/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters also belongs to their respective owners.

Volume I

Re-match Between Man

On the next day, more precisely in Class 1-D.

As Suzune expected, Sae just teaching them without any care of her students. From what she observe, they are those that hearing the learning, like Sudou who finally start his best to do so, while there are those that didn't even hear it such as Ike who's read Manga online, Yamauchi who playing video games, and some girls from Karuizawa's gang that playing their smartphone without any care. Also, some of the boys also do something like Ike and Yamauchi did. As usual, Kouenji just without any care put his foot on the table as he mirror himself.

And all of this fiasco needs to end… Today.

After Sae finish her learning hour and leaves the classroom, Suzune immediately stand up from her seat and goes to the podium along with Hirata, which catch their attention. As both of them reach the podium, Hirata begin to speak. "All of you. I want attention for a moment. It's a very important announcement about our class. Yesterday, Horikita-san found out something very important. I want all of you to please hear of it." He tries his best to persuade the entire class. However as expected, one of them disobey it.

"I'll pass. I will have a date with senpai today so adieau~." Kouenji said rather arrogantly as he stand up from his seat and goes toward the door, try to exit the class when Atsushi quickly jump from his seat, landing on the desk of a girl named Kayano Onodera to use as another jumping platform before jump again passing Kouenji and land precisely in front of the door. He then immediately stands up and look toward Kouenji with a glare. This however, earns shock from the class, since they never expected this.

Suzune stared in disbelief. 'What agility! I've never seen someone move like this since Kamuro-san and Itachi-kun. Atsushi-kun, what kind of martial arts that you learned!?'

'Is this the same Atsushi-kun?' Hirata, Akito and Kushida shares the same thought.

'N-No way…' Kei thought while a bit afraid seeing it. From what she sees, Atsushi is a typical kind guy. She never expects him to be this athletic.

'What the!? Nakajima really this strong!?' Sudou also baffled by the sudden performance. This is the same student that reprimand his way of talking two days ago. Now he understands where he gets his confidence from.

'He really got good training in martial arts. His sensei must be really talented.' Kiyotaka also have his own thought about it.

'That dumbass who think he can do anything just because he's from prodigious family won't know what'll get to him if he push Atsushi too far.' Lucy thought with satisfaction, seeing the scene.

"Please back to your seat, Kouenji." Atsushi said with serious tone. "This is much important matter than your personal life." He stated.

"Hoo? I never expect that you have such athletic abilities tiger-boi~. However, I already said it before didn't I? I have some important date with a senpai." Kouenji said like usual.

"More important than the stand of this class for the next three years? I don't know the deal of you but can you at least appreciate Suzune-san explanation for a while and go back to your seat?" Atsushi quickly argued which leaves Kouenji baffled. Suddenly, heavy air emits for a moment before it quickly dissipate as Kouenji sighed and return to his seat.

"You're no fun, tiger-boi~." He simply said as he return to his seat.

Atsushi then sighed as he looks toward Onodera. "Forgive me to using your desk as a jumping platform, Onodera-san." He said in apologetic tone as he slightly bows his head.

Onodera who's still in shock of Atsushi's athletic ability, can only nod. Onodera is a petite girl with short brown hair and yellow gradient-violet eyes. She wears the ANHS female student uniform.

Atsushi then smiled toward her before nod toward Suzune. "Suzune-san, Hirata-kun; you can continue your explanation." He said toward both of them.

"U-Um." Suzune still recovering from her shock before nod and look toward the entire class after clearing her throat first. "Everyone. Up until the half of the second day, I thought the same as the rest of you here. This school is generous enough to give us 100.000 Yen per month and basically like a small city. Even the teacher seems not bother at all by our attitude because all of us probably thought 'We are the chosen one among many students in Japan that can enter ANHS' or 'we are the elite students'. After a certain incident and investigation, I realized… How foolish and dumb we are, to just accepting this school propaganda that easily. Because of that, please hear what I about to say to all of you." She then explained what she finds about the true nature of ANHS toward the rest of them.

After Suzune finished her explanation, there's silence for a moment before someone is stand up from his seat and yelled toward Suzune. "I can't accept your theory!?" A male student named Teruhiko Yukimura said his disagreement. Yukimura is a young man of average height with grey hair, red eyes and round glasses. "If what you say is true, why'd I placed on the supposedly lowest class in term of hierarchy? I'm confident in my written and interview exams! There must be some mistake!" He said his opinion.

"You must be only delusional, Horikita-san!" Yamauchi said in high tone. "We're the most elite student in Japan that manages to attend here!"

'That is your best response? Suzune try tooth and nail to the point gather someone she trust about her theory and when she said it out loud, they just spat her in the face? This Yukimura and Yamauchi bastard really need to learn some lesson.' Lucy thought after witnessing such childish complaint. The longer she stay on this pathetic school only make her list of the person she dislike grows.

"Then that statement also goes to several students as well. Hirata-kun, Kushida-san, Yukimura-kun, Akito-kun, Atsushi-kun, and me. We also in disbelief about our placement but keep grumpy about our placement in Class-D won't change anything. Even it still probability until the truth is revealed, we're called as defective, which mean inside ourselves there's some minus that the school deems us as defective students. Instead of keep wallowing about what I just said, I suggest we start to behave better from now on. No more sleep during learning hour, no more playing smartphone, no more tardiness, and others un-student like behavior. That's all I like to say." Suzune finished her explanation while berating Yukimura as well as she put the speaking person once again to Hirata.

"Minna, after what Horikita-san just said, I hope from tomorrow you behave well in class. Now that what Horikita-san said is over, all of you can return to your daily activities." Hirata concluded the explanation as the rest of Class 1-D return to their daily activities after the homeroom is ended. Kouenji also immediately exiting the classroom as he goes to whatever his destination is.

As she return to pick up her bag, Suzune look toward Atsushi. "Thank you for holding Kouenji-kun inside the class, Atsushi-kun. However, I didn't expect you to be that very athletic." She said in gratitude while also shown her amazement at Atsushi physical ability.

"No need to thank me, Suzune-san. I just don't want you that exhausted enough to try gathering evidence to make this class better is crumbled just because of arrogant person like him. It's just the right thing to do." Atsushi said with a smile. "That person must be doing the same as me, although his way probably different."

"That person?" Suzune said in confusion. "Forgive me Atsushi-kun, it seems I return old wounds from two days ago." She apologized, remembering Chihiro conversation with Atsushi during the Club Fair about his parents.

Atsushi just shook his head. "It's all right, Suzune-san. That wound already healed… Thanks to them."

"Haii~ with this our learning hour is finally ended~. Please don't forget to read the other material from the other teachers okay~" Dazai said, concluding the learning hour of the third day. "Before we closed, I want to ask something about-"

"NOOOO!" The female students of Class 1-C said in unison except for Hiyori who just closed her eyes and smiled. For three days, Dazai keep asking them before beginning and after ending his learning hour about the same thing, making Class 1-C female students somehow agree in unison to denied each time Dazai ask them to do double suicide with him.

"Haa~ too bad then." Dazai just comically sighed as Itachi raise his hand. "Yes Itachi-kun?"

"Dazai-sensei. Three days from now, I alongside the entire class are ready to finish your game. Due to its still far away from deadline, is that allowed?" Itachi asked.

"Of course it's allowed~ because to be truthful, I also don't like keeping this school true nature secret from my lovely students. Fine then, three days from now, I'll wait for the answer all Class 1-C get." Dazai said with a challenging smile. "I expect the answer to be the right one."

