Season 3 Episode 5
Fortitude501: You'll see why this kind of rumour is created...
CaeruleumRex07: Yeah. But it's really not true. Part of something that you'll soon find out in this chapter.
The next day in the hallway...
"You got nerve to spread false rumours about us! Hell, you guys even made one that's racist to Albert!" Ishizaki spoke in anger as he, Albert, Komiya, Reo, Ibuki and Hiyori are confronting Hashimoto and Kitou.
"We're aware you're spreading this nonsense on orders from Sakayanagi!" Ibuki added in anger.
"Please stop this Ibuki-san." Hiyori spoke to her as, "You better step back! And we're trying to protect you because there's a rumour about you also!" She replied and Ayanokouji, Yukimura, Akito, Haruka and Sakura showed up.
"Alright that's it! You're not gonna get away with this! The rumour about me bein' a murderer is nothing but a hoax!" Ishizaki declared as he, Albert, Komiya and Reo readied their fists.
"You really wanna do this? Because I do not wanna spill blood but we got no choice if you still insist." Hashimoto warned him as Kitou wore some rubber gloves.
"Oi Yamero!" Miyake called out as he and Yukimura stood in front of the Class D students.
"You guys need to cut it out!" Yukimura told them.
"Those uninvolved should stay back!" Ishizaki told them.
"Don't forget that our class and Class B is also affected like you guys!" Yukimura told them. "Even Ayanokouji is involved."
"Oh yeah! The one rumour about him doing naughty things with Ichinose right? It's kinda cute if you ask me." Hashimoto stated and it made Haruka and Sakura gasp in horror as, "I don't wanna say this but I'm doubting you too Hashimoto."
"As I thought Ayanokouji, I was the only witness at your secret meeting with Karuizawa." Hashimoto brought and it brought more horror on the 2 girls.
"And as I thought, you were already there when me and Karuizawa started our meeting. I believe she mentioned Honami once and it's enough to start doubting you."
"You catch on things fast." He replied when, "Don't you dare ignore me!" Ishizaki called out as he tried to break through Akito and Yukimura when Hiyori made her move. "Ishizaki-kun! You're not allowed to fight! Even if we make her confess here, there's no way Sakayanagi-san will admit it."
"You mean we just suck it up and accept it a it is?!" Ibuki asked.
"This is not fair!" said Komiya.
"Yeah! We need some damn retribution!" said Reo.
Ignoring her classmates, Hiyori turned her attention to Hashimoto. "We don't want a brawl to turn ugly between my class and yours. So will you please forgive us?"
"Well we didn't start throwing punches and stuff so we'll let you guys go. But please, tell your classmates to stop single-mindedly blaming us. We don't want to get involved if you don't have any proof."
"Wakarimashita." Hiyori then gave new order. "Ikimashou."
"Grrr...we don't want to see this happen again okay?!" Ishizaki warned him as Class D returned to their class.
"That's right...I never wanted to fight you in the first place Ishizaki..." Hashimoto thought calmly as all watched them leave.
Outside the school, Honami is seen returning to class as Sakayanagi and Kamuro observed her. "It looks like she has returned to school in time for the exams." Kamuro told her.
"Indeed Masumi-san."
"So what are you gonna do?" Kamuro asked. All she did is smirk.
Later on...
Exams are over and the Ayanokouji Clique consisting of the Class C students are discussing the exams when Ike ran in. "Guys! Sakayanagi and her faction are marching into Class B right now!"
Immediately, "Yumikura, Miyake, on me!" Ayanokouji ordered as they followed him with Ike joining them.
It now cuts to Class B as Sakayanagi, Kamuro and Hashimoto are inside. Honami, Kanzaki, Mako, Chihiro, Yume, Shibata, Norihito and a few others are inside while outside, Andou, Hamaguchi, Beppu, Sumida, Moriyama and an unknown girl with short, pink hair are watching all this.
"What did you come here for, Sakayanagi-san?" Mako asked.
"I have long had respect for your teamwork, Class B. Therefore, I came here to rescue all of you." She began as Ayanokouji and those he called out arrived. "What are you guys doing here?" Sumida asked them. "We're just worried about your class so we have check things out." Yukimura told him.
