy toll on her eyesight.
"Four of us… Together?" Honami still bit afraid even after hearing Masumi's suggestion.
"I agree. I think what we must do… Is somehow disabling the function of her cybernetic limbs." Suzune suggest with cold sweat around her face as she feel her eyelids becoming heavier. The effect of the sedative starting to take control over her body. "I… Also have ace on my sleeve but… With my current condition…"
"Khu khu khu. Look at how pathetic the four of you." Sumireko now glared at them with anger due to some strangers foiled her plan. "No matter what kind of strategy you have… Do you really think that four of you who only normal little girls can best me who survived everything!?" She said as she run toward the four of them, determined to end this nonsense and immediately go to her next stage of plan.
"Seems we have no choice." Mio said as she was the first one to rush toward Sumireko. However, instead of doing any Capoeira or Aikido movements, she do a handgrip struggle with Sumireko as they hand meet each other. A struggle is happen as one try to overpower the other. "Kgh!" Mio grunted as she lost in the contest of strength against Sumireko.
"To think you try to fight me in contest of grip like this. You truly are a fool Mio-san." Sumireko stated as she begin to overpower Mio, making one of her feet kneeing on the floor.
"Ugh… Maybe that's right. However, I buy enough time. Do it!" Mio suddenly shouted as Masumi is on Sumireko's right side.
"Kamuro-san!" Sumireko look in surprise as she released her grip struggle on Mio before kicking her away to avoid Masumi's attack but it's too close. Mio on the other hand manage to stabilize herself on the floor as the kick is not that hard.
'From what I analyze before, seems all of her vital parts were protected from the inside by her cybernetic enhancements. Despite that however, there is still vital part that unprotected because it must not be protected at all!' Masumi thought as she jab Sumireko's on the precise position where her lungs is located. 'That's your lungs!'
"U-Uhuk!" Sumireko spat saliva and bit of blood due to the sudden precise strike to her lungs as she feels her head start to become dizzy. 'T-This is different from before! It's like… This strike is like a precise hit… To my vitals…' She thought as she kicks Masumi in the face with electricity-imbued, send her thrown backward. "I… Have enough!" She yelled with all her strength as she suddenly point her index and middle left fingers toward Masumi after doing rapid circular motion, shooting streams of electricity at her.
'I have no time to defend myself!' Masumi thought in panic as the electric streams race toward her, only for Honami to suddenly stands between her and take the full brunt of the electric streams.
"AAAAAAAH!?" She screaming in pain as she can feel the great shock around her body. However, thanks to Sumireko already weakened, her Special Ability not giving Honami's body any burn damage.
"Get out of the way!" Sumireko screamed as the electric streams finally stopped.
"Honami!" She shouted as she finally manages to balance herself in time.
"Ugh… Please enough of this!" Using all of her remaining strength while ignoring the pain, Honami suddenly dash toward Sumireko and hold her by the waist. "Suzune-chan! Do it now!"
Sumireko widen her eyes and look behind her as Suzune hold a metallic pipe from the construction items that packed up inside. "Y-You!"
'I apologize for using this instead of bokken… Saigiku-shisho. However, this is must be done to bring this heartless person down!' Suzune toughen her conviction while swinging the metallic pipe down as it hits Sumireko's head hard, causing her eyes to roll over as she start to lose consciousness for real this time, however she manage to make one last move by kicking Suzune if she not protect herself with the metal pipe, which slightly bend because of the strength of the kick.
"I… Won't… Lose…" Sumireko wobbly walk as she manages to keep her body from falling as she roared. "I WON'T LOSE TO A BUNCH OF PITIFUL NON-SURVIVORS LIKE ALL OF YOU!" She said purely by her will as she struggles to get her consciousness in hand. Imbuing her right punch with electricity, she then try to punch Honami who still holding her waist in a hug firmly.
"Then." Mio then jump toward her, doing the same failed move that she did to Kouenji three years ago, armada pulada (aerial reverse roundhouse kick) but aimed at the same spot where Suzune strike Sumireko head, this time manage to knock her out completely after her face hits the floor hardly and Honami jump backward after releasing her hug in time. "Why don't you GET DOWN ALREADY!" She said, finally ending the battle.
'I-Impossible…' Was Sumireko last thought before her consciousness left her.
Masumi slightly smiled seeing the result. 'Ichinose, to think you tank Hanabusa attack for me and to give Suzune a chance to attack… I can't say anything but thank you.' She thought as she quickly rushes to the strawberry-blond hair girl who slump to her knees thanks to taking the full brunt of Sumireko's move. "That attack really makes some damage on her…" She murmured, seeing how Honami's arms slightly redden for hugging Sumireko that without a doubt continuously using her Special Ability on her to get herself free.
"We… Did it…" Honami said in relief smile despite her injuries. Her head then slump forward as she feels very tired from it.
For someone normal, they must be panicked, but Masumi smiled knowing Honami is just asleep with the sound of soft snore from her lips. "You really do a good job. Thank you for protecting me."