"Aa. I promise." Itachi promised.

After the learning hour is ended, both Itachi and Ryuuen go to the teacher desk as Ryuuen pound it, causing a loud noise that catch Class 1-C attention. "Attention to all of you! Listen well to what Itachi and I said you maggots!" He said. "While some of you just fucking enjoy yourself, being drown by the school propaganda, Itachi and I plus some others dare ourselves to investigate this school true nature and because of that… We got some interesting information so I hope all of you listen."

"Thank you, Ryuuen." Itachi thanked him as he begins to speak up. "All of you, before I begin I want to ask first, do you still remember my complaint on the first day about our private points?" Itachi asked.

"I still remember it. After thinking for two days, I realize what you said back then has some truth in it, Itachi-kun." Makoto said to him. "I actually joined Track and Field Club during the Club Fair and remembering Dazai-sensei game, I decided to bravely ask senpai from the club. And it seems, this school has some kind of hierarchy." She explained her finding.

"I see. Then, it will be fast then." Itachi stated as he explained the theory that he gathers with Ryuuen, Mio, Hiyori, and Kaneda last night. After his explanation, several murmurs were heard as the class try to accept the theory. From his perspective, Class 1-C is all quite reasonable and will heed if the theory makes sense. "Before all of you begin to blame each other or yourself, I think this what our merits mean to the school. We've being tested, to see whether we are deem the good student or the opposite. Because of that, I hope to all of you here to start obey everything about the rules." He finished his explanation. "We can all assume that the other class must be on the search of the school true nature as well so in order to be one step ahead of them, I suggest we start to form study group and class hierarchy. Any suggestions?"

Kaneda raise his hand. "For the study group Itachi-shi, I think it's too fast. Why don't we wait for full week have passed so we can pinpoint which the leader of each study group?" He suggested.

"I also have some suggestion Itachi-san." Sumireko speak up. "If what you theorized about the private points is true, then I suggest we control the amount of money we spent each month. Meaning, that a class treasurer is needed." She suggested.

"I agree with you, Sumireko. However, this is too early to point one of ours as secretary since it stills the third day. As for you Kaneda, it seems you're right. We'll begin to form the study group next week. Now for the pressing part, like you see on each corner of our class, there's security camera that seems monitoring our behavior. Because of that, I want all of you to help me, Ryuuen, Ishizaki, and Albert to scout for the numbers of the security cameras inside ANHS. Once you find it, immediately capture it and send it to either me or Ryuuen." Itachi continued before Saki rise her hand. "Yes, Saki?"

"Did Ebisu-sama really give us fortune Itachi-sama? Because from what I see… Seems the security camera is off." Saki said in her usual, chunni tone.

Saki's declaration however leaving Itachi baffled. 'What?' He thought in disbelief. He was pretty certain that the type of security camera inside ANHS designed to turn on for a complete 24 hours monitoring. Why'd turn off and also there are no damage to it? "How long you realized it?" He asked her.

"Um… From the start of Dazai-sensei entering the class… I guess." Saki replied while also not believing her own answer. "There's an indicator lamp like the ones in RPG. I unexpectedly see it turn off… Just after Dazai-sensei entering the class."

'That long? Impossible. That means before Dazai-sensei enters the class, the security camera is on. Don't tell me he's…' Itachi thought a possible scenario if somehow Dazai monitor the class on his own judgment but he found it impossible. There's no way he can do that while he also busy teaching the class and make his lame suicidal jokes. As he try to figure it out, Ryuuen take his turn to speak.

"Who cares if the security cameras are off? At least with this we can momentarily conclude that based on the school opinion, our class is the third rank in term of hierarchy and we'll find a way to prove that wrong. The more important thing is, I want all of you maggots help to scout for the location of the security camera inside this school like Itachi said before. We going to finish Dazai-sensei game quickly no matter what so we can move on with the next step." Ryuuen said.

"Maggots you say?" A male student with average physique with matching short black hair and eyes suddenly stand up from his seat. "I stay silent for the first day because I think it's not worth my time. However, seeing your attitude, I rather prefer that Itachi is the one that become our class leader." He stated. From the class introduction, he's known as Hiroya Tokitou.

"Fu fu fu. Tokitou-san is right. I prefer Itachi-san as well to be our leader. After all, a punk will not be able to lead our class." Sumireko support Tokitou with a clear disgust with Ryuuen.

'What!?' Ryuuen thought in anger while clenching his fists. He already knows that of all the class, these two are the opposition against him. However, they now sounds like try to make most of the class support to oppose him.

"Stop all of you. Tokito, I know from the beginning that you seems despise Ryuuen. However, I must admit that he's the only one that I can trust to lead this class more than I. Moreover, I won't allow this class to split just because of personal opinion. Understand?" Itachi quickly stated.

"I'll accept it if you become our leader Itachi. I see that you're fit for it ever since the first day of the school." Tokito quickly said which earn a denial shook from Itachi.

"I'm not fit to be the leader like you think. I think we shall put this talk to the end." Itachi stated which earn most of the class confusion. However, Mio quickly understand what he meant. "And for the next explanation-"

'It must be about his past. If only they know how much pain he go through yet they said that just because he is likeable by the class!' Mio clench her fist in anger since he knows how much Itachi go through on his previous world. If she can, she really wants to yell to Tokito and says the truth however she doubts that everyone will believe it.

After the learning hour is ended, Like what Ryuuen said yesterday, Ishizaki manage to gathers some of the Class 1-C males, including Kyougo Komiya and Reo Kondou. Komiya is a man of average height with dark blue hair and black eyes while Kondou is a man with short, red hair and yellow eyes.

"That's all Ryuuen-san order us while he, Albert, and Itachi-san look elsewhere." Ishizaki said to the two of them. "Remember, just pinpoint the location and capture it. After that, send the pictures and the location of it to either Itachi-san or Ryuuen-san."

Komiya and Kondou just nod in agreement as both of them and Ishizaki immediately disperse to scout for the security cameras.

Inside the class, most of the other students are leaving. Mio already gathers the class girls like Yabu, Saki, and Makoto to aid the male students to scout for the location of the security cameras. Hiyori however, is staying on the class as she's ready to open a conversation with another girl that seemingly didn't want to join the scouting. Closing the book she currently read and places it on her desk, she then stand up and approach the other girl, who's playing with her phone. "Um… Hello." She greets her first in order to see her reaction.

Knowing she's called, Shiho then look toward Hiyori. "Um… Hello. Shiina-san… Right?"

'She's not shown any of her avoiding behavior. Why?' Hiyori thought in curiosity as she continues the conversation. "No need to be formal Manabe-san, you can call me Hiyori if you want. If I may ask, why didn't you follow the other girls to scout for the security cameras like Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun ordered?" She asked.

"Oh that. Well… I already tell Saki that I need some rest since I'm not feeling well. But you have no need to worry about it." Shiho quickly said to ease Hiyori worries about her. She can't let her know that her true reason of not joining the scout for the security cameras is to avoid any interaction with her old friends. "Speaking of it, Hiyori-chan didn't join the scout as well." She quickly points out.

"Oh. I was given a free time by Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun since Ryuuen-kun said 'Hiyori. You're better to be our class analyzer' or something like that." Hiyori giggles. "But the class situation today turns tense thanks to Tokitou-kun and Hanabusa-san. In your opinion, who's the one that can become a good leader for our class?"

Hearing Hiyori's question, Shiho immediately want to say that Itachi was a better choose than Ryuuen. After all, she knows best how violence took something precious from her. "I don't know. But in my opinion, I-Itachi will be better leader than Ryuuen ever did." She admitted.