Back inside, "Rescue us? So what's the main point in it?" Kanzaki asked.
"You guys have accumulated private points and entrusted some of them to Ichinose-san thus having been able to get through difficult situations with your financial strength, that's what I'm trying to say."
"What's that suppose to mean?" He asked.
"That in itself is not wrong at all." Sakayanagi replied. "However...what if this accusation is true?" She took out a piece of paper and Honami recognized it.
From outside, "The same one Katsuragi showed me..." Ayanokouji thought as, "What if Ichinose-san really was a dirty criminal?"
"Nonsense! Like the other rumours you guys are spreading to us, Class C and D!" Kanzaki stated.
"Kanzaki-kun, that is none of my concern. What I am holding here, is the piece of clear evidence to prove Ichinose-san's rumour." Sakayanagi revealed and this made the Class B students murmur about it until Mako ordered all to calm down.
"Isn't it dangerous to leave the private points in the hands of such a person?" Sakayanagi asked. "Or is what I've just said incorrect? Ichinose Honami?"
She said nothing for a second. And then, "Could you please give me a little space?"
"Ichinose..."
"I'll be alright Kanzaki-kun."
She made her way to the front standing before the teacher's desk. "Minna, gome." She took a bow as all the Class B students gasped at her action. "Please quiet yourselves down. She's trying to repent." Sakayanagi ordered.
After the bow, "Minna. Would you listen to me for just a moment?" Honami asked the class. "Just like Sakayanagi stated, I did commit a crime. An unforgivable crime..."
(Flashback)
4 years ago...
"I lived with my mother and my little sister. We weren't rich but we were always happy."
The first flashback shows the family as Honami and her little sister drew pictures together and laughed as their mother served them dinner which is omurice. Some family love one can described
"My mother worked so hard to raise both of us."
The second flashback shows her mother working hard at a supermarket with Honami watching her as she and her little sister walked home together.
Last year...
Continuing from the second flashback, it shows that in junior high, Honami studies hard and tops the exams
"In the summer of my third year in junior high, my mother collapsed from overworking on extra shifts. She was trying to buy my little sister a birthday present which is a hair clip that my little sister's favourite idol wore."
The third flashback shows her mother in the hospital as they entered the ward. Her little sister cried so much as Honami felt saddened by this. Even so, because of her condition, her mother can't get her the birthday present she wanted.
"Not wanting to see my little sister's sadness, I decided that I would definitely get that hair clip from her. But it's difficult since no one will hire a junior high school student. Still, I was desperately trying to scrape together the money. However, it was never enough and I ended up doing the one thing that I would regret doing it."
The fourth flashback plays on as Honami tries to get a part-time job but was turned down due to her age. At some store in the mall, she found out that the hair clip costs 32,200 yen and knowing that many would get their hands on it, she made that move...
"No one saw me steal it so I felt the guilt in me fade away for a moment. But on the day that my mother was discharged from the hospital. She noticed the hair clip and knew something is amiss. Eventually, she knew what I did and I couldn't hide it from her.
The fifth flashback reveals her mother being discharged and noticing the hair clip. Soon enough, Honami found herself being punished for this kind of crime and was forced to come with her as they went to the store and there, Honami confessed her crime and had to apologize.
"I finally realized the crime I had committed. When we got home, my mother broke down into tears as I had disappointed her. In the end, the store clerk did not hand me over the police and I shut myself away in my room for 6 months without even stepping out."
The sixth flashback now shows her mother weeping a lot over this and this made Honami regret her action. As a result, she stayed in her room full of regret for a long time.
"One day, my mother left a note. She encouraged me to move on and find my own happiness. And with that, I decided to start over at ANHS to regain the trust of my mother and my little sister once again."
And the final flashback plays as Honami is still in her room with regret when a knocking sound was heard. Opening the door, she found a plate of omurice with a glass of water and a note from mother. She read the note and wailed out her sorrows over it
Finally, it cuts to her entering ANHS ready to start afresh.
(End Flashback)
"Perhaps one day I should meet her family..." Ayanokouji thought to himself as back to Honami who now has tears forming in her eyes, "Minna. I'm sorry I didn't tell you until now. I'm such a pathetic leader...gome..."