On the other side, Suzune start to feel really sleepy as the sedative effect really kicks in despite her numerous attempts by stabbing her compass to her own body. 'D-Damn it… I-I can't…'
"Let me help you." Suzune widen her eyes as Mio help her to stand up by wrap Suzune right arm over her back.
Suzune smiled, remembering a particular when they are still against each other. "This scene… Makes me remember… Old days…" She reminisced as her eyelids getting heavier.
"You can rest now, Suzune." Mio said before look at her with a grin. "After all, it's the victory for us. We beat a lite version of Electro. Her plan or whatever it is finally crumbled. Let just leave it to Itachi, Dazai-sensei and the others."
"Victory? Huh… Maybe… It…" Suzune unable to continue as she falls asleep completely due to the sedative needle.
Mio smiled at Suzune sleeping form before look at Sumireko body. 'Yeah. Even though once again I not win by my own… I win against someone stronger than me… By working together… Itachi… I wonder what your opinion… If you look at this…' She thought. 'Forget it. Knowing how much you worried about Sasuke back then… Maybe you will worry so much about me.' She thought with a smile as she walk slowly while support Suzune body to Masumi who leaned herself along with sleeping Honami on the wall. "You still awake?" She asked Masumi who look at Sumireko fallen form.
"My injuries and yours after all are less compare to Ichinose and Suzune. However, for few days I can't use my Special Ability since my eye can't take anymore use after the last move." Masumi replied before smiled. "You know what, never once I thought to fight together with the three of you like this again. Seems… The tournament three years ago… And the bell test that Itachi did back then… Really bring us together in a strange way." She said with a smile. "Despite we're friends… We still have different class that aim to be the best inside this school… Yet, when we work together to bring someone like this down… I feel very nice."
"That's what Fudou said about friends. Sometimes… Friendship can happen not in normal ways. Also, screw about that Class-A propaganda or something… Do you think class competition and some arrogant individuals will stop us from being friends?" Mio replied with a smile as well as she put Suzune's body beside Honami's sleeping form.
"Of course not." Masumi lightly laughed. "Knowing you, you probably will kick someone ass who disturbs our friendship wildly." She decided to joke.
"I never thought you can make a joke." Mio plainly commented.
"I never once said that I can't make one." Masumi replied curtly before smiling toward Mio. "Thank you, Mio Ibuki. For want to become friend with me."
"I shall return that to you. It's not like I don't enjoy Shiho, Rika, and Akito company but… I'm glad that I have a girl with the same hobby as mine becoming my friends." Mio return the gratitude with her own.
"Seems someone arrives." Masumi said to Mio as she saw the door to the unused construction site is opened and Itachi and Ryuuen appears from it. They're the first among the three groups that go to the location to arrive on the scene. "You're late Itachi."
"It seems I was." Itachi replied in honest and apologetic tone before looking at downed Sumireko. 'Those four… They manage to bring her down!?' He thought in disbelief. Is this why Dazai trust them in the first place? But that matter will be leave for later. For now, he decided to ask Mio. "Are you all right Mio?"
"I'm fine." Mio grin at him. "My first victory in a real battle. I feel happier than ever."
Itachi slightly smiled hearing it. 'I see. So this is what Dazai-sensei means by trust Mio capabilities. I'm truly proud Mio. You won your first real battle against someone that probably stronger than me for now.' He thought in happiness for his adoptive sister and her gangs' victory. "I'm glad then. However, we need to bring Honami, Suzune, and Sumireko to the infirmary. Both of you also must go there."
"Huh. Fine then." Masumi closed her eyes and smiled.
"Ku ku ku. I see that I see back then was not wrong. You four truly have potential." Ryuuen laughed seeing the result of the battle before look toward Mio. "You know what; you truly earn my respect Ibuki. I hope we can spar so I can crush you." He said in challenging tone.
"Oi, I still exhausted here." Mio complained before grin toward him. "However… I gladly accept it. How about this year martial arts tournament inside ANHS?"
"Fine then. Get ready to be crushed." Ryuuen said with challenging tone. "But for now, let's bring those two and this robot bitch so we can heal her and ask the discipline committee to held a trial… As much as I want her to be expelled… The decision is on Class 1-D hands."
For now, the Sumireko's rampage is finally over… Thanks to effort of four girls that never become a survivors but just a normal life.
However… No one knows that this four girls will play an important part in the future… When there is even more powerful person appears on the scene… In due time.
Author Notes
And at last…. The thing that I want to write the most on V2, which is the clash between Sumireko against the four girls are finally over! I'm sorry though for the grammar and lack of description. I really study Sumireko Hanabusa character from her own Anime, Akuma no Riddle to make this battle fit with her personality.
And who already guess that Chuuya of all people appears!? He will play a big part on the immediate future so get prepared.
The next chapter will cover the aftermath of this scene, which covers trial of Sumireko and will she be staying on ANHS or be expelled. How will it go? Will Sumireko apologize to Kushida?
See you in the next update.