"I see." Hiyori commented while get something from the conversation. 'Manabe-san looks like she avoid says Mio or Itachi-kun name. Why?' She thought once again in curiosity. "Um… If you don't mind… Want to accompany me to the bookstore on Keyaki Mall today? I don't have chance to look at it for two days and I think I want to buy some new novels for me to read." Hiyori offered.

Silent for a moment, Shiho then manage a small smile. "…Okay then. Just looking for a book isn't too exhausting for me. I also want to buy some to read in my dorm room." She said, accepting Hiyori's offer.

Inwardly, Hiyori smiled hearing it. Her first plan of walk with just the two of them works well so far. 'Shiho-san… I promise I'll make you and Itachi-kun gets along again.' She determined before replying. "Thank you very much Shiho-san. Then-"

However, it seems someone will make this case solve quickly than expected.

"Good Afternoon!" The door to their class open as Dazai enters it. "Oyaa. Hiyori-chan and Shiho-chan. Quite a rare sight~. I never expected both of you to getting along~" He commented. "Speaking of it, have you seen Itachi-kun everywhere?" He asked.

"Itachi-kun alongside most of the class is scouting, Dazai-sensei. Are you back already fine? Because… You know…" Hiyori said, unable to continue remember the scene when Dazai doing his suicide attempts but maintaining joking manner. Her homeroom teacher attitude also got her curiosity. Why's he treat suicide attempt as some kind of jokes?

"Aah~ Hiyori-chan is so sweet~ Worrying about me~. Of course I fine so no need to worry~." Dazai playfully dismiss his worry. "But speaking of my back, I really need for new bandages. Can Hiyori-chan kindly pick it for me on my desk in the teacher's office?" Dazai asked playfully.

Hiyori nod. "Sure. Wait for a moment Dazai-sensei." Hiyori said as she stands up from her desk. "Sorry Shiho-san. Please accompany Dazai-sensei for a moment while I picking up his bandages okay." She said to Shiho as she exiting the classroom.

"And there she goes~" Dazai said as he look toward Shiho. "So… Shiho-chan. Amuse me with answering my question every day. Will you-"

"If you speak about me want to do double suicide with you sensei, the answer is a complete no." Shiho said with deadpan look on her face.

"Shiho-chan so mean!" Dazai complained. "Makes me remember Kunikida-kun!? Aah~ I wonder how's he doing now? Did he finally manage to settled in? Or perhaps~"

Shiho can't help but sweat-drop at her homeroom teacher antics. Seriously, his acts even make the likes of Ryuuen have a headache. For her, it's only a matter of time before she had enough of it. However, she also has curiosity about Itachi and Hiyori talk about the No Longer Human book. The truth is, during their time together with the others on grade school, he almost seen Itachi bring that book every day. "Um sensei… Forgive me for being rude but, did you the author of No Longer Human that Hiyori-chan and Itachi-kun talking about on the first day?" She asked.

"Oh~ you realized it from their conversation I see." Dazai smiled hearing it. "Yes. I'm the one that write that novel. What of it? You curious?"

"N-No. It just… I wonder why'd Hiyori-chan and Itachi-kun always interest in your book since I never read it before." Shiho admitted, because she thinks Dazai will not realize her guilty feelings against Itachi and Mio and didn't even bother with it.

How wrong she was in that.

Dazai then speak up. "I see. Well, it's okay to be curious about it but it makes me wonder one thing. Shiho-chan, why it seems you avoiding Itachi-kun, Rika-chan, and Mio-chan? I see every day you know. Their longing face to speak with you each time they see you already inside the class. However, each time they try to initiate a conversation; you quickly use excuse to get away from it. Don't you think, you that don't bother to get along inside your own class will be respected?" He asked seriously. "Also don't bother to escape this conversation. Hiyori-chan won't come back for another half an hour. The rest of the class has probability of just ten percent to return and pick up their items. In other words, this will be an eye to eye conversation."

Shiho shocked by Dazai's question. So based from what she got, Dazai goes all of the trouble to initiate a conversation with her? She also not saw any get away from this. "I-I just don't want to talk to them. That's all. I can assure you… Everything is fine…." She said while glance side way, unable to look Dazai in the eye. That's however before Dazai said something that's unexpected from his mouth.

"Shiho Manabe. Daughter of the deceased police officer Yushiro Manabe who died to a grenade throwing by unknown assailant three years ago. I wonder, if the reasons of your behavior to the three of them are-" Dazai blabbers when suddenly, Shiho looks enraged as she grabs Dazai's collar in anger.

"Don't you dare brings up my Papa and Mama! What do you know about it!?" Shiho said in anger, not realizing it was a teacher that she threatens.

"Oh? Shiho-chan is brave with teacher huh? As I expected from a delinquent." Dazai said with a smile. However, different than before, his smile now seems sinister and full of malice of someone that use of seeing violence that much more than a simple brawl.

Like a door being unlocked, Shiho's thought immediately awakened as she sees what she's doing. Immediately, she release Dazai's collar and stuttered as she slumped to her seat. "I-I'm sorry, Dazai-sensei. I just…"

"It's fine." Dazai smiled generously this time. "As for the reason I know about it, the case is quite popular during that time. But my assessment was right about you. Your problem… Is the same as him. Because of that Shiho-chan, let me advice you one thing. It's okay to feel like you betray those three. After all, you can't afford to come to whatever you promise to Itachi-kun, Rika-chan, and Mio-chan."

"W-What do you mean, sensei?" Manabe asked a little bit fear.

"I have a disciple that acts just like you in the past, always blaming himself although now I'm satisfied by his growth. Because of it, I think my advice to him also apply to you as well. Shiho-chan, don't you ever blame yourself, because." Dazai face turns serious. "Blaming yourself will create nothing more than nightmares."

Shiho can only look after Dazai's advice. 'H-He's… Worried about me as his students to create a scenario when I can't escape.' She thought as she already on his palm since he shows up as their homeroom teacher. She then nod as a sign she accept his advice. "W-Why'd you care to give me advice like this?" She hesitantly asked. "I mean-"

"Say Shiho-chan. You know the game that I propose right? If so, tell me what kind of anomaly you find about this school?" Dazai decided to buy time before Hiyori arrives. After all, he had high hopes for this class as the one that can prevent a tragedy happens to this school and more importantly….

If they can, they can help him against a certain person in the immediate future. That's why he can't allow small fracture to ever happen.

On Itachi's side, he currently with Albert and Ryuuen as they scout for the security cameras on the northern part of the school, close to

the entrance door. They then quickly put the data of it.

"As I expected the one in the north not as many as the one in the center." Ryuuen commented as he looks around.

"Aa. Based on Ishizaki and the others, the place with the most many of security cameras are located on the swimming pool, changing room, garden, and Keyaki Mall." Itachi also shared Ishizaki's finding.

"Mio tells me that the southern part of the school also have the lack in numbers of the security cameras." Albert said in English after receiving message from her.

"That means we can do anything that forbid by the rules on a very specific area." Itachi stated. "This school sounds interesting for a moment."

Ryuuen smirk hearing it. "Yeah. Still, I really want to bash those two in the face for what they said on the class." He said in restrained anger.

Seeing how serious Ryuuen words are, Itachi then look at Albert, signaling him to go first. Know the situation, Albert just nod as he walk away.

"Where'd Albert go?" Ryuuen asked as he realizes Albert walks away without any words.