"That's not true Ichinose!" Shibata spoke up.
"We understand your feelings." said Kanzaki.
"You're revealing your secrets because you're trusting us right?" Mako stated.
Honami did not expect those reactions as Sakayanagi tapped her walking cane to get everyone's attention. "Could you please try not to make me laugh? No matter the circumstances, shoplifting is still a crime. There is no room for sympathy."
"You're right. Whatever I did, it'll never be gone right?" Honami then faced her class. "It is certainly true that I shoplifted. I have no intention of running away from it. That's because I did something wrong."
"Ha! What an incredibly shameless thing to say." Sakayanagi mocked in arrogance.
Continuing on, "All my efforts may be hypocrisy...but I want to graduate with everyone in this class! I want to walk away with everyone! Even though I am like this, everyone, will you follow me until the end?"
"Obviously." Kanzaki answered her.
"Of course we'll follow you!" said Shibata as one by one, the whole class is all hyped that they'll still follow her despite her past as she teared up from their willingness.
Outside, "Amazing..." Yukimura told Ayanokouji. "Look at how the morale grew in this class." Akito told Ike as he nodded agreeing with her.
As for Sakayanagi, she let out a laugh surprising Kamuro and Hashimoto. "Naruhoto...you managed to seduce your class quite adeptly. But that doesn't change the fact that you're still a criminal. This rumour about you will keep spreading."
"I know. I'm prepared for that." Honami declared firmly.
"Really? Then let me-"
"Alright that's enough!" Entering the classroom is Nagumo, Mashima-sensei and Chie-sensei as Nagumo made the first move. "As for today, the act of spreading false rumours is prohibited."
"Has Ichinose-san reported this to the school because of the rumours troubling her?" Sakayanagi asked.
"This is no longer just about Ichinose, you know?" Nagumo replied.
"It has been clearly confirmed that slanderous statements are being spread out on some of the 1st year students." Mashima-sensei stated strictly.
"Any further gossip or rumour spreading will damage the school's public moral." Chie-sensei stated strictly also. "Anyone who continues to circulate nonsensical and senseless rumours will be severely punished for their actions."
"Speaking of severe punishment..." Nagumo first, flashed a malicious grin at Sakayanagi who took notice of it and unveil a horrible truth. "Class A will have 150 class points deducted."
"NANI!?"
"BAKANA?!"
Kamuro and Hashimoto had the most shocked reactions ever and Sakayanagi's eyes widen in horror as, "You disappoint me Sakayanagi. I expect a lot from you but spreading slanderous rumours about the other 3 classes is unforgivable since the SCP told me everything about you and your latest moves which were all instigated by you, yourself alone." Mashima-sensei stated strictly.
"But-"
"It doesn't matter. What matters is you started all this and you have to pay the price for it. Even if you refuse to admit it, it doesn't really matter now." Nagumo stated with a smirk. "In addition, the private points for next month will be frozen till the following month for Class A."
"This is too much!" Kamuro exclaimed.
"Damnit! Why does this have to happen?!" Hashimoto asked as Sakayanagi clenched her walking cane. Her anger is starting to build up but instantly, "There is nothing else we can do. We're done here for today. For the school has already taken action and we have lost this war..."
They complied and left the classroom. As they went outside, Sakayanagi caught a glimpse of Ayanokouji and had a cold gaze at him.
Once they're gone and it includes Nagumo and the 2 teachers, Ayanokouji took action and entered the classroom. All noticed him as he approached Honami. "K-Kiyotaka..."
"Yoku Yatta." At the drop of a hat, he pulled her in embracing her gently. "Warmth...now I feel even more of it..." He thought as Honami felt his comfort allowing herself to melt into his embrace. (Additionally, there's a smooth random bgm being played)
"Oh my gosh...that's the sweetest thing I have ever seen in my life!" Mako cheered excitedly.
"It's so heartwarming!" Chihiro described.
"I wanna cry!" said Yume as many began applauding the scene.
"I've seen everything now. Once again, you have done it Ayanokouji...thank you..." Kanzaki thought with a smile and joined the applauding. On the other hand, Yukimura, Akito and Ike are very happy for their classmate as they gave each other fist bumps.
After school...
"You disappoint me Ayanokouji-kun. Even though you did a brilliant work, it was still disappointing."
"I know Sakayanagi."
Calming herself down, "Well then, tell me one thing, Ichinose-san confessed her past to you beforehand didn't she?"
"Exactly. It was yesterday when it happened."
A flashback was played with Ayanokouji in her dorm and it is there that he knew of her past which caused her to drop her soup thermos and break down emotionally for a while.
"Honami's heart was broken. Therefore...
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"I opened the door to her heart..."
Sakayanagi listened on as, "Her broken part healed completely and she became stronger and rebuffed your accusations. You also used Kamuro to force me to make a move didn't you?"
"How can you be sure of that?"
"The can of beer Kamuro handed to me is the same one she shoplifted on the first day of school. The expiration date on the beer she gave me was almost a year shorter than the expiration date on the beer sold today. In other words, the origin of the beer was you, Sakayanagi." She said nothing as Ayanokouji continued on. "I was going to watch this case. But you used Kamuro to get me involved just to get my attention even if Honami's existence doesn't matter to you. Am I right?"
"Very impressive." She then had a serious expression. "But like I said just now, you disappoint me."
"I know. I purposely tainted your reputation and slandered your class standing. All according to my plan." He replied. "And I will tell you how I staged it."
(Flashback)
First, I made contact with one of my classmates
It shows him and Kikyou sitting on the bench at the boulevard. It also took place after Ayanokouji received the phone call from Manabu.
"Tell me something Kushida, you heard of the rumour regarding Honami?"
"Mochiron! I was enjoying it so much that I hope to see her dropout! That way, it'll be a lot easier for me to expel those that I despise. Such as you!"
"Well then. Did you know that Sakayanagi is the one that started this rumour?"
"What? You're not serious are you?"
"I am. Anyway, what's your opinion about her?"
Switching to her other mask. "She is the worst! I hate that arrogant, flat-chested loli! I tried to be her friend but she arrogantly insulted and look down on me!" Switching back to her current mask. "Do you have a plan in mind to teach her a lesson?"
"Expelling her will be too challenging. But tainting her reputation will put her in her place. Here's the plan." Ayanokouji whispered it to her and she never felt this excited. "I am so in! And here." She handed him chocolate as, "I was gonna give all the boys chocolate tomorrow but knowing that my baggage will be too heavy and since we just met, best to lighten my load. Hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind." He accepted the chocolate and once she's gone, he gave it away to a Class 1-A male student claiming that some cute girl wants him to give it to him on her behalf and he accepted it.
So the plan is in motion. On that night, I got a text message which has various rumours which will slander many students.
It cuts to his room as he's feeding his kitten, Felix his dinner when he got a text message from Kikyou. A list of rumours she created and then, a phone call.
"You got it all, right?" She asked.
"Yup. That should be enough. I'll start writing them down and tomorrow night, you have the green light to post it all in social media."
"Gotcha! And also-"
"Yes. I'll pay you once everything is set in motion."
"Some deal we made! Alright then. I'll lay low and follow the plan tomorrow night!" The call ended as Ayanokouji got to work and noticed something. "Huh...she went the extra mile. Impressive I can say..."
The next day, I went to make my move that will set off the chain of events starting tomorrow.
At the staircase area, "I want you to post this information on the bulletin board, Vice President Kiriyama. This is to save Honami."
"But if this is discovered, the student council's credibility will be shattered." He replied.
"If that happens, President Nagumo will be heavily damaged more than anyone else." Ayanokouji replied back. "You should welcome it with open arms."
"And I'm the one who will be condemned then." Kiriyama defended himself strictly.
"Should you refuse, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to tell Horikita-senpai that you have yielded to Nagumo completely." Ayanokouji revealed and that made hims cringe.
"Fine then. But you're going to owe me a big one for this." Kiriyama then took out his phone. "With private points."
"How much?"
"50,000."
"Deal.