"I ask him to go first to scout for other places where the security cameras is probably hidden." Itachi replied. "Also… I want to talk with you for a bit. After all, it's been a while since we can talk with just two of us and considers we have some influence on the class." He stated.

The two of them searching for a secluded place in the garden. Currently it shows 06.00 p.m. After finding a bench, they later sit down.

Ryuuen immediately open the conversation. "Now then. What do you want to talk about? I doubt you want to speak casually after ask me to following you here." He stated since after become his seatmate for three days, he starting to get a gist of Itachi's personality.

"Ryuuen… Do you still think our class has no chance to stand up unless either of us takes the lead?" Itachi asked.

"Of course. I already said this to Mio so I think you shall know it as well. I already do some observation of our class and I think I must agree by what you said. Our class is just a class of normal human with no outstanding talents except for few. But from what I see, our class is just like a mass of people that will obey a person. A person that's willing to keep them submissive in place. That's why I propose you the way of leading the class two days ago." Ryuuen explained, which make Itachi realized what he meant.

"Don't you see Itachi? Those idiots will never heed you even though you're the one that tells them so because they're too dumb. Violence is the only things that can make humans behave." – Ryuuen to Itachi, Vol. 1 - Investigation

"I see. That's the reason you propose something as heinous as that." Itachi now realized before look toward the sky. "I actually hate any kinds of violence."

"Huh?"

"I have my own witness of violence at the age of four. Two mans: A thief and a victim. The thief kills the victim with a short knife. Thinking that the victim is still alive, I decided to rush and help her. Seeing a witness, the thief then launches toward me with the intent to kill me." Itachi tells him the modified version of his past. Actually, he also tells Mio this if someone ask about him to her.

"That quite messes up. Compare to me…" Ryuuen admitted. His encounter with snakes experience is mild compare to this.

"But I deeply regret for what I did afterward." Itachi said. No matter what, his first kill is really a past that he wants to forget. "I'm caught in panic and during that time, I still haven't learned any martial arts. The thief then tries to strike me with the knife. However, in retaliation, I reflexively deflect his strike and took the knife from his hand… Before I slit his throat open." Itachi said. If this is other people, he will not tell them this horrid part. But he knows that Ryuuen is not blind to violence that leads to even killing. Like they said, one that used to violence can easily understand one another.

"I see. Quite exciting experience you have there." Ryuuen admitted. He know respect him more than ever. Someone who already tastes blood of first kill yet doesn't lose his sanity like he did. The thought of it always make him uneasy. Now he understands why he hates violence in the first place. "Then, what happened?" He asked in curiosity.

"I was placed on the police station and it turns out that the woman is still alive… But in comatose state. Before she passes out, she tells the police to be not too harsh on me because I saved her. In the end, due to me still underage the police spared me plus it was later revealed the thief was a former convict that escape from the prison. It was all by luck truly." Itachi finished his explanation.

Silent for a moment, Ryuuen then chuckling. "Ku Ku Ku. So my hunch back then was right in the box huh? I must say… That's quite an experience for you at the young age to taste your first kill. No wonder back then, your pressure is sickening." He opined before smiled. "However, that's why I think I finally find…. Someone worthy of respect."

"Hn. There's nothing you can respect from me." Itachi quickly deny it.

"You feel pleasure of the violence at such a young age but you never yield by that pressure. Instead, you stand up and start to learn a tool of violence in order not to make other submit… But to protect something important to you. Heh, I already get the gist of it during your final battle with Kouenji." Ryuuen said.

"You watch it?" Itachi didn't expect it.

"Aa. Watch till' the part Suzune seems give you motivational speech. I must say she's quite a beauty for being Manabu Horikita younger sister." Ryuuen said, praising Suzune.

"Uh… You know that she probably angry you call her name so casually?" Itachi asked.

"I have my freedom to call someone names so if she angry or not is up to her. Besides, I think we're not talking about her right now." Ryuuen quickly dismissed it. "The fact that you're pissed off. I sense it during our battle back then. That's why I respect you of never using violence in front of you and you deem friends."

"Ryuuen…" Itachi didn't expect this at all. Ryuuen really respect him that much that all of his words on the podium are nothing more than a mere bluff?

"That words of you back then… After being intimidated by your monstrous killing intent, it stabs me deeper than any knife I see on the street fights. For once in my life… I took another person advice in heart and realize it now. Fearless is probably never exists in this world. The only thing that makes me thinks like that is probably my own confidence and my core that never give up in any situation." Ryuuen honestly said. "However at the same time… I wonder if what I'm doing is the right thing. I try my best to make up to your advice and I agree… It's like something leaves me. I'm able to act more cautious than I was before. But at the same time… It leaves something hollow inside of me."

"Hollow?" Itachi confused of what he meant before manage to guess it. "I see. In turn of trying to accept my advice… I minimize your love for violence huh?" He asked. 'Truly like Kisame, although he respects all of my decision.' He thought. So this is the problem Ryuuen have that make him from Itachi's point of view still need one more thing to change to be better. "Why'd you thrill in violence so much?" He decides to ask.

Ryuuen huffed. "Huh. My place to grow up surely not a nice one. Itachi, ever heard of Suribachi District on Yokohama?" He asked.

"I've heard of it. It's said a place where poor people gather on that city. However, I didn't expect you to be from there." Itachi said in surprise. "I also not Mio's biological brother. I was adopted by the kindness of her parent… Since I was a baby."

Ryuuen silent for a moment before replying. "I see. As for me, Suribachi really like that. Lawless area where jungle law really take its rule. There's no mercy in there. If you not strong, you can't survive. Heck, the only thing you can see in there is human true nature." He explained.

'So that's why. Because from his environment.' Itachi thought while after knowing this, he probably on the wrong a bit when advising him. 'Still… I'm glad that he takes my advice to heart.'

"I taste myself how violent the district when I was three years old. Dirt, stench, plead for mercy, people who look at us but doesn't give a damn about us. Everyday activities in there are like slowly killing you from the inside." Ryuuen stated with hidden hatred in his tone. He really despises the lives on that district. "However, that makes me realize one thing after my father manages to get a job and free us from that district. My father manages to make our lives better by never give up using the way of Suribachi molds him to be. With that, it makes him able to climbs up to upper society and manages to change our family lives. Then, I find out my motto in lives: Even though I lost more than my opponent was, the winner in the end will be the strongest that can endure anything."

"Quite a good motto in life." Itachi compliments it. "After hearing this, I feel bad for get rid of what drives you forward till' now. I'm apo-" He said before Ryuuen cut him off.

"Ku Ku Ku. No need for that. Now I realize the flaw of an old me, just a sword that don't have a sheath." Ryuuen admitted with a smirk before his expression turn serious. "However, with the existence of problematic students like Tokito and Hanabusa who seemingly dislike me, I'm afraid I don't have other choice. If those two threaten our class to reach the conclusion of this school strange system-"

"Ryuuen. I already said this to Suzune before but I think you shall hear it as well. I know what you're feeling right now: If I use violence, without a doubt that the class will heel to me. That will create chaos because who can make sure your tactics will always success? The hardest part when a person tries to change is their old mindset trying to take over their mind again. You're still in the process of it. Don't let that old mindset rule over you once again." Itachi cut him off. "However if talk about Class 1-C leader, what I said back then was not a lie. You can take the spot if you want… However, let me support you along the way not as classmate, but as friend."

Silent for a moment, Ryuuen then chuckling before laughing. "Ku Ku Ku. Ha ha ha ha ha! The way you say that sounds like woman to me! You really are dense!" He said between laughing.