Once it's been posted on the bulletin board, it is expected that Nagumo will take notice of it and a lot of damage will harm his reputation. Therefore, he's gonna have to take the initiative
And the next day, it cuts to Nagumo gloating in amusement at the rumours posted on the bulletin board but soon noticed one that irked him. "Unacceptable...UNACCEPTABLE!"
In the student council room, he slammed his fist on the table in anger. "That narcissistic bitch has overstepped the boundaries! She is gonna pay the ultimate price for all of this!" He whipped his phone and made a call. "Hello? Mashima-sensei? I regret to report to you that Sakayanagi has committed a very offensive move in this school. I'll explain the details once you come and meet me in the student council room. Oh and bring Hoshinomiya-sensei also. She needs to know that her best student was heavily damaged by her."
(End Flashback)
"Kamuro also told me that before you spread the rumour about Honami, she told me you met Nagumo." Ayanokouji added. "That's how I got him involved."
"So when he read the rumours on the board, he was triggered because one of them involves you and Ichinose-san and it drove him into furious anger since he tends to lavish her so he took it out by putting all of the fault on me and informing the teachers on my actions even though I did not start this." Sakayanagi then smirked about it. "You're a cruel person Ayanokouji-kun."
"The world can be cruel sometimes. Society can be unequal sometimes. And every human has 2 different sides. Am I right?" He replied.
"Ha! You never cease to surprise me. But one thing I need to know, what is it between you and Ichinose-san that you will do anything to protect her at all costs?"
He looked at the sky for a few seconds. "I owe Honami a great deal for helping me." Sakayanagi listened on, "Ever since my freedom, I do not know how to make use of it. I was directionless. It was then she entered into my life and showed me around. She guided me, taught me and opened the door to my heart. My freedom is becoming clearer each and every time we are together..."
Well, she heard everything as she nodded to herself. "So it seems the masterpiece of the White Room has tasted the freedom and even so, I can see that your dormant emotions are being triggered one by one."
He nodded and she spoke on. "I must admit. I never knew all this between you and her until now. Very well. After what happened today, I will not target Ichinose-san anymore though I will still attack her class in future special exams just to maintain Class A's standing." She then stood up. "Now it's time I put my focus on defeating you. So please, have a little contest with me."
"What's in it for me?" Ayanokouji asked.
"A bet. On my own expulsion." She answered him. "Mochiron even if you lose to me, you don't have to leave the school. However, lose to me and I will disclose that you were the mastermind behind Class C."
"What are you going to use to win?" He asked.
"Let's contend in the next special exam. For it seems that my boring life here in this school is finally at an end." Sakayanagi then took her leave and at the same time, Ayanokouji received a phone call.
That night...
At the boulevard, "You know I didn't call you here for a purpose did I?" Kikyou stated.
"Of course Kushida. You did an excellent job on your part."
"Too bad. Sakayanagi-san is a difficult person to expel but tainting her reputation was a thrill!"
"Perhaps. Alright, as promised. Your phone is with you right?"
"About time." She replied as Ayanokouji worked on a point transfer. "50,000 points transferred from my account to yours. Check your phone."
She whipped it out and confirmed the point transfer. "Yep I received it!"
"And every month, I'll transfer this amount to you. Is it clear?" Ayanokouji stated.
"Yup! As long as I get the points, I'll not antagonize you." Kikyou assured to him. "You're totally different from Horikita-san! So I look forward to the ongoing deal between us."
However, Ayanokouji has something else in mind as his eyes have a bit of darkness unveiled.
Getting into Sakayanagi's provocation and saving Honami were just a process. The only thing I want to know was just one thing: The quantity and quality of information Kushida possessed. I want to confirm that...
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And initiate my ultimate plan to get her expelled
The next day...
Another school day to go through as Ayanokouji is seen outside walking his way to class when, "Ohayo Kiyotaka!"
From behind, Honami caught up with him as he talked to her. "Sounds like you're much better already."
"I sure am!" She then ran ahead feeling more lively than ever but imminently, she stopped before him. "Wait...you think so?"
"You're the only one who was able to overcome your own past." He stated to her.
"That's right. I can never undo what I did. But...from this point onward, I can face life head-on." She replied.
"If you ever feel like you're about to lose yourself, you can talk to me again and I'll be your comfort." Honami gasped at his words. "I should be able to listen to you and understand you."
She was silent for a few seconds. "Is it okay for me...to depend on you?"
"That's if you're okay with someone like me." He replied with assurance.
"I-I see..." She then walked towards him while digging through her school bag. "Um...you see...where did I put it?"
"What is it?"
"W-Well...I've never given something like this to anyone before. This is my only way to express my gratitude so-"
"You don't have to force yourself."
"I-I'm n-not forcing myself though! Ah! Found it!" She took out a box of Valentine's chocolate and presented it to him. "Maybe this is a little late but here, Valentine's chocolate."
He looked at it for a second. "Y-You don't want it?"
"No." He then smiled and took the chocolate with full acceptance. "This might be the best chocolate I've ever received. Thank you so much Honami."
These words caused Honami to blush as she smiled at this. "I've seen him smile a few times but this one, it's the brightest smile I've ever seen with my own eyes..." She thought to herself beaming in joy.
As the two students looked at each other with smiles, fate truly brought them together and it's role is complete. From a distance, Karuizawa and Yousuke smiled at this as they nodded at each other and headed to class.
Now the bond between Ayanokouji and Honami has grown even more to the point that their connection will start to intertwine soon enough.
The planning took me a long while and as you can see, Ayanokouji protected Honami and tainted Sakayanagi's reputation and class image. Through Kikyou and a lot of slanderous rumours, it was enough for the school to intervene thanks to some changes and scene switching.
This was also enough to make Sakayanagi understand the connection between them at least.
Private Points List (Ayanokouji paid Kikyou and Kiriyama 50,000 points each over some deals)
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-1,020,317
2. Kohei Katsuragi-1,400,180
3. Yahiko Totsuka-881,432
4. Masumi Kamuro-891,894
5. Masayoshi Hashimoto-880,145
6. Hayato Kito-871,379
7. Takuro Morishige-1,397,386
8. Koji Machida-1,410,372
9. Shigeru Takomoto-1,404,769
10. Miki Yamamura-900,021
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-3,470,000
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-1,092,980
3. Chihiro Shiranami-610,916
4. Yume Kobashi-1,007,960
5. Mako Amikura-578,601
6. Sou Shibata-626,403
7. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-1,065,197
8. Ryouta Beppu-1,075,798
9. Sayo Andou-1,030,222
10. Norihito Watanabe-558,911
11. Makoto Sumida-657,198
12. Susumu Moriyama-687,254
Class 1-C
1. Soshi Miyamoto-234,889
2. Satsuki Shinohara-235,259
3. Kokoro Inogashira-216,032
4. Nene Mori-244,976
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-700,125
6. Yosuke Hirata-667,920
7. Kei Karuizawa-613,308
8. Kayano Onodera-257,297
9. Kikyou Kushida-751,940
10. Ryotarou Hondou-222,736
11. Hideo Sotomura-501,589
12. Chiaki Matsushita-242,965
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-418,730
14. Haruka Hasabe-215,026
15. Haruki Yamauchi-188,750
16. Akito Miyake-203,234
17. Wang Mei Yu-217,093
18. Kyousuke Okitani-190,020
19. Maya Satou-155,097
20. Kanji Ike-223,580
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-600,756
22. Suzune Horikita-702,537
23. Wataru Ijuin-261,463
24. Airi Sakura-175,108
25. Ken Sudou-215,215
Class 1-D
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-836,411
2. Mio Ibuki-829,874
3. Hiyori Shiina-400,258
4. Albert Yamada-245,245
5. Daichi Ishizaki-284,7848
6. Kyogo Komiya-306,834
7. Reo Kondou-319,353
8. Satoru Kaneda-344,109
9. Shiho Manabe-822,222
10. Nanami Yabu-824,798
11. Saki Yamashita-820,165
12. Rika Morofuji-304,756
13. Minori Kinoshita-300,883
Class Points
A-824
B-753
C-395
D-342
5 episodes so far and next one should be the Class Poll. Things will get dramatic, right? Heh. Heh. Heh...