"Is that so?" Itachi asked in confusion.

"I don't accept it. Not with this talk. It became very clear now that our class split in two: approving between you and me as their leader. Even if you say that to me, Tokito will surely find another way to oppose me. The long term scenario is that he will unite most of our classmate to bring me down from the throne. I can see it Itachi, he'll be thorn in our class." Ryuuen stated.

"I see. I still not observe him very well so I don't prepare something like that." Itachi admitted. But if what Ryuuen think its true, he must find a way that either satisfy Tokito or rather the hard way that also happen to his time on Ninja Academy if he keeps threaten the class unity.

Expulsion.

But he hopes he won't resort to that. He always believe that people can change to be better and Tokito is not an exception to it.

"Because of that… I think for a plan. Although it probably sounds a bit with violence." Ryuuen then look toward Itachi seriously. "Fight me for the position of the class leader, Itachi." He said, challenging him.

"Fight you?" He asked.

"Like I said before, our class is a mass that will follow the strongest and only two people fit to be the leader of our class. I can't think of any other way to finish this other than this if we don't want to put our classmate into ours. Count this as our re-match and repay my loss back then. Because now, I think I'm confident enough to bring you to heel." Ryuuen said, smirking.

Itachi thought about it for a moment. True that he doesn't want ends up in this way. However, the class like Ryuuen said will have no choice but accepting the leader after this match. "Hn. Even though it sounds like human old way of finishing problems, I can't find any other way. Fine then. I accept your challenge, Kakeru Ryuuen."

"You can call me Kakeru if you want." Ryuuen then stand up from the bench. "Get ready to be crush on our designated area tomorrow, Itachi Ibuki. I hope you won't return crying like Mio back then."

"Same for you. I hope you not shaking in fear like back then." Itachi stated as he stand up from the bench. "Well then-"

"Let's give our best tomorrow." Both of them said as they leave the garden back to their respective room.

For Ryuuen, he found someone that can understand his way of violence and needs to control it so it won't burst out indiscriminately.

As for Itachi, he finally manages to form a bond with someone that he can consider his close friend more than the others in this new world.

"You wanna to fight Ryuuen in a match today?" Mio asked in disbelief. Currently both of them are inside of Itachi's dorm room to prepare for their usual jogging.

"Aa. Both me and Kakeru agree that in order to not causing a fracture in the class, we shall finish this dispute using only this way, which will make our class has no other choice but to yield to the winner as our class leader." Itachi said as he changes his clothes.

"Are you serious Itachi!? Ryuuen… He wants to rule our class using violence you know!? Do you realize how big our stakes are if somehow you're defeated!? You said it yourself, you're not perfect! As for him, he must be have some dirty-" Mio said as Itachi cut her off.

"There's more of Kakeru than a typical delinquent." Itachi quickly cut her off and he turns toward her with determined look. "As the one who help to change him to be better, I can't just let him use his old ways again. You said to me back then, rather than keep wallowing to my past, I shall be grateful that I manage to change some people to be better. I intend to fulfill that word of you that manage to awake me from my old past."

"Itachi…" Mio uttered as she remember that time few months ago. "You're right. I also don't find other way. I support you if you want to become leader of the class but… I can see, Ryuuen is also right to some extent… I don't know who I shall support…"

"I promise you that I win since this also our re-match." Itachi stated before he smiled. "However, I won't let the results of our match determined the leader of the class."

"Huh?"

"Eeh!? Are you serious Ryuuen-kun!? I mean-" Inside his personal room on the teacher's room in the morning, Dazai suddenly being approach by Ryuuen, who seemingly propose him something from the last night conversation.

"I mean it, Dazai-sensei." Ryuuen said with serious tone. "I need your help for today. Any consequences that will befall the class… I'll bear it."

"Oh~ so you don't joke at all. Sorry~ Seems I still sleepy." Dazai said before the tension turn serious as he smiled. "Ryuuen-kun, you know that this will affect the class in a bad view of the games that I utilized to uncover the school nature. Even so, do you still want to go?" He asked.

"Yes." Ryuuen replied.

"Why?" Dazai asked but what he got is the same words that he said to a certain person years ago.

"Because… He's the first people that can understand me. I won't let… Two worms to crush it for their comfort zone." Ryuuen stated.

"It's true that I'm going there will have no benefit for me. However, there's a reason why I must go. That's because he's my friend." – Dazai, Six years ago.

"I see." Dazai said with a genuine smile, seemingly satisfied by Ryuuen reasoning. "Forget about the consequences, I'll help you and Itachi-kun. Because… This is the class that I aim."

Class 1-C currently on the learning hour with Sae as she teaches Japanese History to them. However, there's two students that missing from their seat.

Both Itachi Ibuki and Kakeru Ryuuen didn't arrive on the class. Mio already know about this as she already told by Itachi beforehand, but for the others this cause confusion. Itachi is known to always arrive early while Ryuuen also the same despite his attitude.

However suddenly, the bell ringing when time still not shown the learning hour is ended. Sae then surprisingly get a notification on her phone. See it for a moment, she then look at the class. "Class 1-C is ordered to gather on the school rooftop. From your homeroom teacher. He just said is a specific matter." She said with plain tone.

"Eh?"

"What happen?"

"Itachi-kun…" Hiyori said in worry since she afraid that thanks to Tokito and Sumireko yesterday, Ryuuen snapped. However, she has trust in both of them.

Fudou also have his conclusion that Itachi and Ryuuen plan to finish this the old way. He smiled in anticipation. "You two… Really try to finish this in manly way huh?" He commented.

"I see." Albert understands since Ryuuen also told him and Ishizaki.

Manabe widen her eyes in shock hearing it. On her mind, Ryuuen was a fierce dictator that will rule their class by fear. In fact, seeing him reminds her of that painful day. However, Dazai's advice yesterday remind her that is useless keep wallowing in the past. 'Itachi-kun… This time, I'll truly watch you!'

Not long after Sae exiting their classroom, the current secretary of the student council, Akane Tachibana enters alongside a female upperclassman that seemingly a member of the discipline committee judging by the same cloak as Akutagawa use. She is a beautiful girl who has long green hair that reaches down to her waist and an ahoge which always sticks out on the top of her head. She also has wide golden circular eyes, resembling those of a goldfish.

'Another member of the discipline committee? But compare to Akutagawa-senpai, she seems kind.' Ishizaki thought. 'If only not because of those eyes.'

'The green-haired-senpai, I really can't get any read on her.' Hiyori thought in anticipation. 'Is like trying to read the mind of a goldfish.'

"Good evening, Class 1-C. I was ordered by Dazai-sensei to escort all of you to a specific place. You shall follow me to-" Akane said when the other female cut her off.

"Heee~ so this is Class 1-C~" The green-haired girl tiptoed toward the class center and waved toward all of them. "Hello~ Satori is Satori Tamaba. All of you probably know Satori as one of the discipline committee members. It's nice to know you~" The green-haired girl known as Satori Tamaba said to them. "For now on, Satori is responsible for accompany you to whatever Dazai-sensei has in mind. So… Tachibana-senpai can continue~" Satori said as she tiptoed back to the side of Akane.

Akane sighed. Despite her dislike with how harsh the discipline committee handles things plus their unique quirks, she still has respect for them as thanks to them, a certain second year cannot implement absolute rule on all the upperclassmen. "Like Tamaba-san said before, I'm here on behalf of Dazai-sensei asking for all of the Class 1-C to follow me to a specific place. However, you must leave any electronics in your class since Satori will take care of it." She explained as Satori once again entering the class and goes to the podium.

So far, they still didn't know the reason of Itachi and Ryuuen absence during the learning hour.

But on the other area, another member of the discipline committee doing something as well.

On the classroom of Class 2-A, a commotion is happened as a loud bang is happened.

Miyabi Nagumo, the class representative of Class 2-A and the vice-president of the student council, found himself crash to one of the desk. Bruises are seen on his body plus some scratch on his body. The perpetrator is revealed to be Akutagawa, who come to his strongest stronghold inside the school on his own.

"Now you understand what I'm talking about? You shall control your rats' better, Fake Angel." Akutagawa stated with great pressure seen on his tone. "Not only they cause enough death stench in our year, they have the gall to mock the newbie, making they search for the school true nature almost a mess." He said as he kick Nagumo's left shoulder, making him winced in pain.

"Ggh!"

"It's enough, Akutagawa-san!" One of Nagumo's classmates said.

"Who gives you the permission to talk, rats?" Akutagawa asked in deathly tone, emitting great pressure as he turns his attention toward him. However, a girl stand in front of him with her arm spread.

"I think it's enough, Akutagawa-san. We've learn our lesson now." The speaker is a teenage girl with rough looking, waist-length chocolate-brown hair that is adorned by a hair pin in shape of sunflower on the right side along with two ordinary hair-clips on the same side and purple eyes.

"Asahina huh? You keep saying like that for over a year, yet Fake Angel never realizes his own fault. All of your class did is just follow him blindly, like a dog." Akutagawa mocked. "Why don't you even try to stop him harassing the first years in the first place? They felt disturb because of you rats."

The female student now known as Asahina narrowed her eyes to Akutagawa. "And that gives you permission to beat him up even though he's not the one that do so? You also-"

"I also a tyrant for abusing discipline committee that's what you're going to say? If he manages to control all of you rats better, this act won't be happen on the first place." He simply stated as he look toward beaten up Nagumo. "I expect all of you to write off formal letter 24 hours from now. Also, each of you will be penalized minus 40,000 private points. If you don't write off the letter, I personally see that you will be the first class A in the history of ANHS that experience half of the student expelled." Akutagawa stated as simple as possible before put his hands on his cloak pocket. "My business here is done now. No need to panic about the three rats that I caught yesterday. Suzune Horikita spared them and I'm a man that keeps his words. However in exchange, stop disturbing the first years." He stated before look toward Asahina. "I expect you're the one that give the letter of all of the class this afternoon, because if not." Akutagawa then bring his right hand forward to the direction of Asahina's neck. "I won't hesitate to do more even if I must be expelled from this pathetic school." He threatened as he put his right hand backward and exiting the classroom.

As Akutagawa leaves, Asahina immediately slumped to the floor, still intimidated by his enormous pressure. He's truly an enigma ever since she knows him from the sport festival a year ago. He quickly establishes himself as the leader of the discipline committee after Manabu manage to become the student council president. However, he turns the once weak, vulnerable security committee, into the strongest group in ANHS due to his wild methods of brings those that not abide to rules by force and hard violence. In total, more than thirty students of the 2nd Year have been expelled on the previous year with Nagumo contributed to half of it and Akutagawa contribute to the rest.

The security committee becomes stronger after four other students join their ranks, cementing them as one of the strongest faction of ANHS under the student council. And at the same time, Nagumo's influence also diminishing among the second years and in fact the third years and as of now, his influence only spread to his own Class and half of Class 2-B due to the incompetence of their class leader.

After that, Nagumo start to use drastic measures to regain his influence over Akutagawa. The harassing of the first years was one of them as he sought to influence a first year to join the student council so he can manipulate from behind the shadows to topple Akutagawa and his discipline committee.

However, that prove fails since most of Class 2-A already grown tired of Nagumo because they know the chance of winning is really bleak. Before, Nagumo is pissed for Akutagawa to expel five students of his class in a month. He once challenged him to a fight but he easily dispatches him like a fly despite Asahina knows Nagumo was the Best 8 of the middle grade martial arts tournament three years ago.

Manages to regain her composure, Asahina then approaches Nagumo, to help him stand up. "Nagumo-kun…" She said in worried tone.

"Leave me alone, Asahina." Nagumo however stand up on his own. "Damn them. Can't even do such work right." He muttered to himself as he wobbly walk exiting the classroom, probably goes to the bathroom to clean himself up. "This should be a new era… Where meritocracy is upon us… To replace these old-fashioned rules…"

Asahina can only look at him in pity. Like Akane before, she also divided of what she shall support during the student council president election that will be held after the Sport Festival. Deep inside, she knows that Nagumo become student council president can be a nightmare for how much he despise the weak but Akutagawa become one also more nightmarish since violence without a doubt will be number one tools after Manabu and the rest of the third years graduate.

Asahina then clasp her hands together, like she was praying while close her eyes. 'Kami-sama… Whoever becomes the student council president in the future… Please, don't turn this school into a nightmare.'

Back on Class 1-C, all of them being escort by Akane to the most unexpected place: stairs that lead to the school rooftop.

'The school rooftop? Itachi plan to finish this debate with Ryuuen in here?' Mio thought. From what she knew, the rooftop held one security camera. How'll they finish this when there are security camera?

"Now then. My role ends here. You can ask Dazai-sensei for the next one. And before I go, I shall warn you this." Akane then looks toward them with serious look. "Don't ever talk about what happens here to the other classes, if you not want the security committee keeps an eye on your class that is." She warned them before her tone turn slightly soft. "I don't want all of you to ends up abused by them."

"Tachibana-san…" Ishizaki uttered. He knows what she meant after seeing how Akutagawa pummels three students of his year two days ago. Even if he know violence, such things is too much even for the likes of him.

Albert then initiatively turns around to look at his class. "I suggest you heard her warning. I see myself how ruthless the security committee can be regarding the rules." He warned them in English as most of them nod in agreement.

On the school rooftop, Itachi and Ryuuen are prepared as they are wearing their school outfit. To their surprise, Dazai in such a fast time ordering a collection of benches that's bought by his own private points so their class won't see their match by standing. He also prepares some large umbrella canopy. It's currently 03.00 p.m.

"I really thank you for this, Dazai-sensei." Itachi thanked him. "Thanks for want to hearing our requests that is filled with ego."

"No need to worry Itachi-kun. After all, I already predict this would happen in the first place." Dazai revealed.

"But before the others arrive, I want to ask you one thing, Dazai-sensei." Now Ryuuen is the one that speak with serious tone. "Did the turn off of the security cameras on our class and this area… Is your own doing?" He asked.

"Hmm… Let see~ Nah, it's impossible. There's no way I can monitor all of you~. Probably just electrical problem or something~" Dazai quickly deny it with playful tone. "However… That thing, even our games, it's not important right now. It really a shame that both of you must resort to this way… Even though both of you probably can keep Sumireko-chan and Hiroya-kun silent easily."

"This is the only way. Kakeru likes violence so the best way to determine who's going to be the leader of our class… Is only by this." Itachi simply stated.

"I see." Dazai smiled mischievously before look toward both of them. "Good luck for both of you. If only Ryuuen-kun don't says those words to me… I probably will expel both of you for proposing something that only the security committee will do and even that on limited degree. You two… Are the strongest pillars for Class 1-C that can't be fall no matter what. For the Stray Dogsclass that I aimed."

"Huh?" Itachi is confused by what he meant.

"Stray Dogs?" Ryuuen also said in confusion.

After Dazai said that, the door of the school rooftop is opened, revealing all of Class 1-C students that arrive on the scene.

"Good Evening! My lovely students! Now before you're yelling, no need to worry I won't ask double suicide thingy this time~ since we're about to witness an epic re-match!" Dazai said with playful tone which most of them take it with uneasy. Until the first one speaks up.

"I-Itachi-shi, Ryuuen-shi… Are you really serious about this?" Kaneda is the one that brave to ask first from the male students. He knows that both of them more than fit to be the leader and to think they must finish it using this old ways thanks to a certain pair irks him.

"Y-Yeah… Itachi-san, Ryuuen-san… There's no need to do all of this…" Ishizaki also stated his disagreement with this.

"After seeing it, no matter who'll be the leader, I guess I must accept it." Makoto also said her disagreement.

"Are all of you didn't understand the situation?" Fudou suddenly step forward. "These two here are two people that I can call best-friends because I understand why're they doing this. After all, friends are bonds between people that can understand each other. Even at first they maybe hate each other, the line of friendship already formed. That's what the two of you currently are. Right?" He asked with a wink and his usual smile.

Itachi just smiled hearing it. 'Thank you, Fudou…'

"Humph. Quite trash for an encouragement of our death match." Ryuuen lightly mocked it with a smile.

Hiyori smiled, knowing that what Fudou said is true. 'I see. Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun… The reason they're doing this… Is to not make our class divide into two…'

Mio then also step forward while look down. "Is this the only way?" She asked toward Ryuuen.

"Yeah. This match will also prove which of our methods is ideal. What? You'll be the one that punch me in the place of your brother?" Ryuuen taunted.

Mio just grit her teeth for a moment before look toward him with serious look on her face. "I just want to warn you… Be careful since Itachi's such a training nerd." She said in plain tone before look toward Itachi with a nod, signaling him to be careful.

After all the Class 1-C arrived, all of them already sit on the prepared seat by Dazai while Itachi and Ryuuen already face to face against each other, ready for their re-match. Both of them already in their stance, the same stance they used three years ago.

"This sure brings back memories." Itachi said to Ryuuen.

"Sure it is." Ryuuen agreed with him.

"All right then. Begin~." Dazai said as a referee with playful tone.

After that, both Itachi and Ryuuen quickly dash to each other and deliver their first attack, Itachi is a roundhouse kick with his right leg and Ryuuen hold it by grab the right leg with his right arm and race to deliver a hard elbow to Itachi's chest.

"Ugh." Itachi staggers backward as he regains his footing.

"How's that?" Ryuuen asked with a smirk. "Same as before, you're holding back against me. Show me that thing again if you dare." He taunted, hoping for him to unleash his killing intent once again.

'Ryuuen must be talking about the time heavy pressure emits from Itachi back then.' Mio quickly figures out what Ryuuen meant.

'I see. He wants Itachi to go all out like back then huh? However, he's not the type that easily provoke by something like that.' Fudou analyzed.

"Don't tell me… He's talking about that time…" Yabu uttered. Being one of the guests that watch the tournament, she also feels that heavy pressure a bit, but not as dense as the competitors.

'What're they talking about?' Both of Hiyori and Shiho thought in confusion since they really didn't know anything about it.

"Hn." Itachi manage to regain his breath as he adopts no stance at all. Dash toward Ryuuen with high speed, he try to do bear hug attack in attempts to make Ryuuen falls to the floor and leaves him vulnerable but Ryuuen already anticipated it. When Itachi bring both of his hands forward, Ryuuen manage to grab it using both of his hands. He then counter by giving a hard kick toward Itachi's chest but he counters it by flip his body at the moment his hand was grasp before delivering spinning upward kick to his chin.

"Guugh." Ryuuen grunted in pain as he feels how hard the kick is. Not over there, Itachi deliver a straight kick when he still in mid-air, make Ryuuen thrown as he falls to the ground.

"There I go, since you said I shall not hold back." Itachi stated as he look toward Ryuuen with plain look on his face.

'Itachi-kun really got stronger than the time on the tournament three years ago.' Makoto acknowledge with a smile.

"Kick his ass Itachi!" Tokito clearly said his support.

Sumireko on the other, smirk in battle lust not befitting of her normal, elegant attitude seeing it. 'I see. Seems Itachi-san was a perfect warm up, before going against him.' She thought in battle lust happiness.

Shiho smiled seeing how strong Itachi become. Thanks to Dazai's advice yesterday, she tries her best to not feel at fault for that promise. 'Itachi-kun… You grow stronger now. I'm sorry for not seeing you back then.'

'Itachi-kun surely strong.' Hiyori thought.

"Ku Ku Ku. After three years have passed… You surely still a monster beyond compare in martial arts, Itachi. Even though I already train myself hard for three years, seems you still one step ahead of me." He then stands up as he catches his breath. "However… Don't think I'll give up just because of this."

"Aa. I think we shall end the warm up now." Itachi stated as he prepare to receive what kind of moves Ryuuen will make. 'As expected… Even though he knows I probably stronger than him… He won't give up.'

"Here I come, Itachi." Ryuuen adopting a peculiar stance. The same free stance that he used three years ago. Running toward Itachi, he delivers a flurry of punches to attack him while Itachi easily dodges all of it. However in the middle, Ryuuen change to sweep Itachi's leg and deliver hard kick to his face, making him crash to the ground.

"Tch." Itachi spat some blood as he sit up. 'I see. Fake assaults that make me keep focusing on the fist so he can attack me from unexpected angle. He's not being brute and reckless like he was before.' He analyzed Ryuuen's movement.

"Ku Ku Ku. What's wrong Itachi? It's unlike you to be fall by such a trick." Ryuuen quickly points out.

"I didn't expect it you'll rely on such tactics to corner me." Itachi stand up while seen visibly catching his breath for a while smiled at his friends. "As I expect of you, Ryuuen. If you not mind, I'll take this seriously." He stated as an unexpected tool slid down from his school blazers.

A knife.

Ryuuen close his eye while smiled. "I see. Seems we starting to guess each other huh." He stated as the same knife also slid down from his waist.

Mio is horrified seeing it, a look that shared by all of Class 1-C students except for few. This is not a battle anymore, more like a slaughter till' one of them is dead. Seeing it makes her remember Itachi's first kill on his old world. She tried to yell while stand up when Dazai immediately blocks her.

"Don't patronize a battle between two men." Dazai said with serious tone toward Mio. "Both of them agree to this while I'll keep it shut to the school about the weapon holding."

"This is too far! They shouldn't use something like knife to-" Mio said but was cut off by Itachi glanced at her with narrow look on his eyes, signaling her to stay out of this like Dazai said. She then remembers Fudou's words, and decided to give it up.

'No! This is not right!' Shiho thought in shock seeing the fight escalate to brutal, weapon-using. Her legs are shaking as she really wants to stand up from her seat and stop this pointless fight but her guilt prevents her from doing so.

Hiyori also closes her eyes while tears appear on her eyes. 'Itachi-kun, Ryuuen-kun. I know what the two of you aim… But this is… Too far… P-Please stop…'

Ryuuen glance toward the seat, realizing some of them are worried before look toward Itachi with a smirk. "Seems your fan girls are worrying about you. But for now, they're nuisance."

Itachi nod in agreement. He then twirls the knife on his hand with the same dexterity he have of his old world before pointing it toward Ryuuen. "Now then, time to settle this."

"Humph." Ryuuen also adopt his own stance, similar to Itachi's own. "Let's settles, who's better to lead Class 1-C." He stated. A tension then form around both of them. As the tension finally dies down, both of them start circling each other, looking for an opening to strike first.

'This is it. The fight with sharp weapons will be the one that determined the end of this match. Whoever manage to land the first strike, wins.' Fudou thought while also anticipated the end of this re-match from three years ago.

Sumireko still maintain her battle lust smirk. 'This is it. With this, I'll prove I'm worthy to become the strongest before doing that.' She thought.

Dazai also watch in anticipation of the end of this match.

After circling each other for a while, Itachi make the first move by dashing toward Ryuuen in surprising running speed, which surprised Ryuuen.

'He's fast!' Ryuuen thought as he manage to barely duck a sideway slash from Itachi's knife. Jump backward, he realizes it was a mistake as Itachi suddenly doing an unexpected move. He released a shockwave from the palm of his left hand which didn't hold the knife which hit Ryuuen dead on, making him spat some saliva as he staggers backward. His knife is fall to the rooftop floor.

'That's Madan! He not just manages to copy it but improve it!' Fudou thought in disbelief before smirk. "As expected of my friends~." He said in compliment.

'That's Fudou move! Itachi manage to master it!' Mio thought in disbelief but know how talented he is, it's not quite surprising for her.

Going for the kill, Itachi quickly bring the knife forward, but Ryuuen left hand immediately caught it, immobilizing him in place.

"Now I've got you." Ryuuen said as he strike the same area on Itachi's chest with a knee strike that seems very hard it makes Itachi spat saliva. Wasting no chance, Ryuuen keep his distance far enough to prepare a jump to the air. Jumping to the air, he spin his body and use his body weight to deliver a hard aerial sweep kick to Itachi's left cheek, making him crash heavily to the floor. As he land to the floor, Ryuuen just look down on Itachi who's fall headfirst to the floor. "It's over Itachi. It seems I was-"

"Who said you're winning already?" Itachi suddenly grab Ryuuen's left foot and with the strength he had, pull it so Ryuuen falls to the floor.

'Ggh! He still-' Ryuuen unable to finish his thought as Itachi doing an unorthodox move by head-butting him in the forehead. "Gaah! Damn…" He uttered as he falls back first to the ground while Itachi falls face first close to his leg. 'D-Damn it! Thanks to that, I feel dizzy and can't stand up at all!' He thought in dizziness.

"Seems… *pant* you win huh?" Ryuuen manage to look toward Itachi who using his chin to support his head on the floor. There's trail of blood on the right side of his temple. "I admit *pant* my defeat…" He said as his strength left him due to the heavy blow on the right side of his head.

"Since Itachi-kun can't stand up anymore, Ryuuen-kun is the winner of the-" Dazai unable to finish as a certain short-haired blonde immediately running toward him in panic. For Dazai however, he smiled genuinely because he is glad his advice has some meaning.

"Itachi-kun!" Manabe run in panic toward Itachi as tears seen in her eyes. After reaching Itachi, she quickly crouches down to shake his body. "Wake up! Itachi-kun!" She said in panic. 'If only I didn't keep silent all day! This probably-'

"He's still conscious, Shiho." Shiho looks toward Mio who's walking toward both of them with a smile on her face, since she knows one thing that no one on Class 1-C know except the knife thing. "Help me lift him up. He probably feels dizzy because of the head injury." She said as he wrap Itachi's left arm around her neck.

"U-Um." Shiho said in meek tone as she wrap Itachi's right arm around her neck and help him to stands up after wiping her tears away.

"Ryuuen-san." Ishizaki also already reach Ryuuen along with Fudou, making Ryuuen laugh in response.

"Ku ku ku. *pant* I've never thought *pant* you come here…" Ryuuen said in wheezed tone as he still recovering from his headache trauma.

"What're you talking about Ryuuen-san! We never want something like this! Itachi-san and you already work hard to make our class better and that already shown enough for me that both of you fit to be our leader!" Ishizaki stated.

"Hear what Ishizaki said?" Fudou asked with a smile. "So… How was it, the bond of friendship?" He asked.

Ryuuen just look at him baffled. "Heh. What are *pant* you talking about *pant*?" He asked as he is helped to stand up by both Ishizaki and Fudou. "This only makes…*pant* me want to challenge Itachi *pant* again…" He said although his mind thought otherwise. 'Even though he succumbs to the head dizziness I inflicted on him before he head-butting me… He let himself defeated on purpose. Huh, this feelings really poisoning huh? To know when someone manages to understand you…' He thought in relief.

Throughout the commotion, Dazai look in relief. 'Both of you really grew up strong. It's rare to see someone manage to understand each other this fast. Maybe Itachi-kun wisdom plays a part however.' He then glances toward Tokito and Sumireko. 'Itachi-kun. Ryuuen-kun. It seems you have obstacles… Before Class 1-C can become the class that I desire. As both of you right now, you don't stand a chance against a monster that'll manipulate this school-no, everything to his liking… If we not prepare a team to battling against him.' He thought in wary of the future.

On the infirmary, Itachi and Ryuuen are sitting facing each other on their respective beds. Shiho, Mio, Ishizaki, and Fudou escort them here while Hiyori brings both of them book for them to read. It's her form of worrying about them.

As for the rooftop, surprisingly it was cleaned back with no trace of the benches and shade. Seems Dazai work faster than both of them expected. The time currently is sunset.

"So… How'd you feel lose against me?" Ryuuen asked with a grin. He only have bruises and some of it being closed off by wound plaster.

"Hn. Not too much." Itachi closed his eyes while smiling. He has a bandage on the right side of his temple. "You seems want to ask me something." Itachi mused.

Ryuuen face then turns serious. "That time, you make yourself be defeated on purpose. Why? Thanks to it, some mass of our class have no choice but to accept me as Class 1-C leader." He asked with curiosity instead of hostility because he feel being underestimated.

"Did I must said again to you, Kakeru?" Itachi replied with a smile. "I only think that you're the fittest person to lead Class 1-C instead of mine. While I agree that in academic and physical I probably did it better than you, I'm nothing more than a wise adviser with no charisma to lead the class. If the class is led by me, there's no doubt it will quickly falls into turmoil." Itachi reminisced about his past deeds. "You however are different, Ryuuen. You have charisma to lead the class due to the harsh life you endure in life. Plus, from what I see even though Ishizaki and Albert didn't brave enough to say it, they really respect you. Even Mio did in her own way." He reasoned.

"Only that huh?" Ryuuen asked.

"However, a wise person said that a leader is nothing without a good adviser to back it up. If you wanted to, I'm more than glad to be your advisor." Itachi said. "It'll be my pleasure to use my wisdom and my abilities under your command."

"You…" Ryuuen never expected this. So from the beginning of the match, Itachi plan himself to lose to the point he faking unconsciousness? "Ku ha ha ha ha ha! It really makes my heart boil in excitement." He said before surprisingly smiled genuinely. "However, you become my advisor was not a bad idea. I really look forward… For our cooperation for the next three years. If this school truly has hierarchy, we show them-:

"That Class 1-C is not to be underestimating." Itachi continued as they both doing handshake, signaling the continuous cooperation for three years and the beginning of Itachi and Ryuuen partnership.

To the point that Class 1-C will be a force to be reckoned with in the immediate future.

Author Notes

And with this, the chapter that I think the climax of Volume 1 in my book finally ends! The next chapter will cover the reveal of S-System, the preparations of study groups and mid-term till the end of the mid-term test since the last chapter of Volume 1 will be cover the epilogue of a certain famous scene in Volume 1.

You can put the reviews if you like.

See you in the next update.